Midlands Business Journal August 7, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 32 issue by Midlands Business Journal

Home Improvement

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

August 7, 2020

Clients benefit from innovations offered by builders, contractors by Michelle Leach

The use of technology and innovations to conventional processes has been accelerated in all “worlds,” and the residential improvement and remodel corner of the construction space is not an anomaly as firms meet demand in a new environment. “It appears the state of Nebraska has been incredibly resilient during what will be a year that lives in history for our nation,” said Anne M. N. Klute, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Cornhusker Chapter, one Fischer of 69 chapters for the national construction industry trade association that represents 21,000-plus members. As an essential industry, Klute noted how construction prevailed through the pandemic and as portions of communities throughout the country dealt with damage related to protests. “Most of our members who work in the residential space perform service work,” Klute added. “So, [they] have really continued to be relevant throughout.” The industry and, notably, ABC members, have always had a “strong focus” on safety, Klute said. “Members have modified safety policies to follow the CDC and health directives of the state,” she said. “Our goal, pandemic or not, is to send our teams home safe to their families every night, and we have rose to the challenge of positive social distancing and the extra needs for PPE.” Additionally, Klute said, both the Cornhusker chapter and ABC national organization has continued to support membership through webinars and web meetings on the latest safety and productivity initiatives. “Although COVID-19 gave all of us a number of challenges, we were able to stay upto-date and keep our jobsites functioning,” she said. “New safety programs were needed, as well as additional PPE and sanitary measures.” And, Klute added, safety is just one of ABC’s key initiatives; the organization also supports apprenticeship training, government affairs and workforce development. “Our mission at Buildertrend is to change how the world builds,” said Vice President of Consumer Success Eric Fischer. “Historically, the construction industry has been slow to adopt technology, which makes pen and paper our biggest competitor. Too many professionals

A contractor uses Buildertrend software to manage the job site. (Photo courtesy of Buildertrend) rely on paper notes, text messages, emails play key roles in ensuring safety of the team and spreadsheets to manage project timelines, and project profits.” scheduling and client updates.” Cloud-based features allow for storage of Its all-in-one project management platform contracts, the tracking of project details, and was born. instantaneous sharing of updates. “Homebuilders and contractors can stream“Being able to easily access files means a line their processes to eliminate costly delays, contractor is prepared and protected in the event reduce dead days and improve productivity,” of a dispute regarding a contract or completed he said. “Documentation and communication work,” Fischer said.

Fischer noted how its software presents a long-term solution to keep the industry going and growing amid social distancing. “With simple scheduling features, contractors can comply with COVID-19 safety measures by limiting the number of employees on a job site and avoiding overlap between subcontractors,” he said. “Schedules can be shared with the tap of a button with the team as well as clients.” Should the need for contact tracing arise, Fischer said, Buildertrend’s digital daily logs track who Polich was on the jobsite, and when they were on site. “Construction companies can store and share policies for sanitizing tools, accessing safety gear and self-reporting illness within the app,” he said. “Teams can reference those documents anywhere, anytime from their personal devices.” For homeowners, the digital experience supports their peace of mind. When they feel safe, that presents one of the biggest benefits to Buildertrend’s contractors. “Even before the pandemic, we authored an Continued on next page.

Home Improvement — inside AUGUST 7, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

$2.00

VOL. 46 NO. 32

Palleton expands productivity with multiple initiatives

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

CRE Summit goes virtual to guide commercial real estate community through pandemic. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40

Community building forms bedrock of Jeff Spiehs’ career. – Page 4

log

o hn

Labor picture a drag on Omaha’s otherwise bustling tech community. – Page 24

Omaha-based Palleton, a 40-year-old family-owned company that builds, renovates and manages pallet needs for some of the nation’s largest food companies, has increased its sales volume by more than 24% in the past five years. The firm has 110 employees with headquarters in south Omaha, plus facilities in Fremont, Council Bluffs and Osceola, Iowa, Austin, Texas, Lyons, Kansas and Minnesota, that are close to major meat packers such as Hormel. Palleton also has a full-function mill for pallet production on the Missouri/Arkansas border. Vice President of Sales Lacy Arteaga, daughter of founder/ CEO Larry D. Meyer, when describing the expansive nature of Palleton, likes to do the math on the firm’s annual production numbers. “The board foot [of production] for our largest customer totals approximately 140,000,000 Continued on page 9.

Vice President of Sales Lacy Arteaga … Automation and innovative recycling systems have enabled the company to increase productivity. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Right at Home in acquisition mode as in-home care focus gains traction by Michelle Leach

As the world changed, not unlike other organizations, Right at Home shelved ambitious hiring plans but has since circled back around to them, with a renewed focus on its clinical team as the demand for home care services has been accelerated in the present environment. “We had a significant plan

in place to increase staff another 10% to 15% over the course of next year, so we’d go from 82 to 85 people up to 100 people at the corporate office,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Petranick. “We’re back on that plan. Some of the focus has changed. Some of the people that we thought we would hire in February, the titles Continued on page 9. Owner Nina Austin at That Dog Wash at 14th and Jackson streets … Partnering with local producers and shops to make a positive impact for pets and the planet.

Passionate about dogs, Love Yo Pup founder serves up healthy dog treats by Gabby Christensen

Chief Executive Officer Brian Petranick … From its new headquarters, home care provider renews hiring with heightened clinical services, caregiver support focuses.

Love Yo Pup, a small batch dog treat business based in Omaha with customers throughout the nation, was established with a “farm-to-paw” approach in mind — meaning that each handmade treat is not only humanely harvested, but also crafted with organic and healthy ingredients, according to founder/owner Nina Austin. Austin, an avid dog lover and pastry chef by trade, opened the

business in November 2015. “The journey began when I found out that one of my rescue dogs had some health issues,” she said. “At the time, there were many recalls from major dog food manufacturers and I was tired of being afraid that the food I was feeding my dogs may be harmful. I wanted to give myself and other dog parents peace of mind.” From that moment forward, Continued on page 10.

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

CRE Summit goes virtual to guide commercial real estate community through pandemic by Michelle Leach

In its 30 years, the CRE Summit community has experienced its share of hardship brought on by economic downturns, geopolitical unrest and other uncontrollable, far-reaching events; however, founder Jerry Slusky is characterizing this year’s Virtual Summit next Friday, Aug. 14 as arguably the most important in the commercial real estate program’s history — and for good reason. “At no time … has CRE encountered an event [like] COVID-19, that is unprecedented in its ability to damage every industry that touches our commercial real estate community,” said Slusky, in a July announcement. “To date, we have already seen substantial diminution in value of retail, hospitality, office and restaurants. Although the industrial and multi-family industries are sustaining at this point, the future for these types of properties is also uncertain.” In a follow-up call last week, Slusky recalled how in late February (in preparation for the Summit, initially scheduled for March 25 at CHI Health Center Omaha) he spoke with participants in its “CRE Roundtable – Face the Nation … of CRE!” Representing a cross-section of local leadership from the likes of retail, office and city zoning, participants discussed what they were seeing from their vantage points. “Things were pretty good,” Slusky recalled. “Two weeks ago, I had a conference call with those seven people and I said, ‘My, how things can change and do change.’ We talked about what they were doing to address challenges, and adjustments due to COVID-19.” For instance, the panelist representing Kiewit talked about how, as they’ve embarked on building new campuses across the country, the firm has gone back and reworked interi-

Founder Jerry Slusky … During unprecedented times, the commercial real estate conference has moved to a virtual platform. (file photo) ors — adjusting for protocols that pertain to of difficult situations, such as the loss of tenants COVID-19 — from wider workstations to at shopping centers. “A large office owner was sophisticated air conditioning systems. telling me about what they’re going through, “Everybody had something to say about if they’re going to downsize, and what they’re how changes are being implemented,” Slusky going to do to transform those interiors.” said. In addition to the morning CRE Roundtable, Changes are reflected in the programming, panels and breakouts will reportedly include a which includes the mix of panel discussions and discussion with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; the breakout sessions on timely and informational “State of the Union” in both Lincoln and Omatopics that Summit attendees have come to ha; and conversations about topics such as the expect from the annual event. future of transportation, hospitality (post-pan“We have spent the last 60 days working demic), controlling high construction costs, and with our panel chairs and breakout chairs to suggestions for those new to the industry, as well reshape — not change — their topic, but es- as those looking to “recharge.” sentially to add on to the topic,” Slusky said; for Additionally, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) instance, retail participants would share how the Chief Economist Ryan Severino will present the community can work together to find its way out keynote on: “How COVID-19 has impacted the economy and what it means to you.” “I was prepared to talk this year about how the economic cycle was ‘long in the tooth,’” Severino said, as he recalled the presentation initially scheduled for March and titled: “CRE Across America: Where does Nebraska fit in?” “We knew there were going to be a bunch of things that were potentially disruptive; the presidential election … and we’re dealing with a lot of geopolitical risk that we have to account for. We had a really good run, but things were starting to slow down.” In fact, Severino described the situation as “everyone is partying like it’s 1999.” “I wasn’t trying to rain on anyone’s parade, but those risks were building,” he said. That said, Severino is framing his presentations this year around the concept of: “The economy in 2020: This time it really is different.” “What’s concerning is the pandemic has been as hard to forecast as it has been to control, at least in this country,” he said. “And, you can’t really make explicit forecasts without certain explicit assumptions.” A key takeaway: “One of the points we make emphatically is that the pandemic is the recession, and that is what led us to the place where we are today. People thought they could reopen and operate independently. But, clearly, when you look at the states that have opened up … there has been an impact.” Due to the nature of the pandemic, Severino is taking what he calls a “broad, scenario-based approach” to presentations. “The pandemic is very heavily dependent on health policy,” he said. “The trajectory of the economy depends on policy decisions.” While the notion of viewing everything through the lens of politics, Severino said, has been accelerated in the present environment,

the policy-pandemic connection is “apolitical.” Severino joked that he knows he’s doing his job right when he’s accused of being a Republican by one person, and a Democrat by another. Until the pandemic is under control, Severino indicated, businesses will remain closed, and consumers will continue to avoid patronizing restaurants and clubs, and other behaviors will continue to impact the economy’s trajectory. “And some of these other risks didn’t go away,” he said. “We have short, ‘2020 attention spans,’ where our attention is diverted to the new sexy, shiny thing. But those risks are still lurking, and adding up to new risks. We don’t need any more headwinds to the economy. We need to keep our eye on the ball with this and, clearly, we shouldn’t be ignoring the pandemic.” Severino and other presenters in the CRE world, which tends to thrive off of in-person and networking opportunities, are also adjusting to connection-building in a virtual environment. Hosted on what was described by Summit planners as an “upscale professional platform,” the virtual event also allows for attendees to privately network with other industry professionals, and earn continuing education credits. “These are ‘Zoom on steroids platforms,’” Slusky explained. “Since most people get some sort of CE credit, the software has the ability to check you in to sessions … and that time is reported to the real estate commissions to prove that you were in attendance.” Event planner, planit inc., will also provide an overview of the virtual platform. In addition, this year’s Summit will feature a special appearance by Omaha’s own, World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champ and co-founder of B&B Sports Academy, Terence “Bud” Crawford. Summit leadership promise a “knockout” event, while bridging the miles to learn how to navigate the “COVID era.” More information on the program can be found at: www.attendcresummit.com.

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Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Community building forms bedrock of Jeff Spiehs’ career by Dwain Hebda

Jeff Spiehs’ career has always been steeped in his passion for elevating and improving the community. As former community relations manager at the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, he was heavily involved with public engagement efforts for Heartland 2050 Regional Vision, including creating block talks and various immersive, experiential events to raise awareness of land use. In his new role, community engagement manager at Unite Us, a job he began on July 7, he’s again leveraging his experience with community-building in new ways that improve the lives of all residents. “For me, it has always been more of a belief that integrating communities and building social capital between people that may seem to be disparate leads to healthier outcomes in society,” he said. “It’s more

2019

Proud Sponsors of the 2019

Community Engagement Manager Jeff Spiehs at Project Project’s mural near 20th and Vinton streets … Improving community health by bringing together community stakeholders, including health care and social services. about how the betterment of an environ- than they do differently.” Unite Us provides technology that crement or a city or a neighborhood comes from the community coming together and ates a standardized means for health care realizing that they have more in common and social care providers to communicate and track outcomes, aligning stakeholders from health care, government and the com40 Under 40: munity around a shared goal to improve health. In his new role, Spiehs works to integrate relevant parties in social services and health care into the Unite Us platform.

He called his previous experience working firsthand with community issues and stakeholders invaluable to this process. “For most people, health outcomes are not a result of how often they go to see a doctor. It’s mostly related to the larger environment,” he said. “The quality of their neighborhood, the access to jobs they may have, the physical environment or the air quality of where they live, those are the social influencers of health outcomes. If somebody were to go into a social service agency because they need more food, they probably have other co-occurring issues. They might also have inadequate housing, or they may lack the mental health services they need. “The Unite Us system helps somebody get to the other services that they may need, and it can also guide decision-making, policy-making and funding for institutions or government or philanthropies based on how we track people’s needs in the community.” Spiehs said it’s an exciting time to be involved with community-building to the level that he does day-to-day, as current events continue to shine a light on gaps in community services. “Prior to recent events, the lack of investment or the lack of access to resources and opportunity for people who are Black or brown was known in those communities for sure, but their voices and access to power and decision-makers was often marginalized,” he said. “I would say that people are listening more sharply now than ever before because both nationally and locally we have examples Continued on page 10.

