Midlands Business Journal August 28, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 35 issue

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

ENGINEERING

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

August 28, 2020

From projects to support broadband access, to improved air quality, firms remain busy

by Michelle Leach shortened construction time, and aligned deFrom the need for rural broadband access sign specifications with those used in private to air quality and WELL Building Standards, health care projects, creating efficiencies. recent months have been shining a light on The $86 million facility will provide care broad-based challenges and present oppor- to the region’s approximately 40,000 vets (a tunities for projects, partnerships, and even capacity of about 400 patients daily). entirely new departments for the region’s Cowman, who highlighted the integraengineering firms. tion of technology into building “Initially, there was quite a bit designs and systems to Midlands of work associated with the health Business Journal in February, care market and addressing infraprovided updates on the increase structure changes to treat COVID in interest in technology related patients,” said Leo A Daly Nationto indoor air quality, and how it al Director of Engineering Kim can be integrated into existing Cowman. “That work has now setbuildings’ mechanical systems, tled down as health care systems providing additional comfort upon have more defined processes and reopening. treatment protocols for treating “UVGI (Ultraviolet GermiCOVID patients. The commercial cidal Irradiation) systems … can and hospitality markets have seen Chaffin be applied within the occupied some slow down or delay in projects due to space, such as an upper-air UVGI system that COVID; however, we are still seeing requests is installed in high-risk areas of a building, for new work and projects during this period or applying UVGI at the central air handling across our region.” systems that can provide more of a building As an example, early this month, the firm wide approach,” she said. “We have also seen announced the opening of the Omaha Veter- increased interest in ionization technologies, ans Administration Ambulatory Care Center, such as needlepoint bipolar ionization, which reportedly the first public-private partnership injects charged ions within the air system as (P3)-funded project to be delivered since a means to reduce airborne particulates and Congress passed the CHIP IN for Vets Act pathogens in the air.” in 2016. The Aug. 3 announcement noted Nebraska Region Leader Brian Chaffin that the act’s “unique funding mechanism” said Olsson was pretty optimistic pre-pan-

Kim Cowman, national director of engineering at Leo A Daly. demic, given “every economic indicator was had devastated the region in March 2019 and pointing in the right direction.” we could finish up with the repairs from these “At that time, we were also breathing projects,” he added. a sigh of relief, because it looked like we To present day, Chaffin described the would not see a repeat of the flooding that workload as “consistent.”

“When times get tough, people who work hard and efficiently are worth their weight in gold,” he said. “Right now, we remain cautiously optimistic as the world ‘reawakens’ and the economy gets rolling again … the signs point that the economy won’t be as bad as people initially expected it to be.”

For the first time, Chaffin said, the engineering design industry has seen a broader, wider acceptance of working from home.

“We have proven during this pandemic that it can work in our industry,” he said. “It remains to be seen if this will have a longterm effect. At Olsson, we moved most of our employees to a work-from-home environment, and that’s gone well. There were some learning curves and adjustments, but we’ve worked hard to support our employees and their families.”

Pre-pandemic, JEO Consulting Traffic and Technology Department Lead Lonnie Burklund was working for the city and recalled in March how every day seemed to be a question of what the next day would bring.

Road 402 556 2171 Thielegeotech com “In this current moment in time, there is a little bit more calm and consistency, and ENVIRONMENTAL INSTRUMENTATION Continued on next page.

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Engineering — inside AUGUST 28, 2020

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VOL. 46 NO. 35

Senior Market Sales strengthens portfolio with strategic agreement

by Richard D. Brown

Great Plains Black History Museum turns to virtual tours for local, national reach.

– Page 2

of an ion m t o c W istin D

Business pioneer Quinn set the bar high for women.

– Page 3

on ssi cce ns u S o ss siti ne Tran i s Bu &

Timing is key for planning, implementing business succession.

– Page 4

With roots going back to almost 40 years, Omaha-based Senior Market Sales has taken an entrepreneurial route with almost continual product diversification.

The firm has made a hefty investment in software, and an occasional acquisition to serve more than 65,000 independent insurance and financial planners, plus another 1,000 career agents, with Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, annuity, life, longterm care and travel insurance carriers in all 50 states. Recently, the firm with 334 employees and a compounded growth of 20% a year for the past decade inked a strategic agreement with Newport Beach, California-based Alliant Insurance Services.

President Jim Summers, in his 20th year with Senior Market Sales, said the Alliant deal was just the right fit in that the two companies offer complementary products. With its more mature customer base, the Omaha firm Continued on page 9.

President Jim Summers … Identifying continued growth through acquisitions and agreements.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

CLH Architects bucks sluggish trends with government contracts

by Michelle Leach

President Richard J. Onken is building upon the foundation established by his predecessor, Calvin L. Hinz, further diversifying services in areas such as design guidelines and planning for government agencies, and in markets such as California, as a Center for Veterans Enterprise-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

“The firm that Cal built is a very good firm; we’re a solid architecture firm,” Onken said early this month, on the heels of his late July purchase of the business Hinz formerly owned for 18 years. “We’re built on providing design services to mostly health care clients, and mostly in the region, but also nationwide. We do work all the way to California and Continued on page 9.

Owner Shelly Mutum … Following a family legacy, new Midtown independent bookstore is the next chapter after parents’ Prairie Books and Gifts.

The Next Chapter Books and Gifts plants roots in Farnam Hill District

by Becky McCarville

President Richard J. Onken … New ownership builds upon momentum in national government, design guidelines and planning work forged by predecessor owner.

Shelly Mutum, owner of The Next Chapter Books and Gifts, grew up in her parents’ independent bookstore in Hastings, Prairie Books and Gifts, which opened in 1976. Mutum was born one year later.

“I lived it, I breathed it, I had a very strong connection with it,” she said, adding that her siblings had other interests. “I was always there, playing ‘store’ back in the backroom … and just enjoying

every second of it, or just sitting on the stool behind the counter with my parents. I just loved it and I loved reading.”

After graduating from Hastings College in 1999, where her dad was a theater and speech professor, Mutum moved to Omaha in 2000 but was always traveling back and forth, and more so after her dad passed away in 2015 to help her mom run the store.

Meanwhile, she worked as a Continued on page 12.

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Great Plains Black History Museum turns to virtual tours for local, national reach

by Becky McCarville

With remote learning a sure bet this fall for some school districts in the metro area and across the U.S. because of the unrelenting coronavirus, along with people continuing to work from home, Executive Director Eric Ewing is ensuring the 45-year-old Great Plains

Great Plains Black History Museum Phone: 402-932-7077 Address: 2505 N. 24th St., Omaha 68110 Founded: 1975 by Bertha Calloway Goal: Add staffing so that the organization can grow.

Website: gpblackhistorymuseum.org

Black History Museum remains relevant and a resource by providing more virtual tours as well as small group tours. The museum was founded

by Bertha Calloway in 1975.

Since March, many nonprofits have focused on “addressing the critical needs at the time, which was food and shelter,” and Ewing knew that he needed to continue to reach people.

“Although we’re not feeding the body through food, we’re feeding the mind through education, so I’ve been trying to find different ways to make people aware that we’re still here and we’re here to meet you where you need to be met, whether it’s coming in here in small groups or providing you a virtual tour,” he said. “I think the pandemic pushed me to do more and turn [virtual tours] into something that even once the pandemic and reopening and things like that started to occur, I realized that that was a great way to reach a larger audience, to have a bigger impact, not just from a local standpoint but from a national standpoint.”

Before the pandemic, Ewing provided a handful of virtual tours per year around Black History Month and Women’s History Month, but since March he has ramped up this offering.

The museum partners with the organization Nepris to disseminate the virtual events.

“We’ve had an opportunity of reaching students throughout the United States, as far as Hawaii and Alaska on the West Coast to Rhode Island on the East Coast,” he said. “We reach students through 19 different states, and then I’ve started providing virtual tours for organizations locally and nationally as well.”

Last year, the goal of 5,000 visitors was nearly reached — under by just seven people.

This year, the museum is on target for its goal of 5,500, including virtual visitors. At the end of July, it’s logged 3,340 visitors.

Ewing has provided virtual tours not only

Executive Director Eric Ewing … Adapting, improvising and overcoming during the pandemic to educate and preserve African Americans’ contributions and history. for schools, but also for organizations like be added to the museum’s website. This will T Mobile/Sprint employees, where he led a allow the exhibits to be viewed even after they’re workshop/panel discussion and has a virtual switched out — because of limited space, most tour scheduled. of the exhibits are changed every two to three So far this year, he’s done 21 virtual tours. months.

The live tours foster One permanent exconversation.

“Everything you see in here is hibit is a large map of “I want people to the Great Plains with look at the various [ar- American history — American red pins representing tifacts/exhibits], but history told through the lens of an African American I also want to have a who was lynched, none chance to talk about it African Americans. I think if of whom were conbecause some of the we’re learning about history, we victed of a crime. In stuff is uncomfortable,” Great Plains alone, need to be learning about all of the he said. “Because it there were 174 docis uncomfortable, I history, the contributions of ev- umented lynchings, want people to have eryone that has provided us all not including the 1921 an opportunity to Tulsa race massacre. talk about it, not just the liberties in which we have.” — The collaboration going away feeling Eric Ewing, executive director of the with Prairie STEM will uncomfortable. And also eventually feature also, there’s no change Great Plains Black History Museum students from Howard without discomfort.

Kennedy Elementary “I think it allows me to interact with peo- reading about their research projects on various ple and then they interact with us here at the artifacts from the museum. museum, so then that way we can have a more “Their research will become part of the significant impact on individuals … I hear tour,” Ewing said. “Click on an item and you people making the statement, ‘Wow, I did not won’t hear my voice, you’ll hear one of those know that.’” grade school students talking about that particLocally, Ewing took a group of nonprofit ular artifact.” executive directors and CEOs on a virtual tour, In-person tours follow Centers for Disease via the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. Control guidelines: groups no larger than eight, Alan Wang of Prairie STEM reached out to set required masks and social distancing. up a 360-degree virtual tour that will eventually He said that the majority of in-person tours in July were people from out of town looking for a safe summer getaway. Visitors came from Washington D.C., Oklahoma, Texas, Atlanta, South Carolina, Virginia and Minneapolis. Until recently, Omaha and Nebraska had not been considered a hotspot.

“What’s interesting is that I’m getting a lot of African American travelers who have never been to the state of Nebraska,” he said. “They’re coming to Nebraska and they’re Googling Black museums and things along that line and that’s bringing them into the museum.”

The coronavirus isn’t the only occurrence that has impacted the museum. The death of George Floyd has sparked a movement and renewed efforts to ensure social justice for all.

The Great Plains Black History Museum’s Facebook page has gained 500-600 followers An exhibit entitled “Hate,” tells the story of lynchings that took place in Omaha, since March, with an increase of about 300 folthe Great Plains and the United States, and a correlating exhibit called “Hope” features lowers since George Floyd’s death. Ewing posts inspiring photos and artifacts. historical daily events that have impacted African

American history not just for educational purposes, but also for people to do more research if they want.

He said that racial/social injustice wasn’t part of the national conversation until it was caught on camera and everyone worldwide could see how African Americans were treated in the U.S. — with the civil rights movement of the 1960s, where news outlets broadcasted protesters being harmed by water hoses, targeted dog attacks and being beaten, to now, where smartphones capture Black Americans’ mistreatment by police and others.

“Now the thing is, we need to ensure that people don’t go back to sleep,” he said. “Attention has been brought to it, it’s just that now there has to be positive outcomes from these events.

“I think it’s in everyone’s hands. No. 1, to admit that there’s a problem and then to address that problem … how can we address this so it benefits everyone and in doing so, in allowing everyone to be treated fairly, meaning that it’s not going to take away how someone else is treated.”

As a veteran who served 20 years in the United States Navy “honorably,” Ewing said that change was part of the culture. Because of his background, he’s able to adapt, improvise and thrive in the face of the pandemic.

A powerful moment for Ewing was at the Great Plains Black History Museum’s grand reopening after it moved to its current location in Oct. 2017 — in the former Dreamland Ballroom where many jazz greats played. Founder Bertha Calloway, who had dementia, was able to attend.

The following month she passed away.

“On that day, she was very cognitive of where she was and what was going on, so she was there and talked to a few people,” he said. “For her to be able to see that we’re trying to keep her legacy and what she started going, so that it can be a resource.

“Without her, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

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

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

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

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

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Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

Business pioneer Quinn set the bar high for women

by Dwain Hebda

Cella Quinn is quick to share the story about trying to break into the financial services business, which unfolded after the Polk native had taken her University of Nebraska-Lincoln communications degree to New York to become a political correspondent for the Associated Press.

“There was an ad in the first issue of New Woman magazine that said the average girl could make $25,000 a year [in financial services] and boy, that was a lot more than I was making,” she said.

“So, I walk into a Merrill Lynch office and the guy says, ‘I don’t want a [expletive] woman in my office. Women don’t belong on Wall Street. I’m not going to hire you.’”

Despite the setback, Quinn refused to budge, insisting she could make the company money.

“Men of that generation did not know what to do with a woman like me,” she said. “They were used to women who wore nice little aprons and if you were abrupt with them, they would run away and cry.

Well, I’d had a tough father and I didn’t do that.

“He finally looked at my resume again and figured out they had an office in Nebraska. They came in and were just beaming. They said, ‘We’re going to send you to Omaha.’ That was 1972. I could not have landed in a better place.”

Omaha may have felt more like home, but it wasn’t much easier on a woman in her line of work. Relatively few women made financial decisions in that era and even fewer men took cold calls from a woman selling them. Quinn quickly figured out another tack.

“The YWCA had classes in flower arranging and some other stuff. I walked in and said, ‘Women need to know how to make money. I want to teach a class on

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her investments over the years, the move continues to pay off handsomely.

“The most rewarding thing about being my own boss was I could do things my way and I could do it right,” she said. “I have a saying that if you always do what’s right, you never have to explain anything.”

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Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 24, 2017 •

27

November 24, 2017

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

Unique Midlands

by Michelle Leach

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

features, robust economy

Sandhills Publishing

Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

result in multi-sector

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

Private giving and an economy that any one industry isn’t may stays,” but the level be Midlands “mainDundee harkening and the sheer need of cross-sector activity back for talent to meet in communities that to communities withdemand for services are newer-emerging sprung up on streetcar phenomenon or bus lines. for area firms.

He also speaks to “The architecture, engineering and lifestyle and the built a “balance in terms of construction industry the movement from environment”; consider Greater Omaha region is very strong in the and now “hybrids,” cubicles to open spaces at the moment,” said conference rooms which combine smaller BCDM Principal and areas where and employees can still have Director John Sullithat sense of community van, who also isolated but also privacy Sarpy County’s highas needed. growth.

“We’re moving Further, Sullivan to that direction, notes strength “nearnot because it’s the trend ly across the board” but because it’s — from office the and right thing,” he said. institutional to private The architecture sectors such as reliand engineering Palandri gious projects which, side of the construction he said, is “unusual” and “won’t last forever.” industry was described “The economic development as “robust,” into and growth of the metro-area Smith the has been steady and Design Senior Associatefinal quarter by Davis and the diversification strong, and Senior Architect of the area economy Greg Smith.

— both of those factors add up to things happening “Several projects good by Sullivan: John Sullivan, principal and in the metro, and designed recently director at BCDM “One of the things still in hopes of breaking that’s not about necessarily true are Architects. that’s unique environments, across the state, ground this fall many of the large especially and Omaha is there is strong philanthropic if you’re in an ag and a shift in what Downtown Lincoln and private support for area and go into expect.” people ects are central or key projects.” projwestern Nebraska gaining inertia,” he AO’s … said. “The interior Palandri speaks to remodel market modities-driven areas,”and some of the com- Palandri Managing Principal Randall trying to attract is also J. nials and a has seen the uptick lifestyle shift, whereby millen- keep contractors busy strong and this will He also referenced he said. in growth that became noticeable during winter months.” the more urban centers the many pockets around two years growth, from newer Many large-scale of main steady ago re- perspective are in demand from a housing Telegraph District’s projects, such as the and offices that to Aksarben Village, areas such as Blackstone attributes in more recent months, which he speak to this at the stage where particularly to infill-type generation School/YMCA, Hudl,Marilyn Moore Middle sion of that development extenprojects. perspective.are in-demand from a workplace “There and Nelnet, have come to form; He also speaks, not of the projects featured is occurring. Some opment,” is a lot more emphasis on redevelnecessarily mains however, Smith said there still he said. “What really to “vintage” or here in this section reflect another prominent rework in the build-outs. “traditional” construction drove it was, there was a pent-up materials but to, He referenced trend mentioned demand for market-rate work at Bryan Health’s perhaps, more “traditional” apartments and neighborhoodEast Campus, the in more walkable-type and community-building, new LES Operations Center, of with areas and projects for Eustis Autobody such as Benson, at 98th Street and Blackstone and Highway Continued on next page.

opportunities

Architecture — inside NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgrade

THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

s keep Interstate

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VOL. 43 NO. 47

Printing competitive

Interstate Printing ha-based firm founded Co., an Omaby a German immigrant with Business & Industrial a special interest in publishing ethnic Parks/Leasing newspapers, has used its family-ownership as an anchor, placed strong equipment upgrades, emphasis on and maintained a comprehensive list has enabled it to growof services that of its commercial with the needs Business & Industrial printing clients, which are located Park/Leasing throughout much of the country.

— inside “For our 100 years OCTOBER 20, we have main2017 tained a low-key approach, which has enabled us to attract THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE: with jobs that we business clients can on,” said William do a good job F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago.

“With each job we to say, ‘This came want to be able from us’ and that both our client and will be pleased with their customers 40 the results,” he der continued.

Un 40 Peter, who formerly practiced law full-time before uncle Eugene Peter succeeding his who retired from Locally owned Aksarben the business at age 88 five years ago, serves large demographicCinema From left, Senior Continued on page with VP of Sales Jim amenities.

8. reached its Mancuso centennial year – Page 2 with investments and President William Peter … in new tech.

The printing company has (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) 28

40

der Un

• OCTOBER 20, 2017 • Midlands Business

Journal

October 20, 2017

40

No slowdown in demand

by Michelle Leach

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

as availability presents

ongoing challenges

More buildings may economy with upside be coming out of potential.” ground, but demand the NAI NP Dodge also being constructed remains brisk.

“Demand for commercial at described the leasing Associate Kyle Pelster Opportunities are Highway Crossing.”

Edney indicated real estate market as “very tight.” loans is very strong,” this is driving “At any given and landlords leasing available for tenants such as the said Stephanie Moline, executive vice president aforementioned R&R. projects, to them. time, there are around These challenges ing with First National of Enterprise Lend- 100 properties, aren’t limited to Class Bank. “Commercial give or A; Edney recalled and industrial loan how the Kellogg take, listed/available demand is growing, building at 10203 Crown at a much slower but in the Omaha/Council Point Ave. near pace.”

Fort Blair High Road She said some of had “multiple offers and Bluffs couple of weeks.” in a in late 2016 is being the capital investment said. market,” he “Having said absorbed.

“There isn’t much “It would appear that, finding the of that type of product out there, either,” coris lagging the capital the anticipated revenue rect he said. square footage, expenditures,” Moline He also spoke to said. location, rental rates tures, such as greater demand for certain feaGrowth of C&I loans, clear heights and and building layout she said, remains dock doors — driven larger about the same as can be very difficult.” by requirements a year companies such as “Agribusiness loans ago. as He referred to are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline more providers. real estate is up Edney “We’re also seeing year over more construction in the last year — year,” she said.

Pelster with a lot of interest owner/user buildings “We are finally seeing from investors that Generally, businesses but some spec buildings as well. are an increase in new in spec industrial space are optimistic industrial properties,”looking to invest about potential tax on the market again “The new Facebook reform. he said. “A lot after a slowdown of that interest project will add “This would cause in new infrastructure some monies to past,” he said. “The new spec projects in the the Midwest.” is coming from outside of along the repatriated and improving be corridor,” increases in term Pelster said. “This Highway 50 rental rates and operating length, working capital Edney referred to and money that can will break expenses continue ROI for new projects cap be used for acquisitions and industrial parks way to steadily rise. as lower on the coasts, rates and one’s or additional investment area.” in that making Omaha in equipment and/ “The rest of the market attractive as a secondary or people,” she said. seems to be catch- to He ing up with the rental Chicago, New York or tertiary market more entrants into “There continues to be created said Thrasher and Freightliner have rates we are seeing or Denver. of the new construction out Regarding “behind-the-scenes” from loan productionthe local market; both leaving large new buildings for themselves, projects.” vacancies in their offices OMNE Partners indusprevious locations.

Moline is encouraged and FinTechs.”

EVP Matt Edney Continued on page “Brook Valley continues Class A industrial by new market 30. entrants as: “People availability remains said to be the leader in new industrial believe this is a vibrant hard to find.” “really construction projects,” Pelster said. “The “And that type R&R Commerce of product is moving Park is pretty quick,” he said.

in Omaha

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

– Page 2

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

– Page 3

n in me ss Wo ine Bus

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

– Page 4

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

by Michelle Leach

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

“We’ve been here The Haymarket for over 10 years, and wanted Archrival’s niche space breathes to rethink the entire in youth cultureContinued on page 10.

yee plo s Em efit Ben

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

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

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

by Michelle Leach

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

Depending on where pared to that,” said President Nick across Bison’s divisions one looks Cusick, who indicated its focus and product lines, the Lincoln-based was on manu- a lot other areas. “Even without facturer’s growth of direct marketing is up at least 5 to emphasis, 10 percent to 30 percent our site furnishing business, BRP, following or amid dealer base was up 5 to 10 percent.” and ownership transitions, and Falling under custom a business unit indusredesign. trial job shop manufacturer IM“Bison overall, its SCORP’s holding company umline, had an incredibleown product brella, wholly-owned year prior subsidiary and this last year Bison is joined was flat comby SNA Sports Continued on page 10.

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Lamp Rynearson

by Richard D. Brown

Drone and innovative scanning technology is giving Lamp Rynearson, Omaha-based civil engineering, a 58-year-old landscape architecture, construction and surveying firm, administration a competitive advantage as it completes a wide range of private and public sector projects.

Nancy Pridal, a professional engineer and 20-year son employee who Lamp Rynearto president of the was promoted firm in August, stresses that leading the latest technologywith the use of the employee-owned has enabled increase its revenues company to by more than 100 percent over the while the employee past 10 years creased by 45 percent.count has in“With the investment we’ve made, we want to be viable in the future with the technology provided,” Pridal said.

“For example, we can scan a mound and get the typographic data and in scanning stockpiles we can get quantities.”

The purchase of a second drone Continued on page 12.

competes with innovat

Woman of Distinction

VOL. 43 NO. 42

ive technology

President Nancy

Pridal … Leveraging

La Casa Pizzaria dishes out more options to customers from online orders to food

by Michelle Leach truck

tech investments

for variety of projects.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

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

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

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

by Becky McCarville

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

Cella Quinn … Pioneer in financial industry, leading way for more women in the profession. how they can invest,’” she said. “I started now,” she said. “In 1970s and ‘80s, I had with three students and I taught all the a saying that I don’t care if I was a cross evening classes. I taught at Creighton for between Warren Buffet and Mother Thea long time, Midlands resa, nobody would refer Business School, Metanybody to me. The new ro Tech, Iowa Western. generation of women, Four nights a week I was Gen X and millenniout teaching. That’s how als, are more attuned at I built my book.” dealing with women now than they were Quinn eventually started attracting back then.” men as clients as well, though not with After nine years with Merrill Lynch as much help from other women as one and 11 more at Smith Barney, she started might think. her own firm that ran for 25 years. Along “One of the things I say a lot is that the way, she developed her own investment women have got to support women, and strategy which she marketed to those lookthey don’t, although they’re doing it more ing to build wealth. She also co-founded groups that help women build value in the business world through networking and 40 Under 40: common support.

Looking back over her career, she revealed she never particularly sought out being an entrepreneur, but merely took the opportunity as it came along. Like many of

$2.00

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

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Business Succession & Transitions

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

August 28, 2020

Timing is key for planning, implementing business succession

by Dwain Hebda

When it comes to a successful business succession plan, experts say timing is everything, from when the plan is put together to when it’s executed.

“Start planning early; there usually ends up being far more issues to work through than initially anticipated,” said Katie French, partner with Lamson Dugan and Murray. “Discuss timing issues, such as what transitions will happen during Palzer the business owner’s lifetime or while still involved in the business versus what will happen after retirement or death. Both sides of the transaction may not be on the same page about these logistics.”

French said advance planning allows businesses to guard against the unforeseen and provides flexibility to react to market changes.

“Be prepared to implement the plan sooner if necessary,” she said. “Sometimes unforeseen events occur that require implementation of a successor earlier than anticipated. Those business that have a succession plan will be able to adapt and move forward seamlessly.”

Katie French, partner at Lamson Dugan & Murray.

Business succession is hard to approach their business decide that they would also be dispassionately, which is why business owners equally successful at selling their business. should never undertake the process on their But the practice of the business itself and the own. selling of the business are two very different “Going it alone is the biggest mistake things. This is too big for DIY or some form I have seen, time and time again,” said Jeff you found on the internet.”

Palzer with Kellogg Palzer. “I have seen Palzer said most successful businesspeople business owners who are very successful at have a team of professionals around them for

managing the business and that same approach should be taken when it comes time to exit.

“The individuals who helped make the business owner successful should be part of making the transition successful,” he said. “A CPA can advise on the best tax strategy for the sale of the business; a business attorney can advise on the best structure of the sale and so on.”

Palzer also warned about emotions as another major pothole in the process.

“Sometimes busiHamm ness owners take [the process] too personally and that costs them opportunities to sell the business at the highest and best value,” he said. “Owners need to be laser-focused on selling the business at the highest and best value; taking anything personally risks getting the best price for the business.”

Part of the problem with many business owners is a failure to commit to the succession process, causing unnecessary delays and missing out on potential buyers.

“The most common mistake I see in business owners is the failure to really commit to seeing the process through,” said Brandon Hamm, attorney with Koley Jessen. “Many owners initially express interest in drawing up a succession plan, but then lose focus as they get swept up in putting out day-to-day fires with the business and working ‘in’ the business, rather than ‘on’ the business. These types of business owners have a rolling fiveyear exit plan that never really gets finalized and implemented.”

Once again, emotion should be kept in check, especially when family members are involved. Hamm said family dynamics can muddle the waters when it comes to succession planning, due to unclear or absent communication.

“Oftentimes business owners overestimate a family member’s desire to take over a business or their ability to do so successfully,” Hamm said. “These miscalculations create tremendous risk to the successful implementation of a succession plan and the financial security of the departing business owner.

“Family dynamics undoubtedly complicate succession planning. When family dynamics are at play in a succession planning process, communication is critical.”

Business Succession & Transitions •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

5

Pandemic underscores importance of planning for future with tax opportunities

by Michelle Leach

Delayed planning, in challenging times and otherwise, puts one at the mercy of what the Exit Planning Institute characterizes as the “Five D’s:” Death, Disability, Divorce, Distress or Disagreement. In fact, the EPI estimates half of all owners’ exits are forced.

“The daily lives of most business owners are mostly tied up with the running of their businesses, and that fact alone can make it difficult to find time to plan for their future,” said Fraser Stryker Attorney Adam D. Grieser.

“Planning for their future involves addressing difficult concepts, like envisioning someone else in charge of the business they built up and imagining life without the company that has been so central to their lives so far.”

Often, owners reach out to Grieser only after they’ve seen the problems a friend or family member went through with their business.

“We all want to pretend that we are in control, and we avoid thinking about the potential problems down the road,” he said. “So, it takes a real-world example to help us see the benefits that can come from planning ahead.”

Managing Member Mary Vandenack said Vandenack Weaver has seen a “significant increase” in planning since COVID-19.

“Everyone is far more aware of their own vulnerability and mortality,” she said.

“We are being asked detailed questions that we have rarely been asked. Business owners currently want to understand every aspect of business transition and all the possibilities.

The pandemic has actually created a great opportunity to move business owners ahead in planning for transitions.”

If an owner dies without a plan, Vandenack said, there may be no one prepared to step in. The business can falter. Also, the value of the business may not be available to beneficiaries, leaving family in a difficult position.

“If the succession plan involves children who have not been positioned to step in, the value built by the owner may not result in a planned legacy,” she said.

Additionally, if the plan involves selling the business, it Grieser may not be positioned or structured for an easy sale, according to Vandenack.

Husch Blackwell Private Wealth Group Attorney Jared Dodd noted closely-held businesses generally have limited options for divestment when compared to large companies that may attract private equity-type investment. Options typically are limited to: family members, key employees, unrelated third-party competitors or industry peers.

“If the owner fails to or procrastinates in identifying which of these options they are working toward, they will find themselves without a buyer when it comes time to divest,” he said.

Assets may be sold in liquidation rather than as a going concern, with a substantially reduced return to the owner.

Don’t fail to maximize the bottom line in the years immediately preceding the sale.

“Business owners are often looking for ways to reduce the taxable income of the business through capital expenditures,” Dodd said. “This can be a smart strategy to employ to lower the tax liability year over year; however, when it comes time to sell, a buyer wants to buy a profitable business.”

So, minimizing income through continual capital expenditures often can result in a lower sale price.

“If the owners plan ahead, a shortterm tax increase in Vandenack the years prior to exiting the business can lead to an increased sale price,” Dodd said.

Grieser characterizes the pandemic as a “wake-up call” about the potential problems that can impact businesses.

“Even for businesses that seem to be thriving, something as unforeseen as this pandemic can come along and totally knock the company back,” he said. “So, I think it underscores the importance of planning, even when a business seems to be successful and at its peak.”

Grieser acknowledged how more people are looking to the future, after their death, which has prioritized planning, rather than putting it off.

Vandenack encourages owners to consider if the successor is ready and able to step in, and the funding to keep the business functional during transition. Also, she indicated,

structure should be regularly reviewed from legal and tax perspectives to ensure the business could be sold (if necessary), and to avoid loss of value in the event of a fire sale.

Tax planning in 2020 is “mission critical.”

“We had a major tax act a few years ago that has been significantly altered by legislation related to COVID-19,” Vandenack said.

“There are many tax credits and tax opportunities for businesses.”

Additionally, retirement planning is an integral part of successions, so an owner can successfully exit; Vandenack referred to SECURE Act-related change and additional pandemic-related legislation that should be reviewed.

While Dodd acknowledged the pandemic has driven down many business’s values, for an owner with an eye toward transferring to next-generation family members, the current environment is prime for succession planning.

“Presently, we have depressed business values, historically low interest rates, and historically high estate and gift tax exemptions ($11.58 million per person),” he said.

“These factors combine to offer owners the ability to transfer ownership of the business in an extremely tax-efficient manner through strategies like a sale to an intentionally defective grantor trust.”

Given increased pandemic-related government spending, Dodd said tax rates will likely rise, and gift and estate tax exemptions will fall to offset spending.

“Owners seeking to transfer a business to the next-generation in the next few years may be better served to act now in the favorable tax environment,” he said.

DELIVERING PEACE OF MIND. Lutz is a business solutions firm. Our M&A division exists to deliver results, exceed expectations, and provide superior service to our clients. Our focus is to market Midwest-based companies for sale, recapitalization or new investment. With a reputation for integrity and confidentiality, we leverage the hands-on experience of our professionals to deliver unique and value-added M&A advisory service.

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6

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Business Succession & Transitions

Continued education is key as new leaders take over

by Gabby Christensen

There comes a time when new leadership is necessary, and when that time comes, professionals say it’s best to prepare talent through continued education.

Marisa Gift, training and development manager at Lutz, said the company has developed two internal leadership development programs centered around its core values.

“A key part of these programs are sessions where current Gift leaders share their professional and personal stories with our future leaders of the firm,” she said. “They discuss lessons they have learned and challenges they have overcome, as well as advice they would give to future leaders.”

In addition to delivering important content, these sessions help to personalize leaders, and therefore, encourage further conversation down the road.

“We also have a management program that teaches skills fundamental to being an effective manager, such as delegation, feedback and communication,” Gift said. “Finally, we integrate Lutz’s client service standards into many different trainings to ensure that our people are hearing how different firm leaders carry out Lutz’s expectations for client service. We have implemented these different leadership and management development programs, and more, because we understand the importance of investing in tomorrow’s firm leaders.”

Monika Philp, director of tech leader-

ship development at AIM Institute, said today’s tech managers deal with complex challenges, such as managing remote teams, addressing cybersecurity issues, fostering in-

Philp Fredrickson novation and finding top talent in a changing workforce. Therefore, effective management and leadership skills are needed now more than ever.

To address this, AIM and local tech leaders have created Leadership Academies.

“Advanced Tech Leaders is an annual, seven-month program that guides IT managers while they develop and enhance their leadership skills,” she said. “For tech professionals on the verge of management for the first time, we offer a six-week program called Emerging Tech Leaders. As IT professionals gain experience, they often wonder whether to continue down the tech path or switch to a management role.

AIM’s Emerging Tech Leaders helps these professionals build vital leadership skills and discern which path suits them best.”

More than anything, Philp said leadership determines the success of an organization.

“While the people who lead your company may have the technical skills or educational

background required for the job, they might lack the personal skills necessary to lead people effectively and form successful teams,” she said.

In most cases, Andrea Fredrickson, owner of Revela Group, said private and family businesses have planned for a change to new leadership.

“There are no rules for how a person in a new role of leadership will act,” she said. “There are best practices that you can follow, but those too depend on the goal of the leader and their leadership style.”

To prepare employees for a change in leadership, it is helpful to have created a culture of continuous improvement and resiliency.

“Some organizations see themselves as constantly changing, finding ways to make things better and do a pretty good job of help-

ing everyone expect things to change,” she said. “While others struggle to make even the simplest of changes, so anything different is faced with barriers and roadblocks. Those organizations that have an intentional culture of continuous improvement tend to have energy and excitement, which also helps with recruiting and retention.”

Fredrickson recommended that companies work with employees under various circumstances to ask the question “What if,” followed by different situations, scenarios and simply considering possibilities.

“Another thing companies can do is market the change that is coming,” she said. “Putting out messages in different ways creates some repetition. Repetition is how we create new habits of thought. New leadership will inevitably change things, whether it is right away or after some time.”

Succession planning is a series of relationship-oriented decisions

by David Kubicek

Transition planning can elicit strong emotions. A successful plan isn’t a series of legal documents; it’s a series of relationship-oriented decisions.

The goal is to grow value throughout the plan by increasing buy-in and a commitment to the future, according to Katie McFarland, integrator/operations director at The McFarland Group.

“A successful exit plan [or bankable exit] gets the seller full market value and the buyer the capital they need to purchase,” McFarland said. “A bankable exit takes seven years because internal buyers need to create collateral to secure cash at closing.

Without proper planning, the seller is often responsible for providing the collateral to secure a loan.”

Maintaining buy-in from the management team, protecting the company and its people from contingency events, and increasing profitability throughout the transaction are critical for success. Many companies are heavily reliant on the owner for client retention or new business development, or upon a group of key employees without whom major organizational functions would collapse.

Work with a trusted exit-planning adviser to lay out your objectives and think through your plan to transition your responsibilities to Continued on next page.

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Business Succession & Transitions •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

7

Timing, planning and avoiding misconceptions required when selling a business

Succession planning

Continued from preceding page. your successors.

Andrew Sigerson, senior partner and founder of Legacy Design Strategies, said firms should first decide how long the transition will take.

“There’s a lot of flexibility when selling to family,” Sigerson said. “They can do almost anything they want in terms of structure — they can make it very tax-efficient.

When selling to insiders like employees they typically can do that as well. When selling to an outsider, there’s more risk involved, McFarland especially if the owner is willing to act like the bank and carry some of the risk that the new owner will pay him.”

If possible, allow five to 10 years to finalize the plan. The plan can be structured to give the new owners time to become acclimated to the business and the old owners time to transition customers, lists, and the employee culture. Five to 10 years can also minimize the taxation on the sale.

The most successful sales will be to one or a group of people, or to family members, who already are in the company.

“Those almost always work, versus [a sale to] outsiders where you have maybe a 50/50 shot that the sale will be successful,” Sigerson said.

Samuel E. Clark, an attorney and shareholder at Erickson Sederstrom, said that when

A pitfall many owners fall into is being so immersed in the business that they are the only key to how well it operates.

“The biggest thing we hear is that a business can’t revolve around the seller,” said Cortney Sells, owner of The Firm Business Brokerage.

“You aren’t buying the seller; you are buying what they created. Prospective buyers want to buy a business that has clients and cash flow coming, but they also want one with people and processes in place. Spend the year before developing a leadership team so that someone can take over each role. It doesn’t have to be just

one person. You can delegate those responsibilities to several people.”

It is also important for the owner to ask

selling a family business to a son or daughter, it’s important that the relationship doesn’t dictate the terms. The children should be represented by a lawyer and an accountant to help make the best deal possible.

“It may seem that family members would get favorable terms but very often the parent sets a price they desire without considering the ability to pay over the long term,” he said. “For instance, a long-term consulting agreement may burden a business without benefits. This occurs even where there is bank financing, which should act to protect the buyer Sigerson as to reasonableness of price. Unfortunately, some parents try to exact a sales price they couldn’t obtain from an armslength buyer.”

In negotiating the sale of a business to a child, the parent needs to consider the circumstances of the other children as well and the “they’ll get theirs someday” can be a long wait.

For example, if one parent outlives the seller, the child who bought the business may enjoy a significant economic benefit for decades, while the others must wait until the death of the second spouse to inherit.

“Where life insurance is utilized to advantages in inheritance, having it payable on the death of the first spouse should be considered — although that will be more expensive,” Clark said.

Snow Sells themselves some meaningful questions. Will the owner be involved after selling, and what will they do after it is over?

“Exit planning can be a valuable tool commonly utilized up to five years prior to a contemplated transition,” said Tom McQueen, ASA (accredited senior appraiser) director at Acclaro Valuation Advisors. “Many owners of successful privately held businesses have been turning to employee stock ownership plans

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(ESOPs) as an exit strategy. When structured properly, ESOPs can provide the seller of a business the opportunity to take some chips off the table, potentially participate financially in the company’s future growth in value and continue to work in the business post transaction, if desired.”

There is also one more important question to ask.

“Is your business currently profitable?”

McQueen Snow said. “It could be harder to sell when it’s not, so you may need to take some time to increase profits and create a strong customer base. Start planning to make sure financial records are in order so they can show they are worth their asking price. Resolve any outstanding business issues, such as IRS issues, legal concerns or outstanding A/R (accounts receivable).”

Deciding to sell means knowing the ins and Continued on page 12.

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Building a successful business takes time, money, sweat equity and much more. Similar to the work that goes into building a business, there needs to be due diligence before selling it.

“Start planning your exit strategy the same way you would plan your growth strategy,” said Nikki Snow, partner at Bland & Associates.

“That way, when you are ready to sell, you can get the most out of your business. Put plans into place to make your role transferable to the next buyer — start working more on the business than in the business.”

8

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

ARCHITECTURE

Hired

New Ownership

Ryan J. Coufal

Richard J. Onken

Attorney

Calvin L. Hinz Architects

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

Dvorak Law Group, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan J. Coufal to the firm’s litigation/ dispute resolution practice group. Ryan Coufal’s practice focuses on commercial and business litigation matters, including contract disputes, construction disputes, business torts and negligence claims.

He assists clients through all stages of the litigation process, from initial negotiations to commencing litigation, conducting discovery, participating in trial or mediation, and the appellate process. Coufal received his J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Dvorak Law Group, LLC is a full-service business, estate planning, and litigation law firm, with offices in Omaha, Hastings, and Sutton, Nebraska. It serves individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities in Nebraska and throughout the country. To learn more about Dvorak Law Group, visit www. dvoraklawgroup.com.

President

Calvin L. Hinz Architects (CLH Architects) is proud to announce the transfer of ownership to President Richard J. Onken. The firm, founded in 1968, was purchased from previous owner Calvin L. Hinz. Mr. Hinz has been with the firm since 1989 and will continue on with the firm to aid in the transition. Mr. Onken, who was the Vice President of CLH for the past two years, brings 25 years of federal and private healthcare planning and design experience, spanning 14 countries. The change in the ownership is effective

from July 24, 2020. CLH Architects is a nationally recognized architectural design firm and remains a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certified by the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) under Richard Onken.

Mr. Onken is a service-disabled veteran, retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Lt. Colonel in 2009, where he received four Meritorious Service Medals and a Bronze Star. The last 5 years of his service was in the

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

capacity of Chief, Healthcare Design, for the Air Force Surgeon General. In civilian life he led teams of healthcare facility designers, architects, and engineers on projects totaling $1.5 Billion. His project portfolio includes medical centers, hospitals, clinics, specialty facilities, new construction, and renovations. At CLH Architects we understand that our strength, growth, and success over the last 50 years is a result of our client-centric design approach and our commitment to design excellence and innovation. Our design process is a shared collaboration of client goals, industry experience, environmental stewardship, and community. We remain committed to offering quality designs and solutions to our clients and look forward to what the future holds under the leadership of President Richard Onken.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

9

Senior Market Sales strengthens portfolio with strategic agreement

Continued from page 1. now has access Alliant’s core business, which includes employee benefits, property and casualty insurance services, middle-market brokerage, and underwriting.

“With this deal you have the premier national insurance marketing company in the senior market joining forces with one of the nation’s leading names in employee benefits,” Summers said. “We’re going to leverage the strengths of both companies to create a unique new model in insurance distribution and maximize the resources available to our agents and partners.”

Senior Market Sales is owned by CEO Milt Kleinberg and his son, Hershel Kleinberg, executive vice president. The firm will retain its 45,000 square feet of space on four of five floors at 8420 West Dodge Road.

Summers said the company hit 480,000 policy holders in 2019 and is seeking to hit the 500,000 mark within the next year.

Premiums have increased from $7 million to $700 million in the past 20 years via independent agents and advisers, career agents, and call center distribution.

By comparison, Alliant’s niche has been the younger market, going from $25 million to $1.6 billion in revenues during that period. Using a diversified distribution model, the 95-year-old firm has 500 property and casualty professionals, 8,000

human resources relationships and employs advisers to perform the task of asking cli280 benefits consultants. ents at a much younger age to think about The key to the relationship is how the retirement issues, and how via financial two companies are different, Summers said. products such as annuities and group Under the agreement, the entire Senior Medicare supplements, they can better Market Sales team position themselves will join Alliant and Senior Market Sales for retirement. continue to service Phone: 800-786-5566 “ To o m a n y agents nationwide Address: 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite Americans are waitunder the SMS name 510, Omaha 68114 ing until 60 or 65 to from Omaha. think about the topic Service: national insurance marketing “ W e r e m a i n Founded: roots going back to 1982 in and at a much youngdedicated to help- Omaha er age we can have ing agents leverage Employees: 334 the conversation with t i m e , m a k e m o r e One-year goal: Fully and effectively implethem and the result money and put their ment recent strategic agreement with Alliant will be a better unbusiness in a posi- Insurance Services. derstanding of their tion of distinction,” Industry outlook: Opportunities for growth choices and options,” Summers said. “The exist via acquisitions and strategic agreeSummers said. partnership will only ments.

Senior Market enhance this, allow- Website: www.seniormarketsales.com Sales rolled out three ing us to bring more new products this resources, more relationships, and more year. Group Medicare supplements and anopportunities to our agents and advisers.” nuities specifically designed for the 401(k) Summers, a 1974 graduate of Rockhurst market, along with individual products for College with a degree in marketing and who dental and vision coverage offer significant started his career as a manager of three bars growth potential for the firm. in Kansas City, said that the experience of Summers said the firm has its greatest supervising more than 100 employees has penetration in Texas, Florida, Pennsylvabeen helpful to his 30-plus year insurance nia and Illinois, as well as Michigan and industry career.

Louisiana.

A big thrust, the Alliant agreement now “It helps to be in the heart of America enables Senior Market Sales’ network of and I believe we truly give our carriers a true distribution,” he said.

Senior Market Sales provides financial planning software through Covisum, which developed the pioneering Social Security timing software that is heavily relied on by advisers to help clients figure out when

CLH Architects bucks sluggish trends with government contracts Continued from page 1. whose service and work with architecture and New Jersey.” engineering took him all over the world, Iraq From its offices at 3705 N. 200th St. in to Djibouti.

Elkhorn, the 52-year-old CLH Architects Hinz himself is a Vietnam-era veteran. provides the full menu of architectural “We may potentially use a military- or services, project feasibility to construction veteran-oriented recruiting firm,” he said. administration.

“We try to be a good firm for our veterans in “Even before I took ownership,” Onken different ways.” said of its diversificaWhen in the Air tion, “there was more CLH Architects (Calvin L. Force, the Fisher of a push into the west- Hinz Architects, PC) House Foundation ern region — it hasn’t Phone: 402-291-6941 played an important been an immediate Address: 3705 N. 200th St., Elkhorn role in Onken’s life. shift, more of a glacial 68022 “I was an integral shift.” part of how the Air Services: Center for Veterans EnterA California-li- prise-certified Service-Disabled VeterForce would run Fishcensed architect, Onk- an-Owned Small Business offering projer Houses,” he said. en spotlighted design ect feasibility, architecture, planning and For those unfaguidelines work; for construction administration expertise miliar, each Fisher instance, with Vet- Founded: 1968 House is characterized erans Affairs (VA) Industry outlook: Architectural billas a “home away from campuses in West Los ings continued to be down in July, and home” for families Angeles. of patients receiving conditions remain soft as newly-signed “We’re diversify- designed contracts declined critically medical care at major ing a bit within the VA, from June to last month (AIA, August 19 military or VA medical so it’s not just design press release). centers. work,” he said.

Like St. Jude’s Website: www.CLHArchitects.com Onken estimates Children’s Research 50% to 60% of its current volume ties to long- Hospitals, Fisher House never charges resiterm contracts associated with CLH being on dents for housing and amenities. the “short-list” of vendors for government “When the president of the Fisher House agency work.

Foundation was considering a Fisher House When asked about how the firm further at the VA Omaha campus, I took a lot of steps supports veterans, Onken said every Ser- to make that happen,” he said. vice-Disabled Veterans-Owned Business Last year, he ran the Army Ten Miler varies on this front. again (for the Fisher House Foundation) and, “We definitely take care to make sure at the time of this writing, was working with there is a veteran out there and able to do the the local house to donate Lego bricks; as a jobs,” said Onken, a 20-year Air Force veteran Continued on page 12.

is the best time to claim Social Security benefits. Covisum Tax Clarity and related programs are also utilized.

By offering back-office support, agents, often with limited staff in their employ, can rely on the Omaha firm to check applications for errors, process applications and get connected with carriers, among other services.

An important adaptation at present is introducing increased use of Lead Advantage Pro, an enhanced client management tool, which helps calculate from multiple firms’ data significant to decision-making.

Alliant brings to Senior Market Sales more than four million customers with group health plans. Actuarial professionals estimate that 100,000 of them will go into retirement or sign-off on their careers each year.

“Many of those nearing retirement are unsure of the better choices of the options available,” Summers said. “Many ask, ‘Do I have enough money to live on if I retire at 60?’”

He said initial talks and later negotiations between Senior Market Sales and Alliant started about 18 months ago.

Summers and Alliant President Greg Zimmer concluded that the cultures of the two corporations meshed and by drawing on the expertise in both companies, the needs of advisers could be better met.

Hershel Kleinberg summed up the decision: “Both SMS and Alliant have an entrepreneurial spirit, are committed to providing value to our agents, and we’re focused on building and growing for the long term.”

10

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 4

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 Business Updates…

The new Nebraska Economic Recovery Dashboard is using a tool that provides data visualizations and key insights on the state’s economic health through the COVID-19 pandemic and into recovery. The dashboard includes data indicators in four major areas: business, economy, finance, and workforce.

More than 20 data visualizations are available on the dashboard, with options to view comparisons with other states, regionally, and nationally, including: Unemployment claims, weekly and over time; business opening and closing rates; loan count and dollar amounts from the Payroll Protection Program by state.

Briefs…

EVENT PLANNING GUIDE

AVIATION

SEPTEMBER 11

MODERN OFFICE

DIGITAL MARKETING

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below.

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • 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.

First National Bank of Omaha launched a new automotive credit card program with Ford Motor Company and Visa, Inc. The FordPass Rewards Visa Card enables customers to earn points not only through Ford dealership purchases, but also when paying for gas, auto insurance, tolls, parking, dining and all other purchases. The credit card is the next step in the company’s journey to strengthen customer loyalty following the launch of its FordPass Rewards program last year. Points may be used toward the purchase or lease of a customer’s next Ford vehicle or for Ford service and parts.

The Great Game of Business, Inc. named CM’s Outdoor Solutions to the 2020 Great Game of Business All-Star Team. Each year, the Great Game community recognizes companies like CM’s Outdoor Solutions who have created a ‘Business of Businesspeople’ who ‘Think, Act and Feel like Owners’ by teaching everybody how business works, giving them a voice in saying how the company is run and providing them a stake in the financial outcome.

Made in Omaha, a local gift shop selling local goods, opened its second store in the Old Market at 1012 Howard St. Local owners Brandon Beed, Nick Huff and Teri Healy started Made in Omaha in the Fall of 2018. The store came out of their love for supporting local makers through their event HutchFEST that showcases over 300 Midwest makers. The new space is the first home to their sister store, hutch, which was in the basement of McLovin in 2013. The store includes products from over 80 local makers.

A new rooftop solar project is now generating clean electricity in the historic Dundee neighborhood. Boyd Jones recently completed the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on top of Dundee Bank at 5015 Underwood Ave. The Dundee Bank rooftop system will generate an estimated 14,400 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, or roughly the same amount of energy consumed by 16 Omaha households in an average month.

Super Lawyers recently recognized Berry Law attorneys John S. Berry, Jr., Justin Kalemkiarian, and Seth Morris with its annual award, marking the fourth consecutive year that Berry Law has had attorneys selected to the list. For the 2020 Great Plains list, John S. Berry, Jr. was honored as a Super Lawyer, while Justin Kalemkiarian and Seth Morris were recognized as Rising Stars.

Each year, Super Lawyers awards attorneys based on peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research.

Core Bank announced the formal introduction of their Private Client Group, featuring Private Banking Services, Trust Ad-

ministration, and Investment Management.

Craig McGarry, executive vice president, leads the team with his breadth of expertise and extensive knowledge in trust, estate planning, taxation, and investment strategy.

Nebraska food banks will soon be able to provide more beef to families in need thanks to the “Good Life. Great Steaks” T-shirt campaign coordinated by the Nebraska Beef Council and the Rural Radio Network.

During the four-week promotion, over 1,200 shirts imprinted with the campaign slogan were purchased raising $8,100 to supply beef that will be distributed through Food Bank for the Heartland and Food Bank of Lincoln.

The Nebraska Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA-Nebraska) has selected Ryan Sears to serve as the Omaha Metro Area director. Sears will oversee the Omaha and Southwest Iowa region. Sears has been with FCA-Nebraska for five years, focusing on staff development and ministry activities and planning. In his new role, Sears will direct the Omaha and Southwest Iowa efforts to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

FCA Omaha and Southwest Iowa currently serves over 72 area schools and college campuses which include nearly 2,000 coaches and over 50,000 athletes.

Abraham Catering has added District Loft to its portfolio of event locations available for rent for special occasions and will be the exclusive caterer for the event venue, which is expected to open in early September.

District Loft is located at 6121 Maple St. in Benson, kitty-corner from The Waiting Room on the historic Benson strip. Formerly the Benson American Lodge Family Post #112, District Loft has been completely remodeled into a modern, open floor plan. The indoor space seats up to 150 people. The rooftop space also seats up to 150 people and can be rented separately or along with the main event space.

HunTel announced that it plans to expand its business to include a consulting company, HunTel Consulting Company. All four companies under the HunTel umbrella; HunTel Engineering, HunTel Communications, HunTel Security, and HunTel Consulting will bring the same focus to customer centric solutions that optimize client’s productivity and performance to achieve their strategic goals.

Markets the team has served include green technologies, banking, construction, biotechnology, internet/e-commerce, telecommunications, distance education/e-learning, real estate, health care services, manufacturing, restaurant industry, retail, consumer products, media and entertainment, enterprise software, insurance, and networking.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed legislation that repeals a requirement that moving companies get permission from their competitors before they can open a new business. The socalled “certificate of public convenience and necessity” requirement gave existing moving companies the opportunity to formally object to new entrants and keep them out of the market. LB 461 repealed the certificates of public convenience and necessity requirement for household goods movers, for transporting railroad crews and for agritourism. The bill also ended the same requirement for non-emergency medical transport and taxis.

NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, received an Emmy award from the National Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

11

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page.

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter for its “What If…” series story, “Winston, Young Composer.” “What If…” is a series exploring innovation, creativity, invention and discovery. It features stories about interesting Nebraskans with interesting ideas in a wide range of areas.

After three years of design and construction, the landmark Omaha VA Ambulatory Care Center has opened on the campus of the Omaha Veterans Administration Medical Center. LEO A DALY led all architectural, SUPER CROSSWORD

engineering and interior design services for the $86 million facility, which was delivered through a public-private partnership thanks to $30 million in private contributions and the balance from federal funds. The facility will provide state-of-the-art health care to the region’s roughly 40,000 veterans, with capacity for about 400 patients each day.

Education notes…

A University of Nebraska at Lincoln entomologist has received nearly $430,000 for research that could lead to a better understanding of sorghum’s natural defenses ELEMENTAL RECOMPOSITION

against fall armyworm. Joe Louis, associate professor in the university’s departments of entomology and biochemistry, received the funding through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative competitive grants program. Sorghum is one of the world’s most important crops and is grown for both grain and bioenergy. Fall armyworm is one of the most devastating pests affecting grasses in the Americas.

The Metropolitan Community College paralegal and legal studies programs will begin offering the educational requirements leading to the legal technology certificate this fall quarter. Students who successfully complete the law office technology class will simultaneously fulfill the education requirements leading to the legal technology certificate. This credential is offered through the National Society for Legal Technology, an organization committed to the education of students and professionals who are learning essential technology that is critical to the legal workplace today.

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Girl Scouts of the USA announced 24 new badges designed to help girls practice ambitious leadership in the crucial areas of automotive engineering, STEM career exploration, entrepreneurship, and civics. Girl Scouts made free self-guided activities from select new and existing programming available digitally to the public through Girl Scouts at Home. Girls can further engage with the badges and topics through online videos, activities, or special live virtual events.

A $250,000 grant has been awarded to Creighton University’s Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus among minority communities. The 12-year-old CPHHE is a community-academic partnership housed at Creighton University that seeks to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

CPHHE will use the funding to educate and train volunteer Community Health Advocates regarding contact tracing and how to reduce virus spread with face masks, social distancing and other public health measures.

A University of Nebraska – Lincoln researcher’s team has received $1 million in grant funding for two separate projects designed to enhance the productivity and health of environmentally sensitive soils.

Humberto Blanco, a professor of soil management and soil physics, and his team received the funding for both projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant program. The first project will assess the use of biochar to enhance sandy, low-carbon-content and erosion-prone soils. The second will look at alternative management strategies of cover crops to improve soil health and ecosystem services of sandy and erosion-prone soils.

Each project received $500,000 in funding over four years.

Health care notes…

Answers on page 12.

Immanuel has announced its plans to begin construction on a new building for its Immanuel Fontenelle location in northwest Omaha. Construction will begin in August on the existing campus with completion tentatively scheduled for January 2022.

The new Immanuel Fontenelle will offer enhanced amenities and updated home-like environments for individuals in need of skilled nursing and long-term care. The new

building will replace the 44-year-old existing structure and be more fully suited to resident and employee needs. With a new, home-like neighborhood design serving 96 residents, the space more fully supports resident-centered care and efficiency for team members.

Hy-Vee, Inc. announced that Hy-Vee KidsFit is launching a free, downloadable Wellness Week guide. The guide includes in-person, virtual and hybrid methods to help students prioritize healthy choices in school and at home. The program is designed for students of all ages and abilities in an effort to connect school to home with family participation. This fall, 50 schools across Hy-Vee’s eight-state-region will host Hy-Vee KidsFit Wellness Week devoted to educating students about the importance of nutrition and fitness.

Students will complete daily activities, physical challenges and assignments for the chance to earn prizes.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Cooper Foundation awarded the fourth cycle of Rapid Response COVID-19 grants. Grants will be awarded monthly for unrestricted general operating support with a simplified application process through September 2020. Grants were awarded to: Child Advocacy Center ($10,000); HopeSpoke (10,000); Legal Aid of Nebraska ($10,000); Lincoln Music Teachers Association ($2,500); Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach ($10,000); Meadowlark Music Festival ($2,500); St. Monica’s ($10,000); Southeast Community College Educational Foundation ($10,000); and The HUB Central Access Point for Young Adults ($2,000).

Several organizations throughout Omaha and the region will benefit from millions of dollars donated by the Ryan Foundation.

Organizations receiving funds include: $2.6 million to Boys Town National Research Hospital of Omaha; $500,000 to the New Cassel Foundation; $120,000 to St. Vincent De Paul Society; $36,000 to Spirit Catholic Radio Network; $29,428 to the Children’s Respite Care Center; and $10,000 to Matura Action Corporation.

Local nonprofit College Possible was recently awarded a 2020-21 Community Investment Grant from United Way of the Midlands for $20,000. College Possible supports nearly 2,000 students annually from nine Omaha-area partner high schools, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and other nearby and national colleges. Students receive support from a coach — a ServeNebraska AmeriCorps member — who assists with ACT exam preparation, scholarship and college applications, financial aid preparation, campus visits and college fairs.

Coaches also help students and families make informed college choices utilizing financial literacy resources and information to find best academic and social fit.

Arts and events…

The Lincoln Fallbrook YMCA will be hosting its 4th Annual Youth Triathlon on Sept. 7 in support of the YMCA Annual Campaign-Strong Kids. The Youth Triathlon route will start and end at the Fallbrook YMCA with the race route throughout the Fallbrook neighborhood. The race consists of a swim, bike and run with designated distances based on age. The event is open to kids ages 5 and up. All skill levels are encouraged to participate in this untimed event. The registration fee is $20 per participant. Registration information and a course map can be found online.

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

The Next Chapter Books and Gifts plants roots in Farnam Hill District Continued from page 1. paraprofessional through Omaha Public Schools, a caseworker for Health and Human Services and for the past 13 years, as an office manager for an attorney.

Last year, Mutum and her family needed to make some decisions. Her mom, who was 75 and still ran the bookstore, was thinking about retirement. Mutum’s plan in the back of her mind had always been to take over the store. Except she wasn’t keen on pulling up her own family’s Omaha roots to move back to Hastings.

Then Mutum found the perfect spot next to Zen Coffee at 25th and Farnam streets in the Farnam Hill District. The decision was made to open a bookstore in Omaha.

“My mom was totally fine,” she said, and was confident that Omaha could sustain two independent bookstores. “So last summer, as we were going through all of this and closing the store — I was trying to help close her store and open mine — it was kind of a wild year.

It’s all come together.”

With Zen Coffee, owned by Abby Korth, Voodoo Taco, a couple of new hotels, Populus Coworking, and the opening of Launch

More people have been buying books Brewing in the near future, the Farnam Hill District, adjacent to Midtown Crossing, is a about racism and white privilege after the death of George Floyd and the resurgence of neighborhood in the midst of revitalization. the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mutum was a cus“The sales of tomer at Zen before those books have gone opening the bookstore The Next Chapter Books up and I think it’s fanand had approached and Gifts tastic that people want Korth, who owns the Phone: 531-218-7996 to educate themselves building, about the Address: 2508 Farnam St., Omaha or just be more aware space. Books and cof- 68131 … just be a part of fee go hand-in-hand, Founded: Oct. 2019 it,” she said, adding and Zen and The Next Industry outlook: With national Indethat for a while it was Chapter often work pendent Bookstore Day on Saturday, difficult to find those together to cross-pro- Aug. 29, bookstores across the U.S. titles but now they are mote the businesses. celebrate with special events in store accessible.

With about 1,700 and online.

When the pansquare feet and 5,000 Website: nextchapterbooksandgifts.com demic was declared, titles, The Next Chapter carries fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, the bookstore didn’t close completely. Mutum offered online sales with drop shipping, puzzles, candles, journals, cards and more.

Mutum anticipates interest in new books curbside pickup and delivery. The support coming out this fall by popular authors John she’s received from the community to shop Grisham, Jodi Picoult and Ina Garten. There local has helped. Two months ago, she wasn’t are quite a few political books being pub- sure about the upcoming holiday season, but lished that will also garner interest, and in now she’s taking it day by day and trying November, with the election, “you just don’t to order inventory strategically. In fact, the shop local focus has had a positive impact know what will happen,” she said.

CLH Architects bucks sluggish trends with government contracts Continued from page 9. kid, Onken’s bio notes that he constantly played with Legos, “building anything and everything.”

Broad-based efforts to heighten the use of veteran-owned small architecture firms led

Selling a business

Continued from page 7. outs of the business, from the smallest details to company culture and, of course, financial records and trends.

“Expect a lot of information gathering and subsequent dialogue to get an understanding of the company’s business model, historical quality of earnings, risks and growth opportunities,” McQueen said. “Commonly, at least six years of historical financial data is reviewed — sometimes further back depending on the industry and related cycles — in addition to many other due diligence items, such as a review of customer concentration.”

Once the planning is done and it is finally time to sell, avoid getting trapped into some frequent misconceptions. Along with assuming it will sell fast and for the desired price, timing shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Some people aren’t sure they are ready to sell and may say maybe in three or five years,” Sells said. “Even if you aren’t ready to sell today but know it is something that you plan on happening, don’t have a rolling timeline. Evaluations can be done ahead of time to help people make a choice and determine if now or later is the best time. They also don’t have to be daunting. A cursory evaluation can provide comparables to other businesses in their industries, such as how long it took or what it was sold for.”

Lastly, it may take time to find the right buyer.

“Your business is your baby, but not everyone will want to buy your business or see it in the same way that you do, and not every potential buyer is the right one for your business,” Snow said. “Find a pre-qualified buyer and don’t get into a hurry to sell. Take time to vet out potential buyers, which could take months.”

Onken to connect with a fellow veteran seven or eight years ago: Hinz.

“This was going to affect how things were done with government contracts,” Onken recalled. “I thought, ‘I should do this kind of thing.’

It really weighed heavily on me.”

At the time, Onken was working at another architecture firm.

“I called Cal to ask him what he thought about setting up a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and I went in asking him for advice,” he said. “Cal immediately went in to, ‘You should buy my firm’ …. It’s definitely taken us time. We’ve always said we wanted to do this the right way.”

Onken joined CLH Architects in September of 2018. Now, he’d like to “own the firm a similar length of time [as Hinz].”

“Part of our agreement is that Cal will stay for a year,” Onken said. “He’s got flexibility now.

He doesn’t have the pressure of ownership on his shoulders.”

As military veterans, Onken indicated they’re uniquely undaunted by challenges.

“It doesn’t dissuade you,” he said. “You ‘adapt and overcome,’ as the Marines say.”

This mentality served them well, through recessions or a mixed recession-pandemic.

“We had a ‘we will get through this’ attitude, there really was no stopping us,” Onken said.

“This determination, in a lot of ways, comes from being a veteran … I often compare things to my military deployment.”

Its health care expertise has also proved beneficial; for instance, Onken noted how features such as Plexiglass screens were historically avoided as barriers between staff and patients.

Now, those seemingly small elements have considerable safety implications.

Additionally, Onken referred to the departure from “traditional” ER public waiting spaces to those that divide patients as “asymptomatic,” “symptomatic” and “not sure.”

“Since COVID, ERs need a place to bed down someone while they wait to see if they are symptomatic or not,” he said. “That is a major shift in how we design ERs, to have that sort of ‘waystation’ where you wait.”

As a follow-up, Onken further pulled back

the curtain on what makes CLH Architects tick, and the ownership transition: “As one goes through a process such as this, there is at times a challenge of trust of the other party … For Cal and I, while we are very different people with very different personalities, we have a fundamental baseline trust between veterans, and I believe that truly helped us a lot in the process of working through the challenges 2020 brought.”

on independent bookstores across the U.S. “The love of books is the same,” she said, reflecting on how the industry has changed over the years. “When Amazon came along … people were so excited for it — ‘it’s so easy, it’s right at the tip of my fingers.’ But now, I get the sense that people are going away from it a bit and supporting local, and I even think the pandemic has changed people’s mind about it a bit and they see that maybe they should shop local and support … [the] community. I do think that independent bookstores are making a comeback.

“I think people like to go in and you can find so much more than just the one book you were looking for online. I think that’s changed obviously since my parents’ store …

I just get the sense of people wanting to be in there and support [local shops].”

With nationally celebrated Independent Bookstore Day coming up on Saturday, Aug. 29 (rescheduled from April), she’s hoping to set up most of the activities outside with as much spacing as possible.

The day-long festivities will include beer specials, a raffle, prizes, cookies and free coffee from Zen with a receipt from the bookstore. Local vendors will be lined up on the sidewalk for shopping, along with hotdog cart Willy Dog. For the kids, there will be bookmaking activities — premade and packaged individually so that kids and families can work on it there or take it home.

Mutum is looking ahead to next year, ready to host events like bookstore yoga, poetry readings and author events. She’s also looking to add more books and gifts to build up the store.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

13

Unpaid utility bills are soaring in the pandemic. Consumer advocates fear mass shut-offs loom.

by Andrew Maykuth

In an economy unsettled by pandemic, Pennsylvania utility customers are falling behind on payments at a record pace, and energy companies are pressing the state to relax a ban on shutting off nonpaying customers.

The state’s electric and gas utilities say total customer unpaid bills have soared to $479 million through the end Economy of June, up $139 million or 41% over than 2019 levels. Money owed is up across customer classes, including commercial and industrial customers, whose unpaid balances are 54% greater this year than last.

The utilities say that a moratorium on service shutoffs, enacted in March in the early days of the coronavirus emergency, has had the unintended consequence of discouraging customers from entering into payment plans, even when they are offered enhanced terms.

Peco, the company that serves Philadelphia and its suburbs, says that only 2% of overdue customers responded to its outreach efforts to enter into payment plans, a rate it called “quite low.”

“Peco believes that customer participation in these payment arrangements will increase if the moratorium is lifted,” the company said in a filing Tuesday with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. About 146,000 of Peco’s residential, commercial and industrial electric customers were in arrears at the end of May — about 9% of its 1.6 million customers.

Every year a moratorium on shutoffs takes effect in November and lasts for four months. And executives fear that if a change isn’t made soon, those in arrears could slip by until next spring.

But consumer advocates say it would be unconscionable to allow utilities to resume service shutoffs while more than 2 million Pennsylvanians have applied for unemployment benefits, and so many people are confined to their homes, telecommuting or supervising children while schools are closed.

“We’re very concerned that folks will be terminated and will forgo their other basic necessities in order to maintain service or that they will attempt to go without service, which

places both them and their household and everyone around them at greater risk of harm,” said Elizabeth Marx, a lawyer for the Coalition for Affordable Utility Service and Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania.

“Allowing utility terminations while the pandemic is ongoing places families and whole communities at risk of physical, emotional, and financial harm, and will exacerbate the already disparate impact of the virus on low-income and minority communities,” Emma Horst-Martz, an organizer for advocacy group PennPIRG, wrote in a letter to the PUC signed by nearly 700 organizations and individuals.

Many residential customers are also facing bigger electric bills from the additional energy they are consuming while under quarantine.

Peco said that total residential electric use was up 8% in the second quarter compared to last year, while energy use was down 14% in the battered commercial and industrial sectors.

The moratorium debate is set to be thrashed out next week before the PUC, which has deadlocked twice before along political party lines over efforts to modify its March emergency order on service terminations. The two Republicans have proposed lifting the moratorium on shutoffs while the two Democrats have opposed it. Both measures failed by 2-2 votes.

Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, the PUC chair, recently asked for public comments on whether the moratorium should be changed. Most of the 28 responses received by the deadline Tuesday were from utility companies or trade associations who asked for the moratorium to be lifted. But consumer advocates argued for retaining the ban on shutoffs, as did Gov. Tom Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Valerie A. Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County commissioners, all Democrats.

“I write to urge that the moratorium be continued,” Wolf said in his letter, “unless, and only unless, strong consumer protections remain in place to protect low-income customers and those who have lost significant income as a result of the pandemic.”

In their carrot-and-stick approach to nonpaying customers, utilities say that the threat

of termination typically leads customers to pay down balances or to enter into payment plans.

In 2018, the most recent data available, the PUC said that gas and electric utilities issued 3.5 million 10-day termination notices (often the same customer gets multiple notices). About 300,000 customers were actually shut off that year.

Consumer advocates say the state does not have a good statistical handle on the scale of the nonpayment problem, and there is a risk to lifting the moratorium on service terminations.

The state’s electric, gas and water utilities reported in June that about 845,000 customers were so far behind that their service could be ended, an increase of 9.6% from a year ago. Of the accounts in arrears, about 790,000 are residential customers, including 211,000 classified as low-income families.

“We don’t really understand the depth and breadth of the problem,” said Robert Ballenger, an energy attorney with Community Legal Services in Philadelphia who represents the Tenant Union Representative Network, an advocacy group. “And the numbers reported are now completely out of date so we don’t know enough to really anticipate what will happen if the utilities are allowed to resume termination.”

If the threat of termination is supposed to motivate customers to respond, Ballenger said, it’s uncertain whether customers are able to make payments and whether existing customer assistance programs are adequate. “Those are big unknowns, and until we answer those questions, it’s not appropriate to risk the public health by allowing terminations to proceed,” he said.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the trade group that represents the state’s electric and gas utilities, said the problem with mounting unpaid bills will only grow worse the longer the moratorium remains in place. According to data the trade group collected from member companies, residential arrearages stood at $404 million at the end of June, up $113 million from a year ago, or 39%. About 45% of the unpaid balance came from customers classified as low-income.

The more unpaid bills grow, the association said, the greater the risk that utilities will be forced to write off the amounts as uncollectible.

“With the sizable shift in remote work, current homeowners are looking for larger homes and this will lead to a secondary level of demand even into 2021,” Yun said in a statement.

There were 1.5 million existing homes for sale last month, down 21.1% from July 2019, the 14th straight year-over-year decline. It was the leanest supply for any July on record.

The number of houses for sale would last 3.1 months at the current sales pace. Anything below five months is seen as a tight market.

Median Price In July, properties remained on the market for an average of 22 days, the shortest timespan on record. The median home price increased to an alltime high of $304,100 last month and compared with $280,400 a year earlier.

Purchases of previously owned single-family homes rose 23.9% and sales of condominiums increased nearly 32%, according to the NAR data.

Existing-home sales increased in all four U.S. regions in July, including a 30.5% rise in the West and a 19.4% advance in the South, the largest U.S. region. Purchases climbed 27.5% in the Midwest and 30.6% in the Northeast.

Previously owned home sales account for roughly 90% of U.S. tractions and are calculated when a contract closes. July new-home sales data

will be released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday. ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

US existing-home sales surged in July by most on record

by Maeve Sheehey

U.S. sales of previously owned homes surged by the most on record in July as lower mortgage rates continued to power a residential real estate market that’s proving a key source of strength for the economic recovery.

Economy Closing transactions increased 24.7% from the prior month to a 5.86 million annualized rate, the strongest pace since the end of 2006 and reflecting broad gains across the U.S., according to National Association of Realtors data issued Friday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a 5.41 million rate. Prices jumped 8.5% from a year earlier, on an unadjusted basis, to the highest on record.

“The housing market is past the recovery phase and is now in a booming stage,” Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said on a call with reporters. “Certainly, record-low mortgage rates are bringing more buyers into the market.”

Cheaper borrowing costs, pent-up demand and greater interest in suburban markets following the pandemic-related shutdowns earlier in the year are so far generating plenty of momentum in housing. At the same time, lean inventory, higher asking prices, and the coronavirus itself represent hurdles to further outsize gains.

Under current law, utilities are allowed to pass those costs on to other customers in higher rates.

“Continuing the moratorium indefinitely will exacerbate the problem of nonpayment, which is contrary to the interests of both those customers with growing arrearages and the general body of customers who will eventually be called upon to pay growing uncollectible expenses,” the association said in its filing.

But some advocates suggest it may be time to rethink the longstanding regulatory principal that allows utilities to be made whole for uncollectible bills — one of the trade-offs of getting utilities to submit to state regulation of their rates. Utilities may be facing increased political pressure to cover some of the costs from their own profits.

“The entire burden of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot fall on the customers of the utility, whether residential, small business, commercial or industrial,” wrote Tanya J. McCloskey, Pennsylvania’s acting acting Consumer Advocate, whose office reports to Attorney General Shapiro.

McCloskey acknowledged that the commission’s role traditionally has been to balance the interests of all sectors of the public, but there are circumstances where it may not be possible to satisfy all aspects of the public interest. “The Commission should recognize that a proper balancing of the interests may require a sharing of this burden between shareholders and consumers,” she said.

About 24 states have enacted pandemic bans on utility shut-offs, and New York has extended its moratorium until next year, according to the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners.

Utilities in 15 states, including New Jersey, have voluntary banned terminations. The coronavirus bans on shut-offs have expired in the remaining states.

There is one area upon which the adversaries in Pennsylvania agree: They all support legislative proposals to allocate some of the state’s federal COVID-19 relief money to support utility customers facing termination.

One proposal would allocate $150 million to utility relief. “It would serve like a protection wall to customers,” said Horst-Martz of PennPIRG. “So that if the moratorium is lifted, the customers still wouldn’t have their services shut off because the utility companies would be taken care of.” ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

US business activity hits 18-month high, IHS Markit data show

by Vince Golle

U.S. business activity expanded in August at the strongest pace since early last year as faster growth at manufacturers spilled over to service providers, indicating the recovery is broadening.

The IHS Markit flash composite index of purchasing managers Economy at manufacturers and service providers increased 4.4 points to an 18-month high of 54.7, the group reported. Readings above 50 indicate growth and the measure is up almost 28 points from the pandemic low in April. While the U.S. is expanding faster, separate figures showed slower growth in the euro area and declining activity in Japan and Australia.

IHS Markit composite measures of U.S. orders and employment showed faster rates of expansion and exports picked up in earnest. A gauge of order backlogs jumped to the highest in data back to October 2009, a sign of further out-

put gains in coming months and helping explain increased hiring.

“August data pointed to a further improvement in business conditions across the private sector as client demand picked up among both manufacturers and service providers,’’Sian Jones, an economist at IHS Markit, said in a statement.

“Notably, the renewed increase in sales among service sector firms was welcome news following five months of declines.’’

The IHS Markit’s flash manufacturing PMI climbed to 53.6 this month, exceeding forecasts and the highest since January 2019, while the group’s services index rose to 54.8. That’s the first time since January that the service industry expanded and the strongest reading since March of last year. ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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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 and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week.

PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP, Attorneys 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF OC BODY SHAPER, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of OC Body Shaper, Inc. (the “Corporation”) have been amended in the following respects: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide as follows: ARTICLE I: NAME The name of the Corporation shall be Futureshock, Inc. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 29, 2020. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged.

First publication August 7, 2020, final August 28, 2020 JODIE MCGILL, Attorney MCGILL LAW, P.C., L.L.O. 1411 N. 72nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OFFROAD FIASCO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is Offroad Fiasco, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7915 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68144 and the initial registered agent is Jodie McGill of McGill Law, 1411 N. 72 St, Omaha, NE 68114. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Statement of Qualification with the Secretary of State on August 14, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in its members in proportion to their contribution to the capital of the company, as adjusted from time to time, to reflect additional contributions or withdrawals by the members.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 Notice is hereby given that T.C. Associates, LLC (“the Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with initial designated office at 18353 Harney Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The initial registered agent is Tom Clement at the same address. The company commenced operations July 30, 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LINE PARTNERS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LINE Partners LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13340 California Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas Joseph Twit, 13340 California Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The limited liability company commenced business on August 19, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Inconspicuous Spiritual Gangster LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 6015 Windhaven Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512 . The initial agent for service of process of the Company is USCA, Inc. 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LeverageRx Insurance Services, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 808 Conagra Dr. 4th floor, Omaha, NE 68102. The initial registered office of the Company is 808 Conagra Dr. 4th floor, Omaha, NE 68102, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is LeverageRx, Inc. 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 3rd day of August 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 THE LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT E. BURNS 11330 Q Street, Suite 220 Omaha, Nebraska 68137 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OMAHA ONLINE BONDS, Inc. Notice is hereby given that Omaha Online Bonds, Inc. has incorporated under the Nebraska Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is to conduct any lawful business including but not limited to the business of the marketing and sale of surety bonds. Capital is 10,000 shares with a par value of $1.00 per share. The registered agent is: Robert Burns and the registered office is located at 11330 Q Street, #220, Omaha, NE 68137. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect. The corporation commenced existence on July 30, 2020 with the filing and recording of its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, and will have perpetual duration.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF GCP II OLD HICKORY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of GCP II Old Hickory, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the company to GCP III Old Hickory, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 4, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REPMAK PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Repmak Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4966 South 136th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on July 29, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF EVERY KID IS AWESOME, 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 EVERY KID IS AWESOME, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 1006 Elk Ridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. 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 March 4, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZ CT FUND, LLC The name of the Company is OZ CT Fund, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 16435 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116.

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. The purpose is to invest in qualified opportunity zone property by acquiring qualified opportunity zone partnership interests or qualified opportunity zone stock in one or more first-tier subsidiaries or by directly acquiring qualified opportunity zone business property and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. The Company intends to be a qualified opportunity fund and cause any first-tier subsidiaries it invests in to meet the requirements for a qualified opportunity zone business. This limited liability company commenced business on August 5, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THOMAS BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Thomas Business Services, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Registered Agent of the company is Barry E. Thomas with registered and designated street and mailing address at 7307 Weber Street, Omaha, NE 68122.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. CI 20-4879 In RE Name Change of Toni Ellen Rowl Notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of June, 2020, a Petition was filed in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the object and prayer of which is for the change of the petitioner’s name from Toni Ellen Rowl to Toni Ellen Renardo.

A hearing will be had on said Petition before the Honorable Marlon A. Polk, in Courtroom No. 506, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 1701 Farnam, Omaha, NE 68183 at 8:45 o’clock a.m. on September 9, 2020 or as soon thereafter as will be convenient for the court and that unless sufficient cause is shown to the contrary, the petitioner’s name will be changed from that of Toni Ellen Rowl to Toni Ellen Renardo.

First publication August 14, 2020, final September 4, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 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 LEW, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 14928 A Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. Terry Ledger, Organizer First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF INN-CREDIBLE EYE CARE, 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 Inn-credible Eye Care, 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 14760 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144. Heidi Lichtenberg, Members First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF D&D VENTURES, 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 D&D Ventures, 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 12344 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Dana Preston, Member First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 83RD & GILES PADS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 83rd & Giles Pads, 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 August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOOKS PEAK, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hooks Peak, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 19102 Q Street, Suite 110-114, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLUE POMEGRANATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blue Pomegranate, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 618 South 18th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 August 5, 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that An Awakened You, LLC a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 5, 2020, 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. Angela Pohlman, Manager and Member, will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against An Awakened You, LLC, 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 W Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. A claim against An Awakened You, 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 August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF DAVID ADCOCK ENTERPRISES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is DAVID ADCOCK ENTERPRISES, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is, 1006 Elk Ridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. 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 August 5, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Lil Tee Trucking, Inc., whose registered agent is Perry K. Wiseman and registered office is 6860 S. 118th Street, Ste. 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, was formed on August 4, 2020 to engage in any lawful business.

The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock. The name and address of the incorporator is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific St., Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that O’Leary Therapy Services, L.L.C., 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 Erin Woolman, 638 N. 109th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render services related to the providing of mental health services in this state. The Company was formed on August 17, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 JEFFREY J. BLUMEL, Referee DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF SALE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of an Order Directing Sale issued by the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska in an action pending in said Court at Case No. CI 19-8438, wherein Guardian Tax Partners, Inc. is the Plaintiff and John Aloysius Barnes and others are Defendants, directing me as Referee to sell the following described real estate, to-wit: Lot 15 and the East ½ of Lot 16, Block 2, in Melias 1st Addition an addition to the City of Omaha, as surveyed, platted and recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska.

I will sell said real estate at public auction to the highest bidder on September 11, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. on said day at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Harney Street Level, in the hallway outside Conciliation Court Room 155.

Terms of sale: Prior to the sale, bidders must present a cashiers or certified check in the amount of $5,000.00 payable to the Referee in order to qualify to bid at the sale. The purchaser will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Referee in certified funds by 5:30 p.m. the day of the sale. Any additional terms of sale will be announced at the time of sale.

First publication August 14, 2020, final September 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF APEX OPTICAL SOLUTIONS, 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 APEX OPTICAL SOLUTIONS, 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 2111 Titan Spring Drive, Papillion, Nebraska 68133.

Christopher Lile; Joss Petersen; and Shaleen Wilson-O’Riley, Members First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WHEELHOUSE SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wheelhouse Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GAMAVIATION SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GAMAviation Services, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 15314 Summerwood Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68137 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 August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KC FIALA & JAMES FIALA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/27/2020 on Case Number CI20-8159, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $ 506.91, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 09/21/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCN LOT 11, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of SCN Lot 11, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is SCN Lot 11, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4949 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is G. Thomas Simmons, IV, 4949 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68132.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1155 Estate of MAX R. CRAM, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on August 4, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that ZANTEEN DEAN, whose address is 15256 V St., Omaha, NE 68137, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before October 23, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that Souder Enterprises, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is 20908 Camden Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

15

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KINGDOM ENTERPRISES LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kingdom Enterprises LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on July 31, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Jake White, with registered office at 1110 Hickory Hill Road, Papillion, NE 68046. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1110 Hickory Hill Road, Papillion, NE 68046. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MICROBLASTERS, 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 Microblasters, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 12513 Pheasant Run Circle, Papillion, NE 68046. Robert Niles, Members First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RESULTS REALTY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RESULTS REALTY, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1401 N 52nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is Georgia Parment, 1401 N 52nd Street, Omaha NE 68132. The LLC commenced business on June 8, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLUEPRINT EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BLUEPRINT EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTING, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6337 S 171ST Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Gladys Haynes, 6337 S 171ST Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DAILYTEKK INCORPORATED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DAILYTEKK Incorporated has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office address of the company is 17330 W Center Rd, Ste 110-306, Omaha, NE 68130. The registered agent of the company is Chris McConnell, 17330 W Center Rd, Ste 110-306, Omaha, NE 68130.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF MERGER OF HOLY FAMILY CHURCH OF OMAHA INTO ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH OF OMAHA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the merger of Holy Family Church of Omaha, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, into St. Frances Cabrini Church of Omaha, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, and the surviving corporation.

The merger became effective on July 1, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF MERGER OF OMAHA ARCHDIOCESAN PARISH FOUNDATION INTO OMAHA ARCHDIOCESAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the merger of Omaha Archdiocesan Parish Foundation, Nebraska nonprofit corporation, into Omaha Archdiocesan Educational Foundation, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, and the surviving corporation. The merger became effective on July 1, 2020.

As a result of the merger, Omaha Archdiocesan Educational Foundation was renamed Catholic Futures Foundation of Northeast Nebraska.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE BEDINGERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that The Bedingers, LLC, has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2566 Farnam St, Ste. 301, Omaha, NE 68131. The initial agent of The Bedingers, LLC is Morgan Noble of Northwest Registered Agent Services Inc., 530 S. 13th St, Ste. 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. The limited liability company commenced business on July 02, 2020.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

16

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF CATHOLIC FUTURES FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST NEBRASKA Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Catholic Futures Foundation of Northeast Nebraska (the “Corporation”) have been restated by the Directors as of July 2, 2020 and filed with the Secretary of State on July 6, 2020. The Restated Articles of Incorporation generally provide as follows: 1. The Board of Trustees was modified to consist of eight to fourteen members.

2. The powers of the Corporation were expanded.

3. The reserved power of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha was clarified.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 JEFFREY J. BLUMEL, Referee DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF SALE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of an Order Directing Sale issued by the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska in an action pending in said Court at Case No. CI 19-8402, wherein Guardian Tax Partners, Inc. is the Plaintiff and Debra L. Townsend and others are Defendants, directing me as Referee to sell the following described real estate, to-wit: Lot 6, Block 4, St. Mary’s Addition, an Addition to the City of Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.

I will sell said real estate at public auction to the highest bidder on September 11, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. on said day at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Harney Street Level, in the hallway outside Conciliation Court Room 155.

Terms of sale: Prior to the sale, bidders must present a cashiers or certified check in the amount of $5,000.00 payable to the Referee in order to qualify to bid at the sale. The purchaser will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Referee in certified funds by 5:30 p.m. the day of the sale. Any additional terms of sale will be announced at the time of sale.

First publication August 14, 2020, final September 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RESORT, 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 RESORT, 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 1149 Bemis Drive, David City, NE 68632.

Ryan Hilderbrand, Member First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 JULIA KAY PALZER, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is LEGACY PRO CARRIERS TRANSPORT, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 7914 W Dodge Road, Suite 412, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The registered agent is Lydia Bender and the Register Agent's address is 7914 W Dodge Rd, Suite 412, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114.

3. The general nature of the Company is a shuttle service for people.

4. The Company commenced on August 11, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

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

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ZEPHYR AG, 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 Zephyr Ag., 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 August 7th, 2020 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 August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EARTHTONE GRANARY, LLC The name of the Company is Earthtone Granary, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9341 A Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68520. 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. The purpose is to invest in qualified opportunity zone property by acquiring qualified opportunity zone partnership interests or qualified opportunity zone stock in one or more first-tier subsidiaries or by directly acquiring qualified opportunity zone business property and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. The Company intends to be a qualified opportunity fund and cause any first-tier subsidiaries it invests in to meet the requirements for a qualified opportunity zone business. This limited liability company commenced business on August 12, 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 Dennis P. Lee, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68144 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska PR20-1199 Estate of JAMES J. SIMPSON, Decedent Notice is hereby given that on August 11th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Testacy of the Estate of James J. Simpson and that one of his surviving children was appointed as the Personal Representative of this Estate: Laura Warren, 3540 S. 104th Street, Omaha NE 68124.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before October 28, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JEFFERY L HOFFMAN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 05/18/2020 on Case Number CI20-9469, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $416.64, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/11/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SEAL TEAM, LLC. Notice is hereby given that SEAL TEAM, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated and registered office of the company is 2609 Victoria Ave, Bellevue, NE 68005. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced on August 20th, 2020, and has perpetual duration. The manager and registered agent of the company is Jason McGee. First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 DIANE B. METZ, Attorney 123 North 55th St. Omaha, Nebraska 68132 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-760 Estate of LUCILLE COCHRAN, Deceased Notice is hereby given that the Personal Representative has filed a final account and report of administration and a formal closing petition for complete settlement after informal state intestate proceedings of said deceased, for determination of heirship; and a petition for determination of inheritance tax; which have been set for hearing in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska located at the Hall of Justice, 17th and Farnam Streets, Omaha, Nebraska on October 14th, 2020 at 2:00 o'clock p.m., CR31.

CARROL L. MILLS Registar First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE SNAKE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Snake, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8310 North 216th Street, P.O. Box 217, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 August 18, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

JOHN S. KAMPFE, Attorney TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, MCVAY & RESPELIERS 300 Overland Wold Centre, 6910 Pacific Street Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 20-1169 Estate of JUDY M. VARIANO, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on August 4, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased and that JAMES L. BISHOP, JR., whose address is 6119 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before October 21, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF APEX CAULKING LLC Notice is hereby given that Apex Caulking, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 14508 Borman St Omaha, NE 68138. 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 July 1, 2020 Its affairs are to be conducted by the owner Dakota Pekas. Its registered agent is Dakota Pekas and his office is located at 14508 Borman St Omaha, NE 68138.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Quirk Nutrition, 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 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 M. Tyler Johnson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EK Marketing, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is EK Marketing, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 21871 Marinda Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF TOYS BY THE DOZEN, 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 TOYS BY THE DOZEN, LLC. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the limited liability company in the state of Nebraska is 22223 Homestead Rd., Elkhorn, NE. 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 June 30, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration.

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

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Keesnere Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 14, 2020, 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 Member. Christopher J. Snere will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, 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 706 Leawood Drive, Omaha, NE 68154. A claim against the company 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 August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 83RD & GILES CENTER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 83rd & Giles Center, 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 August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF LIQUID LENDING SOLUTIONS, 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 Liquid Lending Solutions, LLC. The address of the initial designated office 4611 S. 96th Street, Suite 175, Omaha, NE 68127.

The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 11, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC. 2. The period of duration for OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC is perpetual.

3. OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC in Nebraska is 8974 J Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC in Nebraska is David Baratta, 8974 J Street, Omaha NE 68127.

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

7. David Baratta and Old World Inc, organizer(s) of OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 13th Day of July 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EDIE FINANCIAL, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Edie Financial, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is Edie Financial, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 15808 West Dodge Road, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Nathaniel E. Edie, 15808 West Dodge Road, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF MAINELLI MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of Mainelli Mechanical Contractors, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were amended and restated on August 12, 2020, in their entirety as follows: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation is Mainelli Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Article 2 states the registered agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

Article 3 states the purpose.

Article 4 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,000 shares of Voting Common Stock and 9,000 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock, each having a par value of $1.00 per share.

Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws.

Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability.

Article 8 states the provisions relating to preemptive rights.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is LA BELLE LAVANDE, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 2930 Forest Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68516.

3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Amanda Blue at 2930 Forest Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68516.

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

5. The company commenced its existence on February 19, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is ELKHORN MOTORSPORTS, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 7737 North 207th Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Jered Kuhfahl at 7737 North 207th Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

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

5. The company commenced its existence on July 8, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1148 Estate of DEBRA J. LAYNE, Decedent Notice is hereby given that on the 6th day of August, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of Debra J. Layne and that the following sole surviving child was appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate.

Taylor K. Zitek 5417 N. 69th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before October 14, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF STL BOAT TRAILERS, 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 STL Boat Trailers, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 648 A Road, Dodge, NE 68633. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 18, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

JEFFREY T. PALZER, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION 1. The name of the non-profit corporation is PULLING GUARD KENNELS, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 19091 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent at that office is Heidi M. Johnson.

3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is to provide service and companion dogs for Veterans.

4. The corporation commenced on August 12, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Heidi M. Johnson, 19091 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135.

5. The corporation will not have members.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

17

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LUPO PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE, P.C. Notice is hereby given that a professional corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Lupo Preventative Medicine, P.C. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The street address of the corporation is 10020 Nicholas Street, Suite 106, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 Molly Lupo, 10020 Nicholas Street, Suite 106, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Molly Lupo, Incorporator First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MVMT PROPERTIES, 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 MVMT PROPERTIES, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 4328 N. 143rd Street, Omaha, NE 68164. Tonya Moore, Member First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF METAL PETAL ART, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Metal Petal Art, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 618 South 18th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 August 10, 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF 111 CROSSCUT A CARPENTRY, 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 111 CROSSCUT A CARPENTRY, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2941 South 179th Plaza #136, Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business.

The company commenced existence on August 13, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

LINDSEY A. SCHULER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KAB WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC The name of the limited liability company is KAB Wealth Management, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF OMAHA ARCHDIOCESAN DEPOSIT AND LOAN FUND, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Omaha Archdiocesan Deposit and Loan Fund, Inc. (the “Corporation”) have been amended by the Directors as of May 23, 2017 and filed with the Secretary of State on July 6, 2020. The Articles of Incorporation have been amended to change the composition of the directors and officers of the Corporation.

First publication August 14, 2020, final August 28, 2020

18

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF W. N. MOREHOUSE TRUCK LINE, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of W. N. Morehouse Truck Line, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation as W. N. Morehouse Truck Line, Inc. Article 2 states the purpose.

Article 3 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue as as 100,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $0.10 per share.

Article 4 states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent as Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws.

Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability.

The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 12, 2020.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Indian Creek Reserve – Villas Owners Association, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the state of Nebraska. Its initial principal registered office is located at 3827 S. 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. Its initial registered agent is Jana Faller whose address is 14922 A Circle, Omaha, NE, 68144. The general nature of its business is to provide for the maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the improvements and common areas within the Indian Creek Reserve subdivision, a residential subdivision in Douglas County, Nebraska.

The corporation is a perpetual mutual benefit corporation and shall have members. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 24, 2020. Its affairs shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Secretary and Treasurer as may be prescribed by the bylaws, or appointed by the Board of Directors. Its two incorporators are Jana Faller & Steve Faller whose address is 14922 A Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TERRACRAFT AGGREGATE, LLC. Notice is hereby given that TERRACRAFT AGGREGATE, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated and registered office of the company is 5035 Arbor Circle, Omaha, NE 68106.

The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced on June 17th, 2020, and has perpetual duration.

The manager and registered agent of the company is Devyn Lambrecht.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that MNC LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. The registered agent is Thomas H. Penke and the registered office is located at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that MNB LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. The registered agent is Thomas H. Penke and the registered office is located at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that TNC LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. The registered agent is Thomas H. Penke and the registered office is located at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIG HANK’S TRANPORTATION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Big Hank’s Transportation, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11227 Franklin Plaza, Apt. 1613, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SUH HERMSEN STRAP LLC Name of Applicant: SHSTRAP LLC Address: 5018 S. 18TH STREET, OMAHA, NE 68107 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: JULY 14, 2018 General nature of business: EYEGLASSES JAMES J. HERMSEN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 28, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CROSSROADS MALL, LLC CROSSROADS MALL, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the "Company"), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 22, 2020. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: Crossroads Mall, LLC, c/o Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Ste. 300, 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 August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION C.L.J. Farms, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, filed Articles of Dissolution on August 20, 2020, with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets. Renee Coughlin, as President, is to manage the corporate affairs relating to the dissolution of the Corporation. Any Corporation assets will be distributed in accordance with the Corporation’s plan of dissolution and it has no known liabilities.

The Corporation requests that persons with claims against it present them in accordance with this notice. Any claimant shall send notice of a claim to the Corporation to the above address. A claim against C.L.J. Farms, Inc. will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three (3) years after the publication of this notice.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF MAIN STREET PARTNERS, LLC MAIN STREET PARTNERS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the "Company"), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 22, 2020. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: Main Street Partners, LLC, c/o Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Ste. 300, 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 August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RESOLVE HYPNOSIS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Resolve Hypnosis, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 3036 South 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 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 August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF APARTMENTS ON CASS, LLC APARTMENTS ON CASS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the "Company"), filed its STATEMENT OF DISSOLUTION with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 22, 2020. Persons with claims against the Company must present such claim to: Apartments on Cass, LLC, c/o Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Ste. 300, 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 August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that JANDSCRISP, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is 15385 Amy Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020 JULIA K. PALZER, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is BRUCE'S WINDOW SCREEN REPAIR, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 17031 Polk Street, Omaha, NE, 68135. The registered agent is Christopher J. Bruce and the Registered Agent’s address is 17031 Polk Street, Omaha, NE 68135.

3. The general nature of the Company is window screen repair services.

4. The Company commenced on July 10, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

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

First publication August 21, 2020, final September 4, 2020

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is COLLECTIVE ACCESSION INVESTMENTS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 2423 Pinkney Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68111. The registered agent is Jeffrey T. Palzer and the Registered Agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154.

3. The general nature of the Company is holding company.

4. The Company commenced on July 29, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

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

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 200 Regency One, 10050 Regency Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION BIG RED WASTE SOLUTIONS, 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 18058 Honeysuckle Dr., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name, street address and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are Mark W. Fredrickson, 18058 Honeysuckle Dr., Elkhorn, NE 68022. Dated this 21st of August, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CHAD SNOW DDS, 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 Chad Snow DDS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 13808 W. Maple Road, #112, Omaha, Nebraska 68164.

The name and address of the registered agent and office is Chad Snow DDS, 15804 Cary Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on December 7, 2017 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 August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF FKLJ VENTURES, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of FKLJ VENTURES, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been amended to change the name of the Company to KJ CROSSROADS VENTURE, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on February 12, 2020. In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP Holdings, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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 August 21, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Kush Masonry, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 12720 Southdale Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

The registered agent of the Company is Adam Kush, 12720 Southdale Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on August 21, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARBOR CARE CENTERS COUNTRYSIDE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Arbor Care Centers - Countryside, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kenneth W. Klaasmeyer, 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on August 21, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EL ACQUISITION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that EL Acquisition, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. The limited liability company commenced business on August 21, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Logica Name of Applicant: Proforma Technologies, Inc. Address: 808 Conagra Dr Suite 400 Omaha NE 68102 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Delaware Date of first use of name in Nebraska: July 1, 2020 General nature of business: Software publisher CARISSA CASTRO Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 28, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that JKA CONSTRUCTION, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office address of the Company is 8184 Willit Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CRUISERS BAR & GRILL Name of Applicant: Denise E. Gaule Address:863 A F St, Omaha, NE 68127 Applicant is a Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: n/a Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 03/01/2010 General nature of business: Bar & Grill ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 28, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JOSEPH L FULLERTON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 06/10/2020 on Case Number CI20-10515, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $ 177.04, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/18/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FIDELIS CONSORTIO, LLC The name of the Company is Fidelis Consortio, 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 19618 Franklin Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. This limited liability company commenced business on August 24, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACCRETION, LLC The name of the Company is Accretion, 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 10618 S. 188th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. This limited liability company commenced business on August 24, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GRITT, LLC The name of the Company is Gritt, 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 1412 N. 189th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. This limited liability company commenced business on August 24, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

19

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BRITE WATERS LIGHTING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brite Waters Lighting, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on August 24, 2020.

The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The initial registered office of the Corporation is located at 2317 Warren Dr., Plattsmouth Nebraska, 68048 and the name of the registered agent at that office is David S. Wood. The sole Incorporator of the Corporation is W. Eric Wood and the address of the incorporator is 3818 San Lorenzo Dr., Punta Gorda FL 33950. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning all lawful business other than banking or insurance, for which a corporation may be organized under the laws of Nebraska.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SUGGA ANN SPICE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sugga Ann Spice, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3306 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The Registered Agent of the Company is Crystal Landers, 3306 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCATTERED SPHYNX, LLC Notice is hereby given that Scattered Sphynx, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 4876 N 162nd St, Omaha, NE 68116. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from August 19, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Brittney Assadi.

Its registered agent is Brittney Assadi and her office is located at 4876 N 162nd St, Omaha, NE 68116.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that JKA CONSTRUCTION, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office address of the Company is 8184 Willit Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Kountze Commons Name of Applicant: Kountze Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church of Omaha, Nebraska Address:2650 Farnam ST, Omaha, NE 68131 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 02/02/2016 General nature of business: mission services supporting the poor REV. OLAF ROYNESDAL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 28, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Ellements Modeling Agency Name of Applicant: Shawnte Shawnte, LLC Address: 5409 N 133rd Plaza #203 Omaha NE 68164 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: July 5, 2020 General nature of business: Modeling and Talent Agency SHAWNTE' WILLIAMS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 28, 2020

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ANNE TORCZON REAL ESTATE, PC Notice is hereby given of incorporation of ANNE TORCZON REAL ESTATE, PC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the professional corporation is ANNE TORCZON REAL ESTATE, PC. 2. The number of shares that the professional corporation is authorized to issue is 1,000 shares of voting common stock.

3. The name of the initial registered agent is Amanda M. Forker, and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is Anne M. Torczon, 17030 Aurora Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136.

5. The general nature of the profession to be practiced by the Corporation is real estate brokerage services.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JSATL, LLC The name of the Company is JSATL, 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 3304 S. 184th Terrace, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. This limited liability company commenced business on August 17, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KWELITE HUB, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that kwELITE Hub, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 20740 Rawhide Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 August 24, 2020.

First publication August 28, 2020, final September 11, 2020

20

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

ENGINEERING

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

August 28, 2020

From projects to support broadband access, to improved air quality, firms remain busy

by Michelle Leach shortened construction time, and aligned deFrom the need for rural broadband access sign specifications with those used in private to air quality and WELL Building Standards, health care projects, creating efficiencies. recent months have been shining a light on The $86 million facility will provide care broad-based challenges and present oppor- to the region’s approximately 40,000 vets (a tunities for projects, partnerships, and even capacity of about 400 patients daily). entirely new departments for the region’s Cowman, who highlighted the integraengineering firms. tion of technology into building “Initially, there was quite a bit designs and systems to Midlands of work associated with the health Business Journal in February, care market and addressing infraprovided updates on the increase structure changes to treat COVID in interest in technology related patients,” said Leo A Daly Nationto indoor air quality, and how it al Director of Engineering Kim can be integrated into existing Cowman. “That work has now setbuildings’ mechanical systems, tled down as health care systems providing additional comfort upon have more defined processes and reopening. treatment protocols for treating “UVGI (Ultraviolet GermiCOVID patients. The commercial cidal Irradiation) systems … can and hospitality markets have seen Chaffin be applied within the occupied some slow down or delay in projects due to space, such as an upper-air UVGI system that COVID; however, we are still seeing requests is installed in high-risk areas of a building, for new work and projects during this period or applying UVGI at the central air handling across our region.” systems that can provide more of a building As an example, early this month, the firm wide approach,” she said. “We have also seen announced the opening of the Omaha Veter- increased interest in ionization technologies, ans Administration Ambulatory Care Center, such as needlepoint bipolar ionization, which reportedly the first public-private partnership injects charged ions within the air system as (P3)-funded project to be delivered since a means to reduce airborne particulates and Congress passed the CHIP IN for Vets Act pathogens in the air.” in 2016. The Aug. 3 announcement noted Nebraska Region Leader Brian Chaffin that the act’s “unique funding mechanism” said Olsson was pretty optimistic pre-pan-

Kim Cowman, national director of engineering at Leo A Daly. demic, given “every economic indicator was had devastated the region in March 2019 and pointing in the right direction.” we could finish up with the repairs from these “At that time, we were also breathing projects,” he added. a sigh of relief, because it looked like we To present day, Chaffin described the would not see a repeat of the flooding that workload as “consistent.”

“When times get tough, people who work hard and efficiently are worth their weight in gold,” he said. “Right now, we remain cautiously optimistic as the world ‘reawakens’ and the economy gets rolling again … the signs point that the economy won’t be as bad as people initially expected it to be.”

For the first time, Chaffin said, the engineering design industry has seen a broader, wider acceptance of working from home.

“We have proven during this pandemic that it can work in our industry,” he said. “It remains to be seen if this will have a longterm effect. At Olsson, we moved most of our employees to a work-from-home environment, and that’s gone well. There were some learning curves and adjustments, but we’ve worked hard to support our employees and their families.”

Pre-pandemic, JEO Consulting Traffic and Technology Department Lead Lonnie Burklund was working for the city and recalled in March how every day seemed to be a question of what the next day would bring.

Road 402 556 2171 Thielegeotech com “In this current moment in time, there is a little bit more calm and consistency, and ENVIRONMENTAL INSTRUMENTATION Continued on next page.

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Engineering •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

21

Engineers change timelines, implement new safety measures amid pandemic

by Gabby Christensen

Due to the impact of the pandemic, the engineering field has had to make adjustments to continue to work safely.

Matt Tondl, Nebraska/Iowa area manager at HDR, said the impact has varied around the country.

“Some areas shut down more completely than others, which had impacts on construc-

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Firms remain busy

Continued from preceding page. certainly less anxiety amongst clients and employees,” he said. “They know how to work in the new environment.”

Burklund’s new position as of mid-June also represented the addition of the traffic and technology department to JEO’s services.

“The department is focused on a broad range of intelligent transportation systems and technology applications,” he said. “We’re working a lot internally with some of the other departments, seeing if there are technology initiatives that would help them with their clients.”

Projects span those for the Nebraska Department of Transportation, as well as a “flurry” of request for proposals (RFPs) for clients locally and regionally.

“There is a lot of work out there and new projects on the horizon,” he said. “We have been pursuing some typical street projects, and we’re chasing more innovative projects, assisting some folks with grants or research that are telecommunications industry work and fiberoptic communications work — that kind of work has not slowed down.”

Burklund noted how the pandemic has highlighted rural broadband and connecting communities with high-speed bandwidth; capabilities to teleconference with clients, enhanced mobility and all things “plug and play” are vital.

“You need to be nimble, flexible, and really work remotely,” he said.

In the last 12 to 24 months, Burklund said, the firm has grown (with the exception of a tiny adjustment in February or March), and now it’s in “hiring mode.”

“There really has been no slowdown,” he said, alluding to infrastructure needs and projects demand in the areas they serve. “The private sector is still hungry to hire folks.”

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Additional Nebraska Offices: LINCOLN 825 “M” Street, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 P: (402) 479-2200 Greg Kronaizl, executive vice president and mechanical engineer at Farris Engineering. tion activities,” he said. “In general, design oped for every office location,” Tondl said. activities were not significantly impacted. “Flexibility is critical, as employees are We were able to initially transition to remote dealing with every changing situation beyond working, and over the past few months have their control.”

According to Greg Kronaizl, executive transitioned to a mix of in-office and remote vice president and work teams.” mechanical engineer However, as pubat Farris Engineering, lic and private agennew construction was cies assess the imless impacted, as the pact to their revenue nature of the work streams, Tondl said could be coordinatthere will likely be ed with project team some projects that get members, implementpushed back. ing design requireYet, the biggest ments as needed. priority is keeping However, he said employees safe. governmental proj“Our safety meaTondl Feller ects essentially came sures consider local, state and federal guidance,” he said. “As such, to a halt during the month of March, as they vary by location. Our work environment obtaining flow of information was interhas been altered to meet social distancing rupted by design personnel unavailable and with office sanitizing occurring regularly. contracting personnel limited to access the Some of our work requires travel to project needed information to disperse A/E contracts sites and we conduct a rigorous review of in some cases.

Additionally, Kronaizl said numerous safety measures with staff prior to any travel.”

Frequent communication, from executive COVID-19 policies began to progress with the enlargement of hot spot areas largely on leadership down to the local offices, is key.

Continued on next page.

“Return to office protocols were devel-

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22

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering

Covid slows, but can’t stop, infrastructure progress

by Dwain Hebda

Infrastructure projects are progressing full steam ahead with street and sewer work leading the way. That’s the assessment of engineering firms, which say even the recent pandemic can’t bring such work to a stop.

“Street maintenance is one of the most challenging aspects of any municipality,” said Scott Austin, transportation project manager at Lamp Rynearson.

“The City of Omaha street bond is evidence of the challenges in keeping up with regular maintenance. Our weather conditions create havoc for our Austin roadways. We are always seeking innovative processes.”

Because of this fact, technology in materials and techniques is ongoing. Recently, Austin said, the company utilized one such innovative product for a project in Papillion.

“A new street surface, Ultra-Thin Bonded Ashpalt Surface (UBAS), is a half- to seveneighths-inch specially applied hot asphalt mix over structurally sound asphalt and concrete pavement,” he said. “The treatment is used to correct surface distresses to restore a smooth surface.”

Austin said the technique extends the life of the pavement, requires minimal materials and is applied quicky thus reducing roadway downtime. Regular traffic can be resumed about 15 minutes after compaction.

“To our knowledge, this is the first applica-

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Benesch is working on a City of Omaha project to widen the roadway near 156th Street and West Dodge Road. (Photo courtesy of Benesch) technology to deliver superior results on infration of its type in Nebraska,” he said.

Jeff Sockel, Benesch’s Omaha division structure jobs.

“The use of 3D technology on infrastructure manager, said his firm also uses advanced

projects has been a real game-changer,” he said.

“The technology itself has been around for a bit, but we’re seeing more of our Department of Transportation and other public clients embrace its use. Programs such as Open Roads and Auto CAD Civil 3D allow our engineers to design in three dimensions and better predict utility conflicts, design challenges and constructability concerns.”

T h e c o m p a n y, which is involved with major infrastructure jobs including leading the design effort for the South Beltway in Lincoln and temporary relocation of Offutt AFB to the Lincoln airport, also employs drone technology in many of its projects.

Sockel “The use of drone technology [provides] enhanced ability to plan for and monitor transportation projects,” Sockel said. “Benesch is using drones to perform thermal imagery during bridge inspections to better understand pavement conditions and isolate the condition Continued on next page.

Engineers change timelines, implement new safety measures amid pandemic Continued from preceding page. the East and West Coasts.

“Safety measures included closing cafeterias in the workplace, footsteps on doors in lieu of using handles, locking down office refrigerators and coffee stations, minimum six-foot separation, alternating staff where none were in-place to extend space between

workers and checking individuals’ temperatures upon arrival to the workplace.”

Kronaizl said there was also increased interest in requests for HVAC system devices, which could kill airborne viruses — primarily ultraviolet light (UV) types to sanitize larger rooms.

“Previous studies regarding viruses have

shown that the use of UV light and MERV 13 filters, along with keeping indoor humidity levels near 50% in HVAC systems, reduces the presence of airborne viruses by over 95% in well-maintained systems,” he said.

“Humidity levels below 20 and above 60% allowed viruses to sustain their lifespan.”

Scott Feller, executive vice president of operations at AMG, said projects have generally slowed to some degree during the pandemic.

“For us, internally our pace of project execution hasn’t really changed, although we’ve had to put measures in place to protect our staff from the virus,” Feller said. “The biggest schedule impacts we see are the result of supply chain issues, mostly from suppliers of custom components where engineering efforts have been impacted by the work-fromhome mandates.”

Feller said some projects have also been delayed due to customer restrictions on visiting operating facilities.

At AMG, where most work is in an office environment, Feller said it’s been important to implement the typical social distancing, face mask use, increased cleaning and sanitizing and avoidance of conference rooms.

“We’ve got a fairly advanced computer network with a solid VPN, so we work remotely as much as reasonably possible,” Feller said. “We see similar measures taken at our client’s facilities, although restricted access to site visitors is fairly widespread, as well.”

Engineering •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

23

Engineering associations offer a variety of member benefits

by David Kubicek

Benesch led the design efforts and continues to support the Nebraska Department of Trnasportation through the construction phase of the Lincoln South Beltway project.

(Photo courtesy of Hawkins Construction)

Covid slows, but can’t stop, infrastructure progress Continued from preceding page. of specific bridge elements. Not to mention, it offers an alternative to having to close down traffic lanes during inspections since no direct contact is required.”

Matt Buol-Ferg, vice president of estimation and project management at McGill Restoration, said the company places a high value on timeliness of completion and leverages new techniques to accomplish this. Among McGill’s headliner projects are wall repairs to the I-80/I-680 Interchange wall, damaged by vehicles and earth settling, which the firm fixed without lane closures.

Another project, 10th Street bridge pier, rehabilitated a concrete bridge pier of the overpass, which had been weakened by a vehicle fire.

“New materials with faster cure times

and increased performance have reduced the return-to-service timeline on many of the projects we target, while also delivering a better overall end product to the client,” he said. “We have also invested heavily in new equipment which also allows our crews to move more effectively and efficiently through projects.”

However, Buol-Ferg said, technology can’t address every challenge.

“One of our biggest challenges over the past couple of years has been labor,” he said.

“Before COVID hit, unemployment was at near-record lows making it extremely difficult to find and increase our skilled labor force. In our current environment labor has become less of an issue, but now material shortages are starting to become a challenge, forcing our project managers to plan further ahead in order to prevent project delays.”

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or just starting your career, there is an engineering association for you.

The Structural Engineers Association of Nebraska (SEAON) — part of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) — has over 100 active members.

With representation on the Professional Engineers Coalition (PEC), its members Wenninghoff have a voice in state legislation affecting structural engineering. It works with Nebraska colleges and universities to support students learning the principles of structural engineering.

“We are informing our members about and

promoting participation in the ACE Mentor Program in Omaha, [which] allows [primarily minority and female] students of the architecture, construction and engineering industries to mentor high school students and give them opportunity to learn about the industry,” SEAON President Kevin Wenninghoff said.

The Engineers Club of Omaha (ECO) has 140 registered members in the Omaha metro area, according Klostermann to President Loras A. Klostermann.

“Due to the pandemic, our meetings have gone to a completely virtual format,” he said.

“We’re currently not able to have social events Continued on page 25.

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• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering

Big push for prefabrication and modularization in engineering field

by Gabby Christensen

Prefabrication, also known as modular construction, which involves assembling various building components in a controlled off-site environment and then transporting them to a construction site for installation, has been gaining momentum in the engineering industry recently.

Ryan Felton, project director at McCarthy Building Companies, said the practice can be used on a broad range of building components, including mechanical systems, from exterior walls to repeatable interior elements such as patient rooms.

“Because prefabrication has the potential to improve construction quality, safety and

overall efficiency, it can be an effective strategy for a variety of commercial construction projects, particularly if an accelerated schedule is involved,” he said. “A common reason for choosing prefabrication is to enhance project quality, efficiency and safety while streamlining labor requirements. Prefabrication can also support resource planning efforts by helping the construction manager reserve labor to ensure the project is staffed with the best available resources.”

Felton said another factor driving the growth of prefabrication is the increasing availability of innovative new building products, systems and off-site processes.

“In many ways, the benefits of off-site

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Midwest Prefabrication uses precut lengths of wires that are used to quickly install bus duct systems and disconnects for large scale datacenter jobs. The machines are able to rapidly and accurately cut and strip wire, saving the company thousands of man hours. (Photo courtesy of Midwest Prefabrication) production and prefab tions manager at Miller are being compounded Electric Company, said during the COVID-19 prefab assemblies defipandemic,” he said. nitely make a project “On job sites where easier and quicker. health and safety con“By shedding mancerns are heightened, power off the site and such as on a health into the shop, we can care campus, off-site control productivity production can be an and ensure that we have effective way to minthe proper tools while imize building activity reducing trade stackFelton Nightser around patient care ing,” he said. “We tarfacilities. These processes naturally supplement get repetitive work, as well as very tedious work heightened safety protocols, such as social dis- that isn’t easily performed out in the elements.” tancing, and ensure quality and create schedule According to Nightser, the increase in certainty in increasingly uncertain times.” demand for prefab has partially been due to a Chris Nightser, prefabrication opera- manpower shortage.

“The previous generation, which had decades of experience, is retiring and taking that knowledge with them,” he said. “Jobs require more supervision and we can do that better with prefab.”

While there was some pushback years ago, Nightser said general contractors are now pushing it down to the subcontractor level, as they realize the benefits.

Also, as 3D modeling advances, it has allowed prefab to advance, too. Prefab operations also reduce on-site accidents and allow workers to better focus on the process.

Austin Deloske, project engineer at Midwest Prefabrication, said prefabrication plays a pivotal role in the modern construction landscape.

“It accelerates schedules while keeping labor costs down,” he said. “With the ability to plan in detail prior to the start of construction, we are able to virtually eliminate waste and the ordering of excess materials.”

Assembling as much as possible off-site Metropolitan Community College within a controlled environment allows for Fort Omaha Expansion less clutter and time spent on the job site, while increasing the repeatable quality of assemblies.

“Just-in-time deliveries and pre-built assemblies make installation on site more efficient,” he said. “Having all the needed materials to install an area greatly reduces time spent gathering, ordering and unloading materials, while | KIEWIT.COM reducing the need for on-site lay down space and minimizing trash.”

Additionally, Deloske said recent health Continued on next page.

Engineering •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

Engineering associations offer a variety of member benefits Continued from page 23. such as tours, happy hours or family gatherings.”

Each year, ECO provides scholarships to deserving high school seniors planning to study engineering at Nebraska colleges and universities. ECO also supports the annual Math Counts competition and other causes.

“Our largest fundraiser is our Annual Charity Golf Classic, [which] can still occur even with the pandemic,” Klostermann said.

Nebraska Society of Healthcare Engineers (NSHE) — which is associated with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering — has 80

Big push for prefabrication Continued from preceding page. and safety conditions have made prefabrication needed now more than ever.

“We can keep production going with off-site manpower in a controlled, clean, spacious warehouse, reducing the time spent on crowded job sites,” he said. “Prefabrication allows a project to make progress, parallel to the site work even when the job site is halted due to weather or other safety and health concerns.”

Patterson

Bartelt-Hunt

members who are facility managers and engineers of hospitals in Nebraska and about 90 associate members that are the architects, engineers and contractors that support the hospitals, according to President Dave Patterson.

“We typically have two webinars, an annual tradeshow, a golf tournament and an annual meeting during the year; however, this year we had to [substitute] video meetings for in-person meetings,” Patterson said. “Many of our meetings have focused on preparations for the COVID pandemic.”

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chapters across the United States, in Canada, and in Australia, according to Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, who along with Libby Jones, is faculty adviser for the University of Nebraska chapter.

EWB’s current projects are helping a community in MadSeidel agascar install solar panels and lights in classrooms and building a pedestrian bridge over a river in Zambia so residents aren’t cut off from parts of their community during the rainy season.

“About once a year we take a group of students to the partner community to work on construction or collecting data for project design,” Bartelt-Hunt said.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) advocates for all women in engineering and technology, connecting its 40,000 members to free educational resources that nurture personal and professional development, according to Janis

25

Pfingsten, eastern Nebraska section president.

Members meet monthly to host speakers on professional development, work-life balance, and technical tours and presentations. One or two events each year offer continuing education unit credits.

For the foreseeable future, Eastern Nebraska SWE will be holding virtual meetings every month.

“SWE offers a resource to young girls exploring future careers in engineering and technology through their SWENext program,” Pfingsten said.

The Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) membership is made up of six local chapters, President Matt Seidel said.

Through its three live events each year — where there are guest speakers and networking opportunities — NSPE helps its members get the 30 hours of continuing education they need every two years to maintain an engineering license in Nebraska.

“During the pandemic, live events have gone virtual,” Seidel said. “The biggest impact to us has been losing out on networking opportunities because it’s hard to network in a virtual setting, but by going virtual [we are able] to engage members in less populated parts of the state.”

26

• AUGUST 28, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering

Geotechnical engineering expertise, technology ensures projects rest on firm foundation

by Dwain Hebda

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Geotechnical engineering, which develops an understanding of soil and bedrock, is a critical step in the construction process. To do their job well, these engineers rely on technology and expertise to deliver accurate results to contractors.

“Geotechnical reports are an owner’s opportunity to mitigate risk,” said Andrew Miller, senior engineer at Terracon. “Geotechnical engineering helps determine the conditions on the site and uncover unknowns within the subsurface.

Miller “A few of the natural items we attempt to delineate in a geotechnical exploration include peat/organic matter, shallow groundwater, soft and unsuitable soils and expansive soils. A few of the major manmade geotechnical concerns include buried structures, objects or rubble, poorly compacted fill and environmental contamination. All of these can create major headaches, schedule impacts and increase costs for contractors and owners.”

Terracon applied its expertise in the field on a number of high-profile projects. Among these are the $93 million, 285,000-square-foot Omaha Public Schools high school project at 60th and L streets and the five-story, 65,000-squarefoot Sarpy County Correctional Center.

“Both of these projects utilized newer technologies available in our field of work to

provide the owners more timely and cost-effective options that otherwise may not have been available with the use of typical exploration methods,” Miller said.

Bob Lapke, president of Thiele Geotech, said the basic science behind geotechnical engineering has remained relatively constant, even as the technological tools of the trade have changed dramatically.

“The fundamental applications and markets for geotechnical engineering have remained the same for years,” he said. “Drill Lapke rigs and sampling equipment have commonly been used by geotechnical firms for years. More recent technology includes equipment such as ground penetrating radar and resistivity testing equipment that can be used to further interpret subsurface conditions. Engineering software for our industry continues to evolve and greatly increases our efficiency in analysis.”

Still, the specialty is subject to the same market forces that impact other aspects of the construction industry.

“Our business parallels construction activity and therefore when the economy is strong and new projects are abundant, our backlog stays robust. In times when the economy is slow, we tend to focus more on infrastructure work that often continues forward in these Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 28, 2020 •

New windows aren’t the biggest home energy saver

by Neal Templin

The window industry trumpets that its products will slash energy use and that you’ll get most of the cost back when you sell the house.

And yet you will spend between $800 and $2,300 to replace each window. A small house may have eight windows and Construction a big one 20 or more. Costs mount quickly. Replacing all the windows on an average house costs $16,000.

Before you shell out for all new windows, take a deep breath. If you’re looking to save energy, there are cheaper things you could do first. Insulate your attic. It costs about $2,000. The Department of Energy estimates you will save 10% to 50% on your heating bill by insulating your attic.

By contrast, the government says to expect new windows to trim your bill by 7% to 15%, or between $71 to $501 annually.

If you’re replacing single-pane windows with newer double-pane windows, your savings will be on the high end. If you’re replacing older double-pane windows with newer double-pane windows, your savings will be on the low end.

Other cheap energy savers, by the way: switching to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs; unplugging electrical devices when they aren’t in use; and never running half loads in dishwashers and washing machines and dryers.

There’s no disputing that window technology improved greatly. The most

Geotechnical engineering Continued from preceding page. down periods.”

Headlining Thiele Geotech’s recent projects include environmental engineering, geotechnical exploration and materials testing for a 3,000-space parking garage expansion at Epply Airfield, the 60,000-square-foot Nebraska Methodist Jennie Edmondson Medical Office Building and a unique project at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

“Our most notable project with the zoo is the African Grasslands,” Lapke said. “This 28-acre, $78 million project transformed the eastern border of the zoo into an authentic African landscape. Thiele Geotech performed the geotechnical exploration and materials testing/ special inspections for this project.”

Jesse Albert, business development manager at Thrasher, said his firm relies heavily on geotechnical expertise as a key partner in the construction process.

“A geotechnical engineer takes samples of the soil down to different depths and based off that, comes to a determination of the kind of foundation contractors need for the project,” he said. “The geotechnical report will be given back to the civil and structural engineers and they’ll determine if a concrete footing is going to be adequate to support the loads of the building.”

Albert said good working relationships between engineering and construction interests keep projects on time and on budget.

“The geotechnical engineer does their work. They get that back to the structural engineer and the civil engineer and they determine what type of foundation needs to be out there,” he said. “Based off that, we get hired and we go from there. It’s as simple as that.”

efficient windows have inert gases between the panes to create a better barrier, while the glass is treated with a special coating that stops solar heat from getting through.

It also reduces ultraviolet light damage to your possessions in the summer.

Even the most upbeat estimates don’t say you’ll get all your money back from new windows. Zillow estimates you’ll recover 73% of your money when you replace windows. That compares to getting back an estimated 98% of your money for replacing a garage door; 81% for remodeling your kitchen; and 76% for adding a deck.

If you live in an older home, with multipane windows divided by strips of wood, it will cost more to duplicate that look with modern windows. Be wary of scrimping here. Putting in cheap replacement windows that look out of place can actually lower the value of an older house.

Does this mean you should never replace windows? Of course not. You have to live in the house. A leaky window that spills cold air into your bedroom all winter is miserable. At a certain point, window frames get so decrepit they have to be replaced, or the window will fall, literally, into your yard. New windows, if done right, can spiff up the appearance of your house both inside and out.

Instead of taking an all or nothing approach to new windows, consider strategically replacing them. That balky window in the attic bedroom that no one uses? Don’t worry about it. That kitchen window that you can’t open every time you cook something smoky? Take care of it.

After deciding which windows, your next decision is what type of window frames you want. Aluminum frames, common a few decades ago, are used less today because aluminum is a poor insulator. Most

27

frames today are vinyl or wood. Wood windows cost more, as much as $2,300 apiece, according to Home Depot.

Make sure the crew installing the window has plenty of experience, good recommendations from past customers, and will stand behind their work. Look for a certification from the American Window and Door Institute. Pella and Andersen also certify crews for their windows. Start out with just a window or two until you’re comfortable with a new crew. It takes skill to properly fit a window and insulate the area around the frame.

If you can’t afford new windows, there are low-tech solutions to make your old windows more efficient, such as caulking and sealing gaps. Hardware stores sell window films that cut energy loss. Finally, you can do what our ancestors did to save energy: Hang heavy curtains inside the house. ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

When to say ‘No thanks’ to your workplace 401(k)

by Carla Fried

One of the most valued employee benefits is the ability to save for retirement through a workplace plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). The majority of plans are a great deal for employees, and over the years, the design of 401(k) plans have been tweaked to help workers make smarter choices.

Retirement But some plans, typically smaller plans with fewer participants and, thus, fewer total assets, lack important features. If your plan is subpar on more than a few key elements, it’s worth considering doing your saving elsewhere. Here are key questions to ask yourself, and your employer, before you decide: Do you intend to contribute more than $6,000 per year, or, if age 50 or above, more than $7,000? Those are the 2020 contribution limits to an IRA. If the answer is yes, then a 401(k) is the better option, as you can save more than triple those sums in a workplace place. But if your contributions will be no more than $6,000/$7,000, a 401(k) isn’t necessarily best.

Is there a Roth option? An estimated 70% to 80% of plans now offer a Roth 401(k). That’s a terrific option for anyone 40 or younger. It also can make great sense for the 50+ crowd who’ve done a lot of saving in a Traditional 401(k) to add some Roth 401(k) savings to their mix.

If your plan doesn’t offer a Roth, and you expect your 2020 modified adjusted gross income to be less than $124,000 (single tax filer) or $196,000 (married filing jointly), and you don’t expect to contribute more than $6,000 or $7,000, a Roth IRA deserves serious consideration.

Does the plan offer a match? If you work at a small firm or a startup, you might not get a match. Fewer than 60% of plans with less than $1 million in total plan assets offer a match, and 20% of plans with between $1 to $10 million fail to pony up a match.

Do you have a new job where you must wait until you’re eligible for the match? Many plans don’t match until your one-year anniversary. Do you need to participate for a year (without a match) to eventually be given the match? If not,

and there’s no Roth option, and you’re not going to save more than $6,000/$7,000, a Roth IRA might be a good move for the first year on your new job.

Is the match “cliff” or “graded” vesting? If you get a match, the technical advice is that you’d be nuts to pass it up.

That’s generally true. But it’s worth asking more, including whether you expect to make a career move any time soon.

Welcome to the world of “vesting.”

That’s the term for how fast (or not) the matching contribution is yours forever and always. To be clear, what you contribute to your 401(k) account is always yours from the first day. Vesting only applies to the match. If you leave a job — voluntarily or not — before your employers’ matching contribution has fully vested, you forfeit some of the match in your account.

According to a retirement plan association, about 40% of plans that make a match consider it “immediately vested.”

That is the best retirement savings deal on the market.

But 60% of plans have a vesting schedule. Some plans use the “cliff” vesting system: The money is put into your account, but you get 0% if you leave the job before a set period. Six% of plans have a two-year cliff and another 12% have a three-year cliff. The other vesting method is called “graded.” Each year a portion of the matching contribution becomes irrevocably yours. Some plans vest 20% a year, so if you leave the next year you will forfeit 80% of the match you received in the prior year.

Ask HR. And if your match is cliff vested, and you are pretty sure you are going to leave your job soon-ish, and there’s no Roth option, you should weigh whether a Roth IRA might be a better fit as you plot your transition.

Is there a broad U.S. stock market option with an expense ratio below 0.50%?

The investment choices in a 401(k) are typically mutual funds, or their bespoke cousins: collective investment trusts.

Funds and CITs offer instant diversification; they typically own dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of individual stocks.

Every fund and CIT charges an annual

fee to operate and manage that fund. The weighted average is around 0.50% for a U.S. stock fund. That may seem like peanuts, but it is anything but. If you invest on your own at a discount brokerage, there are options that charge an annual expense ratio of less than 0.10%. Fidelity actually has a suite of funds that don’t have any expense ratio.

If you invest $10,000 a year in a fund that earns an annualized gross return of 8% for 30 years, and it charges an 0.10% expense ratio, your account will be worth around $1.2 million. If instead, the fund charges an 0.50% expense ratio, you will end up with around $1.1 million. That’s $100,000 less simply because of the seemingly inconsequential difference in the annual expense ratio.

If your plan doesn’t have any broad U.S. stock fund with a very low expense ratio — it typically will be an index fund — that’s a yellow light.

Ultimately, deciding whether to invest in the 401(k) requires you to walk through your own decision tree based on your plan’s particulars and your career objectives.

If there’s no matching contribution, or a long cliff vesting of the match, that should motivate you to consider other variables.

You may want to focus on an IRA first.

Or if you’re angling to save even more, there’s no rule that says you can’t fund an IRA and a 401(k). Contribute the max to a Roth IRA if you’re eligible, while simultaneously using your workplace Traditional 401(k) account to sock away even more for retirement. ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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