Midlands Business Journal April 9, 2021 Vol. 47 No. 15 issue

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Ag Trends A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 9, 2021

Decision agriculture drives investments in smart solutions

by Michelle Leach

Today’s ag is certainly not your grandparents’ ag. The onslaught of needs and demands in the current environment have simply put those movements toward the likes of increasingly sophisticated “smart” solutions in overdrive.

RealmFive’s very name embodies these disruptions in agriculture over the past 120-plus years; from the first and second (mechanization and hybridization), to the third and fourth stages (GMOs and precision ag).

The present fifth phase is decision agriculture — data and automation.

“RealmFive provides world-class, fullstack connectivity for automating repetitive tasks in production agriculture,” said CEO Steve Tippery.

Its status as a tech partner was timely, given how Tippery said the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges in the market.

“Whether a farmer or agri-business professional is located in rural Nebraska, rural Saskatchewan, or the rural Outback in Australia, long distances between fields and sites make managing an agricultural operation especially challenging,” he said. “Over 2020, RealmFive adopted a number of new tools to assist its customers, including virtual product training and new virtual methods for customer support.”

Furthermore, he indicated there has been an acceleration in adoption of its monitoring, connectivity, preventative failure and automa-

University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department Head of Agricultural Economics Dr. Larry W. Van Tassel speaks at the open house of UNL’s Agricultural Economics Commodity Trading Room. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Agricultural Economics Department) tion solutions.

When asked about the effect of the pandem“The company continues to provide solu- ic on established trends or in driving new ones, tions across five industry verticals: agronomy, Tippery referred to industry “megatrends;” for irrigation, livestock, inventory and machinery,” instance, availability of reliable labor, increased he said. regulation, a focus on sustainability, and consumer-driven desires for food traceability and agri-business-driven desires to outsource to reduce capital expenditures.

“The agricultural industry has the need for improved infrastructure for reliably gathering data from remote operations and proven tools that provide trusted decision-recommendations,” he said. “All of these megatrends have been accelerated over the last year’s pandemic.”

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is investing in a new Center for Agricultural Profitability, which will reportedly facilitate faculty research, conduct outreach related to agricultural profitability, and train undergraduate and graduate students to support “informed decision-making” in ag via applied research and education.

“The agricultural operating environment has changed dramatically over the past 20 years and will continue to evolve in the next 20 years,” said Dr. Larry W. Van Tassell, UNL department head, agricultural economics.

“Farms have increased in scale to capture the economies of size. There also has been restructuring in the agricultural input, marketing, and processing sectors.

“Price volatility for agricultural commodities has increased dramatically over the past decade, substantially increasing the need for price and production risk management.”

As these trends continue, Van Tassell noted the impacts of each economic decision at the farm production level become “more pronounced.”

“There is less flexibility for a wrong business decision,” he said. “It is critical that producers have economic decision-making information that Sandeen is current, factual, specific and holistic, and that they have appropriate tools and procedures to analyze that information.”

Farmers and ranchers can no longer aim for max yields or output, while ignoring financial considerations.

CAP, which is slated to officially operate

by June, will include the likes of its weekly Farm and Ranch Management Webinar Series and new daily articles and podcasts, and Van Tassell said they are beta-testing the Agriculture Budgeting Calculator (ABC).

“That will be a foundational decision-making tool,” he said, noting programming will be built around ABC. Research may include interdisciplinary projects on soil health, and the value of carbon sequestration and carbon markets to producers and the environment.

“The complex problems faced by agriculture today cannot be solved by isolated disciplines,” Van Tassell said. “A holistic, systems approach is needed to address the profitability of agriculture. While feasibility and profitability of agricultural innovations have always been important, the increasing complexity of the agribusiness environment necessitates a holistic approach to problems.”

He said the center provides a uniting locale for faculty from various disciplines (i.e. social science to engineering) to engage with his department’s faculty.

“We are also developing a multi-phase farm and ranch management executive training program to increase the management capacity of producers in Nebraska and throughout the region,” Van Tassell added.

AGP’s communications management directed us toward a recent Q&A featuring Continued on next page.

Ag Trends — inside APRIL 9, 2021

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK ’S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 47 NO. 15

Analytical approach builds Fremont Contract Carriers reach

by Richard D. Brown

Anvil Ready guides professionals through communication planning process.

– Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Commitment to community service drives, inspires BKD’s Colby Jensen.

– Page 3

a‘s ah cts m O istri D

Metro districts have plethora of development projects underway.

– Page 4

Sixteen years at Fremont Contract Carriers — the past three as President and CEO — has enabled Tim McCormick to hone his management skills, which he said marries a sense of calm and professionalism. That approach is working in guiding the nationwide transportation specialty firm with 465 late model tractors and a variety of products to haul through pandemic issues and continual initiatives to update technology and to strengthen its arsenal of drivers.

“It’s causing me to be more analytical and to look at the numbers rather than just using a gut feeling,” McCormick said.

McCormick, who started his work career at 14 as a member of the cleanup crew at Hy-Vee’s Chariton, Iowa warehouse, said one of the highest compliments he hears from employees at FCC’s 15-year-old corporate headquarters in 20,002 square feet at 865 S. Bud Blvd. in Fremont are the echos of, “It’s so quiet here!”

Near the S. Bud Blvd. headContinued on page 7.

President and CEO Tim McCormick … With emphasis on updating technology, the logistics company (Photo by Roger Humphries) is expanding its fleet of trucks.

AmeriSphere Companies transforms downtown landscape, looks to affordable housing projects

by Becky McCarville

Four years ago, when Rodrigo and Mary López bought land at 9th Street and Capitol Avenue for Capitol Place, a new apartment complex adjacent to what is now CHI Health Center, none of the major downtown redevelopments had been announced yet — from the revamp of the Gene Leahy Mall and the RiverFront to the Kiewit Luminarium to the Omaha

Performing Arts’ new live music venue. From the Capitol Place vantage point, they’re right in the middle of it all.

Rodrigo López, chairman of AmeriSphere Companies, started AmeriSphere Financial in 1997 brokering commercial loans. After 2000, McCarthy Capital became a partner, and the company moved to strictly Continued on page 7.

Owner Omar Garrido … Keeping employees busy during the COVID-19 pandemic by bottling and selling homemade horchata in local Hy-Vee grocery stores.

Commitment to staff, authentic flavors drives ingenuity for The Churro Truck

by Savannah Behrends

Chairman Rodrigo López and President Mary López at their Capitol Place development … Longtime Omaha-based company evolves over its 25-year history from brokering commercial loans to multifamily financing to development company.

The Churro Truck owner Omar Garrido has one piece of advice for any entrepreneur thinking about starting a food truck: be passionate.

“A lot of people think that having a food truck means that you get a truck, park it somewhere, open your window, and the money comes flying in, but

it’s hard work,” he said.

Just getting started means getting proper permits, finding a reliable truck, and an appropriate spot, which usually means renting space in a parking lot from a landlord.

When Garrido decided to open his food truck in 2016 he wasn’t without experience in the Continued on page 8.

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Anvil Ready guides professionals through communication planning process forward with an initiative, but without

by Gabby Hellbusch As a communications professional good communication, those plans are with nearly 20 years of experience in the often doomed for failure,” she said. “All industry, Monique Farmer has first-hand organizations share similar challenges for knowledge of the challenges involved in creating a sense of cohesiveness across communication planning. In an effort to communication planning and this tool is deliver a solution that would simplify the actually tailored for communication projcreation, implementation and evaluation of ect management.”

Specifically, during the pandemic, communication plans for both communiFarmer said it’s been cations professionals essential for organiand novices, Farmer Anvil Ready zations to develop a developed the on- Service: platform designed to aid comsolid communication line platform, Anvil munication professionals in the developplan.

Ready. ment of communication strategies In a postThis program al- Goal: build user traction, expand team COVID-19 virtual lows users to create Website: www.anvilready.com environment, she omni-channel comsaid it’s been easier munication plans, save and search them, build measurable to reach potential clients via online tools.

The main challenge at this stage is objectives, schedule events, activities and tactics, plan and manage a budget, assign identifying true early adopters who are action owners, track plan progress and willing to try something new in order to achieve efficiency, she said. evaluate outcomes.

As is the case with any new platform or “It aids the user in really identifying who that audience is that they are focusing technology, Farmer said there’s somewhat on in order to achieve audience-focused of a culture shift, as many are used to performing tasks in a certain way. impact,” she said.

“Right now, many companies are putFarmer, an assistant professor of practice at the College of Journalism and ting together re-entry plans and are really Mass Communication at the University of thinking those through strategically in Nebraska-Lincoln, also offers consultant planning out the right time for sending the right message to the right audience,” support.

The program generally serves small to she said. “This is, in fact, a pain point and medium sized businesses, as well as non- hearing from our clients that this platform profits or other entities that do not house is able to present a solution to take away some of that pain is a very reassuring a full communication team.

“If an organization is trying to move validation.”

Business Minute

Founder and CEO Monique Farmer … Communications professional builds platform to aid in communication strategies.

Regarding user traction and interest, have encountered people in the ecosystem Farmer said it’s been fairly steady since who have been helpful and generous with the site went alive. time and advice. She plans to bring on a While the entrepreneurial space is still full-time partner by the fall of 2021. new to her, she said she feels fortunate to “The goal is to continue to build user traction,” Farmer said. “Eventually, I’d also like to grow to at least a small team, while continuing to help nonprofits and Paid Content small or medium sized businesses.”

Ryan Harting-Klaus Director of Business Development, Verde Martin Associations/Titles: GBDS, NPN Hometown: Crystal City, Missouri Education: University of Idaho

How I got into the business: I’m always driven by my passion to help people.

Now I can do it through their businesses.

Accomplishments or milestones: 10+ years licensed.

First job: Instructor for National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).

Biggest career break: Recognizing I love working helping others solve prob-

lems.

The toughest part of the job: Putting it away at night.

The best advice I have received: Remember: they need what you’re selling, whether they know it yet or not.

About my family: Two pups, Neely O’Hara and Levi.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: Fitness/ Physique Posing.

Book I finished reading recently: The Shining (again).

Something about me not everyone knows: I can still tumble (gymnastics, not ‘down the stairs’).

How my business will change in the next decade: in addition to websites, human interface app will be standard.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Jill Slupe.

Outside interests: Fitness, international travel, customizing Scale Action Figures Pet peeves: avoidable tardiness, indirectness.

Favorite vacation spot: Cyprus… or Berlin… or Weihnachtszeit almost anywhere in Germany.

Other careers I would like to try: I have a singing and comedy act I do with Miss Piggy (the Muppet puppet) at regional shows. Would enjoy a national tour one day.

Favorite movie: Wonder Woman.

Favorite cause or charity: Stonewall / LGBT. Favorite app: Bazaart.

Interested in being featured in the Business Minute? Email news@mbj.com for more information.

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FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

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Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 • experience that I had with leaders helped, but it’s really just trying to consider myself and how I want people to see me and how I want them to feel when they’re in my presence.”

Having developed this stronger sense of self pays off during her day job as an auditor. She said learning how to communicate and engage with others has helped create a more collaborative environment, whether between the members of her team or between her department and clients.

“By nature, accounting is very black and white, checking boxes,” she said.

“From an audit standpoint, a lot of people hear that word and maybe have a negative connotation of what it means or what we’re trying to do. Really, my work as an auditor relies on my relationship with my clients and the folks that we’re dealing with.

“It’s not only just when I’m at work that I’m trying get my audit work done, but it’s also building relationships with the people that I’m working with in their role at the organization and as people. I enjoy conversation, I enjoy getting to meet people, so that’s definitely appealing. I think that has always helped.”

Born in Plainview, Jensen grew up in Omaha from a young age. She has an associate’s degree from Metropolitan Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNO. She also has an active CPA license and is a member of several professional organizations. These include the Nebraska Society of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Omaha and Nonprofit Association of the Midlands.

Proud Sponsors of the 2020 40 Under 40:

Colby Jensen, audit senior manager … Alongside growth within her organization, building legacy as community service champion.

Commitment to community service drives, inspires BKD’s Colby Jensen

by Dwain Hebda iar figure within the local Boy Scouts of In eight years with BKD, Colby Jensen America, participating in board reviews, has steadily risen to become one of the assigning scout ranks and overseeing anbright young stars of the company. As audit nual popcorn sales. senior manager, she’s worked to streamline She’s supported American Red Cross processes, improve internal and external blood donations since 2005, during which communications and attract and retain time she’s completed 24 life-saving donatalent within her department. tions. Additionally, she’s passing along the But ask the driven University of Ne- importance of community service to the braska at Omaha graduate where her heart next generation, notably her 11-year-old lies, and you’ll find service and leadership son, with whom she volunteers at Foodopportunities at the top of her list. bank for the Heartland.

“I was really brought into Jensen said she enjoys parcommunity service when I startticipating not only for the good ed my career at BKD,” she said. that it does, but for the ways it “Learning about the core values has helped her grow as a leadof our firm and the people within er. Whether acting as a menthe firm, philanthropy and giving tor through her alma mater for back is something that we pride students in the University of ourselves on. I think that’s really Nebraska Omaha Scholars Acadwhere my focus started. emy or individuals interested in “Look, we’re all busy. Howa career in accounting through 2020 ever, I’m a very driven person the Nebraska Society of CPAs and I feel like I always need to be doing (NESCPA), she derives great satisfaction something or on the go. I think that has investing in others in the footsteps of allowed me to have the energy and the her mentors. stamina to continue not only professionally “Starting out in my career, I looked up and in my personal life, but then with the to those who had come before me and those community involvement space.” that I could easily connect with,” she said.

Jensen has found ample outlets for “They were the ones that people would go these energies in roles both internal and to, they were trustworthy, understanding external to BKD. She sits on the company’s and so forth. I really looked to them to see Nebraska Foundation Board, which is re- what kinds of attributes those folks had sponsible for overseeing funds, reviewing and what drew people to them and allowed applications for funding opportunities and them to be impactful. From there, I really providing community support from those tried to emulate them. who participate in workplace giving. She “Over time, I tried things as a leader also acts as an office liaison through her and some things didn’t work and others employer to promote participation in the did. I learned how to modify my approach. annual United Way giving campaign.

I think being true to yourself and open Externally, she’s prominent in Junior and honest and treating everybody with League of Omaha, having held numerous integrity and as you want to be treated offices there for event committees and for allows people to see you as a real person. the organization itself. She’s also a famil- That’s key. I definitely think relying on

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Omaha’s Districts A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 9, 2021

Metro districts have plethora of development projects underway

by Gabby Hellbusch

of 2021, with grading and infrastructure planned through Q2 of 2022.

“Since the redevelopment announcement in 2020, 72nd & Dodge streets is already seeing a benefit from the Crossroads redevelopment project,” he said. “For example, the Target store within the redevelopment

Ellis Lewin Greenway system along Pacific Street was recently completed, and both will open to the public by June 1.

“Lanoha is working on the first segment of Heartwood Row, which will feature many unique retail, living and dining options,” Emanuel said.

“Valmont Industries will move into their corporate HQ mid-June, Carson Wealth plans to open their HQ in the fall and Union Bank has recently broken ground.”

Additionally, he said 90% of available luxury home lots in Heartwood Estates have been committed.

The Greenway, when completed, will offer roughly 80-acres of greenway corridors, bike paths, walking trails and pedestrian sidewalks winding throughout the development.

“As for Heartwood Park, future phases two and three will include the reconstruction of the old Boys Town barn for special events, an ice rink, a bandshell, playground and many other landscaping features,” he said. “Heartwood will offer a wide variety of retail, commercial, residential and recreational facilities on an environmentally observant landscape with thousands of newly planted trees, and as we’re seeing west Omaha become the new center of the city, Heartwood Preserve, so to speak, will become the heart of Omaha.”

Ryan Ellis, CEO/owner of PJ Morgan, said the Millwork Commons development is already making an impression in Omaha.

“We wanted to bring something new to table with this entire project,” Ellis said.

One of the unique elements for this area includes a new curbless road, Millwork Avenue, designed specifically to be closed down easily for festivals or events in the park space.

Mason James area has announced a complete remodel of its 100,000-square-foot store.”

Further west along the West Dodge Road corridor, Lockwood Development is bringing seven acres of prime retail ground within the Heartwood Preserve project.

Additionally, Sterling Ridge, a 150-acre in-fill mixed-use development in the heart of suburban Omaha, has quickly become home for some of Omaha’s fastest growing companies including LinkedIn, Centris Federal Credit Union, Renaissance Financial and others.

New development projects are underway throughout the metro, and firms say the new spaces will have a significant impact on Omaha.

Bart Emanuel, national director of development & construction for Applied Underwriters, said the first phase of Heartwood Park and the

Bart Emanuel, national director of development & construction for Applied Underwriters, at one of Heartwood Preserve’s award-winning catch basins on the 500-acre site.

The historic Ashton Building was also com- James said. “When complete, it will enpleted mid-pandemic. compass a vibrant mix of occupancies that Just shy of 10,000 square feet, he said The include approximately one-third of retail and Dock is another interesting area, as it serves as entertainment, one-third Class A office and a publicly-owned private space. hospitality and one-third high-density multi-famAdditionally, the new Hello Apartments will ily and senior family living all together at the bring an approachable rental rate to the location. epicenter of Omaha.”

Still in the planning phase, The Disbrow He said demolition phase will end in May Block will feature vibrant alley spaces and a unique atmosphere, Ellis said.

Derick Lewin, sales and leasing agent at PJ Morgan, said the Mastercraft building allows flexibility for local businesses.

“The space has offices available that can be scaled to any size,” Lewin said. “If a busiby Michelle Leach ness grows, they don’t have to move out of the Entrepreneurs and leadership on the ground neighborhood.” floor of buzzing districts are still seeing new From a hiring standpoint, he said this area neighbors set up shop and hosting events, safely could also be a big draw for potential candidates. and responsibly, as COVID-19 continues to be a Colleen Mason, sales and leasing agent at day-to-day reality coupled with phased vaccine PJ Morgan, said innovation, sustainability and roll-outs. a focus on arts and community has been very “Zen was the first retail store to be in Farnam important to the development team.

Hill and has played witness to the growth that “The team has opened up the frontage of has occurred,” said Abby McLeay, who owns these buildings to focus around common areas Zen Coffee Co. “I think Zen’s success has really to build a sense of community,” Mason said. brought many people into this area, but it is so Lawrence R. “Chip” James II, president of cool to watch it diversify.”

Lockwood Development, said the redevelopFor instance, McLeay referred to Meghann ment of Crossroads Mall at 72nd and Dodge Schense’s The Grove Juicery & Wellness Cafe streets is a transformational project to re-imagine as piloting the Omaha juicing community. the iconic corner.

The Next Chapter as bringing a “classic and “This urban in-fill redevelopment is a whimsical nook” to the district, Voodoo Taco’s balanced mixed-use project to contain almost fourth location, and the addition of hotels and 2 million square feet of new construction,” apartment complexes that bring people to the

It hasn’t been easy road, but districts far from languishing with new services, amenities neighborhood. Its newest additions include Hank and Ax salon and Site-1 Brewing. As the district expands, McLeay referred to historic spaces available for unique business ideas.

Each year, Farnam Hill plays host to its largest event, Spring Fling, Summer Soiree, and Trunk or Treat to support nonprofits. The fourth Spring Fling is slated for May 1, and McLeay said it includes 30 vendors, and three blocks of shopping, food, live music, drinks and fun activities.

Zen, too, has grown from its Farnam Hill roots to a second store, which opened in west Omaha last month, and is poised to roll out Zen’s Coffee School.

“We were so fortunate to introduce curbside in the weeks prior to the initial shut down and I think it really enabled us to pivot quickly and easily, but also gave us an extra method of deContinued on next page.

Omaha’s Districts • Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

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It hasn’t been easy road, but districts far from languishing with new services, amenities Continued from preceding page. livery that we had not had before,” she said. “It led us to many new followers who will likely continue to utilize this specific option for the foreseeable future.”

Phil Schaffart owns several bars and restaurants in the Blackstone District, including The Blackstone Meatball and Cheeseburgers: A Takeout Joint, as well as in Dundee and west Omaha.

“We’ve been operating in the area since 2016,” Schaffart said of Blackstone. “Prior to the pandemic, the interest and number of visitors in the district was, from my perspective, at an all-time high.

“The area is very much an entertainment district and, while revenue can be steady during the week, the weekends have always represented better than 50% of our weekly sales.”

Blackstone’s unique “stamp” is characterized, according to Schaffart, with minimal tenant turnover; strong and collaborative operators; an active neighborhood association; and local business improvement district support.

“As the vaccine has become more available and folks are feeling more comfortable, they are returning,” he said. “We own two businesses in Dundee (both of which are still effectively closed) and a second Meatball on 180th and Dodge. I can say without a doubt that our Midtown businesses have been more affected than our west Omaha location.”

He described “complete devastation” for bars and, even with re-openings, many folks are staying home.

“The restaurants fared a little better, as we were able to pivot to take-out,” Schaffart said.

“This was a slow build and even today, a year later, our Midtown businesses are operating at

30%-plus deficit from prior years.”

The City Council’s mask mandate helped businesses.

“Customers and staff felt more comfortable and more people came out,” he said.

Adaptation has been characterized by finding ways to make ordering as easy as possible.

“Most POS (Point-of-Sale) systems now will allow a customer to order online and have the ticket fire right to the kitchen,” he said. “Partnering with DoorDash/ GrubHub has been really helpful and allowed us to cast a wider net as well.”

He further speculates on the permanency of take-out and deMcLeay livery after COVID-19 is in the rearview.

“Amongst entrepreneurs, I think there’s a general feeling of, ‘If we can make it through the last year, we can make it through anything,’” Schaffart said. “There’s always going to be challenges and, God willing, we will never deal with something like this again … I'm optimistic we can come out of this better as businesses and people.”

Entering 2020, Amanda Frank noted The Capitol District had hit its stride.

“Our last major construction project was finishing up, and new businesses were opening,” said the marketing and events coordinator. “We sit at the center of all downtown Omaha has to offer. In that role, we were preparing for several major events and the guests they would bring: the

NCAA basketball tournament, Olympic Swim Trials, and College World Series, to name a few.”

Within a few weeks, all those events and fans went away.

“COVID-19 forced us to get creative finding ways to continue serving our customers and bringing people safely into our district,” she said.

“One of the most visible changes we made was to trade out the ice-skating rink that had been in the plaza the last few winters for our private igloos.”

Guests could rent one of the heated, cozy, six-person igloos, get take-out from restaurants, and safely gather in a literal “bubble.”

“The igloos have Franklin been incredibly popular and have helped our businesses to continue to serve customers through the worst of the pandemic,” Frank said.

No businesses have been lost, but a Kum & Go walk-up has been added, along with Akarui, a Japanese restaurant.

“With hospitality being one of the hardest-hit sectors, we knew we had employees who were having a hard time making ends meet,” Frank said. “We worked with our vendors to provide food giveaways to any employee of a Capitol District business who needed it.”

She looks forward to events coming back, and noted the district will continue to follow guidance from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials.

Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp.

has worked to remedy the number of challenges created by the pandemic and presented to the Highlander neighborhood, according to President and CEO Cydney Franklin.

“As the owners of the Highlander neighborhood’s mixed-income housing development and the owners and operators of the Highlander Accelerator mixed-use facility, we’ve been working closely with our property managers and partners to continually assess the needs of our housing residents,” she said; for instance, the inability to pay rent, utilities, and Internet and food access.

Likewise, Franklin referred to supporting the accelerator’s tenants, especially hard-hit small businesses.

“We’ve applied for and have been awarded COVID-relief funds to support Seventy Five North’s operations and other financial subsidies we’ve passed on to residents and area small businesses,” she said.

Nearly all of Seventy Five North’s “traditional” and annual community programs were suspended in 2020.

“Because the Highlander neighborhood and its residents have been disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic, we’ve been especially cautious in the way we’ve considered resource deployment and program delivery,” she said.

“We’ve relied heavily on the guidance and recommendations of the CDC, Douglas County Health Department and Charles Drew Health Center to guide our decisions on program execution.”

2021, though, shows promise; Franklin said its 111-unit, mixed-income and mixed-use project across from the accelerator building will start this year, as will construction on single-family, for-sale housing in the district.

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Omaha’s Districts

Hot areas for development include west and north Omaha and Sarpy County

by David Kubicek

Development in Omaha has expanded as far west as possible and now is bound by the Elkhorn River, and has moved into the Valley/Fremont areas, according to Jill Anderson, president of residential sales for NP Dodge.

“We are seeing houses being built north to Bennington, the opening of another Omaha Public [Schools] high school is expected in fall 2022, and a third Elkhorn [Public Schools] high school is open,” she said.

The firm has many projects listed to be developed for single family residential use. These include: Flatwater Lake at 288th Street and West Valley Street in Valley. NP Dodge’s Kori Krause is representing Hampton Development Services on the sales of the lots, which are $142,000 and up. Flatwater Lake will also be the 2021 site for the Street of Dreams. Founders Ridge, at 126th Street and Highway 370 in the Papillion

School District. Homes in this community will start at $350,000. Lot prices start at $74,900 and are going quickly.

Summer Hill Farm, at 168th and State

L e g e n d Tr a i l s a t 2 2 2 n d a n d Q streets is an 86-lot acreage development with home price ranges of $850,000 and up. The development is brand new and will

Anderson Troshyski streets in Bennington, has lots at $52,950 and up with only a few remaining.

Indian Pointe, a 560-lot development from 186th to 192nd and Maple streets with homes ranging from $400,000 to $550,000, is almost sold out, according to Jason Troshyski, president of Grace Homes.

“This development was the anchor that started a surge in several other residential areas: multifamily, retail, two new Elkhorn schools and office developments that have been completed or are underway,” Troshyski said.

Homes are now starting construction at Newport Vista, 168th Street and Bennington Road — a 430-lot development with home prices from $375,000 to $550,000.

Inness Whitten be buildable early this summer.

Over the past couple of years Bellevue has been a hotspot for multifamily development, according to Apogee President Kassie Inness.

“We did a market study that said about 365 units could be absorbed over the course of the next five years,” she said.

Ascend On 75 will be a 107-unit multifamily development just off Highway 75 and only 10 minutes away from midtown Omaha and Eppley Airfield. The three-story walkup has lots of green space, ample parking, and is close to the Wolf Creek Shopping Center.

“We’re looking to start grading in April, with construction hopefully complete by August of 2022,” Inness said.

“The first building will be complete 10

months after construction start, with the other two buildings being delivered every two months to allow for a phased lease-up schedule.”

Phase one of the firm’s Elkhorn project Ravello 192 went so well that it is now developing phase two of about 68 apartment homes, bringing the total to nearly 190 units.

I See It Ventures CEO Gordon Whitten announced that the Ralston Granary District, including the new community space known as the Granary Green — a $20 million development near 72nd and Q streets — will open in late July 2021. By late 2022 the firm expects to complete its live-work units, making 8,650 square feet of commercial/retail space available.

The Granary District is a part of the overall Ralston Hinge Project to redevelop the city of Ralston between 72nd to 77th streets and Main to Burlington streets. Whitten has brought close to 20 high-paying jobs to the area since moving his firm to Ralston in 2020 and estimates an additional 50 to 100 jobs will come online phase one completion this summer.

Commercial anchor tenant Out of the Box will open in the Granary District in mid-May. “We believe the Granary District will become an amazing job growth engine and a hot spot for living and entertainment in the region,” Whitten said.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

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AmeriSphere Companies transforms downtown landscape, looks to affordable housing projects Continued from page 1. they can choose what to do next, and their sights from their place of employment, have a subsidized childcare center in the building where they financing rental housing (mostly Fannie Mae), are set on affordable housing. expanding from Omaha into Iowa. In 2004, “We would like to be involved in another live and being a mixed use, not 100% affordable, McCarthy acquired 40% of the company. When multifamily rental housing project; howev- but mixed income where nobody knows who is it sold in 2015 to Norther, we want a portion who. From a social policy perspective, it’s the Marq Capital, it had a of that project to be most successful way of providing affordable AmeriSphere Companies $5.5 billion portfolio affordable housing,” rental housing.”

In addition to their experiences with afin 37 states, López said. Phone: 402-871-9058 Rodrigo López said.

López stayed with Address: Capitol Place, 909 Capitol Ave., “That’s something that fordable housing through AmeriSphere, Mary NorthMarq through Suite 600, Omaha 68102 during the time that we López’s career started in education. She then the end of 2017 and Services: property development company were financing rental became a public housing commissioner with the became the 2017 na- Website: www.capitolplaceomaha.com housing all over the Omaha Housing Authority in 1989, and Rodritional chairman of the United States, we had go López was on the City of Omaha Planning Mortgage Bankers Association. Once that post a significant rental housing portfolio, so we Board at that time.

Scattering affordable homes all across the ended, he retired from the executive chairman learned a lot about what makes affordable city, an initiative over the years in Omaha, is the position at NorthMarq and started AmeriSphere housing projects successful.”

Companies.

When AmeriSphere Multifamily Finance same principle of mixed income, he said, and “So, it evolved from AmeriSphere Financial sold in 2015, most of its $5.5 billion portfolio it works best if you have one-third affordable and two-thirds market rate for a rental housing to AmeriSphere Multifamily Finance to Amer- of loans were sold to Fannie Mae. iSphere Companies,” he said. “The idea is for “Also, we had some FHA loans, all mul- property.

“We financed enough of those in different it to be a property development, and our first tifamily and the entire spectrum of rental project is Capitol Place.” housing — market rate, affordable housing, markets all over the U.S. to convince ourselves, Capitol Place is a nearly 150,000-square- student housing, senior housing, mixed-use and it’s not just us — the industry has concluded foot mixed-use development with 78 rental developments — the entire spectrum,” he said. that that is the best way to do it,” he said. “From housing units. At the street level there is about Rodrigo López outlined that they want their a lot of different perspectives, not just the social 19,000 square feet of commercial space on the next project to focus on mixed income housing policy, but it’s profitable. You get the subsidy for first floor, of which the first is already developed in the central core/central business district in the affordable housing but then the profit for the developer is the market rate.” as Addy’s Sports Bar & Grill at 10th & Dodge Omaha.

Increasing affordable housing in Omaha’s streets.

“There’s a need for affordable housing all Currently in the middle phase of develop- over Omaha; in fact, all over the United States,” urban core is gaining momentum among deciment for Market Square at Capitol Place, also he said. “Just think about the hotel rooms that sion-makers, and Rodrigo López noted a recent on the first floor, plans are taking shape for about are directly across the street from us — 1,400. meeting on the topic sponsored by the Greater 10 small tenants, including a bar in the common All of those folks are making minimum wage Omaha Chamber that included developers, area. The service provider tenants will include and they’re having to commute long distances. contractors, engineers, architects, foundations a donut shop, coffee, sandwich/deli place and It would be great if they can be walking distance and other interested people. dry cleaner outlet.

“We are in different stages of discussion with potential tenants — we hope to have that Continued from page 1. open the end of 2021,” he said. seeking a pet to keep them company. Honey and The remaining 6,500 square feet at the north quarters is a 37,402-square-foot maintenance oats used in granola bars are seeing increased end of the first floor, at the corner of 10th & office and shop facility. In addition, a second space in FCC transportation which goes through Capitol streets, would be a good space for an maintenance facility has opened on 11 acres in 48 states and Canada. The hauling of construcCouncil Bluffs and the work being done at that tion industry and manufactured products such upscale restaurant.

“We’re really open on that space,” President 26,481-square-foot shop has necessitated the as shelving, pallets, and irrigation equipment are Mary López said. “We’re just looking for what addition of a second shift. Five additional jobs also important to FCC’s revenues. would be the ideal tenant, and I think our initial have been added.