Home Improvement

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

August 7, 2020

Clients benefit from innovations offered by builders, contractors by Michelle Leach

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Home Improvement

Home renovations surge throughout pandemic by Gabby Christensen

Since the start of the pandemic, people have spent more time at home than ever before, which has led to an increase in home renovation projects. In terms of home additions, Jenna Friesen, interior designer/Realtor at Structur Design, said a lot of clients are wanting to add a space — or reconfigure their current space — to accommodate a work-from-home office. “We have several clients where either one or both parents are now working from home and they need a functional space where they can work alongside the family,” she said. As the pandemic has played a huge role in increasing the amount of remodel design, Friesen said the way work is done has changed, too, and this may be a lasting change. “Jobs that were primarily office-based jobs, have now been reconfigured to fit the work-fromhome-model,” she said. “The need for more space and functional home office(s) isn’t going away anytime soon.” Additionally, if there continues to be such

low inventory in the housing market, more people may continue to remodel their current homes. “While it is a great time to sell, it can be very tough to find a new home to purchase in this very competitive market,” Friesen said. “So, we predict full Friesen home, and especially kitchen remodels, will continue to be a trend for the foreseeable future.” Recently, Roger Schuller, founder/president at R.D. Schuller Construction, said customers are wanting more expensive bathroom renovations. “Typically, they want to remove the fiberglass tub surround into a bigger walk-in tile shower,” he said. “Additions have gone from $40,000 to $100,000 and all the way up to $1,000,000 in some cases.” Yet, kitchens are still the No. 1 home reno-

vation that the company provides in the Omaha area. Bathrooms are a close second and basements fall after that but always seem to be steady. “I always stress to use companies that have been around for a while,” Schuller said. “Always get three bids Schuller unless you've used the company before and like working with them. Go after contractors that talk about getting the job done on time and at a reasonable price.” With the COVID-19 pandemic, Tedd Leas, CEO at Empire Homes, said one of the biggest trends is an emphasis on the home office. “With new home construction, a dedicated office area is essential with working from home and still maintaining a busy household,” he said. “Custom French doors, closet or shelving options and plenty of lighting is the way to go. When

dealing with existing homes, such as a finished basement setup, we are able to retrofit a bedroom into the office area or design a basement around a busy family’s needs, but still have the privacy to do office work.” According to Leas, the home has become the centerpiece of people's lives right now, as it serves as the main office, school and entertainment spot. “Interest rates are still low and that has helped with the construction industry staying pretty steady with growth and homes are being designed for all of these factors in mind,” he said. Yet another trend that is steadily gaining ground is the “smart home.” “There are all sorts of items that can be integrated into a home, from doorbells, to Wi-Fi garage door openers, to smart switches/lighting and appliances to LED lighting and cat 6 wiring for the internet,” Leas said. “Everyone has a smart phone and wants to be able to control things from their fingertips, as well as the convenience of technology making life easier.”

Clients benefit Continued from preceding page. extensively researched report, the ‘2020 Digitally Savvy Homeowners report,’ which revealed that homeowners today value digital interaction and ease of communication when choosing contractors for home projects,” he said. Construction firms can set themselves apart; meeting digital demands, providing a better construction experience, and establishing the processes that set them up for success beyond the crisis. Buildertrend adjusted with the release of its “real-time” Work in Progress reporting feature. “These comprehensive reports eliminate time intensive, manual processes to give contractors the data intelligence they need to understand total billings, profit margins and more across all their jobs,” he said; insights drive smart decision-making amid uncertainty. Omaha-based SaaS company Safety-Reports also supports the construction industry via technology — mobile safety apps designed for inspections, training, observation, incidents, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and scans of equipment and assets, and to document inspections. “Our situation since COVID hit has been a little easier to deal with than it has for other companies, mainly because we rarely meet with our customers in person,” said President and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Steve Polich. “It’s all done over the phone and via web meetings, emails … We did have to implement our emergency action plan in April and May and our staff worked remotely.” The plan went off without a hitch, despite Polich’s initial concerns, and due partly to its tech team. Skilled development personnel have been a must in the new environment, he indicated. “When the pandemic first hit, we immediately went into action and designed and built a new feature that allows our customers to conduct ‘remote’ inspections,” Polich said. “What would normally take months to develop, was completed in just a few weeks due to the urgency of the pandemic. We rolled out Virtual Safety Reports (VSR) in mid-April and the system has worked flawlessly.” Customers can now conduct inspections from a desktop or laptop, safely from their offices, and connect to a remote inspect via their mobile devices. Polich said the service is free to subscribers, and no app downloads are required. “Our customers are able to inspect their remote worksites without ever having to leave their office,” he said.

Home Improvement •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Home Improvement

After a pause, home improvement lending on the rise again by Dwain Hebda

Home improvement lending is a hot commodity in Omaha. After a brief slowdown, pandemic conditions have accelerated lending activity to full throttle. “In March, Centris saw consumer confidence go down and loan volume slowed,” said Kasha Wilson, assistant vice president Wilson of Retail Financial Services for Centris Federal Credit Union. “By the end of April and beginning of May, members started to reach out again for financing. “The rates are very attractive on home equity loans; for home equity lines of credit, Centris offers an introductory rate for the first 12 months.” Wilson said the surge in borrowing has had a corresponding effect on the availability of firms to complete the work. “I can speak from experience,” she said. “We are getting a landscaping wall built at our home and it took almost a month to get bids from the contractors, because they are so many people wanting work done to their homes.”

Scott Jensen, managing director of Mortgage Sales for First National Bank of Omaha said pandemic conditions moved

Shaw Hillestad many borrowers’ projects to the forefront. “A lot of consumers are spending more time at home and they’re now taking care of wish-list improvements they have put off in the past,” he said. “Additionally, the tight housing market caused some borrowers to consider improving their existing home, as opposed to purchasing.” To meet this demand, FNBO offers products that, combined with low interest rates, provide a lending option to meet every need. “Home equity products are a good option for financing improvements; these loans allow you to borrow the amount you need without potentially affecting your existing mortgage,” he said. “A home

equity line of credit can help for longer durations or projects where you don’t want to borrow all the money at once. For really large projects, it may make sense to look at a construction loan.” Michelle Shaw, senior vice president and manager of Omaha Consumer Retail Banking for Arbor Bank, outlined several tips for getting into the best loan product. “It’s important to understand how the rates work and loan to value (LTV),” she said. “Don’t fall for ‘teaser rates;’ consider what happens when the promotional period is over. Be sure to ask if there are any upfront fees or a prepayment penalty. Also, ask what happens to your rate and terms if you want to make changes or adjustments.” Shaw said it is also important to create a budget for the project prior to seeking funding as it helps the lender assess the right loan product for the job. “When it comes to home improvement projects, there really shouldn’t be a one-

size-fits-all approach,” she said. “We work to understand clients’ needs and budgets and match them with the best financial product to suit their individual needs.” Matt Hillestad, Veridian Credit Union regional manager for Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, said today’s lending products are robust, with products that can provide up to 133% of a home’s value up to $250,000, as well as fixed- and variable-rate home equity options. He said the key element in choosing the right lending product starts with choosing a lending professional versus chasing an offer online. “Working with a local loan officer can make it easier to review all your options and get clear answers to important questions before you sign,” he said. “For example, be sure to ask what fees are associated with your loan and whether there will be lien filed on your property. “At Veridian, your loan officer will help ensure your payment is sustainable for your budget and the loan is beneficial to your long-term financial health.”

Strong growth in new home construction sales will continue by David Kubicek

After a sluggish start, new home construction has roared back and is expected to remain strong for the rest of the year. The average number of closed new construction home sales at the end of June was down more than 6%, which is likely due to a sluggish start to the 2020 season because of COVID-19 conRiedmann cerns, according to Jim O’Neal, an associate broker and director of construction services and facilities for Nebraska Realty. After a cautious last half of March and first half of April, the new construction home sales market surged back, encouraged by record low interest rates and strong consumer confidence. By the end of June, the number of pending new construction homes had risen over 30% from the same time last year. “The new home buyers of 2020 have more neighborhoods to choose from than

their 2019 predecessors,” O’Neal said. “The average closed sale price increased 3.5% from the same time last year and that number will likely continue to go up as the season progresses, partly due to the larger percentage of pending new construction homes and new construction home price increases that began taking place in mid to late June.” Cuozzo The number of building permits are up 39.8% from June 2019 to June 2020 and 19.7% in the first six months of this year, according to Mike Riedmann, president of NP Dodge Real Estate. Units pending, meaning units that have gone under contract, in the first six months of 2020 are up 30.4% compared to the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, the number of new construction homes pending in June of 2020 compared to June of 2019 is up 54.3%. Thirty-year mortgage rates are now below 3% — an all-time low — which continued to drive home buying demand, as mortgage purchase applications increased 16% from a year earlier. Suburban areas are seeing a preference for new homes with modern technology and high-tech features as more people are working from home and educating their children from home. “We are fortunate to be in the Omaha Metro area where the economy is stable, the pandemic is relatively controlled, lots are comparably affordable when measured against lot prices in many areas and new home prices are more moderate than in many areas,” Riedmann said. “With families spending more time in their home, we are seeing the size of our projects increase,” said Collin Shramek, Continued on page 10.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

Palleton expands productivity with multiple initiatives Continued from page 1. board feet which is 26,515 miles,” she said. “This would circle the globe 1.065 times.” Meyer, 74, is a firm believer in the “ne-

Palleton, Inc. Phone: 402-933-3375 Address: 1504 Vinton St., Omaha 68108 Services: manufacturer of new and recycled pallets, customized pallets and crates Founded: 1980 by Larry D. Meyer Employees: 110 One-year goal: Researching the development of an automated nailing system that can build a complete pallet out of totally recycled wood. Industry outlook: Automation has leveled the playing field giving each competitor an equal chance to put out the same production numbers. Website: www.palleton.com

cessity is the mother of invention” adage. His layoff from a railroad job in his early 30s with a wife and three children at home forced him to think entrepreneurial as a way of being independent of such large corporate downsizings.

A friend working in a packinghouse told Meyer he knew of two foremen who were making good money repairing pallets for their company. “I had about $800 in savings, bought a $500 pickup and 100 broken pallets for $1, worked a day in my backyard. Sold them for $350, bought 200 broken, sold for [those] $700,” Meyer said. “Making $750 for six days of work was good money in 1980.” The largest share of Palleton’s customers are food-grade manufacturers. Other pallet-using manufacturers come from manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, construction, among other industries. “Because we have a custom pallet and crate facility we can create pallets and crates for any industry,” Arteaga said. “One very custom crate that stands out is we manufacture crates that are used to transport a collapsible 66-foot long fire truck ladder to manufacturers for assembly.” Arteaga, a graduate of Omaha South High School and the Academy of Design & Technology in Toronto, said her advertising and marketing credentials have come in handy when pallet types or grades are custom-created and designed by Palleton’s in-house design team.

She cites work for a customer recently that led to a design change for a relatively light pallet load. “We worked with them and came up with a design that met their standards, but reduced the amount of materials,” she said. “That minor change saved this company roughly $9,000 a year.” Meyer said that while commodity prices change, the industry profit margin on a new pallet is in the 15% to 18% range. “The difference for Palleton is that we listen — really listen — to the needs of our customers,” he said. “Pride, honesty, and sometimes, to a fault, listening to the customer is why we’re successful.” Meyer said he learned in one of his college classes that a major factor in business success is figuring out what is beyond one’s mental ability. Any deficiency can be made up by acute listening. For example, Palleton has partially differentiated itself by a heavy investment in technology. “We continue to invest in upgrades and the purchase of new automation,” Arteaga said. A cloud-based platform is used for storage information.

Right at Home in acquisition mode as in-home care focus gains traction Continued from page 1. and needs of our organization have changed. We are shoring up some clinical support individuals to help us build our clinical operations, and policies and procedure manuals for dealing with clients in the home.” Founded in 1995 by former hospital administrator Allen Hager, Right at Home provides companionship, skilled nursing and other home care services to markets around the globe from its new headquarters in Omaha at Aksarben Village, of which its open house was announced March 11 — just two days before COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. “We have a statement in the corporate office: ‘That was so February,’ and what we mean by that, is the way we behaved, the way we thought in February, seems so out-of-date and antiquated,” Petranick said. “We are much more efficient, agile, quicker. The example I always use is, if I had gone to my corporate team and said I wanted to make the entire corporate office remote, never mind that we just built this beautiful office building, 90% of the office would still be talking about it, thinking about it, and analyzing it. But we did it in a week.” Over the longer term, Petranick clarified, the intent is to bring the entire team back together. Since the start of the pandemic, around six to 10 people have consistently worked together at the new office space. “We fully intend, when it makes sense, to stand that office up at near operating capacity again with staff,” he said. “But that may not be until the first part of next year. We are operating so efficiently right now, there is no reason to rush right now.” Back to its shoring up clinical operations, Petranick noted the organization is adding to the caregiver recruitment team, and putting a continued focus on hires with data and analytical skill sets. “This whole pandemic has brought forth new issues that we never had to consider before,” he said. “We want to have people allocated that can focus on the caregiver ex-

perience and caregiver stress. Lots of people are working in a high-stress environment, and we’re bringing in resources to help build those programs that will help caregivers manage stress.” Recent experience has presented the ultimate proving ground; for instance, of the 30,000 to up to 60,000 people employed in any given week around the world by Right at Home, some were caregivers in hot spots such as New York City. Early into the pandemic, Petranick recalled the stress and challenge of caregivers trying to get to their clients amid “shelter-in-place” regulations. “Nobody had thought of caregivers as essential,” he said. “So, that had to be communicated to police officers, and we as an industry had to come together and get in front of lawmakers to really quickly get caregivers deemed as ‘essential personnel.’” That way, he noted, caregivers were able to present official letters in case they were stopped while traveling to clients’ homes. “From a higher-level standpoint, we had to make sure our caregivers had all the masks, gloves, gowns, face-shields and PPE that were needed,” Petranick said. “This required us, as a corporate office, to become a distributor of PPE. We had never done that in our 25-year history.” Furthermore, while no stranger to following state or Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Petranick referred to the challenge of staying on top of guidelines down to the municipal level. Petranick has, however, been encouraged by how the owners of its franchise locations (to the tune of 500 stateside, or a total of 650 to 700 globally), as well as businesses, have supported caregivers, clients, and other organizations during an unprecedented time. “A lot of franchise owners have given services away,” he said. “They’ve made meals that are available to caregivers and clients. It’s really come down to the local level. People are trying to take care of each other. It could be stopping by a coffee shop and getting free

coffee … and a lot of franchise owners did the same thing, with free medication reminders and other free services.” Despite seemingly universal challenges,

Right at Home Phone: 402-697-7537 Address: 6700 Mercy Road, Suite 400, Omaha 68106 (new corporate headquarters) Services: home care (companionship, skilled nursing, home health aide, respite care, transportation), special care situations (such as for clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, or traumatic brain injuries), RightTransitions to reduce the risk of readmissions following discharge from a health care facility Employees: around 82 (corporate headquarters, Aksarben Village); 15 to 20 (branch operators, other markets); 150 to 200 (caregivers that are direct employees); around 30,000 to 40,000 (employed at franchise locations worldwide, during any given week) Founded: 1995 by Allen Hager Website: rightathome.net

Petranick referenced growth in areas as varied as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. “It’s proven our resiliency and how necessary we are,” he said. “We are actively looking at making an acquisition right now. We’ve had some new franchise owners come in. We’ve been very careful, but pretty much everyone in the organization feels really good and bullish about how the industry has responded.” Right at Home has always advocated for home care and its role in people aging the way they want to age. “They want to control their experiences,” Petranick said. “They want to [age] in an environment that is most comfortable to them. And, even though the broader industry and policymakers have talked about more care delivered in the home environment, the pandemic has accelerated that discussion.”

An example is feedback from the McCain Foods USA plant in Grand Island, which appreciates the timely paperless tracking of pallets it purchases from Palleton. Technology enables McCain to receive a monthly payment recap and pallet quality assessment, which ensures an audit trail for each transaction. Some of the automation goals have caused Palleton to design and build some of its own technology. “We continue to add to our commitment to deliver a good product for a fair price, on time,” Meyer said. “That commitment demands that we accept change and challenge.” Arteaga said in-house research at present is being done on the possible development of an automated nailing system that can build a complete pallet out of totally recycled wood. Meyer said he recognized early on in his venture that identifying and retaining good employees was crucial to both survival and growth. He cited that Ray Portrey has been important in building business in the Missouri area and now owns half of the Lyons, Kansas, operation. Secretary Teresa Ziebarth of Omaha is a 15-year veteran employee. “We have put together a system that allows our employees to make top pay for the industry standards, while allowing us to achieve optimal margins,” Arteaga said. Meyer credits Don Holst, formerly of Packers National Bank in south Omaha, with giving him an important $5,000 loan, which was rolled over three or four times before it was paid back. “Don taught me how to handle money and the importance of reading balance sheets,” Meyer said. He also cited another helping hand. Roman Amster, a competitor, would sell him extra pallets but postpone payment until Meyer could accumulate the $5,000 to pay him back. Arteaga said for years recycling has been a huge part of Palleton’s success. “We recycle all waste wood material into mulch and this equipment also has a large magnet that pulls nails out that are also recycled,” she said. In addition to that, Palleton has finetuned its annual recognition program, which involves the presentation of a plaque to each of its customers that acknowledges their recycling efforts. For example, one customer has recycled enough board feet of wood that it could reach all the way around the globe. “That’s 140 million board feet or 26,515 miles — that is a lot of trees saved,” Arteaga said. Five years ago Palleton purchased the former Rendezvous Bar building at 1504 Vinton St. and totally remodeled the 2,850-square-foot historical structure to house its new offices. The structure, which because of its walking proximity to Omaha’s former city baseball facility Rourke Park, years before the construction of Rosenblatt stadium, purportedly hosted celebrities such as Babe Ruth who downed some south Omaha suds. A succession plan is being implemented, which will give Arteaga more of the responsibilities of her father as he transitions toward retirement. Palleton properties in the immediate metro area include Palleton of Fremont, 830 South Main St., and All-Pallets, a custom pallet and crate operation at 208 East Jackson St., in Fremont; and Palleton of Council Bluffs, 1301 S. 6th St.

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Passionate about dogs, Love Yo Pup founder serves up healthy dog treats Home construction Continued from page 1. Austin set out to create dog snacks that were both nutritious and tasty. With sustainability at the forefront, the business specifically focuses on offering seasonal treats, which are often made with wild game like elk, deer and buffalo. The most popular flavor, “Boomstick,”

Jeff Spiehs’ career Continued from page 4. of injustice. I think it’s good to see the community coming together to understand systemically how we got into the situation we are in and then listening to those voices and sometimes stepping aside and finding more power in dynamics.” Spiehs has also accumulated an impressive roster of extracurricular leadership roles, which help him stay in tune with the needs of various populations. He is an advisory board member for inCOMMON Community Development, past president of South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and served as chairman for ONE Omaha, United Way Community Investment Review Team and Public Policy and Engagement Committee of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council. He’s also a member of Leadership Omaha Class 39. Spiehs graduated from Nebraska Christian College with a degree in communications and also holds a degree in land use economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

is an anti-anxiety treat made with grass fed positively impact themselves, their pets and our planet,” she said. beef, chamomile and valerian root. Even during a All products global crisis like the are also gluten-free Love Yo Pup pandemic, customer and soy-free with sales have remained no added preserva- Phone: 402-350-5921 Founded: November 2015 steady. tives. “It was a little slow “ I n s t e a d o f Service: handcrafted, sustainably made in the beginning, but working with facto- dog biscuits pet food stores were ry farms, I partner Goal: To deliver a nutritious and safe dog named essential and I with local ‘mom treat option; expand sales throughout was also able to offer and pop’ farmers Nebraska. no-contact home deand distributors, Website: loveyopup.com livery,” she said. “As which has always been very important to me,” she said. “I a chef, I am already overly cautious about also work with small independent retailers cleanliness, so there wasn’t much of an because they often support local animal adjustment on that front.” Ultimately, Austin hopes to one day rescues.” Love Yo Pup treats can be found at local own a production facility on a farm that retail stores like The Green Spot, Wag and would allow for everything to be done in That Dog Wash, as well as at Omaha farm- one place. “I definitely want to grow to become a er’s markets, makers’ fairs and dog meetups. The interaction with vendors, farmers medium-sized business, but always remain and people throughout the community fuels committed to offering a personalized touch and a quality standard,” she said. the business. In the near future, Austin plans to “In my mind, I have the best job in the world,” she said. “Not only do I get to make steadily build clientele throughout Nepet parents feel safe and happy, but I get to braska. Down the line, she plans to explore see their babies happy and healthy, too. In adding to the team, but enjoys being part turn, it nourishes my heart, as well.” Love Yo Pup, which donates part of its of every step of the process for now. “I want people to be able to call me and annual proceeds to local no-kill animal rescues and shelters, sees a range of customers ask questions when they need an opinion or with one common denominator: they all recommendation,” she said. “Relationships are very important to me. I want people to want what’s best for their dog. “My customers are passionate about know that I love their pups like I love my sustainability and making choices that will own. It’s why I do what I do.”

Continued from page 8. vice president of Arjay Builders.” Sports courts and kid’s playrooms continue to be popular and dedicated home offices have become a necessity for most. “We have more than one client designing his and her offices,” Shramek said. “With this in mind there needs to be a healthy balance between work areas and relaxation areas. We see these trends continuing for the next few years.” Popular design features in new homes include open floor plans with split bedrooms where the owner’s suite is opposite the secondary bedrooms, according to Carl Cuozzo, senior designer at Design Basics. “With boomers getting into their forever homes, we’re seeing the master suite connected to the laundry room,” he said. “[Almost] everyone wants a real foyer concept, so we’re creating that sense of entry off the garage.” Since people are traveling less, they are investing more money into their homes, entertaining spaces, and outdoor living spaces. “One-story living will maintain its popularity,” Cuozzo said. “Large pantries are still popular, as are big islands in kitchens, although islands are going a little deeper. Walk-in showers in the master are retaining their popularity. We’re doing fewer tubs in the master, on I would say 2,400 square feet and below. The larger ones still want it, but if we put in a tub, they’re free standing soaker tubs, not the big Jacuzzis.”

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

Today’s job seeking tools mix old-school with the digital age by Dwain Hebda

Job seekers today may have a bevy of digital tools to help them network and prospect, but the old-school skills of communication and putting one’s best foot forward are still essential as ever, say experts. “Digital communications, social and professional networking sites like LinkedIn make it easier to find professionals to network with and have those communications electronically. But there’s no question that personal communication is more meaningful and valuable,” said Jeremy SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

Fisher, director of the John P. Fahey Career Center at Creighton University. Fisher said a strategic job search will utilize all available options and breaks down to basic components that have stood the test of time. “Certainly, it starts with the good resume, how that looks on paper or in an application,” he said. “The No. 2 step is finding job opportunities and people to network with. We help people all the time on how they should approach somebody to ask for help or to set up that meeting for APT ALPHABET SUBSET

informational interviewing. “Step three is preparing for the interview itself; most of which comes down to just coaching and practice.” Joe Hayes, associate director of career development and employer relations with the Academic and Career Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said many job-seekers hamstring the process over squeamishness about networking. “Networking is scary and one of those words that is very polarizing. For some, networking is pleasant and enjoyable, but for many it creates anxiety and nervousness,” he Fisher said. “We attempt to reframe networking as a conversation with a friend where the goal is to be inquisitive and curious. It’s not about asking for a job, but rather impressing through curiosity.” Hayes said in some instances, the same can be said for the interview itself, another source of stress for many job-seekers. “In its most simplistic form, interviewing is a conversation that helps both the job seeker learn about a role and the interviewer to evaluate the job seeker for knowledge, skills and abilities,” he said. “It’s wise to self-reflect in advance and think about why you’re interested in a specific job. Also, do research to ensure the employer aligns with your interests and values. Think about how your past experiences make you equipped to handle future responsibilities.” Kim Afrank, director of career development at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, said technology can greatly assist job seekers in networking and are often the more approachable options. “Not all quality networking experiences occur in person. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for joining communities, writing comments, posting industry-related articles and following companies,” she said. “Go beyond exchanging messages

by eventually asking for a conversation. Come from the perspective of wanting to learn. Ask if they would be willing to chat about their career success.” In the same manner, seekers can also find in-person avenues such as internships and volunteering that break the ice with a company in a way that’s not job search-related. However, Afrank cautioned, use these opportunities for the right reasons. “Realize that pursing an internship, volunteering or engaging in professional associations is less about adding an experience to your resume and more about what you gain from the opportuniHayes ty,” she said. “Before investing your time in any of these activities, clearly define your goals and intentions. What did you learn? What did it teach you about yourself? What connections were you able to make? “All of these activities help expand your network and help you learn more about yourself. But avoid the trap of assuming these activities are transactional. Pursue the activity out of interest, not because you think it will appear impressive.”

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Banks are begging for spare change: How long coin shortage could last by Susan Tompor

In the midst of a nationwide coin shortage, some retailers are asking for customers to use exact change, if possible, or even better, use a credit or debit card for payment. Banks are begging Financial you to break open your piggy bank, dig through your seat cushions and unload those coffee cans full of change sitting in the closet. The COVID-19 change shortage has bankers all across the country asking customers to bring in rolled coins as a way to pump more pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters into circulation. A Wisconsin bank went so far in July as to offer an extra $5 for every $100 in coins that are brought into the Community State Bank, whose main office is in Union Grove. The deal turned out to be incredibly popular and lasted but 7 days, ending at the close of business July 21. “People brought stuff in cans, bags and jars,” said Greg Wall, chief innovation officer for Community State Bank, which has $460 million in assets and 7 branches in southeastern Wisconsin. “People have been sitting on this stuff for a long time and they finally had an opportunity to do something,” Wall said. One person brought in $4,000 in coins — netting a $200 bonus. “At this point, we’re going to pause the program,” Wall said, noting that the goal of building up coin inventory for local businesses was met and then some. It’s quite a switch from a time when many banks didn’t want your spare change. In the past few years, many big banks phased out services that would count your coins for you. Some, like Community State Bank, charge a 10% fee or so for non-customers to count their change. Other banks charge both customers and non-customers to count their coins. Banks want you to roll up coins in paper wrappers yourself. Some banks may limit the dollar value of coins they’re willing to take. But a lot has changed during the pandemic. Quite simply, we’re not throwing around

our money like we used to ever since midMarch when huge chunks of the U.S. economy shut down in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Laundromats, coffee shops, bank branches, and other spots where coins regularly changed hands either closed doors or significantly trimmed back operations when COVID-19 limits went into place. At the same time, the “U.S. Mint’s production of coin also decreased due to measures put in place to protect its employees,” according to the Federal Reserve. Production has been ramped up. Recirculated coins represent more than 80% of the supply; the rest involves new coins produced by the U.S. Mint. Even as the economy reopens, change isn’t rattling around the car like it did last summer. The Ohio Turnpike continues flashing electronic signs that suggest that drivers use E-ZPass or a credit card, not cash, to pay their toll in light of COVID-19. “We will continue to discourage cash during the pandemic because handling it is riskier than our other methods of payment,” said Brian Newbacher, public information officer for the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. Currently, he said, the turnpike is able to recycle the coins it receives to other customers who are using cash. But cash usage is down. Many drivers are responding to those electronic signs. During the month of June, Newbacher said, cash transactions at the toll booths were down 44% compared to last June. And credit transactions were up by 32%. “If customers are going to use cash we ask that they do their best to provide us exact change, if possible,” he said. “That way, we can also do our part to not only keep everyone safe, but avoid adding to the coin shortage as well.” Cash isn’t always king Some retailers are encouraging the use of plastic, not paper currency, due to fears that currency could spread the disease. So theoretically, the pandemic could help boost

cashless, digital transactions. Even so, some small businesses still prefer cash payments and may be hurt by the coin shortage because they want to avoid the extra fees charged to merchants when customers pay with a credit card. And every shortage comes with its own conspiracy theory. Some say it’s a grand plan to put a stop to the private nature of cash transactions. One Facebook post stated: “Start saving coins, they will soon be worth more as a keepsake or remembrance of ‘the old world.’ The national coin shortage will be just like the great toilet paper shortage — the only difference is, once the coins are gone, they will not be coming back.” But Patricia Herndon, executive vice president for government relations for the Michigan Bankers Association, said the lack of coin simply reflects spending patterns. “People are just not really using coins and cash right now,” Herndon said. “This is truly an issue of money flow.” Some are worried about transmitting germs by using cash. But Herndon said people just need to take precautions, such as washing your hands or using hand sanitizer after exchanging money. “You’re not the first person to touch it; you’re not the last person to touch it,” she said. Demand for change picks up The Fed began rationing coins this summer to deal with the shortage since demand is expected to pick up as businesses reopen. The Federal Reserve is projecting that we’ll experience a gap between supply and demand that ranges from 2.3 billion to 3.5

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Low mortgage rates help home buyers as prices rise — if they can qualify by Michaelle Bond

More space and nearness to family were the main motivations behind Jamie and Alan Rhode’s decision to move from their apartment in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood to the Plymouth Meeting area. The Rhodes, who both work Real Estate in finance, planned to rent outside the city for a year or two before buying a house. Then mortgage rates continued to fall. “We definitely wanted to buy and take advantage of the opportunity with the low rates,” Jamie Rhode said. They are on a month-to-month lease while they look for the right house. “We thought it would be a great time — that we might not see in the next generation or so — to buy,” Alan said. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 2.98% in mid-June, the lowest level since Freddie Mac, the federally

chartered mortgage investor, began tracking rates in 1971. The average rate ticked up slightly to 3.01% last week. The Industry forecasts expect the average rate to hover at or just above 3% through the end of the year. At the same time, economic uncertainty during the pandemic has led banks to tighten their lending standards. The supply of mortgage credit has fallen by more than 30% from February to June, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s measure of how easy it is to get a home loan. So historically low mortgage rates make now an attractive time for potential buyers of means with stable jobs, but qualifying for a mortgage has become more difficult for lower-income households. Darlene Meekins, a Realtor with Realty Mark Associates, based in Montgomery County, Pa., said the raising of minimum credit scores by 100 points — a move she’s Continued on page 20.

billion coins each month through the end of 2020. Nationwide, more than 4 billion coins were deposited — or recirculated — each month in the beginning of 2020, according to the Michigan Bankers Association. The numbers plummeted by more than half to essentially less than 2 billion beginning in April. The Federal Reserve has formed a U.S. Coin Task Force to “identify, implement, and promote actions to address disruptions to coin circulation.” During the pandemic even when many do go out, they tend to use debit cards or credit cards at the store more frequently because they want to avoid handling cash. My husband has taken to using a McDonald’s gift card at the drive-thru window to limit physical contact when paying for his $1 Diet Coke and my $2 iced coffee. The change that we would have received — and later spent elsewhere — is no longer a steady part of our daily spending diet. Retailers craft their own strategies We’re seeing all sorts of signs at the cash register, as retailers take creative approaches to dealing with the shortage. Dollar Tree posted signs at the door stating: “Dollar Tree will purchase any rolled coins you want to exchange for cash.” A few customers have walked in the door with some coins wrapped in rolls to exchange for paper currency. “We’re getting some, not many,” said Daisy Myers, assistant manager at the Dollar Tree in Hazel Park, Mich. The Dollar Tree, which also owns Family Continued on page 20.

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

Record collapse in GDP points to challenges for economic recovery — and Trump by Don Lee

U.S. economic output fell at a stunning 32.9% annual rate in the second quarter — a level not seen since the Great Depression and by far the largest drop since government record-keeping began in 1947, according to data released recently. The sharp contraction, reflected in the government’s report of Economy gross domestic product, came on the heels of a 5% decline in GDP during the first quarter and marked what most economists predict will be the bottom of the coronavirus-induced recession that officially began in February. The new numbers on GDP — the sum of all goods and services produced in the country — include data from the mini-recovery that occurred before the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with the coronavirus rampaging over large areas of the country, measures of consumer spending, small-business activity and job openings are slowing again, casting a shadow over economic conditions many Americans will face as Election Day draws near. A separate recent report from the Labor Department showed new unemployment claims rose to 1.43 million. It was the second straight week of increase — following about three months of steady declines — and brought the total number of people who have applied for jobless benefits since mid-March to more than 54 million, which is about a third of the American labor force. Taken together, the new economic reports point to significant hurdles for President Donald Trump in his reelection bid and lend fresh urgency to lawmakers who are wrangling over provisions to provide another round of support to the economy. The nearly $3 trillion worth of pandemic relief measures approved earlier by Congress have clearly buoyed the economy, but the effect of those initial programs is ebbing. Many small businesses are running out of loans and grants that kept paychecks going out to at least some workers. State governments are financially distressed. And millions of jobless workers will see their enhanced unemployment benefit checks end. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell said recently that additional fiscal support is “essential” for the recovery. He spoke particularly about the hardship of unemployment, which has fallen disproportionately on minorities, women and low-wage workers in service industries such as hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. “Many of those people are going to find it hard (that) they can’t go back to their old job. There won’t be enough jobs for them. So I think those people are going to need support,” he said during a remote news conference. “I can’t say what the exact level should be. It is not our role. But they are going to need support if they are to be able to pay their bills, to continue spending money, to remain in their current rental house or apartment or house if they own it.” The forecasting firm IHS Markit is predicting the third quarter will grow at a 19.1% annual rate. But as much as that may represent a substantial rebound, analysts said that’s not what many people on the ground will be feeling. The unemployment

rate was 11.1% in June and is likely to remain in double digits through the fall. Thus far, the economy has recovered only onethird of approximately 22 million jobs lost since February, and private-sector payrolls could turn down again in July. Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity, fell nearly 35% in the second quarter. Business investments and exports tumbled as well. The only major component of GDP that grew over the quarter was government, thanks to the deficit-financed spending to help businesses and households. “We fell down a huge hole in March and April, and we were only able to climb partway out,” said Ethan Harris, head of global economics research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “The challenge is that we’re now entering a period where you’re kind of stuck at the halfway point with the economy starting to level off again.” Unless the recovery falls off the rails, which few experts expect, the coronavirus recession could be one of the shortest in history, technically speaking. But the effects will be long-lasting. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office doesn’t see real GDP recovering to its pre-pandemic level until the middle of 2022, and it’ll probably be years after that before the economy returns to full employment. For Trump, the pandemic has undercut his plan to campaign for reelection on the strength of the economy. Since the pandemic began, he has fallen well behind former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in national polls as well as in surveys of voters in some swing states. In late February before the coronavirus outbreak swept the U.S., Trump and Biden were tied in the polls in Wisconsin, a state Trump won by a very narrow margin in 2016. But by mid-June, Trump was running 8 points behind Biden in Wisconsin, with substantially more independent voters expressing disapproval of Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic than in the early days of the health crisis in March, according to the Marquette Law School Poll. The new fiscal relief package hammered

out by the White House and Senate Republicans in recent days is aimed squarely at trying to turn the reversal into short-term economic and political gains. They’ve proposed a $1 trillion package that includes slashing the $600 weekly federal add-on to state unemployment benefits; giving another round of $1,200 in cash to tens of millions of Americans; and offering billions of dollars in new aid to schools that reopen promptly this fall, as Trump has urged but COVID-19 experts have warned against. But the plan isn’t nearly big enough or well-targeted to provide a strong boost, most economists said, and it faces stiff pushback from House Democrats, who earlier passed a $3 trillion proposal that includes allocating $1 trillion for state and local governments and maintains the $600-a-week unemployment supplement through January. The Republican provisions, coupled with the likelihood that the third-quarter GDP report just before Election Day will show a big improvement, could help Trump portray the U.S. as back on the road to normalcy, even if the pandemic keeps rolling and illnesses and deaths are continuing to mount. Cutting the $600 jobless benefit payments, or abolishing them entirely as some Republican senators favor, would pressure workers to return to jobs even if that increased their risk of contracting the coronavirus. That in turn could lower the nation’s unemployment rate, which Trump would cite as evidence that the COVID-19 crisis was fading. Similarly, if large numbers of schools reopen in traditional fashion instead of relying on distance learning and part-time classroom sessions, swing voters might be more open to campaign arguments that things were getting back to normal. Tim Murtaugh, communications director for the Trump campaign, said the GDP report isn’t an indicator of where things are headed. “The media is also grabbing on to the annualized number which supposes that the economic conditions will remain the same for an entire year, which it undoubtedly will

not,” he said. “The president’s policies already have the economy rebounding as the jobs reports from May and June show that an incredible 7.5 million jobs were created as lockdowns ended and businesses began reopening.” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, agreed that the second-quarter data are “all in the rearview now.” Nonetheless, he noted that the report “gives us a sense of how deep the hole the economy fell into during the pandemic, and how hard it’s going to be to completely climb out.” During the worst of the Great Recession, GDP shrank at an annualized 8.4% pace in the final quarter of 2008. And before that, the single largest annualized quarterly decline recorded by the Commerce Department was 10% in early 1958. GDP numbers could very well bounce back in the third quarter, but it may be too late. Studies have shown that not only do voters tend to focus on the last year of a president’s performance — rather than the whole four years — but that their views on the economy are baked into their decision by the summer of an election year. “My sense is people’s perceptions of a recovering economy aren’t going to be especially good,” said Marc Hetherington, a political scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who found that a recovering economy in the waning months of George H.W. Bush’s reelection bid in 1992 wasn’t enough. “It usually takes a while for people to perceive that kind of improvement. You don’t start to feel it in your real life until after the uptick has taken place and is being sustained for a while,” Hetherington said. He cautioned that this pandemic-driven economy may be an outlier given the sudden and extraordinary set of events. And Trump may be able to deliver strong GDP numbers in the third quarter, as the president has predicted. Still, Hetherington said: “If those numbers don’t square with people’s perceptions and their experience with the economy, they’re not going to make a hill of beans’ worth of difference.” ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

US jobless claims rise a second week in sign of growing risks by Olivia Rockeman

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased for a second straight week, a sign the economic rebound is increasingly at risk with Congress poised to potentially let supplemental $600 payments expire. Initial claims through Economy regular state programs rose to 1.43 million in the week ended July 25, up 12,000 from the prior week, a Labor Department report showed recently. There were 17 million Americans filing for ongoing benefits through those programs in the period ended July 18, up 867,000 from the prior week — the largest increase since early May. Economists in a Bloomberg survey had forecast 1.445 million initial claims, with projections as high as 1.6 million. Almost five months into the pandemic, job losses show no sign of abating, with the

persistent jump in coronavirus infections and lack of a vaccine preventing a return to normal for the foreseeable future. Further challenges for Americans are in store should lawmakers allow the $600 in extra federal weekly jobless benefits to expire; Democrats and Republicans have remained far apart in negotiations over extending the aid that has propped up consumers and businesses during the pandemic. A separate report showed the U.S. economy shrank at a record 32.9% annualized rate in the second quarter, pointing to the effects business closures and lost jobs are having on the broader economy. The Labor Department said its seasonal factors had assumed an unadjusted decline of about 181,000 initial claims; the count fell by about 171,000. That resulted in an increase of 12,000 after the department applied its seasonal adjustment. The data showed initial claims in almost

all states fell on an unadjusted basis recently. California — the most populous state and a hotspot for the virus — saw a 40,587 decline on an unadjusted basis, while Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas also reported significant drops. States with increases included New Jersey, Virginia and Kansas. States reported 829,697 people filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program for those not eligible for regular state programs including independent contractors and self-employed Americans. That figure was down from the prior week. And the total number of unadjusted continuing claims fell to 30.2 million three weeks ago from 31.8 million. This figure, though, has reflected overcounting of PUA applications as states clear backlogs. ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OMBRA TECHNOLOGIES, 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 Ombra Technologies, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1436 N. 143rd Ave, Omaha, NE 68154. 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 May 29, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 BML REC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BML Rec, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Ste. 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O, 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 15, 2020. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Awakened Male 1111, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 12606 Cryer Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent of the Company is Christopher Batchelder, 12606 Cryer Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on July 14, 2020. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 NOUVEAU DEPART, LLC The name of the Company is Nouveau Depart, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on July 15, 2020. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALPHA NAIL BAR, LLC Notice is hereby given that ALPHA NAIL BAR, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The initial registered agent is Jenny Nguyen, whose address is 14601 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 2, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Jenny Nguyen, 14601 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

KARINE E. SOKPOH SOKPOH LAW GROUP, LLC 10730 Pacific Street Suite 247 Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OCTAVE PHOTOGRAPHERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that OCTAVE PHOTOGRAPHERS, LLC has been organized as a Limited Liability Company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 4318 N 136TH Street, Omaha, NE 68164. 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 June 11, 2020. Its registered agent is Karine Sokpoh and her address is 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 15804 Cary Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. 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. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GYMHOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that GYMHOLDINGS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The address of its designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which is not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 26, 2020, and will have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Jesse Kruse, 12025 N. 225th Street, Valley, NE 68064. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF EUPHORIA LIFE, 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 Euphoria Life, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7914 West Dodge Road, Unit 301, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 and all lawful business. The company commenced existence on December 6, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

