Midlands Business Journal September 24, 2021 Vol. 47 No. 39 issue by Midlands Business Journal

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

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VOL. 47 NO. 39

Alley Poyner Macchietto invests in project diversification by Richard D. Brown

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What a difference a year makes for Midlands event planners. – Page 4

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Flexible workforce arrangements, demand for talent underscore rich benefits packages. – Page 26

Omaha-based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture differentiates itself in at least two significant ways: 10 of its 66 employees have college degrees in design and the credentials and industry experience of those professions are used to apply advanced and industry-creative design concepts to a deliberately diverse portfolio of projects ranging from a renovation and expansion at Joslyn Art Museum to a new headquarters for Core Bank and upgrades for dozens of its not-forprofit clients. Partner Erin Trofholz, a 15-year veteran of APMA, said her Bachelor of Science in Design as well as Master of Science in Architecture, give her a competitive advantage in approaching projects. “With a diverse background in programming, space planning, design and furniture and finish selection a more well-rounded approach can be brought to the more complex projects,” said Trofholz, who is also an adjunct professor in interior Continued on page 9.

From left, Partner Nancy Flansburg Novak, Partner Erin Trofholz, and Partner Eric Westman take on variety of large Omaha and Lincoln projects. (Photo by Roger Humphries)

New Horizons Enterprises aims for growth in new service areas by Brooke Strickland

New Horizons Enterprises was founded 14 years ago by Stephanie Isaacson, a Norfolk native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her goal was to create a company that would include comprehensive services in environmental management, contracting, and interior and exterior demolition. Offering testing, surveys, inspections to identify environmental problems and re-

mediation services that remove harmful chemical substances, the company is looking to expand its reach and service offerings. Not only is New Horizons Enterprises a nationally certified Women Business Enterprise, but it’s also certified to operate in six states around the country. “New Horizons has advanced from being a respected regionally-based enterprise, to a truly Continued on page 9. Dr. Beverly Kracher built career on business ethics. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Beverly Kracher)

Kracher spends career pushing business ethics to the forefront by Dwain Hebda

Founder Stephanie Isaascson is looking to secure new projects for the contracting service. (Photo by David Kubicek)

W h e n D r. B e v e r l y Kracher began work to establish the Business Ethics Alliance, there were more than a few who wondered why such an organization was needed. This is Nebraska, they reasoned, where we know how to do the right thing. But as Kracher noted, even in the best environment ethics, like morals, are a fluid thing,

subject to bend and change with societal norms. She founded the Alliance in 2006 to provide a rudder by which to navigate these shifting waters. “Especially here in the Midwest, the idea of just having good values and bringing them along with you everywhere you go is part of the tradition,” she said. “But ethics walks handContinued on page 10.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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FireSprint diversifies with investments in equipment to acco mmodate growth by Michelle Leach

If not for FireSprin t’s $5,500 LQVXUDQFH FKHFN WK H UHVXOW RI LWV ¿UVW screen-printer getting freight, the trade-onl damaged in probably wouldn’t y sign printer have go on, roughly eight survived to years later, to be named among Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companie s in America, according to CEO Gene Hamzhie. “We ran out of he said. “That check cash in 2011,” got us through

the winter.” It was around this period that FireSpri same time nt was born; Hamzhie had originally

started the shop as TargetOm aha Marketing in 2007 and brought on brother, Director of Customer Experien Hamzhie, and longtime ce James friend and fellow owner/COO, Mark Kistler, as partners a year later. “Prior to 2007, I had an eBay Continued on page 14.

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in the future,” said With each firm boasting a Agency Prinreported 60-plus cipal Carly Thomas, year formerly a the metro, NP Dodge heritage in Peterson Bros. Insurance princiInsurance Agency Inc. and Peterson Bros. pal. “Ultimately, we decided we Insurance Inc. have were stronger together joined their complementary Over the past year,.” clientele, carriers and cultures indicated the compani Thomas to es worked Partners Insuranc create Dodge together to align e LLC. their teams, which are now based “We both were at the point of out of 8701 deciding where we wanted to be West Dodge Road in Omaha Continued on page — 24.

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Event Planning • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

September 24, 2021

What a difference a year makes for Midlands event planners by Michelle Leach

My, how the pendulum has swung for event-driven businesses. “We have already executed more events this year than we did all of last calendar year,” said Steven Finkle, CEO and events director with 402 Events. He explained how this time last year some smaller, COVID-19 safety-friendly events were trickling in. “But [we] still had about 50% of Schwartz all events wanting to reschedule to this year,” he said. “We are seeing and working through an unprecedented volume of inquiries for this year still as well as next year.” He said there are around three times as many events than this time last year. Of those, Finkle estimates around 90% are weddings and 10% are corporate and social events. “The volume of inquiries across the board is just insane, and have never been seen before,” he said. He characterized a “wedding boom,” largely seeing more guests attend functions

Dr. Vernetta Kosalka, owner of VK Events and adjunct instructor of the event and wedding planning non-certificate program at Metropolitan Community College. with more “fun” before the function (more President of the Greater Omaha NACE alcohol being consumed at events than (National Association for Catering and before), and more readily available hand Events) Chapter Caitlin Mell, too, noted a sanitizers, masks and their ilk. “huge boom” in the event industry. “We are also seeing a large number “Social events have catapulted, albeit of clients put more money and work into with smaller guest counts, but the quantity their functions than ever before, which we of the events has balanced out the attrisuspect is due to the fact that we haven’t tion,” said Mell, who doubles as director been able to hold events for one and a half of events and catering at Field Club of years,” he said. “So, everyone wants to tru- Omaha. “The need to get together has ly show off what they have been working never been greater.” on so for long.” “Corporations,” she continued, “have

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yet to completely bounce back, but conversations have started for the future. Our calendars are full or approaching full on the weekends already into 2023.” Mell said outdoor events are more prevalent, alongside an emphasis on cleanliness and communication. “While we have always had safe practices, guests have noticed even more so if there is a constant presence wiping down surfaces or gloves available on a buffet,” she said. Mell said NACE “may not be focusing as much on the glitz of the events versus the need for networking and learning.” “Our programs have become stronger for that reason alone while the attendance numbers are creeping back up,” she continued. “Virtual webinars and online resources have continued to be prevalent from National and those connections nationwide help immensely to see the new trends or how others are handling the current events.” Members are strengthening their resumes, getting involved with the board, or attaining Certified Professional in Catering and Events designation to stand out. “Instead of focusing on what we are unable to do, it is time we start looking at what we offer,” Mell summed up. Metropolitan Community College recognized the industry’s growth and rolled out the event and wedding planning non-certificate program in the winter of 2019. It is led by Dr. Vernetta Kosalka, owner of VK Events. “Employment of meeting, convention, event and wedding planners is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations,” she said. She echoed that many professionals are seeking continuing education opportunities. “The demand for virtual events under COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented surge in innovation for digital meeting technology,” she said. “It’s more than likely that COVID-19 will create permanent changes to people’s meeting preferences and preparing for a future where virtual events are more common should be on every professional’s radar.” Kosalka noted the program is designed with adult learners in mind, including evening classes and no prerequisites. “Upon certificate completion, students Continued on next page.

Event Planning • Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

What a difference a year makes for Midlands event planners Continued from preceding page. will embark on a two-day lab experience, gaining hands-on experience with floral design, tablescaping, lighting, draping, pricing, attracting high-end clients, she said. Member and Complete Weddings + Events Director of Sales Amy Schwartz said “there will always be events and always something to celebrate.” “We are now just extra mindful of sanitizing, washing hands and being at a reasonable distance from groups to keep everyone comfortable.” Livestreaming is a necessity. “Before, when guests couldn’t arrive for whatever reason, they weren’t able to see the weddings or events live,” Schwartz said. “Now, we’ve given them that opportunity to watch virtually and not miss out. These have become so special for loved ones who can’t make it, out of town guests who are leery about traveling [and so on]. It makes them feel a part of the event without having to be there.” Chapter Board Secretary and Vice President of Abraham Catering Ann Pitschka said, since corporate events make team members feel valued, throughout the pandemic they still had lunches, sent happy hour kits, or did Zoom gatherings. “Catering companies created individually packaged options to make that happen,” she said. “Now that we are seeing a slight light at the end of the tunnel, companies want to immediately show appreciation and are back to hosting in-person events. But they want everyone to feel safe and comfortable.

So, we will still be seeing individual portions, creative presentations that aren’t grazing tables, and even drinks will be individual (versus something like a bottle of wine).” Mindell Rethwisch, a wedding coordinator tasked with chapter social media and public relations, is stressing the value of “patience.” “In some instances, they want to react immediately when their event is still far off in the future,” she explained. “With the ever-changing rules, regulations, mandates and overall feeling of the community, sometimes it has been better to just wait and see what happens, as opposed to cancelling/rescheduling/ changing everything.”

They support stress-free planning. “If our vendors are flexible, which most have been extremely accommodating, then let’s not create stress that is unneeded,” Rethwisch said. Finkle encouraged planners to book what they know they want as soon as possible and do due diligence on vendors. Describing an industry turned upside-down — twice — in the past year and a half, Finkle indicated it takes a team of vendors in the region to work together to get through the reschedules and new inquiries “coming in at an unprecedented rate.” As “each event has their own unique personality,” Mell said one must understand guests’ comfort levels and the contract.

“Without any government mandates currently in place at the time this is being written, be prepared that there may not be a Force Majeure clause in effect in respect to cancelation, postponement, or attrition,” she added. “Each vendor is handling the situation differently and be sure to ask the questions as to what that policy looks like.” Mell also encourages continued innovation. “The next trend or signature item is out there and, while you may not be first, try new things and see what sticks,” she said. “As a country club, we built ice rinks, had igloos for dining that we turned into tents in the summer for camping on the course, delivery, Bingo on Zoom … Partner with local businesses, any concept you feel is different or new may be your next biggest hit.”

Event trends: A look at how events have changed and popular requests by Brooke Strickland

Event planners and coordinators took a hard hit during pandemic shutdowns in the last year and a half. Corporate events halted, as did many other special celebrations like weddings, retirement parties, and baby showers. Today, people are excited to get back together with people and events are picking back up. However, things are different than they used to be — there are new precautionary steps to take, and sometimes there are limitations. Here, we’ll look at how events have changed since the pandemic. Event trends There is no doubt about it: people are ready to get back out there and start socializing. This has created a demand for events and event planners are staying busy.

McLaughlin Konsel-Taylor “After being cooped up for a year, everyone is ready to see each other and celebrate,” said Britney McLaughlin, venue director for A View Venues.

Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor, owner and designer at LimeLight Expressions agreed. “Events are in full swing,” she said. “The current trend in entertaining guests of all ages is making the event entertaining and interactive. We have had many weddings, themed client appreciation events, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays continuing to be celebrated with their loved ones. The most popular are always weddings and corporate events.” Tips for hosting events post-pandemic Hosting an event can always be a little stressful but adding post-pandemic rules and other considerations to the event can feel overwhelming for some people. McLaughlin recommends that people understand what they Continued on next page.

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• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Event Planning

Event trends

Continued from preceding page. are comfortable with at the beginning of the event planning process. So, whether it’s hosting a smaller event, or coming up with some creative ways to organize the space, doing what makes you most relaxed is key. “Our biggest advice is to know your comfort level. We have seen an increase in reserved seating and tables with less chairs,” she said. She also recommended working with a professional that is familiar with the innerworkings of planning and hosting an event in these unusual times. “There are many event professionals out there that have wonderful ideas and are willing to help you,” McLaughlin said. “Planning can be a big task with so many details. When looking into places, see how much each place has to offer and what will need to be taken care of by another party. Some places only provide a space while other places provide everything you need to create an amazing event.” Konsel-Taylor reiterates the importance of working with an event planner, as it can alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with hosting a get together. “For safety and comfort level, during the planning process, we do ask our clients what they feel most comfortable with and if they have any specific requests for their events,” she said. “Hosting an event can always be stressful — from picking the right location, to timing and choosing the right vendors, that’s why event planners … are always helpful. Event planning is about relationship building — planning an event they will remember for a lifetime and sharing the memories with their friends and family.”

Consider needs of your team when planning corporate events by David Kubicek

Having a strong team is key to putting on a successful corporate event. “It takes a team working together to produce and run a successful event, not just one person,” said Kacie Baum, senior manager of events and community engagement for University of Nebraska Medical Center department of strategic communicaBaum tions. “Events are in a weird space right now with COVID.” Know the needs and restrictions — dietary or other — of your audience and be sure to make the event inclusive. For example, always have interpreters on your Zoom events and captioning on videos at virtual events. Make sure community events are accessible for an entire community not only a small fraction. If it’s a donor event, be sure to honor the donor but also make everyone else attending feel special as well. Be sure to make the event interactive to engage people, to catch their interest, to get them to take part in what you’re doing, Sonburst Communication President Rob Helling said. Incorporating remote speakers and streaming requires careful planning. “You can’t just do a team meeting where everyone jumps in,” Helling said. “You have to switch between the graphics and video that are playing, and you want the audio to be spotless. This can’t be decided once you get on site.” Companies should ask themselves what

obligations they have for their employees who are returning to work and what rules they will have for guests coming in.

Helling Tefft “Make sure everyone’s comfortable coming back,” Helling said. “Typically, we won’t do any vaccine card checking, even if clients ask us to. That’s something they would have to do on their side. But everything we do from distancing to how we do meals we want to communicate that we’re looking out for everyone.” Sara Tefft, event producer at planit inc., said that the best way to engage employees at an event is to offer opportunities of connecting, networking, and appreciation. “The course of the pandemic has created a ton of change for employees and may have led to a reduction in networking opportunities or relationship building,” she said. “Creating opportunities of appreciation — whether that’s among co-workers, from management, or from the company itself — is always a thoughtful way to engage attendees.” This can take shape in many forms such as personalized gift boxes, internal communication shoutouts, and fun awards.

“In-person events continue to improve event communication by focusing on attendee comfort levels, transparency, and flexibility” Tefft said. “This could be assessed and implemented at any stage, from the attendee registration process, event communication, or on-site interaction such as daily updates or text notifications. Creating environments on-site dedicated to the attendee experience and their personal wellness are important steps in the planning process that deserve to be addressed.” Over the past year and a half, Best Corporate Events & Team Building recreated dozens of their programs in virtual formats, according to Roy Charette, one of the firm’s founding partners. “We had to take our live game shows and some other live events and quickly create virtual versions of these programs in an attempt to engage the audience and still meet the goals and outcomes our clients were looking for,” he said. For instance, a virtual escape room over Zoom would have 50 individuals broken down into groups of five. The teams would advance through the levels working together, communicating, making decisions, and learning time management. “It has all of the same lessons of our live team-building program in a fun virtual context,” Charette said. He suggested that individual corporate event planners get a professional needs assessment from a company that specializes in event planning. “Often you don’t know what program you want, but you know what outcome you want,” Charette said.

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Event Planning • Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

Virtual, hybrid events enjoy sustained popularity by Dwain Hebda

Last year, many conventions and other events switched to an all-virtual format out of necessity. Now, 18 months into the pandemic, many companies are continuing to offer a virtual option for events large and small. “Most fundraising events we are working with are offering a hybrid event this year so guests can choose Gutman to attend in person or view the event from their home or office,” said Vic Gutman, owner of Vic Gutman & Associates. “As we look at future years, we see this trend continuing.” Gutman said these virtual options are just one step that organizers are taking to help guests feel more comfortable. “Make sure guests know ahead of time what the expectations and safety policies are for your event,” he said. “If masks are required, have extras onsite and available to guests. Is it a sit-down dinner? If so, make sure servers are wearing masks, too. Whatever you do, be sure

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to communicate your plan to guests at least twice and do so as far in advance as possible.” Jaycee Stephens, event production director

Stephens Prystai for planit inc., noted her firm has developed a formal process for helping ensure all safety considerations are met. We offer a fluid event health and attendee wellness approach and meeting service called ‘Meet Well, Meet Safe,’” she said. “This service can be applied to any of our clients’ event plans and creates peace of mind along with clear planning strategies to be used by all involved parties.” Stephens said creating a safe event for attendees starts with understanding their expectations for safeguards. “Meet attendees where they’re at,” she said. “Understanding the functions and habits of your demographic will help determine the level of communication, flexibility and preparedness your attendees need from you and the event.” Andrew Prystai, CEO of Event Vesta, said promotional activities are just as important for virtual events as they are for in-person events. “Don’t skimp on marketing,” he said. “Digital events need as much, if not more marketing energy than the in-person version. We recommend promoting your event into niche groups online or other cities where you have a strong presence. The big advantage of digital events is attendees don't need to travel. It doesn’t matter if your attendee is across the street from your office or across the world.” Prystai also said just as with the live version, engaging online events are more successful than a talking head in front of a camera. “Make it an experience, not just an event,” he said. “No one wants to go to just another

Zoom, so set yours apart. It’s never been easier to get guest speakers from across the country or to add an exciting digital element. Think outside the box on how you can make this an experience people will remember.” Justin Fuchs, president of Thrive Corporate Events, said going virtual takes careful technical planning to ensure a successful event. “Companies wishing to engage in online events should work with an event planner and/or production company that specializes in audio visual components,” he said. “If you are

streaming a large conference, your attendees will expect perfection and something more than a Zoom from a computer. Production value in the final product must be of high quality.” Fuchs said regardless of format, the importance of an event planner is paramount. “Events are an ever-changing and shifting experience that take professional management,” he said. “When you employ an event professional to manage your event, you can be in the moment. You don’t have to worry about if the lunch buffet is ready as you are selling a new product to investors.”

EVENT

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• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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Alley Poyner Macchietto invests in project diversification Continued from page 1. design at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. APMA Partner Eric Westman, a native of south Omaha who credits his former

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture Phone: 402-341-1544 Address: 1516 Cuming St., Omaha 68102 Services: architectural design Founded: 1987 by Michael Alley, Perry Poyner and Albert Macchietto Employees: 65 One-year goal: Continue policy of being adaptable in meeting the needs of clients at a time where COVID-19 continues to challenge the country. Industry outlook: Staying ahead of industry sustainability standards; renovation projects are being pursued as crucial. Website: www.alleypoyner.com

industrial technology teacher at Bryan High School with sparking his interest in architecture and completion of his studies at the University of Kansas, said the earlier APMA can be drawn into a client’s planning process, the better. “As soon as we can meet with the general contractor, owners or owner representatives as a group, important collaboration can begin,” said Westman, who joined the firm in 2005. For Partner Nancy Flansburg Novak, who joined APMA in 2012 with two degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Dakota County Technical College, collaborative time can be used for both macro and micro-level analysis of a client’s needs. Expertise brought to the table can range from business development, programming, space planning, budget development, furnishings, finish selection and specification and project management, among others. The new 60,000-square-foot Core Bank headquarters at 180th Street and West Dodge Road is an example. The project, completed in 2018, resulted in a building design that uses simplified form to contrast with the neighboring architecture, as well as refined detailing. Optimal solar lighting is used to infuse natural light throughout. A weathered zinc shawl floats above an all-glass base, while the interior features a double-height lobby with white oak accents, highlighted by a steel plate stair cantilevered from an exposed concrete castin-place core. “When a client has trust in you it gives you a better foundation,” Novak said, noting that the project started at the branding level with assistance from Secret Penguin. That firm shares a building immediately east of APMA’s headquarters at 1516 Cuming St. Called Co-Lab, it houses — in addition to Secret Penguin — Stand For Schools, Jensen Consulting, Mission Matters, Mary Zicafoose Textiles, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, and Assistology. Westman said APMA often seeks assistance from firms in the Co-Lab. A partnership announced in July has APMA working with Norway-based architects Snohetta for an expansion and

renovation of Joslyn Art Museum that will add new gallery space, public gardens and outdoor spaces as well as a store, and modernize the existing office space in the original building which opened in 1931. APMA is working with Black Dog Management on the master plan and development of Millwork Commons, a multiphased project north of downtown Omaha. It will include the renovation of historical buildings, construction of new mixeduse structures, and the development of multi-modal transportation infrastructure. Westman said APMA’s presence in the Blackstone District near 37th & Farnam streets started about nine years ago and has included work on eight new buildings and six renovations. Efficiencies have been found in utilizing underground parking with multi-level commercial and residential buildings above ground.

“It takes a lot of details to make it look simple,” he said. “The scale of the projects there have continually gone up.” In Lincoln, APMA has been busy with several high-profile projects. “The funding’s there and [student] demand for the trades is exploding,” Trofholz said. Projects have included new construction and renovation at the main Southeast Community College campus, where APMA worked with multiple constituent groups to develop an initial master plan for use of about 100,000 square feet of space. What emerged was differentiated study spaces for students, collaboration areas, and areas that included iPad-controlled robotics. Construction is expected to be completed in 2023. APMA was a partner in the design of the joint 106,000-square-foot UNL Uni-

versity Health Center/UNMC College of Nursing project completed three years ago. “They are cross-pollinating together and achieving innovation while also looking at efficiencies,” Trofholz said. Westman, Trofholz, and Novak said APMA benefits from long-term relationships with clients, as opposed to pursuing many one-off projects. For example, the firm’s relationship with Dial Senior Living goes back 11 years and has included at least five new buildings and three renovations. Most of the structures, such as with Aksarben Village, have been infill developments. Work has also been done for Dial in Lincoln and Kansas City. Novak said while APMA credits the background of its staff for the passion and heart brought to the design table, company culture continues to evolve to meet the needs of clients. “We might be driven by high expectations, but we can also play hard,” she said.

New Horizons Enterprises aims for growth in new service areas Continued from page 1. stressful, and costly for them. The team at nationally recognized environmental solu- New Horizon’s performs all services on tions firm serving clients nationwide,” budget and on time.” Isaacson said. The company customizes solutions There are currently 95 employees across for each client, adapting to whatever envithe country, and 25 of ronmental situation them are based out of New Horizons Enterprises and challenge there the Lincoln office. is. When asked why Phone: 402-261-8130 “The New Hori- Address: 201 West O St., Lincoln 68528 she thinks her busizons approach is Service: environmental management, demness is succeeding, based on our in depth olition, and contracting services Isaacson credits her understanding about Founded: 2007 team’s ability to alclients and their busi- Goals: Provide clients with the highest caliways keeping their nesses and their indi- ber of environmental and demolition consultword, being fair, and vidual stresses in the ing, solutions, and services in a professional doing what they say construction area,” manner, following ethical business practices they are going to do. Issacson said. “Un- and always being aware of deadlines, and “The majority of like the majority of budgets for each project. new projects are from industry competition, Industry outlook: Labor wages will be inrepeat clients, and I New Horizons is a creasing in the future to attract more people credit this loyalty to completely turnkey to the industry. Clients will be more focused remaining transparent operation. with clients and with on remodeling current spaces instead of “Our team has the moving or building new spaces. employees, too,” she capability to manage Website: newhorizons-llc.com said. each client’s project, As with any busino matter the size and scope, from its con- ness, there are ups and downs to weather. ception through completion. New Horizon’s The pandemic impacted not just business clients no longer must deal with overseeing operations for New Horizons Enterprises, numerous service providers and contractors, causing revenue numbers to remain level which has proven to be time consuming, in 2020 and 2021, but for the construction

industry as a whole. Construction costs rose significantly, and labor shortages created issues with meeting deadlines. While there hasn’t been significant growth during this time for her company, New Horizons Enterprises has not had to lay anyone off, and they are working hard to cultivate growth and increase brand recognition in and around areas of operation. Isaacson is committed to strategic, forward-thinking decision-making right now, and over the years, she has studied how to use forecasting and planning for business growth and expansion. Today, she and her team are seeing an increase in securing projects in new service areas of interior and building demolition and excavating projects. Looking at the future, Isaacson is hopeful about things to come. “My expectation for New Horizons is to see growth in new service areas or in our smaller service areas,” she said. “We have been working on expanding our health and safety internal programs to include on-site safety inspections for general contractors and we have been focusing on our training programs to offer more selections, including CPR and first aid which were added this year. Over the next three years, I would like for our Lincoln office to be offering these new services to our clients.”

Airline jobs have always been hot commodities, but now carriers can’t get enough workers by Carla Fried

With your financial life resembling a three-dimensional chess game — bills, retirement saving, sending kids to college — working with a financial adviser can be a very smart move. What you pay for that help, Jobs unfortunately, can also be a bit of a challenge to figure out. A recent survey by State Street Global Advisors found that 60% of people working with an adviser believe the management cost of their investments (funds, exchange traded funds) is included in the fee charged by the adviser. It isn’t. The hidden expense that adds up Every mutual fund and exchange traded fund (ETF) you own, whether it’s in your 401(k) or an account your adviser manages

directly, charges an annual fee known as the expense ratio. Expense ratios are hidden and never show up as a line-item expense on any investment statement. They are deducted from the raw performance of a fund or ETF; the return you see in your statement has been reduced by whatever expense ratio was charged. The cheapest expense ratios can be less than 0.10% for index funds and ETFs, though for actively managed funds the norm is more than 0.60%. When you’re working with an adviser who manages a portfolio for you that includes mutual funds or ETFs, you need to add the cost of those portfolios to what the adviser charges to land at the all-in fee. All-in fees, all important Many advisers who manage investment

portfolios work on an “assets-under-management” arrangement with clients. According to the 2020 Inside Information Fee Survey, for clients with assets of $500,000, about three of four advisers charge at least 1%. That’s just for their services. If they use funds and ETFs, the underlying expense ratios are an additional fee clients pay — to the company managing the fund or ETF. A few years ago the Inside Information Fee Survey reported that the average expense ratio for portfolios managed by advisers was an additional 0.50%. Given the encouraging trend toward lower-cost funds and ETFs, it’s likely that the expense ratio average for adviser-managed portfolios may be lower today. The key is to know what your all-in Continued on next page.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Kracher spends career pushing business ethics to the forefront Best Lawyers In America 2022 Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP is proud to announce that 15 of their attorneys have been recognized in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. This recognition is awarded to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Congratulations to the following Partners!

Appellate Practice William R. Settles

Bet-the-Company Litigation William M. Lamson, Jr

Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Daniel J. Waters

Commercial Litigation

Brian J. Brislen • Jason W. Grams William M. Lamson, Jr. • Mark E. Novotny Cathy Trent-Vilim • Patrick G. Vipond

Construction Law Craig F. Martin

Corporate Law Robert J. Murray

Insurance Law

Anne Marie O’Brien • Patrick G. Vipond

Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants William R. Settles

Litigation – Construction Law Craig F. Martin

Litigation – Insurance

Daniel P. Chesire • Anne Marie O’Brien

Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) William M. Lamson, Jr.

Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants William M. Lamson, Jr. • Mark E. Novotny William R. Settles • Patrick G. Vipond • Rick Harris

Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants Daniel P. Chesire • William M. Lamson, Jr. David J. Schmitt • Kyle Wallor

Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Daniel P. Chesire

Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants William R. Settles • Patrick G. Vipond

Railroad Law

Anne Marie O’Brien • David J. Schmitt

Tax Law

Robert J. Murray • Daniel J. Waters

Trusts and Estates Daniel J. Waters

2022 Lawyers Of The Year

• Daniel P. Chesire – Litigation – Insurance • William R. Settles – Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants 2022

Continued from page 1. in-hand with the changes in our social norms. “Ethics is the moral compass and the moral compass drives our social norms and our social norms drive our compass. So, it’s back and forth, it’s chicken and egg, so to speak. They have been playing off each other and have been since history has been documented.” Business ethics, as a field of study, has been around since the 1960s, but it was an academic discussion for 30 years. That’s when current events pushed it to the forefront, Kracher said. “Back in the day, the word ethics wasn’t really used. It was uncomfortable to talk about ethics,” she said. “It really wasn’t until 1991 where we talk about the birth of the business ethics industry. “And that happened because of the scandals that occurred. You know the name Enron and WorldCom, right. Well, all of those were happening right before that. With the scandals that happened, you saw the word ethics. It was something where people were more comfortable talking about it.” Kracher, through Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, created the business ethics group in 2006. In 2008, the Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics was legally established as a standalone, not-for-profit entity, the product of a three-way partnership among the Heider College of Business, Greater Omaha Chamber, and Better Business Bureau of the Midlands. She’d guided the organization as its CEO and executive director for more than

a decade, stepping aside in June of last year. She remains on the faculty at Heider College of Business, where she has taught for 30 years and where she is the Robert B. Daugherty endowed chair in business, ethics and society. Last fall, she was also named Woman of Distinction by the Midlands Business Journal as part of the 40 Under 40 Awards. She said her teaching career continues to be rewarding, especially for how it reveals how each generation views questions of ethics in the workplace. “When I started teaching, I would give examples from Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and talk about how they would address social issues in their products,” she said. “I used that example with students 35 years ago and their arms were crossed, and they said, ‘Oh yeah, right, Dr. Bev. You give me an example of this happening with GE, or any large company. It just doesn’t happen in standard business.’ “That’s totally changed. Students come into the classroom now with an expectation that businesses take social stands and if they don’t, they will not buy from them, and they don’t want to work for them. So that is huge for what’s going to be driving businesses in future.” Kracher, who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln., has co-authored “Ethinary: An Ethics Dictionary,” “50 Ethical Words with Commonsensical Definitions to Use in Your Conversations,” and established engaging programming, including Trustees Talk Ethics, Executive Breakfasts, Ethics on Trial, Mind Candy Dialogues and Speed Ethics.

Airline jobs have always been hot commodities

Continued from preceding page. fee is. Less is definitely more for core funds If your adviser is using mostly low-cost index mutual funds or ETFs, your average weighted expense ratio should likely be less than 0.25%. Plenty of U.S. stock index funds and ETFs charge less than 0.10%. International stock and bond funds might run a bit more. If your adviser has you invested in funds and ETFs that charge more, that’s worth a conversation, if you are also paying the adviser an assets-under-management fee. If the portfolio is mostly actively managed funds, you need to make sure you’re on board with that approach. Over long periods, very few actively managed funds consistently out-perform index funds, especially in the biggest (most popular) corners of the market. For instance, the investment category known as large-cap blend includes portfolios that invest in the S&P 500 index. According to Morningstar, a mere 15% of actively managed large-cap funds managed to outperform large-cap index funds over the 15 years through 2020. The under-performance gap was 1.4 percentage points on average: 12.4% vs. 13.8%. Expense ratios are likely to be an even more important factor in your investment success in the coming years, as many market pros expect the long-term returns for U.S. stocks to be much lower than what we have experienced for the past 10 years. One example: Based on current economic

conditions, Vanguard estimates U.S. stocks might deliver in the range of 2.6% to 4.6% annualized over the next 10 years. For core U.S. bonds the expectation is a return no higher than 2.4%. The value of professional portfolio advice Once you know your all-in investment cost to work with an adviser who charges an assets-under-management fee, you can make an informed decision about whether you are getting value for that fee. To be clear, paying even 1.5% a year in an all-in fee can be well worth it, if you feel strongly in your adviser’s approach, and it gives you the confidence to stick with a long-term plan. Studies also suggest that an adviser can help you avoid the costly psychological investing mistakes that can undermine success. But if you learn you have a bunch of expensive, actively managed funds in market pockets where indexing is typically the more successful route, that should be a yellow flag. Nor is the assets-under-management model the only way to pay managers. Especially when you have yet to build up a sizable investment portfolio (at least $1 million), working with an adviser who charges a flat monthly or quarterly fee or an hourly fee can be advantageous. The bottom line is that professional financial advice can be a smart investment. But knowing your all-in fee is the only way to be sure you are in fact getting value for the expertise. ©2021 Rate.com. Visit at rate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

Setting new table for family philanthropy helps families thrive by Bruce DeBoskey

Many of us grew up sitting at the family dinner table. Often, it was rectangular, with the family’s primary bread winner(s) sitting at his or her end of the table. Regardless of the shape, the rest of Philanthropy the family sat at designated seats, night after night, year after year. Sometimes, long after the kids had grown and left the household, when they returned for a family meal, they automatically assumed their childhood seats at the family table.

In most families, that dinner table had built-in power dynamics, family customs and sets of expectations and rules. Sometimes they were subtle and unspoken; other times they were much more apparent and pronounced. Once the kids have left the nest for school, work, starting their own families or other endeavors, there is a unique opportunity to set a new table so that all family members are invited to sit, share, develop and act on common values and goals around money, philanthropy and making a difference. Think PAIRS OFF

of this new table as a round one (actually or figuratively), where every family member is invited to sit as equals and encouraged to share their views, voices and votes on the world and how the family can evolve its philanthropic impact and legacy. Most philanthropic capital is actually no longer owned by the family and represents a relatively small percentage of a family’s overall assets. Instead, it has been irrevocably donated to a family foundation or donor-advised fund and no longer even appears on the family’s balance sheet. Because philanthropically committed capital usually sits apart from the rest of a family’s assets, it is easier to discuss and distribute and less likely to cause personal feelings of inequality or unfairness. Most families aspire to preserve wealth, values and legacy over the generations. Research demonstrates that a number of factors influence a family’s ability to reach that goal. Almost always near the top of the list is a family’s shared commitment to community, service and philanthropy. Based upon our experience in working with dozens of multi-generational families, we’ve learned that three steps are essential to its success. The first step is to jointly establish new ground rules. It is clear that rising-generation members will actively participate in a mutigenerational philanthropic family endeavor only if they have meaningful seats at the table. Ask each other, “How would you like all family members to show up at the new philanthropy table?” This is often the hardest step for members of the wealth-creating generation, who are accustomed to ruling the roost. Good ground rules emanate naturally from family members—they are not imposed by elders or outside facilitators. Here are just a few examples of the many ground rules established by families with whom we’ve worked: —All family members have an equal voice; all are encouraged to actively participate.

—Decisions won’t be made unilaterally; collective decision-making is the objective. —No “eye rolls” or “sighs” permitted; rather, show respect for all points of view. —No interrupting. —Accept conflict and its resolution as a necessary catalyst for learning and change. The next step is to articulate a common purpose for the family‘s philanthropic endeavor. Ask each other, “What do you want to get out of this experience?” Some answers we’ve seen include: —Learn more about effective, strategic philanthropy. —Learn more about each other, especially across the rising generations of geographically dispersed siblings and cousins, as well as their spouses. —Establish new ways of communicating and supporting each other in the family. —Help the family continue to thrive across the generations. —“Pay it forward” out of gratitude for the family’s good fortune. —Make an impact in their communities, country or world. Creation of a good mission statement is the next step in setting a new table for family philanthropy. Family members can ask each other these questions: —What is our focus? —What do we want to preserve or change — specifically? —Do we want to focus on a geographic area? —Over what period of time will we give? —Do we want to collaborate with other funders – or go it alone? —How will we measure success? Following these steps makes it much more likely that the family’s philanthropic efforts will succeed and that the family itself will thrive — by learning to communicate better, work together and support each other across generations, distances and time. ©2020 Bruce DeBoskey. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Home prices are rising faster than your down payment fund: What to do by Zach Wichter

Answers on page 12.

If you’re trying to break into the housing market right now, you may find that your down payment fund isn’t going as far as you thought it would. Record-breaking rises in home prices mean the targets you set to save, say, 20 percent of your expected home purchase price may Real Estate no longer cut it. Here’s what you need to know about what’s going on in the housing market and what your options are for how to proceed. Why home prices are likely rising faster than your down payment savings It all comes down to a few factors: limited housing supply and a huge number of motivated buyers are putting pressure on housing prices. Low mortgage rates mean most buyers can afford to borrow more than they otherwise would, which is turning up the pressure even more, and inflation is pushing buying costs up for pretty much everything across the board. Sellers are rejoicing, but for buyers (low

mortgage rates aside) it can be tough terrain to navigate. “This last year has been brutal, particularly for the first-time homebuyer market,” says Matt Woods, co-founder and CEO of SOLD.com. Most experts agree that the pandemic has led to a tough market for buyers, but there are signs that things may finally be cooling off. At any rate, this nearly straight up trajectory for home prices seems fairly unsustainable. “I think about my four kids, how on earth will my four kids ever be homeowners if this is the conundrum they’re dealing with?” Woods says. What you can do if your down payment savings aren’t keeping up There are essentially three ways you can respond if your dream home — or even a barely adequate home — is out of reach. 1. Wait out the home sale market, beef up your down payment Probably the easiest option — because it’s essentially passive — is to just wait for Continued on next page.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Home prices are rising faster than your down payment fund: What to do Continued from preceding page. the market to cool down more. Doing that can give you the opportunity to boost your savings, and you may even see home prices come down a little in your area, which means your funds will go farther. Keep in mind, there are no absolute guarantees in real estate because market conditions are always changing, but if you can’t afford to buy now, it’s probably not a good time to dive in. “The biggest thing to start with is just to make the decision on whether now is the right decision in terms of buying the home,” says Robert Heck, vice president of mortgage at Morty. “If you have flexibility and time, the options there are a bit more widespread.” Focus your affordability calculations on your monthly expenses, not necessarily the overall sale price, he says. Bankrate’s “how much house can I afford?” calculator can help you get started. “This home appreciation phase is waning,” Woods added. If you choose to wait it out you can use the time to invest money in higher-yield — and, admittedly, higher risk — funds to boost your savings more quickly. “Putting money under your mattress isn’t going to help,” he says. “If you’re parking it in the safest place, you can count on it not helping and not growing. If you’re leveraging the investment opportunities that are out there, the market’s been kind.” Because the investment market is so hot

right now, you may even be able to boost your savings quickly with some higher-risk options. But let’s be clear that money you need in one to three years is not best-suited for riskier investments. That said, if you can stand more risk, consider investing some of your down payment money in: —Stocks, which are arguably the most traditional investment tool and can produce big yields quickly if you buy the right ones at the right time. —Cryptocurrency, which is kind of having a moment in the investment sphere right now. Keep in mind that crypto valuations have been a bit of a rollercoaster, so you could majorly boost your savings, or lose your shirt. You should speak to your financial advisor about your investment options. Other short-term, high yield products may be available, but you’ll want to decide what works for you with someone who really knows your situation. 2. Alter your home search punch list Another option is to change your housing wish list. Everyone wants to get the best possible house in the nicest and most convenient neighborhood they can afford, but if you can be a little more flexible about exactly where to land, it could help you get into a home faster and more affordably. “The American dream is this grandiose,’ got to go own my forever home right now’,” Woods says. “My advice is starter homes are great and maybe you need to be as humble

With retailers facing supply chain issues and scrambling to hire, ’tis the season to start holiday shopping early by Lauren Zumbach

Consumers are expected to be in the mood to spend this holiday season, but this isn’t the year to procrastinate. With the COVID-19 pandemic snarling supply chains and threatening to leave stores and distribution centers shortRetail staffed, consumers may need to shop early to avoid missing must-have items. Big discounts, too, could be tougher to come by, thanks to higher transportation and labor costs. “COVID-19 is going to be the Grinch that stole Christmas yet again this year,” said Per Hong, senior partner in the consulting firm Kearney’s strategic operations practice. Holiday retail sales are projected to rise between 7% and 9% this year, hitting $1.3 trillion, according to a forecast from Deloitte. The delta variant hasn’t slowed spending, and there’s “huge pent-up demand,” said Curt Bimschleger, managing director at Deloitte. The challenge for retailers will be meeting that demand in a year when disruptions are hitting every step of the supply chain, from recent factory shutdowns in Asia to control the spread of COVID-19 to logjams at ports that lengthen shipping times to shortages of warehouse workers and truck drivers. Retailers have been working to get ahead of the disruptions but “probably not as successfully as they’d want to be,” said Rick Maicki, managing director at Berkeley Research Group Corporate Finance. Companies like Walmart and Target say they have at least 20% more inventory than last year. Still, the disruptions could make it tougher for retailers to restock items once they run out.

“If you see something you want … you’ll want to pull the trigger earlier, because you don’t know if it’s going to be there later,” Maicki said. “The flow of product is uncertain.” Supply chain issues have hit everything from toilet paper to chicken wings to semiconductors since the start of the pandemic and are still affecting a wide variety of products across industries. But retailers and manufacturers are also starting to face challenges with popular gift items like toys, books and apparel. German games, toys and puzzles maker Ravensburger warned retailers in North America it would stop taking new orders Friday as it contends with record-high demand and delays transporting goods to and within the U.S. “At this point we feel optimistic that we will deliver on all existing commercial commitments that we have made this year, but we did not want to put our retailers’ holiday business in jeopardy by continuing to accept new orders that we do not feel confident about delivering in time,” said Filip Francke, CEO of Ravensburger North America and global head of games. Ravensburger hopes to resume taking orders in the fourth quarter, Francke said. In the meantime, the company is paying for premium shipping services and expanding its production in Europe, where supply chains are experiencing fewer delays than those between the U.S. and Asia, Francke said. Ravensburger is also working with U.S. warehouse partners to offer more incentives and training to help attract employees. Rick Derr, owner of Learning Express Continued on page 19.

as you can possibly swallow just to get into the game.” Being comfortable with a starter home, or agreeing to look in a broader geographical area will open up more options and may let you look at places where your savings will perform a little better. “Trying not to get caught up in the exuberance of buying the home, chasing the offer,” Heck says. “Slowing down is important here.” 3. Tap a housing assistance program or go for a nontraditional approach You might be able to benefit from homebuyer assistance grants or some upstart companies that offer novel ways of getting you into a mortgage. Woods says companies like Unison help folks get into homes by essentially paying allcash on their behalf and working out the mortgage once the person has moved in. Others strike up equity-sharing arrangements where they contribute to your down payment and then take a larger percentage than a traditional lender when you eventually refinance or sell. Plus, Woods added, you can always go the “strike a deal with your rich uncle” route, if it’s available to you. “There are so many different paths you can go down, so try to verse yourself in as many of those as possible,” Heck says. Doing your research will help you chart the best course for your own situation. More traditional routes for down payment assistance include: —FHA loans, which can be secured with as little as 3.5 percent down. —VA loans, which can be a great deal for

active or retired members of the military and their families —Local and national first-time homebuyer programs Also keep in mind that many lenders will allow you to secure a loan with less than 20 percent down. You may have to pay for private mortgage insurance until you build up more equity, but if you can afford the extra monthly cost you’ll still be able to get into a home if your offer is competitive. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent remains crucial In this ultra-competitive market, having a knowledgeable agent as a guide is key. Most sellers receive multiple offers, many of which may be above the asking price, so it’s important to make sure you work with someone who really understands the market where you’re looking and can help you make your offer as strong as possible, even if prices are higher than you were expecting. A good buyer’s agent will also be able to help you figure out how to tailor your search and will be able to adapt if you change what you’re looking for as you rationalize your budget. Bottom line With home prices being pushed up rapidly by multiple compounding factors, it’s a tough market for buyers. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible to buy; it just may take a little extra strategizing. Or, you could take a pause and come back when the market has cooled down a bit more. ©2021 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to the Legal Department at legals@mbj.com. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week). As a publisher and not a legal advisor we print notices exactly as they are submitted and therefor only comp reruns when the notice was rejected or messed up due to a MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring the content fits with the State’s requirements and are responsible for the cost of republishing the notice if it is rejected due to misinformation or missing information 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is noon on Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday. 4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts. 5. You will receive a paid invoice copy the first week it runs.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA IN RE NAME CHANGE OF Ana Isabel Bremers. Case No. CI 21-8566 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on the 27 day of August, 2021, a petition was filed in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the object and prayer of which is for the change of the petitioner's name from Ana Isabel Bremers to Ana Isabel Ramirez-Herrera. A hearing will be had on said petition before the Honorable James M Masteller, in the courtoom no. 409, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183 on the 1 day of October, 2021 at 8:45 a.m., or as soon thereafter as will be convenient for the court and that unless sufficent cause is shown to the contrary, the petitioner's name will be changed from that of Ana Isabel Bremers, to Ana Isabel Ramirez-Herrera. Ana Isabel Bremers, Petitioner First publication September 3, 2021, final September 24, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA IN RE NAME CHANGE OF NIRAJ AGARWAL, Petitioner. Case No. CI 21-8564 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby notified that Niraj Agarwal filed a Petition in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska on the 27th day of August, 2021, the prayer of said Petition being to change his name from Niraj Agarwal to Neeraj Agarwal. You are further notified that Niraj Agarwal intends to present his Petition for change of name before the Honorable Shelly R. Stratman, Courtroom No. 315, Hall of Justice, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on the 12th day of October, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard. At that time, any person or persons objecting to such change of name may be present and present their objections to the court. DATED: August 27, 2021. NIRAJ AGARWAL, Petitioner First publication September 3, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF WVP LAND COMPANY LLC WVP Land Company LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 1, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: WVP Land Company LLC, c/o Tucker B. Magid, 12915 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed. Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MIDWEST CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Midwest Climate Controlled Storage, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 608 North 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, LLC, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DAVID J. SKALKA, Attorney CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AJ'S GARAGE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is AJ's Garage, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, LLC, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PINNACLE POOLS & SPAS LLC Notice is hereby given that Pinnacle Pools & Spas LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 14021 Shirley St., Omaha, NE 68144. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given that Arte Commercial LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Silvia Lizcano Neira at 77 Country Club Rd. Omaha, NE 68127. The designated office is located at 77 Country Cub Rd. Omaha, NE 68127. The general nature of the Company's business is to engage in any lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized on August 21, 2021, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. In general, the Company's business is to be managed by its primary member Silvia Lizcano Neira in accordance with the Company's operating agreement. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE TROUPE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Troupe, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

SANDRA STERN, Attorney 1299 Farnam St., Suite 369 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE On August 23, 2021, Dante McClellan, filed a Petition in Douglas County, Nebraska, District Court, Case No. CI 21-8412, on behalf of his minor child, Jasiah Deshawn Murray, to change his name to Jasiah Deshawn McClellan. A hearing on the Petition will be held October 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom No. 410, 4th floor, Hall of Justice, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Anyone objecting to the Petition may be heard. By: Sandra Stern, Petitioner’s Attorney. SANDRA STERN 1299 Farnam St. #369 Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 342-6627 First publication September 10, 2021, final September 17, 2021

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PARTY BAR, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is THE PARTY BAR, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 7919 N. 173rd Terrace Circle, Bennington, NE 68007. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 31, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 48 DODGE QOF, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 48 Dodge QOF, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PIVOT CAPITAL, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Pivot Capital, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5130 North 27th Street, Suite 1, Lincoln, NE 68521. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, LLC, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 100 PERCENT PROFIT, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that 100 Percent Profit, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 2613 N. 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111, its registered agent is Frederick D. Stehlik, and its registered office located at 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member. Frederick D. Stehlik, Organizer First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

Tim Buckley, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-1537 Estate of Bonita J. Hannum, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 2, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that James Hannum, whose address is 19609 Dutch Hall Road, Bennington, NE 68007, has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 17, 2021 or be forever barred. KELLEY GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CASSONE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cassone Technologies, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1412 Beechwood Ave, Papillion, Nebraska 68133. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Victor Cassone, 1412 Beechwood Ave, Papillion, Nebraska 68133. The limited liability company commenced business on June 25, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F I N C O R P O R AT I O N O F O M A H A C O N C R E T E S AW I N G INCORPORATED Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Omaha Concrete Sawing Incorporated, a Nebraska corporation, have been amended changing the name of the corporation to Valhalla Holdings, LLC. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

Julia K. Palzer Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is ACUITY HOME INSPECTIONS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 21904 Rustic Ridge Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska, 68022. The registered agent is Alan M. Stephens and the Registered Agent's address is 21904 Rustic Ridge Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska, 68022. 3. The general nature of the Company is home inspection services. 4. The Company commenced on September 7, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RENT-A-DAD RESTORATIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rent-A-Dad Restorations, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5276 Willit Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STH SKYLINE TWO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STH Skyline Two, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1040 South 211th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MSJJ BONANZA FOUR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MSJJ Bonanza Four, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1040 South 211th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF APOSTLES 2:45 ENTERPRISE LLC Notice is hereby given that APOSTLES 2:45 ENTERPRISE LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 2304 Campanile Road, Waterloo, NE 68069. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MEGHAN SHEEHAN, MD SPECIALIZED PSYCHIATRY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Meghan Sheehan, MD Specialized Psychiatry, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall provide medical services. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3157 Farnam Street, Suite 7104 #7182, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed on August 23, 2021, with an effective date of September 1, 2021. First publication September 3, 2021, final September 17, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF TERYL CORP. TERYL CORP., a Nebraska corporation, has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The corporation has collected its assets, disposed of its properties which were not distributed in kind to its shareholders, discharged or made provision for the discharge of its liabilities, distributed its remaining property among its shareholders according to their interests, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. A. Allen Hager, President of the corporation, was the person who was responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the corporation. The corporation has no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CENTRAL REGION PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Central Region Properties, LLC. The address of the registered office is 12572 O. Street, Omaha, NE 68137. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 30, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

Nick R. Taylor, Attorney of FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE Estate of Barry G. Smith, Deceased In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-1474 Notice is hereby given that on August 25, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Cynthia Smith, whose address is 12360 Seward Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 9, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL MILLS Registrar First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AJKL, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of AJKL, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is AJKL, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 9655 N. 288th Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Mark J. LaPuzza, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ONE MIRACLE PLACE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of One Miracle Place, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is One Miracle Place, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is James D. Buser, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 S. 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF EINSTEIN EVALUATION GROUP, LLC All claims against the company must be forwarded to the company c/o CAROL ANN ENGELMANN, 1702 S. 10th St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108, and contain the name of the claimant, the nature and amount of the claim, and the address and a contact person for the claimant. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-1477. Judge Vaughn. Date of Death: March 6, 2021, Age 67 IN RE ESTATE IF DAVID C. DRAGON, JR. Notice is hereby given that on the 1st day of September, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Testacy of the Estate of David C. Dragon, Jr. and that the following surviving child was appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. Rita J. Salucci 105 Fox Meadow Court Bellevue, NE 68005 Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 9, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL MILLS Registrar of the County Court First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KATHRYN J. DERR PC LLO 1301 S. 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 Attorneys NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Compass Philanthropic, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Compass Philanthropic, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 12515 Mormon Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. The registered office of the Company is 12515 Mormon Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68142, and the agent at such office is Jennifer T. Strako. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by a limited liability company organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced operations on August 19, 2021, and shall have a perpetual duration. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF Z & Z COFFEE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Z & Z Coffee, LLC. The address of the registered office is 6301 North 60th Street, Lincoln, NE 68529. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 30, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CARBONBRIDGE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is CarbonBridge, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5104 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68132. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 26, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF DZEDO CAFÉ, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Dzedo Café, LLC. The address of the registered office is 6301 North 60th Street, Lincoln, NE 68529. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 30, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF TERRY’S CAFE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Terry’s Cafe, LLC. The address of the registered office is 6301 North 60th Street, Lincoln, NE 68529. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 30, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GFAM6, LLC The name of the Company is Gfam6, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 19483 Walnut Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Greg Gaggini, 19483 Walnut Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. This limited liability company commenced business on August 30, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF WVP MEDICAL BUILDING LLC WVP Medical Building LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 1, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: WVP Medical Building LLC, c/o Tucker B. Magid, 12915 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed. Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF DESERT EXPRESSO CAFÉ, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Desert Expresso Café, LLC. The address of the registered office is 6301 North 60th Street, Lincoln, NE 68529. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 30, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Kugler Vision Holdings, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Kugler Vision Holdings, Inc. 2. The number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock. 3. The name of the initial registered agent is Matthew T. Payne, and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 4. The name and address of the incorporator is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 5. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Corporation is any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated in Nebraska. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF B. J. SHOWER DOOR CO. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of B. J. Shower Door Co., a Nebraska corporation, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 1, 2021, to amend Article I, changing the name of the corporation to BJGS, Inc. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF TWO BROTHERS REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Two Brothers Real Estate, LLC, have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: Two Brothers Real Estate Nebraska, LLC. The Amendment to the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 30, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

Julia K. Palzer Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is CUTUCACHE CONSOLIDATED, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 109 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, Nebraska, 68005. The registered agent is Christine Cutucache and the Registered Agent's address is 109 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, Nebraska, 68005. 3. The general nature of the Company is management and leadership consulting. 4. The Company commenced on August 10, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF 545 W ELM STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of 545 W Elm Street, LLC, have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: Two Brothers Real Estate Holdings, LLC. The Amendment to the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 30, 2021. First publication September 10, 2021, final September 24, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRI-SHARE VENTURES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tri-Share Ventures, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1501 Schropp Circle, Ashland, NE 68003. The Registered Agent of the Company is Chad W. Johnson, 1501 Schropp Circle, Ashland, NE 68003. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARD CAP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Card Cap, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8105 Howard Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, whose mailing address is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PACKBOY402 SPORTSCARDS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Packboy402 Sportscards, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8105 Howard Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, whose mailing address is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 N O T I C E O F I N C O R P O R A T I O N O F M AV E R I C K ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOUNDATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Maverick Entrepreneurship Foundation has been organized as a nonprofit public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 10, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Levi Cermak, with registered office at 6708 Pine St., Omaha, NE 68182. The incorporator is Levi Cermak with address at 6708 Pine St., Omaha, NE 68182. The Company will not have members. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES The Law Office of Robert E. Burns 11330 Q Street, Suite 220 Omaha, NE 68137 402-331-9497 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MSF PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of MSF PROPERTIES, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability Company is MSF PROPERTIES, LLC. 2. The company's Initial agent for service of process is Michael R. Faue. The Initial agent's address and the address of the Initial designated office of the Company is 1203 Mayberry Plaza, Omaha, NE 68108. 3. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Company is to engage in and transact in any and all lawful business enterprises for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, and specifically to engage in the ownership and management of real estate, and all other related activities, and to own, hold and sell or assign any and all licenses necessary or advisable to conduct said business. 4. The Company commenced on August 8, 2021, and shall have a perpetual duration. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Connected Properties LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 3320 N 125th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68164. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Brooke Steppat, 3320 N 125th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68164. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCC GRETNA, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of SCC Gretna, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is SCC Gretna, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 2116 N. 179th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EIGHTY “O” FIVE BLONDO, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that EIGHTY “O” FIVE BLONDO, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated office at 8005 Blondo Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134, manager Danny Tran, and its registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, with the registered agent at such office being Anthony L. Gross. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on August 27, 2021, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. DANNY TRAN, Organizational Member 8005 Blondo Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134 First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF RUTHIES JEWELS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RUTHIES JEWELS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general jewelry sales business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general jewelry sales business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on August 26, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROBINSON TREE PUBLISHING COMPANY, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ROBINSON TREE PUBLISHING COMPANY, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, manager Kasara K. Robinson, and its registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, with the registered agent at such office being Anthony L. Gross. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on August 26, 2021, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. KASARA K. ROBINSON, Organizational Member 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AHNM 456, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of AHNM 456, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is AHNM 456, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1314 N. 113th Court #4605, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Allison Helligso, 1314 N. 113th Court #4605, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIG O HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Big O Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on September 13, 2021. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF YES VMS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Yes VMS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 11718 Nicholas Street, Suite 101, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF OMAHA CONCRETE SAWING INCORPORATED Notice is hereby given that Omaha Concrete Sawing Incorporated, a Nebraska corporation, has changed its name to Valhalla Holdings Corp. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2021. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION LBT HOLDINGS, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Andrew P. Deaver, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF SUIT In the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraka. CI 21-1788 RICHARD DOLPHENS AND JOHN CICH, Plaintiffs vs. JACQUELINE GIBBONS, Defendant. TO: Jacqueline Gibbons Defendant Jacqueline Gibbons is hereby notified that on or about July 29, 2021, Richard Dolphens and John Cich filed their Complaint in the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No.CI 21-1788, the object and prayer of which is to quiet title to real property located at 7115 Railroad Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 68147, and legally described as Lot 4, Bartak Addition, an Addition to the City of Bellevue, as surveyed, platted, and recorded in Sarpy County, Nebraska. Plaintiffs pray for a judgment against Defendant to enforce a written agreement, quiet title to the property in Plaintiffs, and in the alternative, unjust enrichment, plus costs and attorney’s fees as allowed by law. You are required to answer said Complaint on or before the 17th day of October, and if you fail to do so, your default will be taken and judgment entered accordingly. Dated this 17th day of September, 2021. RICHARD DOLPHENS AND JOHN CICH, By: /s/ Steven G. Ranum Steven G. Ranum, #24716 CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-6777 (402) 390-9221 (Fax) sranum@crokerlaw.com Attorneys for Plaintiffs First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

Thomas H. Penke #11579, Attorney for Applicant Thomas H. Penke, P.C., L.L.O. 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 402-330-6869 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-1571 Estate of EUGENE P. TOMASELLO, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 8, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, TAMMY P. TOMASELLO, whose address is 9423 Adamns Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 17, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PYCARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PYCARE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11609 S 111th St, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. The Registered Agent of the Company is Casey D Meyer, 11609 S 111th St, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KENILWORTH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kenilworth, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 950 South 10th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68108. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 10, 2021. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF CLEANUP CONTAINERS, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Cleanup Containers, Inc. have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: Cleanup Pumping, Inc. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 10, 2021. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF C&C PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the limited liability company is C&C Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 16907 Portal Street, Omaha, NE 68136. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, LLC, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Evergreen Consulting, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Andrew P. Deaver and 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF J B & J FAMILY ENTERPRISES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that J B & J Family Enterprises, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3817 19th Street, Columbus Nebraska 68601. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CALLAN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Callan, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 516 S. 198th Street, Elkhorn, NE, 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Esq., whose mailing address is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 48 DODGE GP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 48 Dodge GP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 48 DODGE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 48 Dodge, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is ETM, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock, having a par value of $1.00 each, all of which shall be common. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 14, 2021. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Roberta L. Christensen, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 1432 S 13TH ST, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 1432 S 13TH ST, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2405 Harney Street #12, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Esq., whose mailing address is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF SURF’S UP PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is 10352 S. 71st Terrace, Papillion, NE 68133. Said corporation filed Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State on September 7, 2021 and shall have perpetual existence. Dr. Bryce Cushing, DDS, Incorporator First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 01 AIRLINES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 01 Airlines, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 200 North 55th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

BRUCE J. GORACKE., Attorney GORACKE LAW, L.L.C. 10846 Old Mill Road, Suite #4 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Alysha Nicole Consulting, L.L.C., with its initial designated office at 1715 South 61st Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106 has been organized effective September 7, 2021. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent is Alysha N. Collins, 1715 South 61st Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. Bruce J. Goracke, Organizer First publication September 17, 2021, final October 1, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GROUNDHOG HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Groundhog Holdings LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10018 Idora Street La Vista NE 68128. The Registered Agent of the Company is Michael Scott Belik, 10018 Idora Street La Vista NE 68128. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF NPM, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is NPM, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 13, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF SUPERIOR METAL PRODUCTS, INC. Notice is hereby given of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of SUPERIOR METAL PRODUCTS, INC. as follows: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide that the name of the Corporation shall be EROF, INC. The Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska on September 16, 2021, with an effective date of September 15, 2021. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: BEST CARD PAYMENTS Name of Applicant: MDM PAYMENTS, LLC Address: 900 SOUTH 74TH PLAZA, SUITE 303 OMAHA NE 68114 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: AUGUST 18, 2021 General nature of business: CREDIT CARD PROCESSING MICHAEL DIGIACOMO Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 24, 2021

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF SOUTHHILLS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Southhills, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 3200 Pine Lake Road, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68516. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on January 1, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of Seven Enterprises, L.L.C., as of September 15, 2021. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Jake White, 1110 Hickory Hill Rd., Papillion, NE 68046. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VIOLET SAGUARO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Violet Saguaro, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 2603 North 125th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 16, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SUGAR CITY PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sugar City Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 16, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MARTROY STORAGE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Martroy Storage, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Martroy Storage, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4024 South 175th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Ste 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AM & DM F LEAVENWORTH 243 PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the Company is AM & DM F Leavenworth 243 Properties, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on September 16, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMERLD PLUMBING LLC Notice is hereby given that Emerald Plumbing LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 8001 S. 68th Ave. Cr., LaVista, NE 68128. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is Alexander the Great, LLC. The name of its initial agent for service of process is John Gajewski. The street and mailing address of its initial designated office and of its initial agent for service of process is 17935 Welch Plaza, Suite 101, Omaha NE 68135. The Company is not organized to render a professional service as defined in § 21-117(b). Joseph J. Skudlarek, Organizer. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF 3N PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is 3N Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 13, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

McGILL, GOTSDINER, WORKMAN & LEPP, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, First National Plaza Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2584 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF IBEX CONSTRUCTION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that IBEX CONSTRUCTION, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3105 North 194th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, and the registered agent is Phillip Pontow. Its initial designated office is 3105 North 194th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company was formed on September 15, 2021, and its duration is perpetual. Management of the Company shall be vested in a Manager. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JKZULKOSKY LLC Notice is hereby given that JKZULKOSKY LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 11404 W Dodge Road, Nebraska, NE 68104. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Wilhite Services, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wilhite Services, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4820 S 186th Ave Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Brian Wilhite, 4820 S 186th Ave Omaha, NE 68135. The limited liability company commenced business on August 24, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

NOTICEOF ORGANIZATION OF RSW CONTRACTING LLC NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that RSW Contracting, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws if the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is, RSW Contracting LLC, 20823 Clark St, Elkhorn, NE. 68022. The registered agent and office of this limited liability company is Raimond Wojtalewicz, 20823 Clark St, Elkhorn, NE. 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on August 26, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ELITE GLOW LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Elite Glow LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 17, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Haleigh Smith with registered office at 19282 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial designated office is at 19282 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company shall be governed by its members. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

Moylan Law, LLC 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION & NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF TINHUT INVESTMENTS, INC. Pursuant to §21-2, 185 et seq. of the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, notice is hereby given that Tinhut Investments, Inc., a Nebraska Corporation, filed Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State on September 16th, 2021. The corporation has no assets or known liabilities. Kirk Hutton, President, shall wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. If you have a claim against the Corporation, you should mail notice to Moylan Law, LLC, 1010 S 120th Street, Suite 320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and include the following information: name of claimant, amount of claim, goods or services covered by the claim, date claim originated, and supporting documentation (if available). Any claim against the corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce said claim is commenced within three years of the date of this published notice. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

CARLSON & BLAKEMAN, LLP 2002 Douglas Street Omaha, NE 68102 NOTICE OF THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA CLUB BUILDING, L.L.C. Notice is hereby given that Omaha Club Building, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has amended and restated its Articles of Organization. The address of its registered office is 2002 Douglas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on the filing of its original Articles of Organization on September 22, 2000, and the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Organization were filed effective July 1, 2021. The company shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its Manager who is Darren R. Carlson, 2002 Douglas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. Darren R. Carlson, Manager First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

ROBERT J. KIRBY, Attorney with CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF PORTER-TRUSTIN-CARLSON CO. Porter-Trustin-Carlson Co. amended its Articles of Incorporation effective August 13, 2021, authorizing the issuance of 1 share of Class A Voting Common Stock having a par value of $100.00 per share, and 99 shares of Class B Non-Voting Common Stock having a par value of $100.00 per share. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF WWK INVESTMENTS, INC. WWK INVESTMENTS, INC., a Nebraska corporation, has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The corporation has collected its assets, disposed of its properties which were not distributed in kind to its shareholders, discharged or made provision for the discharge of its liabilities, distributed its remaining property among its shareholders according to their interests, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. Daniel J. Welch, President of the corporation, was the person who was responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the corporation. The corporation has no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF BISBEE BROS. L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization for Bisbee Bros. L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 20, 2021, wherein the following was amended and restated: (i) the name of the Company is Bisbee Bros. L.L.C, (ii) the Designated Office of the Company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and (iii) the Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wheelhouse Omaha, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 5115 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The initial registered office of the Company is 5115 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Shannon Lerda. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was executed on the 16th day of September 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

Russell S. Daub, Attorney at Law 2800 S. 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR INCONTRO ASSETS, L.L.C. Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is INCONTRO ASSETS, L.L.C. The address of the registered office is 16325 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is CYNTHIA INCONTRO. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced business on August 4, 2021, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Mathews Enterprises, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 1715 S 94th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Barbara Onken, 1715 S 94th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Company was formed on August 31, 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wheelhouse Management, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 5115 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The initial registered office of the Company is 5115 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Shannon Lerda. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was executed on the 16th day of September 2021. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MED-RIGHT HOME MODIFICATIONS & INNOVATIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Med-Right Home Modifications & Innovations, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 6504 S 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68137. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from August 5, 2021. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Douglas K Harl. Its registered agent is Douglas K Harl and his office is located at 6504 S 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68137. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Spirit Catholic Radio Network Name of Applicant: VSS Catholic Communications, Inc. Address:13326 A Street Omaha NE 68144 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: January 9th, 2009 General nature of business: non-commercial educational radio network JAMES M CARROLL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 24, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Teresa’s Guided Solutions, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 24206 Bluff Road, Alvo, Nebraska 68304. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Teresa Schuelke-Harms, 24206 Bluff Road, Alvo, Nebraska 68304. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NOCTIS TRANSPORT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Noctis Transport, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address is 6315 Evans St, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent of the Company is USCA Inc. 1603 Farnam StreetOmaha, NE 68102. First publication September 24, 2021, final October 8, 2021

With retailers facing supply chain issues and scrambling to hire, ’tis the season to start holiday shopping early Continued from page 12. Toys in Lake Zurich, said he appreciated the notice Ravensburger gave so he could get orders in early. Even with the supply chain disruptions, Derr said he isn’t worried about having empty shelves this holiday season. While about half the toy manufacturers he placed preorders with are delivering products four to six weeks late, he still expects they will arrive in plenty of time for the holidays. Still, he encouraged parents to shop early. “This isn’t crying wolf this year,” he said. “This is my 26th Christmas and nothing has been so built up as this, but this time it’s real.” Books are seeing disruptions too, particularly when it comes to illustrated books that are typically printed overseas. Representatives selling those titles told Mary Mollman, owner of Near West Side bookstore Madison Street Books, to order everything she thought she needed upfront, because they weren’t sure they’d be able to deliver more copies, Mollman said. The bookstore, which held its grand opening days before the first pandemic shutdown in spring 2020, has had some “touch and go moments” trying to stay afloat and typically tries to order conservatively, Mollman said. This year she’s placed some bigger orders for highly anticipated titles to avoid being caught short-handed over the holidays and encourages customers to shop early or preorder. Other large companies cited concerns about apparel and footwear. Both Lululemon and Dick’s Sporting Goods cited challenges with factories in Vietnam facing COVID-19-related closures on top of the longer shipping times, according to recent earnings calls and investor conferences. Both retailers said they are shipping some products by air to avoid delays, and Lululemon is shifting some production out of Vietnam. Walmart and Target chartered ships just for their goods in hopes of trimming transit times. Both are placing larger orders earlier in the season, though Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said at an investor conference earlier this month that the company “would take even more inventory if we could get it, especially in some categories.” McMillon said the supply chain disruption is “more dramatic” than he can remember. “There have been various challenges, but not anything like this.” The supply chain issues could make big holiday discounts more scarce. Transportation costs have “exploded,” said Douglas Kent, executive vice president of the Chicago-based Association for Supply Chain Management. Companies are paying as much as 10 times more to transport a shipping container’s worth of goods than they did two years ago, and shortages of workers are pushing wages up, he said. “Somebody has to pay for that,” he said. While supply chain companies are trying to recruit more truck drivers and port and warehouse workers, retailers are scrambling to staff up ahead of the holiday rush. Amazon, Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gurnee Mills mall all held hiring events in recent days. Retailers have made fewer big seasonal hiring announcements than usual, but that’s likely because many have been in hiring mode for months, said Andy Challenger, vice president at Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The firm expects retailers to add about 700,000

workers this holiday season. In addition to the usual push to hire for the holiday rush, retailers are still catching up to pre-pandemic employment levels, Challenger said. There were 278,100 fewer people working in the sector in August compared with the same month two years ago. “With a labor market with thousands of open jobs apart from holiday demand, that creates a real threat to the health of the business,” said Shannon Warner, a partner in consulting firm Kearney’s consumer practice. Many retailers have been boosting pay to attract employees. Lululemon, which announced plans to hire 8,000 people in North America last month, including more than 100 in Chicago, said it will raise minimum wages to $15 or $17, depending on the employee’s role and location. Dick’s Sporting Goods, which recently said it plans to hire 480 seasonal employees in the Chicago area and 10,000 nationwide, had two wage increases over the past year that collectively made for “upper single digits to low double digit kind of wage increases,” Chief Financial Officer Lee Belitsky said during an earnings call last month. Others are offering bigger-than-usual signing bonuses, like Amazon, which is looking to hire 7,700 employees in Illinois as part of 125,000 new transportation and fulfillment jobs nationwide, on top of 75,000 new jobs the company announced in May. The Illinois jobs have an average starting wage of $16 per hour and can come with bonuses of up to $3,000 in certain locations, including the company’s warehouse in Monee. Kohl’s, which is looking to fill nearly 1,800 open jobs in the Chicago area, is also dangling bonuses of $100 to $400 for employees who work through the holiday season. An end to federal pandemic unemployment benefits earlier this month could push some people into the workforce, but it likely won’t prompt an “immediate bounce back,” Warner said. People are still concerned about the delta variant and navigating child care issues, and workers have more options than they used to because so many industries have openings. That could be a hurdle for retailers, whose jobs may be more difficult than usual because of increased conflict with customers, particularly around mask policies, or a shift to online shopping that has store employees rushing to fill orders, Warner said. Still, Amazon said Friday it received more than 500,000 applications for U.S. corporate, technology and hourly jobs since Sept. 1. Hiring needs aren’t limited to retailer’s stores and warehouses. Package carriers UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service plan to hire 100,000, 90,000 and 40,000 seasonal employees, respectively, after a 2020 holiday season marked by shipping delays as consumers did even more of their holiday shopping than usual online. UPS is offering weekly retention bonuses in certain areas including Chicago, where it aims to hire 5,000 people ahead of the holidays. It’s also emphasizing the potential to turn a seasonal job into a permanent role and streamlined the application process to make conditional job offers in as little as 30 minutes, said spokesman Dan McMackin. This year’s job market is the tightest the company has seen, and unusually unpredictable, McMackin said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but I think our experience … will carry the day,” he said. ©2021 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

COVID-19 was a setback for working women. These first-time entrepreneurs prevailed by Samantha Masunaga

Life had stalled La Kesha Wash’s dream of working in interior design. More than a decade later, she decided to give it a go — amid a global pandemic that was hammering the economy and shutting businesses. “I was like OK, you’re not getting any younger, so this is the time. If you’re going to do it, just do it,” said Wash, Entrepreneurship who quit her job as an employee of the city of Alameda a few months ago to focus on getting her business, Meticulous Designs, off the ground. The pandemic has disproportionately affected women, with significant numbers laid off, leaving their jobs or reducing work hours to care for children being schooled at home or other family members. It had another effect too: Women, especially those who had never before started a business, took up entrepreneurship, spurring a wave of first-time business ventures that experts say is a pandemic silver lining worth investing in. For women who are the primary income earner in their household and whose jobs were affected by the pandemic, taking that leap was a financial necessity. For those who are part of dual-income households, with a greater financial cushion or less spending obligations, the pandemic gave them time to think about what they really wanted to do with their lives. “The pandemic just created a little more space for people to pursue the things they’ve been thinking about or wanting to do but didn’t have the time or capacity to do when they had to commute to work or sit at a desk or just be in the office,” said Hayya Lee-McDonald, chief executive of Next Chapter Property Solutions and founder of the Women Small Business Owners Network group on LinkedIn. Human resources platform firm Gusto found that 49% of people who started businesses during 2020 were women, up from 27% in recent years, according to a May survey of about 1,500 business owners who used Gusto’s software. The most recent census data on female business owners nationally dates to 2018 so it’s difficult to quantify the trend, but many women who run entrepreneurship groups on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook have reported scores of new members, many of whom are first-time business owners. The Women Business Owners Supporting Women Business Owners group on Facebook had about 1,000 members in November 2019; by August 2020, there were 15,000 and today, there are about 21,000, said Amber Powers, the group’s founder and president of Powers Digital Marketing. “A lot of people through this time have had some hard and harsh realities to deal with and sit with, and I think that entrepreneurship makes an incredible amount of sense for a lot of people,” she said. New female entrepreneurs have gravitated toward coaching, virtual assistant and e-commerce businesses, particularly as remote work and virtual conferencing software became the norm, according to founders of women’s business groups on social media. The pandemic’s emphasis on virtual connections helped Jessica Bruny and her mindfulness coaching business, JessBeU, reach people when and where they were. The Upland resident had the idea for her business for several years but chose to finally start it in June 2020. “This virtual presence has also opened a plethora of doors for people to connect with

Jessica Bruny, CEO and founder of JessBeU LLC, an Upland-based wellness company. Bruny photographed on Euclic trail in Upland, CA. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS) people around the world but also see how they it work so they could provide for themselves, can be able to share ideas, start businesses, meet provide for their families.” new friends, begin new relationships,” she said. A March survey conducted by Gusto and the “It’s like no other.” National Assn. of Women Business Owners found Alexa Stanfill graduated from law school in that of the women who started new businesses December, into a job market with few opportu- during the pandemic, nearly half were women nities for entry-level lawyers. of color. They were more than twice as likely as She needed a job, and she had long thought white women to say that they started their new about starting her own business, particularly in businesses because they were laid off or worried the horse industry. As an equestrian herself, she about their financial situation. knew horse-riding pants could be expensive and “This is a very inspiring trend of women of uncomfortable. color turning obstacles into opportunities and creIn January, Stanfill, her mother, Shelby, and ating new businesses, but the conversation can’t friend Kara started Esprit Equestrian Wear, a Mur- end with, ‘This is an inspiring trend,’“ said Luke rieta-based e-commerce company that started off Pardue, an economist at Gusto who wrote the selling low-cost horse-riding pants ($60 per pair, survey report. “We have to find ways to support as opposed to the traditional cost of $150 to $200 these new business owners and make sure their on the low end). businesses don’t fail.” Stanfill set up a website and negotiated with Economic and entrepreneurship experts say manufacturers, and within six months, the com- that would require more investment in small-busipany had sold almost 4,000 pairs of pants. Her ness development centers, low-cost consulting merchandise has since expanded to include belts, sun shirts and jewelry. Though it was scary to start a business during the pandemic, Stanfill said the flexibility of running her own company quickly paid dividends. She can choose when she works and does not envy the long hours and rigid work schedules by Stephen Singer of lawyers. She looks forward to planning lonWomen in the workforce, particularly mothger-term travel. ers coping with remote work responsibilities, “Starting this e-commerce business will give face burn-out at a much greater rate than men, me more freedom to do that than be attached to a The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. redesk,” Stanfill said. ported Monday in a recent Careers A Facebook group called The Female Entresurvey. preneur Community also exploded in membership A July survey by The during the pandemic, from 880 members at the Hartford found 68% of women in the workforce beginning of the year to nearly 45,000 by August, report burnout, compared with 52% of men. The said Whitney McQuade, the group’s founder and 16-percentage point gap has widened from nine a business coach. points in a February survey. McQuade said she started the group to provide “This high level of burnout and growing an inclusive community online because she and gap for women should be cause for alarm for other Black and biracial women she spoke with business leaders,” said Jonathan Bennett, head felt “we were not represented in the online space.” of employee benefits at The Hartford. “The need Women of color were hit harder by job losses for flexibility in the workplace has never been during the pandemic than white women, and greater as the lines between work and home many struggle to rebound professionally, with continue to be blurred amid the pandemic.” families disproportionately hit by COVID-19 and The Hartford cited recent research by McKjuggling child- or family-care obligations. Other insey that working mothers in particular are online groups shied away from discussing racial struggling with household responsibilities and justice and its effect on businesses, and McQuade the challenges of remote work. wanted to create a space where a diverse commuU.S. workers who say they’re burned out nity felt it was seen and heard. also were more likely to look for another job, “It was creating a really safe space for womthe national survey showed. Among workers en to come together during these trying times,” who say they are “extremely likely” to look for McQuade said. “There were a lot of people who a new job in the next six months, 55% say they had no idea how to run a business but needed to “always feel burned out” and 16% say they receive feedback, support and guidance to make “often feel burned out.”

and other programs that give women the education and tools to learn and grow their businesses. “Women are very, very strong in terms of gaining social support, family support, informal social networks,” said Lois Shelton, a professor at Cal State Northridge who specializes in entrepreneurship and strategy. “Where women have somewhat of a disadvantage ... are accessing these business networks. That’s where men are very strong.” Spurred by the setback women have faced in the workplace during the pandemic, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Brit Morin started Selfmade, a 10-week online entrepreneurship seminar for women. Since June 2020, nearly 2,000 women ages about 20 to 70 have gone through the program. Of those who attended, about half had recently become unemployed or furloughed, and the other half had a side job that they hoped to make into a full-time gig. Many women wanted to join the program to work on what they’re most passionate about, Morin said. “With the pandemic, a lot of people have reevaluated their life,” Morin said. “They want to have a job that’s meaningful to them.” Esmeralda Jimenez recently went part-time at her property administrator job to focus on growing her Mexican pastries and bread business, Clementina’s Sweets. She founded it in San Diego in late 2019 as a passion project for weekends and offhours. After the recent deaths of family members and friends, Jimenez decided to take the leap and focus more on what she loves. Although it was difficult to leave the security of her job, Jimenez knew she had to give up something to keep growing the success of Clementina’s Sweets, which is named for her grandmother. “Life is not easy,” she said. “Doing what you love, that’s what makes life.” ©2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Burnout is pushing people out of jobs, survey by The Hartford shows

The Hartford’s survey found 37% of U.S. workers are likely to search for a job in the next six months, with better salary the top reason. Career growth and promotion and improved benefits such as a more flexible schedule and a better workplace culture are the other top reasons, according to the survey. “The pandemic has changed the workplace — including the hiring landscape — and once again elevating employee benefits and a flexible work culture as critical elements to attracting and retaining talent,” Bennett said. To help address workplace burnout, U.S. workers surveyed said they want their employers to offer more paid time off, a condensed four-day workweek, flexible schedules, remote work options, company mental-health days and a lighter workload. The Hartford said its claims data demonstrate that untreated mental health and substance use disorders can lead to absences and prolonged disability. A national online survey was conducted in the U.S. among about 2,000 adults 18 and older, including 966 full-time and part-time employed respondents. The research was conducted July 27-30 and the margin of error is plus or minus 3%. ©2021 Hartford Courant. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

Seattle brothers expand billion-dollar biotech company’s focus to include COVID by Akash Pasricha

Harlan and Chad Robins started Seattle-based Adaptive Biotechnologies 12 years ago to find a cure for cancer. Now, they have broadened their mission to take on COVID-19. Adaptive sells an ultra-detailed blood test that analyzes immune responses to different diseases. It says the techTechnology nology can advance research, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. “Your immune system knows about every disease you have,” said Harlan Robins, chief scientific officer at Adaptive. “If we could just ask the immune system what it knows, we would be able to diagnose every disease.” The company now hopes its technology can help government agencies make more informed decisions related to COVID-19. Adaptive created a specialized test that provides new data about how immune cells respond to the coronavirus. If successful, it would mark yet another major contribution by Seattle-area researchers with roots at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in combating COVID-19. Earlier in the pandemic, the Seattle Flu Study — a partnership between University of Washington Medicine, Fred Hutch and Seattle Children’s Hospital — added to its work tracking the flu by also surveilling for COVID-19. The cancer center’s own Dr. Larry Corey was tapped by Dr. Anthony Fauci to help oversee government-sponsored clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. And Fred Hutch computational biologist Trevor Bedford has long been at the forefront of mapping mutations and variants for the disease. Adaptive would also be another successful new startup born out of the cancer research center. The company was founded in 2009 by the two brothers after Harlan made a discovery with his team at the center. With a market capitalization of approximately $5.5 billion and a head count of 800 employees, Adaptive is the largest active company to spin out of the cancer center. It is second only to Juno Therapeutics, which was acquired in 2018 for $9 billion. With 17 startups active, Fred Hutch’s leaders are confident there’s more where Adaptive and Juno came from. ‘Worse than looking for a needle in a haystack’ Inside the human bloodstream, special cells called “T-cells” help the immune system detect diseases. But because the body has hundreds of millions of different types of T-cells — many specific to each disease — analyzing those T-cells is challenging. Some of the most advanced genetic sequencing tools on the market right now still “ignore” the genetic codes of T-cells because of how much variety there is, said Dr. David Koelle, a professor researching the immune system at UW Medicine. Adaptive is going after that problem by using chemistry and software to analyze the unique genetic codes that identify each type of T-cell. T-cells replicate when they encounter a specific threat, Koelle said. They serve as “memory” to help the body respond better if ever it faces the same threat again. Analyzing which T-cells someone has can help uncover the diseases they have faced throughout their lives. Microsoft, which invested $45 million in Adaptive in 2017, helps the company compare genetic codes found in blood samples with the hundreds of millions of other genetic codes Adaptive has on file. The project requires computing power similar to that of an entire internet

White boards line the hallways between labs for collabIration, along with rounded windows being shown off by Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO Chad Robbins in Seattle. (Steve Ringman/Seattle Times/TNS) search engine, said Peter Lee, a vice president of blood samples from almost every continent to at Microsoft. analyze the T-cell immune response to the virus. “It’s worse than looking for a needle in a In March, the company received emergency haystack,” Lee said. “What you’re looking for use authorization from the Food and Drug Adis a pattern of whether certain straws of hay ... ministration for its advanced test called “T-Detect are in the shape of a tree.” COVID” which it says can detect current and Less than a year after the company went pub- prior infections for the disease. Adaptive also lic in 2019, the coronavirus pandemic made the recently licensed technology to Norway-based human immune system the center of attention. Vaccibody to design vaccines that specifically Adaptive, too, began pointing its infrastructure target COVID-19 variants. at COVID-19 and started accepting thousands Adaptive’s broader vision with COVID-19

is making sure America is establishing pandemic guidelines based on domestic data that includes not only antibody responses to vaccines but also T-cell responses, giving a fuller picture of the immune system adapts to coronavirus. Adaptive CEO Chad Robins pointed out the government is heavily relying on studies from Israel to make decisions around booster shots. “Where [the government] spent a lot of time and effort funding vaccine development, we haven’t systematically funded what the immune response is,” Chad Robins said. From Lego blocks to booster shots Just thirteen months apart, Harlan and Chad Robins were “like twins,” said their mother, Karen Robins. The boys grew up in Chicago and were avid Lego fans. Chad would point to photos of which structure he wanted, and big brother Harlan would make it for him. “Harlan will build it and Chad will sell it,” Karen Robins recalled her late husband, Larry, often saying. After college, Harlan pursued science and research at “The Hutch,” while Chad went into finance and real estate. At a San Diego conference in 2009, Harlan presented a discovery he made on how to analyze the genetic content of the immune system. After dozens of professors flocked to ask him about the technology, Harlan called Chad from the hotel pool and pitched him on starting a business. While the company is losing money on every COVID-19 test it does, it sees this work as an “obligation.” The entire company is still “a few years” from profitability, Chad Robins said. Adaptive primarily sells its technology to Continued on next page.

Beyond productivity — scheduling your work makes it more enjoyable by Arianne Cohen

You’ve heard it before: To be more productive, schedule your work. Actually put it in your calendar. Carve out the time. But have you heard that scheduling your work makes it more enjoyable too? It does. Workplace Let’s consider the alternatives. It’s late afternoon, and you’re low-energy. You have a report due in the morning. “If you try and force your ‘A’ game in those moments, it’s just a very frustrating experience,” says Kelly Nolan, a time management strategist who works mostly with high-achieving women. “You dread it more because you’re not in the right frame of mind, and the creative juices aren’t there.” Or, say, it’s 9 a.m., and your deadline is tomorrow. You try to squeeze in writing paragraphs between the emails and calls and web surfing (let's be real). Now you’re overly busy and overwhelmed, and you guiltily cancel your afternoon meetings and a dinner date with a friend. Cue your “I hate myself” inner monologue. But! Let’s imagine that you clear out 90 minutes, turn off your internet and phone, and just barrel through as many paragraphs as you can. Yes, they will be awful paragraphs, which is nearly always the case on first drafts (voice of experience here), “but you’ll feel more in control of your day, and feel more accomplishment because you are actually moving the ball forward on a big project, which makes you feel more sane,” Nolan says. Sanity is invaluable. As we all move into a new routine of work from home and back-tooffice, where distractions will be aplenty, discipline and scheduling are all the more important. A few pointers

—Set start and finish times. Not doing so means that you’re waiting for the universe to magically birth a project time for you, which is delusional. The universe births asteroids and viruses, not personalized time. —Avoid a last-minute surge. Many office workers let emails and busywork fill the day, and then try to churn out focus work from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — or, worse yet, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the prime-time misery hours of lawyers and writers and coders. Of course those hours are wretched. “You’ll feel like you’re banging your head against a wall,” Nolan says. —Plan focus work when you’re energetic. It’ll feel easier when you’re most alert. The time will vary based on activity. For example, you might opt for writing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., or practicing a speech from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., or writing a song at 9 p.m. —Shut the door. “Distractions are the number one killer of getting into flow state,” says keynote speaker Diane Allen, of that blissful work state where time moves quickly, and you forget yourself and your worries. Flow is incited by work that engages your skills while simultaneously providing a challenge. Not all work assignments fit that description, but distractions end any chance of flow entering the experience. —Attempt flow when you can. When you can aim for a pleasurable flow state, Allen suggests a shortcut: Think about your most compelling internal motivator and external motivator. For example, perhaps you dig the problem solving or strategizing or creativity a task requires (internal motivator), and you’re excited to share your findings or help others or entertain (external motivator). Channel those. Nearly everyone struggles to block off time

for work, and Nolan has a winning theory about why. “A huge part of being a junior employee is responding to emails quickly, going to meetings, and just being super accommodating,” she says. “But years later, after you’ve advanced, no one ever tells you that your value is now your skills that you bring to the table, such as strategizing or client work or content creation. So you stay in that reactive mode, in these fragmented days of email and meetings, and all your focus work gets pushed to evenings and weekends.” Great careers are built on doing superior work on important projects. A related hint to all students: Great grades and actual education also depend on you giving your time and best energy to the most important projects. So, I’m telling you now: Turn off your damn email, and carve out time for focus work. You can thank me later. You’ll quickly discover that by doing so, you’re also freeing up the rest of your time. You can now leave at 4:30 p.m. without guilt, and not need to think about work on evenings or weekends. “You can actually do things you enjoy,” Nolan says. “It can add a lot of positive momentum to your life by letting you go to bed feeling accomplished about what you got done today, rather than feel defeated about what you didn’t get done. I’ve had clients who say, ‘I’m not beating myself up as much, so I’m drinking less. And I have more emotional bandwidth to give to my kids.’” See, magic. And most importantly, you’ll kill off your antagonistic relationship with your deep work and start enjoying it. ©2021 Rate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

How auto techs, trade schools are prepping for EV future by Kalea Hall

Greg Patton says he’s not like other mechanics with more than 40 years of greasy auto repair experience because he gets the coming electric vehicle future. In the last four decades, he’s watched manufacturers work to adapt Auto their technology for better fuel economy to the point where vehicles now shut off when stopped. There’s not much else they can do, he says, to achieve better fuel economy with internal combustion engines. And that’s why EVs are inevitable. “I would say it’s long overdue,” said Patton while sitting down for lunch at Mack Garage in Detroit where he works mostly on internal-combustion vehicles and occasionally a gas-electric hybrid. “I just can’t wait for the fully level-five autonomous cars to be coming out.” As automakers accelerate their EV plans, independent auto mechanics, dealer service centers and trade schools training future technicians are weighing how and when to best prepare for more electric vehicles to hit the road — and some harsh realities with far-reaching implications loom. EVs require less maintenance since they have fewer parts, especially in their drivetrains. That’s a concern for some shops, but others say there’s still a need for even more technicians who are trained to handle high-voltage wires that could kill if not handled properly when servicing EVs. Right now, trade schools receiving accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence “don’t necessarily have to teach hybrid or electric,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Now a lot of programs are headed that way, and curriculum is being developed to teach that.” The technology is still evolving, he add-

ed, and “right now, a lot of that training is very manufacturer-specific.” General Motors Co. — which is planning to field an emissions-free lineup by 2035 — established its Automotive Service Education Program, referred to as ASEP, in 1979. The program is a partnership with 50-plus community colleges across the United States and Canada that offer a two-year associates degree in automotive technology with a focus on repairing GM vehicles through curriculum provided by the Detroit automaker, GM’s director of global dealer service and warranty operations, Michael Durkin, explained in a statement to The Detroit News. There’s a GM dealership co-op as part of the program. “We will begin introducing EV content into this existing program in the near future as GM ramps up its transition to more EVs across the GM vehicle brand portfolio,” Durkin said. Stellantis NV, maker of Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, maintains a network of about 100 Mopar Career Automotive Program or CAP schools it is working with “to equip and implement EV training in the future as the curriculum changes,” said Brian Szalk, head of technical training at the automaker’s National Technical Training Center, in a statement to The News. Stellantis plans to give all of the schools an electric vehicle to teach courses on high voltage safety: “As these students often work part-time in local dealerships, they’ll continue to get real-world experience servicing EVs in an actual work environment under the supervision of experienced technicians,” Szalk said. Oakland Community College is looking at adding an electrical class that’s geared toward EVs and hybrids and has been looking at EV curriculum for a few years, said Claude Townsend, faculty in automobile servicing at the college.

But “the more we learn about it, the more we realize we need more training,” he added, noting that “there’s not a lot there. We’re looking at curriculum, developing it, trying to come up with some people, maybe from manufacturers that could come in and teach the course for us, so basically be an adjunct instructor.” Macomb Community College established its Center for Alternative Fuels in 2006, introducing training for hybrids. The college also has a Center for Advanced Automotive Technology that was established with funding from the National Science Foundation to support work on electrification. This year, the school started a new program that focuses on autonomous vehicles that teach automated driving systems technology, too. The transition to electric doesn’t concern Ben Cruz, director of Macomb’s Center for Advanced Automotive Technology, who says “it is exciting.” But there are concerns the shift to electrification will lead to a loss of independent shops as owners look to retire instead of investing for the future. “Unfortunately, that’s happening right now,” Cruz said. “The reason we’re losing some of these is because they don’t have the expertise to be able to work on some of the new vehicles, they don’t have the equipment to be able to work on those, and they can’t afford to have that equipment ... when the percentage of the work that’s coming in is 2%.” Auto dealers trying to navigate the historic transition are investing thousands of dollars on equipment, charger installation and training for their technicians. Those selling Cadillacs, for example, were told by the brand to invest at least $200,000 each to sell future EVs starting in 2022 or get out of the business. About 200 out of 880 Cadillac dealers in the United States decided not to move forward with EV sales and are closing up. But

Seattle brothers expand billion-dollar biotech company’s focus to include COVID Continued from preceding page. academics and drugmakers. Dr. Whitney Harrington, an infectious disease researcher at Seattle Children’s Research Institute uses Adaptive to study the transfer of immune cells from mothers to babies through the placenta and breast milk. Other tools offer her details about immune cells that Adaptive can’t. But Harrington said a key advantage to Adaptive’s service is she can readily access results online and is less dependent on a computational biologist to generate initial insights. Another category of customers includes physicians who help diagnose diseases. They are a “growing proportion” of the company’s revenue, said Chad Robins. For example, Adaptive can help cancer patients detect lingering tumor cells well after they have undergone treatment. One challenge with diagnostic testing is obtaining reimbursement from “an insurance system that is not designed to favor preventive care and screening,” said Evan Lodes, a partner at New York-based Senator Investment Group, which invested in Adaptive in 2015. “Ultimately, what we hope to do is get this blood test into primary care,” said Chad Robins. Still, he noted that was likely still five years away.

Lodes isn’t worried. He said therapeutics for immunology and infectious diseases today sell more than $100 billion annually. “The opportunity set is so large ... it would be a shame to prioritize near-term profitability” over growth, he said. ‘Astonishing’ entrepreneurship at Fred Hutch Juno and Adaptive’s tremendous growth has prompted Fred Hutchinson to find ways to replicate their success. In recent years, the cancer center has added reinforcements to the team that builds new startups of this kind and brings new discoveries to market. It recruited Niki Robinson and Hilary Hehman, both of whom built the commercial patent pipeline at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and tasked them with marketing Fred Hutch’s discoveries to outside investors. Hehman said it was “astonishing” to her just how “entrepreneurially focused” the culture is at Fred Hutch. “I don’t know what it is about The Hutch, but I feel like it attracts people that have that sensibility.” In the four years since 2017, the number of startups and licenses out of the center has nearly doubled compared to the four years prior. Still, Seattle has a long history of building biotech companies that are eventually

acquired by larger juggernauts. Years after Amgen acquired Seattle-built Immunex in 2002 for $16 billion, the California-based drugmaker decided to close its Puget Sound campus, leaving many of Seattle’s biotech brains soul-searching. “It’s so much excitement around each company and then a little bit of heartbreak when they’re acquired,” said Leslie Alexandre, president and CEO of Life Science Washington. “The next thing you know, the company has been moved.” Adaptive’s strategy to bring products to market in all three key life sciences segments — research, diagnostics and drug discovery — is evidence of its commitment to building a “stand-alone” company, Chad Robins said. The goal is to “be an anchor tenant in the Seattle area,” he said. “We weren’t building the company to be acquired.” To that end, Adaptive opened a new office Tuesday in Eastlake. One other marker of that commitment: Karen Robins, the brothers’ mom, has moved into a houseboat on Lake Union within eyeshot of the office, and often visits her sons for lunch. “If she had her way, she’d be here every day,” Chad Robins said. ©2021 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

LaFontaine Automotive Group in Michigan, featuring brands from Cadillac to Honda, has gone all-in on EVs at its dealerships and its technicians are getting the training needed. “We are struggling for technicians now ... but I personally believe that with EV, it’s going to give more tech-savvy individuals and young people maybe a second look at being a technician because it has become a very technology-based position,” said Mike Zasadny, fixed operations director for LaFontaine. “That’s exciting for some of our young people and it may open the door to more opportunity for us to attract young folks into this field.” Stellantis and GM both offer dealerships access to EV training, but these programs are not currently open to independent service centers. Ford Motor Co. did not respond to multiple requests for information on its programs, if any. “We intend to monitor the evolution of this market to ensure that our EV customers and owners get the service they need to keep their vehicles on the road,” Szalk said. GM’s Durkin noted the automaker’s EVs “have generous warranty coverage so initially, we don’t anticipate our vehicles needing to be serviced in the aftermarket. Although our focus is on the GM network today, future plans would consider offering training through our ACDelco channel for the aftermarket, as appropriate.” Leo & Sons Auto Repair in Lawrence, Massachusetts, started by Leo Lamontagne in 1975, has pushed to keep pace with new auto technologies since its founding more than 45 years ago. “That’s something he instilled with me because (of) the rapid change in automotive technology,” said Mark Lamontagne, Leo’s son. For the last 12 years, the dealership has delved into working on hybrids and pure electric vehicles. Today, that side of the business represents about 50% of the revenue with most of that coming from hybrid work. Mark Lamontagne knows there’s less maintenance required for EVs. But “that was one of the reasons we got into it. We want to be on the forefront, we want to start figuring out how to be profitable now and be known for it now.” Surrounded by gas-powered vehicles needing repair at Mack Garage on Detroit’s east side, Patton and shop owner Eric Nielsen say they will welcome EVs when they arrive. They’ve already worked in the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt hybrids, among others. “Obviously, it’s the future,” Nielsen said. “They’re coming.” He added: “We are ready for it as a population especially with all the climate change we’re having. I personally love big V-8 cars, and I will always have them. I don’t drive them every day.” And though the argument is there will be less maintenance required on EVs, Patton notes there are tires, brakes, suspension and other components that should still need attention. “They will probably have work,” he said. “But the work will be a different type. Whether we like it or not, this technology is going to be here.” ©2021 www.detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Fareway Stores, Inc. now offers online shopping at 126 Fareway Meat & Grocery and Fareway Meat Market locations in a five-state region at Shop.Fareway.com. Newly planned store locations will provide for this service upon opening. The service is free with a $30 minimum purchase. Orders can be modified up to 30 minutes before pick-up and can be ready as quickly as three hours after being placed. There is no membership fee to use the online shopping service. Inc. magazine listed Summit Medical Staffing of Fremont, Nebraska as No. 3257 on its annual Inc. 5000 list. The average median three-year growth rate among the 2021 Inc. 5000 soared to 543%, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Over the past three years, the companies added a combined total of more than 610,000 jobs to the market. The Gretna Community Foundation welcomed three new members to its board of directors. Nancy Arp, a business professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Molly Miller, an attorney with Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O., and Jason Pfenning, vice president of lending with Core Bank. BerganKDV and Miller Haviland Ketter (MHK), located in Kansas City, Missouri, have merged. MHK has adopted the BerganKDV name and brand. The MHK team consists of 13 individuals including six shareholders which brings the current Kansas City location headcount to around 40 employees. Firm-wide, BerganKDV employs 467 team members. Metro Transit is introducing new, MBJ-REBRAND-2021.qxp_GIVING ADS a8/31/21 contactless option to its fare payment system — Umo. With Umo, riders will board and

manage accounts with a mobile app, or board with Umo smart cards and manage accounts online. ORBT fare collection will begin on Friday, Oct. 1 using the Umo system. Through fare capping, the Umo system will recognize the amount a rider pays in a calendar month and “cap” payments when they reach the monthly ride cost — $55 for full-fare riders and $27.50 for half-fare riders. For the remainder of that month, funds would not be deducted when using the fare reader. Private Wealth has joined the market as an independent private wealth management firm. Serving ultra-high net worth and institutional clients, Private Wealth uses a circle of experts and services to surround clients with subject matter experts in diverse financial fields to provide comprehensive guidance. Clients receive services tailored for their goals, provided by subject matter experts with more than 300 combined years of experience. Private Wealth uses those areas of expertise to surround clients with a circle of services to offer guidance in investment banking, estate and trust planning, tax planning and management, cash flow planning and more. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles received an international award recognizing the department’s Fleet eServices. The Fleet eServices program is an online service where Nebraska businesses can track and renew their vehicle fleets online. Prior to the program’s launch, businesses would have to track each vehicle individually and renew registrations either by mail or in person, many times at multiple offices. The service received the 5:15 PMcounty Page 1 Improvement Through Efficiencies Award from the American Association of Motor

Vehicle Administrators at the organization’s annual conference. Omaha Mobile Stage has begun construction on the conversion of an 18-foot box truck into a performing arts venue on wheels. Over the next three months, students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture will convert the former knife-sharpening truck into a stage on wheels. Upon completion, the stage will be mobilized to provide safe, healthy access to performing arts in neighborhoods and schools throughout the Omaha metro area. Partners for Livable Omaha purchased a used 2004 GMC box truck. The 18-foot truck was gutted and received necessary repairs at Twins Auto in Omaha. Omaha Land Bank announced its inaugural class of Land Bank Ambassadors. Participants will meet monthly for one year. Sessions will cover a number of topics such as Land Bank operations; an introduction to the public process; affordable housing policy considerations; understanding tax lien certificates and the foreclosure process; and diversity, equity and inclusion training. Members are: Clarice Jackson, Courtney Vaughn, Katie Kresha, Nichelle Horton-Brown, Gwendolyn Knave, Jewel Rodgers, Tanesha Burns, Tiba Brown, Traéa Bowden, Andrew Wesely, Angel Starks, Jennifer Bauer, Tamara Dwyer, Zach Reinhardt, Joe Zadina, Isaiah Ang, Barbra Dohmen, Roman Dimaksyan, Autumn Evans, Melissa Glenn and Shane Stratman. First State Fremont, Inc., the holding company for First State Bank & Trust Co., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Two Rivers Bank of Blair and Arlington, Nebraska. First State anticipates the transac-

tion will close in quarter four 2021, subject to regulatory approval. Under the agreement, First State will acquire both of the Two Rivers Bank locations. This will bring the number of full-service locations in First State’s footprint to six. Two Rivers Bank is a locally owned, community bank that has served the surrounding area since 1890. It has $148 million in assets as of June 30, 2021.

Education notes…

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “Best Colleges” rankings Creighton University ranked No. 103 in the National Universities category. Of the approximately 1,400 four-year colleges and universities nationwide ranked by U.S. News, only 389 (or about 20%) are classified as National Universities. These universities are recognized for offering a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. University of Nebraska at Omaha was ranked in several categories for the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Among National Universities, UNO ranked No. 263, climbing 30 spots in two years. In the Top Public Schools category, UNO ranked No. 132, 12 spots higher than last year. In the social mobility category, UNO ranked No. 169, 85 spots higher than two years ago. The undergraduate computer science programs climbed up 56 spots to reach No. 154. The undergraduate business programs ranked No. 166, climbing 14 spots since last year. Creighton University is embarking on a $37 million residence hall that will be built Continued on next page.

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Spread the Word

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. on 23rd Street, south of Burt Street, and will house 400 students. Completion is expected in time to welcome freshman students in the fall of 2023. It will be the first Creighton residence hall built exclusively for first-year students since the 1960s, and the first new residence hall of any kind since 2006. Accommodations will consist of two adjoining rooms, two double-occupancy bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a central community kitchen. Each floor will have kitchenettes, as well as dedicated spaces for student development programs.

Heath care notes…

Kubat HealthCare has opened a new store in Omaha at 16909 Lakeside Hills Plaza, Suite 113. The store will offer home and medical equipment and onsite expertise to provide solutions that improve the quality of life. In-store equipment will include CPAP/ BiPAP machines and supplies, canes, walkers, lift chairs, bathroom aids, orthotic braces, compression garments, and more. Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions launched a COVID-19 response specifically to assist hospitals and physicians throughout the U.S. with dispensing and coordinating administration of Regeneron Monoclonal Antibody Treatment to eligible patients. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Regeneron has proven to reduce viral levels and improve symptoms in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Regeneron should be received as soon as possible or within 10 days of a positive COVID-19. Regeneron is available in a clinic setting or as an in-home treatment, and requires a one-hour observation period. The treatment is covered by insurance plans and Medicare.

Activities of nonprofits…

CRCC was awarded a $15,000 one-year grant from United Way of the Midlands. The grant will help CRCC’s Learning Together Preschool provide more support for children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder with a focus on early intervention. Often, children with disabilities such as autism need early intervention and programming designed to focus on social/emotional learning in a peer-related environment. CRCC seeks to reduce the financial burden on parents through its patient financial assistance program. The program will also be targeted toward families with a low-to-moderate income. New Visions Homeless Services was recently awarded a $95,000 one-year grant from United Way of the Midlands. The grant will help New Visions continue to provide help, hope, and opportunity for those experiencing hunger and homelessness in the Council Bluffs and Omaha areas. With the help of this grant, New Visions will be able to offer emergency food and shelter to nearly 500 individuals in Council Bluffs this year. In addition, our Omaha Veteran’s Campus will be able to serve nearly 150 veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands was awarded a $120,000 one-year-grant from United Way of the Midlands. One recognizable area of work is its mentoring program, which serves over 700 youth and enables hundreds of volunteers in the greater Omaha area. With its latest program, Mentor U provides screened and trained volunteer mentors to high school youth enrolled in an academic enrichment class to keep students on track for graduation and success.

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has awarded $57, 250 to six organization through the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa. Grants to Applied Information Management Institute, FAMILY, Inc., Mills County Public Health, Neola Betterment Corporation, Project Pink’d, Inc., and Senior Futures, Inc. will support programming and projects that are focused on improving the quality of life and well-being of women and families in southwest Iowa. CASA for Douglas County’s Inaugural CASA Classic Golf Tournament raised over $34,000. Friends of CASA, a membership organization that’s committed to improving the lives of abused and neglected children, organized the tournament. Funds raised will go to furthering CASA’s vision of providing an advocate for every child in foster care. Local civic nonprofit One Omaha is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Previously in a fiscal sponsor agreement with Civic Nebraska since 2015, One Omaha is poised to expand its objective of training and supporting Omaha-area community organizers and neighborhood groups. In 2020, One Omaha worked with 31 neighborhood and community groups, helping them secure more than $20,000 in funding from the Omaha Community Foundation. One Omaha also directly dispersed $8,500 in mini-grant funds to support up-and-coming community organizers’ events and community development projects. Heartland Family Service raised over $45,000 to help support survivors in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program at its 28th annual Safe Haven Golf Tournament. Intercultural Senior Center was awarded a $60,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands. The grant will help provide older adults who are facing ongoing isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic with case management services that allow them to meet an array of mental and physical needs to stay active and

Paid Content

Lutz Expands 401(K) Services with Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) Offering Lutz Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and affiliate of business solutions firm Lutz, recently announced its partnership with Newport, an independent retirement services provider, to offer the Lutz Financial Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). Chris Wagner, Lutz Financial Director, said, “This new retirement plan solution, made possible with the passing of the SECURE Act, enables employers of all sizes, industries, and locations to come together and adopt the benefits of one professionally managed retirement plan. Participating employers benefit through reduced administrative burdens, fiduciary risks, and lower overall retirement plan costs achieved through economies of scale. In addition, employees receive a modern, user-friendly experience and access to independent financial advisors. Employers are communicating the need to provide a competitive retirement plan to compete for talent without being an

investment expert or dedicating internal staff to time-consuming plan administration. The Lutz Financial PEP meets these needs while allowing employers to maintain plan feature flexibility. Our clients have already seen great success implementing the PEP, and we are excited to be at the forefront of offering a pooled employer plan locally.” Lutz selected Newport as a partner because of its extensive retirement plan capabilities, award-winning service and industry-leading technology. The company provides solutions tailored to the needs of employers of every size, from small businesses to the Fortune 1000. Newport’s retirement recordkeeping services support more than 39,000 plans and 1.5 million plan participants, representing over $150 billion in retirement assets under administration. Learn more about Lutz’s Pooled Employer Plan services here: https://www.lutz.us/lutzfinancial-services/pooled-employer-plan/

Submit your paid announcements to the Spotlight@mbj.com healthy. Through this program, ISC also can assist older adults in need of interpreters for appointments and provide transportation to appointments as needed. UScellular donated $1,637 toward science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) resources for Nebraska teachers and

2020 Winner

their students. Through a donation to DonorsChoose, UScellular provided funding for 13 projects submitted by Nebraska teachers. In Omaha, the following schools received grants: Castelar Elementary, Franklin Elementary, King Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, and Spring Lake Magnet.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Employee Benefits A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

September 24, 2021

Flexible workforce arrangements, demand for talent underscore rich benefits packages by Michelle Leach

The current environment has been oft characterized as a “war” for talent. Midlands area benefits professionals are highlighting the value of quality benefits plan has on attracting top employees, and on keeping current associates from grazing in “greener pastures.” “Every one of our clients are looking to add to their workforce,” said Howard Shandell, president of Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc. “Finding new candidates has never been this challenging. How powerful is it for an employer to offer a richer health care plan, yet a lower cost solution than their competitors? This would be a huge recruiting and retention advantage.” When asked about the role workforce shifts (such as hybrid workplaces) is having on benefits, Shandell said employers are more flexible about remote work and in-person attendance. “The nature of the business will dictate how they will continue to manage and operate in this new reality,” he said. “The biggest unknown is how the work environment will be impacted when the vaccinated and unvaccinated work together.” In addition, he continued, what impact will unvaccinated COVID-19 claims have to health plans costs? How do CFOs budget for this unknown? “We have the answer,” he said, adding that, “If the status quo has their way, premiums will increase with benefits decreasing to save money.

Howard Shandell, president of Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc. (Photo by Roger Humphries) This means more financial insecurity for people cost meds at no cost to the patient.” Gallagher Employee Benefits Strategist seeking health care.” Shandell said the firm is focused on elimi- Molly Ducker and Account Executive Sarah nating financial barriers that prevent people from Boykin largely noted that many employers are allowing employees more flex when they can receiving the care they need. “The most ingenious and cutting-edge — working from home when and if the position strategy being implemented now are $0 copay allows and flexibility in hours worked. “With everything going on in the world health plans,” he said. “We are delivering high-

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people are re-evaluating what is important to them and making those things a priority,” Ducker said. “Employers have been called to action to support their workforce in creating and maintaining work/life balance and well-being opportunities that are more holistic in nature.” This means, she added, that employers are looking for programs to bring additional support to their employees, whether that support is mental health care or financial tools. “It also means that many employers are reevaluating their strategy to engage employees,” Boykin said. “Sometimes the resources are already available, but employers must find a way to Cockerill effectively engage employees in using them.” She noted employers who haven’t prioritized emotional wellbeing in the past are now doing so. “We are helping clients implement and evaluate EAP (employee assistance) programs, behavioral tele-health, employer paid memberships/subscriptions to online support tools as well as benefit design changes which remove financial barriers for mental health and substance abuse care,” Boykin added. The duo also noted more employers, in the pursuit of transparency, are considering direct contracts with community-based health systems. “Gallagher is working hard to address the struggles of the mid-sized employer,” Ducker said, a reference to workforces with 100 to 1,000 employees. “Insurance companies have developed products, pricing strategies and value-added services to support the small employer and there have always been creative solutions available to the large employer.” However, Boykin added, the middle-market employer often gets hit with the high renewal increase with little to no data and few options that help improve the health of employees and their families. “We believe in setting a three- to five-year strategy for this exact client – one that has flexibility, has innovative cost-containment measures and establishes a roadmap for the future,” she summed up. Koley Jessen Shareholder Adam Cockerill, too, referenced how the pandemic has changed how employers look at virtual or telehealth programs and mental health support, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs). “The pandemic has highlighted the need for Continued on next page.

Employee Benefits • Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

Flexible workforce

Continued from preceding page. both to be readily available to employees,” he said. “I think more employers will be reviewing their virtual or telehealth and employee assistance programs before re-enrollment starts and work to come up with options that better support their employees.” The key, he continued, will be making sure that employees know what options are available to them and how to use them. He largely described COVID-19 as presenting a “whirlwind” of employee benefits issues. “From employees needing to take distributions from their 401(k) plans to learning how to use their health plan’s telemedicine option,” he said. “While we do not yet know the impact that the 401(k) distributions or the cessation of employer matching contributions will cause in the long run, I cannot imagine that it will be pretty.” To that end, it was noted that the majority of Americans weren’t financially ready for retirement before the pandemic. “Add suddenly being unexpectedly furloughed or laid off for a period of months and having to use your 401(k) to survive, it will only put those individuals further behind in preparing for retirement,” Cockerill said. The CARES Act, it was noted, offered the likes of a three-year repayment period and the elimination of an early withdrawal penalty. Question was brought up, though, as to how realistic it is that those forced to take a distribution to survive will be able to repay amounts in three years? Cockerill recommended looking at one’s retirement and health and welfare plans — assuring compliance and considering any provisions that might be beneficial to employees.

Tips for employees to maximize their benefit by Brooke Strickland

When it comes to your job, your compensation is more than just the paycheck you take home. The benefits that your employer provides can add significant value to your career, making the job even better. However, many people aren’t taking full advantage of employer benefits — sometimes because they simply don’t understand them completely. Here are some tips on how to maximize your benefits and use them to their full potential. What employees are looking for When it comes to benefits, most employees want choices. They are not only looking for affordable health insurance premiums, but they want paid time off, a robust 401(k) matching program, and an environment that makes them feel valued. Employers today are also getting more creative in their benefits packages, so they can attract and retain qualified workers. Adam Hall, sales associate for FNIC said, “Employers are now getting more creative when it comes to offering perks to attract, and create more productive employees for the long term, such as direct primary care or unlimited physician benefits for their families.” Kristi Herman, manager, divisional human resources for Senior Market Sales said employees want options. “With so many businesses hiring, employers need to have a competitive benefits package to attract top talent and future rockstar performers,” she said. Tips for maximizing your benefits

“Employees should match their health plan and life insurance to their needs and the needs of their family,” said Sue Loerts, attorney at law for Jackson Lewis P.C. “Avoid buying more insurance than you need. If you are healthy you may want to select a higher deductible health plan to save money on premiums. Consider setting aside the money that you

Loerts Reid saved to cover any expenses that you incur before your deductible is met for the year.” In addition, it is important to remember to educate yourself on what benefits are offered and determine which options fit best with your lifestyle. “The best tip I can provide is for employees to be educated,” Herman said. “Research and take advantage of the educational material provided, ask questions as you are your own best advocate as a consumer. Understanding your options is the best way to make an informed decision on what will work best

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for you and your family. There are many tools and resources available to help an employee fully utilize their benefit offerings to maximize their health and wealth planning to meet their needs.” Beau Reid, senior vice president, employee benefits for Holmes Murphy suggested fully educating yourself. “Consider your tolerance for out-ofpocket exposure, balanced with the health of your family,” he said. “If you have the means to meet the deductible/out-ofpocket potential costs, then choose the less expensive option that likely pushes higher exposure your way. “Take full advantage of any programs that are subsidized by the employer but stay focused on the four main pillars of employee benefits: medical insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and retirement plan.” Hall explained that health care costs are continuing to rise, so it is important to look closely at how you can get what you need at a price you can afford. “Health insurance premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket maximums continue to rise, outpacing inflation,” he said. “Many employees spend 20% of their household income on health care coverage. If you are a family of four and both parents have options for an employer health plan, one key tip is to outweigh the cost for both plans. Then determine if pairing the two plans together or having just one plan can be a cost-effective way Continued on next page.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Employee Benefits

Rising plan costs and COVID-19 drive health care trends by David Kubicek

COVID-19 is driving a huge trend towards employer wellness plans with incentives for employees who are fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, and employer costs drive the wellness programs. “I’m drafting customized plans because there are numerous rules and regulations to comply with, but at the end of

the day, it’s absolutely possible and appropriate to establish COVID-19 vaccine wellness programs,” said Fraser Stryker Attorney Emily R. Langdon. “COVID-19 health care costs are high and continue to increase. It is the employers’ fiduciary duty, as plan administrators and plan sponsors, to the plan and plan participants to take action to mitigate unnecessary health

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care plan costs. “Over the next 12 months, the administrative rules and guidance will change

Langdon Diesing and hopefully be clarified, but the positive thing is that employers are taking action to incentivize healthy actions of employees.” Lisa Diesing, assistance vice president and account executive of health and welfare at Lockton Cos., said that early this year, coming out of the pandemic, employers shifted toward using health insurance as an attraction/retention tool, and reducing costs became a secondary focus. “Employers are now evaluating benefits that meet employee needs, stipends for home office equipment, financial wellness opportunities — [such as] budgeting tools, educational tools, and tuition reimbursement programs,” she said. “Emotional well-being continues to be a main fixture in benefit offerings —traditional employee assistance programs, digital applications, and third-party behavioral health management vendors.” In an effort to manage rising costs without disrupting members, employers are evaluating narrow network opportunities and dedicated disease management programs that focus on specified disease states. “The pandemic created barriers in access to care making it difficult for members to manage their conditions,” Diesing said. “Employers are seeking to offer their employees access to programs that can focus on their specific needs and

help improve their well-being.” Most recently employers are evaluating the opportunities with vaccine-related mandates. Some employers have included the vaccine as a portion of their wellness programs. Although early feedback shows low adoption, employers are considering whether to incentivize the vaccine under their health plans. “ T h e p a n d e mic’s impact on health status and access to care is still driving many employer choices in benefit Tiarks design, program offerings and cost mitigation,” Diesing said. “We anticipate the impact of COVID-19 to continue to drive employer decisions in their health insurance and benefit portfolio. Certainly, as new legislation evolves that will drive employer choice as well.” Many TS Bank clients have stated their concerns with rising health care costs over the past several years, according to Nikki L. Tiarks, AVP of personal banking. Driving those concerns is the overall cost of medical appointments and increasContinued on next page.

Tips for employees

Continued from preceding page. to reduce health insurance costs.” And last, remember to use your benefits as needed. Many times, people get into a routine of not using what’s available to them and this can be a bad habit to get into. “Use your vacation time throughout the year to maintain your work-life balance and avoid burnout,” Loerts said. “If your employer doesn’t offer paid sick leave or short-term disability, you will need to bank some vacation or PTO time for emergencies. But, look for opportunities to take long weekends or personal days to maintain your mental health.”

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Employee Benefits • Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

Financial wellness important part of employee benefits by Brooke Strickland

Money matters. In fact, financial wellness — just like physical wellness — is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Managing money properly brings greater security, less-stress, and freedom to live life on the terms that work for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to ensuring you are fiscally fit. Financial wellness tips Bart Protzman, director of retail and bank operations at Core Bank said that the first step to financial wellness is establishing a budget and sticking to it. “Sit down and begin to categorize spending,” he said. “This will help establish how much money is going towards rent, utilities, food, gas, entertainment, etc. It also allows you to budget monthly expenses versus how much income they have each month. And don’t forget to plan for known large expenses well ahead of time. If you are planning a vacation or know of an upcoming expense, account for that in your budget.” Next, prioritize savings. Financial experts recommend that when working on your budget, to set aside a specific amount each month to go toward savings. “The first ‘bill’ should be paying yourself by transferring whatever amount is comfortable for you into a savings account,” Protzman said. “This is easily accomplished with an auto transfer to a saving account.” Dawn Gonzales, vice president of community development at Centris Federal Credit Union also reiterates the importance of savings. “With your savings account, consider what you can give up during the month that you wouldn’t really miss,” she said.

“This could be a cup of coffee or a takeout lunch or dinner. Most people can find $10 or more in little expenses that can add up over time to a larger sum. Ask your banker to automatically withdraw that money once or twice each month Protzman from your checking account and then make sure you actually cut out that coffee or lunch expense each week. My motto is ‘set and forget’ and ‘pay yourself first.’ We learned during the pandemic that most Americans do not have an emergency savings account and there is no time like the present to set one up.” Another helpful thing to get you set up for success financially is to track your spending. This usually includes saving receipts, itemizing your spending, and seeing where your money is going. Knowing how much you are making and how much you’re spending will give you more insight as to what changes you can make and where you can cut back or meet other financial goals that you’ve established. Consider setting up an Excel spreadsheet for monthly expenses or use a notebook or a whiteboard to keep track of spending habits. Many banks also have online money management tools that can be helpful. Why financial wellness is important Life can get tense at times and money issues will often intensify anxiety and stress. So, ensuring you take the right steps to set yourself up for fiscal success is key to living life to its fullest.

“One of the main drivers of stress is finances,” Protzman said. “A well-run monthly budget will give you the peace of mind that your bills will be paid each month and let you know how ‘fun’ money you have for entertainment.” Gonzales Gonzales noted that money is the No. 1 stressor for Americans. “Living paycheck to paycheck and

worrying about how you will pay next month’s rent or car payment is stressful,” she said. “We know that this type of stress is not healthy and can actually lead to making us sick. “When we know what we are doing with our money, we are making informed choices and we don’t stress about it. There is value in knowing you can cover an emergency without having to put the expense on a credit card, being debt-free or managing the debt you do have, saving enough for retirement, and having great credit. When you are tracking your income and expenses, you begin to learn where you can make little changes that over time will matter and will allow you to have more discretionary income.”

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Health care trends

Continued from preceding page. ing costs of prescriptions and procedures. The U.S. population also has a large percentage of aging seniors who require additional medical assistance. One way people can help manage these rising costs is to open a health savings account (HSA), which is a tax-exempt trust or custodial account an individual sets up with a qualified HSA trustee to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses. To be eligible for an HSA, an individual must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of the month, must not have any other health coverage except what is permitted by the IRS, must not be enrolled in Medicare, and must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. HSA contribution amounts and other qualifications can change each year, so it is best to refer to the IRS.gov website or speak with a tax professional, accountant, or insurance agent for specific HSA information. “We require standard individual identifying information to open the account,” Tiarks said. “An HSA account at TS Bank is interest-bearing, can have a debit card, and is not subject to a set-up fee.”

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• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

Elected

Britton Hamm Branch Manager West Gate Bank

The West Gate Bank Board of Directors has elected Britton Hamm to the title of Branch Manager at the 97th & Q location. Hamm began his West Gate Bank career as a teller in 2014 and has been promoted several times over the years. In his new role as Branch Manager of the West Gate Bank branch at 97th & Q Street, Hamm will be responsible for developing and maintaining business

relationships with customers, providing personal service to meet their financial needs and coaching his staff to achieve customer service and sales goals. Hamm volunteers with Junior Achievement, as well as bank-sponsored community activities. Britton Hamm is located at 9775 Q Street and can be reached at 402731-1003 or bhamm@westgate.bank.

BANKING Promoted

Greg Hanson Vice President ACCESS Payment Processing

ACCESSbank has promoted Greg Hanson to vice president of its merchant processing division, ACCESS Payment Processing. Greg joined the ACCESS team in 2012 when the bank purchased USMPS. In this leadership role, Hanson will be responsible for the overall management of the division, to include all aspects of sales and service. He will continue to manage his current client portfolio along with new business development. Hanson has ten years

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tation Frey additional accredil for charge of any of the at after the CounciIn Interim Dean n education courses efforts needed of Educator. level. College of Educatio Frey has taught and graduate the Accreditation dean, Frey will New Hire ity the undergraduate Frey will Doane Univers Marlene his role as interim on faculty, lead the interim dean, the In his role as on faculty, lead Knight oversee the educati nal accreditation Dr. Tim Frey, additio oversee the educati nal accreditation ment after charge of any professor of Client Develop of any additio Council for efforts needed charge chair after the education and Manager the Council for efforts needed on of undergraduate s the Accreditation Lamp Rynears the Accreditation education program , of Educator of Educator Marlene Knight onon-site ity, has been named Preparation’s Preparation’s on the professor of chair at Doane Univers College of Education, work the site visit, and visit, and work ion education and interim dean of Frey’s appointment graduate 1. e expansion of possible expans of undergraduate s to replace effective July on on the possibl s in the future. six-month search in June. of graduate educati education program comes after a r at future. education program sity, r, who is retiring a faculty membe hired programs in the faculty member at at Doane Univer Dr. Lyn Foreste faculty member at Frey has been was a of the a 2013 when he Frey has been was hired interim dean Frey has been Doane since of education. 2013 when he or when he was hired has been named ion, effective July on. since 2013 profess te Doane educati on. at the Doane since as an associa te professor of College of Educat ment comes after professor of educatiat the at education courses In his as an associa as an associate level. education courses Frey has taught 1. Knight’s appoint to replace Dr. Lyn education courses In his level. and graduate Frey has taught Frey has taught and graduate undergraduate a six-month search June. and graduate level. dean. the undergraduate is retiring in dean, Frey will undergraduate will oversee the role as interim interim Frey as Forester, who a faculty member at the role dean, In his of any role as interim on faculty, lead was hired Frey has been lead the charge oversee the educati 2013 when she education. education faculty, tation efforts needed SERVICES Doane since FINANCIAL te professor of additional accredifor the Accreditation BANKING & as an associa l after the Counci on-site visit, Y SERVICES n tion’s OLOG Promotio TECHN on of of Educator Prepara Brad possible expansi CES Promotion and work on the on programs in the future. HEALTH SERVI Hammitt Tim graduate educatifaculty member at cial Promotion Head of Commer has been a Wisnieski hired Frey was Real he Tim and e when r Mortgag on. Doane since 2013 Operations Manage nts Meyers professor of educatiat the Estate Investme logies as an associate t Parallel Techno education courses In his State Presiden Mutual of Omaha Frey has taught e level. logies Nebraska Parallel Techno aduate and graduatwill oversee the WellCare of Omaha of undergr Mutual dean, Frey has promoted Brad of any role as interim to has promoted WellCare of lead the charge of Tim Wisnieski named education faculty, tation efforts needed r. Hammitt to head Nebraska has e operations manage state additional accredifor the Accreditation commercial mortgag Tim Meyers as out of the Council the Based visit, after Meyers on-site tion’s president. investments. company’s Omaha of Educator Prepara and real estate oversees the overall g WKH the national and work on L ZLOO RYHUVHH Hammitt leads rcial operations, includin RI¿FH :LVQLHVN g automation projects based comme the possible network correspondentprogram and is delivery of buildin \ UHGXFHG ry compliance, of on lending I¿FLHQF regulato e , o expansi QHUJ\ H ng, mortgag strategy portfoli on WKDW LPSURYH H ted disparate building the mortgage sales and marketi graduate educati responsible for management, l management, and integra for more than 30 the ible medica has in costs s s, tt respons program rcial s. He is strategy. Hammi RQV LQ provider relation control system nce in the comme YHUQPHQW UHODWL future. satisfaction through years of experie industry. ¿QDQFH DQG JR joining WellCare of ensuring client delivered on time and mortgage lending Nebraska. Before held vice president projects that are Nebraska, Meyers where he was on budget. positions at Aetna, underwriting. SERVICES responsible for ADVERTISING SERVICES Promotion ADVERTISING Kelley SERVICES Promotion ADVERTISING Peterson Jen

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of experience in the credit and gift card industry, providing IT support and training on processing equipment. He provides businesses solutions, which often reduce merchant costs while providing top of the line payment technology. Greg volunteers in the community to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Food Bank for the Heartland. ACCESSbank is a locally owned community bank committed to making things happen in Greater Omaha. Dedicated to serving its clients, shareholders, employees and the community, ACCESSbank is known for exceptional customer service and building long-lasting relationships. There are currently six locations in the Omaha metro, with a seventh location under construction in Aksarben Village.

Promoted

Ethan Bohn Treasury Management Specialist

his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Nebraska.

Frontier Bank

Ethan Bohn has been promoted to Treasury Management Specialist. In this role, Bohn will work with new and existing clients on all their depository and treasury management needs. Bohn previously served as the Retail Bank Manager in Omaha and was integral in the bank’s transition to its new location at 13333 and California Street. Bohn grew up in the Omaha metro area and earned BANKING

BANKING

Hired

Appointed

Michael Sands

Brenda Bartlett

Senior Vice President

Retail Operations Manager

Frontier Bank

Michael Sands has joined the Private Bank team as a Senior Vice President. Sands, a veteran Omaha banker, will assist the Private Bank in managing its large diverse client base. In addition, Sands will be active in bringing new clients to the bank. Sands is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearny as well as the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha.

Frontier Bank

Brenda Bartlett has been appointed to Retail Operations Manager. She will be responsible for developing and administering Bank-wide retail operational policies, procedures and implementing new products and services, while also managing the digital banking support team. In conjunction with this role Bartlett will manage the Omaha retail branch operations.

BANKING

Hired

Promoted

Richelle Johannes

Tracy Stuart

Vice President, Operations & Retail

Senior Loan Manager

i3 Bank

i3 Bank is thrilled to announce the addition of Richelle Johannes, Vice President, Retail & Operations. Richelle has nineteen years of experience in banking and is a graduate of the NBA’s Operations School. She has a passion for educating youth on saving money and banking and we’re excited for her to continue this work at i3 Bank. Welcome Richelle!

Submit your company’s employee announcements to Spotlight@mbj.com

Frontier Bank

Tracy Stuart has been promoted to Senior Loan Manager. In this role Stuart will lead an administrative team which serves the bank’s lending officers. She has extensive experience including commercial, retail, and mortgage banking. Stuart also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content

ACCOUNTING

Promoted

James Schlehr, CPA

Will Smith, CPA

Brent Smith, CPA

Bryce Koch

Manager

Senior

Manager

Frankel Zacharia

Schlehr received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha, with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance and Banking. He focuses primarily in taxation of closely held businesses. Schlehr has over six years in public accounting and has been a member of the firm for over two years. Schlehr is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA).

Smith graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, magna cum laude, with an emphasis in Accounting. He works in a variety of industries providing audit, tax and accounting services. Smith has been a member of the firm for seven years. Smith is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA).

Smith graduated from York College with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He works in all areas of tax for individuals and business, specializing in flow-through entity taxation. Smith has nine years of public accounting experience and has been a member of the firm for over four years. Smith is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA).

Koch graduated from Morningside University with his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He joined Frankel Zacharia last fall following three years of corporate tax work. Koch specializes in audit, tax and accounting services. Additionally, he is in the process of completing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. Koch is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

ACCOUNTING Promoted

Chasity Tipton, CPA Manager

Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA).

Hired

Christian Jensen Associate Cushman & Wakefield/ The Lund Company

Frankel Zacharia

Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company welcomes Christian Jensen as an Associate for the Company’s brokerage division. Christian is responsible for marketing, leasing and sales of commercial real estate properties. Prior to joining The Lund Company, Christian was working in Oncology Research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Christian graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with

Tipton graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She works in all areas of taxation and specializes in real estate, pass-through entities and individual taxation. Tipton has over ten years of public accounting experience and has been a member of the firm for over six years. Smith is a member of the American Institute of ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY

Named

Hired

Brian Nevole, P.E

Mary Wurst, P.E.

Angela McGraw

Project Manager

Director

Project Manager

Alvine Engineering

Do Space

Alvine Engineering

Alvine Engineering proudly names Brian Nevole as a project manager. He believes that successful projects require strong team collaboration and successful engineers are lifelong learners with knowledge across disciplines. As a professional engineer and leader in mechanical systems design, he embraces new technologies that improve the design process. His focus is designing safer, more efficient facilities that benefit building occupants.

a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Public Health. He is a licensed real estate salesperson in Nebraska.

Named an Alvine Engineering project manager, Mary Wurst plays an important role in electrical engineering design, particularly for education projects. Mary sees schools as a vital part of the community and takes pride in creating learning environments that positively impact students. She recognizes that the A/E/C industry is a team sport and seizes the opportunity to learn from her peers.

Do Space, a technology library providing resources and support to the Omaha community, welcomes Angela McGraw as its new director. With more than seven years of experience in education and a proven track record of student success, McGraw brings a passion for technological literacy to her work in the community. McGraw is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. “Joining Do Space will allow me to continue educating the

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community on the importance of tech literacy and STEM education, especially among the next generation,” says Angela McGraw, director of Do Space. Prior to joining Do Space, McGraw led STEM programs, marketing and community engagement efforts in higher education. McGraw obtained her Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a master’s in education administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Do Space’s mission is to promote digital equity by inspiring individuals of all ages through innovative programming, access to the latest technology and tools, and providing the guidance needed to create, learn and explore with technology.

• SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

“ Helping players and staff achieve their career goals has long been important to our organization.” MARTIE CORDARO President, Union Omaha United Soccer League

Why Union Omaha partners with Bellevue University to offer valuable education services.

“ Bellevue University has supported

Union Omaha since the day we announced the franchise. Both of our organizations take the approach of being impactful in all things we do. One main reason we formed this partnership is because we are always looking for new ways to deepen our ties to the community. It also gives our players and staff the opportunity to achieve their career goals by continuing their education journeys. We have had numerous players take advantage of the opportunity. Bellevue University is collaborative and creative in structuring partnerships that allow for open communication and innovation to achieve mutual benefits.

CorporateLearning.com • 877-824-5516

Today, our partnership has expanded and Bellevue University is the Official Education Partner of the United Soccer League. It’s a partnership based on trust and commitment to promote each organization’s brand locally and nationally.

”

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Bellevue University is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military obligations, or status in any other group protected by local, state, or federal law.

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