“We don’t want any single customer to be McCormick said thought was it would be ideal for a higher end 10% or more of our the ratio of active driv- Fremont Contract Carriers restaurant.” overall business,” McAlong with the Capitol Place development, ers to office, support Phone: 800-228-9842 Cormick said. “That Rodrigo López was asked to serve as the inter- and maintenance staff Address: 865 S. Bud Blvd., Fremont 68025 started when our current im president and CEO of Children’s Hospital is high — 5.5 drivers Services: transportation and logistics with owners bought the busi& Medical Center from July 2019 to Labor to one support position. coverage throughout U.S. and Canada ness and we don’t want Day 2020, so Mary took on an oversight role He said there are 115 Founded: 1965 by Wendell Bruner to change that ratio.” of Capitol Place. The Lund Co. manages the total support employ- Employees: 115 (non-driving), plus operators On average, about building. Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture ees in Fremont and of 465 late model tractors — 35% of which 10% of FCC’s reveCouncil Bluffs. is the architect. nues are invested in are independent contractors.

McCormick, along One-year goal: Have 50 additional trucks “In the past year we did our first expansion, technology of some which was to add our studio units,” she said. with owners Mike and integrated into fleet. type. In recent years “This was the year when Rodrigo was the Karen Harre, who pur- Industry outlook: Pandemic has exasperatpurchases have includinterim CEO of Children’s. And now we’re chased the business ed the need to attract needed drivers. ed computers, additionmoving toward planning for Market Square, from founder Wendell Website: www.fcc-inc.com al tractor technology, so we anticipate that will keep us pretty busy Bruner in 1994 when and cameras in the cab. the firm had 50 trucks, said strategic planning in the next year.

“Early on that was not well received by “At the same time, I think we’re keeping and analytical management decision-making has drivers but now we’re using forward-facing our eyes wide open for those opportunities for been important to the growth to 465 late-model cameras,” McCormick said. an affordable housing, mixed-income property. tractors — 65% of which are company-owned; Sonar collision mitigation, adaptive cruise And then Rodrigo and I in the rest of our lives, 35% are owned by independent contractors. control, blind-side sensors and tractor calibration “We’re purchasing trucks incrementally for 68 miles per hour are among the investments business-wise, we stay really busy with volunthis year and want to hit the 500-truck mark by made. While more expensive upfront, the teer work.”

In 2020, they were named United Way’s December,” McCormick said. transportation industry is moving from drum McCormick said the company-owned fleet to disk brakes.

Citizens of the Year during the United Way of the Midlands virtual annual meeting for their is turned over every two years, and at present, “Although we won’t see it in my lifetime, decades of community service and dedication to consists of a mix of Freightliner and Kenworth the industry is moving toward a more autonoOmaha. Their volunteer work revolves around trucks. Equipment is generally traded out before mous trucking,” he said. education, housing, human services and the 500,000 miles.

A 2020 study by McKinsey & Co., a Among the commodities hauled by FCC are consulting firm, concluded that full autonomy arts, she said.

Successful affordable housing includes food-grade products such as dog food, which is could save the U.S trucking industry between seeing increased demand due to the pandemic, $80 billion and $125 billion in overall operating mixed-income developments The couple is at the point in their lives where people working from home, and more often costs. Included in that are the salaries of roughly

“There are two things that will help us narrow the economic gap in our community: Making sure that people have safe, affordable housing and provide good education,” he said.

“Both of those are areas that Mary and I have been interested in over a long period of time.”

Rodrigo López is an immigrant from Columbia, who arrived in Nebraska 50 years ago.

They’ve been married for 39 years and have traveled around the world.

“We love to go a lot of other different places, but it’s highly unlikely we would ever buy a place anywhere else because we like being here,” he said. “We can always make trips elsewhere but always come home to Omaha.

We love Omaha. Our friends are here, and we think it’s just a wonderful place to live. We have three grandkids here. Both of our kids and all our grandkids are here, so we don’t have a reason to go anywhere else.”

Mary López, for her part, said she “might flip the grandkids part as first,” a feeling highlighted after being apart during the pandemic year.

From their perch atop Capitol Place, they’ve noticed activity picking up — more cars, more people walking, and the lights of hotel rooms have turned back on.

“We are looking forward to the end of this long, dark tunnel,” she said, listing the completion dates of all the new developments happening downtown. “I would not be surprised if a couple of corporate announcements are made, so we’ll probably see more companies moving into downtown Omaha. There’s a lot of activity going on. Vaccines will change everything.”

Analytical approach builds Fremont Contract Carriers reach 3.5 million people working as truck drivers in the U.S., who would be out of a job.

Finding, training and retaining drivers remains the top industry challenge today.

McCormick, who started his career in 1989 as a preload supervisor for UPS in Omaha and later eight years as senior director of operations at Werner Enterprises, said FCC differentiates itself from many of the players in the industry by requiring applicants to be at least 23 and have a minimum of two years driving experience.

“With that they know they want to be in this profession and what the lifestyle is like,” he said. “That makes a difference from the retention standpoint.”

In addition to its policy of maintaining a fleet of tractors less than two years old, FCC since 2008 has had auxiliary power generators in each of its tractor and scanning equipment for the electronic filing of reports.

Earlier this year, the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge — an industry technology company — named FCC as one of its Top 20 “Best Fleet” finalists — an honor the Fremont-based firm has achieved in 11 of the last 13 years. In 2009, 2011 and 2015, FCC won Best Overall Fleet recognition.

FCC’s Director of Driver Recruiting Mike Andresen said the random survey of drivers, done as part of the evaluation for a Top 20 Best Fleet To Drive For recognition, demonstrates to the firm’s drivers how valuable and appreciated they are.

“With a driver turnover rate of less than 25% in an industry where the average for large truck fleet is 95 percent, it shows,” Andresen said.

“We’re one of the most decorated companies in North America,” McCormick added.

“Often the nominations are from our drivers and contractors.”

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Authentic connections, analytics guide marketing goals

by Michelle Leach

The pandemic has put a light on fundamentals across industries, including marketing. The authentic, substantive connections that have characterized digital and social media platforms is more important now more than ever.

“Consumers expect an appropriate response from businesses and want to connect with brands that have thoughtfully navigated unsettling times by leveraging digital and social media platforms,” said Lukas Partners Senior Account Executive Kristen Whitman.

She referred to a “we are in this together” tone. “‘Togetherness’ is expected to be a major theme across digital and social media marketing campaigns in 2021,” she said.

Health, safety, community and compassion, Whitman said, were magnified by organizations this past year, from drive-thru events to contactless food delivery.

“Brands that have shifted their strategies to align with what the consumer feels they need have benefitted during 2020, and this will continue in 2021,” she said.

A&K Marketing President and owner Rhonda Richardson emphasized, as passive audiences consume content, marketers should value content over engagement.

“Many brands made the mistake of trying to capitalize on the increased social media activity during the pandemic,” she said. “They have completely overlooked the fact that people primarily wanted to connect with each other, not brands.”

Citing GlobalWebIndex and Hootsuite data respectively, Richardson noted a 66% increase in baby boomers discovering new brands and products via social media over the past four years, and more than a quarter of boomers are spending longer on social due to the pandemic.

“As pandemic responses have pushed people to spend more time online, many people are using short video for creativity, ranging from dance challenges to storytelling in features like Instagram Reels,” she added.

Underscoring customer experience, Richardson said user-generated content builds and strengthens communities, is relatable and uplifting, and enables brands to meet customers where they’re “at,” and to generate more content amid stay-at-home orders and restrictive measures.

Easy-to-consume content, like podcasts and newsletters, will continue to increase in popularity.

“If 2020 taught us anything, it taught us that consumers want to be spoken ‘to’ not spoken ‘at,’” she said. “The content needs to be informative, timely and relevant. Style over substance will be a waste of effort and resources.”

As reliance upon devices and the online world grows, DayCloud Studios CEO and COO Liz Hunt sees social and digital lives growing.

“And there being more of an appetite across the broader generations or age groups for community through online social media and the digital world,” she said. “I definitely see there being outlets for better connections through social and my hope is that we are able to find a place for vulnerability and empathy, even in our

digital lives.”

Hunt noted various platforms are used for specific age groups — for instance, Instagram or Facebook for specific age groups and audiences.

“Organically, we’ve seen platforms becoming catered to specific audiences, specifically age groups, of people that prefer that platform rather than ‘everyone’ being on every platform,” she said.

Strategically and actionably, Whitman said it’s important Whitman for brands to conduct social media “listening.” Determine what users care about.

“Collecting insights to improve user experiences also is providing a more personalized approach to marketing,” she said, while also referencing the incorporation of user-generated content into digital and social strategies.

“Brands can monitor user-generated content and engage with everyday users by searching for discussions or posts about their products,” she said. “Brands are ramping up efforts to collaborate with relatable people who can be influencers on behalf of the brand.”

Be flexible “We are still living in an unpredictable time, which requires the ability to pivot,”

Whitman said.

Focus on building online reviews, Richardson noted. And remember, video is king.

“Have a monthly website SEO strategy,” she said. “Search keyword trends change, links become broken, content needs updated [and so on]. Your website is the front door to your business. With a strategic monthly SEO strategy, you can significantly increase your organic search ranking — increasing Hunt the likelihood of a potential customer finding you.”

Avoid the temptation to focus on all platforms; for instance, Snapchat may be a better channel for younger rather than older audiences. Do research, she added, understand goals and demographics and, accordingly, use analytics.

“How will you know if your social media or digital strategy on each platform is really working? Too often, content marketers will simply keep posting what they think will be the right type, style and tone for that platform,” Richardson said.

Hunt emphasized finding out the platform a primary audience is using.

“And post your content on that platform as often as you possibly can,” she said. “As you’re doing this, your audience

will see that you are making an effort to engage with them and they will begin to engage back with you. This will keep you top of mind with your customers in their daily routine. So, when they’re ready to make a purchasing decision, you immediately come to mind because of all the time and effort you’ve spent building up to that moment.”

Lukas Partners’ approach is that each social media project or campaign begins with an integrated social media matrix that can be easily accessed, updated and shared via spreadsheet.

“The matrix lists target audiences, dates, key messages and how those messages are woven into content that will be distributed to various audience segments during the most effective time of day,” Whitman said.

Strategic objectives, tactics and attainable goals are tracked and outcomes are measured, she noted, by collecting analytics and metrics.

“Weekly or monthly reports to help inform success and future efforts,” she added.

When asked about the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely) approach to goal-setting, Richardson said it can keep one on course and prevent knee-jerk reactions.

“It requires the business to take a timely look at what they are doing, how they are implementing, how it is working through analytics and outcomes,” she said.

“It aids in setting reasonable marketing goals that are in line within the context of current economic and realities of the business climate.”

Commitment to staff, authentic flavors drives ingenuity for The Churro Truck churros alone wouldn’t work.”

Continued from page 1.

In addition to churros, the menu inindustry. Prior to opening his food truck he spent his days working as a district cludes tortas (sandwich with meat, cheese manager for a local restaurant for 14 years. and vegetables), street tacos, burritos, “When I was district manager, I was quesadillas, and, seasonally, elotes (grilled Mexican street corn). doing some cooking Everything is made in the kitchen — on The Churro Truck from scratch, on the the grill, sautéing Address: location may vary, but normally at spot, with fresh invegetables, cooking 303 S. 72nd St., Omaha 68114 gredients and recipes pizza and pasta — so Founded: 2016 that are authentic to I had some experi- Service: authentic Mexican staples such as Mexican culture. ence in every aspect burritos, tacos, tortas, and churros “Some people of cooking,” he said. Employees: 5-6 might think that beWhat’s more is Outlook: With warmer weather ahead and cause it’s called the that he enjoyed it, vaccines being rolled out more catering Churro Truck that we and grew up in a events are being booked; horchata sales in don’t have authentic household where his local grocery stores may increase. food but when peofather was a fixture Goals: Gain enough momentum to open ple try it they realize in the kitchen. Both small, drive-through locations and reserve the it is authentic,” Garhis father and uncle food truck solely for events. rido said. “We have a made a living in the restaurant business as owners of restau- large Hispanic following and that makes me feel successful.” rants and food trucks.

About a year after starting his mobile “I didn’t mind following in their footsteps, but I didn’t want to be under their business a stable following let Garrido brand, I wanted to do my own thing,” he quit his other full-time job to focus on the business. Word-of-mouth and social media said.

The idea to focus the brand on churros, reviews — its Facebook page has nearly a popular fried dough dessert in Mexican 11,000 followers — have led to catering cuisine, came from a trip to Juarez, Mexi- opportunities for weddings, employee apco. While at the mall one weekend, Garri- preciation lunches, graduations, birthday do noticed a steady stream of Americans parties and more.

Like all companies with significant coming to a kiosk in the mall to purchase revenue from events, The Churro Truck churros.

“I thought ‘churros are good, but I took a hit when COVID-19 restrictions didn’t realize that people loved them that took effect and nearly 50% of its scheduled much,’” he said. “Then we came back and events were cancelled.

Lost revenue was made up, partly, by it was stuck in my head, but I knew that

increased sales that resulted from customers heading to food trucks while sit-down restaurants where learning to pivot to curbside and carry out.

While the boost did help keep employees busy, Garrido knew it wasn’t going to be sustainable long-term. That’s when he made the decision to bottle his homemade horchata to distribute in local grocery stores.

Previously he had been selling it on the truck in a “on-tap” style, as well as to local business by the gallon. Garrido got in contact with the Hy-Vee manager at 50th and Center streets in Omaha, who tried the product and agreed to carry it in his location.

In addition to the Hy-Vee at 50th and Center streets, the horchata is sold at the Hy-Vee locations at 87th and Cass streets, 90th and Center streets, and Shadow Lake Towne Center.

“I’m trying everything possible to keep all [of my employees] busy,” he said.

With warm months ahead Garrido expects horchata sales to increase, as it’s traditionally a cold drink for summer days. More events, like the Omaha Food Truck Association Rodeo on April 24, are on the horizon as vaccinations are being rolled out.

The truck can normally be found parked outside Continental Cellular, formerly Gamers, at 72nd and Farnam streets from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When there is a change of venue it is added on The Churro Truck’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

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10

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

US jobs come roaring back, surprising employers and economists

by Michael Sasso and Leslie Patton

A resurgent job market is creating more opportunities at a faster clip than many economists and employers Jobs expected.

What’s more, too few people are applying for positions that are reopening, and that’s setting up a battle for talent. Restaurants and hotels are raising wages, offering bonuses for worker referrals or luring people from other states to cope with the shortage.

Many data watchers have been caught off guard as improving weather, stimulus and a surge in vaccinations converge to boost the economy. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 916,000 last month, blowing away economists’ median estimate of a 660,000-job gain. Meanwhile, a measure of service-industry activity released recently saw the fastest growth on record in March, exceeding the highest estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

On Florida’s Captiva Island, Doug Babcock is considering hiring a temporary labor firm to fill roles at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa and other resorts on neighboring Sanibel Island. Historically, workers have willingly driven up to an hour from the mainland for the promise of year-round work. This year, applicants are grilling him about drive times and taking jobs closer to home.

“It’s almost like the staff is interviewing you,” said Babcock, who’s boosted starting pay for dishwashers by $2 to $3 recently.

Next Phase Economic data are rebounding better than expected because of a “superfecta” of positives colliding at once, Michael Skordeles, a senior U.S. macro strategist at Truist Financial Corp., said in an April 2 note.

“The resulting horsepower lifting the economy is unparalleled, particularly for jobs in the coming months,” he wrote.

Economists like Skordeles point to improving weather, more states lifting business restrictions, the vaccine roll-out and President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus bill as drivers.

Even before states like Texas and Mississippi reopened last month, job openings were surging — hitting a two-year high in February, data showed.

“I think we’re getting to another phase in the reopening and that’s leading to a spurt in economic activity,” said Ryan Sweet, head of monetary policy research at Moody’s Analytics Inc. And while economic data can sometimes send mixed signals, “this time around, we’re getting strong signals that the economy is set to bounce back,” he said.

Restaurant Wages To get ahead of the competition for talent, Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants Inc. is boosting pay to ensure all workers, tipped and untipped, earn at least $10 an hour initially and $12 by January 2023.

Many Applebee’s restaurants are offering $3,000 bounties for manager referrals after the first six months, while some Arby’s locations are paying $500 referral bonuses up front.

“Our restaurants are literally busier

than they’ve been in decades,” said Greg Flynn, whose Flynn Restaurant Group owns 2,355 restaurants including Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Taco Bell and other brands.

The worker shortage is especially apparent at Southern restaurants and hotels that have seen a spring-break surge of activity in states that reopened earlier than most, on top of a wave of spending from the $1,400 federal stimulus payments that Congress passed in March.

In Southern states including Alabama, South Carolina and Florida, growth in consumer spending since January 2020 far exceeds the national average, according to data from Opportunity Insights.

“Never have we ever had this many positions open,” said Francesco Balli, co-founder and co-CEO of Grove Bay Hospitality Group that owns eight restaurants in the Miami area.

Pre-pandemic the company employed about 500 people, but that workforce shrunk during shutdowns last year. Now with about 280 on staff, it isn’t enough,

Balli said.

Hotel Bookings Hoteliers are in an especially rough spot right now, with a flood of leisure travelers booking rooms on weekends and almost no business travelers during the week, said Tim McPherson, whose Hospitality Staffing Solutions employs more than 10,000 workers around the country.

Hotels have boosted their pay by around 15% over pre-pandemic rates, McPherson said, while sign-on bonuses or bonuses for finishing a three-month assignment are catching on. In Nashville, staffing agencies like his have brought in workers from Minnesota temporarily to fill the need, McPherson said.

Hotel and restaurant operators have a litany of theories about what’s keeping workers away.

Some say it’s the hot housing market luring away would-be employees. Others say it’s e-commerce companies or even customer service call centers, some of which are adopting attractive work-from-

home arrangements permanently. However, nearly everyone blames the $300 federal unemployment benefits that Congress renewed until September 6.

Earlier in the pandemic, several economists published research suggesting the then-$600 weekly benefit largely didn’t dissuade people from seeking work, including a September paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

The appeal of a sustained salary outweighs even generous temporary unemployment benefits, the Fed researchers noted at the time.

For now, a poolside bar at the SpringHill Suites in Navarre Beach is closed until the hotel can find enough workers to staff it. Cooks, who earn $13 to $17 an hour, are especially needed, said General Manager Scott Mauer.

“I feel like this is all going to go away,” Mauer said. “At some point, people will want to start looking for jobs again. ©2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

The deepening economic divide: How the pandemic has hurt small businesses

by Paul Roberts In a big gravel lot near South Seattle’s South Park Bridge, a handful of small businesses might get a second chance to survive the pandemic.

Rocio ElizaSmall Business beth Arriaga Briones, president of the South Park Merchants Association (SPMA), hopes to turn the 0.8acre parcel into a temporary commercial plaza, built from cargo containers, for local small businesses that have been dislocated or shut down by the pandemic.

The plaza is still only a plan on Arriaga Briones’s laptop. Among other things, she needs permission from the Seattle Parks Department, which owns the land. But if approved, it could be a welcome break for small business owners after months of setbacks.

Many “have lost everything,” Arriaga Briones says. “They need a new start.”

Arriaga Briones could be speaking for many of the more than 600,000 small business owners in Washington state.

Although businesses of all sizes have struggled under COVID-19, the pandemic has been especially hard for smaller firms, especially those with just a few employees and modest revenues.

Many operate on the thinnest of profit margins even in normal times, which left them far more exposed to pandemic-related disruptions, says Jeffrey Shulman, a professor of marketing at the University of Washington Foster School of Business who has surveyed small Seattle-area businesses. When it comes to business size, Shulman says, COVID-19 is “creating haves and have-nots.”

Those disparities often were even more pronounced among smaller companies in communities of color, where owners and workers also had to cope with those communities’ higher incidence of COVID-19 cases.

In effect, COVID-19 has put up a “medical layer” that minority business owners often must “get through in order to even run or participate in a business,” says William Bradford, professor emeritus of finance at the UW Foster School and an expert in minority-owned businesses.

Recessions are extra hard on smaller companies. With small cash reserves — often, just the owners’ personal savings — and difficulties getting bank financing, they can be devastated by even a few months of low or no revenue, says Laura Clise, a Seattle-based entrepreneur whose company, Intentionalist, connects consumers to small businesses in underserved communities.

Indeed, smaller companies, especially those that are family-, immigrant- or minority-owned, often are already “living hand to mouth, and are dependent on consistent streams of revenue,” which left them vulnerable to even a brief dip in sales, she says.

COVID-19 heightened those disadvantages. Modest cash reserves, for example, also made it hard to pivot to other products or markets to replace revenue lost due to the pandemic.

When gyms had to shut down last spring, Rainier Health & Fitness, a South Seattle nonprofit that caters to low-income residents and communities of color, had to invest “a lot of manpower and extra expenses” to get gym classes online, says director Alicia Haskins.

“What it felt like was starting a whole new gym,” adds Haskins. And having to do that without a big cash reserve “was difficult for us.”

Further, because smaller companies frequently are narrowly focused on a single product or market, pandemic pivots often weren’t a realistic option.

Rebecca and Brian Grant, owners of the Twin Willow Gardens wedding venue in Snohomish, had few alternatives to generate income when COVID-19 crashed last year’s wedding season. Pandemic-related cancellations erased half their expected revenue for 2020 and have already taken a big bite out of 2021. “We were a year ahead and now we’re a year behind,” Rebecca says.

Likewise for Bellevue-based Spotless Cleaners, where proprietors Boon and Yang Seo had few options when most office workers began working from home last spring and largely stopped needing dry-cleaning. Even a year later, business is down nearly 60% compared to before the pandemic, says Boon.

“Who knows about tomorrow?” she says.

Deeper still were the impacts for businesses tied to a single location. In dense commercial districts such as downtown Seattle, scores of restaurants and tourist shops lost most of their customers virtually overnight. “These businesses didn’t just see a downturn; they saw a complete disappearance of business,” says economist Debra Glassman, a professor of finance and business economics at the UW’s Foster School.

In fact, state tax records show that Washington’s smaller companies likely took a larger financial hit early in the pandemic than did their bigger counterparts or the state economy as a whole.

During the second quarter of 2020 — April, May and June — as businesses were absorbing the first wave of pandemic-related restrictions and consumer anxieties, the gross income (total revenue minus cost of goods sold) reported by all Washington firms fell 17.5% compared with the same period in 2019, according to the state Department of Revenue.

But for smaller firms — those with gross incomes of less than $250,000 in 2019 — the average decrease was 24.3%.

Policymakers tried to fill in these disparities with pandemic aid. The federal Paycheck Protection Program, for example, has channeled nearly $17 billion in forgivable loans to well over 10,000 small businesses in Washington alone since last spring.

Yet the program also illustrates the disadvantages smaller firms typically faced.

Where a large firm could’ve turned to its in-house financial expertise and strong banking relationships to manage the complicated PPP loan process, smaller ones typically don’t have those resources, Glassman says.

“I used to have an accountant but we can’t afford that anymore,” says Joyce Poon, founder and CEO of Noir Lash Lounge, an eyelash parlor with four locations in Washington and California. That left Poon to handle the often-frustrating loan process while also struggling with a 75% revenue decline due to the pandemic and restrictions.

Where some smaller firms simply gave Continued from preceding page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

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The deepening economic divide: How the pandemic has hurt small businesses Continued from preceding page. up on PPP loans, however, Poon says the $176,000 loan is crucial to keeping her business afloat until the economy fully reopens.

“If we can just hang on just a little bit more, we’re going to be OK,” she says.

Similarly, even though many smaller brick-and-mortar retailers were desperate to move online to replace lost in-person sales, they often couldn’t afford professional technical expertise.

For Pamela Morales, owner of the Simple Life boutique in downtown Seattle, that

meant either closing her doors or learning how to launch an online sales operation. “I did it myself,” says Morales, who had little technical expertise before the pandemic. But “it was almost three months of hard work.”

For many owners, these disadvantages ultimately proved too burdensome. Some of the small businesses that closed temporarily because of early COVID-19 restrictions didn’t have enough capital to reopen when restrictions lifted. Others refused to drain their remaining savings trying to reopen when they could only operate at partial indoor capacity.

E-QUIVALENT FIGURES

Answers on page 12.

“What gets lost on many folks is that just because you have the ability to legally be open, doesn’t mean that your business hasn’t been absolutely decimated,” Clise says.

Statistics on business closures and bankruptcies due to COVID-19 are incomplete. But according to Womply, a commerce platform that tracks small business credit card transactions, the number of open small businesses in Washington has declined by nearly 28% since January 2020.

COVID-19’s challenges have been even larger for businesses in communities of color, says the UW’s Bradford.

Black- and Latino-owned businesses, for example, historically have been less likely to get bank loans than have white-owned companies with similar credit scores, Bradford says. And minority business owners also have had lower credit scores than white-owned companies, he adds. So when COVID-19 struck, Black- and Latino-owned businesses were even less likely to have the reserves to weather losses or to pivot to new products, Bradford says.

Worse, they also likely had less access to business expertise that lenders typically provide to small-business borrowers. At the very moment that minority-owned small businesses needed expertise, “that layer of advice and oversight is [often] missing,” Bradford says.

Those disparities extend well beyond the areas of finance and expertise.

For example, because Black and Latino communities have suffered disproportionately high rates of COVID-19, workers from those communities may have been more likely to miss work, which can challenge employers with small staffs.

“If I have a lot of employees of color, there’s more likelihood that they will get sick or someone around them will get sick,” says Kristi Brown, a Black woman and owner of the restaurant Communion in Seattle’s Central District. “If I’m already a small business, when those people call out, I don’t have anybody to replace them.”

Similarly, because pandemic-related job losses fell heaviest in certain sectors — such as restaurants, construction and housekeeping — that employ large numbers of Black and Latino workers, companies that rely on those communities for customers often saw a big hit in sales.

At Chavez Auto Repair in Burien, business has fallen by 40% during the pandemic because a lot of customers, many of them Latino families, “haven’t been working,” says owner Jose Chavez.

He says it’s worse than during the Great Recession, when people still brought in their cars for repair and paid in installments. Now, Chavez says, many “are not coming in at all.”

Chavez has been able to hang on, in part by working longer hours. “Now that we’re going to have more daylight, I’ll work until 10 at night,” he says. But some smaller companies haven’t been able to cover rent or other basic expenses.

Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta and other local officials have scrambled to help struggling local merchants with measures such as expedited permits for outdoor restaurant seating.

But even as the broader economy steadily improves, Matta, who owns a small construction firm, worries that some policymakers may not realize that thousands of smaller companies still lack the resources to join the recovery.

“If we don’t get it right, we’re going to lose

more businesses in our communities,” he says.

For now, at least, small businesses are getting a lot of attention.

A second round of federal PPP loans, including more than $4 billion already approved for Washington small businesses, is underway, and Congress just extended the application deadline to May 31. The new round reserves some funds for businesses in marginalized communities, and eligibility rules improve access for the very smallest companies and sole proprietors.

Starting this week, owners can also apply for a fourth round of Working Washington grants of up to $25,000 from the state commerce department.

Help is coming from other places, too.

Universities and business organizations are sharing financial and other business advice with small businesses. Community groups are stepping up.

In South Park, for example, the SPMA has raised $20,000 for its temporary business plaza project and has a contractor ready to modify the cargo containers, says Arriaga Briones. She hopes to keep rents at $300 or less per month.

Although the SPMA still needs approval from the Parks Department (which is “preparing a detailed response to the SPMA proposal,” a department official says), demand for the venture is already high.

Many merchants “are ready to get into the space,” says Arriaga Briones, who had to temporarily close her own firm, a business consultancy, in August after some clients could no longer afford to pay.

Sometimes, help has come from unexpected quarters.

Haskins, at Rainier Health & Fitness, says a large number of gym members kept their memberships active even when the gym closed — and one member donated $10,000 “just to make sure our staff was taken care of.”

Another example comes from Carol Xie, a community engagement coordinator and case manager for a Seattle housing nonprofit whose family runs the Purple Dot Cafe in Seattle’s International District.

After learning that the restaurant was struggling last year, Xie, who is also a freelance photographer, put her social media skills to work. “I knew how to garner engagement and interest on social media platforms,” the 26-year-old says. “I was just thinking, ‘well, if I can get X amount of people interested in my personal life, let me try it for the restaurant.'”

The strategy paid off. Soon after Xie revamped the restaurant website and launched an Instagram account, her father, Jason Xie, reported that new customers came because they saw the restaurant on “in gram,” as he called it.

The strategy also helped Xie reconnect with her family’s business — a pattern she also has observed with some of her local peers.

Small business owners who are immigrants often prioritize the education and career goals of their children, who often aren’t so involved in the family business, Xie says.

The pandemic has changed that. Among Xie’s peers, many of “the kids that didn’t have much interaction or involvement with their families’ businesses are now stepping up to help them,” she says.

It’s “one of the silver linings out of this whole situation.” ©2021 The Seattle Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

For 20-somethings, how to choose the right retirement account

by Carla Fried

According to the IRS, in 2018 more than 34 million taxpayers in their 20s were eligible to contribute to an individual retirement account (IRA). Fewer than 5% did so.

Of course, some may be doing some retirement saving through Retirement work. But even if you’re a 20-something with a workplace 401(k), an IRA — specifically a Roth IRA — is the smartest retirement move to make.

The IRS estimates only 1.25 million 20-somethings contributed to a Roth IRA in 2018.

If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who is looking for a way to help a 20-something build financial security, keep in mind it’s totally kosher to gift them money to contribute to a Roth IRA as long as they have earned income equal to their Roth IRA contribution.

The blown opportunity of not saving in a Roth IRA The absurdity of our retirement system is that it requires people in their 20s to choose to save money they won’t use for 40 or 50 years, and the same system does a lousy job explaining why waiting a decade (or two, or three) to focus on retirement saving is a huge miss.

Here’s the sales pitch: Your 20s are the optimal time to take advantage of compound growth. A dollar invested at 25 has 45 years to grow before you retire at 70. A dollar invested at age 40 has just 30 years. Sounds like a big “so what?” It’s anything but. That time is the secret sauce of investing for retirement.

Invest $100 a week starting at age 25 and keep it up for 45 years, and you will have nearly $882,000, assuming a conservative 5% annualized rate of return. Start at age 40 and you will have less than $362,00 at age 70. If you wait until age 40 to get focused, you will need to save about $245 a week to end up with the same $882,000.

That essentially means doing a lot more of the heavy lifting.

When you start at age 25, the sum of all those $100 weekly deposits will be $234,000. Start at 40 and you end up needing to save $380,000 to end up with the $882,000. That nearly $150,000 difference is simply the cost of not using compound growth to its full advantage.

Why Roths rule IRAs, and many 401(k)s, come in two flavors: traditional or Roth. The only difference is when you pay tax. With a Roth IRA you pay the tax upfront because the money you invest is from

income that has already been taxed.

That’s a smart deal when you’re young, and likely in a low tax bracket. You don’t need a tax break on the money you are contributing. What you want to focus on is what happens when you withdraw the money. In retirement, every dollar you pull out of a Roth IRA will be 100% tax-free.

In retirement every dollar you withdraw from a traditional IRA or 401(k) will be taxed as ordinary income.

Roth IRA or workplace plan? It depends If you’ve got a workplace retirement plan, you may not need to focus on a Roth IRA. Emphasis on may.

A decision tree to sort through: —Is there a matching employer contribution for your 401(k)? In that case, you definitely want to participate in the workplace plan. It would be nuts to turn down this bonus.

—Is there a Roth 401(k) option? Most big employers now offer the choice between a Roth 401(k) or a traditional 401(k). If you have a Roth 401(k) and you have a match, you don’t need to consider a Roth IRA. With one caveat: If your Roth 401(k) offers mutual funds with high annual expense ratios (say, more than 0.50%), you might consider limiting your contribution to

Ford dealer: Cars are the new version of toilet paper panic

by Phoebe Wall Howard

Despite only a slight increase in overall sales so far this year, it's a new day in paradise, some Ford Motor Co. dealers said.

Business for them has seen a dramatic turnaround from the first Auto three months a year ago, when the coronavirus pandemic shut down cities and dealerships across America.

Now, with safety protocols in place and used car prices up, new car sales spiked in the first quarter of 2021.

“Both our stores set records,” said Chad Wilson, general manager of Wilson Ford in Saginaw and Midland Ford. “We've had the Midland store since 1991 and the Saginaw store since 2018. I don't know that we've ever seen numbers like this.”

What's selling? “Everything,” he said.

“The only explanation that I can even muster is that cars are 2021’s version of toilet paper in 2020,” Wilson said. “We are taking a lot of retail orders because we don't have anything (in stock). Normally between our two stores, we'd have 150-180 F-series in stock. I think right now there might be 10. I do think there’s an element of fear of missing out.”

Ongoing production shutdowns related to parts shortages and COVID-19 have led to smaller supplies of vehicles globally.

Ford reported a 1% increase in total sales in the United States from a year ago to 521,334, according to sales data released Thursday. The automaker saw a 5.1% increase in truck sales to 277,233 and a 14.3% increase in SUV sales to 216,899.

Sales highlights for first quarter include: All-electric Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Powerboost Hybrid with 25,980 F-150 Powerboost Hybrids at 7,176 and 3,949 in March alone F-Series saw its best start in 15 years, up 24.5% with 203,797 pickups Bronco Sport and Mustang Mach-E totaled 29,970 Overall, Ford saw sales climb with Explorer, Expedition, F-Series, Ranger, E-Series, Transit Connect and Lincoln Aviator and Navigator.

“Our customers are really embracing our new electrified vehicle lineup,” said Andrew Frick, vice president of Ford sales in the U.S.

and Canada.

General Motors reported recently its first-quarter new car sales grew 4% in the U.S., with 642,250 new vehicles during the first three months this year compared with the same period a year ago. Stellantis hadn't yet reported its quarterly sales data.

Used car prices are high so trade-in transactions work great for buyers these days, especially when paired with new vehicle incentive discounts.

“As of yesterday, neither store had an Edge still in stock. All the 2020 Escapes were gone.

We've seen a couple 2021s getting dropped off,” Wilson said. “Over the last month, we saw four to five Expeditions show up and none lasted a couple days. Explorers, as fast as you get it, goes. I've never seen a market where things turn this fast. Nobody came in and said they weren’t buying.”

Meanwhile, Jeff King, vice president and general manager at Bozard Ford Lincoln in St. Augustine, Florida, said, “Volumes are at or very close to records in every department, trucks and used cars both at Ford and Lincoln. For a dealer that sells 70 F-150s a month, we've got 14 in stock. Supply is very low but demand seems to be at record highs.”

Buyers seem to have saved up money over the past year through less travel, fewer restaurant visits and fewer commutes to work, dealers said.

“Americans, when we've got money in our pocket, we want to spend it and reward ourselves,” King said. “Salesmen are running after the transport trucks when they show up to see if their customers' vehicles are on them.”

His recent customer trade-ins include Range Rovers, a Maserati and an Aston Martin.

Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have been reporting high transaction prices based on demand exceeding supply.

“Every manufacturer is under stocked, market demand is strong and most dealers are turning their inventories very quickly,” said Thad Szott, co-owner of Szott Auto Group in White Lake Charter Township, which sells Ford, Jeep, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram

Trucks. “High demand, lower supply, low interest rates and strong credit availability create stronger consumer flexibility. Many consumers settled for their second, third or fourth choice and those that won’t settle are placing custom orders.” ©2021 www.freep.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

what you need to earn the maximum matching contribution, and then do the rest of your saving in a Roth IRA. It’s easy to find index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds for an IRA that have expense ratios below 0.10%.

—Got a match, but no Roth 401(k) option?

OK, you definitely want to participate in the workplace plan to get the match. But maybe limit your contribution to whatever is necessary to pocket the maximum employer match. (HR will tell you the percentage of your salary you need to contribute to reach the max match.) And then do additional saving in your own Roth IRA. —No match? If you have a Roth option, it can still make sense to do your retirement saving at work, as long as your plan offers low-cost mutual funds.

—No match and no Roth option? You def should be focusing on the Roth IRA first.

How to set up your own Roth IRA account Any discount brokerage such as Fidelity, Schwab or Vanguard will be happy to help you set one up and get rolling.

The key is to sign up from the get-go to have a weekly/monthly/quarterly deposit sent from your checking account into your IRA. Automatic transfers are free on both ends.

The IRA contribution limit for 2021 is $6,000 for everyone younger than 50. That works out to $115 a week. If you can pull that off, fantastic. But you can work your way up to that, too. In 2018, the average annual Roth contribution for 20-somethings was close to $3,000.

(Rate.com/research/news covers the worlds of personal finance and residential real estate.) ©2021 Rate.com.

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SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to the Legal Department at legals@mbj.com. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week).

As a publisher and not a legal advisor we print notices exactly as they are submitted and therefor only comp reruns when the notice was rejected or messed up due to a MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring the content fits with the State’s requirements and are responsible for the cost of republishing the notice if it is rejected due to misinformation or missing information 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check.

3. Deadline is noon on Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday.

4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts.

5. You will receive a paid invoice copy the first week it runs.

Timothy J. Buckley, Attorney for Personal Representative SMITH, SLUSKY, POHREN, & ROGERS, LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-477 Estate of Mildred M. Fanciullo, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 25, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Mary M. Shipp, whose address is 15052 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68116, was informally appointed by the Registrat as Personal Representative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before June 8, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Zhouse Investmentz, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 10/01/2021 and 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 managers.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Amazing Four, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 11/23/2020 and 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.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STOIC PARTNERS LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Stoic Partners LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Stoic Partners LLC; and 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 Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARK AVE CAPITAL LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Park Ave Capital LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Park Ave Capital LLC; and 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 Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARK AVE CAPITAL DR LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Park Ave Capital DR LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Park Ave Capital DR LLC; and 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 Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4813 UNDERWOOD PARTNERS LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of 4813 Underwood Partners LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is 4813 Underwood Partners LLC; and 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 Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STOIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Stoic Preserve Management LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Stoic Preserve Management LLC; and 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 Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of PDT Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is PDT Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of PDT Construction, LLC is Santiago Reyna Salinas at PDT Construction, LLC. The designated address is 5313 A Street, Omaha, NE 68106. Initial members: Santiago Reyna Salinas. 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 in March 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

13

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP, Attorneys 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby notified that the following described property will be sold by Daniel C. Pauley, Trustee, at public auction to the highest bidder at the Farnam Street Level of the Douglas County City County Building, 1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68183 on May 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

6518 Sprague Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Legally described as: All of Lot 20, Block 4 and that part of Lot 8, block 5, Camenzind Heights, an Addition to the City of Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 105 feet North of the Southeast corner of Lot 8, Block 5; thence in a Northwesterly direction, 40 feet to a point on the South side of Sahler Street Cul-De-Sac; thence 8 feet in a straight line to the extreme Northeast corner of Lot 8; thence South along the East line of Lot 8, Block 5, 43.5 feet to the point of beginning.

The highest bidder will deposit with the Trustee on the day and time of the sale, a cashier’s check in the amount of $10,000.00 with the remainder to be received by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale, except this requirement is waived when the highest bidder is the beneficiary. The purchaser shall be responsible for all applicable fees or taxes, including the documentary stamp tax. This sale is made without any warranties as to title or condition of the property.

Daniel C. Pauley By: Jackson E. Stokes, #27102 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 First publication March 19, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Maureen Dangelo, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE. 100, Omaha, NE 68154. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE. 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

JAMES D. BUSER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRACE MILLER HAIR, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Trace Miller Hair, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Trace Miller Hair, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10958 Marcy Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is James D. Buser, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LLG Business Services, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Essential Breastfeeding Support, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 16410 Fowler Ave, Omaha, NE 68116. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GLEN OAKS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Glen Oaks, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4510 Primrose Lane, Omaha, Nebraska 68157. 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 16, 2021.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

14

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF GUAC N ROLL, 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 GUAC N ROLL, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 8610 Brentwood Drive, #3, LaVista, NE 68128.

The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business.

The company commenced existence on March 17, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BURNES LAW OFFICE 5017 Leavenworth Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1438 In the District Court of Douglas County Nebraska: To: WHOM IT MAY CONCERN You are hereby notified that on March 9, 2021, Rose Marie Teeters as PLaintiff filed her Petition for Name Change in the District Court of Douglas County Nebraska at Case No: CI21-2205. The object of the Petition is for the Plaintiff to change her name from Rose Marie Teeters to Romi Anna Frances Spicka.

You must file an Answer/responsive pleading with the Douglas County District Court on or before May 9, 2021 or said Petition will be granted.

First publication March 19, 2021, final April 9, 2021

Anne K. Burnett, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GUYNAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that GUYNAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Anne K. Burnett, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130.

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on March 17, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Anne K. Burnett, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JA ARTHUR, LLC, has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 13804 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company's members, managers and professional employees are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of medicine in the State of Nebraska. The Company was formed on March 17, 2021.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

Thomas H. Penke, Attorney for Applicant 12030 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1769 ESTATE OF LORI M. POLEN, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that on the 17 day of November, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased person, and that GAIL M. BUCHANAN, whose address is 51221 South 176th Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68136, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 26, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF DONE RIGHT INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Designated Office: 2627 N. 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68134 Registered Agent: Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. The limited liability company has amended its Certificate of Organization. The amendment was filed to amend the name of the Company to DRI, LLC. In all other respects the Certificate is the same and ratified and reconfirmed.

Thomas A. Shaw, Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3803 KRUG, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3803 Krug, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been 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.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CANNON CONCEAL & CARRY TRAINING LLC Notice is hereby given that Cannon Conceal & Carry Training LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 6236 N 75th 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 January 7, 2021. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager is Joseph Cannon. Its registered agent is Joseph Cannon and his office is located at 6236 N 75th Street, Omaha, NE 68134.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION MixedCompany LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing addresses of the initial designated office of the company are 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing addresses of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Kathryn A. Glissman, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Hawkins HomeAway, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Robert M. Schartz, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

Diane Stewart-Ferro Attorney at Law 7207 Frontier Road La Vista, NE 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SABBY’S SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Sabby’s Services, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1721 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108 and the initial agent for service of process is Luke Sabaliauskas, whose address is 1721 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108. Luke Sabaliauskas is the sole member and the affairs of the company will be conducted by the sole member. Perpetual existence commenced on the 25th day of January 2021.

Dated this 22nd day of March 2021.

Sabby’s Services, LLC By: Luke Sabaliauskas Manager and Sole Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMPIRE CAPITAL REAL ESTATE, LLC The name of the Company is Empire Capital Real Estate, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 6601 Rainwood Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Tristan T. Warrick, 601 Rainwood Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. This limited liability company commenced business on March 18, 2021.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RENEE HOERSCHELMANN, 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 RENEE HOERSCHELMANN, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business.

The company commenced existence on February 4, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BROOKE WAGNER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on February 1, 2021, Brooke Wagner, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 2022 Queen Drive, Papillion, NE 68046. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Brooke Wagner, whose address is 2022 Queen Drive, Papillion, NE 68046.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DLW INSURANCE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on March 16, 2021, DLW INSURANCE, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 8969 North 79th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Deborah Williams, whose address is 8969 North 79th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PATRICK PLACE PARTNERS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Patrick Place Partners, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Patrick Place Partners, LLC; and 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 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

Julia K. Palzer Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is SHRIKE SOLUTIONS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 18615 Oak Plaza, #510, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130. The registered agent is Matthew M. Shurtliff and the Registered Agent's address is 18615 Oak Plaza, #510, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130.

3. The general nature of the Company is safety, health and environmental regulation compliance and injury assessment consulting.

4. The Company commenced on March 23, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence.

5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Elder Resource Strategies, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 5623 Cedar St. Omaha, NE 68106. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MANAWA CENTER CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Manawa Center Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EOTN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on March 17, 2021, EOTN, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 7618 County Road P32, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Kiely Sindelar, whose address is 7620 County Road P32, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Vapes & Tobacco 3, Inc., whose Registered Agent is Dennis Guinn, and whose Registered Office is located at 9341 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, was formed on March 24, 2021 to engage in any lawful business in the State of Nebraska. The corporation has authorized and issued 10,000 shares of common stock at a value of $1.00 per share. The name and address of the incorporator is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF SASQUATCH UNLIMITED, 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 Sasquatch Unlimited, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10814 S. 231st Street, Gretna, Nebraska 68208. 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 March 23, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration.

The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SLT VENTURES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SLT Ventures, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, whose mailing address is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bouncing off the Walls, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 22, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Joshua Wall, with registered office at 18232 Dewey Ave. Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Company’s initial designated office is at 18232 Dewey Ave. Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of the business is any lawful purpose.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF GCP III VAN ZANDTS, LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Articles of Incorporation of GCP III Van Zandts, LLC, a Nebraska corporation, has been amended to change the name of the company to GCP III Van Zandt, LLC. The Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 23, 2021.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRAIL RIDGE HOMES, LLC, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Trail Ridge Homes, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Trail Ridge Homes, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 8717 Pinkney St. Omaha, NE 68134.

3. 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 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Cunningham Emergency Care, PC was formed on March 24, 2021 for the purpose of conducting the practice of medicine and medical consulting.

The Registered Office is located at 10914 Prairie Village Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name of the Registered Agent at said address is Brian H. Cunningham. The professional corporation has authorized and issued 100 shares of common stock at a value of $1.00 per share. The affairs of this professional corporation, which shall exist in perpetuity, shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such Officers as it shall appoint.

The name and address of the incorporator is Brian H. Cunningham, 10914 Prairie Village Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

Brian H. Cunningham, MD, Incorporator First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that AVK Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 01/01/2021 and 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 managers.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CLARDEVCO DEVELOPER, LLC The name of the Company is Clardevco Developer, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Thomas H. McLeay, 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. This limited liability company commenced business on March 25, 2021.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

15

WALENTINE O'TOOLE, LLP 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-0125 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CINGHIALE, LLC Cinghiale, LLC, with its initial designated office at 10304 Prairie Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68134, gives notice that it filed its Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 23, 2021, and that it has been organized as a Nebraska limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial agent for service of process is Jonathan M. Brown and his initial mailing address is 11240 Davenport Street, P.O. Box 540125, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The company’s period of duration is perpetual, and the general nature of its business 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.

Jamie M. Hurst, Organizer First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that The Three Musketeers, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere.

The Company commenced business on 01/01/2021 and 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 managers.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that V Connections Home Services, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere.

The Company commenced business on 01/01/2021 and 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 managers.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HAMILTON DEEP WATER, LLC Notice is hereby given that HAMILTON DEEP WATER, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on March 18, 2021 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that DHT Rental, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 01/01/2021 and 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.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

16

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALPINE STABLES, LLC Notice is hereby given that ALPINE STABLES, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 10410 S. 144th Street, STE 2A, Omaha, NE 68138. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Justin Larsen, the initial registered office located at 10410 S. 144th Street, STE 2A, Omaha, NE 68138. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 16, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BROWN & WOLFF, LLC 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FIGHTING BUNNIES YOUTH FOOTBALL PROGRAM, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fighting Bunnies Youth Football Program, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the registered office is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent of said corporation is Paul M. Brown. The corporation is a public benefit corporation, and the general nature of its business is any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation commenced its existence on March 12, 2021. The affairs of the corporation are be conducted by a Board of Directors, and by the officers which shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers as shall be designated in the Bylaws.

INCORPORATOR: Paul M. Brown First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JL RACING, LLC Notice is hereby given that JL RACING, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 10410 S. 144th Street, STE 2A, Omaha, NE 68138. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Justin Larsen, the initial registered office located at 10410 S. 144th Street, STE 2A, Omaha, NE 68138. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 16, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ECH 365, LLC Notice is hereby given that ECH365, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 3477 Ruggles Street, Omaha, NE 68111. 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 January 1, 2021. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager is Christopher Shelly.

Its registered agent is Christopher Shelly and his office is located at 3477 Ruggles Street, Omaha, NE 68111.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NAY’S KITCHEN, LLC Notice is hereby given that Nay’s Kitchen LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 4103 Izard Street, Apt 1, Omaha, NE 68131. 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 January 1, 2021. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager is ReNay Kellogg.

Its registered agent is ReNay Kellogg and her office is located at 4103 Izard Street, Apt 1, Omaha, NE 68131.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROYALTY BOUTIQUE BY ERIKA LASHAY LLC Notice is hereby given that ROYALTY BOUTIQUE BY ERIKA LASHAY LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 5536 N 61st Street Omaha, NE 68104. 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 January 22, 2021. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager is Erika King-Davis. Its registered agent is Erika King-Davis and her office is located at 5536 N 61st Street Omaha, NE 68104.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PERKINS CHERRY RIDGE FARMS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Perkins Cherry Ridge Farms, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 608 North 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Martin P. Pelster, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF N68DC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that N68DC, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been 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.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF DMVP 3 LAND LLC DMVP 3 Land LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 25, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: DMVP 3 Land LLC, c/o Tucker B. Magid, 12915 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed. Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF VPMB TWO LLC VPMB Two LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 25, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: VPMB Two LLC, c/o Tucker B. Magid, 12915 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed.

Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF VPMB TWO LAND COMPANY LLC VPMB Two Land Company LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 25, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: VPMB Two Land Company LLC, c/o Tucker B. Magid, 12915 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed. Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF WARREN WILKIE INVESTMENTS, LTD Notice is hereby given that Warren Wilkie Investments, Ltd, a Nebraska limited partnership, has filed its Certificate of Cancellation with the Nebraska Secretary of State; the affairs for the partnership dissolution are to be managed and its assets are to be distributed by its general partner, Julie A. Stephens; all of the assets and liabilities of the limited partnership shall be paid and distributed among its creditors and partners according to their respective rights and interests. The limited partnership had no assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2020.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CLARDEVCO FUND 3, LLC The name of the Company is Clardevco Fund 3, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Thomas H. McLeay, 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. This limited liability company commenced business on March 25, 2021.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney for the Personal Representatives LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-61 Estate of BONNIE L. BROWN, Decedent Notice is hereby given that on the 12th day of February, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of Bonnie L. Brown and that the following surviving children were appointed as the Co-Personal Representatives of this estate.

Carolyn K. Bonge, 6640 Hamilton Street, Omaha, NE 68132 Steven S. Brown, 708 Saint Johns Drive, Mansfield, TX 76063 Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before June 1, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DRAIN RITE GUTTERS & ROOFING LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Drain Rite Gutters & Roofing LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 16, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Benjamin Ryan Wright with registered office at 2724 N. 191st Avenue, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company’s initial designated office is at 300 Oakcreek Drive #3, Lincoln, Nebraska 68528. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that BIG FUNDAMENTAL LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Joe Finocchiaro, 17007 Howard Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118. The designated office is 17007 Howard Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on April 30, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Stream Care Exteriors, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office of the Company is 5553 N 34th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The Registered Agent of the Company is Nicolas Ramirez Franco, 5553 N 34th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The Company was formed on March 31, 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 W DODGE RD, #400 OMAHA NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION LONG DOG FAT CAT V LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, with its initial designated office at 16909 Burke Street, Bat 126, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The registered agent is Shaun M. James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68114. The Limited Liability Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The perpetual existence commenced October 13, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by its Members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Teresa Lenzen Psychotherapy, LLC, has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 638 N 109th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent of the Company is Teresa Lenzen, 638 N 109th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the sale of real estate in this state. The Company was formed on January 8, 2021.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COPPERLEAF INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Copperleaf Investments, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Copperleaf Investments, LLC; and 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 March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

LAW OFFICES OF EVELYN N. BABCOCK 16264 Rolling Ridge Road Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HBHC, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 18, 2021. The street and mailing address for the initial designated office is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, NE. The street and mailing address for the initial agent for service of process is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, NE 68135. The name of the initial agent for service of process is George T. Babcock. The general nature of the business is any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Act of the State of Nebraska. The business of limited liability company will be conducted by its Members.

George T. Babcock, Organizer First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TOTAL RECOVERY SERVICES, INC., A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The name of the corporation is TOTAL RECOVERY SERVICES, INC, A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION, with a registered office at 5206 South 166th Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, and the registered agent is LOREN DEXTER. The general nature of the business is a public benefit corporation and shall have for its additional purpose to provide counseling services; providing for managing any benevolent, charitable, civic, educational, fraternal, athletic, patriotic, social and labor organization or society, as well as the making of donations to the public welfare or for charitable or educational purposes, and to perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The corporation became a corporate body on January 19, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 2, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The corporation will have no members.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PROVASOURCE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ProvaSource, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1406 Veterans Drive, Suite 215, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHANNY’S PET CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Shanny’s Pet Care, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2319 N. 51st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys at Law 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MTT INVESTMENTS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is MTT Investments, LLC. The address of the designated office in Nebraska is: 5617 S. 161st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. It is organized to transact any lawful business.

Perpetual existence commenced March 3, 2021. The affairs of the limited liability company are to be conducted by the manager, Thomas Shaw.

DATED this 18th day of March 2021.

Agent for Service:

Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O.

1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1

Papillion, NE 68046 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LJM CUSTOM CARPENTRY, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LJM CUSTOM CARPENTRY, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 14517 Grand Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent is AARON MOSBY. The general nature of the business is to operate a general carpentry 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 carpentry 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 4, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 5, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF DNP-FNP, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DNP-FNP, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general counseling services 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 counseling services 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 January 26, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 24, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the ByLaws, 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 March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

17

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SANDZA WELLNESS, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SANDZA WELLNESS, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The affairs of the company are to be conducted by manager and registered officer, SUZANNE F. PIOTROWSKI. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on January 18, 2021, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 16, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence.

SUZANNE F. PIOTROWSKI, Organizational Member 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TC HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TC HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3010 Pedersen Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent is THOMAS COLLINS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general home improvement and construction 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 home improvement and construction 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 January 6, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 5, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF MARY LOFTIS COUNSELING SERVICES, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MARY LOFTIS COUNSELING SERVICES, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 4724 North 111th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent is MARY E. LOFTIS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general mental health counseling 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 mental health counseling 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 4, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 5, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JASPER STONE HOLDINGS II LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jasper Stone Holdings II LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 19, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Curt Hofer with registered office at 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company’s initial designated office is at 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

Notice Of Organization Of Porta Potty Solutions, LLC Notice is hereby given that Porta Potty Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office address of the Company is 5514 N 154th St, Omaha, NE 68116. The registered agent of the Company is Philip S. Murante, whose mailing address is 1101 S 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

18

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JAMH FAMILY HOLDINGS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JAMH Family Holdings LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 19, 2021 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Jeffrey Hofer with registered office at 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company’s initial designated office is at 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF DISTINCT WINDOW AND DOOR, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Distinct Window and Door, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on March 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. 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 LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE HEADSTRAT LLC The name of the Company is The HeadStrat LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1008 Dodge Street, #302, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. 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 22, 2021.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

KATHRYN J. DERR PC LLO 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FUR REAL CUSTOM GOODS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that FUR REAL CUSTOM GOODS, 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 5616 South 139th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered office of the Company is 5616 South 139th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the agent at such office is Katie Ann Pillen. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by a limited liability company organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced operations on March 9, 2021, and shall have a perpetual duration.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Braided Stream Recreation, LLC a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 22, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Steven M. Stangl, Manager, will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against Braided Stream Recreation, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. A claim against Braided Stream Recreation, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3 BOUCHONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of 3 BOUCHONS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been amended to change the name of the Company to Barrels & Bouchons, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on March 25, 2021.

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

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

JAMES D. BUSER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PIONEER VIEW HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Pioneer View Homeowners Association.

2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation.

3. The address of the registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the registered agent at that office is James D. Buser.

4. The name and street address of each incorporator are as follows: Mr. Michael F. Rogers Rogers Construction, Inc. 8934 “H” Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127 Ms. Betsy Nowatzke Rogers Construction, Inc. 8934 “H” Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127 5. The Corporation will have members.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that DR BUSINESS MANAGER, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The initial designated office’s street address is 8601 Executive Woods Dr Apt 153 Lincoln, NE 68512. The initial designated office’s mailing address is 8601 Executive Woods Dr Apt 153 Lincoln, NE 68512. The Registered Agent is Delia M Gomez Carcamo. The street address of the Registered Agent is 8601 Executive Woods Dr Apt 153 Lincoln, NE 68512 and the mailing address is 8601 Executive Woods Dr Apt 153 Lincoln, NE 68512. The main purpose of the business will be to engage in but not limited to business support such as consultant services, cleaning services, private courier and transportation services, and various business equipment rentals.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Rainfall Home Rental, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S 44th Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere.

The Company commenced business on 01/01/2021 and 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 managers.

Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Organizer/Member First publication March 26, 2021, final April 9, 2021

Thomas H. Penke, Attorney for Applicant 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-450 ESTATE OF WILLIAM DOYLE GRESHAM, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that on 24th day of March, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent, and that Jane A. Jensen, 5015 South 149th Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate..

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before June 1, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: NATALIA BELL You are hereby notified that on 12/08/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20 21765. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $500.00, plus court costs and prejudgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable.

The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the petition on or before 05/16/21 at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska.

BY: Steven J Morrison, #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of MEC Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is MEC Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of MEC Construction, LLC is Miguel Esteban Cruz at MEC Construction, LLC. The designated address is 2110 Castelar Street, Omaha, NE 68108. Initial members: Miguel Esteban Cruz. 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 in March 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIG CRAZY BUFFALO, LLC The name of the Company is Big Crazy Buffalo, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 1519 South 219th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022.

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 26, 2021.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GREENHEAD PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Greenhead Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9406 Grand Ave., Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VASILIOS FINE FOODS, LLC Notice is hereby given that VASILIOS FINE FOODS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is Darren R Carlson, whose address is Carlson & Burnett, LLP, 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on March 29, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

David J. Skalka, Attorney CROCKER HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KPI LLC The name of the limited liability company is KPI LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7166 North 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68152. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Kris Paronto, 7166 North 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68152.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TMR HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that TMR Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Robert J. Likes.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O. 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JULIAN YOUNG AND COMPANY, 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 JULIAN YOUNG AND COMPANY, LLC. The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Brittany Young, 10606 Monroe Street, Omaha, NE 68127. The designated office is located at 2922 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111.

Brittany Young, Organizer First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF ERMANCO LLC ErmanCo LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 24, 2021. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: ErmanCo LLC, c/o Steve Bloch, 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Claims against the Company must include the following information: (i) claimant’s name, address and telephone number during business hours; (ii) any facts, which may support the claim, and (iii) any amounts allegedly owed by the Company under the claim. Claims not including this information will not be reviewed.

Any claims against this Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the date this Notice is last published.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BYERS UAS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Byers UAS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 18331 Polk Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GUNNELS & BURTIN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gunnels & Burtin, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3410 N. 73rd St., Lincoln1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MJSJ1, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MJSJ1, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7903 Heritage Circle, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 2, 2021, final April 16, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SREI, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Julie Wilson, 101 South 108th Avenue, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68154. The designated office is 101 South 108th Avenue, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68154. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on January 6, 2021, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BWHWY36, LLC The name of the Company is BWHWY36, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The initial registered agent is Sean Moylan located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The initial designated office of the Company is located at 5931 N. 295th Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. Perpetual existence commenced on March 23, 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that The One Nanny Agency LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Corporation Consultants, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on April 1, 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION ELKHORN MOTOR COMPANY, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, with its initial designated office at 27909 West Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska, 68142, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The registered agent is Shaun M. James, Smith Slusky Law, 8712 West Dodge Road – Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The Limited Liability Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The perpetual existence commenced March 13, 2018.

Its affairs are to be conducted by its Members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WAKEFIELD REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Wakefield Realty, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

The designated office is located at 605 Maple Street, Kennard, NE 68034.

Brodie Wakefield, Member First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

RICHARD A. TROIA, Attorney RICHARD TROIA LAW 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-2168 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ALLIANCE LIFE SKILLS INC. Notice is hereby given of the formation of a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the non-profit corporation is Alliance Life Skills Inc. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 16532 Drocas Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is Richard A. Troia, 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375, Omaha, NE 68114-2168. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 24, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Board of Directors and such Officers as prescribed by the Articles of Incorporation.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

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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 SMALL BLACK COFFEE BY BJ’S, LLC The name of the Company is Small Black Coffee by BJ’s, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 6716 Northridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 3, 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ONE FOR ALL, LLC The name of the limited liability company is One For All, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 4519 North 36th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Very Good Investments, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 9955 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The initial registered office of the Company is 9955 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Colin Nabity. 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 23rd day of March 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: McGill Industrial Name of Applicant: Wilkinson Industrial, L.L.C. Address: 2821 Grebe Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: March 24, 2021 General nature of business: Construction and restoration JODIE HAFERBIER MCGILL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 9, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PQ PHASE 2 HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of PQ Phase 2 Holdings, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is PQ Phase 2 Holdings, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Gerald S. Reimer, 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Darren R. Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOONE OGDEN ORGANIC, LLC Notice is hereby given that BOONE OGDEN ORGANIC, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on April 3, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

20

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF NEBRASKA PAROLE BOARD HEARING N O T I C E A total of 143 cases will be heard by the Board in April 2021. The following case(s) sentenced in Douglas County will be seen by the Board of Parole.

April 14, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Work Ethic Camp, McCook, Nebraska Aguilera, Philip 86557 Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Valenzuela, George 89639 Assault 1st Degree (3 counts) Anguiano, Alejandro 212087 Domestic Assault Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Cortes, George 212155 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I April 14, 2021 – 10:30 a.m. Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, York, Nebraska Guevara, Gabriella 99333 Accessory to a Felony Parker, Tierra 392374 Burglary Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Urbanovsky, Patricia 99489 Theft by Deception (2 counts) April 16, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center – Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Jones, Lawrence 39063 Robbery (3 counts) Sexual Assault 1st Degree (2 counts) Bell, James 87495 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Cantrell, Jesse 87840 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Kanger, Sara 99042 Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Francisquez, Helvin 210095 Driving While Intoxicated Bachmann, Andrew 210802 Domestic Assault Driving While Intoxicated Hartman, Jasmine 392157 Driving Under Influence/Injury Brown, Tre’Vaughn 77863 Assault 1st Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel April 19, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, Tecumseh, Nebraska Jones, Dustin 76554 Burglary (2 counts) Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop (2 counts) Ventura-Gonzalez, Eliseo 83509 False Imprisonment 1st Degree Sexual Assault 1st Degree Cooper, Taron 86457 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Little, James 84669 Burglary Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug April 21, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center - Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Moody, Ryan 85766 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Sanchez, Jared 211408 Sexual Assault of Child 3rd Deg Moyers, Meghan 392178 Manslaughter Webster, Margo 99427 Theft by Deception Purdy, Jeff 210379 Driving While Intoxicated April 22, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center - Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska Gooch, Frederick 65759 Aslt Peac Ofcr/DCS Emp 3rd Dgr (4 counts Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Temores, Victor 81841 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (6 counts Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Rose, Matthew 84770 Robbery Sanchez, Philip 87986 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Wright, Kani 210265 Burglary Poss/Receive Stolen Firearm Moore, Dante 210315 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Teeters, Robby 211287 Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Hill, Keith 88120 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug April 23, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Omaha Correctional Center, Omaha, Nebraska Lopez, Aaron 69066 Assault 1st Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Burks, Tony 70494 Burglary False Imprisonment 1st Degree (2 counts) Terroristic Threats (2 counts) Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Cronin, John 78309 Forgery 2nd Degree (2 counts) Manu/Dist/ Del/Disp or Poss W/I Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest Viol of Financial Trans Device Long, James 210619 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I April 27, 2021– 8:30 a.m. Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln, Nebraska Alonzi, Justin 81487 Assault 1st Degree Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Colchin, Chad 210617 Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Cheatams, Carlos 89154 Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Rodriguez, Jose 57613 False Imprisonment 1st Degree (2 counts) Sexual Assault 1st Degree (2 counts) April 29, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln, Nebraska Robinson, Darshawn 78358 Possession of Defaced Firearm Robbery (4 counts) Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Fisher, Brady 80722 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Oduwo, Arnold 83966 Robbery Recca, James 85879 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Lee, Tyrod 87305 Robbery Moyer, John 87343 Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Wuor, Joshua 211660 Robbery Wuor, Nen 211698 Robbery Moore, Titus 212496 Robbery Schuman, Brent 211067 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Jennings, Michael 81312 Child Abuse Domestic Assault Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel ROSALYN COTTON, CHAIR NEBRASKA BOARD OF PAROLE First publication April 9, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PQ PHASE 1 HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of PQ Phase 1 Holdings, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is PQ Phase 1 Holdings, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Gerald S. Reimer, 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF QUEBEC STREET CARWASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Quebec Street Carwash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4333 S 24 LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of 4333 S 24 LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is 4333 S 24 LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Incorp Services, 5601 S 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516-2340.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROYCE 144 CANOPY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Royce 144 Canopy, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Royce 144 Canopy, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is James D. Buser, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: GNO Fitness Name of Applicant: Girls Night Out Fitness, LLC Address: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Upon filing General nature of business: dance fitness SHAY GARVIN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative April 9, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Funraising solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 13315 N 225th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kevin R. Shultz, 13315 N 225th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Company was formed on April 5, 2021.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GIRLS NIGHT OUT FITNESS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Girls Night Out Fitness, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been 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.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEBRASKA ORGANIC PRESERVE, LLC Notice is hereby given that NEBRASKA ORGANIC PRESERVE, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Notice is Hereby Given that Tree Brand Tees LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 1/21/2021. The Designated Office: 2321 Big Sky Drive, Papillion, NE 68046. Registered Agent: Registered Agents Inc., 530 S. 13th St., Ste 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. General nature of business clothing. The company shall be Member Managed.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HEMP BATCH TRACKER, INC. 1. The name of the corporation is HEMP BATCH TRACKER, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 13963 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent at that office is Gordon Summers.

3. The general nature of the corporation is software to support tracking of legal hemp and accompanying testing certificates.

4. The corporation shall have 10,000 shares of common stock, each having a par value of $1.00 are authorized to be issued at such time and upon such conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine.

5. The corporation commenced on March 19, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence 6. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors shall determine.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

BENJAMIN C. DEAVER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OMAHA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Omaha Police Officers Association Foundation under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the corporation is Omaha Police Officers Association Foundation.

2. The Omaha Police Officers Association Foundation is a public benefit corporation.

3. The street address of the Corporation's initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name of its initial registered agent at that office is Benjamin C. Deaver.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is as follows: James P. Maguire 13445 Cryer Avenue Omaha, NE 68144 5. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. 6. The Corporation shall not have members.

First publication April 9, 2021, final April 23, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

Technology A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

21

Home

Improvement A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Omaha’s growing tech community • App development Equity in access to technology • Health tech in the Heartland How small businesses can stay relevant in fast-paced digital world

Home improvement industry and the pandemic • Interior design Popular remodeling trends • Paying for home renovations: cash, credit or loan The less glamorous side of home improvements: the necessities to keep your house updated

Issue Date: April 23 • Ad Deadline: April 15

Issue Date: April 30 • Ad Deadline: April 22

Invest for Retirement

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Celebrating Construction A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Industry outlook • Investing in a healthy retirement Creating a legacy plan • Alternatives to 401(k)s Investing in real estate post-retirement

Construction industry update • State of construction careers • Infrastructure Residential construction demand • Lens on safety on construction sites • Emerging trends Environmental construction • Changing look of commercial spaces

Issue Date: April 30 • Ad Deadline: April 22

Issue Date: May 7 • Ad Deadline: April 29

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising at karla@mbj.com.

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 16

LBJ CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION APRIL 23

TECHNOLOGY

APRIL 30

INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date.

You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Accounting Today released its annual list of Top 100 Accounting Firms and BerganKDV was named No. 58 with $86.84 million in revenue. Last year, BerganKDV was ranked No. 67; this jump equates to a 29.79% increase, making BerganKDV a “Pacesetter for Growth” for firms with under $100 million in revenue. The firm was also ranked as No. 5 in growth for all Top 100 Firms nationwide and was again listed as a regional leader, ranked as fourth largest in the Midwest region, which encompasses Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Gunderson’s Jewelers, an independent, family-owned jewelry retailer, acquired Minneapolis-based JB Hudson Jewelers from The Pohlad Companies. In 1945, watchmaker George Gunderson founded Gunderson’s Jewelers in Sioux City, Iowa. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Gunderson’s operates stores in Sioux City, Iowa, Omaha, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Fargo, North Dakota.

Goosmann Law Firm has merged with Sackett Law, a northwest Iowa-based firm and former Goosmann Affiliate. Now recognized as Sackett | A Goosmann Law Firm, the merger adds seven Sackett team members; and three attorneys and four non-attorney staff.

Dundee Venture Capital, an Omaha-based seed-stage venture capital firm with offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, has closed on more than $25 million in investor commitments for its third venture capital fund. Dundee VC leads seed-stage investments in technology entrepreneurs building in the Mighty Middle, with a specific focus in four key verticals: commerce, construction, transportation and logistics, and financial services. With a target raise of $50 million, Fund 2020 will be Dundee VC’s largest fund to date and follows their $31million 2016 fund.

JBT Trailer Leasing, LLC, a trailer rental and leasing company, has acquired Batten Trailer Leasing Corp. The new company will operate and conduct business under the name Batten Trailer Leasing.

Barry Kubat was named president of Batten Trailer Leasing, stepping into the role held by the original owner of Batten Trailer Leasing Corp, Blaine Batten. Kubat will lead all aspects of the company’s operations, accounting, and logistical functions. John Jenkins will serve as chairman of the board, and Theresa Hawley as the new CFO, of JBT Trailer Leasing Assets Corp. Pat Lacy will continue in the Office Manager role, overseeing the entire customer experience for Batten Trailer Leasing.

Through a series of short videos, Outlook Business Solutions plans to help businesses learn about the importance of accessible digital content by partnering with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. The Sarpy County Chamber launched its video resource page for member organizations, which includes information to educate and empower the area business community. The content also covers leadership training, advertising/ marketing, finance, IT, security, wellness and much more. Three accessibility videos will soon be available on the chamber’s video resource page. They focus on what the term “accessibility” means, why businesses should care about this topic and how people with

disabilities use the web.

The Harry A. Koch Co., a long-time affiliate of First Insurance Group, LLC, a subsidiary of the Lauritzen Corporation, will now operate as FNIC. In February, First Insurance Group’s 17 individual insurance agencies united its brands, experiences, stories, and futures into one agency and now operate as FNIC. The new brand will soon be reflected on the agency’s buildings, informational materials and advertising. Unifying as FNIC is a meaningful and decisive step that will lead to greater efficiencies, improved access to teams of talented people, and strengthened support of the Omaha and Lincoln communities.

The Lincoln STEM Ecosystem, LNKSE, has rebranded its visual identity. The rebrand emphasizes the organization’s commitment to providing value to its collaborators and presents itself as a long-standing, reputable STEM partner. The brand was donated inkind by UNANIMOUS. Google will invest more than $500 million in capital infrastructure in Nebraska in 2021. Google has called Nebraska home since 2019 when it officially broke ground on a new data center in Papillion. The data center, which is now operational, has created hundreds of construction jobs and will support a range of full-time careers at Google and with its external suppliers, with potential for future expansions. The site is expected to be fully operational in late 2021.

Foster Group received recognition as a 2021 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner. The award, Foster Group’s fourth consecutive, honors organizations that have created a culture of engagement and have remained dedicated to engagement at the core of their business strategy. Foster Group is one of 39 total employers chosen worldwide.

First National Bank of Omaha is sponsoring the Nebraska FFA Launch! Program for the fourth year with a $10,000 donation.

The funds will support the year-long program that serves as a catalyst in entrepreneurship-based education for Nebraska FFA members and agricultural education students.

In addition, FNBO is donating $4,250 to local FFA chapters across Nebraska.

Education notes…

The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, announced the inclusion of Creighton University in its 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

Creighton University’s Social Science Data Lab released a report that outlines eviction trends in Nebraska throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The report aims to provide data to state lawmakers who are considering policy to address important questions posed by the pandemic, particularly whether or not renters are being evicted should have the right to legal counsel. In 2020, just 4.43% of defendants in eviction filings had legal representation, the report states. This is an increase from the 1.66% of renters with Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

23

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. representation reported from 2016 to 2019.

The research team found that eviction cases in which defendants had legal representation were more likely to be dismissed.

College of Saint Mary’s new online Master of Science degree in Organization Leadership was ranked No. 5 nationally among 171 Colleges and Universities offering over 400 programs in online graduate business education. Intelligent.com, which reviews the programs of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities, released these ratings, which are based on curriculum quality, cost, graduation rate, flexibility, post-graduate employment and faculty. CSM’s MSOL program was rated No. 1 in the speed with which this program can be completed. CSM’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree is a fully online, 30-credit program that can be completed in one year.

Health care notes…

Less than a year after breaking ground, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Omaha Campus welcomed patients into its newly opened Physicians Clinic. The $5.5 million clinic opened on March 29, helping to meet the growing demand for physician-led outpatient physiatry and therapy services. Inside, the patient check-in and waiting area features high ceilings and natural lighting. Exam rooms are specifically designed with rehabilitative care in mind. The clinic will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of neuro-muscular medical conditions for patients who’ve suffered from a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or other complex medical condition.

The clinic is also affiliated with the PM&R residency program.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health is teaming up with the Nebraska Pharmacists Association and Region VI Systems for a statewide project that will distribute free naloxone nasal spray kits in Omaha beginning March 29. You can access free nasal spray Naloxone at the following locations: Kubat Pharmacy, 4924 Center St.; Kohll’s Rx, 5002 Dodge St.; and Kohll’s Rx, 12741 Q St. Naloxone is an antidote to an opioid overdose.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available at all of the Hy-Vee’s more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across its eight-state region. Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all Hy-Vee pharmacies by appointment only. Patients should visit www. hy-vee.com/covidvaccine to register for an appointment once they are eligible according to their state’s guidance. Using the online scheduler, patients can also schedule their second dose appointment (if applicable) when they schedule their first dose appointment, with no account necessary.

Activities of nonprofits…

United Way of the Midlands has been awarded a grant of $255,500 from the Iowa West Foundation. The grant will support programs that serve the Council Bluffs metro through UWM’s Community Care Fund.

Prior to COVID-19, more than 100,000 people were living below the poverty line in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Now, thousands of individuals have experienced the physical, mental and financial impacts of COVID-19, and more people are in need than ever before.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands received a donation of 200 basketballs and a

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, April 14 The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and Best Care Employee Assistance Program are offering a workshop on Managing Conflict Between Employees. The workshop, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. online, is designed to help managers in difficult situations by outlining a process for successfully managing employee conflict.

Registration is available online.

Monday, April 19 Do Space is hosting a series of workshops during Start Omaha Week to bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities. The lineup for Monday includes: Financing Your Small Business with the Small Business Administration; Funding for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Nebraska with Invest Nebraska; ‘Business in a Box’ with Technology Consulting Solutions; How to Launch Your Startup before Writing a Line of Code with EventVesta; and Branding and Marketing: More than Just a Logo with Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More. Registration is online.

Tuesday, April 20 Do Space is hosting a series of workshops during Start Omaha Week to bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities. The lineup for Tuesday includes: AIM Code School Resources; Discover the Power of Job Sharing with JobShareConnect; Budget Tips: How to Bring Order to the Chaos with the Nebraska Business Development Center; Crash Course for Startups: Business Entities and Entity Formation with Koley Jessen; and Simple Bookkeeping Solutions with Morris Better Bookkeeping. Registration is online.

Wednesday, April 21 Do Space is hosting a series of workshops during Start Omaha Week to bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities. The lineup for Wednesday includes: Business Innovation Act with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Borrowing Basics with Nebraska Enterprise Fund; Navigating Change: How to Thrive in an Ever-Changing World with ThinkFree Consulting; Critical steps to building company culture while growing your start-up with WRK/360; and What Makes a Strong Founder with Beeso Studio. Registration is online.

Thursday, April 22 Do Space is hosting a series of workshops during Start Omaha Week to bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities. The lineup for Thursday includes: Facebook Features for Small Business with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund; Getting Started with Online Advertising with Click Targeter; Small Business Resources with the Small Business Administration; Entrepreneurship 2020 Panel; and Microsoft Excel Basics with Julie Dort.

Registration is online.

Friday, April 23 Do Space is hosting a series of workshops during Start Omaha Week to bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities. The lineup for Friday includes: Intro to Podcasting with Webberized; Cloud Computing for Businesses with Julie Dort; and Pandemic Pivot: Launching a #futureofwork in 2020 with Maxwell. Registration is online.

check from LRS Healthcare. This March, LRS Healthcare celebrated 15 years in business.

The health care staffing provider celebrated its milestone by giving back to the local Omaha community. LRS employees collected basketballs and monetary donations for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. By supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, LRS Healthcare employees hoped to promote the importance of staying active and healthy amid a time where social events and gatherings are limited.

Metropolitan Community College has partnered with NeighborWorks Home Solutions for the College’s 2022 capstone project, an effort that brings students into the lab to build a house that will be placed in the community after completion. The partnership is an opportunity to provide funding resources and community development through service learning to help address affordable housing needs. NeighborWorks Home Solutions will furnish direct funding support for MCC’s Capstone service-learning project on and off campus, supply administrative project management, select and obtain a parcel for the final project designation, sale of the single-family dwelling and cultivate the significance of nonprofit work with affordable housing development through our interactions with students and staff.

First National Bank of Omaha $605,000 in Impact Grants to 29 organizations across Nebraska and western Iowa. Local grants include: Gesu Housing, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Holy Name Housing Corporation, Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless, Nebraska Housing Developers Association, Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, Omaha Municipal Land Bank,

Project Houseworks, Seventy Five North, Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs, 712 Initiative, Lincoln/Lancaster Habitat for Humanity, Lincoln Housing, NeighborWorks Lincoln, Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Platte Valley, Catholic Charities of Omaha, I Be Black Girl, Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Rural Investment Corporation, and Iowa Western Small Business Development Center.

Arts and events…

This year, the Visiting Nurse Association will hold its 24th annual Art & Soup event to raise funds for its program that provides men, women and children experiencing homelessness access to health care, social services and community resources to meet their needs.

Acknowledging the importance of continued COVID-19 safety, 2021’s Art & Soup will be a virtual event spanning multiple days. The Art Sales and Silent Auction will be from April 1217. Soup Samplers will run on April 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Soup Passport will run from April 18 through Oct. 31.

The Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is hosting the Central Region’s Delta Authors on Tour via Zoom on April 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Book lovers and aspiring authors will engage in discussion about literature, writing, and publishing during the event. Featured writers include Maxine Bigby Cunningham, Jai Robin Jones, Dr. Myrtle Means, Erin Ceesay, Vanise T. Berry, Josephine Bolling McCall, Alexis Lawson, Pamela Bruner, Dr. Regina Vincent Williams, Tonia Renee Lee. Individuals need to register in advance for this meeting online.

24

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Ag Trends A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

April 9, 2021

Decision agriculture drives investments in smart solutions

by Michelle Leach

Today’s ag is certainly not your grandparents’ ag. The onslaught of needs and demands in the current environment have simply put those movements toward the likes of increasingly sophisticated “smart” solutions in overdrive.

RealmFive’s very name embodies these disruptions in agriculture over the past 120-plus years; from the first and second (mechanization and hybridization), to the third and fourth stages (GMOs and precision ag).

The present fifth phase is decision agriculture — data and automation.

“RealmFive provides world-class, fullstack connectivity for automating repetitive tasks in production agriculture,” said CEO Steve Tippery.

Its status as a tech partner was timely, given how Tippery said the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges in the market.

“Whether a farmer or agri-business professional is located in rural Nebraska, rural Saskatchewan, or the rural Outback in Australia, long distances between fields and sites make managing an agricultural operation especially challenging,” he said. “Over 2020, RealmFive adopted a number of new tools to assist its customers, including virtual product training and new virtual methods for customer support.”

Furthermore, he indicated there has been an acceleration in adoption of its monitoring, connectivity, preventative failure and automa-

University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department Head of Agricultural Economics Dr. Larry W. Van Tassel speaks at the open house of UNL’s Agricultural Economics Commodity Trading Room. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Agricultural Economics Department) tion solutions.

When asked about the effect of the pandem“The company continues to provide solu- ic on established trends or in driving new ones, tions across five industry verticals: agronomy, Tippery referred to industry “megatrends;” for irrigation, livestock, inventory and machinery,” instance, availability of reliable labor, increased he said. regulation, a focus on sustainability, and consumer-driven desires for food traceability and agri-business-driven desires to outsource to reduce capital expenditures.

“The agricultural industry has the need for improved infrastructure for reliably gathering data from remote operations and proven tools that provide trusted decision-recommendations,” he said. “All of these megatrends have been accelerated over the last year’s pandemic.”

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is investing in a new Center for Agricultural Profitability, which will reportedly facilitate faculty research, conduct outreach related to agricultural profitability, and train undergraduate and graduate students to support “informed decision-making” in ag via applied research and education.

“The agricultural operating environment has changed dramatically over the past 20 years and will continue to evolve in the next 20 years,” said Dr. Larry W. Van Tassell, UNL department head, agricultural economics.

“Farms have increased in scale to capture the economies of size. There also has been restructuring in the agricultural input, marketing, and processing sectors.

“Price volatility for agricultural commodities has increased dramatically over the past decade, substantially increasing the need for price and production risk management.”

As these trends continue, Van Tassell noted the impacts of each economic decision at the farm production level become “more pronounced.”

“There is less flexibility for a wrong business decision,” he said. “It is critical that producers have economic decision-making information that Sandeen is current, factual, specific and holistic, and that they have appropriate tools and procedures to analyze that information.”

Farmers and ranchers can no longer aim for max yields or output, while ignoring financial considerations.

CAP, which is slated to officially operate

by June, will include the likes of its weekly Farm and Ranch Management Webinar Series and new daily articles and podcasts, and Van Tassell said they are beta-testing the Agriculture Budgeting Calculator (ABC).

“That will be a foundational decision-making tool,” he said, noting programming will be built around ABC. Research may include interdisciplinary projects on soil health, and the value of carbon sequestration and carbon markets to producers and the environment.

“The complex problems faced by agriculture today cannot be solved by isolated disciplines,” Van Tassell said. “A holistic, systems approach is needed to address the profitability of agriculture. While feasibility and profitability of agricultural innovations have always been important, the increasing complexity of the agribusiness environment necessitates a holistic approach to problems.”

He said the center provides a uniting locale for faculty from various disciplines (i.e. social science to engineering) to engage with his department’s faculty.

“We are also developing a multi-phase farm and ranch management executive training program to increase the management capacity of producers in Nebraska and throughout the region,” Van Tassell added.

AGP’s communications management directed us toward a recent Q&A featuring Continued on next page.

Ag Trends • Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

25

Investments

Tech advances are widespread across ag field

Continued from preceding page.

SVP of Soy Processing, Mark Sandeen, who fielded questions about prominent challenges, the supply chain, and what’s ahead.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most unique and serious challenges we have ever experienced at AGP,” he said, noting its modified work environment has resulted in “minimal impact to AGP’s crush rates.”

“Crush” in the soybean industry indicates both the physical processing of soybeans, and a calculation of value.

“Now, as we’re starting to see a slight easing of infections in the communities where we are located, and with an increase in public vaccinations, we’re hopeful that a return to what is considered near-normal practices for AGP may be in the foreseeable future,” Sandeen said.

Sandeen referred to the brutal cold most of the central U.S. is coming out of, which stresses both plants and employees.

Generally, he said all projects are moving forward. As Sandeen looked forward, he also addressed how abundant supplies two years ago have become forecasted tight supplies for the rest of this year.

“How the market ‘feels’ certainly has changed in a short period of time,” he said.

“This occurred due to a relatively small soybean crop in 2019 and a sudden spike in demand for soybeans from China in late 2020.”

Supplies haven’t felt tight, he noted, due to heavy soybean movement through the first half of the crop year, but they are monitoring and purchasing soybeans with the forecast of tight supplies later in the year in mind.

Ag industry experts say technology is extremely prevalent in farming today, and it’s becoming highly advanced, specifically helping farmers make timely and accurate decisions.

Len Adams, group president of Valley Irrigation, a business segment of Valmont Industries, Inc., said one of the biggest trends in technology products for ag has been developing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) into various devices and applications.

“Even though ML/AI has had a presence in ag for the last two decades, beginning with the adoption of auto-guidance, we are seeing new forms of how this type of application is helping farmers become more efficient with energy and water resources — and with time — in their farming operations,” Adams said.

Much of the technology connected to machine learning and artificial intelligence is focused around solving larger problems.

With a rapidly increasing global population and labor shortages, he said growers are incorporating more complete technology solutions versus just singular techniques.

“The impact that we see for the farmer is being able to have a more holistic, data-driven view that brings together their planting, growing and harvest seasons,” Adams said.

“As an example, being able to integrate planting data with irrigation data allows for inputs to be placed into the farmer’s field much more accurately. Combining this information creates less stress for the farmer and can lower their operational costs if they are

by Gabby Hellbusch

able to have more predictive insight into their operation, as opposed to treating each action throughout the season as a separate task.”

Boone McAfee, director of research & stewardship at Nebraska Corn Board, said recent tech advances really revolve around data.

“While many farmers are already implementing sensors, imagery and other data-driven precision ag tools, we’ve only scratched the surface of what is possible,” McAfee said. “The term we are starting to hear more is ‘smart farmOberto ing.’ Smart farming is essentially looking at harnessing the power of data from a multitude of sources to drive decision making and ultimately automate operations across interconnected systems of computers, as well as digital and mechanical machines. The aim is an increasingly granular approach toward improved efficiency, quality and profit of a gricultural production.”

These innovations are both driving, and being driven by, global climate concerns and interest in sustainability across the ag and food supply chain.

“We expect these innovations to not only help ag producers continue to improve the efficiency of their own operations, but may also create new market opportunities,” he

said. “Data will be key to validate niche or traceability-linked production. Additionally, these same technologies may advance agriculture’s ability to provide ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, and help to potentially reward producers through ecosystem service markets.”

Gustavo Oberto, president of global agricultural irrigation at Lindsay Corporation, said a technology that is being implemented into the company’s commercial offering is edge computing, which brings computational power, data processing and data storage closer to the location where the data is actually collected, reducing costs and increasing the speed and transfer of data.

“We’re bringing edge computing to a place it hasn’t been before — the center pivot,” Oberto said. “Combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, the technology helps predict machine component failures before they occur and monitor crop health. What this means for growers is the pivot can support healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices, while reducing risk and operational downtime.”

He said growers care more than ever about the impact they’re making on their land and resources, and they’ll continue to seek tools and methods that help them increase output while conserving resources.

“The innovations we’re working on now are challenging and changing the way growers — and the industry — look at and use center pivots,” Oberto said. “I believe this is just the beginning of expanding what the traditional pivot is capable of.”

26

• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Real estate investments tips from the experts

by Brooke Strickland

Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, there are some important must-knows when it comes to real estate investments. Despite the volatile economy brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last year, Omaha continues to move forward in the field of real estate investments. Here are some key things to keep in mind.

Investment landscape Ed Fleming, vice president of Colliers International shares that the Omaha market has stayed resilient through 2020 and into 2021.

“The Omaha commercial real estate investment market remains strong,” he said.

“Buyers far outnumber sellers and there is significant competition for well-located leased assets.”

A recent research and forecast report published by Colliers International indicates that there was $1.145 billion of commercial real estate sales throughout Omaha in 2020, which was just a slight dip from 2019 sales.

Ember Grummons, investment property broker at Investors Realty said that the market for investment property in the area varies by property type.

McGregor Grummons “Multi-family and industrial [investments] are at least as strong as they were prior to the pandemic, with very little product available,” he said. “Single tenant retail and smaller multi-tenant shopping centers within the price range of individual investors are also very

strong. Pricing for retail shopping centers with junior box anchors has taken a hit,” he said.

“There is also some skepticism with buyers towards office property because of concerns that many employees will continue to work from home.”

What to Look For Considering real estate investment?

With interest rates still low and the economy continuing to pick up speed, now is a good time to think about getting your feet wet Fleming in the world of investing.

Geoff McGregor, president of McGregor Interests, offers this word of advice for people that may be considering investing in their first property.

“Decide what type of real estate investor

Target pledges to spend $2B on products, services from Black-owned businesses

by Kavita Kumar

As part of its racial equity efforts, Target Corp. is pledging to sell products from more than 500 Black-owned brands by the end of 2025.

Retail That goal is part of a new $2 billion commitment the Minneapolis-based retailer is making to spend with Black-owned businesses over five years. The company did not provide specifics on how much it currently spends with these companies, but said the commitment represents a significant increase.

Target currently carries 65-plus Blackowned brands, including several in its beauty department.

In addition to diversifying its suppliers, Target said it will step up partnerships with other Black-owned companies in areas such

as marketing, construction and facilities management.

It also will launch a new program called Forward Founders to help Black entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses for mass retail.

"We have a rich history of working with diverse businesses, but there's more we can do to spark change across the retail industry, support the Black community and ensure Black guests feel welcomed and represented when they shop at Target," Christina Hennington, Target's chief growth officer, said in a statement. "The bold actions we're announcing today reflect Target's ongoing commitment to advance racial equity for the Black community."

Target has been working to diversify its suppliers and product mix for years through

efforts such as hosting vendor fairs for Black-owned businesses. Between 2016 and 2018, it increased its business with diverse suppliers by 64%.

Those efforts received a heightened focus last year in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, which spurred companies across not only the Twin Cities, but across the U.S., to step up racial equity initiatives.

Last year, Target established a racial equity committee made up of senior leaders to guide its efforts. It also committed $10 million to nonprofits focused on social justice and community rebuilding. And it vowed to increase its number of Black employees by 20% over the next three years. ©2021 StarTribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

you want to be — active or passive,” he said.

“Many of our investor partners are passive: they are running their own businesses, are otherwise employed full-time, or are enjoying retirement and don’t like to handle day-to-day operations and the risks of guaranteeing the debt.

“However, they do get the benefits of passive income. If you don’t have the time or risk tolerance to invest on your own, seek out a commercial real estate sponsor. This allows you to spread out some of your capital across several commercial real estate investments to keep your real estate portfolio diversified.”

It’s also important to think about the time you’ll put into the management side of real estate investment.

“Remember you are wearing two hats — one as the real estate investor and one as the property manager. Make sure you budget for professional property management expenses,” McGregor said.

Investment Tips Location: It may seem obvious, but the old saying ‘location, location, location’ is something to always remember. Look for properties in vibrant communities where your property will grow in value.

Tenant Quality: Picking the wrong tenants can turn out to be a major headache, so take the time to look carefully at the details of each application. Grummons advised to pay close attention to how tenants have weathered the pandemic, as this can be a good indicator of how they may weather other potential unexpected downturns or crises.

Taking the time to research and ask questions is one of the best ways to take control of your financial future and ensure it is exactly how you want it. After all, good investment decisions can lead to long-term lucrative results.

“Real estate provides the combination of cash flow, leverage, and a hedge against inflation,” Fleming said. “There are few asset classes that provide all of these. In addition, seasoned operators have greater control of their destiny with real estate versus other investments.”

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BUSINESS ETHICS • APRIL 26, 2019 ss Journal • Midlands Busine

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Have big hiring plans for 2021? Purchase a package now and save. Six-packs are available for $360 (savings of $90) or 12-packs are available for $720 (savings of $180).

Joel Falk Trustee Business Ethics Alliance

Joel Falk was recently appointed to the Business Ethics Alliance governing board, which aims to strengthen organizations and elevate Greater Omaha through positive business ethics education. Joel is the president of UMB Bank Omaha and has more than 25 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry. Prior to UMB Bank, he worked at US Bank, Union Pacific Railroad and Bank of the West. Joel received his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Nebraska

at Kearney and his master’s degree in business from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has a deep commitment to the community and has served on a number of nonprofit boards in Omaha, including United Way of the Midlands and the Greater Omaha Chamber.

Midlands Business Journal • APRIL 9, 2021 •

27

In the Spotlight Paid Content

REAL ESTATE

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION

Awarded

Joined

Greg Kraemer Phil Dodge Award NP Dodge Real Estate

The annual NP Dodge Real Estate Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, March 4. At the ceremony Greg Kraemer was honored with the Phil Dodge Award.

Each year one NP Dodge REALTOR is chosen for this coveted award for commitment to customer service, professional ethics, and community involvement. Nate Dodge said, “Greg’s life has embodied the Phil Dodge spirit of service over self. Greg is a dedicated realtor and true leader.” The NP Dodge Awards also recognize the hard work and accomplishments of top agents. The

event showcased the following top teams and individuals for Closed Volume and Units.

The Closed Volume winners: The Rensch Group (Top Super Mega Team and Company Overall, 86Dodge Office), The Bill Black Team (Top Mega Team, 204Dodge Office), Infinity Home Team (Top Power Team, 204Dodge Office), Robson Rensch Realty Team (Top Partners, 204Dodge Office), and Robin Philips (Top Individual, 148Dodge Office).

The Closed Unit winners: The Rensch Group (Top Super Mega Team and Company Overall, 86Dodge Office), The Jansen Team (Top Mega Team, 86Dodge Office), Infinity Home Team (Top Power Team, 204Dodge), Linda McGuire and Lisa McGuire Kelly (Top Partners, 148Dodge Office), and Jason Troshynski (Top Individual, 148Dodge Office).

Tom Svoboda, PE, CEM Senior Project Manager, Government Market Leader The Schemmer Associates Inc.

Svoboda has over 30 years of experience and will serve as a Senior Project Manager and Schemmer’s Government Market Leader. His overall experience includes a successful 20year career as an Air Force Engineering Officer and over 10 years as an engineering consultant for projects in sectors such as government, aviation, education, healthcare and central utility plants. His experience includes all

project life-cycle phases: master planning/analysis, energy audits, design/engineering, construction and operations. Svoboda has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is licensed in Neb. and Ill., and is a Certified Energy Manager.

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION

Joined

Joined

Jonathan Fant, PE, CESCP Electrical Engineering Manager The Schemmer Associates Inc.

Fant has 38 years of experience as an electrical engineer with an emphasis on electrical power and electrical safety. He will lead Schemmer’s Electrical Engineering Department and has worked on a wide range of projects ranging from industrial manufacturing; specialized facilities, including hospitals, schools, aircraft hangars and laboratories; to large hydroelectric refurbishments;

electric utility designs; and oil and gas projects. Fant has extensive experience providing lighting, power distribution, generation, grounding, system analysis, and protection and control. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Fant is licensed in Neb., Iowa and Okla., along with 16 additional states and is a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional.

Leslie Steele, PE Geotechnical Engineer The Schemmer Associates Inc.

Steele has eight years of experience in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics testing, public infrastructure design, Air Force design and construction management, and County project management. Over the past seven years, she has been involved in projects throughout Nebraska and northern Kansas that include airport runways and taxi lanes, roadway design and testing, utilities design, building renovations, active vehicle barrier systems, and

NONPROFIT Promoted

Angela Weis Senior Vice President, Mission Supports Mosaic

Mosaic has promoted Angela Weis in the new role of Senior Vice President, Mission Supports.

In this instrumental position, Weis will oversee the design and implementation of Mosaic’s quality management system, clinical services (health services, autism and behavioral supports), and operational learning and development. In addition, she will serve as a member of the Mosaic Leadership Council.

Weis has worked in the nonprofit field for more than 25 years. She joined Mosaic in 2014 as the Vice President of Training and Development. In 2016, she became the Vice President of Mission Supports. During her tenure with Mosaic, Angela has also served in interim roles supporting operations in Indiana and Nebraska. “Angela will lead Mosaic’s expansion of clinical services that are aligned with our network’s growth plan and core service offerings,” said Linda Timmons, President and CEO. “She’s the right person for this important role.” Prior to Mosaic, Weis was with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, where she provided leadership development, executive coaching and consulting across the state. Prior to that, she worked

as executive director for the Residential Care Consortium, a national group of residential providers focusing on joint fundraising and program development.

Weis holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Nebraska in Omaha— and a master’s in human services from Bellevue University. In addition to her Six Sigma Black Belt accreditation, she earned a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance credential through the Association for Talent Development, is a Certified Executive Coach through the Center for Executive Coaching, and is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS).

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

natural disaster recovery. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. Steele is licensed in Neb.

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• APRIL 9, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal