Midlands Business Journal April 3, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 14 issue by Midlands Business Journal

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Banking April 3, 2020

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Financial institutions, lenders evolving to help consumers, businesses through lingering crisis

Reaanddit

Matt Hillestad. “Veridian’s response adaptby Michelle Leach The recently signed $2 trillion Corona- ed quickly as new information became virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security available from public health officials. In early March, we started social (CARES) Act stimulus package distancing measures; for examincludes several provisions ple, non-essential meetings were supported by financial services canceled, postponed or adjusted industry associations — includto take place as a virtual meeting enhancements to the Small ing, and we began sanitizing Business Administration’s lendhigh-traffic surfaces regularly.” ing programs — as community A microsite is dedicated to banks and credit unions continue keep members informed of its to support consumers and memevolving response measures. bers through the COVID-19 “We also started strongly crisis. encouraging members to use “I couldn’t be more proud Milobar online banking, our mobile app of the way our employees responded and served our members through and other remote-access options,” he said. rapidly-changing circumstances,” said “On March 17, we temporarily closed our Veridian Credit Union Regional Manager branch lobbies until further notice, leaving

Matt Hillestad, regional manager at Veridian Credit Union. drive-up service open for regular business for lower payments and exploring other hours.” options together.” By mid-March, Hillestad noted, the As of March 23, he said members were credit union was hearing from members eligible for a low-rate financial assistance financially impacted by the pandemic. loan (first payment scheduled 90 days after “We started waiving various fees, signing). expanding eligibility for Delay-a-Pay and “Since effective help is often specific more,” he said. “For impacted business to each member’s unique circumstances, members, we started restructuring loans we also established veridiancu.org/help to make it easier for our impacted members to reach out for the help they need,” Hillestad said. On March 10, U.S. Small Business Administration Nebraska District Office Director Leon Milobar noted an informational notice was published regarding deferments on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans and microloans, reminding lenders of their authority to provide relief (deferred payments) to existing customers under certain circumstances — information communicated to its lenders and the Nebraska For your convenience Bankers Association. you can now update On March 12, the SBA announced up to $2 million to small business in COVID-19 your records by simply disaster assistance loans. The Nebraska emailing any new info to Bankers Association and Nebraska Credsubscriptions@mbj.com or it Union League both have COVID-19 response pages that list resources for navigating directly to our consumers and employers, including on website and filling out modification or restructuring of SBA loans an update form. Continued on next page.

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THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

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VOL. 46 NO. 14

Parallel Technologies eyes dual path for Lincoln and Omaha market growth by Richard D. Brown

Revitalization efforts bring life to historic areas, outer edges of storied neighborhoods. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40

For Montgomery, construction is in the blood. – Page 3

s nd ds Tre idlan g A eM th in

Pioneering ag technologies, research address labor and other challenges to food supply chain. – Page 23

Parallel Technologies, an Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based firm specializing in offering complete solutions for operating data centers and intelligent buildings, is redoubling its footprint in the Lincoln and Omaha markets as a result of annual revenue growth of 55% in the two cities over the past two years. “With our additional hires for the new positions we’re looking for, we’re finding our clients want to tap into our curiosity to work with them to find better solutions to operating data centers and intelligent buildings,” said owner/CEO Dale Klein. Klein, a Minnesota native with 25 years of business technology experience, now heads a company that has grown to 135 employees — 10 at the Omaha office at 14238 Hillsdale Drive and another four that work out of a collaboration room in Lincoln at University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus. The objective is singular, Klein Continued on page 10.

Senior Programming Engineers Vrushank Patel, left, and Bart Choat, in the Omaha office … Deploying cutting-edge sensor technologies for intelligent building projects. (photo courtesy of Parallel Technologies)

FNTS rolls out new security product to protect small, medium businesses by Dwain Hebda

The latest product from cloud and IT managed services provider FNTS is bringing the company’s expertise to bear on small and medium-sized businesses. FNTS’ First Protector is a bundled package offering features typically out of reach for smaller enterprise customers. “We’ve always offered our solutions to a wide spectrum

of customers,” said Rob LaMagna-Reiter, chief information security officer. “Smaller companies typically don’t have many resources dedicated to specific areas of concern such as a larger organization would. If we can package a bundle that solves the many challenges small and medium businesses face specifically for IT security, Continued on page 22.

From left, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands’ Hannah Young, policy and events manager, and Rosey Higgs, program manager. (File photo)

In the thick of COVID-19, Midlands organizations persist and evolve by Michelle Leach

President Kim Whittaker … Deploying product targeting IT security needs specific to small- and medium-sized businesses. (photo courtesy of FNTS)

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles sharing first-hand experiences from local organizations on how their respective industries are adapting to COVID-19. Before and since the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a national emergency on March 13, Midlands organizations have been adapting and persisting despite seemingly constant change and uncertainty.

In a March 17 message, 18year industry veteran agent, Jenn Bennett, communicated that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate was “still open for business” and assured “the real estate market remains stable and consistent.” “Most people are looking for some positive information,” Bennett said. “This is not ‘doomsday.’” She referenced a corporateContinued on page 22.

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Revitalization efforts bring life to historic areas, outer edges of storied neighborhoods by Michelle Leach

Formerly, when one mentioned a notable destination for all things housing, shopping, working, and entertainment, the “usual suspects” (the Old Market) came to mind; today, a multitude of new and emerging destinations have changed the narrative. “We are a smaller development shop, but we had big dreams and aspirations to be able to buy this piece of land on the outskirts Spellman of Aksarben Village,” said Ryan Spellman of J Development Co. “We saw the potential for future job growth.” Two and a half years later, Centerline Apartments at 7007 Oak St. is 98% leased; the firm anticipated the Creighton University Medical Center relocation from downtown to the Bergan Mercy campus. In turn, health care workers represent a large percentage of residents. “The next wave of growth for Aksarben is related to UNO and the growth of its campus and enrollment,” he said; specifically, growth

Spellman referenced the development of an “Aksarben Village South” or “Phase No. 2.” “I am a huge advocate for density, having retail with housing above and getting as much

Holly Barrett, executive director, Omaha Downtown Improvement District. south of Center Street with projects such as the tremendous potential for redevelopment,” he new baseball and softball complex. said. “It’s right off of Interstate 80 on 72nd St. “The former CoCo Key/Ramada Inn has and is a great opportunity to start from scratch.”

Business Minute

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Kristin Ellenberger Director of Property Management, Lockwood Development

Associations/Titles: President, CREW Omaha; Past President, BOMA Omaha, Member, International Council of Shopping Centers Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

How I got into the business: I started working for my uncle’s small development company in high school. From picking up trash, counting burned out light bulbs, I truly learned the industry from the bottom up. Accomplishments or milestones: Being involved in my industry’s local chapters with BOMA Omaha and CREW Omaha, has kept my pulse on the industry and the community, while helping me grow professionally and expanding my network. I have worked my way to lead both organizations and it has been most rewarding. I encourage everyone to get involved in their professional groups. First job: Babysitting & as a daycare teacher. Biggest career break: Joining Lockwood’s Team in 2011. Working alongside our team and on the projects we have has been the

most fulfilling. The toughest part of the job: The toughest and most rewarding part of my job is solving problems. Using knowledge, connections and teams to provide solutions for our clients and tenants is what my days are spent doing. The best advice I have received: My father always loved Charles Swindoll quotes, and one of my favorites is “The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we choose to express. It is not a gift delivered to our door each morning, nor does it come through the window. And it is certain that our circumstances are not the things that make us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never laugh again.” About my family: My husband & I have been married for five years and we have two young daughters, Renly & Maevyn. They bring so much joy every day & have taught us to slow down and take in the small things. Something else I’d like to accomplish: Provide mentorship to younger women in the industry. Personally, to show my kids around the world. Book I finished reading recently: “Present Over Perfect” by Shauna Neiquist. Something about me not everyone

knows: I earned my black belt in Taekwondo when I was a younger! How my business will change in the next decade: Commercial Real Estate will change mostly with technology — AI, IoT. These will enhance building efficiencies, tenant & customer experiences, among many things. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: My dad has always been my biggest mentor and supporter, personally. Professionally, Jenny, my first boss after college, has always been there for me and taught me so much. Outside interests: Camping, reading & boating. Pet peeves: Excessive lateness. Favorite vacation spot: I love to be on the beach or hiking in the mountains. Other careers I would like to try: I think I would enjoy counseling of some type. Listening, talking and solving problems with others would be rewarding. Favorite movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Favorite cause or charity: Too many to name — I lean towards supporting those that support women & children in our community. Favorite app: Peloton app & Amazon Prime.

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Kline Andrews bang for your buck with the land you’re working with,” Spellman said. Instead of concentrating on one area, multiple districts and pockets that pop up throughout the region advance the importance of transportation, easing travel to different areas. “I have never been a fan of ‘westward expansion,’” he said. “Soon enough, we’ll find ourselves in Grand Island. The city planning department has been fantastic in the encouragement of density and urban infill-types of developments.” Executive Director Holly Barrett’s Omaha Downtown Improvement District spans 75 blocks, and includes the convention center, Old Market, Central Business District, and Riverfront and Capitol districts. “We have so many fabulous emerging neighborhoods on the edge of our district,” she said. “We’ve got Little Italy and Little Bohemia on our south end, the neighborhood between Midtown and downtown on the west end, all of the potential of North Downtown and the Makerhood.” The Capitol District has brought new life to the convention center corner, she said, while the Continued on page 11.

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Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

For Montgomery, construction is in the blood by Dwain Hebda

Kris Montgomery grew up surrounded by construction. His dad is a retired carpenter and his mom worked as a payroll clerk for a civil construction company, retiring as the firm’s CFO. And his grandfather started a masonry construction company now run by his uncle. Still, it wasn’t a given Montgomery would follow in his family’s collective footsteps. “My dad came to me and said, ‘I want better for you. I don’t want you to join the trades. I want you to go do something different.’ He and I had extensive conversations about it,” he said. “When I went to college, I started out as a biology major and that first year in biology I hated it, no other way to say it. I realized I wasn’t really made to sit behind a desk or behind a computer all day long. I enjoyed the ability to go outside and actually see things happening and be a part of that process.” Montgomery changed his major his sophomore year to construction management and the rest is history. He worked as a construction laborer to finance his college education and after earning his degree from Illinois State University he briefly joined the family masonry business, then secured employment with a small general contractor in Central Illinois. He joined McCarthy Building Companies’

2019

Project Manager Kris Montgomery … construction workforce. St. Louis operation in 2007 after seeing the firm’s logo on a large construction site. He relocated to Omaha in 2009 and began what has become a string of major health care projects. Over the past decade, he’s had a hand in a $250 million job for Alegent Health (now CHI Health); the $86 million ambulatory care center for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Omaha; and the $1 billion VA New Orleans Replacement Medical Center. Tackling these and a myriad of other multi-million-dollar projects is a study in prioritizing and compartmentalization, he said.

Aiming to help build next generation of “You know that old adage, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’ That’s really what comes to mind,” he said. “If you think about it, $250 million sounds like a lot but you have a whole team of folks that are with you supporting that effort. Everybody’s pushing and

pulling in the same direction so you just figure out your little niche in the world and what that means and everybody does their part. It is absolutely small bites to get to the whole elephant.” Montgomery has been equally passionate about inspiring the next generation of skilled labor, which he said is a process of turning back decades of negative thinking about the trades. “I think something has changed in our culture and it’s unfortunate where it is no longer OK or at least acceptable to be on the craft side of the world,” he said. “As a result of that, there are tens of thousands of good-paying jobs that are going unfilled.” Montgomery helps to reverse this thinking through the ACE Mentor Program, which introduces high school students to careers in architecture, construction and engineering disciplines. He’s also on the Construction Advisory Committee at Metropolitan Community College. In that role, he helps plan the annual Construction Trades Day, which exposes hundreds of area high school students to the many construction career opportunities. For this work he was recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Nebraska with its Mentor Award in 2017. “Younger folks don’t necessarily understand the opportunities that are available to them in the trades or the crafts,” he said. “There’s a tremendous demand in our industry. I’m very passionate about that, specifically because of my background and what that means. People should be proud of craft jobs.”

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• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Banking April 3, 2020

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Financial institutions, lenders evolving to help consumers, businesses through lingering crisis Matt Hillestad. “Veridian’s response adaptby Michelle Leach The recently signed $2 trillion Corona- ed quickly as new information became virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security available from public health officials. In early March, we started social (CARES) Act stimulus package distancing measures; for examincludes several provisions ple, non-essential meetings were supported by financial services canceled, postponed or adjusted industry associations — includto take place as a virtual meeting enhancements to the Small ing, and we began sanitizing Business Administration’s lendhigh-traffic surfaces regularly.” ing programs — as community A microsite is dedicated to banks and credit unions continue keep members informed of its to support consumers and memevolving response measures. bers through the COVID-19 “We also started strongly crisis. encouraging members to use “I couldn’t be more proud Milobar online banking, our mobile app of the way our employees responded and served our members through and other remote-access options,” he said. rapidly-changing circumstances,” said “On March 17, we temporarily closed our Veridian Credit Union Regional Manager branch lobbies until further notice, leaving

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Banking •

Financial institutions, lenders evolving to help consumers, businesses through lingering crisis Continued from preceding page. tinuing to serve members. “We offer over 30,000 ATMs free of due to COVID-19. Earlier, on February 10, Milobar men- surcharges, we introduced ITMs in 2017, and in 2019, we were the first credit tioned how notable changes to union to bring video banking to our Express Loan Programs includmembers,” she said. “Members can ed rules set to clarify the likes bank with us from home. Our volof fees a lender may charge to ume has increased more than four an applicant or borrower. times versus the same timeframe “The clarification on fees last month.” is to ensure lenders’ charges DeBoer said last month there are reasonable and customary were 478 calls for video banking; for the services actually perthis month, in the same timeframe, formed,” he said. there have been over 1,922 calls. Pre-COVID-19, Cobalt “Our staff has been working Credit Union had a pandemic DeBoer overtime to cross-train and add adplan in place as part of its disaster recovery recommendations following ditional phone lines to increase our call center the SARS outbreak that first appeared in workforce,” she said. “Our contact center has the early 2000s. President and CEO Gail doubled in size and we’ve expanded hours. DeBoer also noted that the organization We have also trained and added more video is closely tracking its actions to inform banking tellers to serve members every day of the week. Our loan departments are fully future planning. “Early on, we created a COVID-19 staffed (many working from home) to ensure communication page on our website, and that members’ needs are met.” DeBoer also said staff is meeting with we continue to keep our members informed on any changes,” she said. “Members are small businesses and other members who have visiting this site for updates — it’s our lost income due to shut-downs, assisting them second-highest page viewed at this time on a case-by-case basis. “We have been here for 74 years and with the online banking being the page have overcome recessions, wars, stock marvisited the most.” DeBoer has regularly sent emails to ket drops, floods and other crises,” she said. members since the pandemic reared its heard “We anticipate, when we get through this in Nebraska, and its strategic work on mobile COVID-19 emergency, we will be needed by banking solutions (video banking, interactive our community and members more than ever. teller machines, remote deposit capture) have We are keeping our workforce in place in order made it possible to close lobbies while con- to serve our members.”

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Banking

Rates are in limbo amid COVID-19 outbreak by Gabby Christensen

Current mortgage, consumer and commercial rates have been a hot topic lately, and financial experts say the environment continues to fluctuate. With the Federal Reserve’s recent rate reductions and market changes in the longer-term Treasury rates, Mark Ellerbeck, president of First Westroads Bank, said mortgage rates decreased significantly to levels that have not been seen in several Ellerbeck years. “With the flux of people looking to refinance their home loans in addition to the spring buying season, rates have ticked up a little bit lately due to high volumes with secondary market mortgage brokers and lenders,” he said. For consumer and commercial loans, it's a great time to borrow money as rates are lower

now due to the Fed’s actions. “The Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the country has had a huge impact on rates and the ability of consumers and businesses to borrow money,” he said. “With the potential $2 billion economic stimulus package working its way through the government, there will be resources available to provide access to capital to businesses that have been negatively impacted.” These programs include the Small BusiShapiro ness Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) and the standard SBA 7(a) loan program. “The SBA is removing some hurdles to make qualifying for SBA loans easier for the borrower,” Ellerbeck said. “I believe that we will continue to be in a low rate environment for several months as the economy rebounds and

our communities get back to a normal working environment.” Jeff Shapiro, executive vice president of lending at Centris Federal Credit Union, said conditions have changed drastically over the past couple of weeks. “Rates are really in a state of flux right now,” he said. “The Fed overnight fund went down, so the prime rate went down, which affects shortterm borrowing for auto, credit and personal.” Shapiro said mortgage rates will not go down due to the prime rate decreasing; however, mortgage rates are tied to bond issues, which is in a state of flux now, too. “Today, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is at 4.5%,” he said. “The volatility in the marketplace is driving those mortgage rates in particular.” More importantly in this particular envi-

ronment, the biggest concern is about working with members and borrowers to help them in their time of need. “If they’ve lost their job or need help, we are asking them to reach out to us,” he said. “We will work with them to skip a payment or offer forbearance. We don’t want them to worry about making that particular payment if they’re having some hardship due to the COVID-19 situation.” While Centris Federal Credit Union has closed branch lobbies and switched to offering appointment-only visits, the institution is fully staffing drive-throughs, online banking and ATMs during this time. “We’re struggling like any other institution right now,” Shapiro said. “Like many, our priority right now is making sure our employees are protected, while doing what’s best for members.”

Banks aim for ease, speed to reach broad customer base by Barbie Mully

From the aging population to the next generation entering the workforce, changing demographics are influencing the way banks operate. Adaptations go hand-in-hand with growth

as time moves forward, and the banking sector is no exception. The way bank patrons prefer to do business evolves as younger generations drive demand for services. Metro area financial institutions are working

Nodgaard Swanstrom hard to keep up with technology while providing adequate customer service for all demographics. “We feel as though expanded electronic banking has helped all generations,” said Doug Nodgaard, Omaha market president at Equitable Bank. “For example, we now have the ability to have many of our loan and deposit documents electronically signed.” Steve Swanstrom, president and CEO at Centris Federal Credit Union, said that regardless of the targeted age-range, member service today is less about a friendly smile and more about digital delivery and speed. “This is why Centris Federal Credit Union has invested nearly $8 million in new technology over the past three years,” he said. “Our member owners want to know how quickly and easily we can get something done.” Nodgaard said Equitable has recently installed interactive teller machines (ITMs) that allow a customer to interact with a live teller while also acting as an ATM. The effort has permitted the bank to expand the number of hours customers can speak to a live teller. This is key to keeping all generations happy. Swanstrom said speed and ease of service add a convenience that all demographics demand in today’s multitasking-heavy environment. “The faster we can serve our members’ needs, the more time they have to enjoy that new home, new car, vacation or whatever they have asked us to help finance,” he said. Changing demographics, and younger patrons on-the-move, have shifted the number of traditional face-to-face interactions needed. This age group wants to access their finances digitally — with one touch or swipe. “We have seen an increase in demand for more electronic banking transactions and less actual branch visits,” Nodgaard said. Swanstrom said balancing technology with Continued on next page.

Banking •

Emerging technology for fraud detection and authentication is boon to banks by David Kubicek

Machine learning (ML) and other emerging technology are making it harder for hackers to breach financial databases. ML is a method of data analysis in which a computer or other automated system is able to leverage robust sets of information to identify patterns in the data itself. “By using different algorithms, or sets of decision-making rules, machine learning is able to take the patterns Deterding discerned from the data to reliably predict future outcomes without being explicitly guided by human programming,” said Jamie Deterding, senior vice president of bank solutions at Fiserv. “After combining your per-

Broad customer base Continued from preceding page. traditional customer service is the best way to reach every age group. “We are constantly working on enhancements to deliver the best possible experience to all our member owners,” he said. Reaching the next generation of patrons, Swanstrom said Centris has developed a specific suite of programs that aim to educate on the basics of personal finance. More information on these tools can be found on the Centris website.

sonal behavior with millions of other consumers, machine learning is able to identify patterns in how you interact that can be applied to make intelligent decisions that will prevent fraud.” Paul McMeekin, director of marketing for growth markets at ACI Worldwide, gave an example of how machines can learn from patterns. “Say there’s a run on grocery stores where people are spending more than they typically spend,” he said. “And say I spend $700 McMeekin at Costco — that’s my normal behavior — but with what’s been happening [with the coronavirus] over the past few weeks, there’s a surge in spending. When the system sees that I spent $700 at Costco, $700 at Walmart and $700 at Target in the same day, the machine has learned that based on the spending patterns of other people as well as myself, this isn’t fraudulent activity, but something else is going on.” Ron Winward, security evangelist at Radware, said an algorithm is written with a specific outcome in mind — to look for what the author thinks is interesting. For example, if you’re trying to quickly classify data based on similarities, an algorithm would be written and optimized specifically for this work. One of the most common cybersecurity Continued on page 9.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Banking

From online options to coronavirus, retail banking changing dramatically by Dwain Hebda

Even before COVID-19, retail banking had been in a state of rapid change for years as technology’s role in conducting banking business continued to grow. “Ten years ago, it would have been difficult for us to serve customers who were not in close proximity to our locations,” said Mandy Mellott, vice president of marketing at Dundee Bank. “Now, we are able to open

accounts online and offer various services through online banking and our mobile app. It is not abnormal for us to have customers that have never set foot into one of our locations.” Despite these new tools, retail banking still turns on one-on-one relationships, she said. “When it comes to banking, I think it is important for us to provide convenience

through technology while not settling when it comes to face-to-face experience,” she said. “In addition to providing attentive expertise regarding finances, we feel that bank branches are still relevant to our customers. “Genuine relationships and high-touch customer service are more important than ever. As we explore options like interactive teller machines and other technology, preserving an exceptional customer service is our top priority.” Neal Krauss, vice president and market manager at Access Bank, said the advancement of technology has changed Krauss h i s i n s t i t u t i o n ’s growth strategy. “Over the last few years, we have seen a continued decrease in traffic through our brick-and-mortar branches and a definite increase in our digital banking options,” he said. “With that, our branch network is still important to us and a part of our growth plan, which is apparent in our seventh branch location scheduled to open in Aksarben within the next year. “However, we are strategic in the placements of our brick-and-mortar locations as digital banking has made the need for a bank within every five-mile radius obsolete.” Krauss said technology won’t eliminate the live teller any time soon. In fact, he

predicted front-line employees will be more critical than ever. “When customers come into the branch, especially customers that have grown up with technology, they come in with a purpose. They have a need or an issue they are looking for assistance with,” he said. “We have to be prepared for that and deliver that type of customer experience. That means more training on all aspects of banking for our tellers on up to our branch managers, not just on bank products, but technological solutions to issues customers may be having.” Of course, recent Langin events have also increased the emphasis on customer safety across all brands of retail, banking included. "All banks are taking steps to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kevin Langin, senior director of public relations and communications for First National Bank of Omaha. “At FNBO, our branch locations will be open during regular hours, but access to our lobbies will be by appointment only. We’re encouraging customers to use our drive-through, ATM, online and mobile channels for banking, as well as restricting lobby traffic for the health and safety of our employees and customers.” Like many banks, FNBO lobby appointContinued on next page.

Banking •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

Modern tools, market knowledge key to efficient, innovative investment banking solutions by Jasmine Heimgartner

Like many industries, the banking world has its own specialists. For businesses looking to expand, gain additional funding or sell, maximizing a business’s

value is a necessity to get the best outcome. That is where the specialists come in: investment bankers. While that role has long been part of the banking world, it has evolved with the times.

Emerging technology for fraud detection

Continued from page 7. — to understand customers in their current threats in banking today is account take- client base that may soon leave. over, a technique where criminals attempt “By identifying their most at-risk to login to banking websites using known accounts, financial institutions are able good credentials to try to take over indi- to implement new services or incentives vidual accounts. designed to increase customer “Criminals stand to make a retention,” Deterding said. true fortune if they can access Some financial institutions customer accounts, so they will are using an emerging technolinvest time and money into comogy called biometric authentiplex campaigns with automated cation. Smartphones leverage ‘bots’ to do the login work,” biometric authentication like Winward said. “Not only is the Touch ID or Face ID to verify individual account at risk, but personal login information, acthe entire authentication system cess a mobile app, or confirm a must process each transaction digital purchase. and can easily become overloadWith some of its banking Winward ed, impacting everyone.” clients, Fiserv has implementThese complex campaigns require a ed similar biometric technology, called specialized bot management solution to Verifast, to help authenticate banking truly mitigate. Bot management performs customers in physical branches. Verifast the critical task of identifying the intent of scans the vein pattern on the palm of a the incoming connection and determining customer’s hand. if it is legitimate or malicious. If the login “Vein pattern recognition technology is deemed to be malicious, the bot manager is actually proven to be a more accurate can permanently block any future login identifier than fingerprints, iris patterns attempt from the source. in your eye, or facial features, so, inML can also be used to predict cus- stead of providing physical forms of tomer attrition. Financial institutions are identification to your teller, just place able to use the data from closed accounts your palm above a reader to confirm — like declines in debit card activity or your identity and access your account,” the removal of automated payroll deposits Deterding said.

“Investment bankers today need to have an in-depth knowledge of their client’s industry sector and the various nuances that drive market dynamics,” said Eric Rindahl, managing director of Investment Banking at D.A. Davidson. “The days of the generalist mergers and acquisitions adviser have become obsolete as clients demand and lean on Rindahl their bankers for all encompassing advice that spans from operational improvements of their business to understanding unique market-based valuation drivers.”

Retail banking changing Continued from preceding page. ments will be reserved for business transactions that must be conducted in person, such as closing a loan, mortgage, replacing a debit card or accessing a safe deposit box. Most institutions have also implemented communications tools to keep customers abreast of additional operational changes. “We’ve established a landing page — fnbo.com/coronavirus — for the latest updates on access to our branch locations,” he said. “FNBO and other banks are taking these measures following the advice and guidance of national and local health agencies. It’s the right thing to do for our employees, customers and the community at large.”

With a somewhat misleading name, investment bankers could be considered as having a dual role as a liaison between business and capital and between a business owner and the market. For businesses in need of funding for growth or to acquire another operation, understanding the market and banking operations can become intricate. Anderson “When you start a business, it typically involves going to the bank,” said Mike Anderson, managing director at Bridgepoint Investment Banking. “Once you get to a certain point, that community bank may not be big enough, so you have to go to a bigger bank. After that is the debt fund, which is a nonbank funder. Our biggest benefit is that we can provide options and solutions. For example, a trucking company had three commercial banks and leasing companies but needed funds to expand business and consolidate, but the relationships wouldn’t allow it. We were able to go to the ‘market’ and secure a line of credit in a pinch because we have a very defined process.” Along with traditional methods to keep a pulse on the market, technological advances have enhanced the investment banking world, as well as provided fuel to innovate to meet the changing environment. “Some of the unique challenges bankers are facing today relate to companies, Continued on next page.

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Parallel Technologies eyes dual path for Lincoln and Omaha market growth Continued from page 1. He said cutting-edge smart building said. technology can be used to address emerg“We want to drive a combination of ing areas for the attention of managers and proven and new infrastructure technol- administrators. For middle schools and ogies to solve building and data center high schools, as well as higher education challenges,” he said. “We found there’s a clients, statistics show that the number of big demand and acceptance of students using nicotine-based our response in Minnesota and e-cigarettes doubles each year. our growth focus is on Omaha “The challenge for the adand Lincoln next.” ministrators is to leverage techOmaha and Lincoln area nology to curb teen vaping,” buildings with projects are likehe said. ly to come from the financial The solution being advanced services, energy, and property by Parallel Technologies is the management sectors, among use of a HALO smart sensor others. from IP Video Corporation What’s offered is consulting that integrates into the school’s involving the latest technology existing video surveillance sysKlein in building automation — from tem and building automation energy savings to security planning sys- technology. It is installed in classrooms, tems. outside the entrance to bathrooms, locker “Advanced analytic software for build- rooms and in hallways. TThe solution ings can produce aggregate data from a fan can be used to not only detect smoke but in a much larger system slowing down to also loud noises such as breaking glass or security issues and areas needing special gunshots. maintenance systems,” Klein said. Klein said the smart sensor compo-

nents can also be used in correctional Klein said one of the newest tools is a systems, hospitals and throughout the thermal imaging camera that can be used to corporate world. detect the body temperature of each person Klein, who started his business career entering a building. Such technology, used as a management program head at Burling- in data centers, is part of a larger body ton Northern railroad of artificial intelliand later did con- Parallel Technologies gence technology sulting work before Phone: 1-800-899-1652 that could be helpful launching a series of Address:14238 Hillsdale Circle, Omaha in identifying fevers acquisitions that led 68137 in employees enterto Parallel Technol- Services: complete solutions for data ing a structure. ogies, said his com- centers an intelligent buildings In February, four pany differentiates Founded: 1983 as P & T CommunicaParallel Technoloitself in its indus- tions in Robbinsdale, Minn. gies team members try by being a “sin- Employees: 20 in Omaha and Lincoln t r a v e l e d t o Ta m gle-source provider,” locations pa and the BICSI which can design, One-year goal: Introduce anti-vaping (Building Industry build and manage a smart-sensor technology into middle and Consulting Service fully integrated tech- high schools. International) Winnology infrastructure Industry outlook: Strong growth opporter Conference. Hot solution for mission tunities at present for intelligent building topics included the critical buildings or and data center projects. role of fiber optics in data centers from Website: www.ptnet.com intelligent building, end-to-end. new applications for “All the services under one roof results distributed antenna systems, building in greater efficiency, better service and transformation, power over ethernet deattention to detail,” he said. vices, and the adoption of wave division Services aimed at data centers include multiplexing. assessment, design/build planning, techKlein, who purchased Parallel Technology infrastructure, racks, cabinets and nologies in 2005, had a vision of building cabling, colocation migration, managed an IP integration services division to comservices, monitoring and control. plement the existing low voltage cabling Covered in the menu of services for business. intelligent building planning and adminOver the next three years, Parallel’s istration include electrical systems, HVAC revenue grew by 300% by offering data units, energy efficiency, LED lighting center and IP networking products and systems, wireless capabilities, plumbing, services to enterprise, commercial and door access, video surveillance, telephony, government entities. paging, digital signage — among others. In July 2017 Klein purchased OmaThe top three items on the menu — in ha-based Building Systems Solutions, an order — are doors, outside camera, and li- 11-employee privately-held firm specialcense plate recognition in the parking lots. izing in building automation controls and Public sector buildings are especial- energy management analysis. ly keen on lowering their exposure and BSS founder Jay Stark now heads Parliability for incidents that take place on allel Technologies’ expanding footprint in their property. Omaha and Lincoln.

Modern tools, market knowledge key to efficient, innovative investment banking solutions Continued from preceding page. particularly private and early-staged ones, opting to utilize automated platforms to connect with potential buyers and sellers in lieu of engaging a traditional M&A advisor,” Rindahl said. “The industry has also seen the emergence of many technology companies going public through a direct listing process versus utilizing an investment bank to conduct an underwritten initial public offering. In spite of these challenges, investment bankers have significantly capitalized on technological innovations to streamline and optimize many solutions they deliver to their clients. These include enhanced CRM tools, virtual data rooms and video teleconferencing capabilities, which have enabled investment banks to run a more efficient and effective transaction process for its clients, both onsite and remotely.” That technology means that instead of basic knowledge of a handful of options, investment bankers can continue to build a local and national database of funders and buyers with in-depth detail. “We have a specialized CRM that is built for our industry that helps us track nonbank funders and equity firms,” Anderson said.

“We track profiles by industry, size, structure and more, which shortens the search cycle. The benefit for the company is that I’m not just calling five buddies. We could reach out to 200 firms that have stated they like businesses of a certain kind or size.” In an age of technology-based startups constantly popping up, it creates a unique environment. While investment banker services may not be needed until merging, selling or expanding comes along, understanding how the market works can set those newer companies up for more realistic success. “First and foremost, startup founders need to assess whether or not they have a product or service that addresses a large enough target market that will reap an acceptable financial return for third-party investors, given the risk,” Rindahl said. “There are countless startups with impressive business models and management teams that never gain traction due to a miscalculation of either market size or customer demand. Ultimately, a successful founder doesn't only need to believe in his or her business whole heartedly but needs to be able to convince the next round of investors of the same.”

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

Revitalization efforts bring life to historic areas, outer edges of storied neighborhoods Continued from page 2. Riverfront and Conagra campus projects are spurring things into high gear in the Old Market. “Up in the Central Business District, where things move a little bit slower sometimes, we have tremendous potential at the World Herald and Civic Center auditorium sites and, while it’s frustrating to see it like fallow, we are thrilled the city is taking it so seriously and working on finding exactly the right tenant,” Barrett SUPER CROSSWORD

said, adding they hope that includes a bigbox grocery store. She said ODID looks forward to working with philanthropy organizations to help grow its foundation, allowing for projects such as public art installations, and seating, sidewalk and lighting improvements. It is also the lead stakeholders in the Old Market-wide alley revitalization project, assisting properties in dumpster consolidation and safety, beautification, and potential economic development projects

THE THIN, THE FLAT, AND THE ROUND

at their back doors. Vice President of Development Jay Kline emphasized White Lotus Group’s HUB 1401 and NoDo projects at 11th and Nicholas streets; the former is described as a “mission-driven nonprofit center designed around collaboration and innovation,” while the latter builds upon the “legacy of past neighborhood residents, skilled craftsmen, while being a gateway to Omaha.” He referred to HUB’s unique co-lab environment; through collaboration and shared services, philanthropic efforts are maximized by avoiding overlap and redundant expenses. Filled with public art from all types of makers, the NoDo project area highlights modern architecture amid historic charm. “We believe that our concept — combining local retailers and amenities, multi-family apartments and office users — will help kickstart the New North Makerhood’s ability to thrive for many years to come,” he said. Kline mentioned the following as positively impacting NoDo: Future Forward’s revitalization efforts on the New North Makerhood; refined plans led by Paul G Smith Associates on the Millwork District; the expansion of the Builder’s District south of Cuming Street (notably, the Kiewit headquarters relocation); the Downtown Riverfront Trust’s efforts to revitalize Lewis and Clark Landing; and continued support from the city. Such districts fit significantly into Omaha’s overall landscape; for instance, he noted how less than 15 years ago, Maple Street in Benson was “sleepy,” with a small handful of places breathing life into the area. “What has happened since then is nothing short of incredible,” he said of organic reinvestment. “The up-and-coming neighborhoods in NoDo … they have quietly been a place for art and other creatives for many years, but the growth in the area due to proximity to TD Ameritrade Park

and the CHI Health Center, along with the redevelopment plans for the Riverfront, are shining a bright light on the potential of this area.” Millwork Commons was top of mind for Restoration Exchange Omaha President Adam Andrews; Flywheel’s slated move to the Ashton Building this summer is the first of many planned projects for the neighborhood, which is named after former warehouse users (such as the Adams and Kelly Millwork Co.) that made windows, doors and other building components. “The existing historic district is the same size and age as our Old Market, which is a favorite locale of everyone’s,” Andrews said. “So, it has the same potential to provide a glimpse into Omaha’s past while being a part of its present and future.” With the envisioned commercial, retail, residential and other districtwide amenities, Andrews said Millwork Commons is set to make a great first impression on travelers flying into Eppley Airfield. Andrews also mentioned the Blackstone Hotel’s renovation into the Cottonwood Hotel as the “crown jewel” in the Blackstone District’s noteworthy revitalization. “It will be one of only a few historic hotels operating in the city and bring back to life a fabled part of Omaha’s past while contributing greatly to the life and vitality of the neighborhood,” he said. “Livability” endures. “The post-war boom of the suburbs had such a detrimental effect on urban life and historic neighborhoods that, in some cases, their revitalization has only come about in the last 10 or 15 years,” he said. “Historic neighborhoods were traditionally denser, more diverse, offered a variety of living styles, amenities and services. On top of all those things, they have character and interest with a variety of architectural styles, residents and building types. All these factors combine to make places that people gravitate towards and want to live, work and play in.”

Should fear of the next recession keep you from buying a home? by Kelly Anne Smith and R.H. Bierck

Answers on page 12.

Last month, some economists were predicting a likely recession by 2021. But now that the coronavirus is crimping consumer spending, closing businesses, halting wages and sending workers home, some economists say the economy has got to be in recession now. Real Estate Recessions are usually identified by viewing data that isn’t fully compiled, so by definition, this is a look back. Based on the economic effects of the covid-19 virus that are mounting daily, many economists believe that the view in this rear-view mirror won’t be pretty when we get further down the road and have a look. For many, the lasting impact of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 has left memories of losing a home or watching one’s neighbors or parents lose theirs. This in itself may be enough to have you second-guessing a home purchase in uncertain economic times. But

now that the effects of the coronavirus are besetting the economy more with each passing day, this fear is doubtless heightened for many. Here’s what happened during the last recession In the years preceding the Great Recession, subprime mortgages made home ownership accessible to almost anyone, including many who couldn’t afford it. As a result, there was a boom in homeownership by buyers who had put little or no money down. As real estate prices declined dramatically, many homeowners quickly found themselves “underwater” on their mortgages: They owed more than the homes were worth. Struggling to keep up with payments they couldn’t afford amid massive layoffs and a stock market crash, millions of Americans defaulted on their mortgages. An estimated 9.3 million homeowners lost their homes, many through foreclosure. Could that happen again if the virus brings Continued on next page.

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Should fear of the next recession keep you from buying a home? Continued from preceding page. the economy to a standstill? Since 2009, underwriting standards have toughened and regulations governing lenders are far stricter. And now, the coronavirus is pushing interest rates down–a trend that usually increases demand. Yet business interruptions and closings of whole industries are lowering earnings for many workers and laying off others, lessening their ability to buy homes. Doubtless, money saved for down payments will go toward paying rent and buying groceries. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, says that it’s important to take a long view. “Despite fear and uncertainty, investors should think to the future, beyond the economic pause and when business and life resumes normalcy. The short-term disruption is unprecedented, but the long-term viability of the economy is not,” he adds. A home is not just an investment, but a place to live. And with super-low mortgage rates, and better deals to be negotiated with sellers, this may be a good time to buy. Job security–at its lowest for individuals out of work, a category that’s growing daily–affects not only demand but the ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. So many buyers who would be looking at homes now are probably holding off, waiting to see what happens with their incomes. It’s too early to tell what effect the coronavirus will have on housing and real estate. In China, the virus has had a severe impact, with home sales and home construction down 30 to 50% in the first two months of the year. Pros of buying a home during a recession For those who are confident in their future

incomes despite the corona-addled economy– for example, those in business sectors where consumers are still spending money–this period of historically rock-bottom interest rates may be a great time to buy. Every day, it’s becoming more of a buyer’s market, though this could level off with the rate of infections, possibly in a few months. In the meantime, the economic impact could suppress demand, lowering prices. Generally, for people struggling financially, selling their home might be a last option before facing foreclosure. Because of this, turnaround on a home purchase could be quick — and, potentially, at a good price for the buyer. “Most homeowners would rather trade their equity in their home to sell quickly than to go through foreclosure and ruin their credit for seven years,” says Shawn Breyer, owner of Breyer Home Buyers in Atlanta. “With this in mind, solving people’s problems allows you to get houses for a reduced amount of money during a recession.” Cons of buying a home during a recession You may have to wait a long time for appreciation on a home purchased during a recession. If you buy a short-sale or foreclosed home, you may get a deal but there are additional disadvantages: Less room for negotiation Jessica Whiffen, licensed realtor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Naples, Florida, says buying during a recession can bring the opportunity to snag a great bargain — but warns that it also brings financial risks. One is less wiggle room with negotiation. “You are not in a traditional negotiating situation, where the buyer is on one side of the table and the seller is on the other,” says

Electronic devices in the workplace adding to loneliness by Stephen Singer

Loneliness is having an impact on the workplace as electronic devices increasingly pull employees away from contact with others, drawing their attention to screens on tablets, phones and laptops, according to a study released Thursday by Cigna Corp. Twitter, Facebook and other social media also create loneliness, with very heavy users “significantly more Workplace likely to feel alone, isolated, left out and without companionship,” the study said. Lonely workers say they are less engaged, less productive and report lower retention rates, are twice as likely to miss a day of work due to illness and five times more likely to miss work due to stress. And they say they think about quitting their jobs more than twice as often as workers who are not lonely. “The trends shaping how we work — increasing use of technology, more telecommuting and the always-on work culture — are leaving Americans more stressed, less rested, spending more time on social media and less time with friends and family,” said David M. Cordani, chief executive officer of the Bloomfield health insurer. For businesses, loneliness results in less engagement, less productivity and lower retention levels, he said. The 2020 Loneliness Index surveyed more than 10,400 adults 18 and older and is based on the University of California, Los Angeles “loneliness scale,” a 20-item questionnaire assessing subjective feelings of loneliness or social isolation. Loneliness is more prevalent among men

rather than women, urban and suburban residents rather than those in rural communities and youths 18 to 22 instead of their grandparents in their 70s. Overall, three of five Americans, or 61%, report feelings of loneliness. Among respondents surveyed, 58% say they always or sometimes feel like no one knows them well, up 4 percentage points from 2018. More than half, or 52%, report sometimes or always feeling alone, up 6 percentage points from 2018. Those reporting they feel left out has seen a similar increase, to 52%, from 47% in 2018. And 49% always or sometimes feel as though they lack companionship, up from 43%. Cigna says it is responding by redefining and broadening services available to address and deliver support for mental health needs, expanding access to its network of more than 170,000 mental and behavioral health care providers and establishing preferred provider networks in areas of the country where the behavioral provider industry faces a “significant supply and demand issue.” The Cigna Foundation is committing $3 million over three years to support mental well-being in schools. Cigna said a 2018 survey of 20,000 adults found that loneliness had reached “epidemic levels,” with nearly 50% of Americans considering themselves lonely. Survey results also suggested that “Generation Z,” which includes young people ages 18 to 22, appears to be “the loneliest generation.” ©2020 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Whiffen. “It is more like a triangle, in which the seller is the middle-man, and doesn’t have much say. You are essentially only negotiating with the bank.” Whiffen recommends you do your research beforehand — comparing the price of the home to other recent sales in the neighborhood can be a good indicator of property values. During a short-sale or foreclosure, Whiffen says most banks are selling properties “as-is,” meaning they are unlikely to offer additional credits or make repairs for problems that may arise during inspection. “Very rarely will the financial institution who has sanctioned a short-sale or who is facilitating a foreclosure give you any help when it comes to materially defective items,” Whiffen says. “Buyers are always out there, properties are not.” Harder time securing financing When economic times are tough, it can be more difficult to obtain a mortgage. Lenders may have stricter requirements for approval, such as higher credit score requirements or larger down payments. Find out how much home you can afford with Bankrate’s home affordability calculator. Competing with investors In declining markets, more investors look to purchase homes and use them as rental property, hoping to sell when prices recover. Breyer notes that it’s hard to compete with these investors because they usually pay in cash. “Homeowners know that selling to someone who needs lender approval could take months while selling to an investor for cash could get them out of a property in weeks,” says Breyer. “Know that it’s not always about

the money. Talk to the selling agent and see if you can offer any other terms that would make the sellers consider your offer over an investor.” You might be thinking now could be an opportune moment to purchase a house and rent it for passive income. McBride warns that it won’t be easy. Rentals can be “capital intensive,” meaning they require cash for transaction costs, down payment, taxes, insurance, upgrades, maintenance, repairs and allowing for the occasional vacancy. If you don’t have those funds on hand, it’ll be hard to maintain your investment. Who benefits the most buying a home during a recession? McBride notes that buying a home during a recession depends on how much risk you’re willing to take. “It takes nerves of steel to sign up for the largest financial commitment you’ve ever had at a time when the economic outlook is bleak, unemployment is rising, and fear and pessimism are rampant,” says McBride. Of course, those who work in industries that are most vulnerable to economic downtown should think twice before buying a home during a recession. Getting laid off and being unable to afford a monthly mortgage jeopardizes your financial future. If you have the job security, patience, savings and overall financial health to weather weak economic times, don’t let the next recession (or fear of one) come between you and your housing needs. ©2020 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

Amid shades of Great Recession, day laborers struggle to find work during coronavirus by Ruben Vives

Gabriel Reyes was $600 short of his $1,800 monthly rent and April was around the corner. The day laborer was so desperate for a job he created a cardboard sign that listed his welding skills and cellphone number. “I figure this way they know what I do since there’s so many of us out here,” he said. Economy For a month, the husband and father of three had been soliciting work in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Paramount, Calif. In his pockets, he carried little pieces of paper with his name and number to give to potential employers. He couldn’t even calculate how many he had passed out. “I’ve only managed to earn $40,” Reyes said. “I don’t know if the landlord will give us a break.” The economic fallout of the novel coronavirus has affected almost every major industry sector of the United States. More than 3.3 million people in the country have filed first-time jobless benefit claims. But if there’s a constant of economic crises, it’s that low-wage earners — especially black and Latino workers — tend to take the biggest hits. In the hierarchy of labor in America, you don’t get much more tenuous than the humble day laborer, whose livelihood often depends on a barometer of economic optimism. A vast majority of them are immigrants living in the country illegally or working without visas and work permits. They don’t have access to paid sick days, health insurance or unemployment benefits. Reyes worries about becoming infected. But necessity sends him out to look for work. Most workers don’t have money saved up and must pay bills and rent. “We can’t afford to stay home,” he said. “We have to come out and look for a job.” Pablo Alvarado, executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, said that on any given day nearly 120,000 men and women are working as day laborers or are looking for day-labor jobs at more than 700 hiring sites in at least 22 states. The sites include job centers, home improvement stores and gas stations. At least 125 of those sites are located in California, with 70 of them being day labor work centers; 10 of those centers in Los Angeles County have closed because of coronavirus fears, Alvarado said. The pandemic has presented an unusual challenge for the nonprofit organization, which spent the last few weeks trying to figure out whether to keep some of its centers open. But with so few jobs and because some of the workers were within the high-risk age group, some of the centers closed. “Whether we should keep the centers open or not will be determined by the number of jobs. There’s still a few jobs left but I just don’t know for how long,” Alvarado said. The organization has begun raising money to launch the Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund, a donation program that will provide financial support to day laborers, especially those who are 60 or older.

Alvarado said the group has managed to raise about $30,000 through small donations from the public. One recent afternoon, more than a dozen men sat on chairs and metal benches next to a green oil pump jack in Signal Hill. They made small talk under blue tarps. Inside a small shack, three women sat together looking for housekeeping jobs. Nearby, 60-year-old Jose Hernandez, the job coordinator, wore an orange vest as he kept an eye out for potential employers. When the outbreak happened, there were still some jobs coming through. There was hope. Then, the skies opened up. “The rain stopped us from working,” he said. “But there’s also more jobs after everything grows.” On this afternoon, seven workers managed to get jobs; six the day before. The coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of events many of the workers depend on for jobs. The rains were tough, but there was another challenge: Some people were suddenly nervous about letting other people into their homes. Since 2011, Hernandez has been contracted by the city to manage the day labor job center located near a Home Depot. But his time at the center dates to 2007, when he began volunteering with a nonprofit organization that ran it. Not long afterward, the U.S. was hit by the Great Recession. People lost their livelihoods and jobs dried up for day laborers. “Things were not so great then,” Hernandez said. Competition for jobs was so fierce that laborers would make mad dashes toward potential employers and sometimes got into fistfights. But over the years, Hernandez said, a sense of relative calm descended. He helped organize workers so they wouldn’t agree to take jobs below the minimum wage. The fights ebbed.

Hernandez implemented a lottery system using a bingo cage and balls to ensure a level of fairness. Each morning, day laborers who perform jobs such as demolition, construction or gardening received a ticket with a number. When a job offer came, Hernandez used the bingo cage to roll the balls and randomly select a number. The lucky winner got the job. Workers with special skills such as electricians and plumbers got to toss a coin for jobs. That was in normal times. These are far from it, and with so few jobs Hernandez has to do things differently. Every afternoon he removes the bingo balls from the cage and calls the numbers out to check which workers are still at the center. Hernandez said there’s no telling what the next few months will be like, but he hopes work will start to pick up again. He said the drop in jobs doesn’t compare to the 2008 recession, when he had about 115 men and women looking for work. But only time will tell how bad it could get, he said. Alvarado said that even during the recession, there were some jobs. But the coronavirus has created a crisis of maximum abruptness — like hitting a wall. People are now contending not only with an economic downturn, but with a pandemic that could make them or their loved ones seriously ill — or kill them. Alvarado said all this makes the day laborer’s future more uncertain than ever. “When you’re a day laborer, you don’t know if you’re going to get a job that day. You don’t know if you’re going to be hired by an honest or unscrupulous employer, you don’t know if white supremacists will show up.” he said. “This is every day, and now the coronavirus amplifies all these uncertainties to a level we’ve never seen before.”

In 2007, Reyes put a $24,000 down payment on a home in Artesia. The moment was blissful. He had a home in the United States and a family. His journey, which began in Hidalgo, Mexico, as a teenager, living in a laundry room for years until he could save money, had eventually paid off. “It was a gradual process,” he said. “I was very happy.” That happiness lasted a year. The recession slammed into the country and the welding work Reyes had performed for a contractor dried up. He lost his job and his home. “It’s a funny thing; one moment you’re up here in life, then the next day you’re down here,” he said. As the economy improved so did life for Reyes and his family. He rented a house in Bellflower and began welding for another contractor. As the years moved on from the recession, things were good. Then the coronavirus came. Once again, the contractor he labored for stopped receiving work. Reyes lost his job. Again. And so now he holds a sign, hoping someone will notice his plea for work. As he stood near the entrance to the Home Depot, he once again worried about his family. About his home. About being evicted. Even with the state issuing a ban on evictions, Reyes said, no law would stop the bills and rent from piling up. He said he would pay his landlord whatever amount of money he managed to raise. He hopes he can reason with the landlord. “I have to be optimistic,” he said. “I try to think positively because if I get depressed, what good will that do me?” ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How the coronavirus stimulus package can help retirees and savers by Erin Arvedlund

The House gave final passage to a massive $2.2 trillion stimulus package intended to help businesses and workers cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. But goodies for Americans saving for retirement, and those already retired, are also tucked inside. “The bill is complex, so check with a tax specialist or acEconomy countant before making any big moves,” said Mitch Gerstein, a CPA with Isdaner & Co. in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. “But the idea is to put money into people’s hands as fast as possible.” Here’s what you need to know. Usually, retirees must take out a minimum lump sum every year from their retirement accounts. It’s called the required minimum distribution (RMD), and you pay taxes on that money. But this year, you don’t have to take your RMD under the stimulus law and can avoid paying taxes, too. “Some people already took money out this year,” Gerstein said. “And, yes, you can put it back. There is a provision in the bill that you can take money out of an IRA

and within 60 days, you can put it back in.” The new legislation makes several changes to policy around retirement savings. You can wait to contribute money to your retirement plan. On March 24, the IRS issued rules that extended the due date for IRA contributions and plan contributions to July 15 instead of April 15. In addition, the package waives the 10% tax for withdrawals for amounts up to $100,000 from all retirement plans and IRAs. You can take out the money as a loan, not paying any taxes, on one condition: Any amount you take out must be repaid in three years. Who qualifies? According to the new law, anyone who experiences “adverse financial consequences” as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, or suffering reduced working hours, or who is unable to work due to lack of child care. That’s most of us. In addition, the bill increases the dollar amount available for loans from retirement accounts from $50,000 to $100,000, according to a client note by the law firm Steptoe & Johnson. So say you have a workplace 401(k), you can take out the loan and repay it

within six months, or take it as income and pay the taxes. The legislation encourages Americans to contribute to charity in 2020 by relaxing some of the limitations on charitable contributions: For instance, allowing a deduction of up to $300 of cash contributions, whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions on their taxes. Also, the new law scraps the 50% limit on charitable deductions for individuals. The new legislation aggressively expands unemployment benefits to gig-economy workers adversely impacted by the coronavirus. Gig-economy workers can receive the same unemployment benefits as any other laid-off employees under the law — including an additional $600 a week for up to four months — even if the employee is currently making less, and an additional 13 weeks of benefits for participating states. If you’re self-employed, you don’t have to pay payroll taxes through the rest of the year. You have a year or more to pay it back, according to Gerstein. ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week). 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday. 4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts. 5. You will receive a paid invoice copy and a courtesy proof of the notice the first week it runs and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week.

NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF Impact Construction Group, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Impact Construction Group, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the company in the state of Nebraska is 1209 Harney Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68102. The name and address of the registered agent is AF Bookkeeping Services, Inc, 11811 I Street, STE 204, Omaha, NE 68137. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the State of Nebraska on March 10, 2020. James Bracker, Organizer First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-400 Estate of Stephen F. Shudak, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 18th, 2020, 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 Christine M. Shudak, whose address is 4419 N. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68116 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 May 27th, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of JECE HP Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is JECE HP Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of JECE HP Construction, LLC is Emilio Hernandez at 2506 Adams Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2506 Adams Street, Omaha, NE 68107 . Initial members: Emilio Hernandez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Kleinberg Holdings, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is authorized to issue 5,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the sole incorporator of the corporation are Hershel A. Kleinberg, 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Mateo Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Mateo Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Mateo Landscaping, LLC is Mateo Diego Matias at 2506 S 35th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105. The designated address is 2506 S 35th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105. Initial members: Mateo Diego Matias. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that thriftshoppin.com, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 8534 L Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent of the Company is Patrick Kinchler, 14736 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on January 31, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MATLOCK INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Matlock Investments, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Matlock Investments, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CORDES PARTNERS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Cordes Partners, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Cordes Partners, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Cr. Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 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 Shoup, Inc., with its registered office address at 222 South 15th Street, Suite 316, Omaha, Nebraska 68012 and the registered agent at such address is Joseph P. Naatz. The principal office location of the Corporation is at 2222 North Main Street, #3104, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The purpose or purposes for which this corporation is formed is to own, conduct, operate, maintain and carry on the business of a retail lounge and to prepare and serve alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages, and to conduct all things incidental to and necessary to said activities and all related matters, including by not specifically limited to, sales and promotions thereof and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The initial authorized number of shares of the corporation is 10,000 and such shares shall be issued at such time and under such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine. The Corporation commenced doing business on January 24, 2020, 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. The incorporator is Brian Shoup, 2222 North Main Street, #3104, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. DATED the 29th day of January, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF MACALLAN HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Macallan Holdings, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 4, 2020, effective March 5, 2020, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. Colin Bishop, President of the Corporation, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ASHTON BUILDING MASTER TENANT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ashton Building Master Tenant, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 12, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Kendra J. Ringenberg, with registered office at Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1536 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Company shall be governed by its managing member. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), FRANKLIN L SUTTON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/12/2019 on Case Number CI19-25569, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $720.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/17/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF IMAGINE ENVELOPES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Imagine Envelopes, 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 16317 Hascall Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability company with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF IMAGINE DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Imagine Document Solutions, 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 16317 Hascall Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 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 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N OTI C E OF OR GA N I ZATI ON A N D A MEN D MEN T TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that C&C Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), was duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 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. On March 23, 2020, the Certificate of Organization was amended to change the name of the Company from C&C Properties, LLC to 303 Fulton Investment, LLC. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 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 THOMAS CREATIVE, LLC The name of the Company is Lind Thomas Creative, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 3124 South 134th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 25, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Merger of The 3500 Corporation, a Nebraska corporation, with and into 3500 Family LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 27, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The merger was effective as of March 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. The surviving entity in the merger was 3500 Family LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF IOWA AGRI INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 4, 2019, IOWA AGRI INVESTMENTS, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Model Business Corporation Act of Nebraska, with a designated office at 11213 Davenport Street, Suite 116, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is National Registered Agents, Inc., 400 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50309. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JJDLZ, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JJDLZ, 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 11539 So. 36th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123 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 March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Bud and Toots, LLC Notice is hereby given that Bud and Toots, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, and with its initial designated office at 1434 W 11th Street, Fremont, NE 68025. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF nZANE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of nZANE, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is nZANE, LLC. 2. The address of the limited liability company’s initial designated office is 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of VADA, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is VADA, LLC . Registered agent and office of VADA, LLC is Armando Vargas at 6133 S 191st Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The designated address is 6133 S 191st Street, Omaha, NE 68135 . Initial members: Armando Vargas & April Renae Dahlstrom. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION H Group JPR ST IV, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been dissolved and is winding up its activities in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Persons having claims against the Company must submit them in writing to FRH Management, LLC, at 3402 North 216th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. Any claim submitted to the Company shall contain the following information with respect to such claim: the name of the claimant, a description of the nature of the claim, the amount of the claim, and the date on which the claim arose. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this Notice of Dissolution. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-375 Estate of JOHN W. ALBERS, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 13th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent's estate and that ROBERT M. ALBERS, whose address is 2717 S. 2 St., Omaha, NE 68106, has been appointed Personal Representative of this Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARINO HOLDINGS, 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 CARINO HOLDINGS, 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 3622 S. 197th Street, Omaha, NE 68130. Jay Musil, Member First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Stone Cold Security, 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 Stone Cold Security, 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 16825 Browne Circle, Omaha, NE 68116. Justin Lane, Member First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RED BRICK RENTALS, 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 Red Brick Rentals, 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 13520 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68164. Charles Richardson, Members First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MECA PROPERTIES, 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 MECA PROPERTIES, 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 2616 N. 161st Terrace, Omaha, NE 68116. Aaron Hochstein, Members First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DEEZY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Deezy, 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 614 S. 123rd Street, Omaha, NE 68154, and designating its registered agent as Dale T. Eesley with its registered office at 614 S. 123rd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company was organized for the purpose of engaging in the transaction of any lawful business and the performance of any lawful activities that a limited liability company may engage in under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company shall have perpetual existence unless dissolved in accordance with its Certificate of Organization, its Operating Agreement or the Limited Liability Company Act. Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s Operating Agreement, the affairs of the Company are to be managed by its (members) (managing member). First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 SUSAN J. SPAHN, Attorney Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-389 Estate of Cecile Marie Zielinski, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 16, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Christy Musgrave, whose address is 9228 North 52nd Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68152, 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 May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 SAM R. BROWER, Attorney ANDERSEN, LAURITSEN & BROWER 1005 South 107th Avenue, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-355 Estate of Donald R. Benning, Jr., Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 10th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Marcidene "Dee" O. Benning, whose address is 9629 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68134, 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 May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given of the organization of Stavas Medical Imaging, LLC, with its registered office address at 126 East Grove, West Point, Nebraska 68788 and the registered agent at such address is Russell J. Kreikemeier. The designated office location of the Company is 662 North 63rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The purpose or purposes for which this Company is formed is to specialize in diagnosing injuries and diseases using medical imaging procedures such as X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and ultrasound; from body imaging to diagnostic radiology, mammography, to molecular medicine/imaging, interventional radiology procedures and medical consulting. The Company will conduct any other matter(s) including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The initial capital of the Company has been contributed and evidence of membership in the Company will be issued by the Management Board. The Company commenced doing business on November 6, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by a Management Board and such other Officers and Managers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement of the Company. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 NICK R. TAYLOR, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-425 Estate of Kathleen W. Smith, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 23rd, 2020, 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 Christine M. Shudak, whose address is 4419 N. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68116 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 May 27th, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GOOSE ISLAND LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Goose Island Landowners Association, Inc. has been organized as a nonprofit public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on February 7, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, with registered office at 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, NE 68508. The incorporator is Colleen Tieman with address at Husch Blackwell LLP, 13330 California Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company will have members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-382 Estate of JEAN A. O'DOHERTY, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of March, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of Jean A. O'Doherty and that the following surviving daughter was appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. Corinne K. Spracklin, 4307 County Road P 38, Omaha, NE 68152 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 May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Non-PC Management, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Non PC Management, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fill My Books, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 3930 Ponca Road, Omaha, NE 68112. The initial registered office of the Company is 3930 Ponca Road, Omaha, NE 68112, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Lyndsey Golden. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was executed on the 5th day of March 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RAVARA Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RAVARA Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rambabu Kallepalli, 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135 First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF KATE AND KYLE INVESTMENTS, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is Kate and Kyle Investments, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock, having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on March 10, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the incorporator are Matthew J. Speiker, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 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 LAYIN’ LOW, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Layin’ Low, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1725 South 94th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 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 KUBAT PHARMACY, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT PHARMACY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Pharmacy, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Pharmacy, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 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 KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Custom Health Care, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Custom Health Care, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Sukkasem, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 9731 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent of the Company is Max Lau, 10685 Bedford Ave, #120, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Company was formed on March 13, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is ZUYA CIKALA WICOYE, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 38293 U.S. Highway 6, McCook, NE 69001. 3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas Watkins at 38293 U.S. Highway 6, McCook, NE 69001. 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 2, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Ihle Psychological Services, P.C., with its registered office at 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and its principal place of business at 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, was formed on March 10, 2020, 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. Christopher Ihle, MA, LMHP, Incorporator First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is MY FLEX MOM, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 8725 South 99th Street, LaVista, NE, 68128. The registered agent is Whitley Red and the Registered Agent's address is 8725 South 99th Street, LaVista, NE, 68128. 3. The general nature of the Company is residential house cleaning, cooking, and chore services. 4. The Company commenced on March 10, 2020, 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 March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AREWA COSMATIC, LLC Notice is hereby given that Arewa Cosmatic, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 10154 Maple Street, Omaha, Ne 68134. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from February 10, 2020 . Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Teniola Bachirou. Its registered agent is Kekeli Oklouvi , 6910 S 74th Street, La Vista, Ne 68128. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CITYLIGHT MOSAIC CHURCH NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Citylight Mosaic Church has been incorporated as a nonprofit religious corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 16, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Alejandro Duran, with registered office at 3401 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. The incorporator is Alejandro Duran with address at 3401 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. The Company will have members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ASHTON BUILDING MT MANAGER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ashton Building MT Manager, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 12, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Kendra J. Ringenberg, with registered office at Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1536 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OCERG, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ocerg, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 20, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Joseph Greco, with registered office at 6123 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company’s initial designated office is at 6123 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VG DESIGNS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that VG DESIGNS, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 20, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Ryan Bunkowski, with registered office at 1220 N. 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1220 N. 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FSS SOLUTIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of FSS Solutions, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is FSS Solutions, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Evan Meester, 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE LIGHT HAIR BRAIDING, LLC Notice is hereby given that The Light Hair Braiding , LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 10154 Maple Street, Omaha, Ne 68134. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from February 10, 2020 . Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kekeli Oklouvi. Its registered agent is Teniola Bachirou , 3903 N 17th street Omaha, Ne 68110. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF HRICJT, INC. Notice is hereby given that HRICJT, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was dissolved effective as of March 24, 2020 (the “Dissolution”). The terms and conditions of the Dissolution are that all outstanding liabilities have been paid or otherwise adequately provided for, and the assets of the Corporation have been distributed to the persons and/or entities entitled thereto, leaving no liabilities or assets in the Corporation. The person who is to wind up and liquidate the business and affairs of the Corporation is Carl J. Troia, Jr., Secretary of the Corporation. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

MARTIN P. PELSTER, Incorporator and Attorney With CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LAKEVIEW HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Lakeview Homeowners Association has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act on March 13, 2020. The corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. The street address of the corporation's registered office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is Martin P. Pelster. The corporation will have members. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JTV FAMILY PROPERTIES, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on December 12, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TRAVISHA DEVERS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/12/2019 on Case Number CI19-25573, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,715.97, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/03/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that Citylight Benson Church of The MidAmerica District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, has amended its legal name to Citylight Benson Church of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. It is a Nebraska Non-Profit Religious Corporation and has been organized under the Laws of the State of Nebraska. The name change was effective February 25, 2020. The registered agent and office: Tyler Zach, 5612 Corby St, Omaha, NE, 68104, is the sole incorporator of the corporation. The corporation has members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kobi, LLC (“the Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8817 Weir Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is Michael D. Young at 8817 Weir Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION for deMayo Web Development LLC Notice is hereby given that deMayo Web Development LLC has been organized under Nebraska state laws as a Limited Liability Company. The company's designated address is 3135 Armbrust Drive, Omaha, Nebrakska, 68124-2724, and is managed by Augustin Reagan deMayo. The registered agent for the company is Registered Agents Inc, 530 S. 13th St., STE 100, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF OMAHA ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Omaha Electric Service, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation as Omaha Electric Service, Inc. Article 2 states the purpose. Article 3 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue as as 1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $10.00 per share. Article 4 states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 8506 Madison Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127, and the Registered Agent as John Lepak. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws. Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 17, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 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 MY WAY PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that My Way Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4010 Dahlman Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 19, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), MICHAEL J RILKO You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/17/2019 on Case Number CI19-27587, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $624.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/03/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

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 DogWatch, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to JBS Hidden Fence, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 17, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PJMD58, P.C. 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 PJMD58, P.C. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The street address of the corporation is 1301 North 190th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. 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. Paul Joseph Schenarts, MD, 1301 North 190th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Dr. Paul Joseph Schenarts, MD, Incorporator First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KOFFI D ABOKI You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/22/2019 on Case Number CI19-28254, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $435.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/17/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 ROBERT L. FREEMAN, ATTORNEY FRASER STRYKER P.C. L.L.O. 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE POINTE MED, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Village Pointe Med, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 20, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663. The Registered Agent of the Company is Robert L. Freeman 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663 First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

ELIZABETH A. SEVCIK, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ELEMENT PRIMARY CARE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Element Primary Care, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10020 Nicholas Street, Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Martin P. Pelster, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser New York, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser New York, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser PC Management, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser PC Management, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

PHILLIP A. BELIN, Attorney BELIN LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O. 12341 Westover Road Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that TAP Church, Inc. has been organized as a non-profit corporation in the state of Nebraska. The address of the registered office of the corporation is 1305 South 95th Street, Omaha, NE 68124. The agent at such office is Jonathan C. Cook. The corporation is a religious corporation and has no members. The corporation commenced on December 10, 2019, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by its board of directors. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION KH Sub, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Hershel A. Kleinberg, 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

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 3500 FAMILY LLC The name of the Company is 3500 Family LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1120 South 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Clarence L. Landen, III, 1120 South 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on March 19, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is MAINELLI ENTERPRISES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 207 N. 118th St., Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent is James Mainelli and the Registered Agent's address is 207 N. 118th St., Omaha, NE 68154. 3. The general nature of the Company is property and construction management. 4. The Company commenced on March 18, 2020, 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 March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 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 ECHOBAY LLC The name of the Company is EchoBay LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9516 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Shirley L. Huerter, 9516 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. This limited liability company commenced business on March 20, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF I LOVE PAD THAI, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of I LOVE PAD THAI, INC. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock. The name and address of the incorporator and the initial registered agent is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced December 20, 2019, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Rodney G. Gnuse, Incorporator First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AJ CRUZ CREATIVES, LLC Notice is hereby given that AJ CRUZ CREATIVES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: JAYDEN HARGAN AKA JAYDEN DOUGHERTY You are hereby notified that on 10/17/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 22946. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 250.00, 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 05/10/20 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Steven J Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: LAKEDA DUNNING AKA LAKEDA SANDERS You are hereby notified that on 10/17/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 22926. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 451.50, 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 05/10/20 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Steven J Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that WAIIC Properties, 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 designated office is 13510 Giles Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business will commence on December 1, 2019, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FARMERS AGENTS CHARITIES OF OMAHA INC Notice is hereby given that Farmers Agents Charities of Omaha Inc, a Nebraska non-profit corporation, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 19326 Spencer St, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. Eric Petersen is the registered agent. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation, which is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1988. The Company commenced its existence on January 8, 2020, and its duration is perpetual. The corporation will not have members. Its affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors who shall appoint officers including a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Jennifer R. Petersen, Incorporator, 19326 Spencer St, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF A&E HAWLEY, 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 A&E HAWLEY, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 733 Road, Brock, NE 68320. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 19th, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF J&C SIMMENTALS LLC Notice is hereby given that J&C SIMMENTALS LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

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 COMMISSION FUND 6, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Commission Fund 6, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11011 Q Street, Suite 101B, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. 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 27, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 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 COMMISSION FUND 7, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Commission Fund 7, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11011 Q Street, Suite 101B, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. 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 27, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 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 COMMISSION FUND 8, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Commission Fund 8, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11011 Q Street, Suite 101B, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. 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 27, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JESPOPHOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that JESPOPHOLDINGS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The address of its registered office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which is not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 26, 2020, and will have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Jesse Kruse, 12025 N. 225th Street, Valley, NE 68064, Gary Kruse, 21402 Cedarwood Rd, Elkhorn, NE 68022, Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GYMHOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that GYMHOLDINGS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The address of its registered office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which is not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 26, 2020, and will have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Jesse Kruse, 12025 N. 225th Street, Valley, NE 68064. Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF GOLDENROD AUGUSTA PLYMOUTH OPERATIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Certificate of Organization of Goldenrod Augusta Plymouth Operations, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the entity to GCA Plymouth Operations, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 24, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that H MARCHIO, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on March 26, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Manager. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF S-CAPE FITNESS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that S-CAPE FITNESS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 5052 North 155th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent is JON AGENOR. The general nature of the business is to operate a general gym business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general gym business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on February 18, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-465 Estate of Leonard C. Bausback, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 27th, 2020, 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 Jeffrey D, Bausback, whose address is 15363 Nicholas Street, Omaha, NE 68154 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before June 3rd, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EK Marketing, 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 EK Marketing, 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 21871 Marinda Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Dave Ekdahl, Member First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Semper Roofing, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 10043 Scott Circle, Suite 101, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The registered agent of the Company is Drew Vamosi, 7370 N. 122nd Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. The Company was formed on March 30, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOURBON BIRD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bourbon Bird, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11600 Seabiscuit Lane, Walton, Nebraska 68461. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Bourbon Bird, LLC, Attention: Rahul Razdan, 11600 Seabiscuit Lane, Walton, Nebraska 68461. The limited liability company commenced business on March 11, 2020. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMITH & HASCALL FAMILY DENTISTRY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Smith & Hascall Family Dentistry, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17725 Welch Plaza, Suite B, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company dentistry services are licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized to render dentistry services in this state. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF B3 Capital, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of B3 Capital, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is B3 Capital, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Cr. Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: MIGUEL A. NAVARRETE-ARCHULETA, 3819 Terrace Dr, Omaha NE 68134, you are hereby notified that on January 23, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-1649, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $15,168.06, 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 25th day of May, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 24, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RHK PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RHK Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 21874 Martha St., Omaha, NE 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F S T R A I G H T L I N E DEVELOPMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Straightline Development, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 16255 Woodland Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PLATFORM LIFE OUTDOORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Platform Life Outdoors, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 185 South 3rd Street, Springfield, NE 68059. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF D&M ROOFING AND SIDING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of D&M Roofing and Siding, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, have been amended and were duly filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 27, 2020. Included in the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation is a name change from DNDM Roofing, Inc. to D&M Roofing and Siding, Inc. and does not affect, exchange, reclassify or cancel any issued shares of the corporation. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: EXCUDERO PAINTING Name of Applicant: FERNANDO AHUMADA Address: 3820 FRANKLIN STREET, OMAHA, NE 68111 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UP ON FILING General nature of business: COMMERICIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PAINTING FERNANDO AHUMADA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 3, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KJK PROPERTIES LLC Notice is hereby given that KJK PROPERTIES LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 101 S. 14th St., Ft. Calhoun, NE 68023. The agent for service of process for the Company is Amanda Rossman located at 1143 S Hwy 30, Blair, NE 68008. First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-479 Estate of JOHN L POVONDRA, JR., Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of March, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, DEREK J. O'BRIEN, whose address is 28026 Sunrise Court, Valley, Nebraska 68064, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before June 3rd, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 3, 2020, final April 17, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: FOCUS SIDING, WINDOWS, GUTTERS, AND MORE Name of Applicant: Miguel Alejandro Hernandez Address: 1203 East Park Street lot 33, Hastings, NE 68901 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: up on filing General nature of business: Construction: Siding, Windows, Gutters, etc. MIGUEL A. HERNANDEZ Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: OMAHA MEAL DELIVERY Name of Applicant: AFFAIRS REMEMBERED, INC. Address: 1915 JACKSON STREET OMAHA NE 68102 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UPON FILING General nature of business: MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE JENNIFER D. SNOW Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 3, 2020

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When working from home isn’t a choice by Stephen Singer

Unlike office employees who take their laptops and smart phones home to help tamp down the spread of coronavirus, workers in factories, warehouses, construction sites and prisons must stay put. Sherine Bailey, a correctional officer at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institute, a medium-security prison in Enfield, Conn., said the state Department of Correction is making available plenty of cleaning supplies, and outside volunteers and visitors are restricted. “At home, we’re stepping up precautions. Coming into work, you’re hoping everyone is on the same page,” said Bailey, who spoke as a member of Local 391 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “At the end of the day, we’re essential staff. We’re needed.” For manufacturers navigating through a pandemic, that puts pressure on workers’ health, the supply chain and even cash flow at small businesses. Meeting deadlines and filling customer orders is a challenge. Workplace “Everyone is nervous,” said Jason Jarvis, president of Jarvis Airfoil, a family-owned manufacturer of fan, compressor and turbine blades and vanes for military and commercial jet engines. Interactions between workers at the Portland, Conn., plant are moved to larger places from small offices to make it harder to transmit the virus, Jarvis said. Such shop floor changes are easier for machine workers who are “naturally distanced from each other,” but it’s more difficult to impose on supervisors and inspectors who work more closely with other employees, he said. In addition, all points that are routinely touched, such as doorknobs and surfaces, are cleaned regularly, and any of the 91 employees who don’t feel well are urged to stay home. Understanding that many employees work paycheck to paycheck, he said accommodations are made to allow use of vacation time to account for time off related to health. Seeing a “great thirst out there for information and guidance,” Eric Brown, vice president for manufacturing policy and outreach at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, said 120 manufacturers participated in a conference call Monday to discuss best practices. Participants discussed the need for a “pandemic flu plan administrator,” “pandemic flu plan team,” the effect of “mission-critical system failures” and employee absenteeism, supply chains and other issues related to keeping a business going during a public health emergency. Jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney has imposed travel restrictions, self-quarantine procedures, employee social distancing, remote work, flexible schedules, enhanced paid leave and “continuous and comprehensive deep cleaning and disinfecting” of the plant and offices, said Michele Quintaglie, spokeswoman for parent company United Technologies Corp. Construction companies have put similar plans in place, said Don Shubert, president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, which represents large commercial construction companies. Job site meetings are kept as small as possible or are conducted by phone or videoconferencing, he said. Hand washing stations are being established, and congregating is discouraged, Shubert said. He’s nervous what the pandemic might do to the industry’s well-being. While service businesses have been devastated by the virus that forced movie theaters, restaurants and other public places to shut, employment in Connecticut’s construction industry was flat before the coronavirus flared up. The industry’s 59,800 workers in January were down from 60,000 in January 2019, according to the state Department of Labor. A spokesman for UPS said workers who exhibit symptoms are asked to seek medical care and to not come to work. The shipper’s large facilities have several shifts, and workers are assigned to work stations that are spread across the facility. Greater distance between workers is characteristic of UPS’s “more highly automated facilities,” he said. A spokeswoman for the Teamsters union, which represents UPS workers, said sorting facilities are “unlike a bar, restaurant or more contained area” that allow for distancing. ©2020 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

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IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 10

TECHNOLOGY

OFFICE SERVICES APRIL 17

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 Business Update…

Miller Orthopedic Specialists is offering Telehealth options for all established patients. The telehealth option will allow the clinic staff and providers to interact with patients through Internet capabilities, audio and video via their tablets, phones or computers. This will help the doctors do check-ups on patients without the patient feeling as though they are being put at risk by going out. In rapid succession over the last two weeks, Congress passed and the President signed two far-reaching pieces of legislation designed to provide relief to the American people and businesses — including nonprofits. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new workplace obligations for employers and expanded supports for individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) authorized more than $2 trillion in spending to inject cash into the economy, businesses, and nonprofits. Nebraska Medicine will consolidate labor and delivery services at Nebraska Medical Center starting April 4. Expecting mothers who were planning to deliver at Bellevue Medical Center have been informed of the change by their prenatal care providers. As a global leader in infectious diseases research, treatment and education, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are currently preparing to treat additional patients who become infected with COVID-19. Part of this preparation includes identifying which areas are best suited to treat COVID-19 patients. That means temporarily moving patients out of the labor and delivery unit at Bellevue Medical Center to make more beds available at that location. In addition to deaths caused by COVID-19, other unrelated deaths continue to occur. Grief’s Journey released the following options to help families and friends grieve safely. Livestream the funeral or service. For those without access to internet, consider a free teleconference service or a phone tree. Consider an outdoor location so that a distance of at least six feet can be maintained between you and those around you. Services can be postponed until a later date. Alternatively, individuals and families can take a moment to light a candle, plant a seed, or any number of intimate “remembrance rituals,” then take a photo to share with the rest of their family and friends. Medocity launched its COVID-19 screening and remote monitoring solution for Hillcrest Home Care. The population-based COVID-19 program enables virtual screening, remote symptom monitoring, vital signs tracking, and proactive interventions personalized for any population, including high risk patients with multiple co-morbidities. Hillcrest clinical team members will use their mobile devices to provide daily self-reported symptom checks to ensure they’re healthy. Low-risk at-home patients can use their own devices to perform the same self-assessments. For high-risk COPD and CHF patients, Hillcrest will utilize its existing remote monitoring program with pre-configured devices. Any reported patient-vitals such as temperature, heart rate, or oxygen levels that are outside pre-determined parameters will trigger real-time clinician alerts. A temporary surge tent has been installed outside the Emergency Department at Nebraska Medical Center on Dewey Avenue. The space will allow additional bed capacity and increases the med center’s preparedness for a potential influx of patients accessing emergency services. The tent will be fully functional, with

electricity, internet, heat and air conditioning. The tent is designed for eight patients on stretchers. If needed, additional patients can be placed in chairs. Emergency Department leaders are still working to determine the workflow and what type of patients could be seen there. It will block passage on Dewey Avenue; all traffic attempting to travel west on Dewey Avenue will be diverted. A study by UNMC/Nebraska Medicine/NSRI researchers posted on the open pre-publication site BioRxiv new evidence of SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in COVID-19 patient care areas. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, which causes COVID-19 disease. During the initial isolation of 13 people confirmed positive with COVID-19 infection, air and surface samples were collected in eleven isolation rooms to examine environmental contamination. Many commonly used items, toilet facilities, and air samples had evidence of the virus, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 is widely disseminated in the environment. These findings indicate that disease might be spread through both direct and indirect contact and suggests airborne isolation precautions could be appropriate. CRCC is focused on caring for children and their families. Due to COVID-19, both centers are currently closed. To accommodate clients during this time, CRCC has been granted a temporary license from the State of Nebraska to provide in-home care beginning April 1, 2020. The respite license will allow CRCC to provide in-home services for skilled nursing, mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy. CRCC is also launching the “Learning Together at Home” program, a series of online videos and downloadable educational material that will help families with remote care and learning. Telehealth is now also an option for CRCC clients. The CRE Summit is inviting commercial real estate professionals to join a free 45-minute virtual conversation with CRE industry leading professionals as they discuss the challenges they are facing and what we can expect to see in the coming months. The virtual meet up will take place using Zoom on Wednesday, April 8th at 12:00 p.m. at no charge. An invitation link will be shared via the CRE Summit’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages as well as emailed to all current and past Summit attendees. For more information regarding this free virtual meet up please contact planitomaha at cresummit@ planitomaha.com. As schools remain closed across the region due to the spread of the coronavirus, Hy-Vee will start offering its Hy-Vee KidsFit program online by streaming a free, daily 15- to 20-minute video to share fun, physical activities with children and families. In addition to keeping kids moving and active, the goal of the daily videos is to provide a structured routine for children to follow while they are at home. The videos can be viewed on hy-veekidsfit.com/at-home/ or hstv.com by selecting the Hy-Vee KidsFit At Home video. Pivot Concierge Health Clinic and Banyan Medical Systems have partnered to launch a new initiative called COVID Omaha. The COVID Omaha Initiative combines state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence, certified medical professionals, health education and an open-air, drive-thru clinic to deliver safe, immediate health care both virtually and in-person to individuals in the Greater Omaha area. Those seeking COVID-19 screening and testing and/ or virtual medical care are asked to first contact Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. Pivot-Banyan by visiting www.covidomaha. com. Priority will be given to Omaha’s first responders. Lincoln Children’s Museum extends its mission of inviting children to create, discover and learn through the power of play even though their doors are closed to support recommendations for community-wide social distancing. The Museum is providing online and in-home activities for purchase, including a curbside pickup Make-Your-Own Spring House Kit, an online Museum Toy Store, and a daily Boredom Busters Facebook Live event. All memberships purchased during the closure will be “frozen” and then automatically activated upon re-opening to ensure that all members receive a full, active 12-month experience.

Briefs…

Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors completed the sale of a 174,000-square-foot, grocery- and drug-anchored shopping center in Lincoln. Hanley represented the seller, Perkins Properties of Omaha. The buyer, a private investor from Kansas City, Missouri, was represented by Scott Taubin of The R.H. Johnson Company. Built in 1991 on 22.06 acres, Edgewood Shopping Center is located at 5400 and 5500 South 56th Street and Nebraska Highway 2 and features 86% national and regional tenants including Super Saver Foods, CVS/ pharmacy, Dollar Tree, AutoZone, Herbalife, Party America, Petco, Cartridge World, H&R Block and Papa John’s. The center was currently 95% occupied at the time of the sale. The voting members of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts board of directors elected new officers during their board meeting. The NARD Board consists of representation from each of the Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts. The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association and NRDs in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. Officers include: Jim Eschliman, NARD president; Milt Schmidt, NARD vice president; Marty Graff, NARD secretary-treasurer; and Larry Reynolds, NARD past president. The Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha named EAD of Omaha the 2019 Employee Development Business of the Year. The Employee Development Business of the Year is awarded to an NBDC client who demonstrates a commitment to employee development and organizational improvement and embraces a strategic and programmatic approach. EAD’s association with NBDC began in 2017 when consultants produced a market analysis report for the company. In 2018, NBDC partnered with EAD to develop the EAD University program. Swanson Russell received 31 awards at the Nebraska ADDY Awards. Swanson Russell received Best of Show distinctions on behalf of Visit Omaha for the OMAR the Troll Campaign, and for the agency’s work on a series of Minn Kota Anniversary Gift Posters. In addition, Swanson Russell received a Special Judge’s Citation on behalf of Walls Outdoor Goods. The agency accepted 13 gold ADDY Awards for: Minn Kota, Humminbird, Runza, Visit Omaha, and Walls Outdoor Goods. Swanson Russell earned 15 silver ADDY Awards for its work on Bright Start, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Cannon, Minn Kota,

Propane Education & Research Council, Runza, Swanson Russell, Union Bank and Trust, Visit Omaha, and Walls Outdoor Goods. The City of Beatrice has earned continued recognition in the State of Nebraska’s Economic Development Certified Community program for recent growth in capital investments, business expansion projects and housing developments. The city’s ongoing partnership with the county economic development organization, Gage Area Growth Enterprise, has attracted a number of business opportunities over the past several years. Local leaders generated $20 million in capital investments through the recruitment of two new primary businesses to the community. New ownership of a local business, Precise Manufacturing, resulted in additional job opportunities within the community. Successful public-private partnerships resulted in Exmark’s $12 million, 80,000 square foot expansion project in 2018. Gallup recognized Foster Group as a 2020 Exceptional Workplace Award winner. Foster Group is the only Registered Investment Advisor in Nebraska and Iowa to be a part of the list. For over a decade, Gallup has recognized workplaces that challenge the status quo with the Gallup Great Workplace Award. This year, they introduced the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award to more fully capture the significance of this achievement. Foster Group is one of 19 small employers to make the list of the 38 total employers chosen. This is the third consecutive year Foster Group has received this award.

Health care notes…

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing is partnering with the People’s City Mission Free Medical Clinic to offer free mental health services to those who live in Lancaster County and have no health insurance or mental health provider. The service will be offered via telehealth in association with the People’s City Mission Free Medical Clinic, 401 N. 2nd St. in Lincoln. The clinic is temporarily closed to in-person visitors due to the pandemic. People are eligible for services if they do not have insurance or access to other providers in the community. Those who already have a provider are not eligible. Hours for consultation are flexible and will be based on patient, student, and faculty availability. The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing is taking applications for recently graduated nurse practitioners, for a residency program. The residency training exposes recent graduates to a myriad of experiences, which not only allows them to gain proficiency in specialized skills, but also receive support by supervising health professionals. Residents also will learn skills for working with primary care patients as well as medically complex and socially vulnerable patients and their families. The program was funded by a grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration for four years for $1.67 million. Deadline for applications is May 15.

Education notes…

Beyond School Bells has challenged youth and their communities across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees in 2020, starting on Arbor Day weekend, April 24-26. To achieve the statewide tree-a-thon goal, this coalition of nonprofits and community leaders will recruit youth and community volunteers, purchase trees, and train youth and their fam-

ilies on the environmental and public health benefits of trees and how to plant and take care of them. Nebraskans that want to participate in the tree-a-thon can go to this website to RSVP and receive updates, get connected with youth and organizations in their community and download the tree-a-thon curriculum. Through a $349,852 grant from the National Science Foundation, Jenny Dauer, associate professor in science literacy in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, is embarking on a study of how human factors such as emotion, motivation and metacognition — thinking about thinking — come into play in science classrooms. An end goal of the research is to develop tools that help students recognize when their beliefs affect their decision-making process and help them to make objective decisions after taking their beliefs into account. The two-year grant began on Jan. 1. New rankings from the U.S. News & World Report name the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service as a 2021 Best Graduate School. The new rankings place UNO’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice graduate program tied at No. 15. Overall, the UNO School of Public Administration was tied at No. 25. Also, notable, the Grace Abbott School of Social Work’s graduate programming was ranked No. 96. The Nebraska State Colleges are offering refunds to students who choose to move out of the residence halls because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State students who move out for the remainder of the Spring semester and complete necessary paperwork will receive a 60% prorated refund of

room and board costs based on their residence hall arrangements and dining plan. Refunds will be processed according to the checkout date and applied to student accounts.

Activities of nonprofits…

The trustees of the Cooper Foundation have added Civic and Community Engagement to its grantmaking priority areas. Civic and community engagement takes many forms, including voting, volunteering, civic education about our government and its processes, and individual and collective action to improve our public systems. These programs help people develop the skills and knowledge to become more active citizens, to work with others to solve a problem, and to interact with our institutions of representative democracy. This dedicated program area will support nonprofit organizations as they implement strategies to address issues of public concern. Thousands of food-insecure children across the Omaha metro have been affected by the recent school closures due to the COVID-19 virus. In response, Food Bank for the Heartland is partnering with Westside Nutritional Services, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Salvation Army, Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, local school districts and nonprofit organizations to launch the Mobile BackPack program. This initiative will deliver free meal bags to 13 sites across the Omaha metro and Council Bluffs from food trucks. Each meal bag contains five breakfasts and five lunches including milk and fresh produce for a total of 10 meals. If members of the community are seeking opportunities to help their neighbors in need during the pandemic, they are encouraged to visit www.FoodBankHeartland.org .

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

FNTS rolls out new security product to protect small, medium businesses Continued from page 1. it’s easier for them to consume, implement and expand.” The new product, which rolled out in February, places a priority on simplification of use, both today and throughout the client company’s life cycle.

FNTS Phone: 877-435-7178 Address: 1620 Dodge St. #1161, Omaha 68197 Service: cloud and IT managed services provider Employees: 95 Industry outlook: In the face of the COVID-19 situation, the company’s pandemic response plan — formulated a decade ago — performed admirably, per company executives. Executing the plan has also given FNTS leadership a glimpse into certain operational innovations that are likely to survive post-pandemic. Website: fnts.com

“For us it was realizing, OK, we offer a plethora of services,” LaMagna-Reiter said. “Let’s make it extremely easy for someone to understand, connect the dots, consume and scale with their business as it grows. That was the primary purpose behind First Protector.” Focusing on the small to medium en-

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Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 24, 2017 •

November 24, 2017

5055 Building at Bryan Health’s East Campus (Courtesy of Davis Design)

Unique Midlands by Michelle Leach

Boys Town Clinic (Courtesy of Calvin L. Hinz Architects)

Sandhills Publishing Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

features, robust economy

result in multi-sector

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

Private giving and an economy that any one industry isn’t may stays,” but the level be Midlands “mainDundee harkening and the sheer need of cross-sector activity back for talent to meet in communities that to communities withdemand for services are newer-emerging sprung up on streetcar phenomenon or bus lines. for area firms. He also speaks to “The architecture, engineering and lifestyle and the built a “balance in terms of construction industry the movement from environment”; consider Greater Omaha region is very strong in the and now “hybrids,” cubicles to open spaces at the moment,” said conference rooms which combine smaller BCDM Principal and areas where and employees can still have Director John Sullithat sense of community van, who also isolated but also privacy Sarpy County’s highas needed. growth. “We’re moving Further, Sullivan to that direction, notes strength “nearnot because it’s the trend ly across the board” but because it’s — from office the and right thing,” he said. institutional to private The architecture sectors such as reliand engineering Palandri gious projects which, side of the construction he said, is “unusual” and “won’t last forever.” industry was described “The economic development as “robust,” into and growth of the metro-area Smith the has been steady and Design Senior Associatefinal quarter by Davis and the diversification strong, and Senior Architect of the area economy Greg Smith. — both of those factors add up to things happening “Several projects good by Sullivan: John Sullivan, principal and in the metro, and designed recently director at BCDM “One of the things still in hopes of breaking that’s not about necessarily true are Architects. that’s unique environments, across the state, Omaha is there is ground this fall and many of especially and strong philanthropic if you’re in an ag and a shift in what private support for area and go into central expect.” people ects are the large Downtown Lincoln projkey projects.” western Nebraska gaining inertia,” he or AO’s Managing … and some of the said. “The interior Palandri speaks to Principal Randall remodel market modities-driven areas,” com- Palandri trying to attract is also J. nials and a has seen the uptick lifestyle shift, whereby millen- keep contractors busy strong and this will He also referenced he said. in growth that became noticeable during winter months.” the more urban centers the many pockets around two years growth, from newer Many large-scale of main steady ago re- perspective are in demand from a housing Telegraph District’s projects, such as the and offices to Aksarben Village, areas such as Blackstone attributes in more recent months, which he Marilyn Moore Middle at the stage where particularly to infill-type generation are in-demand that speak to this School/YMCA, sion of that development extenprojects. from a workplace Hudl, and Nelnet, “There perspective. He also have come to form; however, of the projects featured is occurring. Some opment,” is a lot more emphasis on redevelspeaks, not necessarily Smith said there he said. “What really to “vintage” or here in this section mains work in the still rereflect another prominent “traditional” drove it was, materials there was a pent-up build-outs. He referenced trend mentioned demand for market-rate but to, perhaps, more construction work at Bryan apartments and Health’s East Campus, “traditional” new neighborhoodin more walkable-type the LES Operations Center, and community-building, of with areas and projects for Eustis Autobody such as Benson, at 98th Street and Blackstone and Highway Continued on next page.

opportunities

Architecture — inside NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgrade

THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

s keep Interstate

$2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 47

Printing competitive

Interstate Printing ha-based firm founded Co., an Omaby a German immigrant with Business & Industrial a special interest in publishing ethnic Parks/Leasing newspapers, has used its family-ownership as an anchor, placed strong equipment upgrades, emphasis on and maintained a comprehensive list has enabled it to growof services that of its commercial with the needs Business & Industrial printing clients, which are located Park/Leasing throughout much of the country. — inside “For our 100 years OCTOBER 20, we have main2017 tained a low-key approach, which has enabled us to attract THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE: with jobs that we business clients can on,” said William do a good job F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago. “With each job we want to be able to say, ‘This came from us’ and that both our client and will be pleased with their customers 40 the results,” he der continued. Un 40 Peter, who formerly practiced law full-time before uncle Eugene Peter succeeding his who retired from Locally owned Aksarben the business at age 88 five years ago, serves large demographicCinema From left, Senior Continued on page with amenities. 8. reached its centennialVP of Sales Jim Mancuso and President William – Page 2 year with investments Peter … The printing in new tech. company has (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) 28

der Un

• OCTOBER 20, 2017 • Midlands Business Journal

October 20, 2017

No slowdown in demand by Michelle Leach

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

as availability presents

ongoing challenges

More buildings may economy with upside be coming out of potential.” ground, but demand the NAI NP Dodge remains brisk. also being constructed “Demand for commercial at described the leasing Associate Kyle Pelster Opportunities are Highway Crossing.” Edney indicated real estate market as “very tight.” loans is very strong,” this is driving “At any given and landlords leasing available for tenants such as the said Stephanie Moline, executive vice president aforementioned R&R. projects, to them. time, there are around These challenges ing with First National of Enterprise Lend- 100 aren’t limited to properties, give or Bank. “Commercial A; Edney recalled Class and industrial loan how the Kellogg take, listed/available demand is growing, building at 10203 Crown at a much slower but in the Omaha/Council Point Ave. near pace.” Fort Blair High Road She said some of had “multiple offers and Bluffs couple of weeks.” in a in late 2016 is being the capital investment said. market,” he “Having said absorbed. “There isn’t much “It would appear that, finding the of that type of product out there, either,” coris lagging the capital the anticipated revenue rect he said. square footage, expenditures,” Moline He also spoke to said. location, rental rates tures, such as greater demand for certain feaGrowth of C&I loans, clear heights and and building layout she said, remains dock doors — driven larger about the same as can be very difficult.” by requirements a year companies such as “Agribusiness loans ago. as He referred to are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline more providers. real estate is up Edney “We’re also seeing year over more construction in the last year — year,” she said. Pelster with a lot of interest owner/user buildings “We are finally seeing from investors that Generally, businesses but some spec an increase in new in buildings as well. are spec industrial space are optimistic industrial properties,”looking to invest about potential tax on the market again “The new Facebook he said. “A lot reform. after a slowdown of that interest project will add “This would cause in new infrastructure past,” he said. “The new spec projects in the the Midwest.” is coming from outside of some monies to along the repatriated and improving be corridor,” increases in term Pelster said. “This Highway 50 rental rates and operating length, working capital Edney referred to and money that can will break expenses continue ROI for new projects cap be used for acquisitions and industrial parks way to steadily rise. as lower on the coasts, rates and one’s or additional investment area.” in that making Omaha in equipment and/ “The rest of the market attractive as a secondary or people,” she said. seems to be catch- to He ing up with the rental Chicago, New York or tertiary market more entrants into “There continues to be created said Thrasher and Freightliner have rates we are seeing or Denver. of the new construction out Regarding “behind-the-scenes” from loan productionthe local market; both leaving large new buildings for themselves, projects.” vacancies in their offices OMNE Partners indusprevious locations. Moline is encouraged and FinTechs.” EVP Matt Edney Continued on page “Brook Valley continues Class A industrial by new market 30. entrants as: “People availability remains said to be the leader in new industrial believe this is a vibrant hard to find.” “really construction projects,” Pelster said. “The “And that type R&R Commerce of product is moving Park is pretty quick,” he said.

in Omaha

Green Arrow Junk Co. aims to reduce household, landfill clutter. – Page 2

Persistence paves way for for Contemporary Art’s The Union community impact. – Page 3

n in me ss Wo ine Bus

Women’s representation in leadership: Ripples adding up to a sea change? – Page 4

Archrival updates 10-year-old Haymarket space, establishes Los Angeles presence by Michelle Leach

Archrival’s renovated space as one space,” said Clint! RunLincoln ge, headquarters at 720 founder and managing O St. speaks to creative the unique mix of director. “We wanted a mature our space to years old and counting firm — 20 be a little further along — and energetic startup spirit chain … and at one the business that has resulted point that was in campaigns with an ‘aspirational’ Redbull, space, it became Motorola, and expansion Adidas, us and we outgrew with sister offices and teams mature of a business it. It’s more in than the space gon, and Los Angeles.Portland, Orefelt like.” “We’ve been here The Haymarket for over 10 years, and wanted Archrival’s niche space breathes to rethink the entire in youth cultureContinued on page 10.

yee plo s Em efit Ben

Harness technology to overcome capacity constraints, attract business year-round – Page 6

President Nick upon 30-plus years Cusick … Equipment manufacturer builds soccer; tennis courtof innovation with safety features in volleyball, sports like pickleball.renovations to accommodate rising interest in

Bison makes gains Nebraskan Michael Forsberg focuses as new gyms built lens on Great Plains amid popularity of conservation. sports like pickleball – Page 34 by Michelle Leach

Founder/Managin g Creative Director Communications Clint! Runge Amy with focus on youth Filipi … Brand communications with Head of culture. firm flourishes

Depending on where across Bison’s divisions one looks and product lines, the Lincoln-based manufacturer’s growth is up at least 5 to 10 percent to 30 percent following or amid dealer base and ownership transitions, and a business unit redesign. “Bison overall, its line, had an incredibleown product year prior and this last year was flat com-

pared to that,” said President Nick Cusick, who indicated its focus was on other areas. “Even a lot of direct marketing without emphasis, our site furnishing business, BRP, was up 5 to 10 percent.” Falling under custom industrial job shop manufacturer IMSCORP’s holding company umbrella, wholly-owned subsidiary Bison is joined by SNA Sports Continued on page 10.

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Lamp Rynearson by Richard D. Brown

Drone and innovative scanning technology is giving Lamp Rynearson, Omaha-based civil engineering, a 58-year-old landscape architecture, construction and surveying firm, administration a competitive advantage as it completes a wide range of private and public sector projects. Nancy Pridal, a professional engineer and 20-year son employee who Lamp Rynearto president of the was promoted firm in August, stresses that leading the latest technologywith the use of the employee-owned has enabled increase its revenues company to by more than 100 percent over the while the employee past 10 years creased by 45 percent.count has in“With the investment we’ve made, we want to be viable in the future with the technology provided,” Pridal said. “For example, we can scan a mound and get the typographic data and in scanning stockpiles we can get quantities.” The purchase of a second drone Continued on page 12.

competes with innovat $2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 42

ive technology

President Nancy

Pridal … Leveraging

La Casa Pizzaria dishes out more options to customers from online orders to food by Michelle Leach truck

tech investments

for variety of projects. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

La Casa Pizzaria Jesse. “Being a family restaurant, is evolving with offerings on our staff lives for wheels — its food interaction.” truck — and via She indicated there technologies such is a balas online ordering, ancing act for the focused on customerwhile staying tion, family-owned third-generaservice from and operated the family that restaurant, which has been dishing is out its Neapolitan-style 4432 Leavenworth still located at St. in Omaha — pizza for almost 75 years. the same location that reportedly “Technology plays caught on so well that a part,” said General Manager/Treasurer Patane and his family Founder Joe “ran out of Nicole Continued on page 18.

Ashley Abel, property manager with Cushman Lund Co., for 1415 & Wakefield/ @ The Yard, demonstrates app during the IOTAS’ property grand opening event for the complex.

Smart-enabled apartment community delivers plug and play app to renters by Becky McCarville

General Manager/Treasur er Nicole — from food truck to website and menu Jesse … A heaping of “new” on service, Neapolitan-style updates — blends with focus pizza and pasta.

At the recent grand lifestyle. opening of 1415 @ The Yard The platform also apartment complex at 14th and to property managersprovides data Cuming streets, property manager monitor and control so they can Ashley Abel with energy usage, Cushman & Wakefield/Lund rent units Co., streamlinefaster through automation, logged onto the property labor costs and add dashboard value to launch the smart to properties. apartment app designed by Portland-based “It helps run the property IOTAS efficiently,” more (Internet of Things Abel said, As a Service), demonstrating the she can control vacant adding that ease units’ lightnew tenant can control at which a ing, heating and air conditioning, automated technologyand integrate monitor maintenance to fit their issues as well Continued on page 39.

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terprise market is not without challenges, America, FNTS has dealt with a different as many small- and medium-sized business kind of virus of late, COVID-19. Kim Whitowners still feel they are at less risk because taker, company president, said the company’s of size. emergency protocols worked well “Cyber criminals will go afin the onset of the health crisis. ter anyone they feel they can “Ten years ago, FNTS created extract a financial benefit from,” a Pandemic Response Plan that is LaMagna-Reiter said. “The only regularly reviewed and updated,” thing that stands in the way of you she said. “As part of our general becoming a victim is your good business continuity, disaster recybersecurity hygiene and your covery and pandemic planning awareness of those basic steps. It process, we identified what steps is imperative to make it difficult needed to be taken to continue enough that someone is going to operations in this situation. give up and move on to the next “The technology available LaMagna-Reiter to facilitate a work-from-home target. “People are beginning to see that cyber- workforce has aided in the transition. FNTS crime really has no boundaries. A lot of them utilizes Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings have been personally victimized and when with strong collaboration among our employthat hits close to home as an individual, it’s ees and customers. Even though we are not easier to connect the dots to your organi- in the same physical location, FNTS staff zation, business, your customers and your members remain available 24/7 to support employees.” client requests, a practice that hasn’t changed Like virtually every other business in during this time.”

Whittaker said mobilizing to meet the challenges of the coronavirus has given company leadership a glimpse into ways to improve company operations post-pandemic. “Based on our initial experience, I believe some of our findings will include the importance of regular communication,” she said. “We are all widely aware of the need to stay connected within the organization, but work is more than just operational aspects. “Comradery and social aspects are also important to our people. Making sure we are enabling social opportunities for our team has been important. This event also reinforces the importance of contingency planning for organizations, thinking of the ‘what-if’ scenarios and forming a solid plan to help mitigate issues when situations arise. Additionally, our staff has been working with existing and new clients to better enable their workforce to work remotely. It has been great to see how people come together to help others in times like these.”

Continued from page 1. Bennett said. wide message last week that noted: “I’m First National Technology Solutions has expecting us to sell 1,110-1,200 new pending seen an increase in companies seeking support transactions this month, which is less than I to enable a remote workforce. would have expected prior to this, but still a “Many companies already have the ability very strong month.” for employees to work remotely on “A normal March for our coma limited basis but, with the current pany would be 1,300 to 1,400,” situation, further adjustments and Bennett said, adding that last spring enhancements are needed to enable was slower, too, due to flooding. an entire workforce to work remote“The economy was so good going ly,” said FNTS President Kim Whitinto this epidemic — stock martaker. “Fortunately, through cloud ket strong, low interest rates, low technology, there are several tools inventories — expectations were available that enable collaboration very high for a strong spring and and access for remote employees.” summer market … these factors Companies began reaching out are contributing to the fact that the more in early March, and FNTS Bennett market remains steady.” leveraged its Microsoft Gold PartMost clients are moving forward with ner status to assist with the deployment of plans. The few that aren’t are putting things on Office 365. hold for a bit; for example, Bennett’s young “We have seen an increase in the use of dentist client is looking to buy his first home, but collaboration tools within Office 365, such as dentists are limited to emergency and necessary Microsoft Teams, which offers a secure avenue procedures now. for employees to collaborate,” she said. “Since my client is paid by procedure, Generally, FNTS gathers organizational his income is down a bit,” she said. “So, he is and employee information to develop technical going to wait until he can work at or closer to solutions and provide ongoing support services full capacity to pick back up with his new home post-implementation. search again.” “Review the current setup of the organizaAll that said, Bennett emphasized precau- tion and then engage a service provider who tions. can ensure the remote workforce is connecting “We ask that the client limit the amount of to corporate data securely,” Whittaker said. people attending the showings to the main deci- “I recommend leaders spend time focusing sion-makers, please leave children and parents on collaboration and employee engagement at home, and we’re asking no one attend who within the remote workforce. This could include has any symptoms or has traveled recently,” daily touchpoints to stay connected with the she said. “We are sanitizing all doorknobs, team, providing outlets for employees to share light switches and surfaces before and after all non-business-related topics, and using video showings.” conferencing to stay connected and engage Social distancing is practiced, with well be- face-to-face.” low the 10 attendees recommended by the U.S. The more leaders embrace this new arCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. rangement and encourage fun in the environAdditionally, Bennett is creating virtual ment, she said, the better. tours for all listings, and virtual showings of “Today’s remote work tools are easy to use new construction models or existing homes and allow employees to function no differently when people aren’t comfortable visiting in than if they were in the office,” Whittaker said. person. “In addition to technology, looking for ways to Seller tips are akin to the aforementioned make this new way of working fun and giving precautions, while buyers are encouraged to employees time to engage in non-work-related bring hand sanitizer, wear booties, and refrain conversations and activities can keep comradfrom touching surfaces. ery and collaboration high.” “Of course, we are asking anyone who is The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands experiencing any symptoms, or who has trav- engaged its 650-plus Nebraska and southwest eled out-of-state recently, to please stay home,” Iowa members in a March 16 “pulse poll” to

understand COVID-19’s impact on nonprofits; 505 survey respondents answered questions on the likes of anticipated decreases in revenue and expenses, and ways they prepared and/or responded to the outbreak. “We will be doing another survey in a week or two,” said Public Policy and Strategic Partnership Manager Hannah Young. “A number of people had to cancel events, trainings and fundraising, and those can have serious consequences.” Reportedly, 91% of respondents canceled or postponed events; with limited reserves, many rely on earned income and fundraising to sustain missions. “A lot of people are postponing their events to the fall, and then we have the issue with everyone’s events being in the fall,” Young said. “We just canceled our conferences and are looking at what webinars we can put on, [they’re] cheaper than in-person events anyway.” A reported 80% of respondents are transitioning to virtual fundraisers; for instance, Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School announced March 25 that its annual gala on May 8 is “going virtual” April 10 to April 13 instead. A means of creating an emergency tuition relief fund, the virtual gala supports affected students and families, and community partners — Completely Kids, Dundee Memorial Park Association Merchants Relief Fund, Food Bank for the Heartland and Youth Emergency Services. Additionally, 65% of responding nonprofits are “revisiting work from home and sick leave policies.” Young noted not all members have the resources to support remote work, nor are they accustomed to navigating such arrangements. So, NAM developed materials around workfrom-home best practices, leveraging information from heavily-impacted like associations throughout the country. The level of “collaboration in a time of crisis,” Young said, represents an upside. “There are positive things coming out of this; nonprofits in this community are stepping up and looking at what can be done together to help lift up the community,” she said. “Things are tight now, but [support] is needed now more than ever.” NAM reports 1 out of 11 Nebraskans work for the many nonprofits who serve individuals hit hardest by pandemic-related job losses.

In the thick of COVID-19, Midlands organizations persist and evolve

Ag Trends

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

in the Midlands

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 3, 2020

Pioneering ag technologies, research address labor and other challenges to food supply chain by Michelle Leach

Nebraska’s blend of deep agricultural roots and pioneering technology cultivates entrepreneurs that provide powerful answers to the world’s biggest supply chain-related questions. A statewide initiative led by Invest Nebraska and the Department of Economic Development, The Combine supports “high-growth entrepreneurs” in food and ag via commercialization support (mentorship, capital readiness programming), networking, a producer-partners, Foley and an incubation space at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Matt Foley serves as program director. “The adoption rate of analytics and the internet of things is beginning to strengthen the business models of software-as-aservice companies in the industry,” Foley said, when asked about prominent ag trends. “That being said, companies that can prove they are adding a profit to a farm family’s bottom line will be the ones who prevail. An additional trend of note includes the increased [research and development] focus on biologicals as growers try to leverage nature’s own defense to protect plants.” Companies in a Midwestern tech incubator like The Combine, which accepts applicants on a rolling basis, notably span entrepreneurs with a “more realistic perspective on what will be needed to bring an idea to market, as they have either worked in the industry first-hand or have close family members who do,” Foley said; for example, current entrepreneurs’ work experience range from cattle sale barns to irrigation well-drilling. “And it shows when they start to talk about their businesses.” Several incubating companies aim to solve the ag labor shortage, Foley noted. “This is a problem that is often overlooked, and tends to sneak up on many agribusinesses,” he said. “Proposed solutions include the use of robotics as well as software platforms cutting down on manual data entry for labor-intensive work.” Foley said it’s never too early to connect with staff at nebraskacombine.com and its resources; for instance, monthly

Terry A. Howell Jr., executive director at the UNL Food Processing Center. meetups may feature a local startup or uids, sauces, marinades and, increasingly, corporation, or showcase technology, and nutrition bars, drink mixes and powders. The Combine Insights Network connects “Many [food companies] get started cutting-edge technology with growers. in a commercial kitchen and can’t keep The University of Nebraska-Lincoln up with production as they get off the Food Processing Center partners with ground,” Howell said. “They’re not quite entrepreneurs as a resource for the food big enough to invest in equipment longindustry. term and they can use a copacker. We’re “We’ve had quite a bit of interest in our looking at ways to use the center to bridge high-pressure processing service and units, the gap.” that piece of machinery uses high presSupport of small food companies, sure to sterilize, pasteurize and otherwise according to Howell, extends to revisions extend the shelf-life of food products,” to the Nutrition Labeling and Education said Executive Director Terry A. Howell, Act (NLEA). Jr., Ph.D. “We’re one of the few research “Larger companies have begun the centers or service centers in the U.S. that migration over the last couple of years, but has two units.” smaller companies haven’t been required to One unit verifies food quality is good, comply, and it’s happening now,” he said. while the other unit verifies that microor- “So, many of them are seeking guidance ganisms are sufficiently inhibited. from us in getting their labels updated to “That gives us a lot of versatility and meet those guidelines.” value for the food industry,” he said. As the food industry has been deemed Companies can evaluate if the process essential throughout the COVID-19 crisis, works and confirm that it doesn’t negative- Howell noted the university has provided ly impact product quality and can extend freedom to work from home and, at the the shelf-life of refrigerated foods — by up same time, the center remains fully open to three times the norm. The center is also for business. known for its extrusion technology, which “We’re trying to understand how the is used to process cereal crops. pandemic is impacting the food industry “That’s how most snack foods are as a whole, and things we can do to help,” made,” he said. “In the last couple of he said. years, there has been a real interest in using Quantified Ag’s electronic ear tag idenprotein sources to create textured vegeta- tifies conditions early and accurately for ble protein [TVP] or high-moisture meat better management of cattle health. analogs, using proteins grown from around “Despite shutdowns during the the state and all over the U.S.” COVID-19 outbreak, cattle producers conInterest is steady in varied foods — liq- tinue working tirelessly to ensure a strong

and safe food supply,” said co-founder and CEO Vishal Singh. “Currently, cattle producers are experiencing a lot of volatility in the futures markets and a boost to economic return is needed. Our system is here to work right alongside them and provide return on investment.” Director of Customer Experience Alex Heine, whose family runs a sizeable feedlot in Nebraska, noted major beef buyers like McDonald’s, Walmart and Burger King have announced policies to reduce antimicrobial usage. “These will pose new challenges to cattle producers; however, with a system that detects illness early like ours, it makes reaching these goals more achievable,” he said. Leadership emphasized their team remains committed to serving customers during difficult times — and beyond. “At some point, the world will stabilize,” Singh said. “Yet, it’s highly likely that the major beef buyers of the world will remain consistent in their goals. This will require cattle producers to make some changes to their cattle management practices and our system will be there to help them.” Generally, Heine said precision ag has been used for many years. “The focus was primarily on crops,” he said. “Recently, we’re seeing the rise of precision livestock management tools. This is great news for livestock producers, because it's giving them access to the same technologies that continue to improve and add value to the crop side of agriculture.” Singh emphasized how Quantified Ag’s entire focus is on precision livestock analytics — using and interpreting data patterns to help feedlot operators with individualized care for animals. “We launched our newly updated ear tag system and software at the end of 2019,” he said. “Our customers are using the system to solve health and labor challenges. We’re seeing the system is very effective in detecting cattle illness and is leading to reduced antimicrobial usage.” After much testing and development, Heine said the new tag is being successfully adopted by cattle operations. “The ear tag uses an industry standard-type of tagger and tagging method, which makes it much easier to apply than our old design,” he said. “This new design is also showing excellent results for retention.”

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Ag Trends in the Midlands

Agriculture cash flows similar to last year, but future remains uncertain family living costs, but these jobs can be by David Kubicek Projected agriculture cash flows this limited in many rural areas. Producers have year are similar to last year, but in 2019 also been exploring ways to diversify and producers in south central Nebraska had use existing facilities or equipment to add production losses from lowland flooding, additional income to their operations. Ag producers continue to explore and livestock producers experienced highthe demand for specialty crops er than normal death losses due like non-genetically modified, to the winter and early spring organic, which may or may not blizzards. require additional financing. “With weather returning “Trade issues, especially to normal, production should with China, had a negative improve and as a result, profits impact on exports in 2019, but may be restored,” said Five with the COVID-19 virus, trade Points Bank Vice President and tariff issues seem to be less Mike Metzger. of a concern going forward,” “Producers’ cash flows indiMetzger said. “COVID-19 will cate very little room for error,” obviously have an impact on he said. “This year’s starting Metzger the ag economy. What impact commodity prices are less than break even and are expected to remain low. it will have is yet to be determined, but Historically, there will be opportunities changes to the household economies and in the markets, and producers will need disruptions in the global supply chain will to be proactive and take advantage of any create an uncertainty that will [impact] positive price fluctuations. Some operating the markets.” Demand for short-term financing will expenses have declined, and we continue to see farmers do a better job of improving likely continue to increase, but farmers efficiencies. A few landlords have lowered have been taking advantage of non-tradirents but high real estate taxes leave little tional competitive rate financing from seed room for any further negotiation. Leverage dealers and implement companies. Unless commodity prices return to a continues to remain satisfactory but farmers are having to restructure debt to resolve profitable level, requests for new equipment purchases will likely be postponed. declining liquidity issues.” Rising family living costs remain a Even with favorable interest rates, demand concern and some family members are for farm real estate funding will also depursuing off-farm employment to reduce cline and could further impact farm real

estate prices. “We anticipate requests for intermediate- and long-term funding to increase for farmers to restructure debt to restore liquidity,” Metzger said. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) has beginning farmer and rancher development programs for borrowers who meet the definition of a beginner, which for this program is that their net worth is not more than $500,000 and they have not previously owned too many acres of ag land. “If they meet that definition and can find their own lender, they can run that loan through our program,” Agricultural Programs Director Dudley Beyer said. “We’re able to make the interest income on that loan tax exempt for the lender, both

state and federal, and the lender will reduce the interest for the borrower to something below their normal rate.” The program has seen about the same activity this year as last, which Beyer described as moderate. He expected it to remain about the same over the next year. “Our program tends to see more use in a higher interest rate environment,” Beyer said. “Back when the rates were 8 to 10%, borrowers were really diligent about shopping around for lower rates, and lenders were willing to reduce their rates a little below the normal rate than what they have been in recent years because we’re currently in a low interest rate environment. Right now, lenders are reducing their interest about 1% below the normal rate.”

Advances in science push ag industry ahead by Gabby Christensen

The agricultural field continues to see new sciences and technologies implemented into everyday operations, and experts say advances are expected to continue moving the industry forward. Laura Thompson, extension educator and co-coordinator for Nebraska on-farm research network at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said there are numerous technologies that can help farmers more precisely manage their crop inputs. “Technologies such as global position-

ing system (GPS) guidance, automated section control and telematics can help improve efficiency through reduced overlap of crop inputs and can provide real-time monitoring,” she said. “Other technologies are designed to address the variability within a field. These technologies include yield monitors, site-specific soil sampling, variable rate application of inputs, crop canopy sensing, and aerial and satellite imagery.” According to Thompson, some techContinued on next page.

Ag Trends in the Midlands •

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

Advances in science push ag industry ahead Continued from preceding page. nologies have seen widespread adoption through Nebraska, such as grid soil sampling, GPS-enabled yield monitors and autosteer GPS guidance. “These technologies have likely been more readily adopted as they do not require as much effort to produce benefits,” she said. “Yield monitors alFasching low farmers to measure relative productivity within a field and identify areas that are more and less productive. Yield monitor data may be useful for delineating management zones to drive variable rate applications of crop inputs. Yield monitors may also be used to evaluate different products or practices through on-farm research.” Other technologies, such as variable-rate nutrient application, have not been as widely adopted, she said, but have the potential to help farmers apply nutrients more precisely within a field to respond to spatially variable fertility needs by applying different rates of fertilizer at locations across the field. This technology takes more work to implement, and as a variable-rate “prescription,” it must be developed to direct

the application by the equipment. “Within Nebraska Extension’s OnFarm Research Network, we work with

Grilliot Sisco farmers to help them evaluate new technologies, products and practices,” Thompson said. “The use of many ag technologies also helps producers more easily conduct research on their farms to evaluate practices that will be beneficial to their productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability.” Jim Fasching, agronomic field representative at Midwest Laboratories, said there’s been an increase in interest in the use of biological stimulants, such as microbiologicals and plant growth regulators, in the industry. “More companies are looking to incorporate or introduce these kinds of materials into their fertility programs for their producers,” he said. “A lot of biological stimulants have a specific role, as

some may be improving the efficiency of fertilizer applications, while others might populate plants’ root systems and improve the uptake of nitrogen.” There’s also been an increase in interest surrounding the use of cover crops as part of agronomic programs. In agriculture today, Jim Grilliot, agronomic field representative at Midwest Laboratories, said there is an emphasis on developing biological products that supply nutrients to the crops to further cut back on fertilizer use. There are many companies that are also creating products to assist the plant and crop itself in being more resilient to stresses, such as diseases and drought.

“We continue to see growth in the industry and there are many exciting things that are happening,” he said. “While it’s not necessarily new, the industry is seeing advancements and education in precision sampling, as well.” Additionally, Joe Sisco, agronomic field representative at Midwest Laboratories, said people who are either entering the organic crop market or already established in the market, are looking to expand acres right now. “Overall, many of our agricultural customers are looking at soil, plant tissue, satellite imagery and field moisture monitoring,” he said. “They are using a holistic approach and understanding the crop’s production to try to enhance it through the technology that Midwest Laboratories provides.”

• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Ag Trends in the Midlands

State Department eases coronavirus bottleneck for foreign farmworkers by Geoffrey Mohan

The U.S. State Department moved to ease a bottleneck caused by coronavirus precautions and allow more foreign agricultural guest workers to cross from Mexico to work fields in California and other states. Agriculture The emergency measures helped allay fears of a labor shortage just as the harvest of major produce crops gets underway in California, the top producer of many seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits nationwide. Most foreign applicants no longer will need an in-person interview to obtain the H-2A agricultural guest worker permits, under the new rules announced. That interview requirement had caused a bot-

Office Services Guide

tleneck after U.S. consulates in the U.S.-Mexico border region were shuttered in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only certain returning applicants had been eligible for a waiver of the interview. Now, the waivers will apply also to firsttime applicants and far more returning applicants, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture memo. “We anticipate the vast majority of otherwise qualified H-2 applicants will now be adjudicated without an interview,” the USDA memorandum said. The expansion of the interview waivers “will ensure minimal disruption to the flow of guest workers at a time when our farming companies are redoubling their efforts to provide our nation with a safe, healthy, abundant and affordable food

supply,” Dave Puglia, president of the Western Growers Association, a regional trade group, said. California has faced years of labor shortages caused by the aging of the local workforce, immigration crackdowns, improvements in job prospects in Mexico and other factors. The state’s growers have recruited more than 23,000 H-2A workers in the fiscal year that ended in October, placing the state fourth behind Florida, Georgia and Washington, respectively, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Labor contracting surges dramatically in March and April, as produce shifts from the winter desert regions of California and Arizona and gets underway along the central coast. That region hosts the bulk of the state’s strawberry production

Technology Construction Lincoln Business Journal Pages

Update

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

and much of its spring and summer leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, among other crops. Although guest workers make up a tiny fraction of the estimated 420,000 farmworkers in the state, they make up an important percentage of the crews in harvest areas, from the coastal valleys from Ventura County’s Oxnard plain through the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, to the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. The move comes days after the U.S. and Mexico agreed to block nonessential travel across their shared border in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus. ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Topics may include:

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

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

Topics may include:

Office Services Guide overview • Trends in Office Design Office supplies/vendors • ADA compliant Co-working spaces • Streamlining administrative processes

Technology overview • Digital twinning • Alternative data Mobile-friendly • Ethical technology • Finance and IT Trends

Lincoln Construction Update • Lincoln’s construction labor market Construction management software and tech trends Sustainable practices • Residential growth

Investing for Retirement overview • 401(k) and IRA trends Retiring with medical expenses in mind • Impact of legislation Post-retirement investing/wealth management • Retirement savings gap

Issue Date: April 10 • Ad Deadline: April 2

Issue Date: April 17 • Ad Deadline: April 9

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 3, 2020 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content CONSTRUCTION

BRANDING & MARKETING

UTILITIES

NONPROFIT

Named

Hired

Appointed

Welcomed

J.J. Kortan Business Development Manager Lueder Construction

Lueder Construction has named J.J. Kortan Business Development Manager. Kortan comes to Lueder with extensive knowledge of the industry and a finger on the pulse of building and growth trends in the Greater Omaha area. “J.J. brings the talent and skills that work with Lueder Construction’s drive to the future,” said president Greg Key. “His engagement in the community and eye for business opportunities makes him a great fit with our vision and mission.” Kortan is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha College of Business and Creighton University Master’s Program. He is a member of the Omaha Press Club and Omaha Rotary. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, is a contributing member to the Omaha Venture Group and founding member of the Pay It Forward charity. “For 135 years, Lueder Construction has been dedicated to bringing their clients’ visions to life,” said Kortan. “The opportunity to be a part of the company at this time in its growth plan is an exciting next step in my career.”

Jameon Rush

Kevin Jarosz

Erik Omar

Lead Video Producer

Vice President of Operations

Executive Director

UNANIMOUS

UNANIMOUS is excited to announce the hiring of Jameon Rush as the agency’s lead video producer. Jameon brings an expanded knowledge of video marketing to UNANIMOUS. He graduated summa cum laude from Hastings College in 2012 with a degree in web communication design and a minor in visual media. Jameon has worked as a marketing director in the financial industry, has experience in the agency setting, and owned his own business as a lead video producer. At UNANIMOUS, he spearheads the company’s video production efforts as our lead video producer. He has an incredible passion and talent for telling high-impact, highquality stories through video. His ability to think strategically and creatively allows him to create stories that inspire and resonate with others. Scott Claypool, Art Director of UNANIMOUS, said, "I'm beyond thrilled to add Jameon to our team. His senior-level experience combined with a thoughtful storytelling approach is exactly what our clients are looking for. He's truly a rare talent." UNANIMOUS is a Lincoln, Nebraska based agency that assists clients with branding, marketing, and web design. With over 350 active clients across 15 states, the agency is known for its collaborative style and prides itself on rhyme, reason, and results.

Black Hills Corp.

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) announces the appointment of Kevin Jarosz to vice president of operations for Black Hills Energy in Nebraska. In his new role, Jarosz is responsible for all aspects of managing operations for Black Hills Energy in Nebraska. Black Hills Energy serves 315,000 customers in 319 Nebraska communities including Lincoln, Papillion, Norfolk, Columbus, Kearney, Holdrege, Lexington, Ogallala, McCook, Sidney, Scottsbluff, Alliance and Chadron. “Kevin’s new role will leverage his operational experience, familiarity with state, industry knowledge and customer focus to live our mission of improving life with energy in the communities we serve, and ensure we are ready to provide our Nebraska customers with the valued service they’ve come to expect from Black Hills Energy,” said Todd Jacobs, vice president of natural gas utilities, Black Hills Corp. Jarosz, who will be based in Lincoln, had been serving as interim vice president and previously served at the director of operations for Nebraska and brings 32 years of experience working in various roles in the company in Nebraska and Iowa. Jarosz replaces previous vice president, Jeff Sylvester, who left the company in December to pursue another opportunity in his home state.

Immigrant Legal Center

Immigrant Legal Center welcomes Erik Omar as Executive Director. An experienced attorney and passionate advocate for immigrants, Omar recently served as a senior leader at Union Pacific, and as Board Chair of the Refugee Empowerment Center. Through his work, he has developed a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of Omaha’s immigrant community.

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

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• APRIL 3, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

We are now accepting nominations! 2020

Deadline to submit: July 31, 2020

The 19th annual 40 Under 40 Awards will take place Nov. 20 at Embassy Suites La-Vista. Midlands Business Journal is currently seeking nominations for professionals in the Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and career accomplishments. Our judges will seek out individuals that have made impacts within their organizations and our community. We want to hear about the entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners in your lives. Involvement in nonprofits and community organizations will show judges how much candidates care about the Greater Omaha area. Nominees must be under the age of 40 as of Dec. 31, 2020 for consideration and cannot nominate themselves. Bottom line, we want to honor young professionals that are making a difference. Visit MBJ.com to fill out the nomination form now!

Key information to include in the nomination: • • • • • • • • • • •

Current company Current position Age Company address Company phone Email address Degrees earned Business accomplishments (promotions, projects, company initiatives) Community involvement (volunteer work, seats on boards, local and national organizations) Achievements (awards, recognitions, accreditations) Supplemental materials such as articles on the nominee, written works, videos, photos, etc.

Sponsorship opportunities are available today!

What better way to get your company’s name in front of some of the most influential business leaders in the Greater Omaha area than sponsoring the 40 Under 40 Awards. Your company will receive recognition in the popular 40 Under 40 special section and at the award banquet that is anticipated to draw 600 attendees. Contact us at karla@mbj.com or call 402-330-1760 to learn more.