Midlands Business Journal April 19, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 16 issue

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A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 19, 2019

New generation of startups well positioned to meet challenges of business

by Dwain Hebda

Despite the challenges of starting and growing a business, experts say the new crop of entrepreneurs have a decided leg up over previous generations of small business owners.

“The younger entrepreneurs today hold several advantages,” said Bob Hallstrom, state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses/Nebraska. “They have an increased focus on company culture, including offering employees flexible time schedules and Hallstrom the option of working from home. They are also more at ease with mobile technology and digital advertising and they are less risk averse in general.”

Julia Parker, executive director of the Omaha Small Business Network, said today’s typical small business owner is better informed than at any other point in history.

“The entrepreneurs that come in for our assistance are much more prepared than past generations,” she said. “There is a vast amount of information about starting and growing a small business available online.

Founders are easily able to conduct more research about their products and services than ever before.”

In addition, Parker said, today’s small business owners are benefitting from societal trends that favor shopping local.

“Omaha is becoming much more small business friendly,” she said. “I think that Omahans are now considering where their food and drinks are grown and produced.

Buying local is no longer a trend in our city but the norm for many, which is great news for local small businesses.”

Parker noted the OSBN offers a wide range of free services to entrepreneurs, which help advance their ventures that much faster. These educational programs, and others, are sorely needed to continue to improve the overall environment in Omaha. And, the group’s services help in other ways, too.

“Access to capital is always a critical hurdle for new business owners,” she said.

“These hurdles are even higher for historically underserved and undercapitalized entrepreneurs. When seeking to start a new

Leon Milobar, district director for the Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. business, the ability to obtain a business for small businesses and microenterprises loan strongly indicates whether that busi- that mainstream financial institutions and ness will be successful and have the ability community lenders might overlook. As a to create additional jobs. mission-driven, community-based lender, “OSBN traditionally provides capital OSBN offers low interest rate microloans

Reaanddit

at 6% interest in amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000. We also offer commercial properties along the 24th Street corridor for lease.”

More resources are needed to evolve the local startup environment, said Leon Milobar, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I would give Omaha a C+ or B- as a grade for its environment for small business,” he said.

“Omaha has been able to grow successful businesses and the metro area has entrepreneurs right Parker here that have vision and talent. However, what we lack now is more of the critical mass of talent, to build companies right here.”

Milobar said the community wasn’t without quality resources — he praised the university system in general and UNMC’s medical innovation and research in particular — but said key pieces of the puzzle are often disengaged from the process.

“The universities and schools are turning out talented individuals and students Continued on next page.

Reap!

Salute to Small Business — inside APRIL 19, 2019

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 45 NO. 16

Portfolio of multi-sectors lifts RDG Planning & Design

by Richard D. Brown

GETConf brings equity in tech to the forefront with female lineup, facility.

– Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Being blind never hindered Carver’s career at Outlook Nebraska.

– Page 3

for ng ent i t es em Inv etir R

Retirement investing tools may change, but success relies on fundamentals.

– Page 4

By growing an increasingly strong portfolio of work in more than a dozen sectors, Omaha-based RDG Planning and Design has been able to weather the financial economic downturns of the past couple of decades.

“We work hard to keep our workload balanced between projects in Omaha, regional work and projects nationally,” said Principal John A. Sova.

The firm founded by Charles Wilscam in 1965 has 81 employees. Sixty-eight of them work out of the firm’s 12,000-square-foot location in Suite 100 at Farnam on the Mall. However, that will change on Oct. 1 when the firm will move into 18,000 square feet of the 20,000-square-foot downtown building recently vacated by the Greater Omaha Chamber.

Sova said RDG Planning and Design is investing about $2 million in renovation of the 35-year-old building at 1302 Howard St. The entrance to the Continued on page 12.

From left, Principal John A. Sova and Principal David Streebin … The firm, which is set to move to (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) a new headquarters, emphasizes a mix of project types.

Centris selects center of service area for new headquarters site

by Richard D. Brown

With roots going back to the New Deal years, more than 102,000 members and assets topping $700 million, Centris Federal Credit Union President/ CEO Steve Swanstrom said it was only natural that the organization’s ownership committee would seek land for a new headquarters building near 132nd & Pacific streets in the bourgeoning

Sterling Ridge development.

“With our building there we’ll have room to grow in a space that’s at the center of our branch network and conveniently located for our 280 employees,” Swanstrom said.

Since moving into existing headquarters at11825 Q Street in 2010, Centris has experienced a 43% growth in membership to Continued on page 12.

Mike Cassling, CEO of Cassling and president and CEO of CQuence Health Group, left, and Kyle Salem, Ph.D., president of Cassling … Responding to industry trends by improving workflow with increased automation in imaging.

Cassling navigates health care industry with enhanced imaging technology

by Becky McCarville

President and CEO Steve Swanstrom … Credit Union to make move to new headquarters.

From a big picture perspective, market disruption impacts many aspects of health care, from the shift to value-based and outpatient-focused care to the use of big data sets to drive results, and artificial intelligence and technology that can help hospitals save money.

“We continue to see market disruption in health care,” said

Cassling President Kyle Salem, Ph.D. “We all see things happening in D.C. that change the way health care is being practiced, even down to people getting care locally.”

Part of this disruption is a shift to community-focused care, where patients can go to their local clinic to get imaging or have procedures instead of having to go Continued on page 28.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

GETconf brings equity in tech to the forefront with female lineup, facility

by Savannah Behrends

While “inclusive” and “diversity” have become hot topics in all industries, GETconf (Gender Equity Technology Conference) aims to make “equity” the biggest. Equity, not equality, is acknowledging that to even the la ing field s stemicall underre resented groups need more than just an “equal chance.”

Women are one such group in tech and in recent years conference co-organizer Stefanie Monge noted there has been more attention to girls/women in STEM; but talk doesn’t necessarily mean action.

GETconf — scheduled to take place April 26 at The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus — was the answer for co-organizers Monge, Wendy Holley, Kasey McCormick and Jen Homann.

“There’s a disconnect when myself and other co-organizers can name dozens of smart women doing interesting work in tech but for whatever reason aren’t being highlighted at conferences,” Monge said.

GETconf is a women-led conference, but that doesn’t mean it’s only for women. While the intention was to give women a place to feel comfortable, it’s open to all genders.

Current registration numbers count almost equal amounts of women and men.

Over 50 women from across the United States submitted applications to speak at the

Correction

Karine Sokpoh has helped 426 people total with a variety of matters including business, family law and immigration. She is on the board of African Love International (ALI) and came to Omaha in January 2001.

An article in the April 5, 2019 issue of the Midlands Business Journal inadvertently misstated these facts.

GETconf co-organizers from left: Jen Homann, Stefanie Monge and Wendy Holley …

Producing a tech conference that welcomes everyone but highlights women. event and all were judged via a blind panel.

“There have been stories about facial Eleven of the 18 speakers were selected recognition technology and how it won’t recthrough this process while the other seven ognize certain races,” Monge said. “Thinking were selected through networks to ensure about how we address those cultural biases diversity. that are very systemic and ingrained in these Speakers include engineers, data scientechnologies.” tists, teachers, entrepreneurs, designers and Other talks highlight designing against grad students. domestic violence, empathetic design sysSome talks will be more technical, such tems and finding a wor life balance as “A hands-on introduction to Natural LanWhile women are emphasized through an guage Processing in Python,” while others all-female lineup, co-organizers were mindful tackle more cultural topics, like cultural bias that gender is not the only barrier people face in artificial intelligence in the industry.

The Midlands Business Journal's

Business Minute Name: Daryn Richardson.

Age: 53.

Title: Services development director.

Place of employment: Vodec.

Hometown: Crescent, Iowa.

Education: Associate of Arts.

How I got into the business: Prior to coming to Vodec, I worked as a successful fast food restaurant manager for 15 years until a chronic disability Richardson brought that career to an abrupt halt. At the suggestion of a family member, I applied for services from the Iowa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. I was accepted as a client, and a few months later thanks to their help, I started a new career with odec first job coincidentally was helping individuals with disabilities find em lo ment Accomplishments or milestones: At Vodec, through collaboration with teachers, psychologists, parents and many others, I have facilitated the creation of sustainable programs and services led to lasting jobs,

Daryn Richardson, services development director, Vodec

safe places to live and a quality of life based on the desires of the individual.

First job: Bean walking in Avoca, Iowa.

Biggest career break: Being diagnosed with the chronic disability that brought me to Vodec, as strange as that sounds.

The toughest part of the job: Finding funding.

The best advice I have received: If your first thought of the da is “Who can I help today?” everything else will fall into place.

About my family: I am the youngest of eight children. I have four children: Derek my stepson with special needs, my stepdaughter who teaches business classes at Westside High School, my son Deryck who is a building inspector for the city of Council Bluffs, and a daughter who will be starting at Iowa Western next year at the age of 16.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: I’d like to create a super-group of retirees.

This group would be made up of successful people from a variety of careers that would ta e on ro ects that would benefit our community.

Book I finished reading recently: “The Intellectual Devotional” by Davis S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim.

Something about me not everyone knows: I like to listen to true-crime podcasts on my way to work in the morning.

How my business will change in the next decade: As for many Medicaid providers, we will see an increase in virtual technology used. This will be done to help stretch the limited funds for Medicaid.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Steve Hodapp.

Outside interests: The arts, traveling and room service.

Pet peeves: Bullies.

Favorite vacation spot: New Orleans.

Other careers I would like to try: Illustrating children’s books.

Favorite movie: “Godfather 2.”

Favorite cause or charity: Vodec and WhyArts.

Favorite app: Stitcher.

(Editor’s note: To nominate an interesting businessman or woman for the Business Minute, please e-mail information about the person to news@mbj.co

Accessibility is also an issue for stay-athome parents, those who don’t have transportation or whose financial situation isn t ideal To that end organizers provided options and were vocal about them through social media and word of mouth.

“We picked a venue that was on a bus line and offered free child care nearby,” Monge said.

In addition to child care, the team also has discounted pricing for students and scholarships available.

“We accepted donations through our website and we were able to add seven or eight scholarships from that,” Monge said.

The conference has had no shortage of support from like-minded companies like Platinum Sponsor Verizon Media and sponsors Unabridged Software, Hudl, the onducti am er l wheel ou Go Girl, Tech Omaha, 8th Light, Maebean, eam oftware nion acific uildertrend Werner Enterprises and Firespring.

“We wanted to work with companies that e em lified the mission onge said Several sponsors also chipped in to provide scholarships, which have been obtained by an even amount of men and women.

Another strategic move was the venue —The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus.

Not only did CAET offer inclusive amenities — zero-step entry and elevators, gender neutral bathrooms, lactation/pumping room — but it’s home to high-tech labs.

“They have a prototyping lab so if you have an idea for a product they can help you create a prototype,” Monge said.

MCC staff will be giving tours of the facility as well. At the time of this writing the conference sits at 80% full. Scholarships are still available with information available at getconfomaha.com.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

EDITORIAL EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT OF NEWS, Tiffany Brazda EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, Savannah Behrends STAFF WRITER, Becky McCarville

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(402) 330-1760 Zane D. Randall (1925-2006) Co-founder LeAnne M. Iwan (1932-1986) First News Editor

The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly plus one by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy or $75 per year. Editorial offices are 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Periodical postage paid at Omaha NE POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned.

Written permission must be obtained from Midlands Business Journal and MBJ, Inc., to post any of our stories or other published materials on a website. Under no circumstances, because of spamming potential and other issues, will permission be granted to transmit our stories by email.

-The Publisher.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

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Being blind never hindered Carver’s career at Outlook Nebraska Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of profiles featuring Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winners — entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and professionals under 40 years of age.

by Dwain Hebda

Rachel Carver may have been born blind, but she’s never let that stand in the way of what she’s wanted to do in life. It’s an attitude her parents instilled in her early on.

“They expected me to do the same things that my sighted brother was doing,” Carver said.

Despite not being able to see much more than whether a light is on in a room, Carver ran track and sang in the show choir in high school. She also attended Buena Vista College from which she graduated with a degree in media studies. She joined Outlook Nebraska in 2010 when the group was a sliver of its present self.

“At the time, we were under 50 people, total. We were a very small and upcoming organization,” she said. “We had a development director, a CEO and myself.

“When I started, there was no communications position, so it was a little bit of faith on their part. I guess they saw that I had potential; at least they decided to keep me around. And it was nice because it didn’t matter that I had a cane. They were more concerned about what skills can you bring to this position.”

Carver built the organization’s communications department largely by feel as her youth and inexperience forced her to learn

things as she went. As time went on and the organization grew, her team grew along with it. e started wor ing with a firm in 2014 and then we brought on a marketing director in 2015. Now we actually have a team. There’s three of us now in marketing,” she said. “I am proud that I was able to lay the foundation for the growth that has happened in the department. But I don’t take credit for everything, because I certainly learned a lot from everyone that I’ve had interactions with along the way.”

With the creation of her marketing team, Carver was open to do what she does best, namely government and media relations and a lot of writing in support of various organizational initiatives and new programs.

“I would say a lot of it is building on what we have and continuing to have programs that make life better for people with vision loss,” she said. “One in four of us right now is at risk for some sort of vision issue. Vision loss is more common than homelessness. A lot of people don’t know that.

“Over the last year we have launched Outlook Business Solutions. It’s a contact center, the goals of which are we want to provide more employment for people who are blind while offering a service for small businesses in the Omaha area.”

Communicating the organization’s mission and working in the community hasn’t become easier, necessarily. Carver still encounters a lot of misconceptions about people

Public Relations Facilitator Rachel Carver … Helping to build a public relations team for the nonprofit focused on those with low vision and who are blind. with sight issues. with a disability, have to say, ‘No, I don’t “A lot of times when someone has a dis- need sympathy. I don’t need pity. I just need ability it’s really easy for society to fall into resources so that I can live my life the way I ‘Oh, that poor blind person,’ or deaf person want to li e it lindness is definitel a art or whatever it is,” she said. “You, as a person of me but it doesn t define me

Proud Sponsors of the 2018 40 Under 40:

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Investing For Retirement A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 19, 2019

Retirement investing tools may change, but success relies on fundamentals

By Dwain Hebda

Financial advisers say while each generation has its own quirks and lends its own wrinkles to the retirement savings process, the fundamentals of successful saving hasn’t changed much.

“The same tried and true principles still hold,” said Ross Polking, lead advisor-business development for the Foster Group. “Save as much as you can, mitigate your tax exposures, give generously, spend less than you make, have a financial lan and sta di ersified reparing for the future does not come with a Polking complex formula for success; it’s rather simple.”

What has changed, Polking said, are the investment vehicles for carrying out a savings strategy.

“In the past, individuals could rely upon a steady stream of income from a company pension plan to sustain their post-employment lifestyle, regardless of their saving habits,” he said. “The shift to defined contribution plans — think 401(k) — put the onus on the individual not only to save

Paul West, managing partner at Carson Wealth. enough, but also to choose the appropriate for data and their tendency to self-educate. illennials are more confident and investments.”

Millennials stand out from other gener- more prepared than their parents or grandations of investors and in a good way. John parents when it comes to talking about and “Buzz” Garlock, senior vice president of planning for the taboo topic of wealth,” he RBC Wealth Management, gives millenni- said. “Millennials are proactive and curious als high marks as clients, given their thirst when it comes to their financial nowledge

but also recognize the importance of professional guidance.”

Garlock said according to an internal company survey, 80% of millennials feel responsible for understanding their own financial affairs and conduct their own research to im ro e their financial nowledge, compared to 61% of 35- to 55-yearolds, and 47% of those over 55.

“This goes against the idea of millennials as lazy,” he said. “They have grown up with instant access to information in the age of the internet, making it easier for seek out knowledge.”

Garlock Given this fact, it’s no surprise technology is increasingly playing a starring role in how firms communicate with clients and how clients research investment opportunities. This is particularly true of younger clients, said Paul West, managing partner with Carson Wealth.

“We are seeing lots of interactions with the next gen and certainly millennials,” he said. “Both generations have grown up with technology and you can be assured they will want to see yours before they become a client.” est said the firm has res onded to these demands not only in the name of communicating with clients, but to help keep them focused on their strategy, often saving them from themselves.

“Most people over this 10-year bull market run have tried to generate higher performance and don’t realize they’ve drifted on the risk side more aggressively than they should be,” he said.“Technology has allowed Carson Wealth to provide current information to clients and prosects at the sna of a finger t s em owered our firm to be innovative, so that aside from performance data, clients can also see how much downside risk they are taking.”

Risk can be particularly problematic when a client is trying to play “catch-up” in the retirement savings game. According to information provided by Lonnetta Ragland, senior public relations and content strategist at Principal Financial Group, 2.4% of defined contribution retirement lan conContinued on page 8.

Investing for Retirement •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Investing for Retirement

Customer relationship management software popularity growing

by David Kubicek

Baby boomers nearing retirement are moving toward less risky investments.

“Clients have been pleased with the market performance over the past decade but still have lingering concerns of losing all they’ve gained if they don’t reassess their risk appetite,” said Mike Egermier, a certified financial planner with Egermier Wealth Management Group.

“As investors, we have been spoiled the last several years with less volatility than normal.”

This volatility has returned recently and works in both directions, with a large pullback of the S&P 500 in December, immediately followed by one of the best quarters in 20 years, according to LLP Financial Research.

“Baby boomers may have been comfortable with this risk a few years ago, but the majority do not have the stomach for the whipsaw market environment of today,” Egermier said.

Michael A. Cain, investment advisor representative with Voya Financial Advisors, said many baby boomers are panicked because they haven’t saved enough for their retirement income needs or factored in potential health care expenses.

“With 30 years in the business, I would estimate that under 20% of my clients are properly prepared,” he said.

Boomers are faced with living longer and pensions have gone away. Their savings are less than they hoped for and they are faced with unknown long-term care

Mike Egermier, certified financial planner at Egermier Wealth Management Group. and medical cost. ognizing that returns in traditional bonds “Now consider the fact that many fixed will not provide the income they need for income opportunities have gone away,” retirement. Many are reaching for non-trasaid Keith W. Hier, senior vice president ditional products that may have much and private wealth advisor at HighTower greater risk.

Omaha. “Boomers need to carefully mea“Creating a long-term funding strategy sure the risks in the market and do in-depth to support your desired spending plan is financial planning.” key,” Hier said.

Boomers have spent their earning and Boomers have traditionally focused investing years in a 35-year bull market on growing their businesses and planned in bonds, so many have an affinity for to work well into retirement, but as they bonds. In 2016, rates touched a 225 year watch aging parents they recognize the low and recently baby boomers are rec- need to fund decades of retirement years,

and many are committing to and initiating long-term financial planning for the first time in their careers.

Boomers are also lacking employer-funded pensions like generations before them and the social contract with the government and Social Security are deteriorating.

“People are desperate for income and we see many reaching for yield without understanding that they are taking on much more risk than they ever envisioned or wanted,” Hier said. “All investors need to recognize that they can only control the risks that they take. The FedTucker eral Reserve controls interest rate level and amount that you will be paid.”

Dan Tucker, senior wealth advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors, said baby boomers have been fortunate to participate in one of the best stock markets in history.

This has allowed many to become comfortable owning equities as part of their overall portfolio.

“The challenge for some may be having too much equities because they’ve seen some really good returns,” he said.

“If they had diversified portfolio, equities have grown more than some of the other asset classes. I talk to my Continued on next page.

Investing for Retirement •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

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Retirement investment options are available for those without employee sponsored plans

By Gabby Christensen

hile most financial e erts agree that it’s never too late to start investing for retirement, they also say investing as early as possible is always better.

Jason Smith, senior vice president at Lockton Retirement Services said almost all recent survey results centered on financial wellness, financial security Smith and lack of savings point to people’s concerns around not having enough money to live comfortably in retirement and lack of an emergency savings fund.

“There are a variety of reasons for this

Customer relationship Continued from preceding page. clients about structuring their portfolios into buckets.”

The first bucket should cover the first three years of cash needs and contain conservative investments. Bucket No.2 should contain conservative investments but not quite as conservative as bucket No.1. The third bucket is designed for growth so when the next negative stock market period hits — which Tucker said may be coming soon boomers will ha e their first few years of cash needs covered.

but the availability of employer sponsored plans is a primary cause,” Smith said.

“Coverage is an issue, less than half of small business offer a retirement plan.”

That being said, Smith said multiple states, including Nebraska and Iowa, have either passed mandates or are considering mandating employers offer a state-based plan if they do not offer any Kropp other type of plan, which will help considerably.

“Until that happens, the decision is really up to the individual and there really is no way to identify how many of these affected employees are saving for your retirement on their own,” Smith said. “Needless to say, any type of retirement savings is better than nothing at all. When the process is started early enough the task can be attainable but when delayed it is almost certainly insurmountable.”

Kim Kropp, financial advisor and partner at Moylan Kropp, said retirement investing options for those without employee-sponsored retirement plans or pension plans depends on whether or not one is an employee or if they are a private contractor.

“If you are an employee and there are no plans provided, you can do a traditional or oth if ou fall under s ecific in-

Kristen Patterson, financial advisor at Lifetime Retirement Partners. come limits,” Kropp said. “If you make too IRA or Roth IRA. much income, you can do a non-deductible With traditional, Patterson said montraditional IRA and convert immediately to ey grows tax deferred and it might be a Roth IRA.” a wise option for someone in a higher As a private contractor, Kropp said tax bracket who might need additional one can set up a SEP or a Solo 401(k), in deductions. which they are both the employee and the She stressed it’s important to put money employer within the plan. into the IRA monthly, as every contribution “Regardless of your situation, it is im- adds up in the end. portant to utilize and set these options into On the other hand, Patterson said a motion,” Kropp said. oth is beneficial because it is income risten atterson financial ad isor at tax free.

Lifetime Retirement Partners, said indi“Investing is really about controlling viduals who are not offered an employee your own destiny,” Patterson said. “It’s s onsored retirement lan might find it in good to actually see those dollars and know their best interest to opt for a traditional Continued on next page.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Investing for Retirement

Trends in 401(k), Roth IRA plans

by Lee Nelson

Trends among employers are leading toward more perks for workers.

Steve Frantz, director of private wealth investment services at Mutual of Omaha Bank, said some organizations have begun making small contributions to plans on behalf of their employees regardless of any contribution by the employee to ensure a minimum savings accumulation at retirement.

“Larger companies will match an employee’s contribution, somewhere between three to 6%. The maximum a company can contribute is up to the company, but the combined employee/employer contribution in 2019 is $56,000, or 100% of an employee’s salary,” he said.

Investment options Continued from preceding page. what’s going to be there for you when you retire.”

In addition to Roth and traditional IRAs, Patterson said there are various other investment options available and a trusted financial ad iser can be a reall good asset in order to make wise decisions.

“There are so many ways to invest and there’s literally something for every individual,” Patterson said. “Most importantly, individuals should become educated and find out what s a ailable so that the can make smart choices with their money now that will ultimately help them live in the future.”

There are five main choices for self-employed individuals or small business owners today; a traditional or Roth IRA, a Solo 401(k), a SEP IRA, a SIMPLE IRA or defined benefit plan. They all have unique characteristics and maximums, Frantz said.

He suggests prioritizing when it comes to investing for your financial future, including living below your means, having at least six Hemenway months of expenses in reserve for emergencies and maxing out your retirement savings opportunities.

Michael Hemenway, director of total rewards at WoodmenLife, said that it is believed legislators and regulators will seek ways to solve the retirement coverage gap and provide objective advice for plan participants over the next several months.

Retirement investing tools Continued from page 4. tributors are currently making catch-up arrangements. Trying to play catch-up, more than anything else, is a recipe for disaster.

“Time is so critical in growing a dollar,” said Polking. “Without time, shortcuts only bring about added risk. Working longer and spending less are the key variables one can control at that point.”

They are likely to take action designed to increase access to workplace retirement plan savings’ vehicles; address student loan debt; and broaden adoption of in-plan lifetime income solutions, he said.

“As companies move away from defined benefit or pension plan offerings, most have turned to providing a company match to employees.

The most common match percentage is 3% with more and more companies offering some type of non-match contribution such as a serWallace vice or profit-sharing additive, above and beyond the match,” Hemenway said.

Jeff Wallace, retirement solutions specialist at The Olson Group, said automatic enrollment and escalation of new hires are trends that have gained momentum.

“Now, plan sponsors who have previously instituted these features are expanding them to employees who were hired prior to the adoption of the automatic features,” he said. “Also, the use of a Roth option inside the plan sponsor’s retirement plan is advantageous for many. Because of automatic enrollment and with the current income tax structure, many employees are saving in their employer-sponsored retirement plan for the very first time.”

Planning for a financial future while still enjoying the here and now is a juggling act, he said.

“Too many people compromise things they truly value like spending time with family, out of fear they may come up short in their financial planning,” he said. “One way is to take a hard look at your spending.

Develop a budget and take baby steps to make changes in current spending habits that will benefit future finances.”

Ryan Byrne, vice president of qualified plans at Orion Portfolio Solutions, said that a survey by Callahan last year showed that Roth 401(k)s being offered in defined contribution plans from 2010-2017 increased from 49.3% to 71.3%, and that trend continues to grow.

“Roth 401(k)s are a great addition for employees especially for those in the younger age groups where most are in lower tax brackets currently,” he said. “The positive side of this is that employees can get the benefits of a Roth IRA and have their investments taxed at the time of the contribution and grow tax free if the withdraw is after the age of 59 1/2, and it’s been funded for five years.”

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Investing for Retirement •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

Ways to stay financially sound after retirement

by Lee Nelson

Once an individual retires, conventional advice is to lower risk and return portfolio characteristics and expectations as one moves into retirement, said Randy Jensen, president and certified financial lanner at abit ensen Investment Management.

“This move should be done gradually for a cou le of reasons irst it is a significant asset class shift, for example, from stocks to bonds,” he said. “These shifts, if done abruptly, can pose the risk of adverse timing on one or both markets. The second reason is that while you do normally need to reduce investment risks in retirement, most retirees still have a long investment time horizon of 30 to 35 years and becoming too conservative too quick is not necessary and can reduce returns too early.”

Most retirees should plan to maintain at least a 30% allocation to stocks long term and for many possibly much more than 30%, he said.

“An additional risk is that you no longer have the built-in defensive mechanisms of dollar costs averaging into your 401(k) or IRA,” he said. “The future declines in the mar et are more difficult to ta e ad antage of without new dollars available to invest every pay period.”

One of the toughest things in investing for retirees or just conservative investors generally is the lack of decent returns on lower risk investments, Jensen said. or those who can ta e significant ris s the returns have been very good but for lowris fi ed income in estors or sa ers it has not been possible to get the guaranteed rates

Principal Jeff Sharp at SilverStone Asset Management. of return that were assumed to be available 10 some of their portfolios allocated to stocks. to 15 years ago,” he said. n ation ersists and their retirement funds Jeff Sharp, principal, SilverStone Asset need to be positioned so their income keeps anagement said in the fi e ears leading ace with in ation up to retirement, most individuals should start Sometimes a part-time job for those who re-allocating their accounts in a way to reduce need more disposable monthly income can portfolio risks. put less pressure on the investment accounts “Once retired, they should be at their target to generate income, he said. long-term allocation between stocks, bonds, “This may potentially allow them to eireal estate and guaranteed investments,” he ther invest slightly more aggressively and/or said. “However, just because they’re now to a degree tapping the accounts in order to retired doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have maximize growth,” he said. “The longer one

9

can wait to tap the accounts and/or lower the income required, the better chance they have to invest longer term and potentially a bit more aggressively.” oe ef inger director and in estment adviser at Lutz Financial, said most people are unsure of how to manage their investments once they retire.

“The approach we like to use is what I will call the three-bucket model. In the bucket approach, you start out by estimating what your annual retirement shortfall will be — meaning by how much do your annual retirement expenses exceed your new annual retirement income from social security and other sources,” he said.

You then try to Hefflinger fill bucket one with one year of this shortfall in a money market account e t ou tr to fill buc et two with seven to 10 years or more of this shortfall amount in a di ersified fi ed income bond ortfolio astl fill buc et three with the remainder of the ortfolio in a di ersified stoc and bond mix, he said.

“A related issue that retirees need to address is determining how much they can safely spend each year in retirement,” he said.

“The best way to answer this is to perform a com rehensi e retirement cash ow anal sis t will hel ou find out if a le el of annual spending is sustainable-based on your balance sheet and the underlying assumptions.”

10

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Investing for Retirement

Have low investment returns become normal?

by Lee Schafer

The Federal Reserve just signaled that the financial world is not going bac to normal not yet anyway.

For those too young to remember the details of interest rates and InvestIng money markets before the financial crisis and reat Recession a decade ago, the old normal was that interest-bearing investments paid a meaningful amount of interest.

The 10-year Treasury note is one of those famous benchmark-interest rates, and at the end of the last economic expansion in the summer of 2007, it had a yield of about 5 percent. Recently it was closer to 2.4 percent.

Small savers are more likely to think about banks as a place to put their money, and certificate of de osit rates on offer don t seem that enticing. The average rate was just over 1.5 percent for two-year CDs, according to an rate com although where this financial website found rates that high was a mystery.

CDs rates published online at a handful of brand name banks didn’t come close to that.

It’s true that earning 1.5 percent beats keeping money in a Folger’s coffee can in the backyard, but the real interest rate isn’t what the bank pays the saver for a $10,000 CD. What’s important is what the dollars buy when the CD matures, given that what things cost will probably increase in the two years

that the money is put away.

To get the real rate of interest, subtract the in ation rate from the interest rate n this example, at least, the calculation is simple, since in ation o er the last months was also about 1.5 percent, according to the most recent figure from the ureau of abor tatistics f that in ation rate holds o er the next two years, no one will need to reach for a calculator to see the real rate is about zero.

“At some point math matters,” said Bryce Doty, a senior vice president and senior portfolio manager with Sit Investment Associates in Minneapolis, who also finds this new normal very odd. “Dislocations like that can persist way beyond what would seem logi-

cal or reasonable. But at some point people re uire some ind of return after in ation It’s not really fair to blame the Federal Reserve for two-year CDs with no real rate of return. The Fed had to step in to stabilize the econom during and after the financial crisis. And among the ways it did that was taking the benchmark short-term interest rate almost to zero by the end of 2008.

It stayed that way through December 2015. Only then did the Fed gradually start increasing. The idea, through a set of policies the Fed literally called normalization, was to somehow get back to business as usual.

In a nutshell, the job of the Fed through the usual ups and downs of economic cycles is to balance two goals that appear contradictory. One is to promote job growth to the point that so few people are looking that wages have to increase, while the other goal is price stability. That has meant an annual rate of in ation of onl ercent Low interest rates certainly help fuel job growth, but keeping them too low for too long can lead to rice in ation As the unemployment rate slowly and steadily declined from its 2009 high after the last recession, it made sense for the Federal Reserve to gently pull the foot off the accelerator and move its short-term interest rate up from near zero.

That thinking persisted from late 2015 all the way until recently.

Then the Fed said it was standing pat and suggested there’d be no further increases this year and maybe only one next year. This was such a switch in thinking that it now seems possible that there’s a rate cut coming before there’s another boost in rates.

As it stands right now, the closely watched Fed funds rate is about 2.4 percent.

It was twice that in 2007.

The main short-term interest rate wasn’t the only thing that the Fed wanted to normalize. By early 2015, after years of buying Treasury and federal-agency securities to help keep interest rates down, a monetary policy known as quantitative easing, the assets on the Fed’s balance sheet had swelled to $4.5 trillion.

The people who run the Fed knew holding trillions of dollars of securities was no more normal that a zero percent short-term interest rate, so beginning in the fall of 2017 Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

These must-have apps can help you save money online

by Susan Tompor

The thrill of shopping on your phone or online, of course, is that it makes stocking up on groceries, buying a rug for the apartment or even shopping on a Friday night after a glass of wine or two all that easier.

FInancIal But if you want to get the very best price, step back and take a few extra minutes before you hit checkout. It can be as simple as just doing a quick Google search of prices at various retailers to save $50 or $100 on a big-ticket item, like a bedroom dresser.

We’ve got plenty of websites and apps that offer extra rewards and price checks to help savvy spenders get a sweet deal, too.

“If you really want to get your cheapskate on, maybe there’s a coupon code,” said Rick Broida, who lives in Commerce Township and writes “The Cheapskate Blog” for CNET.com.

Broida, who held workshops at the Detroit Public Library main branch and the Plymouth Public Library as part of Money Smart Week, says many of these tricks can turn into “free money” pretty quickly.

If you want to shop smarter, ask a few questions.

Is this really the best price ever on Amazon? rices on ma on uctuate a lot a lot said Broida, 50.

Take time to research previous prices,

low investment returns Continued from preceding page. the Fed has been working on slowly selling off pieces.

This had to be done gently, mostly because the Fed started with an asset pile of unprecedented size.

But now that process also seems basically on hold, as the Fed said it’s cutting the amount it’s selling monthly and then will stop come September.

It’s apparently normal for the Federal Reserve, about 10 years into an economic expansion, to have about $3.5 trillion of investments, or more than four times the assets it had in the summer just before the last recession.

So that’s the situation as of March 2019.

The balance sheet is still bloated, at least by historical terms. Interest rates still look awfully low to anybody who took out a home mortgage or ran a business before 2007. And the Fed seems to have concluded it’s now normal enough.

Lots of policy wonks have pointed out that this doesn’t leave the Fed as many good options when the next recession hits.

“I can see why the market is scratching its head,” Doty said, considering the Fed’s actions. “It’s going ‘Wow, I didn’t think (the economy) was that bad.’ ” Doty is optimistic that the current thinking doesn’t last, and he’s giving the pause of normalization about six months before the process resumes.

The other hand, maybe the market for savers and borrowers doesn’t get back to normal until enough savers look at a 1 percent CD rate offered at the bank and decide there just has to be a better place for their money. And that might take longer than six more months. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

which amazingly is fairly easy to do if you’re shopping for a tote, a toaster or even a dash camera in order to dis ute a traffic tic et An online service called Camel Camel Camel tracks the price history of more than 18 million products sold on Amazon.

As a result, you can decide if you really want to buy the item now or wait.

The site has a price history chart to show ou uctuations in the cost roida said Prices are updated regularly. But Camel Camel Camel notes on its site that a consumer should always verify that information on Amazon, too, before making any purchase.

It’s also possible to set a price alert using Camel Camel Camel for an item that you’d want to buy at a specific price. You copy and paste the link for the product you spot online onto the Camel Camel Camel site.

You’d give your email, as well as the price you’d like to pay and you’d get a price alert in the future.

Knowing a price history — and getting price alerts — can be particularly useful at hectic shopping seasons such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday weekend, which now kicks off on Thanksgiving.

Shoppers are tapping into another service called Honey at www.joinhoney.com.

Honey offers shoppers a way to automaticall find and a l cou ons at chec out ome shoppers love Honey for coupons.

But Honey also has a feature called Droplist that notifies ou when the rice dro s on a product at a variety of stores, including Best Buy, Target, Chewy and others. one has a tool that hel s ou find the best price for a product on Amazon and a tool that allows you to track a product’s price history so ou can figure out the best time to bu as well When you use a coupon code in some cases, Honey will earn a small commission from the merchant and then pass along some of those earnings to members.

If you’re new to any program, make sure to read up on the terms and conditions. You want to know how you get your rebates, what information you must hand over, as well as any possible fees. Read the privacy policy to see what kind of data might be shared.

It’s also not a bad idea to review any complaints online about money-saving services, including taking a look at the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Adam Levin, founder CyberScout, which offers identity and data defense services, said linking a mobile app to your credit or debit card carries some risk, even if a service offers bank level security and encrypts data.

“When breaches have become the third certainty in life, and even big banks get hacked, there is no sure thing,” Levin said.

“If the site gets hacked or your smartphone is compromised or stolen, your payment card and financial data could be e osed lea ing you a target for account takeover.”

Make sure to enable two-factor authentication on your mobile device. Never download third party apps which could be infected malware. Always go to a trusted source like Apple or Google Play. Use long and strong passwords that don’t repeat across accounts and sites.

Is there a way to get extra points or rewards?

Many Generation X shoppers and others know about rewards with their credit cards.

Busy young families often use shopping

platforms such as Ebates.com, BeFrugal. com and TopCashback.com to get cash back when shopping online with major retailers.

(Rakuten owns Ebates and is moving forward with plans to change the Ebates branding to Rakuten.)

Shoppers appreciate getting money back through Ebates via a check or a PayPal account.

But there are even some strategies to use there: Ebates rates change daily. So some consumers say it can be better to shop when Ebates offers double the rebates and includes more in-store offers when you use a store-issued credit card.

Newer shopping tools provide savings, too.

Dosh is a cashback app that pays you some money back when you use a credit card or debit card that’s linked to Dosh. Participating retailers include Sam’s Club, Sephora, Vineyard Vines, and others. Percentages of the cash given back vary by merchant.

Dosh — which is based in Austin, Texas — sa s its consumer financial ser ices latform delivers automatic cash back to consumers when they dine, shop or book hotels.

Retailers like such platforms as a way to build return business and customer loyalty.

You can transfer your Dosh cash to bank accounts, PayPal, or donate to a charity from the app, according to Dosh.

Some shoppers are even searching online for answers to questions like: Is the Dosh app legit? Broida and others who have used the smartphone app say it’s not a scam.

“Sounds too good to be true but it isn’t,” Broida said.

To be sure, your friends might be pushing you to sign up with Dosh because they get $5 in

11

rewards for each friend that signs up and links a erified card Be careful of any fantastic pitches on social media, though, as one consumer complained to the Better Business Bureau about a promise of receiving $300 for just downloading the Dosh app. That unauthorized deal, not surprisingly, never worked out.

And remember, if you want to get the cash back, your online purchase must be paid with a card that is linked to your account at the time of purchase.

Or there’s the Drop app, a Toronto-based startup that was launched in 2016. Drop lets you build up rewards to redeem for gift cards to be used at retailers such as Amazon, lululemon, Apple, Starbucks and others.

Again, you have to link the Drop app to your debit or credit cards. And you’d select your favorite stores where you like to shop, such as Uber, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, McDonald’s and Walmart, in order to build points.

Now that gas prices have been climbing for the past several weeks, consumers may be re-thinking how they get discounts at the pump, too.

Gasbuddy.com has its own discount program called “Pay with Gas Buddy.” To save money, you need to connect your checking account to the Gas Buddy account. Then, you receive a rewards card that you’d swipe when you buy gas at the pump. The program is free to join.

You’d save 10 cents per gallon off of your first fill u and cents off e er gallon after that.

GasBuddy said its card works at 90 percent of stations across the country, including brands like Shell and Mobil. But you won’t get the discount at Costco, Sam’s Club, ARCO, BJ’s Continued on page 14.

12

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Centris selects center of service area for new headquarters site Continued from page 1. become one of Nebraska’s largest federally chartered credit union.

Centris serves Douglas, Sarpy, Lincoln, McPherson and Pottawattamie counties and has 13 offices located in Omaha, Grand

Centris Phone: 402-334-7000 Address: 11825 Q St., Omaha 68137 Services: full-service credit union Founded: 1934 as Omaha Telephone Employees Federal Credit Union Employees: 280 One-year goal: improve technology Industry outlook: while statewide membership has been growing, any expected Federal Reserve rate increase could spark concerns.

Website: www.centrisfcu.org

Island, North Platte, Tyron, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs.

The institution’s 14th branch will open May 20 at 192nd & Harrison streets.

“We expect to add another one or two branches over the next two or three years and one of them could be at a midtown location,” Swanstrom said.

Last August Centris acquired McPherson County Community Credit Union, located in Tyron — a community 45 miles north of North Platte.

While Centris’ charter doesn’t allow it to enter Lincoln, mergers about 25 years ago enabled it to go into Grand Island and North Platte.

Swanstrom, who came to Centris 10 years ago after varied stops in the financial services industry, doesn’t rule out expanding into smaller cities such as Fremont or Blair.

Swanstrom, a 1990 economics graduate from the University of Iowa who also holds an MBA from Creighton University, said the Centris headquarters building being designed by Holland Basham Architects will be eye-catching situated on a fouracre lot near a creek on the west end of Sterling Ridge.

About 150 central office employees will move to the new four-story structure,

which will also include a full-service branch, four drive-through lanes and a community conference room available for public use.

The fourth floor will include an employee cafeteria and outdoor patio area.

“The décor will be progressive but not trendy,” Swanstom said. “The work areas will need to be sustainable for a long time.”

The Sterling Ridge facility is expected to open in the spring of 2021.

Centris’ headquarters, which moved from downtown to 11825 Q St. in Millard 20 years ago, also has central office employees working out of space nearby at its 11718 M Circle branch.

Swanstrom, who became president five years ago, said the continued fast growth has challenged Centris’ five-person executive board, which he heads, to strategically plan and invest more than $8 million in technological improvements over the next three years.

The online mobile banking system installed last fall is a huge improvement for which 40,000 members have signed onto.

There have been more than two million log-ins thus far, he said.

“The 2019 phase is focusing on mem-

ber support,” he said. “We’re looking at processes, the work flow necessary for a member to get a loan and how questions are answered in our call center,” he said.

Essentially, 30-year-old technology is being replaced.

Corelation, a core and relationship management platform, is being promoted as a benefit to members because it is said to cut 50% of the time necessary to open an account or complete a loan application.

Swanstrom said three firms with local roots are among the vendors being used in the technology upgrade. They are First Data Resources, Midwest Cloud Computing and OneNeck IT Solutions.

Centris has added an additional three technology specialists, bringing its staff to 12.

“We’re looking to add three our four more,” Swanstrom said.

In 2009 when he was starting his career at Centris, Swanstrom remembers a member telling him he was “unable to find an institution that wants me” when he was seeking a small business loan.

That caused the then-new Centris leader to redouble efforts to reach the

small business community in all parts of the service area. In the ensuing decade the commercial loan portfolio has increased from $15 million to $50 million.

“Our soft spot is in the half million to one million dollar range,” he said. “The reasons for the loans range from businesses owning their own building but needing to relocate, refinancing their existing building or needing money for their general operating account.”

Of the business loans made, about twothirds are for startups.

Swanstrom cited eight-year member Lamar Brown’s company, 3T Investments, which is being financed in its purchase of a $1.4 million, multi-family apartment building in north Omaha. A venture by two other members, Doug Johnson and Tracy Reeves — owners of a north Omaha trucking firm — is being financed with a $1.2 million loan to acquire additional land on which to park their vehicles.

“We’re back to the basics of old school commercial bankers that encourages customers at the consumer level to consult with us — we call it a needs-based consultation approach,” Swanstrom said.

Portfolio of multi-sectors lifts RDG Planning & Design Continued from page 1.

Two team meeting rooms outside of constructure is being repositioned from the ference rooms will be outfitted with large monitors.

Harney Street side “Employee colto Howard Street to RDG Planning & Design laboration is importbetter emphasize the Phone: 402-392-0133 ant — creative spacOld Market neigh- Address: 900 Farnam on the Mall, Suite es where our people borhood.

100, Omaha 68102 can work together,” Principal David Services: planning and design with focus Streebin said.

A. Streebin said that on sustainability and healthy living Sova and Streewhile design work Founded: 1965 by Charles Wilscam bin said one of their gives every employ- Employees: 81 (68 in Omaha) firm’s flagship proje e a n i n d i v i d u a l Goal for 2019: Make successful transition ects of the decade w o r k s p a c e , p l a n - to new building. was the completion ning is being done Industry outlook: Senior living, college/ of the new Creighton for creating spaces university, public safety — among others School of Dentistry for teams to work — offer the brightest future due to better building. Collabtogether in a collab- available funding. orative teamwork orative atmosphere Website: https://rdgusa.com on that project took that sometimes can include up to eight to 10 professionals. about six months as the design plans were

developed.

Other smaller projects can move from the collaborative planning stages in less than three weeks. An example would be a small interior design improvement or phase of a much larger building.

“Our new building will make us a more recognizable presence in the Omaha downtown Old Market area,” Sova said.

RDG Planning & Design’s Omaha employment ranks have steadily grown over the past decade. The firm has offices in Des Moines, St. Louis, Dubuque and Iowa City, Iowa, plus 10 employees working remotely from venues that include Kansas City, Florida, North Carolina, Chicago, New York, Colorado and Phoenix.

Companywide, RDG Planning & Design has 180 employees, 120 stockholders Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

13

I thought seller had to pay special assessment. Association says I do

by Gary M. Singer

(Disclaimer: This article is advice for the state of Florida, and may not reflect laws in Nebraska) Q: We closed on our new home last month. We were notified by the association that we need to pay Real estate a special assessment that was passed last fall in addition to our monthly dues. We think this should have been paid by our seller. Are we being wrongfully charged?

— Lois SUPER CROSSWORD

A: You will need to review your purchase contract to find out who is supposed to pay the special assessment. When you initially enter into a real estate contract, you are asked to sign a long and complicated form, typically with several addendums that are even more complicated.

The following advice bears repeating — do not sign anything that you do not understand and agree with. Contracts have consequences. Verbal “explanations” do not change the written terms. Read it carefully even if it is long and boring. Do PICK A CARD

not sign this or any contract until you are satisfied with its terms.

In your case, the typical real estate contract will have two choices in dealing with the association’s special assessments. The first choice requires the seller to pay only the installments due through the closing, while the second requires the seller to pay the assessment completely by the closing date. If neither choice is made, the seller needs to pay it in full.

If your contract shows that you are responsible for installments after closing, then you will need to pay them because that is what you agreed to. If instead your contract shows that it should have been paid in full, you will need to take action.

Your first step is to review your closing statement to see whether the closing agent collected the necessary money. If so reach out and see if the check to the association cleared. If it did, get a copy and present it to your association and ask them to fix

their accounting. If not, you will need to find out why and fix that issue instead.

However, if the charge is missing from your closing statement, you will need to collect it from the seller. You and the seller most likely signed a “compliance agreement” with the closing agent that will require both of you to cooperate in resolving any errors or missing charges on the closing statement.

Once notified of a mistake like this, I have found that most people will step up and pay what is owed without too much fuss. Unfortunately, some people need more motivation to step up, and that may lead to litigation. In that situation, it is a good thing that most purchase contracts require the loser in the lawsuit to reimburse the winner for their legal fees. ©2019 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Portfolio of multi-sectors lifts RDG Planning & Design

Answers on page 14.

Continued from preceding page. and 12 managing principals.

Sova, who specializes in K-12 education, multi-family and corporate projects, said work across the state in various market sectors such as education and lifestyle continue to grow. Additional corporate office space for Werner Logistics involved 21,000 square feet of previously unused office space at its corporate headquarters with a strong emphasis on light and modern space with long-term flexibility.

This was accomplished by utilizing an architectural demountable wall system, which allows for future growth in a simple, efficient and cost-effective reconfiguration.

One of the largest local projects in recent years was the completion of 200,000-square-foot Creighton School of Dentistry educational and clinical facility.

A concept called active-learning classrooms was involved in the design to blend architecture, technology, and pedagogy to create interactive and engaging learning environments for leading-edge teaching and learning.

Work is being completed on the design for H&H Premier Automotive facilities on West Dodge Road.

“Our work requires meeting the high standards that BMW and Jaguar set for their facilities,” Sova said.

He said over the past 20 years, projects involving defense, higher education and religious institutions have remained strong.

Streebin, with specialties in architecture, art studios, engineering, graphic design and multimedia, interior design, landscape architecture, lighting design, strategic facility planning and sustainability, said a “nice niche market that’s developed over the past several years for RDG Planning & Design is commercial and regional planning.

The work is headed by a seven-person team based in Omaha. Many of the projects involve downtown development planning work for smaller municipalities. Design work is done for bike trails, housing, parks and recreation and transportation corridors.

Community regional planning work

has been done for a north Omaha regional development plan, the Park Avenue neighborhood, and in Crete, Nebraska for a downtown revitalization project.

“Common denominators about comprehensive planning include being sensitive to transportation corridors, improvements to existing roadways, the streetscape approach to south Omaha’s 24th Street, creating nodes for young families, village districts, parks, urban centers and gathering public input,” Streebin said.

Communications Director Elly Heckel said RDG Planning & Design’s work on community regional planning projects from Oklahoma City and Overland Park, Kansas, to Grand Forks and Detroit has differentiated itself from the work of many competitors by the strong emphasis being put on maximum public input.

“We put a lot of time into the color posters used for our public meetings and we encourage residents to write their ideas and recommendations on table paper supplied for them,” she said. “We make sure we gather a lot of public input and listening to that adds to the support of the project.”

Sova said a present project involves work on the Iowa West Sports Complex, a 75,000-square-foot multi-use recreation building near the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.

He expects the market to remain strong for academic and health care buildings.

A current project, slated to be completed in 2021, is the renovation and related work at University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Engineering.

“It’s a fairly complicated project because it involves moving people around in a building and working while it remains occupied,” Sova said.

The senior living market, both locally and nationally, remains strong.

“This is especially true for continuing care retirement communities,” Sova said.

Local projects include Immanuel Lakeside Village, Pacific Springs Village, Brookstone Meadows, The Lodge at Heritage Estates in Gering, Neb. and Southlake Village Rehab & Care Center, in Lincoln.

14

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

How the ‘Airbnb of boats’ is trying to rule the waves with rentals

by Rob Wile

Robert Satek knows owning a boat means sinking money — lots — to make money.

He estimates the annual cost of owning his 54-foot Azimut Atlantis yacht, the “Sol,” to be at least $80,000, including his Miami Beach dockage. tRends Satek had seen ads for oatsetter e figured it was another listings site that would take a chunk of change from his pocket.

But in 2018, after a friend recommended it, Satek decided to give it a try. To date, he’s made nearly $100,000 on 55 bookings — more than enough to cover his expenses.

“When I realized the money would just go straight into my bank and that I didn’t have to do much, I knew this was it,” he said.

In an era of disruptive startups, it seems fitting that outh lorida is home ort for boat-sharing powerhouse Boatsetter. Last year, the six-year-old company moved out of its entura office and into downtown Fort Lauderdale. Today, it leases a sleek, high-ceiling space just east of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts overlooking a bend in the Tarpon River.

“It’s perfect for a startup like ours,” CEO Jaclyn Baumgarten said on a recent afternoon in the space’s conference room.

Since its 2013 launch by Andrew Sturner, a lawyer-turned investor and a 25-year South Florida resident, Boatsetter has become one of the region’s most successful startups.

The boat-sharing concept has proven a natural fit for waterfront cities n multiple companies were racing to become the “Airbnb of boats.”

One of them was Cruzin, a San Francisco based firm run b aumgarten fter ears in business development in roles at IBM and estfield rou aumgarten decided she was ready to strike out on her own. With fond memories of growing up boating in Chicago’s

suburbs with her family, and sensing there was still an opportunity for a boating marketplace more trusted than existing options, she founded Cruzin in 2012 as a peer-to-peer marketplace. She protected rentals through a first of its ind three wa insurance olic covering owner, renter and the platform.

Two years later, it became clear to industry insiders that the space was getting crowded. As Baumgarten tells it, a potential investor suggested Cruzin and Sturner’s Boatsetter should merge to create a more powerful competitor with a nationwide footprint. After spending about 10 days with each other, Baumgarten says, Sturner and she decided the investor was right. Baumgarten moved to South Florida. The investor sailed off elsewhere, but the Boatsetter name remained, creating a player that suddenly had access to 3,000 vessels.

“We were both pulling in the same direction but had complementary strengths,” Sturner told the Miami Herald in 2015.

By the end of the following year, Boatsetter had raised about $15 million in outside investment, making it the dominant fundraiser among players in the boat rental marketplace worldwide.

Baumgarten was not done yet. In 2017, Boatsetter bought out one of its biggest rivals, Boatbound, for an undisclosed sum. Andrew Hall, the founder of Boatbound, said he still follows Boatsetter’s progress, though he declined to comment further.

The acquisition impressed Laura González-Estéfani, founder of TheVenture.

City, the Little Havana-based venture fund and tech ad isor er firm too on an undisclosed share of Boatsetter at the same time the Boatbound purchase was announced in August of 2017.

González-Estéfani said in an interview that Baumgarten possesses a unique combination of a true passion for the water and a

tactical business mindset.

“She is so good at” spotting new opportunities, González-Estéfani said of Baumgarten.

Today, Boatsetter manages about 5,000 vessels and has more than 30 full time employees, swelling to a full 45 during peak season, when it takes on staff at an outpost in Ibiza. To date, the company has raised more than $17 million, a sum still larger than any of its peers have raised. Baumgarten declined to disclose revenues or say whether the coman is rofitable All bookings still take place on Boatsetter’s website, though a mobile app is in the works. Owners are vetted by Boatsetter staffers and owners ha e final sa o er an prospective renter. Boatsetter takes 35 percent of the owner’s rental rate (15 percent for professional boaters), and charges the renter 10 percent.

Baumgarten’s original concept of threeway insurance remains the unique feature for all Boatsetter bookings; many rental marketplaces charge extra for it. The underwriter is BoatUS/Geico Marine.

There are still dozens of boat rental marketplaces — so many that the Passenger Vessels Association, which represents boat owners and emphasizes safety, has sounded the alarm about illegal rentals. Boatsetter says it complies with all Coast Guard regulations and will swiftly kick off any violators.

In the U.S., Boatsetter seems to be the marketplace gaining the most momentum out of all of them, according to Kevin Falvey, editor in chief of Boating Magazine.

Falvey said the average boat owner may not — yet — have Boatsetter on the tip of their tongue, but if mentioned, a boater will have heard of it. One reason is search engine

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Must-have apps can help you save money online Continued from page 11.

Gas and H-E-B stations.

Can I save more after I bought it? Or booked it?

Maybe. Some price-monitoring services will search for a lower price after you bought something, too.

Earny provides refunds if something drops in price after you purchase it. The service covers items bought at participating retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Costco Wholesale, Nordstrom, Nike, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Home Depot and Zappos.

Because Amazon doesn’t have its own price protection policy, you must use a price protected card in order to receive refunds on these items, according to the Earny site.

Amazon at one time did offer price protection: If a product’s price dropped after you purchased it, you could get a refund for the difference. But that policy doesn’t exist anymore, making it useful to use some outside apps, Broida said.

The searching for better deals is done based on receipts in your inbox.

There is a cost: Earny collects 25 percent of the refunds only after you have successfully received a refund.

While the price might seem steep to bargain shoppers, it may not be a bad idea for someone who doesn’t have the time to search for a better price and then take advantage of the limited

window offered by a retailer who promises to adjust for lower prices, Broida said.

Earny scans your purchases and submits refund requests when there’s an eligible price difference.

But are you comfortable giving an outsider access to your emails to scan for your receipts?

Another price monitoring services: Paribus. co (not dot-com) from Capital One, which tracks goods bought online as well as hotel room rates booked through sites that include Expedia, Priceline, Marriott and Hilton. You sign up with the email you use for online shopping receipts and Paribus scans your inbox for receipts from stores that it monitors. Paribus has no service charge.

Broida recommends using price monitoring services after you’ve booked a hotel for a trip too. He noted that there’s a 40 percent chance that your room rate will drop after you book it.

If the price goes down, he said, you can be alerted to the lower price and then cancel your old reservation and re-book in many cases.

Travel-related services include: Hopper.com, Pruvo.net, Getservice.com and AutoSlash.com (for car rentals).

Is the little extra effort worth it? It very well could be for some budget-conscious consumers.

Every dollar can add up over time. ©2019 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

o timi ation oatsetter is the first oogle result shown in the U.S. for the search term “rent a boat.”

Falvey said trusted boating marketplaces like Boatsetter have three factors working in their favor: The cost of boat ownership is outpacing incomes. People are time-pressed, without the leisure to care for a boat. And with the cost of waterfront property rising, marinas are disappearing — pushing slip fees up.

As a result, boat ownership is less attractive than it once was — meaning more people want to rent.

“I think they’ve carved out a place for themselves,” he said, “and they’ll continue to grow.”

Increasingly, Falvey said, prospective boat owners will turn to a service like Boatsetter to test out a boat before they buy. He gave they example of an empty-nester used to owning a ski boat who now wants to go fishing That’s exactly the type of customer Boatsetter has in mind, Baumgarten said. It’s especially the case for a younger, upwardly mobile tech savvy generation. Baumgarten says 79 percent of its renters are under age 45, 54 percent are under age 35 — and about a third are women.

“That’s unprecedented in the industry,” she said. “We’re creating a gateway for getting people exposed to the boating lifestyle.”

To best its competitors, Boatsetter is casting a wide net, recruiting a wide variety of essels li e fishing boats and tr ing to capture smaller and more family-oriented outings than the traditional booze cruisers that tend to haunt the rental sites.

At the same time, says Julien Geffriaud Continued on page 23.

Puzzle on page 13.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

15

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

The Cain and Moore nominations are two more tests for Republicans to fail In 1964, although there was scant chance that Americans would choose to have a third president in 14 months, Lyndon B. Johnson took no chances. The economy was sizzling, and in November Johnson would carry 44 states.

Nevertheless, he wanted low inEORGE terest rates, so he summoned to his Texas ranch Federal Reserve ILL Chairman William McChesney Martin Jr., the longest-serving chairman (1951-1970), for whom one of the Fed’s two Washington buildings is now named. Johnson (this from “Capitalism in America: A History,” by Alan Greenspan and Adrian Wooldridge) “gave [Martin] the once-over, shoving him around the room, yelling in his face, ‘Boys are dying in Vietnam and Bill Martin doesn’t care.’ ” In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon, already plotting reelection, summoned to the White House Arthur Burns, whom Nixon had nominated to become Fed chairman.

According to John Ehrlichman’s memoir “Witness to Power,” Nixon said: “ ‘Arthur, I want you to come over and see me privately anytime. . . . I know there’s the myth of the autonomous Fed.’ . . . Nixon barked a quick laugh. . . . ‘And when you go up for confirmation some senator may ask you about your friendship with the president. Appearances are going to be important, so you can call Ehrlichman to get messages to me.’ ” Past instances of presidential pressure on the Fed are pertinent to President Trump’s hectoring of Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair he regrets having chosen. Trump’s public coarseness makes Johnson’s and Nixon’s private behavior seem comparatively couth. Fortunately, Powell seemingly regards the president’s clamor for low interest rates as white noise, unworthy of notice.

The Fed’s structure largely insulates it from political pressure, but structure can do only so much. Today’s controversy concerns Trump’s planned nominees to fill the two vacant seats on the Fed’s seven-member board of governors, Herman Cain and Stephen Moore. Whether their untidy sex lives are disqualifying, a sufficient disqualification is that both are notably partisan Trump acolytes and neither has satisfactory credentials or experience.

The GOP’s descent into vaudeville began with the 2008 vice presidential nomination of Sarah Palin, it accelerated in 2011 when Cain was taken seriously as a presidential candidate, and it reached warp speed with the party’s capture by the man who takes Cain seriously as a maker of monetary policy. Cain’s certitude about his economic nostrums is inversely proportional to the study he has invested in the subject, which probably has involved less effort than he recently invested in organizing a PAC to promote Trump’s reelection. Cain’s and his nominator’s boundless confidence in their economic beliefs demonstrates the Dunning-Kruger Effect. It is named for two Cornell psychologists who in 1999 described the bias by which the lower a person’s intellectual ability, the more the person tends to overestimate it.

Some thoughtful people regret, as Cain does, the end of the gold standard, but they understand, as he does not, that fiat money is here to stay. Similarly, Moore might be right that the Fed would function better if it bound monetary policy to a prudent rule. There are, however, reasons to doubt that Moore knows what the rule should be (he certainly wrongly ascribes a particular rule to former Fed chairman Paul Volcker), and there are reasons to expect that the rule he would advocate at any moment would reflect his assessment not of macroeconomic facts but of partisan advantage.

The fact that presidents nominate judges with whose jurisprudence they agree does not of itself “politicize” courts, because most cases that courts consider are not directly related to partisan issues, and because the political fortunes of presidents and their parties are rarely immedi-

G W

Factories, coal mines bring income relief to some states

by Tim Henderson

High-paying blue-collar jobs lifted incomes in West Virginia, New York and Illinois last year, even though the states lost residents, while farmers and government workers shared the pain of more stagnant income in Nebraska, Maryland and Washington, D.C. The new per capita income numbers show how national policies and international markets directly affect state and local pocketbooks. Deregulation in the United States and a heat wave in China boosted coal economy demand in West Virginia, for example, while overseas mining and farming led to more giant truck manufacturing in Illinois. At the same time, U.S. tariffs hurt Nebraska soybean farmers.

Nationally, per capita income rose 1.4 percent between and after in ation about the same as the re ious year’s 1.6 percent, according to a Stateline analysis of ately impacted by the court’s decisions the way the Fed’s economic decisions can impact them. Hence, the danger of Trump’s crude attempt to lower the Fed’s intellectual quotient while increasing the perception that the Fed is a political plaything. In a crisis like that of September 2008, the Fed influences not just the U.S. money supply but something that can suddenly be even more important — the world’s confidence supply. The Fed’s prestige is perishable and endangered by these two nominees.

Populism, democracy’s degenerate byproduct, incubates hostility to people possessing specialized knowledge (a.k.a “elites”), but senators can withhold consent from particularly egregious abuses of institutions that are particularly dependent on the perception of competence. The Cain and Moore nominations will be two more tests — of political courage, and of their institutional responsibility — for Senate Republicans to fail. The possible good news is that these two confirmation votes might bring us closer to the day when supine senators grow weary of being embarrassed and embarrassing.

The Washington Post

Bureau of Economic Analysis data. The most recent peak was 4 percent growth between 2014 and 2015.

West Virginia had the biggest per capita income growth in the nation, with a 3 percent increase to about $40,600 after in ation The boost in the Mountain State stemmed largely from natural gas and coal jobs, said Brian Lego, economic forecaster for the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University.

“Coal and natural gas, and natural gas pipeline construction, all pay high wages, so that helped push up wages,” Lego said. “Health care and business services also helped, but energy and energy-related infrastructure played the largest role.”

West Virginia still ranks next to last for per capita income, ahead of only Mississippi, despite the increase last year.

Ashley Burke, a spokeswoman for the National Mining Association, said coal mining employment will likely show a modest increase for when the final numbers are in Those jobs can lift income per capita because they pay, on average, $80,000 a year, Burke said.

“This follows years of steep declines due in part to an extremely hostile regulatory environment,” Burke said.

“This administration has done a lot to reverse those negative trends.”

But coal industry analyst Joe Aldina of S&P Global Platts said while the Trump administration reduced regulations, coal’s success in West Virginia last year came from high demand overseas. Market demand had more impact than the deregulation, he said.

“The Trump administration has sought to help the coal industry in a myriad of ways, some of them quite creative, but it is market factors that have been the main drivers of the rebound,” Aldina said. oal e orts hit a fi e ear high last ear according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, but a drop is predicted this year.

Meanwhile, the administration’s trade war with China Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

17

One year into a trade war with China, Illinois whiskey, soybeans and metal still caught in the crossfire

by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz

It’s been just over a year since President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, setting off a cascade of retaliatory tariffs throughout the summer that threatened to upend business at Chicago’s spirits distilleries, Illinois’ soybean farms, and dozens of other industries across the nation.

Negotiations continue between the U.S. and the primary target of its trade wrath, China, raising hopes that there could be a resolution soon. But other signs point to escalating trade tensions as the U.S. threatens $11 billion more in tariffs on the European Union economy for products like wine, pajamas and Gouda cheese, and Canada discusses refreshing its list of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. Have companies suffered from the tariff battle as much as some people feared?

Local business owners in three industries affected by the trade war describe how it’s affected them.

Soybeans As the nation’s No. 1 producer of soybeans, Illinois got walloped when China, the world’s biggest buyer of the legume, imposed a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans.

Soybean exports from Illinois fell by half last year, a loss of $1 billion, according to U.S. Census trade data. Prices plunged and unsold soybeans piled up, with stockpiles of the crop up 30 percent in Illinois as of March compared with a year before due to the combination of the tariffs and a record year for production in the state.

A $12 billion national aid package offered by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture to tariff-affected farmers eased the pain for Illinois soybean producers, most of whom broke even, thanks to the government assistance, said Adam Nielsen, director of national legislation at the Illinois Farm Bureau. llinois recei ed million in the first round of payments, the most of any state, and is predicted to be the biggest reci ient once the second and final round is finali ed in a he said “If the goal was to avert a disaster, it did,” Nielsen said.

But the USDA has said farmers will receive no additional aid to soften the blow of tariffs, and it remains unclear when the soybean market will normalize.

China has started purchasing U.S. soybeans again as the two countries negotiate to end the trade war, but the amount remains well below normal levels. Exacerbating the situation is a swine u e idemic swee ing hina s igs that has cut the country’s demand for soybeans, which are primarily used in the country for feed.

John Kiefner, whose family farms about 600 acres in Manhattan, Ill., said current prices don’t cover his cost of production.

Kiefner was a critic of the tariffs and government assistance for farmers when they were announced, but he took the aid because “I wasn’t going to fall on my sword to save my pride.” He has shifted to growing mostly hay rather than corn and soybeans to take advantage of a hay shortage in northern Illinois.

While he is still against the trade war, “now I’m rooting for (Trump) to win,” Kiefner said.

In Princeton, Ill., farmer Evan Hultine worries the dam-

Factories, coal mines bring income relief to some states Continued from preceding page. took a toll on Nebraska, one of the nation’s most agriculture-dependent states. Sales of soybeans and other food to China suffered, said Ernie Goss, a regional economist at Creighton University in Omaha. Low oil prices also kept a lid on rofits from corn based ethanol he said Nebraska ranked last in per capita income growth, with almost no change after in ation at about “Agricultural commodity prices are just not high enough to support solid earnings,” Goss said. “In fact, there were losses by most farmers because of low prices, which are about oversupply but also the trade disagreements.”

Farm woes also translated to lower income for owners of retail stores where farmers shop and for suppliers such as seed merchants, he added.

Other agricultural states eked out modest increases, des ite tariff troubles because of more di ersified obs Goss said. Kansas, for instance, has a successful aircraft construction industry that can help it weather downturns in agriculture, he said, and the state saw a modest gain of ercent after in ation to a er ca ita income of about $50,200.

Elsewhere, New York state saw a boom in construction obs fed b new office and other non residential buildings in New York City. Washington state also had high income growth as the digital economy remained strong. New York saw a 2.5 percent gain in per capita income, and Washington 2.8 percent.

Maryland and Washington, D.C., both had relatively low income growth of less than half a percent. Both had drops in government employment under the Trump administration.

Manufacturing and construction both had a good year in Illinois after lagging in recent years, said Jim Muschinske, revenue manager at the state Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

“Those are some of our historically poorer-performing segments and some of our higher-paying jobs, so we had at least a temporary break from that troubling trend,” Muschinske said.

That helped boost Illinois’ per capita income 2.4 percent after in ation to the fourth highest increase after West Virginia, Washington and New York. Illinois also surpassed Colorado and Minnesota to rank 13th among the states.

In the Peoria area of central Illinois, factories are hiring and looking for more skilled workers for large machines made by Caterpillar and Komatsu as well as by John Deere in nearby Moline, said Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

Caterpillar told investors last year its mining, oil and gas machinery was in such demand abroad that it had a six-month backlog of orders. Analysts likewise say mining machinery, such as that made by Komatsu and Caterpillar, is in demand worldwide, especially in fast-urbanizing countries like India and China.

“All of these companies came roaring back as the economy improved, and last year they were paying a lot of overtime to meet demand,” Setti said. “That really gives a lift to household incomes.” In early 2018, Peoria County had the highest wage growth in the nation, mostly because of machinery manufacturers.

The boom extended to suppliers such as Morton Industries just southeast of Peoria, which started an in-house training program to develop more welders among its 650 workers to make metal tubes required for big machines like mining trucks.

“Here in Central Illinois and around the country, everybody is trying to recruit skilled workers. In this company, we want to grow our own,” said Steve Stewart, director of organizational development at Morton Industries.

Illinois had about 592,000 manufacturing employees and 241,000 construction employees in the third quarter of according to the latest figures a ailable from the federal Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

Like West Virginia, New York and other states, Illinois has lost population as residents age and young people move west to booming tech and energy economies. But some Rust Belt cities can grow income with manufacturing just the same. loss of eo le can in ate er ca ita income when good jobs come back, but states are hoping some former residents will be attracted back by the prospect of better jobs.

“We have lost a lot of people, and some of those people left in search of work in the long, slow decline of manufacturing,” said Setti, the Peoria CEO. “We’re hoping some of them will come back.” ©2019 Stateline.org Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

age is already done. Hultine, who farms about 700 acres of corn and soybeans, was able to sell most of his soybeans last year before prices fell, and the aid he received covered his losses, but he said the effects of the trade war could reverberate for years to come as China gets comfortable buying its soybeans from other countries.

“They’ve already gone to South America, South Africa,” said Hultine, who farms with his father. “They’re making trade partners and investing in those relationships elsewhere.”

As planting season begins this spring, Hultine, who usually splits his land evenly between corn and soybeans, has decided to plant only corn because he is more confident in those rices e is not alone farmers plan to cut soybean plantings by nearly 5 million acres this year, down 5 percent from last year, according to the USDA. But that’s not always an easy solution. Farmers rotate between corn and so beans because it is beneficial to the soil and pest control, and planting the same crop two years in a row could lead to lower yields, said Krista Swanson, who farms corn and soybeans with her husband on his family’s farm in Oneida, Ill. Swanson, who plans to plant soybeans this year as usual to maintain the rotation, supports the effort to update trade deals, but wants negotiations to hurry.

“The coming year presents more concern,” Swanson said. “We are in the make-it break-it time.”

Whiskey Spirits-makers got dragged into the trade war when some countries slapped retaliatory tariffs on U.S. booze.

Whiskey, which has surged in popularity in recent years, was hit particularly hard by a 25 percent tariff imposed by the EU, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of U.S. whiskey exports and previously had no duties on the product. Whiskey sales to the EU tumbled during the second half of 2018, pulling the overall growth rate for U.S. whiskey exports down to 5 percent for 2018 compared with 16 percent the year before, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

While big liquor companies have felt the pinch, the larger impact has been on smaller craft distillers, said Frank Coleman, spokesman for the trade group.

Craft products are already expensive overseas given the cost of transport and the small size of their operations, so tacking on a high tariff makes them less desirable to distributors that have access to plenty of brands from other countries.

The long-term concern is that consumers abroad will get used to not having American whiskey on the shelves.

“Our products are substitutable,” said Paul Hletko, who founded Few Spirits in Evanston eight years ago. “You might like bourbon more than Irish whiskey, but when bourbon is 20 percent more than Irish whiskey, maybe you like Irish whiskey better.”

Local craft distillers just getting a foothold into international markets say they are putting expansion plans on hold or redirecting resources.

Few Spirits Few Spirits, which exports its whiskeys and other spirits to 35 countries, is shifting its focus to South America and Africa, where countries have not imposed retaliatory tariffs, Hletko said.

Koval, a distiller in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood that exports to 55 countries, put a planned product launch to mainland China on hold because of that country’s 25 percent whiskey tariff, and now plans to move forward with fewer products and a focus on gin instead of whiskey, said Sonat Birnecker Hart, who co-owns the 11-year-old business with her husband.

Exports account for 30 percent of Koval’s sales, so the tariffs ha e eaten into rofits he com an is e tending its reach into Australia and Japan, which are not involved in the tariff battle, Birnecker Hart said.

The tariffs scuttled Chicago Distilling’s plans to start exporting whiskey and gin to Europe and China, said Jay DiPrizio, who co-owns the Logan Square distillery with his wife and brother. Importers informed the 6-year-old Continued on page 23.

18

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

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DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: MICHELLE L. WYATT, 3723 North 40th Street, OMAHA NE 68111, you are hereby notified that on February 14, 2019, CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-3796, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $4,503.98, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 20th day of May, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication March 29, 2019, final April 19, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JAQUAIS D JOHNSON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/26/2018 on Case Number CI19-495, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $703.20, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Duo Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Duo Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Javier Saenz at 8215 Wilson Drive Apt. 10, Omaha, NE 68127. Initial members: Javier Saenz and Rafael Andrade Vargas. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on April 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 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 GBR19, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GBR19, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14321 Cornhusker Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68127.

The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jesse P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on April 5, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOOSE TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Moose Transport Solutions, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 16476 Vane Street, Bennington, NE 68007. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning 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 filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 20, 2019, the Company commenced business on that date and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the board of directors of the LLC’s sole member, Moose Transport, Inc. Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF MISSION DIRECT PRIMARY CARE, PC Notice is hereby given that a professional corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Mission Direct Primary Care, PC. 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 Dr. John D. Hallgren, MD, 5112 Nicholas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132.

Dr. John D. Hallgren, MD, Incorporator First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOWER FARMLAND MANAGERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sower Farmland Managers, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 S. 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEBRASKA GOLD SOFTBALL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nebraska Gold Softball, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3615 S 185th ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is Edward Jarzobski, 3615 s 185th ave, Omaha,NE 68130 First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that ProSightful Counseling and Consulting, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 03/18/2019. The Registered Agent and initial designated Office is Gerald C. Igboanusi, 14204 Huntington Ave, Omaha, NE 68164. The general nature of business is Mental Health Counseling. The business shall be member-managed.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 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 Flying D Enterprises, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Flying D Enterprises, Inc. 2. The number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 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 April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF nimbleNumbers, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of nimbleNumbers, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is nimbleNumbers, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1013 Howard Street, #2, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and the name and street address of the registered agent for service of process is Brian Lisko, 1013 Howard Street, #2, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: EMILY MICHELLE HUGHES, 2809 N 20th St E, Omaha NE 68110, you are hereby notified that on December 26, 2018, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI18-26885, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $6,199.10, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 3rd day of June, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication April 12, 2019, final May 3 , 2019

LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is A & B’S LEGACY, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

3. The name of the initial agent for service of the Company at such address is Andrew C. Sigerson. The initial mailing address of the initial agent for service is Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O., 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska.

5. The company commenced its existence on March 20, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Manager, Laura S. Beahm, 604 Patrick Circle, Gretna, NE 68028, in accordance with the company’s operating agreement.

Ross M. Berg Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF K&H DREESSEN FARMS LLC Notice is hereby given that K&H Dreessen Farms LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office, and the street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process, is 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Robert J. Likes.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MIDWEST ROCK SCHOOL, LLC Notice is hereby given that Midwest Rock School, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 500 Elm Street, Springfield, Nebraska 68059, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Matthew Szymczak.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FIVE PROPERTIES LLC Notice is hereby given that Five Properties LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office, and the street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process, is 1515 S. 218th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Brett Clarke.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION On April 2, 2019, Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hope for South Sudan Development Foundation were filed to change the name of the company to Hope for Cush Christian Development Foundation.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Zen Room Omaha, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 230 S. 25th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The Registered Agent of the Company is Abigail Korth 11025 Hascall St, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR MARY ZICAFOOSE TEXTILES, 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 MARY ZICAFOOSE TEXTILES, L.L.C. The address of the registered office is 3323 S. 104th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is MARY ZICAFOOSE. 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 April 9, 2019, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC 2. The period of duration for RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC is perpetual.

3. RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC in Nebraska is 7607 N 29TH Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC in Nebraska is Jacob Minturn, 7607 N 29th Street, Omaha NE 68112.

6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

7. Jacob Minturn, organizer(s) of RELIEF PLUMBING SERVICES LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 22th day of March, 2019.

Jacob Minturn First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PORTRANE HOUSE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Portrane House, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 15660 California Street, Omaha, NE 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Adrian Blake, 15660 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION 1. The name of the non-profit corporation is EVANGELIUM INSTITUTE, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 10828 Old Mill Road, Ste 6, Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent at that office is Jeffrey T. Palzer.

3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is religious formation.

4. The corporation commenced on March 28, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Deacon Omar F. A. Gutierrez, 2307 S. 33rd St., Omaha, Nebraska 68105.

5. The corporation will not have members.

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney at Law, Kellogg & Palzer, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Phone: 402-333-9200 Fax: 402-333-0508 First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-228 Estate of Richard I. George, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 27, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Janice K. George, 611 Park Lane Drive, Omaha, NE 68104 was informally appointed 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 June 5, 2019 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of KJPC Holdco, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to S.J. Taylor Company II, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 2, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 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 RUCK CABINET DOORS MINNESOTA, LLC The name of the Company is Ruck Cabinet Doors Minnesota, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 2445 Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, Nebraska 68105. 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 April 5, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF APOLLO BUILDING CORP. Apollo Building 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. Terrence J. Ficenec, 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 April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Cavey & Associates, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Cavey & Associates, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 6317 S. 120th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68137.

Scott Cavey, Member First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 2602 HARNEY ST, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 2602 Harney St, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8750 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GW ENVY LLC Notice is hereby given that GW Envy LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 710 Parkwood Lane, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Jason McDermott.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DTC RELOAD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DTC Reload, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 400 S. Ridge Road, Fremont, Nebraska 68025. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Nova Home Worx, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 15822 Valley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.

The registered agent of the Company is Leslie Guffey, 15822 Valley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company was formed on March 27, 2019 First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 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 LONG UNLIMITED, LLC The name of the Company is Long Unlimited, 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 March 28, 2019.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Rad Tek Medical LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 21216 Arbor Court, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Timothy E Smith, 21216 Arbor Court, Elkhorn, NE, 68022. The company is member-managed. Nature of the Company is Medical Equipment and Devices.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

19

WESLEY E. HAUPTMAN, Attorney 17826 Monroe Street Omaha, Nebraska 68135 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-432 Estate of VERNON B. DEWILD, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 2, 2019, 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 David B. DeWild, whose address is 1511 Stover Lane, Spirit Lake, IA 51360, 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 June 5, 2019 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Dot Property Solutions, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Andrew P. McCormick, 7664 Shirley Street, Omaha, NE 68124. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on March 8, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), THODORE L SCHMITZ & CHRISTINA L SCHMITZ You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/01/2019 on Case Number CI19-1161, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $425.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 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 ARBOR CARE CENTERS VALHAVEN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Arbor Care Centers – Valhaven, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kenneth W. Klaasmeyer, 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on April 4, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 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 LIND ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lind Assets Management, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 5117 Parker Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. 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 March 13, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF JOEKOBOJI ENTERPRISES, 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 Joekoboji Enterprises, LLC. 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 March 20, 2019 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 April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SonLit Investments, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Jill Michalski, 17428 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on April 5, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019

20

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that The Ashlar Group, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 7617 Maywood Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127.

The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on April 4, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that WH Foods, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 10000California Street, #2801, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The registered agent of the Company is Wei Dong, 9763 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Company was formed on April 4, 2019.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 204TH STREET CAR WASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 204th Street Car Wash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Christopher Erickson, 222 S. 15th Street, 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-454 Estate of Christa M. Tracy, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 4, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Kathryn J. Tracy, 1154 South 95th Street, Omaha, NE 68124, 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 (two months after first publication date) September 15, 2016 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019

MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 13th Street TIF, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of 13th Street TIF, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is 13th Street TIF, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 7801 Wakeley Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and 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 April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Current Benefits, 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 Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 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 LOUP HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Loup 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 March 29, 2019.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF LEGACY COURT, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of LEGACY COURT, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been amended to change the name of the Company to 9140 West Dodge, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on March 29, 2019.

In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION On March 26, 2019, Aksamit Family Foundation, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (“Corporation”) filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of all liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of all remaining assets for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gary Aksamit as sole Director is to wind up and liquidate the corporate affairs and distribute its assets. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019

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 SAFETY FIRST FLOORING SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Safety First Flooring Solutions, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 5103 Nicholas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Martin C. Sheridan, 5103 Nicholas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The limited liability company commenced business on April 1, 2019.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

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 DUTCH HALL RIFLES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dutch Hall Rifles, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 7402 Dutch Hall Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Steven A. Bloemker, 7402 Dutch Hall Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68122.

The limited liability company commenced business on March 22, 2019.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TenFifteen Properties, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TenFifteen Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with it's designated office at 4206 Walnut St, Omaha, NE 68105. The Registered Agent of the Company is Legalinc Corporate Services Inc. 4611 South 96th St, Ste 111, Omaha, NE 68127.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

BARRY S. GROSSMAN, Attorney 1905 Harney St., Suite 600 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska TO: Manuel Diaz-Arroyo, whose whereabouts are unknown and upon whom personal service of summons cannot be had, defendant in said proceedings.

You are notified that on the 3rd day of January, 2019, Mirian Diaz, as Plaintiff, filed her complaint against you in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Case No. CI 19-56, object and prayer of which complaint is to obtain a dissolution of your marriage on the grounds that the marriage is irretrievably broken, designation of property, and restoration of former name.

You are required to answer the said complaint on or before May 27, 2019 or said petition against you will be taken as true.

MIRIAN DIAZ, Plaintiff First publication April 5, 2019, final April 26, 2019

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FALLING WATERS – PHASE II HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Falling Waters – Phase II Homeowners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the nonprofit Corporation is Falling Waters – Phase II Homeowners Association.

2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation.

3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The names and street addresses of the incorporators are: Dennis Van Moorleghem, 7002 South 131st Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68138 Steven Janicek, 7002 South 131st Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68138 5. The Corporation will have members.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

WILLIAM J. LINDSAY, JR., Attorney GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O. 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FMP FARMS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that FMP Farms, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 22, 2019. Its designated office is located at 10906 Newport Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. Its initial registered agent for service of process is CorporAgent, Inc., with an address at 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 DAVID M. HOHMAN, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF LISA M. POWELL INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Notice is hereby given that Lisa M. Powell Insurance Agency, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Corporation”), has been dissolved under the laws of the State of Nebraska effective as of March 28, 2019. The Corporation has collected all of its assets and will convey and dispose of those assets as may be necessary to pay, satisfy, discharge or provide for all liabilities and obligations of the Corporation. Any assets remaining after satisfaction of all liabilities and obligations of the Corporation will be transferred and distributed to the shareholders of the Corporation in cancellation and redemption of all shares of stock of the Corporation. At the time of the dissolution, the Corporation had no assets or liabilities, other than the expenses incurred in this dissolution. Lisa M. Powell, President and Treasurer of the Corporation, is responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the Corporation. Any creditors or claimants of the Corporation shall present a detailed claim setting forth all relevant claim information and the amount of the claim in writing to the Corporation at the following address: Lisa M. Powell Insurance Agency, Inc., 16168 Emmet Circle, Omaha, NE 68116. Any claim against the Corporation shall be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claim is commenced within three years after the publication of this notice.

Dated the 29th day of March, 2019.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Johnson Homes & Remodeling 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 Nicole Seckman Jilek, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF ODY OPTOELECTRICAL, LLC ODY Optoelectrical, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the company and the distribution of any remaining assets.

The Company requests that persons with claims against it present them in accordance with this notice. Any claimant shall describe the claim and mail the claim to the above address. A claim against the company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication of this notice.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Heather Doll Counseling Services, P.C. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporator: Heather Doll Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. 17021 Lakeside Hills Plaza, Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68130 First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3D CONCRETE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3D Concrete, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3941 X Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), GINA ANTISDEL You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/14/2019 on Case Number CI19-1454, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $197.58, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), NATHANIEL J LOUDERBACK You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/01/2019 on Case Number CI19-1160, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $259.07, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), MARLA J FERNANDEZ You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/01/2019 on Case Number CI19-1159, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $185.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KERRI E MCMANN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/25/2018 on Case Number CI19-414, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $199.40, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Madison River Investments, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business commenced on March 15, 2019, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer.

First publication April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Parland, P.C. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporator: John Parra, 5050 L Street, Omaha, NE 68117 First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Gr4ss Co, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 6117 S. 140th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Andrew Scarpa, 6117 S. 140th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on March 25, 2019.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FRACTIONALEXEC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that FractionalExec, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 26501 Taylor Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. The Registered Agent of the Company is Scott Mingus, 26501 Taylor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68064.

First publication April 5, 2019, final April 19, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is SASSE DENTAL, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 705 Rosewood Ave, Papillion, NE 68133.

3. The registered agent is Kelsey Sasse, DDS and the Register Agent's address is 705 Rosewood Ave, Papillion, NE 68133.

4. The general nature of the Company is the practice of dentistry.

5. The Company commenced on April 3, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence.

6. 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 April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is LRP ELEVATOR, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 4089 S. 84th St., Suite 114, Omaha, NE 68127. The registered agent is Jeffrey T. Palzer and the Register Agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

3. The general nature of the Company is elevator repair and maintenance.

4. The Company commenced on April 8, 2019, 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 April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GROWEST GENETICS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GroWest Genetics, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) with its designated office located at 3961 South 194th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, 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 April 12, 2019, final April 26, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SNOWVENTURES LLC Notice is hereby given that SnowVentures LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 3624 Paddock Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Nikki Snow.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SPLASH LAB LLC Notice is hereby given that Splash Lab LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 3624 Paddock Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Nikki Snow.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF VITAL HEALTHCARE STAFFING, LLC INTO VITAL HEALTHCARE STAFFING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Vital Healthcare Staffing, LLC has been converted into Vital Healthcare Staffing, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares having a par value of $1.00 each. The designated office of the corporation is 15475 Ruggles Street, Suite 113, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent and office of the corporation is Kyle Pitschka, 15475 Ruggles Street, Suite 113, Omaha, Nebraska 681116. The Articles of Conversion and Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 1, 2019.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

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KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is FLOWERS CONCRETE AND SNOW REMOVAL, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 2802 S. 40th St., Omaha, Nebraska, 68105. The registered agent is Julia K. Palzer, and the Registered Agent's address is 10828 Od Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154.

3. The general nature of the Company is finish concrete and snow removal.

4. The Company commenced on April 9, 2019, 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 April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 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 DEFY NEBRASKA, INC. Notice if hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Defy Nebraska, Inc. have been amended to change the name of the entity to: RISE Academy. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 9, 2019.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 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 SMART FREIGHT FUNDING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Smart Freight Funding, LLC has been amended and restated. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3803 North 153rd Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company remains at the Law Office of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, LaVista, Nebraska 68128. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed on April 12, 2019.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GUTTER DEFENDER OF THE MIDWEST, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gutter Defender of the Midwest, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 11659 Capitol Avenue, 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 April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PS 71, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PS 71, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrew A. Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WCV LOT 1, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WCV Lot 1, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrew A. Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Straxen Name of Applicant: CDIGNE LLC Address: 444 Regency Parkway Dr., Suite 200, 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: 02/18/19 General nature of business: Business Services BRANDON K. DICKERSON Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 19, 2019

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT OF NATURE HILLS NURSERY HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nature Hills Nursery, Inc., a Nebraska Corporation, has filed Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation changing the name of the corporation to Nature Hills Nursery Holdings, Inc. on April 10, 2019. Its designated office remains 707 South 152nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Its registered agent for service of process is Jeffrey Dinslage, with an address at 707 South 152nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

Ronald L. Eggers, Organizer 1500 Omaha Tower, 2120 South 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLUE DOOR SALON AND SPA, INC. Notice is hereby given that Blue Door Salon and Spa, Inc. a Nebraska corporation, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska.

The Company’s initial designated office is located at 225 Oakmont Drive, Papillion, NE, 68133. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Michele Kauzlarich at 225 Oakmont Drive, Papillion, NE 68133. 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 corporation may be organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Articles of Incorporation were filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 12, 2019. Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its officers.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 MYRON J. KAPLAN, Attorney 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 AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FLAVOR-CRISP, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Flavor-Crisp, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, has filed an Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation effective as of April 11, 2019, revoking the provision of the Articles of Incorporation establishing the name of the Corporation and substituting the following provision in its place: The name of the Corporation is Magnolia Spices, Inc. Brad French, President First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Trisha Anderson, P.C., with its registered office at 10824 Old Mill Road, Ste. 21, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and its principal place of business at 10824 Old Mill Road, Ste. 21, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, was formed on April 9, 2019, for the purpose of providing mental health counseling. The corporation has authorized capital stock of $10,000.00. The affairs of the corporation, which shall have perpetual existence, shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such officers as it shall appoint.

Trisha Anderson, LICSW, Incorporator First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE ATHLETIC CLUBS BY TRUFIT INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Athletic Clubs by TruFit Investments, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE ATHLETIC CLUBS BY TRUFIT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Athletic Clubs by TruFit, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Bhutanese Nepali New Life Church of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, a Nebraska Non-Profit Religious Corporation, has been organized under the Laws of the State of Nebraska on April 8, 2019. The registered agent and office: Phurba Tamang, 8501 Read St., Omaha, NE 68122, is also the sole incorporator of the corporation.

The corporation will have members.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRANDENBURGH HAULING, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Brandenburgh Hauling, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 1025 Maple Street, Beaver Crossing, NE 68118.

Russell Brandenburgh, Member First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF B DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is B Douglas Development, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 10327 Chandler Road, Suite 200, Gretna, NE 68118.

Bryan Boyce, Member First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION G & V CONSTRUCTION, INC. Notice is hereby given that G & V Construction, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 27, 2019 when Articles were filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares.

Patrick J. Sullivan, Incorporator, 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046 Registered Office: 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046 Registered Agent: Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMC INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 20, 2019, EMC Investments, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 12511 Deer Creek Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Danielle M. Dring, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF CODY LEDGER RACING LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is CODY LEDGER RACING LLC 2. The period of duration for CODY LEDGER RACING LLC is perpetual.

3. CODY LEDGER RACING LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for CODY LEDGER RACING LLC in Nebraska is 4422 N 154th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for CODY LEDGER RACING LLC in Nebraska is Cody Ledger, 4422 N 154th Street, Omaha NE 68116.

6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

7. Cody Ledger and Tracey Ledger, organizer(s) of CODY LEDGER RACING LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 26th day of March, 2019.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: ADRIAN RUELAS You are hereby notified that on 11/23/18, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI18 24467. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 1,152.44, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable.

The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 06/02/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska.

DANA KAY FRIES #22411 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ESBER HUITRON ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The registered agent of ESBER HUITRON ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC and office is Esber Huitron, 3315 Parker St Omaha, NE 68111.

First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Metro Painting Name of Applicant: Nathan Mills Address: 610 N. 4th St Bellevue NE 68005 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Upon Filing General nature of business: Painting, interior & exterior NATHAN MILLS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 19, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: NOR-B Name of Applicant: Barinor Waadah Address: 11518 Camden Ave Omaha NE 68164 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 4/5/19 General nature of business: Buying & Selling BARINOR WAADAH Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 19, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Stratcon LLC Name of Applicant: Hooligan Holdings, LLC Address: 7710 N. 117th Ave, Omaha, NE 68122 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: 03/29/2019 General nature of business: Any lawful business primarily focused on business consulting LARS PEDERSEN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 19, 2019 RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of N. Barth Distributing, Inc. with its registered office address at 126 East Grove Street, West Point, Nebraska 68788. The general nature of its business is to erect, construct, establish, purchase, lease and otherwise acquire, and to hold and use such equipment and facilities, supplies and goods for the distribution of snack or other food items and to own, conduct, operate and maintain and to carry on the business of distributing snack items, foods and beverages of all kinds related thereto, and all related matters, and including the sales and promotions thereof, and to engage in all lawful acts or activities for which corporations may be organized under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The authorized capital stock of the Corporation is $10,000.00 and such stock shall be issued at such time and under such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine. The Corporation commenced doing business on the 1st day of April, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted by a board of directors, and such officers as may be provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.

Russell J. Kreikemeier First publication April 19, 2019, final May 3, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

23

Voice search offers convenience, markets directly to consumers

by Gabby Christensen

It’s no surprise that voice search tools, such as Siri and Alexa, are changing the way the world learns and communicates.

Experts also say this trend has taken the retail and business industry by storm by changing the way consumers search.

Eric Wallace, marketing strategist and SEO analyst at JM Web Designs, said voice search is unique because people are asking full questions, which means a business targets queries with fewer total searches making it easier to understand what content needs to offer in order to compete for top spots.

“Since voice search is still built on top of existing search technologies, the same rules for high quality content apply for winning in voice results,” Wallace said.

“Think about the problems your potential customers are facing and how they use search to discover a solution. Then write content that answers those questions or solves those problems in as straightforward a way as possible.”

He said statistics prove that people are using voice assistants almost entirely to answer informational questions and accomplish individual tasks such as sending a message, setting a reminder or adding an item to a list.

“Voice technology presents unique problems that users of text search don't face and the solutions to those problems are not at all clear,” Wallace said. “We're still in the infancy stage of voice technology in everyday life so there's much more to come.”

According to Paul Eide, owner of Little Guy Design, more written content on a page is always better.

“Remember, with any page you are trying to rank, every action you take should be with the thought of making Google's life easier, not just to rank high,” Eide said. “Relevancy is key and the way that search engines survive or die. If they start delivering spammy results, that is the

Rule the waves with rentals Continued from page 14. oatsetter s chief growth officer the company doesn’t let just any boat owner onto the platform.

“We could go into a database and get 15,000 boats tomorrow — but they’re going to be poor quality,” he said.

Last year, The Economist named Boatsetter one of two companies attempting to “rule the waves” of the global boat rental space. The other is Paris-based Click&Boat, which offers U.S. listings and maintains access to a larger eet of essels but remains largely focused on the European market.

Baumgarten emphasizes that the quality of Boatsetter’s offerings distinguish it from more quantity-oriented competitors. At the same time, she believes one company will eventually emerge as a trusted, globally dominant player. She has not ruled out further acquisitions.

“Our awareness is nowhere near what it needs to be,” she said. “We are only scratching the surface.” ©2019 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

death knell.”

He said voice search is extremely useful in everyday life, but it also must be accounted for.

“If nothing else, these assistants have made people expect to get information faster than ever before,” Eide said. “And that expectation then bleeds into every other part of the relationship that a customer or consumer of content expects.

If you sell 1,000 widgets in an hour, you better have the infrastructure to sort, ship and deliver quickly or people will move on to the next vendor or information source that proves they can do it with the

most efficiency.”

Kelly Klein, owner and CEO at DKA Design Group, said while relevance is important, money can also play a big role when it comes to ranks.

“You can always purchase better placement,” Klein said. “It all comes down to finding out what you’re trying to accomplish and then figuring out how to get the best bang for your buck.”

He said all in-house systems are listening, whether it’s through conversation or tracking purchase and search history.

“These systems are trying to better understand who you are as consumer in

order to market directly to you,” Klein said. “They are essentially creating a digital portfolio of you.”

According to Klein, voice search has greatly impacted the entire retail industry.

“These assistants are making manufacturers and producers more transparent than ever,” he said. “There are tons of reviews at our fingertips. We can easily find any information about a company and ultimately find the best product and best priced product all with just our voice. The convenience factor that these assistants are creating is second to none and it’s only going to get bigger.”

Illinois whiskey, soybeans and metal still caught in the crossfire Continued from page 17. business that they won’t take on new brands, he said.

Chicago Distilling, which currently sells its products in 10 states and Australia, plans to redirect its resources to expand into new U.S. markets because of the trade war.

“It’s been a hindrance to growth,” DiPrizio said.

Manufacturing The taxing of foreign steel and aluminum has been a boon for the U.S. steel industry, which saw profits soar last year as imports fell and American companies ramped up production, restarted idle plants and hiked prices.

But Illinois manufacturers that use those metals to make other products have experienced a mixed bag of consequences as the trade war has unfolded.

At Atlas Tool Works in Lyons, a precision component manufacturer for aerospace, medical, defense and general industrial products, owner Zach Mottl credits the tariffs for helping drive a surge in business.

A heavy user of steel, Mottl said the initial rise in his raw material costs has stabilized, and he has since seen increased demand for his products that resulted from subsequent tariffs the Trump administration imposed on hundreds of Chinese goods. Customers who used to get parts for X-ray machines or printing presses from China are now coming to him, he said.

“We are exceedingly busy, and we are able to have pricing power again,” Mottl said.

Mottl, who employs 80 people at Atlas and a group of related companies, has increased hiring by 5 to 10 percent and pushed entry-level wages to $15 an hour from $13 to attract talent. He expects revenues to rise to just under $10 million this year, from $8.5 million last year, and is in the midst of a plant expansion.

But other manufacturers say the tariffs have hurt business.

At Freedman Seating on Chicago’s West Side, which makes the seats on many CTA buses, a 50 percent surge in the price of domestic steel last year took a bite out of profits, said CEO Craig Freedman.

Steel still costs 25 percent more than it did before the tariffs kicked in, putting major pressure on his bottom line given that steel accounts for 30 to 40 percent of material purchases.

Freedman, who employs more than

800 people, said he’s absorbed the costs by curtailing investments in machinery, research and development and his workforce, but other companies that strictly fabricate metal are hurting more.

“It certainly curtailed our ability to grow the business because the cash flow wasn’t there,” he said. “I can tell you there are companies that aren’t going to survive.”

Auto parts suppliers, which em ploy nearly 900,000 people nationally and 40,000 in Illinois, are letting jobs go unfilled, and some have reported selling their businesses and shuttering factories, said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs at the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C. They

are squeezed not only by higher domestic steel prices but because they are paying high tariffs on certain specialty metals they can only get abroad, and those that import component parts like motors and sensors for further manufacturing are confronting tariffs on those goods too, she said.

The association recently surveyed its members and found the highest level of pessimism since 2008 and 2009, in the midst of the economic downturn.

“It is the compound effect of all these trade actions that is definitely having a negative effect on our suppliers,” Wilson said. ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Travelex Insurance Services was honored with a TravelAge West 2019 Editor’s Pick ‘Best Travel Insurance Company’ Award. The honorees were chosen by the TravelAge West’s editorial team and travel agent advisory board using a variety of methods, including product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel advisers and online research. In addition to this distinction, Travelex Insurance Services is also in the running for a WAVE (Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence) Award, to be determined by a TravelAge West readers’ choice poll conducted during the month of April. The voting will be available at TravelAgeWest.com/ WAVE-Awards.

Werner Enterprises received the Dedicated Carrier Partner of the Year Award, Site of the Year Award and Serving Others Award for 2018 at Dollar General’s Annual Dedicated Transportation Conference. Dollar General selected Werner for Dedicated Carrier Partner of the Year based on utilization, communication, on-time service and the best partnership throughout 2018. Werner’s Fulton, Missouri, team was recognized as Dollar General’s Site of the Year for exemplary service by the carrier teams and distribution operations.

Werner’s Dedicated Logistics Manager John Merritt received the Serving Others Award for his out-of-the-box thinking and recovery efforts during multiple winter storms.

Health care notes…

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Hy-Vee, Inc. is providing free Hemo-

globin A1C screenings throughout its eightstate region during the month of April. The free screenings will be offered on a first come first ser ed basis at the ee ealth ou Mobiles in more than 150 Hy-Vee store parking lots. Hy-Vee registered dietitians will conduct a simple blood test, and review the results with individuals immediately following the test.

CUBEX LLC’s MedBank Medical Solutions a ro ider of first dose and emergenc medication management technology, announced that Community Pharmacy, a long-term care pharmacy prominent throughout the Midwest, will expand its emergency medication access with the MedBank Mini product line. Community Pharmacy plans to deploy the Mini solution to its long-term care clients to increase control of e it and first dose storage while im ro ing medication inventory levels and expiration control.

Education notes…

The teaching, research and outreach activities of the University of Nebraska have grown the state’s economy by $4.5 billion every year, according to an independent new analysis of the uni ersit s significant and far reaching im act on Nebraska’s growth and prosperity. The analysis was conducted by Tripp Umbach. Tripp mbach s findings which for the first time detail NU’s impact by region and legislative district, show that the University of Nebraska generates $7 for every $1 the state invests.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s newest center will help grow campus teaching, Continued on next page.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, April 23 The Business Ethics Alliance and the Creighton University Center for Professional and Corporate Excellence have teamed up to present “Ethical Leadership: Learning how to in uence others with ethics art of the le ate Ethics Workshops. In this workshop attendees will: analyze the concept of ethical leadership; discover individual ethical leadership strengths and challenges; determine the traits of an ethical erson and build ethical leadershi in uence skills through practice and activities. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Creighton University’s Harper Center. Registration is online.

Wednesday, April 24 The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cyber Security Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Platteview Golf Club. Dr. Michelle Black is an assistant professor at the Department of Political Science for the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Black’s presentation on “Identifying the Threats: Terrorism and Cyber Security” will discuss threats and how you can understand the dangers of social media rofile theft and online ro aganda and simple solutions on how to protect yourself and your business. Registration is available online.

Thursday, April 25 The National Safety Council, Nebraska will host its April breakfast with Brian Alexander from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Holiday Inn at 3650 S. 72nd Street. Alexander will be speaking about being a leader in safety even when you’re not a boss. This session explores several leadership attributes organizations can use to assist individuals develop safety ownership at a personal level.

The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants will host the 1st Annual Business and Industry Conference at The

Cornhusker Marriott, Lincoln from 8:18 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. General sessions include: economic outlook, cashing in on Nebraska incentives, cybersecurity, corporate tax updates, business strategy and leadership development. Breakout sessions include: emerging tech, employment law traps; and mergers and acquisitions.

Registration is online.

T.E.A.M. Sarpy is hosting its community coalition meeting featuring Christty Tonkison, MPH, research coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. The meeting will be held at CHI Health Midlands Hospital in the Smith Suite from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tonkison is responsible for data collection, analysis, and compilation of the Kids Count in Nebraska annual report and development and support of any additional Voices for Children in Nebraska research projects.

Friday, April 26 The Gender Equity in Tech Conference (GETconf) at the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus is a one-day tech conference — by women, for everyone — featuring 100% women speakers from across the country to amplify and celebrate thought leaders from underrepresented groups in tech. Full event information is online.

Saturday, April 27 The Sarpy County Public Defender’s office and Lift Up Sarpy County, Inc. announced the second annual Behavioral Health Resource Expo from 9 a.m. to noon at Thanksgiving Church. The expo will help attendees find the resources and navigation assistance they need to connect to services and help manage their situation. The Sarpy County Defender’s office ro ides legal re resentation and social service assistance to clients struggling to locate and access services to address their behavioral health needs.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. research and outreach programs to meet a pressing state and national need in workforce development and interdisciplinary STEM projects surrounding research as a pedagogical tool for life-long learning. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the creation of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teaching, Research and Inquiry-Based Learning (STEM TRAIL) Center. The center, which still requires May approval by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, will support existing UNO STEM programs and provide the infrastructure to grow and establish new efforts.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Treynor Community Athletic Booster Club was established by an Endow Iowa Fund with the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. This endowment will ensure athletics remain a central part of Treynor’s history for generations to come. The Treynor Community Athletic Booster Club supports 18 programs ranging from baseball to dance, golf to track, volleyball to wrestling, and anything in-between. The ultimate goal for the Treynor Community Athletic Booster Club is to provide more resources to the programs and reduce or eliminate the need for individual sports to fundraise for activities.

Arts and events…

Amplify Arts is seeking proposals from local artists and organizers for its annual Public Impact Grant. This is a $10,000 award designed to assist an artist and their collaborators in working towards a solution to a systemic community issue through the arts. Strong proposals will

identify a systemic issue that directly impacts the community or communities with which the artist or organi er closel identifies ro osals will also identify a response to those concerns with a project that has potential to affect positive change through design thinking, collaboration, and expanded art practices. Grant proposals will be accepted through May 12.

The Nebraska Medicine Guild is hosting Fusion — A Blend of Fun and Philanthropy on April 24 at 11 a.m. at the Omaha Design Center. The luncheon speaker is novelist Elin Hilderbrand. Hilderbrand was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and underwent a double mastectomy that year. She actively shares her story of recovery and has taken on the role of breast cancer activist. Funds raised from the event will support scholarships for the next generation of health care providers from UNMC and Clarkson College, in addition to other works impacting the patient experience at Nebraska Medicine.

Tickets are online.

The Ralston Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 8th annual Wine Walk on April 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is an opportunity to explore historic Downtown Ralston and sample wine. Pre-registration is available now online.

Tickets are available for $10 and Wine Walk T-shirts are available for an additional $15. The first eo le to register will recei e a commemorative wine glass.

FranNet of The Heartland is hosting Scooter’s Franchise Co-Founder Don Eckles for a discussion on challenges, key factors in growth, and lessons learned on April 25 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Access Bank, 8712 W. Dodge Road. A Q&A session will follow and a light lunch will be provided. Registration is available online.

The Guns & Hoses Boxing Challenge taking place on April 26 at the Baxter Arena is a charity bo ing e ent between local area olice officers and firefighters his fundraiser is a o ing sanctioned event and the training for this event is an intense process that begins months prior. Fighters are required to be on top of their game to comply with standards and rigors of the sport. Fighters come in from Omaha Fire, Offutt Fire, Papillion Fire, Bellevue Fire, Lin-

coln Fire and Omaha Police, Douglas County, Lancaster County and Dodge County Sheriffs Departments. he maha affiliate of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America is hosting Strike Out HD on April 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Strike Out HD is a fundraising event that will include games of bowling, pizza, drinks, and prizes for winners at Scorz Sports Center in Ralston. The cost is $20 per bowler or $100 for a team of six.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Farm Bureau Financial Services adds O’Connor to Omaha team

Farm Bureau Financial Services has hired Kara O’Connor to its wealth management practice in Omaha as a wealth management adviser.

O’Connor will help Farm Bureau client/members prepare for the future and protect what matters by providing financial planning, advisory services, O’Connor and investment solutions to families, individuals and businesses. She will use Farm Bureau’s Your Future Advantage process to guide client/ members through the steps of creating a customized plan to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals. O’Connor has 15 years of experience in wealth management and financial advisory services.

Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Co. names Stuch to directorship

Lutz adds Strutzel as director for family services office team

Lutz announced a new service line, Family ffice er ices and has selected isa trut el to lead as director.

Bringing over 14 years of experience as an executive of a famil office trut el oins ut as famil office services director. She will lead the team by coordinating the efforts to provide customized, cost effective services to high-net-worth cliStrutzel ents. She graduated from Iowa State University with distinction and is a licensed CPA with the State of Nebraska.

She obtained the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services. ut s amil ffice team assists high net worth families manage their family enterprise by helping them determine their goals and priorities, establish processes and providing integrated financial ser ices

Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company has hired Dora Stuch as director of residential property management.

She will oversee a team of regional property managers; as well as the physical, operational, and financial aspects of 4,000 multi-family units. She has over 25 years of experience in the propStuch erty management industry with 11 focus years on military privatize housing. Prior to joining the company, Stuch was responsible for overseeing over 3,500 units in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas City and Virginia. Stuch received her Certification in Defense Privatization Manager, NAHMA Certified Professional of Occupancy, and National Apartment Leasing Professional designations. She also received Asset Management Training.

Koley Jessen adds Herbers to banking, finance practice

C&A Industries hires Morgan for chief finance officer role

Following a national search, Matthew T. Andrews, Ph.D., has been chosen to serve as the next director of the Nebraska Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, a program of the University of Nebraska.

Andrews is currently executive associate dean of the College of Science at Oregon State University. A molecular biologist, Andrews Andrews also is a tenured professor of biochemistry and biophysics.

He will begin his duties on July 1, succeeding Dr. F. Fred Choobineh, who is returning to his faculty position full-time on June 30. As Nebraska EPSCoR director, Andrews will lead coordination and administration of statewide efforts to earn projects from federal agencies like the National Science Foundation. He will also lead Nebraska’s Institutional Development Award program.

C&A Industries, Inc. has hired Mike Morgan as chief financial officer In his role, Morgan will be responsible for financial management of the organization, including direct oversight of financial planning and analysis, risk management, accounting, and tax reporting. Prior to joining C&A, he served as senior vice president of finance Morgan with West Corporation chief financial officer with trec chief financial officer with nc and as ice resident of finance with irst ata organ began his finance career with accounting firm Seim Johnson. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of NebraskaLincoln and obtained his CPA license in 1991.

The Banking and Finance Practice at Koley Jessen has grown with the addition of Benjamin J. Herbers.

Herbers works with financial institutions, owners, and investors on complex financing transactions including, construction financing, commercial real estate loans, revolving credit facilities, term loan facilities and ta e em t fiHerbers nancings. He received his B.A., MBA, and J.D. (with distinction) from the University of Nebraska. He clerked for Chief Justice Heavican on the Nebraska Supreme Court.

The University of Nebraska hires Andrews for directorship position

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

Lamp Rynearson selects McIntosh to lead the design group practice

Lamp Rynearson has promoted Mike McIntosh, PE, CFM, to design group practice leader.

McIntosh will be taking on new duties, in addition to leading Lamp Rynearson’s Public Practice area.

He has been with the firm for o er ears and has been involved in key public projects, as well as many notable private projects. he firm s esign McIntosh Group was previously overseen by Terry Atkins, PE, LEED AP. Atkins will continue to ser e as the chief o erating officer and remain active with the Design Group. He will maintain involvement and partnership with the firm s clients on ro ects that continue to redefine the urban and suburban maha landsca e

Project Advocates names Herzog principal at the firm Project Advocates has promoted Matt Herzog to principal with the firm Herzog is a founding member of Project Advocates and has over 20 years of experience in the construction project management industry.

He will continue to be a trusted advisor

Herzog

Chief Industries elects Frerichs to lead marketing, communications

Dresser

Rothanzl

E&A hires Dresser, Rothanzl returns

E&A has added one new hire and welcomed back a familiar face to its Omaha location.

Avery Dresser joined the E&A team as an environmental scientist. He graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he received a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. He brings experience in wetlands, industrial inspections, industrial stormwater pollution prevention plans and customer service to the Environmental Services team.

Josh Rothanzl, PE, is returning to the E&A team as a civil engineer. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

He had previously worked for E&A from 2013 to 2015. He then gained experience with the City of Bellevue and MUD before returning to E&A. by ensuring client objectives are achieved on their projects. After obtaining his bachelors degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Herzog began his construction management career with an international contractor where he had the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects.

Chief Industries, Inc. has named Beth Frerichs director of marketing and communications.

Frerichs will oversee marketing, corporate communications, branding, and loyalty programs for all subsidiaries and divisions of Chief. She joined Frerichs Chief in 2015 to lead the marketing initiatives for Chief Construction, Chief Development, and Heartland Electric.

Prior to that, she was a program manager for a mar eting firm in earne ebras a rerichs received a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2004 and in 2010 received her Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leader Development from Capella University.

27

Mutual of Omaha Bank promotes Froelick to chief risk officer role

Mutual of Omaha Bank has named Marty roelic the chief ris officer In this role, Froelick is responsible for all aspects of Enterprise Risk Management at both the Bank and its Synergy One Lending subsidiary.

Froelick joined Mutual of Omaha Bank in 2017 and has been a key leader in several key initiatives. Prior Froelick to joining Mutual of Omaha Bank, he held several senior level risk management roles at major Fortune 500 financial companies. He graduated from Rice University with both his bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration. He also is an active member of the Risk Management Association’s Mid-Tier Bank CRO group.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Cassling navigates health care industry with enhanced imaging technology Continued from page 1. to a hospital to receive services, which can mean driving to a larger city for some patients.

Imaging, such as an MRI, should follow the push to community-based care so that diagnoses can be made more quickly, catching diseases more effectively and resulting in better patient outcomes while lowering the overall costs, he said.

Bringing vascular imaging and cost-effective technology into a clinical setting is currently a focus.

“We have a mobile C-arm that basically can go anywhere and is a full-blown cardiovascular lab on a little C-arm.

You’re able to do vascular-like procedures in a doctor’s office,” said Mike Cassling, CEO of Cassling and president and CEO of CQuence Health Group, parent company to Cassling and Ensocare. “I think we’re going to see more and more in that area to do more procedures outside the hospital.”

The goal of value-based care is to drive down health care costs while at the same time increasing quality. One of the biggest costs for hospitals is its personnel. Yet, cutting staffing can start to affect quality.

“I think the challenge we have as an industry is that we’ve squeezed the lemon about as much as we can,” Salem said.

“We’re trying to help our customers by producing lower cost equipment, making sure they can get the best deal they possibly can, keeping equipment running all the time.”

The goal of building artificial intelligence into imaging technology is to improve workflow with less human interac-

tion while getting optimal results, he said. — one of the first in the world for pediat“Imaging continues to be a driver from rics, Cassling said. a business perspective for hospitals,” “Children’s is a local example of robotSalem said. “We understand the staffing ics and imaging coming together to make concerns that are going on in the industry, things faster, better quality and lower dose whether it’s the fact that hospitals have to — all of which are highly critical, but especut people because cially in pediatrics,” of budgets or wheth- Cassling he said. er they can’t simply Phone: 402-334-5000 To differentiate find the right people Address: 13808 F St., Omaha 68137 the 35-year-old com— the ability to push Services: medical imaging equipment, sales, pany in a competitoward better work- leasing and service tive and challenging flow for the people Founded: 1984 field, Cassling is who are using the Employees: 200 employees across Cassling, rolling out companyequipment every day CQuence Health Group and Ensocare wide employee and is really where the One-year goal: To increase sales from about customer experience technology’s going.” $170 million to the $200 million ballpark and initiatives called EX The development expand services not only to grow but to provide and CX. The proof robotics in an- solutions for customers’ challenges. gram doesn’t use giography cardiac Industry outlook: Health care trends include employee surveys catheterization has artificial intelligence and the use of computers/ to build engagement, led to a hybrid proce- large data sets to drive results, and a shift to which is retrospecdure room/operating outpatient-focused and value-based care. tive. EX is proactive room. and asks employees From a business perspective, imaging contin“More and more ues to be a driver for hospitals. what they need now medical specialties Website: www.cassling.com to do their best work, have started to use they said. imaging on their own,” he said. “It used to Cassling, whose father, Bob Cassling, be that if you wanted imaging you had to started the company in 1984, said that a go to radiology and access it, but now we focus on employees and providing the see orthopedics and cardiology and pain best service have always been part of the management, neurology, emergency room culture.

— all bringing imaging into their own “This was really taking what we’ve aldepartments. Now all of the sudden we ways done — we have a great culture that’s have to touch more people, see more de- created from 35 years ago — but taking partments to really understand the market.” it to a whole new level,” Cassling said.

One such example is the installation “And from the customer experience [side], of a robotic cardiac catheterization lab at we’ve always said, ‘provide great service Children’s Hospital and Medical Center to our customers,’ and salespeople and the call centers are focused on that. But now we’re really looking at the total experience of the customer — every interaction they have with us — how can we do it better.”

Speaking to customer experience, the company is looking at what other services it can provide to help customers deal with all of their challenges, like staffing and high-quality imaging reads, by potentially partnering with or investing in other companies.

“If we can get that running it really solves two problems,” Salem said. “One is it contributes significantly to growth, the other is it changes our customer expe-

rience… we’re getting to a point where we can bring in a full solution to somebody’s entire problem.”

Over the last year, Cassling’s sales have grown 12% to 15%, in the $170 million range, with a goal of around $200 million. Its service business continues to grow in the mid-single digits — there’s a lot of competition in that space, he said.

As a company, Cassling started working with Siemens in 1999 with a couple of product lines and in 2001 incorporated all of its products. Now, the company is one of Siemens’ largest global partners, Cassling said.

“Siemens has some of the best technology in the world for imaging, but then our customers have a local company presence,” he said.

Cassling’s products and/or services have touched every major hospital and health system in the Omaha and Lincoln area, Salem said. In terms of sales, the company covers the western half of the U.S. — from regional hospital systems to imaging centers and surgery centers in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana and west into California — 22 states in all.

Another major challenge to not just the health industry but also to tech companies like Ensocare, which employs software engineers, is the lack of tech talent in Nebraska. Cassling is heading up a task force, along with the Aksarben Foundation, the Greater Omaha Chamber and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, that includes about 50 top IT companies to face the problem.

The company is also looking at remote capabilities — running systems remotely to alleviate a shortage of skilled workers, especially in areas like western Nebraska.

Across the three companies — CQuence Health Group, Cassling and Ensocare — there are 200 employees. Leadership said there are about 12 different companies it’s invested in.

Cassling, which has been at its current 50,000-square-foot facility since its start, is set to undergo a complete renovation that will include a larger break room, bright colors and open, collaborative spaces, based on employee input.

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Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

29

April 19, 2019

New generation of startups well positioned to meet challenges of business

by Dwain Hebda

Despite the challenges of starting and growing a business, experts say the new crop of entrepreneurs have a decided leg up over previous generations of small business owners.

“The younger entrepreneurs today hold several advantages,” said Bob Hallstrom, state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses/Nebraska. “They have an increased focus on company culture, including offering employees flexible time schedules and Hallstrom the option of working from home. They are also more at ease with mobile technology and digital advertising and they are less risk averse in general.”

Julia Parker, executive director of the Omaha Small Business Network, said today’s typical small business owner is better informed than at any other point in history.

“The entrepreneurs that come in for our assistance are much more prepared than past generations,” she said. “There is a vast amount of information about starting and growing a small business available online.

Founders are easily able to conduct more research about their products and services than ever before.”

In addition, Parker said, today’s small business owners are benefitting from societal trends that favor shopping local.

“Omaha is becoming much more small business friendly,” she said. “I think that Omahans are now considering where their food and drinks are grown and produced.

Buying local is no longer a trend in our city but the norm for many, which is great news for local small businesses.”

Parker noted the OSBN offers a wide range of free services to entrepreneurs, which help advance their ventures that much faster. These educational programs, and others, are sorely needed to continue to improve the overall environment in Omaha. And, the group’s services help in other ways, too.

“Access to capital is always a critical hurdle for new business owners,” she said.

“These hurdles are even higher for historically underserved and undercapitalized entrepreneurs. When seeking to start a new

Leon Milobar, district director for the Business Administration. business, the ability to obtain a business loan strongly indicates whether that business will be successful and have the ability to create additional jobs.

“OSBN traditionally provides capital

Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small for small businesses and microenterprises that mainstream financial institutions and community lenders might overlook. As a mission-driven, community-based lender, OSBN offers low interest rate microloans

at 6% interest in amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000. We also offer commercial properties along the 24th Street corridor for lease.”

More resources are needed to evolve the local startup environment, said Leon Milobar, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I w o u ld g iv e Omaha a C+ or B- as a grade for its environment for small business,” he said.

“Omaha has been able to grow successful businesses and the metro area has entrepreneurs right Parker here that have vision and talent. However, what we lack now is more of the critical mass of talent, to build companies right here.”

Milobar said the community wasn’t without quality resources — he praised the university system in general and UNMC’s medical innovation and research in particular — but said key pieces of the puzzle are often disengaged from the process.

“The universities and schools are turning out talented individuals and students Continued on next page.

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Salute to Small Business

Local organizations offer options for financing startups, expansion efforts

by David Kubicek

Banks and other organizations offer startup and expanding businesses several options to obtain financing “We take the time to listen and build trusting relationships with our clients to ensure we are providing as much support and counsel as possible,” said Joel Falk, president of UMB Bank Omaha. “Our bread and butter is helping clients create a solid, holistic financial picture for their busiFalk ness.”

UMB offers business real estate loans, term loans, letters of

Challenges of business Continued from preceding page. are being exposed to entrepreneurship at an earlier age,” he said. “There are a variety of programs to help individuals start their business and Omaha has accelerators and training.

“We are lacking the critical mass that perpetuates innovation and business in the technology sector. However, with some of the proposed development in Omaha, this might spark the growth of business and attraction of talent.”

credit, lines of credit, and credit cards for small businesses.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans ro ide se eral different benefits for the bank’s clients, including longer term loans, specialized programs based on the business’ needs, and terms and interest rates tailored to their needs.

UMB’s commercial real estate team can help execute property renovations, consolidate multiple small debts and refinance real estate.

Luebbe Its small business payment services can help a small business increase average total sales, simplify payment processing, speed up transactions and simplify end-of-day reconciliation with detailed reporting.

“We offer a variety of business checking and treasury management solutions that provide small businesses with the banking account service needed for continued growth, including lockbox services, remote deposit capture, mobile remote deposit capture, account block and several others,” Falk said. “Our private wealth management team can help a business protect what they have today and help them grow their finances Nebraska Angels is a network of local in-

From left, Amateur Coffee owners Jasmyn and Jacob Wichert with Jim Reiff, executive director of the Nebraska Enterprise Fund … Nebraska Enterprise Fund helped Amateur Coffee get started. estors who ro ide ca ital for firms that ha e The group works closely with the Nebrasa base level of customers, a proven revenue ka Department of Economic Development model and are ready to scale. and its seed investment program, Invest “Often these funds go towards customer Nebraska, and Catalyst Union Bank & Trust. acquisition and making key hires as the comNebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) has a pany builds out its team,” Executive Director revolving fund from which it offers loans Stephanie Luebbe said. from $1,000 to $150,000 to eligible and viable Before raising funds through the angels, businesses across the state. man com anies will use alternate financing “We do that by lending funds to good sources including grants, seed capital pro- businesses that may not yet be bankable but vided by the entrepreneur and/or friends and which have the potential for future success,” Continued on page 32. family, and bank loans.

Salute to Small Business •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Salute to Small Business

Shopping local promotes connections within community, boosts economy

by Gabby Christensen

Leslie Fischer, co-founder of Together A Greater Good (TAGG).

(Story at right)

Options for financing startups, expansion efforts Continued from preceding page.

NEF Executive Director Jim Reiff said. n some cases does ga financing which is filling the ga between the owner s equity and what the bank is able to offer. e do some financing of startu s but we need to see a business plan and proof of concept,” Reiff said. “Before you come to a financial institution ou need to do our homework, not just for your business, but you need to understand your credit score and, if

necessary, get help from other programs to improve it.”

Some owner’s equity is important, especially for a startup. Reiff said a business is like buying a house but could be more costly if the business fails.

“You can always sell a house back to the market, but with a business you lose a few years of earning potential plus loans and any other tools you put into the company,” he said.

In order for NEF to help growing busi-

here are more benefits to sho ing local, and according to small businesses, buying local just might be the most impactful way to spend hard-earned money.

Leslie Fischer, co-founder of Together A Greater Good (TAGG), said when one shops local, they’re supporting their neighbors and encouraging their community members to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

“When local businesses thrive, the community around you will thrive as well,” Fischer said. “Small businesses create jobs, promote development in the area and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, the taxes you pay when you shop at a local business are typically used to support local schools, parks and community areas, which directl benefits ou and our lo ed ones In addition to gaining access to unique nesses, the organization needs to see their sales and rofitabilit increasing in a sustainable manner.

“Sometimes they’re at the break-even point when they come to us, but we can see where their trajectories are going,” Reiff said.

“We also look at how the investment will help them move to the next level. Sometimes [the loan won t increase their rofitabilit but they will need it to sustain the business or to buy a piece of equipment that will allow the company to remain competitive.”

and handmade items, Fischer said shopping local allows customers to know exactly where their money is going.

“The money you spend on goods and services does not go to big corporations but rather hardworking families who are striving to make an impact,” she said.

According to Kristen Beck, event project manager for Omaha Farmer’s Market, another great benefit to sho ing local is that most small business owners are from the area so they bring a knowledge of the local culture and tend to have a more personal connection with their community.

“Local companies doing business with other local companies is another way to stimulate the economy,” she said. “The local farmer grows and sells produce to a local restaurant, the restaurant prepares the fresh produce and then sells it to customers. Small businesses that get involved in community activities like partnerships with schools, service providers or other local businesses enable them to serve customers and boost the local economy.”

Gabby Ayala, executive director at Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild, said the ripple effects of shopping local can be felt in many ways.

“Shopping local encourages community connections,” Ayala said. “When you know the person behind the business or product you create a unique connection you won't find when sho ing at a giant chain store Continued on next page.

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Salute to Small Business •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

33

Businesses can see benefits by evolving with the generational shift

by Jasmine Heimgartner

As millennials — a generation that has surpassed baby boomers in size — continue their path toward becoming the largest number in the labor force, change is bound to be expected. While the change is gradually happening, current leaders can already start ma ing a significant im act on the future “It’s hard to overlook such a huge generation, as millennials are now between the ages of 23-38,” said Rebecca Stavick, executive director of Do Space. “Strong leaders invest in the next generation of leaders. Pass down your expertise and knowledge to better help prepare us for inheriting the world.”

The changing face of business requires considering the markedly different factors that have shaped millennials, many of which companies can benefit from, and understanding that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t

Shopping local

Continued from preceding page. or when you shop online.”

Additionally, she said supporting local businesses helps to keep the community uni ue and adds to its own local a or and culture.

“When a city has a vibrant local business community, it makes it more appealing to potential visitors and tourists,” Ayala said. “All those local shops, restaurants, breweries and other small businesses make your town different than anywhere else in the world.”

mean there isn’t a new way of doing things.

“We grew up in an age of social media, so social experiences are always on the forefront of our minds,” said Brandon Peterson, co-owner, Watts Coworking. “It’s also about collaborating to make something big. Many millennials are always pushing the envelope a little. We want to innovate. We want to know why something is a certain way and how we can make it better.”

The immersion in connecting with others has created new innovations within workplaces.

Many younger employees appreciate spaces that allow for Stavick bouncing ideas off of one another, networking and simple human interaction. For small businesses without a brick and mortar location or people who work remotely, coworking has steadily risen to accommodate collaboration.

“The great thing about places like that is if someone really needs a dedicated working space, it’s cheaper and there are a lot of resources there like printing or things you may not have at home,” said Jeannie North, owner, Ripley & Rue. “I have a lot of online social interactions, but it is nice to go somewhere to cowork and network. I have people meet with s ecificall for different reasons whether it’s to bounce ideas off each other, especially for the ecommerce aspect, or

validate what we are doing. It also provides an opportunity to hear speakers and learn about what is going on in the community.”

Technology is one of the biggest assets that millennials and the upcoming Generation ha e to hel an business ourish “We millennials grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, when computers, the internet and social media were still in their infancy,” Stavick said. “We grew up tinkering with hardware and software, and therefore, many individuals born into this generation are less afraid of experimentation and work well with iterative Peterson processes.”

Since technology is always changing and being innovated, many younger employees constantly seek to learn and better themselves.

“Millennials don’t want to stop learning,” Peterson said. “The world is going to continue and move, and we have to adapt fast t s not the same world as fi e ears ago. In business, it works the same way. As we adapt and change new ways of doing things, communicating and listening, you have to be able to adapt to change. It’s not about being a s ecific generation it s about understanding the world and how we can adapt.”

Changing with the times may requires

small businesses to rethink what they consider perks. While working hard should always equal results, the way in which people work hard doesn’t necessarily adhere to tradition. Along with a good work atmosphere and benefit ac ages that su ort e ibilit and optimize a work-life balance, time and freedom are often important considerations for younger employees.

“You don’t want to feel like you are stuck or have too many constraints,” North said. “If you need to run an errand, you don’t want to be reprimanded. Even if you are coming into a new role, just being treated as an adult and with respect is attractive.

It’s probably a different way than older generations see it, but for me in my business, I work harder than I’ve ever worked in my life.”

Having a voice is also important.

“We want to be heard,” Peterson said.

“We don’t always need to be right. We just want to talk it out.”

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• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Salute to Small Business

Experts say Omaha startup environment has improved, but has room to grow

by Dwain Hebda

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Startup business experts say the situation has improved for startups, but the current environment has a long way to go.

“Between grades ‘meeting the standard’ or ‘progressing toward the standard,’ I put us in progressing toward the standard.

I think we’re doing much better, but compared to others we’re still behind,” said Dr. Michael Dixon, president and CEO of UNeMed Corporation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“Compared to where we were when I started here at the university 15 years ago, we are light years ahead.

But compared to some places, we’re not where they are.”

Dixon said it’s Dixon not that the state hasn’t tried to introduce measures to help startups, such as Nebraska’s Innovation Act, the problem is supporting such measures.

“The support for those programs on a per capita GDP basis is much lower than other states our size,” he said. “We put about $7 million into the Business Innovation Act to support high growth entrepreneurs. Those dollars have been shown in economic development studies to give a $4.50 return to $1 invested, so they give good returns, but we’re not investing as much as other states do.

“Oklahoma, Utah and Ohio spend between two and four times as much on a per-person, per GDP basis. They’re putting $200 million into their programs; we’re putting $7 million into ours.”

Others take a more upbeat view of the startup ecosystem overall based on the resources available to the typical startup. Matt Poulsen, owner and patent attorney with Suiter Swantz, said the attention paid to small businesses has rarely been higher.

“The chamber of commerce has made startups and small businesses a focus,” he said. “Combined with UNO, Creighton University, conferences and a variety of civic and private organizations, startups and small businesses have a number of opportunities. It isn’t an exaggeration to say there are multiple events each week that a startup or small business could take

advantage of.”

At the same time, Poulsen said certain parts of the local market could be improved, starting with access to investment dollars.

“The biggest problem for new businesses remains a lack of early stage capital,” he said. “While there are many local investment dollars, local investors can only do so much. Ultimately, Omaha has to do a better job of attracting big investment

Poulsen Phelan dollars from out of state.

“Related to this lack of capital are the difficulties cash-strapped new businesses face in accessing various services, such as legal, accounting, and product development, that are required to put a company on solid footing and bring their product or service to the market.”

These issues aside, many see Omaha as a business environment rife with opportunity for the new business owner.

Gerry Phelan, chapter chair with SCORE, Greater Omaha Chapter, said his organization provides a range of services to new entrepreneurs, which help get them off on the right foot.

“Our person-to-person mentoring is vital for our startup clients and current small businesses,” he said. “We see folks with all levels of expertise. Often, they are subject matter experts in their field or have specific business experience but need help in translating that into a viable business opportunity.”

Phelan said SCORE has been effective in helping hundreds of businesses meet the myriad challenges that come with opening a business.

“In the Greater Omaha area last year, SCORE helped start 141 new businesses and helped create 234 non-owner jobs,” he said. “With our workshops and mentoring sessions, we impacted over 2,500 people last year. That is something we’re proud of.”

Too negative? Here’s how to build a new approach

by Liz Reyer

Q: I’m more negative than I’d like when I go into new situations or meet new people. I’m hypercritical, not on purpose, but it gets things off on the wrong foot. By the opInIon time I see the positives, I sometimes have some damage to undo.

How do I change this characteristic?

-Celice, 47, director of administration A: Start catching yourself right away so that you can begin to build a new approach.

Imagine how things would be if you noticed right away that you were falling

into this pattern. You could then pause and at least remain neutral.

Or, if you still had the negative reactions, you could keep yourself from behaving in ways that will cause problems.

Get energized by thinking about the benefits that you’d see. Get excited about this change so that you’ve got motivation.

You’ll need this for the hard work of changing a persistent habit.

And now look backward, reflecting on past times where you started negative and then saw the good in a situation or perContinued on next page.

Salute to Small Business •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 19, 2019 •

35

Helping small business owners with sky-rocketing health care costs

by Lee Nelson

Due to the increased cost of health insurance for employers, it has become especially important for small business owners to work with experienced professionals so they can make well-informed plan decisions, said Emily Langdon, partner at Fraser Stryker in Omaha.

“Employee benefits attorneys can very efficiently advise small businesses about various plan design options so that the businesses can elect a plan or plans that will best meet the needs of their employee population,” she said.

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), businesses with less than 50 full-time employees are not required to offer affordable health care coverage to employees, she said.

“However, many small businesses do want to offer coverage as a hiring and retention incentive,” Langdon said. “Those small businesses that do offer coverage are subject to various rules under PPACA. Employee benefits attorneys can advise small employers regarding the best plan options to keep employer costs down in a

Build a new approach

Continued from preceding page. son. What were your first thoughts? What triggered the negativity? I wonder if you felt threatened or anxious. Then negativity could be a kind of protective response.

If that’s the case, as the situations become more familiar, you may let your guard down and see the positives.

Now move to the present and take steps to change.

The next time you are about to go into a new situation, prepare yourself to enter with an open mind.

Think about all the things that could go right and all the reasons to have a positive perspective.

Be aware of your triggers so that as the event unfolds, you’re not reflexively falling back into your negative mind-set.

If you catch yourself lapsing, take a couple of breaths and break the pattern.

This sounds so simple, but it likely won’t be easy. Take stock of your successes and times you’ve fallen short, thinking them through so that you can continue to develop your skills.

Be kind to yourself in this. It will be very tempting to turn your tendency to

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Langdon Becker can no longer reimburse employees who obtain their own individual coverage through what is known as an Employer Payment Plan,” she said. “All small businesses are unique, so it is really important that small businesses who are interested in offering group health coverage work with a

professional to develop a customized plan to best meet both the employer’s and the employee population’s needs.”

Aaron Becker, founder and CEO of Growductivity, said his company is pioneering the on-demand business consulting industry for the small business market and provides more of a holistic approach to help business owners succeed.

“We provide a hub and spoke model of professional consultants and vendor partners to give our clients a competitive advantage,” he said.

“Small and mediMueller um-sized business owners are in a war on talent, and our service model allows them to compete with larger firms as they look to attract and retain talent to their own firms.”

Even some small business owners are offering pet insurance as an added value

negativity against yourself, but that will not support growth.

Then make amends. You’ve said you sometimes have damage to undo. Have you genuinely done so, or have you left messes in your wake?

This calls for a willingness to show vulnerability and openness.

I think you’ll find that the simple act of acknowledging shortcomings will help you build bridges and begin to regain trust.

Only, however, if you offer genuine apologies. None of the fake apologies that have become so common. Try this formula: “I did XYZ . It caused you harm, and I am sorry. I will do better.”

After that, your behavior needs to change. Again, be transparent, letting people around you know that you’re on a personal development path to let go of your negative ways.

Sure, there’s risk here. People may not be receptive, may be angry or may reject your overtures.

However, they’re doing this anyway, you’re just not aware of it.

It doesn’t matter; your priority needs to be on being the person you want to be now and moving forward. This is the path to successful relationships. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

legal-compliant manner.”

Healthcare.gov is a good resource for small business owners interested in learning more about the laws governing small employer-sponsored group health plans, she said.

“Under PPACA, employers generally

to their employees, Becker said.

“Health care inflation has become unsustainable for many small businesses,” he said. “Offering the right mix of plans and benefits can position the company competitively as an employer of choice.

Employers can cost share and still offer robust benefits packages to attract and retain talent.”

Many employees will not work at a company if they don’t offer benefits, so aligning a benefit plan offering with a business’ overall labor budget is critical, he said.

Keith Mueller, vice president of business development at Lincoln Financial Group, said 59% of small business owners offer benefits to help retention or boost morale among their employees.

“A recent study found that nearly 40% of small business owners cite managing employee benefits as an issue, many worrying they don’t have the right resources or enough resources,” he said.

Small business owners can offer voluntary, employee-paid benefits, where employees can make the choice to purchase a benefit, he said.

“This helps small business owners compete with larger employers, and it provides important financial protections for employees,” Mueller said. “More than half of employees say that their employer’s benefits influenced their decision to join the company.”

Health insurance costs continue to rise, but supplemental insurance benefits can help. Benefits like accident insurance and critical illness insurance can provide valuable financial protection for small business employees, helping them offset health care costs in the age of high deductibles, he said.

36

• APRIL 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

c_MBJ_WealthAd_WhatBringsUsTogether_10.25x12.5 “What brings us together...” / Job #19-FNBO-0015 Misc print Ad April 12, 2019 11:28 AM Publication: MBJ Insertion Date: 4/19 Insertion Order #: 2547-1 Color: 4/color

• Salute to Small Business

The Lincoln

APRIL 2019

BUSINESS Journal

Vol. 22 No. 4 $2.00

Real Estate...........Pages 4-7 Banking ............... Pages 8-9 Executive Travel bucks trends en route to substantial growth.

Page 3

3 Daughters Boutique works to empower women, reach more clientele online.

Page 2

Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild eyes boom for local craft beer industry Page 13

2

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

3 Daughters Boutique works to empower women, reach more clientele online

by Gabby Christensen

As a lover of all things fashion, Stephanie Johnson pursued her dream of opening her own clothing boutique, 3 Daughters Boutique, in April of 2016 with the idea to cater to three generations of women.

Johnson befittingly named her new store, as she was one of three daughters as well as a mother of three daughters.

“My youngest daughter was heading off to college when I decided to open the store and I

3 Daughters Boutique Phone: 531-289-1411 Address: 311 N 8th St., Suite 102, Lincoln 68508 Founded: April 2016 Service: boutique offering styles designed for women ages 18 and older.

Employees: 12 Goal: To develop website and subscription boxes in the near future, while hanging onto boutique style.

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/3daughtersboutiqueLincoln/

needed something to keep me busy as well as something that would allow my children to be involved,” she said.

According to Johnson, the shop’s core mission is to provide styles for women ages 18 and older.

From left, Manager Kristy Buehrer, owner Stephanie Johnson and Manager Michelle Kiesel … Boutique aims to cater to women of all ages.

“I wanted three generations of women to We aim to offer styles for women of all sizes.”

Located at 311 N 8th St., Suite 102, the shop be able to come together in one boutique to find clothing,” she said. “More importantly, I wanted offers clothing, accessories, shoes and home a space where women could feel confident and and gift items.

The boutique currently employs 12 who are beautiful. Oftentimes women get down on themselves after shopping and I wanted to fix that. either full time or part time.

The Lincoln Business Journal's

Business Minute Name: Maura Penas.

Age: 52.

Title: Director.

Place of employment: Girls Inc. of Lincoln.

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Education: Bachelor of Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Working towards a Master of Arts in Management from Doane University.

AccomplishMaura Penas ments or milestones: Working for Girls Inc. Inspiring girls to be “Strong, Smart and Bold” is our mission and that resonates strongly with me. To have the opportunity to work with an amazing group of women (and men) who share a similar goal is an amazing accomplishment.

First job: I had a summer job working in my Aunt’s flower shop in Lake Tahoe from 12 -19. She would take me with her to the San Francisco flower market and give me a little money to pick out my own bucket of flowers. I learned the valuable lesson on stretching money and choosing wisely. But, more importantly, I learned how to sell joy to people and that has resonated throughout my career, regardless of the job: investments, hospitality, utilities.

Biggest career break: When I was 21 I took a job as one of Stan Calderwood’s assistants. He was the CEO of Trinity Investments in Boston, one of the premier investment firms in the 1980s. He was an incredible philanthropist who changed the

Maura Penas, director, Girls Inc. of Lincoln

trajectory of my life. In my interview he asked me to spell AKSARBEN backwards!

I remember thinking this guy is cuckoo, of course I know how to spell AKSARBEN backward, had he even looked at my resume?

He just smiled at me with this silly gleam in his eye and said, “Kid, when can you start?” He taught me the value of a strong handshake, etiquette and being bold. He also fired me. He took me out to lunch with my parents, told them that I was too smart to be his assistant and it was time for me to move on: the best and worse day of my life. He remained my mentor and cheerleader until his death in 2002.

The toughest part of the job: Choosing which story to tell because there are so many great stories and I want to share them all. Lincoln is a great community, full of so many opportunities for our girls. It can be overwhelming to find them but every time I tell a story the cornucopia of help opens up and I have a new advocate helping spread the Girls Inc. story.

The best advice I have received: To be passionate about what you do and to do it well. Once you have mastered the skill, then you can move on. (Stan Calderwood) Something else I’d like to accomplish: When I retire I would like to volunteer at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Book I finished reading recently: “Brave, Not Perfect” by Reshma Saujani.

“Boys are taught to be brave, girls are taught to be perfect.” It is time to change that message and teach girls to be strong, smart and

bold. To encourage them to speak up, get dirty, take risks and to get back up when they fall down.

Something about me not everyone knows: I studied to be a Pilates Instructor.

I found a passion for teaching my students the power of strength.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Besides Stan Calderwood and my parents, Rich and Patricia Lombardi, I would have to say my grandfather, Doc Lombardi.

His wisdom and guidance has really influenced the decisions I have made in the last decade or so. He is the master of strategic planning and taught me the art of setting goals and achieving them. He also taught me the power of being positive. I remember this particular conversation were he asked me if I paid attention to how often I used a negative descriptor.

Words are very powerful so it’s important to choose them wisely.

Pet peeves: The “mustn’ts, shouldn’ts, don’ts, can’ts and never haves.”

Favorite vacation spot: Owls Head, Maine.

Other careers I would like to try: I am doing it currently!

Favorite movie: Young Frankenstein.

Favorite cause or charity: Locally I really admire what Beatty Brasch is doing at The Center for People in Need.

Favorite app: The (Boston) Celtics app.

Favorite app: SimCity Build It. (Editor’s note: To nominate an interesting businessman or woman for the Business Minute, please e-mail information about the person to news@mbj.com.)

Johnson credits her staff for creating a welcoming environment that draws customers to the store.

“Hands down, it’s the people who work in the boutique that sets us apart,” she said. “They are upbeat and positive. They truly embrace and love the people who walk through our door.”

Right now, Johnson said 50 percent of items purchased are made in the United States.

She’s also made a point to buy from women-owned companies as often as possible.

Johnson, like other small business owners, wears many hats to keep the store running smoothly, which can make it difficult to balance her personal and work life.

“I can’t afford to hire out and remain profitable,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into it, but I absolutely love what I do.”

While Johnson buys from Chicago and Dallas markets most frequently, she occasionally buys from East and West Coast markets.

According to Johnson, animal print is the go-to style right now.

“It’s important for us to take those East Coast and West Coast trends and scale them down a bit to fit more into Midwest style,” she said. “We always try to keep it trendy but classy.”

While Johnson has no intentions of becoming a chain store, she said she does want to potentially offer subscription boxes in the future.

As a goal for 2019, she hopes to work toward developing a website for online orders while continuing to remain active on social media.

“My ultimate goal is to continue to give back to local organizations and continue to empower women,” Johnson said. “We are so grateful to our community for supporting our small business, as we know there are easier ways to shop. I truly underestimated the blessings I’d gain through this store, especially the amazing women I’ve met. This store is beyond my wildest dreams.”

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The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

3

Executive Travel bucks trends en route to substantial growth helps the company run at peak efficiency.

“We’re a very heavy technology-based company, specifically for that fulfillment aspect where 80% of the transactions that we do we have no labor associated with it,”

by Dwain Hebda

When Paul Glenn took over the reins of Lincoln-based Executive Travel in February as CEO, he stepped to the helm of a family business in an industry of which was predicted to reach its demise decades ago. The internet, experts opined, would sound the death-knell of travel companies as consumers would be able to plat their own travel adventures directly with airlines and destinations.

But as far as Executive Travel is concerned, Mark Twain’s famous retort, “Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” is particularly apt. The company has grown tenfold in the past decade and forecasts 2019 growth of another 50%.

“Many things have carried us through to today,” said Glenn, son of company founder Steve Glenn. “One is the forward-looking outlook and figuring out what it is going to take to be relevant. A lot of others, when they considered how they were going to be in existence, they were looking at themselves as a fulfillment organization. Our outlook has always been a service organization.

“As you look at travel, fulfillment is a piece of it, but what people really want and need is somebody that’s there if something goes awry, the weather or world events.

They want somebody to consult when that winter storm comes through and flights are cancelled in the whole eastern half of the United States.”

Glenn said these needs are even more pronounced on the corporate travel side of the ledger, especially considering companies are liable for employees traveling on the company’s behalf. Executive Travel’s safety net

Executive Travel Phone: 402-435-8888 Address: 1212 O Street, Lincoln 68508 Service: travel agency Employees: 55 Industry outlook: The company serves a clientele that’s 90% corporate and specializes in firms with smaller travel spends, between $1 million and $12 million annually.

Website: www.executivetravel.com

CEO Paul Glenn … Despite predictions of the obsolescence of travel agencies, the firm is forecasting 50 percent growth in 2019. of services was something corporate clients economic downturn hit, and companies were found invaluable and still do today, particu- looking to squeeze as much value out of their larly since most of the clientele trend smaller. travel dollar as they could. Today, 90% of Ex“We’ve got a very specific focus that we ecutive Travel’s business is in corporate travel go after, which is $1 million to $12 million in clients, most residing outside of Nebraska.

The majority of Executive Travel’s 55 annual travel spend,” Glenn said. “So, we’ve employees work remotely from home, scatkind of found our niche.”

Executive Travel’s suite of services for tered throughout the country. This model, corporate clients came in handy when the along with a heavy reliance on technology,

Glenn said. “That being said, when it comes to our team who are dealing with our clients, customer-first attitude and empathy are definitely keys to what makes some of our most successful advisers.

“There’s nothing more important than, when I’ve got a travel challenge, somebody being empathetic towards my situation and they want to come up with a solution. In a non-personal world, when you can find somebody that cares and wants to help, that’s priceless.”

Glenn, 41, has worked for the company for 25 years and was promoted to the role of CEO from president and chief operating officer. Replacing him in those two roles is Bill La Peer, former chief commercial officer and industry veteran. In a press release, Steve Glenn announced he will stay on in the role of chairman.

4

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Real Estate A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

April 2019

New commercial construction slower but market still strong

by David Kubicek

Although new commercial and residential construction has slowed, the commercial, office, and industrial markets remain strong.

“The cost of lots has really been a major issue with being able to make new projects work financially,” said Kent Thompson, president of Thompson Realty Group. “Since the last recession new lot prices have tripled in pricing.”

Not many new projects are being started other than the announced hotel at the intersection of 9th and O streets and the residential tower being built across from the Lied Center.

Several projects will come on line on South 14th Street between Yankee Hill and Pine Lake roads, including several restaurants and flex space buildings. Thompson Realty

Thompson Eschliman Group is working on a new property for a car dealership at the intersection of West O Street and Highway 77.

The Lincoln Partnership for Economic

Ball Kottwitz Development worked with General Dynamics to construct a 50,000-square-foot building at 27th and Superior streets, and by the end of the year the firm expects to have hired more

than 100 new employees, according to Robin Eschliman, president of Eschliman Commercial Real Estate.

The Air Force has a $26 million contract to build temporary housing at the Lincoln Airport while Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue undergoes some reconstruction. Work will begin this month and is expected to wrap up in December.

Between December and the end of February, three owners working independently each sold property in the block from 16th to 17th streets on the north side of O Street. All three locations will have retail on the first floor and apartments on the second.

“This block has been underdeveloped, Continued on page 6.

Real Estate •

The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

5

6

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal • Real Estate

Lincoln housing market slows slightly but is still booming

by Jasmine Heimgartner townhomes in northeast and sell a lot of Home sales may be down nationally, but them to people who were once south LinLincoln continues seeing an active market, coln people. With many people working in albeit a little slower than the past couple Omaha or having relatives there, you can get years. Low inventory, especially for homes there much faster than going through town.” under $200,000, has resulted in a previously Still, the south side of town remains a unseen competitiveness to nab the perfect popular location. home.

“People are looking at every location, “Having one or two offers is normal, but but you see the south continues to be a really we are having multiple offers on strong area,” Barker said. “You homes,” said Terry Lindstrom, can tell by the price of lots in that owner/broker, Exit Realty Profesarea. They are more expensive sionals. “We had a property that because there is more demand.” sold for 10% more than we were Acreages are also a hot item, asking because of multiple offers. but they typically go fast and are It does depend on the price range. sold at a premium price.

Some are better than others. Us“Everybody wants to live on ing a Realtor also benefits that. an acreage. The biggest problem If you have multiple listings, you is affordability,” Lindstrom said. can get multiple offers.”

“If I had an acreage to sell, I’d A housing dry spell in the earhave 20 people lined up at the Barker ly 2000s to around 2012 resulted door.” in less building and fewer home sales. Once A major trend that continues is the move out of that slump, the market hit the roof. to townhomes. As the construction side has While good for sellers, it has made purchas- once again boomed after a slump, townhoing a home a little more difficult for buyers. mes have popped up throughout the city.

“When you have a lack of production “The appeal is people don’t have to deal for so many years, it adds to that lack of with the yard or scooping snow,” Lindstrom available homes,” said Lea Barker, man- said. “Often they are retiring or at an age aging broker, Lincoln First Realty. “When they want to downsize. There are also a lot first-time homebuyers move up to a bigger of younger people with active lifestyles. home, it makes room for the next first- They are busy, so they don’t want to spend time homebuyer. Now, when you have a their time doing that.” lack across the market, it’s hard to get that For previous homebuyers moving to a movement. Looking at the average price of townhome, it often results in larger homes a home, prices have gone up 20% in the past becoming available. While sales may be up, three years.” since the bigger the house the more expenThe limited supply of homes in the mid- sive is, the longer it takes to sell. Regardless price range along with the city expanding of size or cost, rates are a critical factor in in all directions has made buyers look at home sales. Lately, the rates have been low. different locations instead of the just south, “Since December, the rates have come which has traditionally been one of the down,” Barker said. “They are in the low 4s, fastest growing areas. depending on the loan a person is getting.

“There is a little evolution in Lincoln. It doesn’t look like they will change much It used to be you just had south and north this year, which is also good for refinancing. people. That just doesn’t happen anymore,” They went up so much last year, so people Lindstrom said. “I have a subdivision of will be able to benefit from that.”

New commercial construction slower Continued from page 4. probably because of the prolonged foot-dragging on Pershing Auditorium a few blocks to the south that has lent uncertainty to the area, but now things are happening regardless of Pershing being in limbo all these years,” Eschliman said.

Mike Ball, vice president of sales and leasing at NAI FMA said the office market is trending toward longer-term leases to recoup the construction costs for tenant build-out.

“Lincoln will see redevelopment of a number of the big box retail stores as Shopko, Sears and Younkers locations close or have already shuttered their stores,” he said.

Demand is still high for modern, industrial/ flex spaces. Second generation spaces are getting more attention due to lack of inventory, but asking rents are higher.

Pine Lake Road from 14th to 29th streets continues to be a desirable area with Costco anchoring the west end and SouthPointe Pavilions/Scheels anchoring the east side. Yankee Hill Road from 27th to 40th streets is filling in with new commercial development.

The redeveloper of the University Place

shopping center at 48th and Leighton streets will have its first apartments available later this year along with retail space on the street level.

Cathy Kottwitz, owner of Guiderock Commercial Realty, said she’s seen an increase in demand for small spaces — one to two offices — and shorter term leases, less than a year.

“Often this is driven by small businesses still wanting a place where they can work without distractions or where they can meet with clients in a more professional setting, but still with flexible terms for the tenant,” she said. “To accommodate this trend, more office building owners are starting to convert larger spaces to single-office leases, and this is proliferating beyond downtown.”

Most of Kottwitz’s clients are looking for spaces in south Lincoln, particularly for retail and medical uses, the majority of which is concentrated in the far south areas along Pine Lake and Yankee Hill roads.

“The Haymarket continues to be pretty active with interest from food and entertainment uses,” she said. “Clients looking for general office space have typically been looking for central locations or a little further north.”

Real Estate • The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

7

Custom homes trending toward smart, natural yet bold designs

by Jasmine Heimgartner

Whether it’s been a lifelong dream or the market just isn’t offering the perfect house to call home, a custom home offers people the opportunity to step outside of the cookie cutter and create something truly unique.

While the process can be exciting, it comes with many decisions both big and small. Before those can be made, the home’s concept, budget and future resell potential need to be considered.

“We start by exploring ideas — what their dreams are — and a big part of that upfront

is the budget. From that point, we can work on the must-haves and want-to-haves,” said Ted Scott, owner, Medallion Custom Homes.

“If the budget isn’t an object, you can have whatever you want. If you have a set budget, you begin to whittle away at what is most important to keep or what you can do without, or if it is something you can do in the future.

There are a lot of ways to mimic an idea or incorporate an idea on a smaller scale so you are still getting it.”

A vital component of any new construction is technology. People often request

charging ports and want to ensure energy efficiency is incorporated into the process, which could be via LED lighting, proper sealing, insulation, dimmer controls, equipment, etc.

“Homes today are built tighter than ever,” said Dustin Sanderson, co-owner, RED Custom Homes. “ You will save enormously on your heating and electric bills just by building a new home if you are coming from a 10-to 20-year-old existing one. You can ask gas and electric companies to give you a cost savings for different types of mechanical systems from geothermal to 16 SEER air-condition-

From disaster to building boom? Why developers are eyeing burnt-over California city

by Marisa Kendall

A busload of Bay Area developers and investors rolled into downtown Santa Rosa on a recent Friday, combing the streets for opportunity and asking each other a key question — will Santa Rosa be the site of the region’s next building boom?

City officials here hope the answer is a resounding yes.

A year and a half after the Tubbs Fire devastated the city, killing 22 people, burning 3,000 homes and making an existing housing shortage Real estate even worse, Santa Rosa’s city leaders are trying to turn that tragedy into a catalyst for new development. They’re hoping for a flood of building applications that will transform Santa Rosa, bringing highrise apartments to the city’s skyline and injecting new life into downtown. To get there, the city is pulling out all the stops — waiving development fees and relaxing rules on a scale the Bay Area has never seen, hoping to lure builders north.

“We need the Bay Area to come up here, recognize what we’re doing, help us out,” said Assistant City Manager David Guhin.

Those tactics already are turning heads, though some experts remain skeptical that Santa Rosa can support large-scale residential development.

In March, the Bay Area Council business association invited dozens of developers, investors, architects, brokers and others in the building industry on a tour of Santa Rosa to scope out the city’s potential.

The response was overwhelming — the council filled a bus in 48 hours, and nearly 70 people ultimately joined the trip.

Guhin led the group on a rambling tour of downtown Santa Rosa, pointing out empty land, vacant buildings, parking lots and garages that could be turned into housing.

Many developers walked away with a new appreciation for the area.

“I’m interested,” said Wilson Chen of real estate developer and investor APIC. “The city seems very supportive, which is very rare in the Bay Area, so we see good potential here.”

Officials estimate Sonoma County has a shortage of 30,000 homes, after more than 5,000 were lost in the Tubbs and other 2017 wildfires. The fires devastated Santa Rosa in particular, costing the city 5 percent of its housing stock and destroying nearly the entire Coffey Park neighborhood.

A year and a half later, communities

are bouncing back. In Santa Rosa, the rebuilding process has begun for more than 1,700 of the 3,000 homes lost within the city limits, said Guhin.

“We’re way ahead of where we thought we would be at this point,” he said.

But rebuilding the homes that burned down — mostly single-family houses in residential neighborhoods — isn’t enough.

The city also needs new rental apartments to house residents who either don’t want to rebuild on their fire-ravaged properties, or can’t afford to because they were under-insured, Guhin said. In an effort to get that rental housing built, the city is rolling out the red carpet for developers, offering them a long list of perks if they build the type of housing Santa Rosa wants — tall, multi-family apartment buildings downtown.

Last year officials capped the city’s impact fees for downtown developments, charging builders only for the first three stories and waiving the rest. The city also expedited permitting for downtown projects, cutting the time it takes to get approval from 18 months down to six.

And Santa Rosa officials are considering raising downtown height limits, now capped at 10 stories, and reducing parking requirements.

The size and scope of those developer incentives are “unprecedented” in the Bay Area, said Matt Regan, senior vice president of public policy for the Bay Area

Council.

“They’ve really done everything that needs to be done to make development possible,” he said.

In other Bay Area cities, developers often complain of hefty construction fees and cumbersome regulations.

“Everyone I know in the San Francisco and other Bay Area markets has internalized the trauma of wrestling with city departments,” said Alex Ludlum of commercial real estate firm Colliers International, who took part in the Bay Area Council tour. “I sort of feel like I’m in Disneyland when I’m in Santa Rosa.”

But some experts wonder if there’s enough demand for housing in Santa Rosa to generate the kind of building boom city officials want. The city doesn’t have an Apple or Google-sized employer, and it’s a long drive from job hubs in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland.

And Santa Rosa has struggled to build in the past. The city’s downtown plan calls for 3,400 housing units. But 10 years after that plan was put in place, just 100 units have been built, Guhin said.

“It does seem as though a tumbleweed might blow down the street at any moment,” Ludlum said.

Regan expects what Santa Rosa lacks in demand and red-hot prices, it can make up for with the cost-saving incentives it’s offering developers. The only thing missContinued on page 10.

ing units.”

While the guts of a home are imperative, function and aesthetics still tend to be the top priorities in designing a home. While nationally there seems to be a smaller home trend, with more people working from home and exploring side interests, many people are seeking to design an office, workout or hobby space within the home. Built-in organization has also been a stable trend in recent years.

People often request a drop zone instead of a mudroom. These are shelves, tables or other fixtures located in the entryway for easy access to items needed for daily routines.

As for aesthetics, the boom of home-reality shows and home-inspired websites has made for more educated consumers.

“Overall we are seeing a more sophisticated level of design,” Scott said. “People want new, fresh ideas. They want something one-of-a-kind. Ten or 15 years ago, we made choices based on what was near us. Now, people are exposed to a whole other level of design that brings the big city to your lap.”

Many of these trends lean toward a natural look using natural products, such as alder, poplar or reclaimed wood. While not for everyone, shiplap — a wood paneling reminiscent of what was used barns — has become increasing popular, as has luxury vinyl plank. As for bathrooms and kitchens, extensive tiling and walk-in showers are often requested while quartz has become a hot product for use in kitchens instead of granite.

Along with painted cabinets, black hardware is also making a comeback.

When it does come time to sell, how the home looks on the outside can be a deal breaker. The majority of people continue to go with earth tones for siding, which seem to never go out of style. A smaller percentage are going bold and being a little more experimental with bright, white exteriors and black or other dark accents. Other exterior trends continue to be stable.

“Buyers are still requesting stone,” Sanderson said. “We haven’t done a brick exterior in a while. Stained columns are popular over the tapered painted craftsman columns. All hip roofs with larger overhangs are also getting a lot more interest.”

8

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Banking A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

April 2019

Lincoln’s banking market stays steadily on-course

by Dwain Hebda

Lincoln’s banking industry continues its rock steady consistency of late, even as more competitors have begun to enter the local market.

“The Lincoln banking market continues to be strong due to the robust Lincoln economy; we are just a reflection of the success and growth you see and hear about,” said Carl Sjulin, chairman, president and CEO of West Gate Bank.

“Over the past decade, Lincoln has diversified away from its dependence on agriculture and government and is driven more now by technology and services. Lincoln’s population also continues to grow at a healthy rate which helps drive the housing

market.”

Sjulin said these factors have aligned in a number of banking sectors, most notably the residential lending market, bucking signs that a slowdown is imminent.

“Housing has continued to be solid Sjulin over the past year,” he said. “There are signs the market is cooling off, but there is still growth in new single-family construction as well as multifamily. Mortgage rates are still supportive

Hove Laflin and have now dropped to below 4% which will stimulate purchase activity.”

Chris Hove, CEO of Nebraska Bank of Commerce, said commercial lending has

also been brisk as companies looks to grow and expand.

“NBC has focused mostly on owner-occupied businesses such as professional dentists, veterinarians, et cetera,” he said.

“Many of these businesses have grown out of their original space and the owner decided to diversify and invest in commercial real estate so they are effectively paying themselves to rent rather than pay a landlord.”

Looking forward, Hove expressed optimism over the future of the boom phase, although he said banks have to look beyond their own backyard to get a true reading of market conditions. He said one particular indicator of the industry’s health is the success of community banks.

“The Lincoln banking market will conContinued on page 10.

Banking •

The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

Now is still a great time for buying a home, experts say

by Lee Nelson

The lack of housing inventory still carries over into 2019 for both the local and national markets, said Matt Gutschenritter, assistant vice president mortgage lending at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln.

“This means there are more would-be buyers than homes for sale. This trend has created a seller’s market. It is going to be difficult for buyers looking for less expensive homes,” he said.

However, interest rates are still very good, historically speaking, he said. There are not nearly as many refinance transactions as there has been in the past.

“It all depends on what rate you are currently at, and how low of a rate you can lock in at. Then you would need to look and see if the monthly savings will out-weigh the refinance costs in a timely manner,” Gutschenritter said.

If someone is in the market to sell their home, this typically can happen pretty quickly these days, he said.

“However, as home prices rise due to the lack of inventory, homebuyers will find it more

difficult to afford homes. Many experts believe that eventually home prices will fall back in line with what is considered affordable,” he

Gutschenritter Morrison said. “One of our biggest selling points here at Cornhusker Bank is our local loan servicing option. We are one of the few, if not the only bank, here in town that is set up to service your loan right here in Lincoln.”

Ashley Morrison, assistant vice president/ residential real estate lending at First State Bank & Trust Co., said the bank is seeing an increasing demand for the application stage to

be more digitalized.

“It is all about convenience. People are so busy now with work, kids’ activities and more, they just don’t have the time to stop in the bank for an appointment,” she said. “They want to be able to apply for the loan online, upload their documents and communicate via text or email.”

With the shortage of homes for sale, it is not only driving home LaFollette values up but is also creating bidding wars, she said.

“In this market, buyers need to be certain to get preapproved with their bank before they even begin looking. There is nothing more frustrating for a buyer than losing out on a home that they want due to lack of preparation,” Morrison said.

Bankers are expecting another busy spring and summer where homes will go quickly for

9

top dollar.

“Due to homes selling so quickly, we have seen the need increase for a bridge loan. This is a temporary financing solution for those that are buying a new home but need to sell their current home,” she said.

Alan LaFollette, managing director of national mortgage sales at First National Bank, said if someone is in the market or thinking about purchasing or refinancing, now would be a great time.

“At this point, we are at a 14-month low for rates. We have flirted with that 5% rate and now experts are projecting by the end of the year that it will be at 4.5%,” he said.

He urges finding a lender that is trusting and someone that asks you meaningful questions such as: “What are you trying to accomplish?”

“There are plenty of refinancing options out there, too. If you got a mortgage five years ago with a rate in the 3s, then it probably isn’t a good time for a rate refinancing,” he said. “But if you need to use the equity in your home to consolidate debt or you’re sending a child to college, that does open up opportunities for refinance options as long as it meets your long and short term goals.”

10

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Boom times for US energy sector

by Rob Nikolewski

Energy numbers from three very different sources across the country are surging.

Renewables, natural gas and even nuclear power each received good news in separate reports released by the U.S. Energy InforeneRgy mation Administration, or EIA. The federal agency responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating energy data on March 14 announced natural gas production in the U.S. reached an all-time high for the second straight year.

The amount of natural gas grew by 10 billion cubic fee per day in 2018, an 11% increase from 2017.

Due to hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and horizontal drilling techniques,

production in places like Marcellus Shale in the East and the Permian Basin and Haynesville Shale formation in Texas has reached record levels.

For more than 60 years, the U.S. was a net importer of natural gas.

But now there is so much gas floating around that companies are exporting it to other countries. An increasing amount is being sold to Mexico, via pipelines, and the EIA reported a 53% rise in exports of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to countries like Japan and South Korea.

San Diego-based Sempra Energy is expected to unveil a $10 billion LNG facility on the Louisiana Gulf Coast by the end of June.

Five days after the natural gas report, the EIA reported electricity generation

Target pushes suppliers to go green, too

by Jackie Crosby

Target Corp. has announced a sweeping set of goals to reduce its carbon footprint that for the first time puts pressure on its suppliers to do the same.

The Minneapolis-based company said that 96% of greenhouse gas emissions related to its opertRends ations come from businesses that produce raw materials, manufacture products and transport them to stores.

Target will give its suppliers until 2023 to set forth a plan to reduce carbon pollution at their facilities as well as from the energy they purchase to power their operations. The retailer pledged to get such agreements from 80 percent of companies in its supply chain.

The suppliers’ goals, like Target Corp.’s, must align with those set by the Science Based Targets initiative. Known by the acronym SBTi, the organization helps companies take steps to support the Paris agreement, whose goal is to keep the rise in annual global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius.

Target is one of more than 2,900 businesses, colleges, states and cities that have joined the “We are Still In” coalition, which was formed within hours of President Donald Trump’s announcement almost two years ago to pull America out of the accord.

“It’s vital for companies, particularly major retailers, to lower the emissions in their supply chain if they are serious about addressing their environmental impact,” Dexter Galvin of CDP Worldwide, one of SBTi’s partners, said in a statement in support of Target.

Walmart is the only other major retailer to place emissions requirements on its suppliers. Richfield-based Best Buy Co. Inc. is among 545 companies that have now committed to setting science-based reduction goals in the future, according to the industry

Follow us on @mbjpublications

publication Supply Chain Dive. Target’s latest climate goals, announced Wednesday, provide an update to those established in October 2017 in which it pledged to develop goals for its supply chain within a year. The retailer has said it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 2015 levels by 2025. New goals push that to 30 percent by 2030.

Greenhouse gases come from using electricity, heating homes and buildings and driving around town. The gases – mostly carbon dioxide and methane – trap heat in the atmosphere and make the earth warmer.

Target said it will reach its goals by increasing its use of renewable solar and wind energy at its facilities and installing energy-efficient heating and LED lights in stores. It participates in a textile industry program as well as an initiative in Vietnam that focus on clean energy and lowering water consumption. Sixty of its stores in Texas use wind power offsets. By 2020, the retailer plans to install solar panels on the rooftops of 500 stores.

Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, also has been recognized for efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

More than 500 stores have now been outfitted with LED lights. The retailer has reduced its carbon pollution by 51% since 2009 and is on track to hit the 60% mark by next year. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

from renewable energy sources doubled between 2008 and 2018, with solar and wind accounting for 90% of the increase.

Solar generation in the U.S. has expanded from 2 million to 96 million megawatt-hours during that 10-year period. But wind made the biggest gains. Installations in places such as the Great Plains and Texas helped generation grow from 55 million MWh to 275 million MWh. The numbers are expected to keep swelling as federal authorities approve more permits for offshore wind farms. Just one offshore facility is currently online — the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island — but others are expected to follow off the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Hydroelectric capacity has remained flat in recent years, increasing by just 2% since 2008 as few facilities have been built in recent years.

Nuclear power has experienced a decline in numbers but last week, the EIA reported the industry generated more electricity than ever.

Nuclear plants totaled 807.1 million MWh in 2018, slightly more than its previous peak of 807.0 million MWh

set in 2010.

In the space of five years, six nuclear power plants have shut down while just one — the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watt Bar Unit 2 reactor — has come online.

But a combination of factors have kept the sector’s electricity generation numbers up.

One is “uprates,” where plants get commissioned to increase generating capacity.

The other is a reduction in the amount of time reactors are out of operation for refueling or maintenance.

The expected addition of Georgia’s Vogtle Units 3 and 4 by 2022 will add 2.2 gigawatts of additional power to the industry but the EIA said that will be more than offset by the retirements of two plants this year, three more in 2020 and four in 2021. Nuclear capacity in the U.S. is forecast to fall by 10.5 gigawatts by 2025.

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station closed in 2013. By 2025, Diablo Canyon is slated to completely shut down, leaving California without any nuclear power plants generating electricity. ©2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Why developers are eyeing burnt-over California city Continued from page 7. ing is awareness, he said. And that was the point of his tour — getting Bay Area developers to look north.

Another promising sign: The Bay Area Council led developers on a similar tour through Oakland five years ago. Today, the Oakland skyline is dotted with construction cranes and downtown tRends is bursting with trendy new bars and restaurants.

Developers hoping Santa Rosa will be the next hot market still have to win support from the community. For the most part, local residents already seem to be on board with the city’s redevelopment efforts, said Michael Allen, who has lived in Santa Rosa since the 1970s and formerly served as a state legislator and on the city’s planning commission.

“We need to make the downtown more vibrant, and one way you do that is by increasing the density and the population,” said Allen, who now chairs the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County and the Accountable Development Coalition.

As in any city, building a more vibrant downtown raises the specter of gentrification, and the possibility of low-income

residents being priced out. It’s an issue Santa Rosa city officials are aware of, even if they don’t have a ready solution.

“I don’t have a specific easy answer to that one,” said Mayor Tom Schwedhelm, “but we are very sensitive to that because we do want to have that mix of affordable housing and market rate.”

Santa Rosa does not have rent control or rules prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants without cause. Both rules appeared on the ballot but were voted down in 2017.

Lorez Bailey, who runs a community center for teenagers downtown, is excited about the city’s plan to revitalize the area.

But she’s also concerned new development will bring traffic and parking problems, and possibly put pressure on her community center — Chop’s Teen Club — to find a new home.

“I have a fear of is it going to grow so much that they’re going to say we don’t want this teen club here?” Bailey said. “I do worry about what that means for us.” ©2019 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Lincoln’s banking market stays steadily on-course Continued from page 8. tinue to be strong, however much of the success of Lincoln is dependent on the success of greater Nebraska, so it is important to watch the agriculture industry,” he said.

“I believe the presence of strong community banks helps keep the market steady. A community bank can be very flexible with customers by offering products and services that are tailored to the customer and meets their needs. One size does not fit all and we pride ourselves in solving your issues ourselves rather than leaving you to call multiple 800 numbers.”

At the same time, community banks are undergoing a transformation in many

places thanks to technology. Many banking customers today wish to be able to conduct business around the clock or communicate through their devices, which is having an impact on how products and services are delivered.

“There was a time when we only communicated by phone or in person. Now we communicate a lot through email and even text messages,” said John Laflin, Lincoln market president for Pinnacle Bank. “Social media and online chatting are available to our customers as well. We will not sacrifice convenience or service in our communications, so we accommodate our customers in the method that they prefer.”

Laflin said local indicators are that market performance will continue unabated, but volatility elsewhere could easily have a ripple effect.

“The local economy continues to be strong with low unemployment, new opportunities for business growth and a positive outlook for business in Lincoln,” he said.

“There are also no dramatic changes on the horizon in our highly regulated industry.

“However, we continue to be in a very unpredictable period of time with the national economy, partisan politics, interest rate environment and the national debt. All of these will impact financial markets and ultimately, consumers.”

The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

11

Employment & Staffing A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

Topics may include the following:

Employment & Staffing overview • Winning the battle for talent Employee Benefits Update • Job Search Trends • Baby boomers Issue Date: May • Ad Deadline: May 9

Industry & the Environment A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

Topics may include the following:

Industry & the Environment overview • Small business & environmental compliance Indoor Air Quality Testing & Technology • Energy usage Issue Date: May • Ad Deadline: May 9

Financial & Tax Planning A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

Topics may include the following:

Financial & Tax Planning overview • Business succession plans Insurance/benefits • Wealth management/investing for retirement trends Issue Date: May • Ad Deadline: May 9 To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our LBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email address below.

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Catie Kirby - ads@mbj.com

12

• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

MOVING FORWARD! UPCOMING SECTIONS IN THE LBJ

May

Employment & Staffing

Industry and the Environment

Financial & Tax Planning

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or visit us at www.mbj.com for more info.

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com Catie Kirby - ads@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date. You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315.

We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Lincoln Electric System’s Sustainable Energy Program returns with $1.5 million in incentive funds. LES offers these funds to encourage customers to upgrade to even more efficient equipment than they would have purchased on their own. This year’s program offers incentives for: new heat pump water heaters; high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners; whole-house and facility sealing and insulation; commercial lighting to replace existing fluorescent or metal halide lighting with LEDs. Commercial and industrial customers can get incentives for air conditioner/heat pump replacement, variable frequency drive upgrades, compressed air systems analysis and upgrade, energy management systems installation, optimization or upgrade, and systems commissioning.

New agency, Oh Hello, has entered the game. Co-Founders Davey Owens, Natalie Micale, and Dan Vallier joined forces in October 2018 to develop the agency. The team has a combined 20 years of experience in marketing, brand development, and storytelling. Oh Hello specializes in brand development and brand management. The firm works with clients all over the world; ranging from of a four-time Olympic gold athlete to an island in the Philippines.

Lincoln Children’s Museum announced two new permanent exhibits, upgrades to the Hy-Vee Grocery Store exhibit, a new temporary exhibit, extended Thursday evening hours and interior updates. The new Dietze Music House exhibit will replace the Johnny Carson Theater. The second new exhibit, in partnership with Runza Restaurant, will replace the current Pizza Parlor.

Hy-Vee enhancements will feature new partnerships with Smart Chicken and the Nebraska Beef Council. The new temporary Kid Ninja will feature items from Approach Climbing Gym in Omaha, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, and Hausmann Construction.

The museum will have all main flooring replaced, all walls painted, and a redesigned front desk.

Nick Muller, a PGA member in the Nebraska Section and PGA director of Golf at the Country Club of Lincoln, was the recipient of the 2018 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Private Facilities. Since he joined the Country Club of Lincoln six years ago, the golf shop has achieved double-digit growth in sales each year, as well as a 300% increase in junior clinic revenue, a 73% increase in ladies’ apparel sales and 110% increase in overall tournament revenue.

Education notes…

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been named a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The network mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development. As a SDSN member the university will have access to an online communication platform, SDSN Mobilize, which enables members of SDSN institutions to identify and connect with sustainable development experts, promote activities and events, discover new prospects for funding, and form national and international collaborations.

Health care notes…

The Nebraska Hospital Association Research & Educational Foundation Leadership Institute announced Class XVI. The Leadership Institute’s mission is to advance

the effectiveness of hospitals by providing a quality environment for professional development, support and personal growth for health care leaders. 2019 participants are: Julie Baumgart, Candy Bell, Andrea Blecke, Mike Bruce, Jennifer Brunswick, Megan Burkey, Mike Dougherty, Cheryl Eklund, Sara Ellis, Brent Enninga, Kelly Findlay, Kami Foster, Mirya Hallock, Ashley Havel, Marla Heitmann, Christine Hutchinson, Jennifer Johnson, Kaitlun Kavan, Brittant Langan, Megan McGown, Michelle Meyer, Deb Moorhous, Jenny Oden, Tina Pate, Sam Prokopec, Angela Pruitt, Tierney Reilly, Haley Ridder, Nancy Rinkol, Joni Sautter, Katie Schrad, Janell Shelton, Laura Teichmeier, Courtney Thurlow, Megan Travis, Sarh Troester, Deb Ulrich, Heather Valasek, Danny VanRanken, and Ben Young.

Activities of nonprofits…

Alpha Media’s KX96.9 (KZKX) along with the Starlight Event Center raised over $50,000 for the American Red Cross Nebraska Flood Relief Campaign during a one night benefit concert event near Wahoo, Nebraska on March 29. The evening included a meal donated by Frontier Coop, a silent and live auction of donated items held by Sanderson Auctioneers, and entertainment from local bands Dylan Bloom, Bucka Ruse and Sack of Lions. All funds raised are earmarked for the American Red Cross Nebraska Flood Relief Campaign.

Arts & events…

The next Taste of 27th Street is scheduled for April 25, and features nine ethnic food destinations along N. 27th Steet between O Street and Holdrege Street. The participants will be dining on the Elaine Hammer Pedestrian Bridge, beginning at 5 p.m. sharp and is limited to 100 diners. Restaurants include Vung Tau Pho Grill (2708 Y St.), Imperial Palace (701 N. 27 St.), Banhwich Café (940 N. 26th St.), Big Sal’s Pizza (838 N. 27th St.), Amins Kitchen (850 N. 27th St.), Little Saigon Oriental Market (940 N. 26th St.), Lobo’s City Mex (340 N. 27th St.), Misky Bakery (505 N. 27th St.) and Pho Factory (940 N 27th St.).

Tickets are $40 and include all the food and beverages. The event is limited to 18 years old and over.

The second annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day will take place on May 11 at Nebraska Innovation Campus. What began as a vision of University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Director of Engineering Education and Outreach, Sally Wei, evolved into a large-scale collaborative event to encourage girls into the engineering field. The free event has nearly 400 registrants of girls from grades 3-12. The event will take from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will include hands-on breakouts and a STEM playground (community and student organization booths). Parents/caregivers will receive information on how to best support their children in the field of engineering. Registration for the event is still open.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Thursday, April 25 The LNK is presenting the Small Business Showcase from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The event attracts approximately 150 Chamber members and is an opportunity to network with local businesses. Hors d’oeuvres will be served in addition to one drink ticket and giveaways. Registration is free and online.

The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

13

Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild eyes boom for local craft beer industry

by Dwain Hebda

Nebraska’s craft beer industry has enjoyed brisk growth over the past decade, but according to the leader of the state industry’s trade group, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“Looking from 2010 to now, it’s pretty

Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild Phone: 402-649-5486 Address: 1023 Lincoln Mall Suite 103, Lincoln 68508 Service: trade association Industry outlook: Association leadership said despite the rapid rise of the craft beer trade, there’s still room for more.

Small towns hold the key to much of this incremental growth, both as quality of life ventures and as attractors of beer tourists.

Website: www.nebraska.beer

impressive,” said Gabby Ayala, executive director of the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild.

“In 2011 there were 18 breweries in the state and now we have almost 50. There was pretty steady growth from 2011 to 2013 and then from 2014 to 2017 it was just really — I don’t know if explosive is quite the right term, but it was certainly a higher growth period.

“We continue to see breweries open in greater Nebraska, that’s a pretty big trend, as well as in Lincoln and Omaha. I don’t think we’ve hit any kind of bubble quite yet.

There’s so much room for growth.”

According to the Brewers Association, a national trade group of craft breweries, Nebraska had 49 breweries in 2017, which worked out to 3.6 breweries per 100,000 adult 21 and over, the 15th highest per capita saturation in the U.S. The industry produced 54,000 barrels of beer that year and registered a total economic impact of $465 million.

With a high percentage of the state’s brewers among its membership, the NCBG carries weight when it comes to proposed legislation.

“In 2016 we advocated LB1105, a piece of legislation that created a craft brewery board, which is governor-appointed,” she said. “[The board] collects shipping licensing fees so out-of-state breweries have to pay fees and taxes to ship and sell their beer here. All of those fees go to the Craft Brewery Board and they provide grants to the industry.”

Ayala said operations throughout the state’s rural areas are the hidden story in the state’s craft beer scene.

“Scratchtown in Ord opened five or six years ago and that’s when we started to see breweries opening in greater Nebraska. Those continue to just trickle in,” she said. “I really believe, and I think most of the guild agrees, that any small town in Nebraska could sustain a brewery.

“It kind of harkens back to pre-Prohibition where many small towns had their own brewery and their own brew pub that was brewing their own beer. It’s kind of almost going back to that sort of mindset.”

To underscore the local nature of many of these operations, Ayala said more than half of the guild’s membership — which represents about 94% of the state’s breweries — do not sell or distribute packaged beer. The majority sell their product onsite or via kegs to local bars and restaurants.

“It also contributes to the idea that a lot of

small towns are hoping to attract people from larger cities to come and relocate or maybe create that boomerang effect of trying to pull in people who moved away,” Ayala said.

“Having a brewery in a small town means you get one of those big city amenities and it might be more appealing for someone like me or you to move back to a small town when they’ve got a brewery.”

This hyper-local equation gives many small towns their own “beer identity” and also spurs economic development in the form of hops tourism.

“Breweries become this hub for community activity and creativity and gives the town a sense of a lifeblood. It becomes almost like a touchstone or place-making,” Ayala said.

“It’s a point of pride for a smaller community to rally behind a brewery that’s making really good beer and bringing people from all over the state or even out of state come to that town just to try the beer.”

Executive Director Gabby Ayala … The state boasted just 18 breweries in 2011, a roster that had grown to nearly 50 by 2017. The industry produced 54,000 barrels of beer in 2017 and registered a total economic impact of $465 million.

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• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Bock

Duensing

Koenig

Murphy

O’Malley

Orr

Stephan

Woodard

Swanson Russell promotes Bock, Duensing, Koenig, Murphy, O’Malley, Orr, Stephan, Woodard in Lincoln, Omaha offices

Swanson Russell promoted eight employees in its Lincoln and Omaha offices: Zach Bock, Laura Duensing, Ryan Koenig, Hannah Murphy, Emily O’Malley, Quentin Orr, Ashley Stephan and Megan Woodard.

Bock was promoted to senior motion designer in the Lincoln office. Since joining the agency as a freelancer and then production artist in 2012, Bock has served on multiple accounts such as Textron Off Road, Gerber and Propane Education & Research Council.

The Gretna native graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations.

Duensing was promoted to associate social media strategist in the Lincoln office.

She started at the agency in 2014 as a public relations coordinator and was promoted to public relations writer. Duensing has helped manage social media on multiple accounts such as Runza Restaurants and SiteOne Landscape Supply. Originally from Fremont, Duensing graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.

Koenig was promoted to UX designer.

He joined the Lincoln office in 2016 as an associate UX designer and has worked on multiple accounts such as Nebraska State Fair, E-Z-GO and Textron Off Road. The Omaha native graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations.

Murphy was promoted to account manager. She started at the agency in 2018 as a project manager and was promoted to senior project manager. Murphy has dedicated her skills to clients such as AMVAC Environmental Products and Hoegemeyer Hybrids.

From Frisco, Texas, she graduated from New York University where she received a bachelor’s degree in film and television studies.

O’Malley was promoted to account manager in the Lincoln office. Since joining the agency in 2017 as a senior project manager, O’Malley has taken responsibility for multiple divisions of the Propane Education and Research Council account. The Raymond, Nebraska, native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from UNL. Orr was promoted to senior motion designer. He joined the Lincoln office in 2013

as an intern and has since worked on accounts such as Textron Off Road, Minn Kota, Gerber, Leupold and Runza. Hailing from Valentine, Nebraska, Orr graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations.

Stephan was promoted to senior art director in the Lincoln office. Since her start at the agency in 2008 as a production artist and promotion to graphic designer and art director, Stephan has done work for clients including Propane Education & Research Council, TRU Simulation + Training, University of Nebraska and Pepsi. Originally from West Point, Nebraska, she earned a bachelor of journalism degree from UNL. Woodard was promoted to UX designer. The Lincoln native originally joined the Lincoln office as a UX intern in 2015 and then was hired full time as a digital production artist. She graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations.

Lincoln Community Foundation hires Herink to lead strategic partnerships

Lincoln Community Foundation has selected Rich Herink to lead the foundation’s strategic partnerships.

Herink will help build relationships and identify opportunities for collaboration with key constituencies, specifically around economic development, impact investing and affordable housing. Herink recently concluded a Herink 45-year banking career, serving most recently as president of First National Bank in Lincoln. He currently serves on the boards of CHI Health, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, Junior Achievement, the NebraskaLand Foundation, and the Nebraska Chamber and a past board member of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln Independent Business Association, Lincoln Public Schools Foundation and several local and statewide foundations and business associations.

The Lincoln Business Journal • APRIL 2019 •

Cornhusker Bank promotes Nuismer to chief credit officer

Claussen

Korell

Olsson hires Claussen to succeed Korell as local business consultant

After a longtime career marked by more than a decade at Olsson, Brad Korell will retire at the end of June. Rich Claussen will join Olsson as a local business consultant.

Since joining Olsson in 2004, Korell has served in a variety of roles, including chief financial officer and most recently as a local business consultant. Korell mentored many Olsson leaders and rising professionals. His project list includes the new Veterans Affairs developments, the Career Academy at Southeast Community College, numerous LPS bond projects, many city/NRD partnerships, the West Haymarket and the 33rd/Cornhusker project.

Claussen will join Olsson full time in June.

For the past three years, Claussen has served as the innovation ambassador for Prosper Lincoln, following a 30-year career at the advertising firm Bailey Lauerman, where he worked as an executive vice president, general manager and partner. During his upcoming transition period, Claussen will remain engaged with Prosper Lincoln.

Cornhusker Bank has promoted David Nuismer to chief credit officer.

N u i s m e r, w i t h 18 years of banking experience, has been with Cornhusker Bank since 2010 and most recently served as vice president/manager, Credit Administration. In his new role, Nuismer is responsible for overall manageNuismer ment of the bank’s credit administration, underwriting, and loan review and analysis functions and support staff.

Pinnacle Bank promotes Laflin to Lincoln market president

Pinnacle Bank promoted John Laflin to regional manager and Lincoln market president.

In his new role, Laflin will oversee leadership in all of Pinnacle Bank’s Lincoln market, including retail banking, lending and busiLaflin ness development.

Laflin brings nearly 36 years of banking

15

HTI Plastics appoints Staples to its director of quality role

HTI Plastics has hired Heath Staples as director of quality.

Staples will be responsible for the establishment and management of harmonized quality response and reporting methods, quality system(s) coordination, management and execution, and ongoing quality improveStaples ment efforts for a global, multisite, manufacturing and product development organization. Prior to joining HTI, Staples worked at Teledyne Isco as a quality assurance manager, where he led his team to obtain an ISO 9001:2015 Certification. Before that he worked for Teledyne Cetac Technologies for four and a half years, where he worked on establishing a quality management system. experience to the position, including his last 23 years at Pinnacle Bank. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of commercial lending. Laflin is a member of the Region 2 board of directors and the State Loan Committee.

He received his bachelor ’s degree in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Paul Glenn

Steve Glenn

ExecutiveTravel selects Paul Glenn to succeed Steve Glenn, elevates La Peer

Executive Travel has promoted Paul Glenn to CEO. Steve Glenn, the company’s founder, will maintain his role as chairman and will focus on innovation.

Paul Glenn, who was previously president and chief operating officer, La Peer will move into the role of CEO. One of his focus areas will be the development and execution of Executive Travel’s products and services strategy.

Bill La Peer, former chief commercial officer, will become chief operating officer and president. La Peer will assume responsibility of the day-to-day operations for Executive Travel’s corporate business.

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• APRIL 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal