Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 5, 2019 •
Banking
27
April 5, 2019
A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal
Brisk lending environment makes for rosy times in local banking market by Dwain Hebda
Banks across Nebraska are enjoying a run of prosperity that’s cut across all lending sectors and market areas. That’s the assessment from Dave Dannehl, board chairman for the Nebraska Bankers Association. “Community banks in Nebraska are doing well, primarily due to strong loan
Dannehl Adams demand across the commercial, agriculture and housing sectors,” he said. “Interest rates have gone up steadily the past two years but have not deterred demand as they still hover near historic lows.” Dannehl said loan volume would be even stronger if not for economic and market conditions curtailing markets from reaching their full potential. “With agriculture in Nebraska entering its fourth year of stressed commodity prices,
Adrian Hernandez, senior vice president of lending at Dundee Bank. a good share of farmers and ranchers have is limited due to the number of quality conbeen experiencing break-even opportuni- tractors and construction workers available ties at best,” he said. “While construction across the state.” demand is high for much of Nebraska, the Clint Adams, Veridian Credit Union lid on future economic and lending growth branch manager, said the company’s high-
Reaanddit
touch lending process combined with the latest technology has contributed to the robust numbers. “While more people are choosing online and mobile channels for their routine transactions, many still prefer the chance to meet face-to-face about larger financial decisions,” he said. “It’s important that we’re accessible and available in every way our members choose to interact with us.” Adams said this philosophy is driving the company’s expansion strategy, mixing both virtual and brick-and-mortar access points. Huston “We recently upgraded our mobile and online banking platforms, and our branch network is growing in the Omaha metro area,” he said. “In 2016, we announced plans to open 10 to 15 Veridian branches in the Omaha area within a decade; we’ve opened five of those branches so far.” The range of banking opportunities in the market is so broad, it’s affording institutions the luxury of developing highly Continued on next page.
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Banking — inside THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
APRIL 5, 2019
THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:
$2.00
VOL. 45 NO. 14
Owen Industries embraces automation and employee training by Richard D. Brown
Council Bluffs-based Studio K-Fit centers on physical, mental wellbeing. – Page 2
40 er d Un 40 Meyer follows passion to private equity, community service. – Page 3
n si nd ands e r T idl Ag e M h t
Harsh winter, historic flooding create uncertainty for Nebraska agriculture. – Page 5
Although the past few years have been challenging for many companies in the steel industry, Owen Industries, a Carter Lakebased group of five steel-related firms, has added 75 production positions in its MVS metals operation including the addition of a third shift last June. President Tyler Owen said the ramped-up hiring — along with a somewhat innovative and community-responsive hiring/training model — positions the 134-year-old company with a 185,000 square foot facility on a 36-acre campus at 500 Avenue H to harness a greater share of business being directed by several AP1000 nuclear power projects in the southern U.S. as well as strengthening its role as a supplier to John Deere plants. “The work we supplied to the AP1000 nuclear power projects in South Carolina and Georgia were, by far, the most monumental projects in the history of the company,” Owen said. “The work we do as a Continued on page 7.
From left, Tyler Owen, president of Owen Industries and GM of PVS Structures; Brent Pfeiffer, assistant GM, PVS Structures; and Keith Siebels, senior vice president of sales, Owen Industries and GM, PVS Metals … A ramp up in hiring is leading the manufacture to take on more business. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)
Kirsch Transportation set to move to Old Market; expands service offerings by Michelle Leach
Council Bluffs-based Kirsch Transportation Services got its start just five months shy of 9/11. Eighteen years on, the women-owned and family-operated shipper and carrier solutions provider employs around 60 people, is diversifying with its specialized heavy-weight and over-dimensional shipments department, and is eyeing a mid- to
late-summer relocation to Omaha’s Old Market. “Cam and Matt Kirsch purchased a property back in 2018,” said Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Becker of its future headquarters site in the area of 11th and Douglas streets. ”We have been actively renovating and developing it into an office outfitted for an Continued on page 26. Attorney Karine Sokpoh … Educating clients about changes in immigration law so they can be compliant and know their rights.
Sokpoh Law Group helping Omaha immigrants grow their businesses by Becky McCarville
From left, CEO and co-founder Camilla Moore Kirsch and COO Jeremy Becker … Family logistics and freight services business distinguishes in fiercely competitive environment with certification; sustains employee, vendor, shipper relationships.
Attorney Karine Sokpoh has helped 424 people start, grow and protect their businesses since she founded her law firm, Sokpoh Law Group, in 2011. She is hiring additional staff and hopes to add another attorney by the end of the year. “It gives me a lot of joy in what I do when I’m able to help some other immigrants — make
their dreams come true by helping them open their business, helping them grow their business, helping them protect their business by registering their trademarks,” Sokpoh said. “It’s very rewarding seeing that because of my own story.” Sokpoh came to the United States from Togo, a West African nation, by herself at age 18 to attend the University of Continued on page 25.