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 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Chokkaras Hospitality Management, Inc., whose registered agent is Sundar Chokkara and registered office is 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, was formed on July 29, 2020 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 100 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 7, 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 YATES NUTRITION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Yates Nutrition, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 2430 South 167th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. 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 7, 2020, final August 28, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF DUNHAM HOUSE, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dunham House, Inc. has been organized as a nonprofit public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on July 23, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as John D. Folsom, II, with registered office at 11218 John Galt Blvd., Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68137. The names and addresses of the incorporators are John D. Folsom, II, 1719 N. 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68104, and Arthur C. Jetter, 13624 Parker Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company will not have members. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALIGN CARE NEBRASKA LLC Notice is hereby given that Align Care Nebraska LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 712 N Polk St Papillion, NE 68046. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Kristina Siebrandt, 712 N Polk St, Papillion, NE 68046. The company is membermanaged. Nature of the Company is health care management services. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RFK PROPERTIES, 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 RFK Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 23281 Kelsey Lane, Waterloo, NE 68069. 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 July 15, 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DAVID O RAMIREZ BIGGS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/07/2020 on Case Number CI20-7424 , the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $302.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 09/07/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Lew Transportation, Inc. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 1,000 Incorporator: Andrew M. Collins Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JESPOPHOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that JESPOPHOLDINGS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The address of its designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which is not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 26, 2020, and will have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Jesse Kruse, 12025 N. 225th Street, Valley, NE 68064, Gary Kruse, 21402 Cedarwood Rd, Elkhorn, NE 68022, First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 Jeffrey T. Palzer Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is RELAX HOMES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 24645 Pacific Street, Waterloo, Nebraska, 68069. The registered agent is Andrew W. Berscheid and the Registered Agent's address is 24645 Pacific Street, Waterloo, Nebraska, 68069. 3. The general nature of the Company is rental real estate. 4. The Company commenced on July 15, 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CCKC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CCKC, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17302 William Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is Cody Conner,17302 William Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF REGENCY LANDING COMMERCIAL OWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Regency Landing Commercial Owner’s Association, Inc. (the “Corporation”) has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation and will have members. The street address of the initial registered office of the Corporation is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name of its initial registered agent at such address is Kendra J. Ringenberg. The name and street address of the incorporator of the Corporation is Diane L. Steffens, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIRECT TO OPERATIONAL CONTROL LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Direct To Operational Control, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 102 South 52nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 T.D. Retreat, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 17, 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. If you have a claim against T.D. Retreat, 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 14321 Cornhusker Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. A claim against T.D. Retreat, 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ARLANDA 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 ARLANDA SOLUTIONS, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 200 South 31st Avenue, #4303, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. 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 July 16, 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 July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FLAMINGO 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 Flamingo Enterprises, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 3468 Big Island Road, Fremont, NE 68025. 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 July 17, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 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 RALSTON BUSINESS QOF, LLC The name of the Company is Ralston Business QOF, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 4880 South 131st Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. 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 July 17, 2020. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Gnomes Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Gnomes Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Gnomes Landscaping, LLC is Eduardo Sanchez Ramirez at 13123 Jefferson Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. The designated address is 13123 Jefferson Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Initial members: Eduardo Sanchez Ramirez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on July 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 The name of the Company is Nebraska Synthetic Greens, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The registered agent Sean Moylan and the designated and registered office of the Company are both located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. This limited liability company commenced business on May 13, 2020. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 ROBERT J. KIRBY, 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 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF C. A. LARSON SERVICES CORPORATION Pursuant to § 21-2,184 et seq. of the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, notice is hereby given that C. A. Larson Services Corporation, a Nebraska corporation, filed Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State on July 21, 2020. The Corporation has no assets or known liabilities. Chris A. Larson, President, shall wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. If you have a claim against the Corporation, you should mail notice to Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C., 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and include the following information: name of claimant, amount of claim, goods or services covered by the claim, date claim originated, supporting documentation (if available). Any claim against the corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce said claim is commenced within three years of the date of this published notice. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020

CHARLES E. DORWART, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-865 Estate of Dennis William Eurek, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on June 17th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Leslie Kay Eurek, 10718 Charles Street, Omaha, NE 68114 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 September 24, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Senior Market Sales LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act by a conversion from Senior Market Sales, Inc., a Nebraska corporation. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are CT Corporation System, 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF O STREET CARWASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that O Street Carwash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SJA TOOLS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SJA Tools, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8105 Howard Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 MOXIE MARKETING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Moxie Marketing, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 20245 Gateway 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 July 22, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 Notice is hereby given that JWParts4You LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office address of the company is 5706 S 114th St, Omaha, NE 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jaime White 5706 S 114th St, Omaha, NE 68137. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 DAREN R. CARLSON, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 Notice is hereby given that RAVENSTONE BRECKENRIDGE, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial registered agent is Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on July 7, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by the Manager of the Company. The initial Manager is GREGORY S. SEVERSON 1907 S. 182nd Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial Members of the Company are Gregory S. Severson, 1907 S. 182nd Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF 3540 N. 167 CAR WASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Certificate of Organization of 3540 N. 167 Car Wash, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the entity to Rocket Carwash, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 13, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3540 N. 167 CAR WASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3540 N. 167 Car Wash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ANNE K. BURNETT, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SYAS REAL ESTATE, LLC Notice is hereby given that SYAS REAL ESTATE, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial registered agent is Anne K. Burnett, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on July 16, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Marlene M. Syas, 16403 M Street, Omaha, NE 68135. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WF SHOPPES, LLC The name of the limited liability company is WF Shoppes, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 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 July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ROBERT J. KIRBY, 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 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF POWERHOUSE ASSETS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Powerhouse Assets, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Robert J. Kirby, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AUFENKAMP REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AUFENKAMP REAL ESTATE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6717 S 148 cir Omaha, NE 68137 The Registered Agent of the Company is Amanda Aufenkamp at 6717 S 148 Cir Omaha, NE 68137. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Insuractive LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act by a conversion from Insuractive, Inc., a Nebraska corporation. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are CT Corporation System, 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF PATRIOT HEALTH WELLNESS COMPANY, LLC Notice is hereby given that Patriot Health Wellness Company, LLC has amended its Certificate of Organization as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The amended notice of organization reflects the name change from Patriot Wellness Company, LLC to Merrill Enterprises, LLC. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF INNOVATIVE BIOTECH CONSULTING, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CANOE, LLC The name of the Company is Canoe, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The designated and registered office of the Company is 4604 North 208th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The initial registered agent Sean Moylan of the Company is located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. This limited liability company commenced business on July 1, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF Team Wiebusch, L.L.C. Team Wiebusch, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been dissolved and is winding up its activities in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Persons having claims against the Company must submit them in writing to Team Wiebusch, L.L.C. at 2720 Mary Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. Any claim submitted to the Company shall contain the following information with respect to such claim: the name of the claimant, a description of the nature of the claim, the amount of the claim, and the date on which the claim arose. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this Notice of Dissolution. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Zomers Heavy Haul, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 7437 N. 144th Ave, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The registered agent of the Company is Trenton Zomers, 7437 N. 144th Ave, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Company was formed on July 23, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF KRACKIN, 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 Krackin, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 8722 South 142nd Avenue, Omaha, NE 68138. 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 July 23rd, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF NURSE BEE HEALTHCARE STAFFING, 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 Nurse Bee Healthcare Staffing, 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 July 23rd, 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. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVE NIGHTLIFE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Active Nightlife, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 15713 Berry Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Deanna Albertson, 15713 Berry Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 EW FENCE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that EW Fence, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18081 Burt Street, 3rd Floor, 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 July 23, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION The Beard & Mane, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 2235 Saint Mary’s Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Matthew B. Gosier. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Matthew B. Gosier, 2235 Saint Mary’s Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 SUSAN J. SPAHN, Attorney Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 Estate of Mark Wellman Estate Estate No. PR 20-725 Notice is hereby given that on July 21, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Dean Wellman, whose address is P.O. Box 67, Brule, WI 54820, was appointed by the court as Personal Representative of the estate in formal proceedings. 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 September 25, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF UNBOXED MINDS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Statement of Dissolution was filed by UNBOXED MINDS, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on May 22, 2020. Notice is hereby given to all creditors or others with claims against the limited liability company that claims must be sent to the company at ATTN: Nick Krecklow, 2080 Stillwater Drive, Papillion, NE 68046 and must document the basis for the claim. Any claim must provide the following information in writing: (1) your name and/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. Please send the information to Nick Krecklow, 2080 Stillwater Drive, Papillion, NE 68046. All claims against the company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Roam on Oak, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 18035 Oak Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent of the Company is Daniel S. Grieb, 18035 Oak Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company was formed on July 24, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 ENTERPRISE LEGAL STUDIO 700 R St. #83204 Lincoln, NE 68501 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Prairiesattva, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 4554 Poppleton Ave., Omaha, NE 68106. The initial registered office of the Company is 4554 Poppleton Ave., Omaha, NE 68106, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Matthew Helt. 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 filed on the 1st day of July 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES NICK R. TAYLOR, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Mary F. Stillmock, Deceased Estate No. PR 20-1038 Notice is hereby given that on July 16, 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 Millicent Y. Pijewski, whose address is 13920 Josephine Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138, 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 September 25, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ERYN MCMASTER, LLC. Notice is hereby given that Eryn McMaster, LLC, a limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 1315 N. 113th Plaza #6607, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The initial agent for service of process and this agent's address is Megan Brunken, 1919 South 40th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. The professional service to be rendered by this limited liability company is the practice of psychology, wherever the members of the company are licensed to do so. Eryn McMaster, LLC. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF VILLAS AT PRIVADA OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Villas at Privada Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Villas at Privada Owners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is James D. Buser. 4. The name and street address of each incorporator are as follows: Carlo Skrupa 1850 South 72 Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 Eleanor S. Hohman 1850 South 72nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 5. The Corporation shall have members. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 KUBAT CLINICAL SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Clinical Services, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4924 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 S 103rd Street Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on July 23, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF D ROY SALON, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that D Roy Salon, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 12107 West Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 BROOKE N. PAULEY 3216 S. 185th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF HORSEPOWER TODAY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, andthat the name of the limited liability company is HORSEPOWER TODAY, LLC. The address of the initial designated office 3216 S. 185th Street, Omaha Nebraska 68130. The name and address of the registered agent and office is Brooke N. Pauley, 3216 S.185th Street, Omaha, NE 68430. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on June 24, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5013 LAFAYETTE AVE., LLC Notice is hereby given that 5013 LAFAYETTE AVE., 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 9779 Westchester Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 AUCTIC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Auctic, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14107 Seward Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. 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 27, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 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 DA&SS HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DA&SS Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3915 South 223rd Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 S 103rd Street Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on July 27, 2020. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PRIVADA MASTER OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Privada Master Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Privada Master Owners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is James D. Buser. 4. The name and street address of each incorporator are as follows: Carlo Skrupa 1850 South 72 Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 Eleanor S. Hohman 1850 South 72nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 5. The Corporation shall have members. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 KARINE E. SOKPOH, Attorney SOKPOH LAW GROUP, LLC NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF MIDLANDS AFRICAN CHAMBER, INC. Notice is hereby given that MIDLANDS AFRICAN CHAMBER, INC., has been incorporated as a mutual benefit non-profit corporation under Nebraska laws, with its registered office at 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247 Omaha, NE, 68114. Its agent at that office is Karine Sokpoh. The corporation shall have members and its incorporator is Karine Sokpoh and her address is 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SMOKEY'S PIZZA SHACK Name of Applicant: SRB INC. Address: 5619 SOUTH 208TH STREET OMAHA NE 68022 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UPON FILING General nature of business: RESTAURANT MATTHEW J. SPEIKER, COUNSEL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 7, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 Telephone 402-504-1300 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LAUREN DOULA CARE LLC Notice is hereby given that LAUREN DOULA CARE 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 3880 South 149th Street, Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68144. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PRIVADA RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Privada Residential Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Privada Residential Owners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is James D. Buser. 4. The name and street address of each incorporator are as follows: Carlo Skrupa 1850 South 72 Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 Eleanor S. Hohman 1850 South 72nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 5. The Corporation shall have members. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WCV LOT 2, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WCV Lot 2, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrew A. Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), GERRE WILSON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/23/2020 on Case Number CI20- 8006, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $400.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 09/14/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ACREAGES AT PRIVADA OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Acreages at Privada Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Acreages at Privada Owners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is James D. Buser. 4. The name and street address of each incorporator are as follows: Carlo Skrupa 1850 South 72 Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 Eleanor S. Hohman 1850 South 72nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 5. The Corporation shall have members. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 WAYNE S. RASMUSSEN, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KW EQUITY PARTNERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 28, 2020, KW EQUITY PARTNERS, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 2514 South 119th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Wayne S. Rasmussen, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 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 KTK INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KTK Investments, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 10330 North 168th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. 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 28, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

• AUGUST 7, 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 ORGANIZATION OF 192ND AND CENTER PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the Company is 192nd and Center Properties, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 2725 South 144th Street, Suite 212, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on July 28, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 Eya Fafa Assignon Law Office of Fafa Assignon 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, Ne 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KEEN MINDS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Keen Minds, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 16101 Grebe street, Bennington, Ne 68007. 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 May 10, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Date Amouzou. Its registered agent is Eya Assignon 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, Ne 68105 First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 Eya Fafa Assignon Law Office of Fafa Assignon 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, Ne 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRAISING LIFE CARE DDS, LLC Notice is hereby given that PRAISING LIFE CARE DDS, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 7430 Woolworth Plaza, Omaha, Ne 68124. 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 March 23, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Adzo Hidrissou. Its registered agent is Fofana Muniru , 9110 Black street, Omaha, Ne 68122 . First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Mmmm Beer, 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 Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SMOKEY'S PIZZA Name of Applicant: SRB INC. Address: 5619 SOUTH 208TH STREET OMAHA NE 68022 Applicant is a Cororation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UPON FILING General nature of business: RESTAURANT MATTHEW J. SPEIKER, COUNSEL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 7, 2020 Notice of Organization Berliner TREX, LLC Notice is hereby given that Berliner TREX, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 9921 S. 168th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and its registered agent is Kristopher Brown. Its designated office is located at 9921 S. 168th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on June 25, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARINO HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is CARINO HOLDINGS, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 3622 S. 197th Street, Omaha, NE 68130. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOLISTIC HEALING: MIND, BODY & SOUL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Holistic Healing: Mind, Body & Soul, LLC (the ?Company?) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Registered Agent of the company is Delicia C. McGhee with registered and designated street and mailing address at 2569 Browne St. Omaha, NE 68111. First publication July 24, 2020, final August 7, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TRUE IRON TATTOO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRUE IRON TATTOO, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a regis¬tered office at 11408 Elm Street, #16, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent is AARON JOSEPH WERT. The general nature of the business is to operate a general tattoo shop business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general tattoo shop business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on June 24, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the offi¬cers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF T & J Matulka, 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 T & J Matulka, Inc. The corporation is authorizied to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery- Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164, and its incorporator is Tim Matulka, 21243 Shiloh Drive, Gretna, NE 68028. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GLAM 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 GLAM Properties, 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 1520 N. 216th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 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 BRIGHTSTONE HOMES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BrightStone Homes, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3915 South 223rd Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 S 103rd Street Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on July 29, 2020. First publication August 7, 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 WCA BLUE, LLC The name of the Company is WCA Blue, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 26809 Taylor Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. 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 July 30, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 Notice of Amendment – E-QUAKE SOCIAL MEDIA, LLC Notice is given that on July 8, 2020, E-QUAKE SOCIAL MEDIA, LLC, filed an amendment to its certificate of organization. The substance of the amendment changed the name of the company to ROOFTOP SOCIAL MEDIA, LLC. In all other respects the Certificate of Organization filed on January 13, 2016 and amended on October 26, 2016 remain unchanged. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Evolution Homes, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Evolution Homes LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 19704 O Circle, Omaha, Ne 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is Chad Williams 19704 O Circle, Omaha, Ne 68135. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PopOmaha!, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PopOmaha!, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a regis¬tered office at 5428 South 13th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. The registered agent is AUBREY A. PALERMO. The general nature of the business is to operate a general licensed signage rental/installation business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general licensed signage rental/installation business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on May 27, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By -Laws. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 KATHRYN J. DERR, Attorney BERKSHIRE & BURMEISTER 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DAMCL INDUSTRIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DAMCL INDUSTRIES, 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 11229 N 61st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The registered office of the Company is 11229 N 61st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68152, and the agent at such office is David A. McLaughlin. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by a limited liability company organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced operations on July 28, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 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 WILBAR VISION FUND, LLC The name of the Company is WilBar Vision Fund, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 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 July 30, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Woven Luxe Boutique 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 Samuel R. O’Neill, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5177 JONES ST., LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 5177 Jones St., LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5177 Jones Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 31, 2020, final August 14, 2020 SCUDDER LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 411 S. 13th Street, Second Floor Lincoln, NE 68508 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Crossroads Land, LLC, with its designated office at 37 Avenue 240, Arnold, Nebraska 69120. The registered agent and address for service of process is: Heidi Hornung-Scherr, 411 South 13th Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is Nikki Burson, LLC. Its designated office is 1519 N. 208th Terrace, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced on May 26, 2020. Its affairs shall be managed by a Member/Manager. Its initial agent is Nikki Burson. The initial agent’s address is 1519 N. 208th Terrace, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Nikki Burson, Organizer. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF NEBRASKA PAROLE BOARD HEARINGS N O T I C E A total of 143 cases will be heard by the Board in August, 2020. The following case(s) sentenced in Douglas County will be seen by the Board of Parole. August 18, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln, Nebraska Gonzalez, Manuel 79577, Assault 2nd Degree, Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Mack, Abram 88902, Driving While Intoxicated Lupersio, Miguel 89727, Forgery 2nd Degree Riley, James 211288, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (3 counts) Tut, Immanuel 210318, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop August 20, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln, Nebraska Burks, Quentin 77179, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (3 counts), Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Carter, Jerry 87116, Arson 1st Degree, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (2 counts) Ramos, Victor 88386, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Bridgeford, Justice 89853, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Mukka, Robert 210706, Burglary, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Long, James 210619, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Lotts, David 87802, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (2 counts) Howell-Medina, Carlos 86423, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug August 21, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center – Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Grove, James 57804, Sexual Assult of Child 1st Deg (2 counts) Durand, Jesse 85335, Burglary, Escape, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Briggs, Brandon 88060, Strangulation, Tampering, Terroristic Threats Biggs, Stephen 88897, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Endsley, Darlene 99409, Manslaughter Dunlap, Ardelle 210427, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug DeBondt, Shantel 392103, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop August 24, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, Tecumseh, Nebraska Espinoza-Avalos, Manuel 73606, Sexual Assult of Child 1st Deg Rush, KShawn 82024, Robbery (4 counts) Hanks, Damone 85758, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Luchsinger, Eric 86463, Sexual Assult of Child 3rd Deg (2 counts) Lucas, Curtis 87379, Burglary (2 counts) August 26, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center – Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Fields, Jerry 53221, Assault 1st Degree (2 counts) Burns, Frederick 72652, Assault 2nd Degree Duis, Paul 77592 , Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug (2 counts) Turner, Rodney 77702, Incest (2 counts) Lampkin, Maurice 88355, Robbery Miyeno, Ryan 88611, Assault 2nd Degree Holland, William 89602, Robbery Turrentine-Sims, Dinah 97391, Theft by Deception (2 counts), Vulnerable Adult Abuse (2 counts) Sterba, William 210548, Burglary Thomas, Donnell 211302, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Mease, Frederick 211178, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug August 27, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center – Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska Rodriguez, Jose 57613, False Imprisonment 1st Degree (2 counts), Sexual Assault 1st Deg (2 counts) Breazeale, Jason 67349, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug McCraney, Franklin 70916, Robbery, Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Jones, Javis 71964, Sexual Assult of Child 1st Deg, Sexual Assult of Child 3rd Deg Peak, Kevin 83741, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Terroristic Threats Coffman, Robert 84003, Criminal Mischief, Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest, Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana, Resisting Arrest, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop (2 counts) Lebrato, Shawn 87561, Domestic Assault Logemann, Wayne 88441, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Belt, Jeffery 89091, Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I, Tax Violation Gier, Zachary 211416, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug August 31, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Omaha Correctional Center, Omaha, Nebraska O’Brien, Tyler 82317, Assault 1st Degree, Assault by a Confined Person Godden, Brandon 84533, Robbery (2 counts) Nitzel, Trent 86649, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Garbez, Montana 86965, Manslaughter Thomas, Sherman 210525, Driving While Intoxicated (2 counts) Gatluak, Ran 210273, Robbery, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop ROSALYN COTTON, CHAIR NEBRASKA BOARD OF PAROLE AUGUST 7, 2020 AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MIDTOWN 3000 6C, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Midtown 3000 6C, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Midtown 3000 6C, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 7510 Cass Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Amanda M. Forker 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AJMA PROPERTES, 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 AJMA Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7210 L Street, 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 July 29th, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: MAXSTAFF Name of Applicant: MAXUM GROUP, LLC Address: 256 NORTH 115TH STREET, SUITE 2, OMAHA, NE 68154 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 1, 2020 General nature of business: STAFFING MICHAEL WHEELOCK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative August 7, 2020 GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HUSKER VETERANS TEAM, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that HUSKER VETERANS TEAM, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10018 South 188th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136, its registered agent is Frederick D. Stehlik, and its registered office located at 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 24, 2020, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member. Frederick D. Stehlik, Organizer First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LINDLEY REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lindley Real Estate Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on June 22, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Nathan N. Lindley, with registered office at 324 S. 51st Street, Omaha, NE 68132. The Company’s initial designated office is at 324 S. 51st Street, Omaha, NE 68132. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LINDLEY’S COFFEE SHOP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lindley’s Coffee Shop, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on June 22, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Nathan N. Lindley, with registered office at 324 S. 51st Street, Omaha, NE 68132. The Company’s initial designated office is at 324 S. 51st Street, Omaha, NE 68132. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: CAROL ARCHIE You are hereby notified that on, 03/23/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20-6559. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $500.00, plus court costs and prejudgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the petition on or before 09/20/20, at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska. BY: DANIELLE IHLE, #26177 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RIVET ROASTERS LLC Notice is hereby given that RIVET ROASTERS LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AJ CRUZ CREATIVES, LLC Notice is hereby given that AJ CRUZ CREATIVES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CUBLO LLC Notice is hereby given that CUBLO 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 17505 Gertrude Circle, Omaha, NE 68136. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMPIRE LIQUIDATIONS LLC Notice is hereby given that EMPIRE LIQUIDATIONS 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 13936 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68144. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Barillense Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Barillense Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Barillense Construction, LLC is Gapar Francisco Baltazar at 1813 Spring Street, Omaha, NE 68108. The designated address is 1813 Spring Street, Omaha, NE 68108. Initial members: Gaspar Francisco Baltazar. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on July 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 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 AUGEO OZ VISION, LLC The name of the Company is Augeo OZ Vision, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 2825 South 170th Plaza, Apt. 507, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. 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 4, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 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 LAND & LORE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Land & Lore, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3717 Harney Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. 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 June 29, 2020. First publication August 7, 2020, final August 21, 2020

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Low mortgage rates help home buyers as prices rise — if they can qualify Continued from page 12. seen some lenders make — “really makes a difference as far as someone in the low to moderate range qualifying.” “Because of the (stricter) qualifications, some people are struggling to meet those,” said Meekins, president of the Philadelphia metropolitan chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, a group of mostly Black real estate agents whose mission is ensuring fair housing and promoting homeownership for people of color. On top of stricter lending standards, housing inventory has stayed low, restricting choices for buyers, helping to drive up home prices, and fueling bidding wars. Some renters who want to take advantage of low mortgage rates and were close to buying a home will put those plans on hold because of income lost during the pandemic. But for those who qualify for mortgages, low rates help counteract rising home prices and boost purchasing power. In the first quarter of 2020, when the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.57%, the average national monthly mortgage payment with a 20% down payment was $995, according to the National Association of Realtors. That’s down from a $1,048 average monthly payment a year ago, for savings of $636 annually and roughly $19,000 over the 30-year life of the loan. Borrowers with lower credit scores can still qualify for some loans. Mortgage advisers and housing advocates recommend buyers talk to a variety of lenders to find the best loan and rate for their situation. Rates can vary widely. Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania, which aims to increase housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and communities of color, is warning clients about the tighter credit requirements. Before the pandemic, several lenders required

a minimum score of 580 for Federal Housing Administration loans with down payments of 3.5%, said Kenneth Bigos, the nonprofit’s executive director. Those same lenders are now requiring a minimum of 640, he said. The scores of most of the organization’s clients hover right around this figure. “You want to be a well-qualified buyer in this market,” said Jeff Ruben, president of WSFS Mortgage, “because demand is so high, and supply is so low.” Ruben said lenders have to be cautious in the face of economic uncertainty, which is why outside of government-sponsored loans, “the loans that we’re making today are subject to a much tighter standard” than ever before. In addition to raising minimum credit scores, WSFS and other lenders have less tolerance for debt relative to a buyer’s income. “As an industry, we just start tightening to make sure we’re only capturing the very, very best, and the most likely to succeed,” Ruben said. Thirty years “is a long time to be in partnership with someone, and you’re not sure they’re going to have the same income earnings as they do today.” Lenders want to reduce their risks and keep hold of their cash, which means both tightening credit standards for lower-income borrowers and restricting the lending of “jumbo” loans for wealthy borrowers, said Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting at the Mortgage Bankers Association. “Low rates help people stay competitive in this environment, and also stick closer to the house they really wanted” instead of getting outbid or settling for a lesser house, Kan said. Especially during the economic downturn, home buyers need every bit of a leg up they can get, he said.

For the last month, weekly numbers of applications for new mortgages have been higher than they were at this time last year, “which is pretty amazing” considering the pandemic’s hit on the economy and the slowing of the real estate market in the early months of the health crisis, Kan said. Taylor Marr, a lead economist at Redfin, said that for buyers with great credit scores who can afford large down payments, “they’re locking down some of the best rates that have ever been recorded in history.” But Michael Jensen, cofounder of the San Diego-based mortgage information website FreeandClear.com, pointed out that more people are taking advantage of low mortgage rates across the credit spectrum. Over the last few months, there has been an uptick in government-backed mortgages for which applicants typically have lower credit scores, he said. But, Jensen said, “if we don’t see a consistent improving of the economy, which is tied to COVID-19, then we could see tighter lending standards, and that’s not good for anybody.” Robert E. Tait, a loan originator with Motto Mortgage, said he’s seeing clients in the Philadelphia area whose credit scores range from the mid-500s to the low 800s and advises those in the lower range to pause their home search for a few months while they improve their score to get the best mortgage rate. When rates were higher in April, “there was still good demand, but there wasn’t the sense of urgency,” he said. “Interest rates are certainly driving the market more than they typically would if the rates were a point or a point and a half higher,” Tait said. Bigos of Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania said he encourages potential home buyers to take advantage of current

Bumper corn crop on tap as prices founder by Adam Belz

Corn farmers across the United States are preparing for a near-record harvest thanks to a smooth, fast spring planting and favorable summer weather. Problem is, corn prices are horrible.

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Minnesota’s corn crop was 97% silking on Monday, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s well ahead of the fiveyear average for this stage of the growing season and far better than last year, when only 75% of the corn crop was silking. “I just drove two and a half hours this morning and saw the best crop I’ve ever seen in early August,” Agriculture Dennis Inman, vice president of grain for CFS Cooperative, said Tuesday. The co-op runs 18 grain elevators, mostly in southeast Minnesota. Nationally, the USDA projects a corn harvest of 15 billion bushels, slightly off the record 15.1 billion bushels set in 2016. And yet with corn trading at close to a 10year low at $3.10 per bushel at market close Tuesday, a bumper crop isn’t necessarily cause for celebration. Elevators in Minnesota are offering well under $3 per bushel to farmers this week. The break-even price for corn in the state is somewhere around $3.80 per bushel. The best hope for a rise in prices is natural disaster in other corn-producing countries or states. “It feels like until we have some kind of a crop problem, we’re going to be at prices that are at or below the cost of production,” Inman said. “With the whole thing going on

with COVID and the economy, it’s going to be hard to consume our way out of this abundance of grain.” Lower demand for ethanol and livestock feed thanks to coronavirus are drags on corn prices. But some farmers have seized on a recent large purchase of corn by China, hoping that nation will buy more of the commodity and drive up the price. “We’re at the bottom of the market right now,” said David Bau, a University of Minnesota Extension marketing specialist in southwest Minnesota and former ag loan officer. Government income protection that’s part of the Farm Bill and coronavirus relief will help most grain farmers avert disaster, Bau said. “Without the government payments they’d have large losses, just like the livestock producers,” Bau said. Despite the poor prices, a good harvest is better than a bad one, said Dave Nicolai, a crops educator for the University of Minnesota Extension. Farmers will be able to store corn this fall and hope for prices to rise. “These growers are going to have a cautious optimism,” Nicolai said. “At least you have options if you have the bushels.” ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

mortgage rates “if they feel their place of employment is secure during this pandemic.” “It definitely presents an opportunity,” he said. “And you have to consider the fact that within 20 years from now, how renting a property will compare to owning a property with that fixed interest rate.” ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Mortgage rates Continued from page 12. Dollar stores, asks customers to pay by debit or credit card or use exact change to cover a purchase when possible. What happens when you shop could vary by where you shop. I visited a Dollar Tree in Hazel Park Monday morning and asked if I could use a $10 bill to cover a $5.59 charge and the clerk said she would have no problem offering me change. But I decided that I could hand her $10.60 and she gave me $5 back and a penny. Kroger said it can now load coin change onto a customer’s loyalty card so the shopper can use that extra change on the card during the next trip for groceries. Kroger also asks customers if they want to round up a purchase to an even number to avoid a need for change and support The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, a public charity. “Like many retailers and businesses, we are adjusting to the temporary shortage in several ways,” said Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager for the Kroger Co. of Michigan. Kroger is also providing coin change at lanes in the store that have coins available, Hurst said. Self-checkout registers at many retailers may now only allow purchases with plastic cards and no longer offer change. Spare change can supplement any budget during uncertain economic times, too. Yet some traffic was down at coin counting machines too. During the pandemic, Coinstar kiosks remained available but foot traffic at supermarkets and other locations was down so fewer people were exchanging coins, according to a statement from Jim Gaherity, CEO of Coinstar. “As lockdowns end, coin transactions and volumes through Coinstar kiosks are growing and, accordingly, we’ve been making more frequent coin pick-ups to help get coins back in circulation,” Gaherity said. If your hours are cut at work, it may be a good time to reconsider letting unused coins just sit there. It’s best to avoid any fees, though, if using any coin counting machines. Coinstar kiosks offer eGift Cards in exchange for coins with no extra fee. Otherwise, you could face an 11.9% service fee to convert the coins to paper; fees may vary by location. Check online first at Coinstar.com/giftcards to understand the rules. Some gift cards require a minimum amount of change, such as $5 for an Amazon gift card or a minimum of $10 for an Outback Steakhouse eGift card. Again, you may need to count that change first to save the most money. ©2020 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

We Rise An economic recovery plan to help the people of Greater Omaha thrive

Property & Casualty Insurance

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

Topics may include:

Best practices for re-opening • Economic Growth • Small Business Diversity & Equity • Talent • Entrepreneurship • Public Policy

Outlook on the P&C insurance industry • Auto insurance A look at business insurance options • Cyber insurance coverage Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska profile

Issue Date: August 14 • Ad Deadline:August 6

Health Care

Shopping/Mall Space Directory

Lincoln Business Journal Pages

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include: Ensuring a healthy safe workplace during the pandemic Latest innovations in Lincoln’s hospitals • Health insurance update Demand for health care workers • Importance of preventative health Issue Date: August 21 • Ad Deadline: August 13

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include: Retail market overview • The changing face of retail: From reinvented spaces to trending designs Creating a safe shopping environment • Tips for choosing the right retail space New developments underway • Getting the financing you need to open Issue Date: August 21 • Ad Deadline: August 13

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

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IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 14

WE RISE

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SHOPPING MALL/ SPACE DIRECTORY

HEALTH CARE (LBJ)

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 Business updates…

Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District customers in Douglas County, struggling to pay their bills due to COVID-19 impacts, are getting a financial boost. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $4 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act for utility assistance. This allocation is allowed per U.S. Treasury guidance. A new Platte Institute report on Nebraska’s participation in the Paycheck Protection Program, and tax provisions included in the federal CARES Act, is now available on PlatteInstitute.org. Nebraska employers received 42,497 loans amounting to more than $3.4 billion, retaining 327,536 jobs. In Nebraska, 90% of PPP loans were for amounts under $150,000, and 72% of the businesses receiving the loans file their taxes as individuals, not under the corporate income tax. To assist frontline workers and local restaurants that have been financially impacted by the pandemic, Northwestern Mutual — Omaha purchased more than 200 $40 Flagship Restaurant Group gift cards, which were donated to MD West One employees for meal support. The donation totaled more than $8,600.

Briefs…

The Nebraska Department of Labor’s unemployment program is refocusing on reemployment strategies as Nebraskans continue to return to work. Job search requirements have returned for workers claiming Unemployment Insurance benefits. Individuals wishing to continue to receive unemployment benefits (including the $600 federal supplement available through July 25, 2020) will be required to perform work search activities that had been waived since March 15. Zoup! Eatery, the fast casual restaurant known for its variety of soups and broths, opened its newest location in Omaha on July 20, at 1917 South 67th St. in Aksarben Village. The new location will have a wide variety of soups and broths, salads, sandwiches and some signature dishes. Patrons can expect organic craft beverages and nutritional Sustain-a-Bowls made with bone broth, full-husk brown rice or ancient grains. Zoup! Eatery will have online ordering for takeout and delivery orders. The Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness, in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, announced this year’s winners of the annual Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund Award. Holy Name Housing Development Corporation is being recognized for transforming a vacant lot into 18 housing units for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Adams Park Senior Cottages is among the first mixed-income developments in the city of Omaha to integrate an essential social services model, where residents gain access to a medical center, meals and community programming at nearby Heartland Family Service North Omaha Intergenerational Campus. Southeast Nebraskan Production Creek, a custom screen-print, embroidery and promotional product company, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since its

launch in July of 1995, Production Creek has weathered multiple economic downturns, and a couple ownership transitions to get where it is today. Originally based in Beatrice, it now offers a second location in Lincoln. Production Creek started as a woman-owned business and has continued to be the entire time. Paragon IT Professionals, a 23-yearold IT staffing firm and founder of the IT Leadership Forum, is bringing a new opportunity to Omaha tech leaders in 2021. The Forum, which is scheduled to begin in January, will be professionally facilitated, half-day sessions that will focus on: Foundational leadership; building relationships through shared experiences; transformative leadership development; facilitated challenge resolution discussions based on existing challenges. Due to the experiential component of the Forum there are some initial screening questions Paragon asks participants to complete and asks that those interested in participating visit. Nebraska drivers will soon be able to show support for their local YMCAs by purchasing a specialized license plate for their vehicle. YMCAs across the state will be taking pre-orders for the plates from now through Aug. 31. Those interested in submitting a pre-order will need to complete an Application for Organizational License Plates and submit a $70 payment for each plate requested with checks written payable to the YMCA of Lincoln. Applications can be found at www.ymcalincoln.org/ylicense-plates. OPPD has a new engagement platform called OPPDCommunityConnect designed to provide customer-owners with a more enhanced experience. It provides multiple ways for customers to interact with OPPD and each other. It also allows customers to provide feedback in new ways. In addition to providing comments and asking questions, customers can also participate in quick polls and surveys, share stories, exchange ideas and more. Darland recently completed Pacific Springs Center II — a class A office building located on the northwest corner of 168th and Pacific streets in west Omaha. The two-story, more than 58,000-squarefoot complex features 40,000 square feet of office space as well as an underground parking garage. Finishes include architectural precast, fiber cement cladding and glass storefront. Investors Realty is handling management and leasing for the building.

Education notes…

The Metropolitan Community College business department has been approved by the HR Certification Institute as a certified preparation provider for students seeking the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) designation. The MCC Human Resources program can be completed entirely online, giving students the opportunity to earn a degree remotely while receiving transferable college credit and valued work skills. For the third consecutive year, the University of Nebraska system is ranked among the top 100 academic institutions worldwide in earning U.S. patents to protect the research and discoveries of its faculty. A newly released report from the Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association lists the NU system as tied at No. 65, moving up 14 spots from last year’s ranking. The ranking reflects the 44 patents granted in 2019 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to NU’s technology transfer offices: NUtech Ventures at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNeMed Corp. at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Southeast Community College will start the fall semester on Aug. 24, as originally planned. All locations, including campuses in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, will have new safety protocols and procedures in place to help keep students and employees safe. They include keeping students socially distanced in classrooms and lab spaces and hand sanitizer stations throughout locations. Also, the College is encouraging students to wear face coverings, and expects students to wear them when social/physical distancing is not possible. Some instructors also will have plexiglass podiums in their classrooms as an extra safety measure. Plexiglass shields also have been installed in areas where students and staff frequently interact. After receiving interest for its Cannabis Certificate program, launched in November on DoaneX, Doane University will be unveiling seven new cannabis courses offered on ground and online to residential and non-residential students. The three-credit courses, which will begin to be offered this fall through the School of Integrative Learning, include: History of Cannabis; The Cannabis Industry; Agronomy of Hemp; The Biology of Hemp; Medicinal Cannabis; Cannabis Processing; and Cannabis Testing Methods. These courses are instructor-led and contain more academic content than the self-paced, entry level online certificate courses on DoaneX.

Health care notes…

Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong disease that drastically reduces a patient’s physical mobility, self-sufficiency, and overall quality of life. Mary Filipi, a retired MS nurse MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, August 11 Recognizing a significant information gap in north Omaha, Dawaune Lamont Hayes founded NOISE (North Omaha Information Support Everyone). To date, NOISE has engaged thousands and broken the mold of news distribution. At noon Nebraska PRSA will host a virtual event, where Hayes will showcase how the team of journalists at NOISE has inspired and fostered community connections through content creation and storytelling. The event is free to attend thanks to our generous event sponsor, Emspace + Lovgren. Register online. Friday, August 14 Due to the uncertainty linked to the spread of COVID-19, along with the safety of our attendees and community, a decision has been made to move 2020 Commercial Real Estate Summit to a virtual event. The virtual event will be hosted by a professional platform that allows attendees to continue with breakout sessions, privately network with industry professionals, and earn education credits. Registration is online.

practitioner who now works with nonprofit MS Forward, has helped to develop a mentoring program designed to enhance a sense of understanding among young people of the challenges faced by MS patients through exercise and movement. Now, with the support of EMD Serono and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses’s 2020 Nightingale Grant, Filipi will have the funding she needs to advance her program. Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.) held its third Annual Recognition Celebration. Awards presented were: Advocate of the Year: Senator Sue Crawford; Advocate of the Year: Michael Lennen; Business of the Year: Papillion Community Foundation; Community of the Year: Gretna, NE; Multi-Family Housing of the Year: Crestview Village, Mercy Housing; and Partner of the Year: UNMC College of Public Health. The Nebraska Pharmacists Association will receive $200,000 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the “Preventing Poisoning, Pollution, and Prescription Drug Overdose for a Healthier Nebraska!” project. Nebraska MEDS (Medication Education on Disposal Strategies) is a coalition of state and community partners dedicated to educating Nebraskans about drug disposal and provides safe ways to dispose of them to better safeguard the environment and public health. It is funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the Nebraska Legislature. Heartland Bike Share, a nonprofit bike share operator, expanded its bike sharing with Valentine Bike Share. Valentine Bike Share has been over a year in the making. Heartland Bike Share is partnering with Nebraska Game and Parks and the city of Valentine to launch the bike share station next to the Cowboy Trail. The station will operate on a seasonal basis but be available 24 hours a day for bike rentals during its operating season. The station will be located next to the Cowboy Trail, one of the largest Rails-to-Trails projects in the United States.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Salvation Army was awarded a grant of $138,000 from United Way of the Midlands. Funded programs include: Community Counseling and Wellspring Programs, The Salvation Army Omaha-Area Feeding Programs, Material Assistance and Seasonal Services, and The Salvation Army Residential Housing Programs. The Latino Center of the Midlands has reopened its doors to the public. In doing so, the Latino Center of the Midlands will be able to more efficiently serve at this time of need. Even though the office is reopening, the nonprofit has not stopped working since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Over the past few months, Family Community Well-Being, Pathways to Success and Workforce, Education, and Innovation has continued to support its clients remotely. Additionally, through partnerships with other nonprofits, it has organized the delivery of hygiene supplies, food, and important COVID-19 resources. Boys Town received a $25,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands for the 2020-2021 funding year. The grant was recently awarded to help fund two Boys Town community programs in Nebraska

and Iowa. Boys Town Iowa Providing Crisis Intervention & Family Strengthening Services Program received $15,000. The Boys Town South Omaha School Collaborative: LIFT Together Program received $10,000. Boys Town remains focused on seeking funding for preventative services, specifically IHFS, to serve youth and families in the South Omaha area. Inclusive Communities has announced the 2020-2021 class of LeadDIVERSITY advocates. They are: Donna Aman, Christina Arellano, Kimberly C. Barnes, Deana Blount, Damien Coran, Sarah Ericson, Eric Ewing, Alexander Foreman, Rebecca Forsyth, Wendy Goldberg, Cynthia GoochGrayson, Denise Hall, Steve Hogan, Liz Kendall Weisser, Tracy Leavelle, Kat Lopez, Teresa Mardesen, Amanda Martinez, Noah McClain, Lonnie Michael Jr., Craig Moody, Astrid Munn, Amanda Ponce, Lucy Puentes, Mindy Rush Chipman, Graciela Sharif, Comi Sharif, Alejandra Sinecio, Jeffrey Southall, Nicky Sullivan, Jannette Taylor, Kimberly Thomas, Ashley Rae Turner, Drew Weitz and Dan Whisler.

Arts and events…

The Joslyn Art Museum is hosting Garden Yoga through Sept. 27, for hourlong yoga sessions in Joslyn’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden. Instructors from YOGA NOW will guide participants through basic poses to help strengthen the body and center the mind. This series is beginner friendly and all levels are welcome to participate. All participants are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Stay after and stroll through the gardens or enjoy a picnic. Registration is online. The 23rd Annual Taste of Omaha Festival of Great Foods and Entertainment is rescheduled for Aug. 14 through Aug. 16 at Elmwood Park. Postponing due to COVID-19 concerns, the festival is working with public officials, Taste of Omaha board members, sponsors, committee, staff, suppliers, participants and volunteers. The top priority is the safety of those attending, participating sponsors, restaurants, food companies, displayers, staff, volunteers and the community. The Festival is free to attend.

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

August 7, 2020

Labor picture a drag on Omaha’s otherwise bustling tech community by Dwain Hebda

Despite the persistent challenge of attracting sufficient labor, the Midlands’ tech industry is red hot, experts say. “Tech has been growing in Omaha for a while and the area has a good reputation, viewed as a ‘Silicone Valley’ for tech in the Midwest,” said Todd Kirke, account executive with Paragon IT. “We continue to see the emergence of cloud, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technology. The ag tech industry is also hot, with predictive and prescriptive analytics driving that sector globally.” Kirke Kirke said the current robust environment didn’t happen overnight or by accident but is the culmination of efforts throughout the state’s educational institutions to focus on tech and tech careers. “Nebraska is doing a lot as it relates to fostering a tech community for today and tomorrow,” he said. “The AIM Institute, UNO, STEM 4U and Office of STEM Education are just a small sampling of educational organizations with initiatives to

help attract future and diverse innovators in technology.” Despite such programs, maintaining a stable and adequate tech labor force is the biggest drag on the industry, said Jona Van Deun, president of Nebraska Tech Collaborative, an Aksarben workforce initiative. “Our challenges and opportunities are the same,” she said. “Our priority needs to be developing, retaining and attracting tech talent and entrepreneurs in the state of Nebraska. We have an incredible opportunity to innovate around what we do best — agriculture, Meyer health care, finance and manufacturing. “We need to seek out ways to affect our talent pipeline across the spectrum from K-12 to higher education to career changers, while also finding a place for boomerangs and transplants.” Van Deun said 2020 provided an unexpected tutorial in how to deliver quality education over distance, which bodes well for bringing instruction into previously underserved areas.

Jona Van Deun, president of Nebraska Tech Collaborative, an Aksarben workforce initiative. “The education landscape in Nebraska dedicated task force to support innovation and across the country has changed,” she and entrepreneurial activities.” said. “Educators have been forced to find Meyer echoed his colleagues’ concerns new ways to deliver education to our kids. over available tech talent and said the inWe have realized that teachers and students dustry must do a better job of tapping all don’t have to be in the same space to learn sectors of the local workforce. and create. I’m excited at the prospect of “In many cases, businesses are trying being able to deliver programming from to court the same pool of graduates for one side of the state to the other.” the same jobs,” he said. “From my perThe tech industry is expected to expand spective as a professional in this industry further, especially as companies continue for over 20 years, I think the industry at to adapt to the thousands of employees large is behind in the hiring of women and who started working from home due to the minorities. coronavirus and who are likely to continue “People are key when examining Omadoing so. ha’s growth in the tech industry. Nebraska “With the current pandemic, it is likely needs to continually educate and grow our that companies will continue to evaluate people to be ready for these tech opporremote working environments rather than tunities.” requiring relocation,” said Clint Meyer, director of software development and infrastructure at Team Software. “That’s an interesting factor to consider when forecasting industry growth in the Midwest.” Tech entrepreneurs are also expected to grow in the future, given the area’s conducive environment. “Omaha and surrounding suburbs are attractive for tech entrepreneurs due to cost of living, commuting and an overall appealing Midwest nature,” Meyer said. “Nebraska supports fundraisers for the innovation sector and the legislature has a

Technology •

Midlands Business Journal • AUGUST 7, 2020 •

Transition to virtual communication, measurement of remote work goes into overdrive by Michelle Leach

Capabilities to allow for remote collaboration are no longer “nice to offer.” Now, they’re a “must-have” to compete, produce and safeguard workforce and public health — benefits that add up to a healthy culture. “Really good innovation comes from a place of high stress and high change,” said First National Bank of Omaha Director, Product Management, Matt Carrico. “It will make us better in the long run.” In March, Carrico wrote about the transition to virtual meetings, desktops, and their ilk in a FNBO blog post, “How to Successfully Shift Business Operations and Payments Processes During the Coronavirus Pandemic.” When asked about challenges since then, Carrico referred to overall “facetime” in an evolving environment. As clients and team members got accustomed to phone and digital conversations: “No one was ready to truly dive into face-to-face interactions.” With a presence across markets, Carrico also alluded to working with each state’s requirements; for instance, Illinois was among those states with “shelter-inplace” orders. Specific to financial services products, FNBO’s PayMaker facilitates sending and receiving payments from anywhere via check or ACH, and Carrico attributes blog posts like the aforementioned as generating interest in such digital solutions. Formerly, businesses might have grappled with three or four people to complete the checks process — very “high-touch” and not

conducive to the COVID-19 environment. “PayMaker digitized the process,” Carrico said, noting this transition also affects vendors’ touchpoints. Ultimately, the goal is to digitize the entire process, from payment approval inflows and capture to reconciliation. The fewer manual processes, the more secure the data (less vulnerability to breaches). Carrico brought the notion of innovation full circle. “Solutions like this used to take weeks or months to Carrico integrate into current processes or systems,” he said. “Now, we have the ability to implement them in a few minutes. That has been a key to our success over the last four months. Our customers had a need for ‘right now,’ not ‘tomorrow.’” President Chris Vilim said CoreTech is reconnecting with clients that quickly made the work-from-home transition, to assure their data is well-protected. “From a pure technology perspective, probably the biggest misstep is around security … businesses that allow employees to use their personal computers to access private data and systems,” he said. Vilim also emphasized the importance of establishing intentional processes around communication. “When you’re a small business, there

is so much communication that happens incidentally, people talking around the watercooler or overhearing conversations,” he said. “There is a transfer of tribal knowledge that gets accumulated. But, when everybody is isolated, you lose a lot of that.” Pre-outbreak, Vi l i m n o t e d h o w they leveraged business communication platform Slack, as email had become unwieldy. CoreTech has since bolstered phone and video communication. Vilim Likewise, they’ve guided clients through such transitions. “Some of our clients did benefit from having remote access at home for some of their users,” he said. With some backend infrastructure, the focus turned to user training. In other cases, clients had to buy the equipment. “Even though they may not have 100% of their staff remote 100% of the time, they may need to send everybody home again,” Vilim said. “[Businesses] need to secure better, and in a way that is reliable over the long term.” Before the “cloud” was commonplace terminology, Vilim was a resource as organizations shed hardware. “There are even fewer reasons to keep [data] on servers,” he said. “Clients with better and easier transitions had some

cloud, or Office 365-type technology. We’ve been moving clients in that direction for years.” With the tools to facilitate remote functions, “you’re at a competitive disadvantage.” “Within our group, a significant percentage who were surveyed said they’re more productive at home,” Vilim added. “They’re lacking some of the distractions that can occur.” Of course, he cautions, one’s answer depends on home distractions — from kids to pets. In March, Agility Health recognized companies needed ways to measure and improve remote collaboration. The Remote Work Health Radar assessment was born, said Marketing Manager Bridget Nielsen. “It allows individuals and teams to assess how effective they are in areas such as team collaboration, utilization of tools, meeting facilitation and individual productivity,” she said. “Organizations that are able to embrace and invest in remote collaboration will increase their ability to adapt to change, learn and pivot, deliver at speed and thrive in competitive markets.” Pre-outbreak, Agility Health leveraged Zoom and brainstorming tools (like Miro); today, team members are continually experimenting with new tools and platforms to see what sticks. “Being very transparent across all teams regarding the state of our company, continually asking for feedback, and keeping lines of communication open have Continued on next page.

• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Technology

Experts offer best practices for utilizing tech infrastructure during pandemic by Gabby Christensen

Many companies are looking for ways to best optimize office tech infrastructure, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses struggle with managing remote workforces and schools cope with remote students, Matt Schwartz, director of engineering and technology at Parallel

Transition to virtual communication Continued from preceding page. made the biggest positive differences for us,” she said. A wealth of strategies, Nielsen noted, shorten learning curves and enhance productivity. Via its recent webinar, participants shared their top suggestions. “We’ve found these to be very helpful in our own organization,” she said; for instance, Nielsen referenced setting team norms, testing tools and internet (connecting through hardwire when possible), having a Plan B in the event of the likes of tech failures, and making time for icebreakers and get-to-know you activities. “Organizations that don’t adjust or pivot quickly enough, or embrace remote collaboration tools and measurement to gain valuable, actionable insights will face challenges in the current environment,” she said.

Technologies, said building managers are During the early stages of the pandealing with lightly occupied buildings. demic, Mark Griffis, CEO at Aviture Inc., According to Schwartz, opportunity ex- said the focus was on providing guideists for changing the behavior of facili- lines for the use of communication tools ties and infrastructure to match staffing like Slack, Zoom, Discord and MSOffice. needs. “We have about 25 remote “Secure the perimeter and employees that already were allow only authorized indisituated to work from home; viduals in the building,” he however, sending home over said. “Lock down unmonitored 100 people used to working in entrances unlinked to access our environment everyday took control systems and install planning, validation and testaccess control, getting rid of ing to ensure our productively untraceable physical keys.” l e v e l s w e r e n o t a ff e c t e d , ” It’s also critical that returnGriffis said. “We implemented ing employees and visitors are a three-week plan well ahead healthy and technology such as of work from home guidance thermal imaging cameras can Koske to ensure that our equipment screen body temperatures prior to entry, inventory was up to date, that our VPN catching exceptions. licensing was adequate, and our developAdditionally, Schwartz said camera ment servers had the necessary bandwidth analytics/occupancy sensors monitor to sustain our entire company. We used people in an area, and advanced analyt- our office management platform Manics can measure social distancing. It’s agedbyQ to ensure that people submitted also important to prevent unnecessary requests for needed items for their home touching of common surfaces, like door environment.” handles. Then, Griffis said teams did trial runs “Turn off interior access control, prop at home for three days at a time to ensure doors open to non-sensitive spaces and any logistical issues were identified with implement facial recognition technology bandwidth, permissions, software and for unlocking doors,” he said. equipment. Healthy airflow is wise, as COVID Jerry Koske, CTO at Aviture Inc., and other viruses thrive in stagnant air. said a big thing for the general public to “When occupied, increase outdoor understand is if they aren’t on cloud platair intake and swap filtration with higher forms already, it certainly makes having performing media,” he said. a decentralized workforce easier.

NEBRASKA IT LEADERSHIP FORUM Passionate about improving leadership cultures

“If all of our tools were onsite on workstations, things would be much more difficult,” Koske said. Through COVID-19, Ryan Pieken, senior consultant of CIO/CISO services at OXEN Technology, said some organizations transitioned more easily than others. “The more cloud-centric a business already was, the easier it was to transition to work from home,” he said. “Those who had remote access already established had it easier than those that didn’t.” Physical paper processes in the organization add complexity for home workers and handling phone calls on traditional phone systems was challenging in some cases. Overall, Pieken said quality internet service at home was a key to productivity. Yet, cybersecurity is often forgotten when no plan is in place and in the scramble to set up remote connections. “At some level security compromises were made when people began working from home,” he said. “Much of the protection provided by a network firewall was left back at the office, which is a concerning fact. We believe that businesses should invest more in endpoint security beyond the traditional anti-virus software and move into endpoint detection and response (EDR) software. EDR allows many advantages inside the office network, but also provides better protection when for workers outside of the office.”

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Midlands Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 7, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

FOOD MANUFACTURER

PEER SUPPORT

BANKING

Promoted

Added

Promoted

Haylie Rodgers

Valerie Ferrell

Paulette Monthei

Stacy Gutschenritter

Chief Risk Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Program Manager

Cobalt Credit Union

Westin Foods

Outlook Enrichment

Vice President â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Relationship Manager, Retirement Plan Services

Cobalt Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Haylie Rodgers to Chief Risk Officer. Rodgers will serve on the executive team and will be responsible for overseeing the management of risk for the credit union. Additionally, she will be ensuring that credit union processes are running efficiently, effectively, and are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Rodgers has been with Cobalt for 5 years working first as the Credit Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Internal Auditor, then as the Vice President of Internal Audit and Compliance. She received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Bellevue University. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Credit Union Internal Auditor (CCUIA). Rodgers is active in her community, working with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Westin Foods, a private label, and branded food manufacturer with corporate headquarters located in Omaha, NE and production facilities in Fairbury, NE and Kearney, MO, has announced the promotion of Valerie Ferrell to Chief Financial Officer. A graduate of Midland University, Valerie has been with Westin Foods since 2007 where she began her career as Corporate Controller. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Valerie is the perfect choice for the Chief Financial Officer position. Her long tenure with Westin, a deep understanding of our business, and exceptional leadership skills makes her an outstanding fit to lead our accounting and human resource teams as we continue to growâ&#x20AC;?, said Brad Poppen, President and Chief Operating Officer. Westin Foods, with roots dating back to the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provides superior quality, variety and selection, producing only the finest food products. An experienced management team along with a group of talented and dedicated associates has positioned Westin Foods for continued growth and diversification going forward.

Outlook Enrichment welcomes Paulette Monthei as program manager. Monthei will lead the execution of Outlook Enrichmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural, recreational, adaptive technology training and education programs. She will develop innovative approaches to current and new programming to expand the opportunities available to the visually impaired. Monthei brings over 25 years of program management at vocational rehabilitation and disability services to Outlook Enrichment.

Union Bank & Trust

UBT recently promoted Stacy Gutschenritter to Vice President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Relationship Manager, Retirement Plan Services. Gutschenritter has been with UBT since 1993 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. In her new role, Gutschenritter will partner with plan sponsors to think strategically about the function and operation of their company-sponsored retirement plans.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Received

Justin Hughes Chartered Financial Analyst Renaissance Financial

Justin Hughes has obtained the Chartered Financial AnalystÂŽ (CFAÂŽ) designation by the CFA Institute. Individuals with the CFAÂŽ designation have demonstrated a strong foundation in advanced investment analysis and portfolio management, accompanied with a strict emphasis in ethical

practice as well as passed three levels of exams covering areas, such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis. Hughes is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Securian Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 12801 Pierce St, Ste 300, Omaha, NE 68144. Renaissance Financial is independently owned and operated. 31770044 DOFU 07/2020

Submit your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employee announcements to Spotlight@mbj.com

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The Lincoln

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RQ KHOSLQJ QRQSURÂżWV From the Centerline EXLOG DIalong South 72nd complex fordable housing and completing the Rise mixed-use Street, to KLVWRULF UHQRYDWLRQV 3ULQFLSDOV building in Council apartment -XOLH 6WDYQHDN KLVWRULF SUHVHUYDWLRQBluffs, to set their sights DQG -LP 5R\HU on adding more SURMHFWV commercial LQ GRZQWRZQ 6LRX[ &LW\ WR projects and market WKH Sheltering Tree near 72nd and rate housing in Omaha and Sioux $PHV VWUHHWV - &LW\ ,RZD 'HYHORSPHQW is expanding its â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of our goals portfolio was to clude more commercial to in- ramp up and do projects and market rate RZQ SURMHFWV Â´ more of our housing. 6WDYQHDN Âł7KDW UHDOO\ JRW XV PRWLYDWHVDLG While past projects focused Continued on pageG WR 31.

in the future,â&#x20AC;? said With each firm boasting a Agency Prinreported 60-plus cipal Carly Thomas, year formerly a the metro, NP Dodge heritage in Peterson Bros. Insurance princiInsurance Agency Inc. and Peterson Bros. pal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ultimately, we decided we Insurance Inc. have were stronger together.â&#x20AC;? joined their complementary Over the past year, clientele, carriers and cultures indicated the companies Thomas to worked Partners Insurancecreate Dodge together to align LLC. which are now basedtheir teams, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We both were at the point of out of 8701 deciding where we wanted to be West Dodge Road in Omaha Continued on page â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 24.

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• AUGUST 7, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal