Midlands Business Journal December 11, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 50 issue by Midlands Business Journal

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

December 11, 2020

Local professionals highlight some best practices to maintain cyber resilience by Gabby Hellbusch

Cyber resilience, which is quickly becoming a popular buzzword throughout the business world, refers to the ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from a cyberattack. Tech experts say organizations are beginning to add cyber resilience plans to their cybersecurity strategies to not only protect IT systems and data, but to ensure the business continues to operate during and after a cyberattack. Jessica Murray, account manager at Lutz Tech, said this is crucial because it Rausch has several benefits to an organization, including reducing financial loss, enhancing system security and IT operations, improving internal processes, protecting reputations and maintaining customer trust. “The most important tip to help a business protect their information is to be vigilant,” she said. “Most threats will involve an uninformed or uneducated employee giving away information to the wrong person. Vigilance and organization-wide

Jessica Murray, account manager at Lutz Tech. cybersecurity training will increase the nization. “The risk assessment can be as simple employee’s awareness and make them part or as comprehensive as needed but will of the solution.” According to Murray, an organization give all members of the organization an should conduct a risk assessment to detect understanding of the vulnerabilities and weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the orga- will elicit the conversation to fix them,” she said. “Once weaknesses are identified and remedied, it is wise to create a business continuity plan with a disaster recovery strategy, so employees have a clear understanding of what is expected to keep business running in the event of an attack.” Douglas Rausch, program director for cybersecurity at Bellevue University, said resilience addresses the fact that no computer system can ever be 100% secure against all threats. “Assume your systems will be attacked, so your business needs to have planned for, and trained with, the processes and procedures required to continue to conduct your business operations while you are responding to and recovering from that attack,” he said. “Ransomware is a great example. If your business is the victim of a ransomware attack, do you have alternate procedures in place to continue to operate while your systems are restored from backup? If so, you have built resiliency into your system.” Rausch said all systems should be protected behind a firewall, both on the network and on the computer. “Use multifactor authentication,” he

said. “This means that in addition to a password, you provide a code sent to another device, such as your phone, to gain access to a system. Be up to date on patches and antivirus. Make frequent backups and keep a copy someplace other than on your network. Finally, when you are not in the office use a virtual private network to connect to your office network.” With a growing number of cybersecurity incidents, Jarrod Daake, director of operations at Five Nines, said cyber resilience is critical to a business’ success. Daake “Simply put, just trying to prevent incidents from occurring is not enough,” he said. “Businesses must have documented processes to handle the event that took place, execute a recovery or remediation and ensure the business can continue functioning. Processes should be created for various types of cybersecurity threats and should all include RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted and informed) charts that help organize the response when an incident happens.” The best way to approach information security is to approach it in layers. “At an absolute minimum, businesses should be utilizing firewalls, antivirus, antispam and disk encryption,” Daake said. “Beyond that, advanced endpoint protection software, web filtering and email encryption are all additional layers that can and should be implemented. “The most overlooked and vulnerable layer of security is your end-users. End-user security training must be the foundation of any business’ security approach.”

Cybersecurity — inside DECEMBER 11, 2020

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VOL. 46 NO. 50

SL Jensen Construction adds to portfolio of construction services by Michelle Leach

Corn Coast more than a name, it's a movement. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Evans a catalyst for change, support in breaking through barriers. – Page 3

e lac rkp o eW Th In

Don’t let policies stagnate: Avoid new legal risks presented by COVID-19. – Page 23

When Alex Jensen’s father, Stanley “Larry” Jensen, started SL Jensen Construction in 1984, he was knocking on doors and “taking on any project he could find,” said the junior Jensen. No longer a “two men and a van operation,” the general contractor whose foundation remains in new construction and remodels, has also expanded into development and cabinetry, and boasts around 40 team members across its businesses. “It’s expanded quite a bit,” Alex Jensen said. “We jump into parallel businesses … that don’t distract from the home remodels or construction business.” From its headquarters at 6324 S. 118th St. in Omaha, the family-owned and family-operated general contractor has left its mark on high-end custom homes, flex spaces, and neighborhood transformative projects. For instance, it segued into development in the 2010s by gutting a historic space that was vacant with the exception of critters and squatters. The 30th and Mason streets Continued on page 7.

Second-generation leadership Alex Jensen … Family-owned and family-operated general contractor identifies, launches parallel services while balancing with new construction and remodel project world. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Under new ownership, Wohlner’s adds online store, new products by Michelle Leach At the height of COVID-19’s first wave, the metro’s oldest grocery store transitioned to new ownership and, since April, the Wohlner’s team has embarked on online shopping and the introduction of 75 to 80 new wine varietals (and some liquors) — among a number of additions and changes at various phases of deployment this holiday season.

“We’re excited to carry on the rich tradition of quality and service, and to add some exciting, updated enhancement to the store,” said new owner and CEO Bob Kimball. Kimball and his wife of 38 years, Dianne, purchased the store at Midtown Crossing at Turner Park from third-generation owner, Mike Schwartz. “I’ve been in the grocery busiContinued on page 8.

Workroom Manager Denise Ervin … Nurturing aspiring designers so that they may fulfill their creative potential in the fashion industry.

Formerly Fashion Institute Midwest, Fashion Arts Collective builds reach by Gabby Hellbusch

Owners Dianne and Bob Kimball … Couple continues legacy of local, family ownership for historic neighborhood grocery and deli.

Since its debut in 2012 as an initiative to provide resources for local fashion designers, The Fashion Arts Collective — formerly Fashion Institute Midwest — has not only opened a physical space dubbed The Workroom, but has also launched several new mentoring, training, resources and industry network opportunities over the years, said Alyssa Dilts, communication and education chair.

This recent growth led to a major rebrand in October 2020, which also included introducing a new website that highlights FAC’s purpose and supportive entities: The Fashion Guild, The Workroom and Marketplace. The Workroom, located on the entire second floor of the Midco Building in the Makerhood District in north downtown Omaha, is filled with industrial grade sewing machines, large Continued on page 10.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Corn Coast more than a name, it’s a movement by Dwain Hebda

It’s hard to pin down Khaleefa Muhammad by any one label. The 26-year-old Lincoln native is a designer, artist, rapper, barber and trendsetter. About all that’s common to his multiple entrepreneurial pursuits is the name, Corn Coast, and his desire to put himself on the map, towing his hometown in his wake.

Corn Coast Co. Phone: 402-413-1910 Address: 300 Speedway Circle, Lincoln 68502 Service: barbershop, recording studio, original clothing Employees: 5 Industry Outlook: Promoted heavily on social media, the mix of businesses have proven an effective hedge against the uncertainty of the COVID-19 business environment. Barbershop revenue has balanced the loss of rap concerts and bringing the three entities under one roof has provided cross-marketing opportunities for the clothing and other products and services. Website: facebook.com/CornCoastCo

“As far as rap goes, you’ve got to have your city behind you,” he said. “Like, you gotta brand pretty much where you come from. I see it all the time and it’s so important. What Tupac [Shakur] is to the West Coast and Biggie [Smalls] is to the East Coast, you can even see Outkast to the South and so on and so forth.

Owner Khaleefa Muhammad … Mix of businesses provide cross-promotional opportunities to grow the brand and reach more customers. (photo courtesy of Corn Coast) “What actually sparked [Corn Coast], it more meaning behind that.” was Joey Bada$$, from New York. He always Corn Coast brings together Muhammed’s used to say, ‘Beast Coast’ in his raps and I was talents and passions via a collection of busilike, man, I like that. What can I do here that nesses that include a barber shop (Corn Coast can capture people’s minds and once they see Cuts), a recording studio, a clothing line and a it, it clicks for them? They always say, ‘What’s just-launched line of CBD products. All of the in Nebraska?’ You know, just a bunch of corn. businesses feed off each other, he said. I just went with Corn Coast to put a little bit “It’s just really learning the game,” he said.

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“I’ve learned how to tie everything together. People come into the barbershop and I’m playing music and I’m playing myself. ‘Oh, who’s this?’ You know, that’s me.’ To that, add the clothes. ‘Oh, wow. I like this shirt over here. Who makes this?’ Oh, okay that’s Corn Coast Co. Whatever. It’s full circle. I learned how to literally trap my fans and customers into a cycle. Once you’re in, everything’s full circle.” Muhammed has also learned to leverage digital marketing and social media to fuel the product cycle, maximizing Facebook, Instagram and Etsy to name a few. “That’s for sure been the strong suit; the thing that’s helped my brand the most,” he said. “It’s a grind. Learning how to navigate social media, learning how it works, seeing the trends, seeing what people are into and studying the market. It’s seeing what people are liking the most and what people are commenting on the most. I just study that really well. I learn tips and tricks and just navigate myself and learn how to gain traction and following." Business diversification has helped the one-year-old company weather the strains of the pandemic. Where rapping gigs are currently in short supply — Muhammed performs under the stage name HAKIM — barbering has grown to include four additional independent barbers who rent chairs. It’s been an ironic safety net, he said. “Never in my life did I want to be a barber,” he said. “I left my family business; it was a barbershop. I left there and things didn’t work out, which put me in a tough spot for the summer of 2019. It just made me reevaluate everything I have going on for myself. "So, I decided to go to barber school. I was making music at the time, but I knew that once I was going to barber school, I wouldn’t be able to produce as much music. That’s where the clothing came in. It’s been working well, and I know these next two years are going to be very pivotal for the movement and myself as well. There’s still a lot of work to do.”

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

Evans a catalyst for change, support in breaking through barriers by Dwain Hebda

More companies are taking a vested interest in employees’ overall health and well-being both at work and at home and that’s music to Leontyne Evans’ ears. Through leadership in professional and community service organizations dealing with a range of issues, Evans has helped advance the conversation about providing counseling services in the workplace. “I think we have improved leaps and bounds, especially in the Greater Omaha area, realizing a happy employee is a productive employee,” she said. “We used to have this saying of ‘Bring 2020 your best self to work.’ That implies you want me to leave a part of me at home, and that doesn’t work. “Now, employers are seeing: I need to let you bring your whole self to work, whatever that looks like, and I am responsible for all of those things. If I want you to be a good employee, I have to care about you as a person. I have to know what’s going on in your life so I know how to help you here, because you spend more time at work than you do at home. It’s becoming more and more prevalent.” Her passion for such issues requires her to wear several hats. She’s the program manager for the Greater Omaha Worklab (GrOW) of the Greater Omaha Chamber and a survivor engagement specialist for the local organization Survivors Rising. Both roles are the first of their kind. Through the Chamber, she also serves as a

Leontyne Evans, program manager for GrOW and survivor engagement specialist at Survivors Rising … Serving unique roles in uplifting and supporting frontline talent and post-crisis survivors. Coming from rough early childhood experiresource navigator for the employees of Lozier Corporation, as well as overseeing GrOW nav- ences herself, Evans said she knew early on she wanted to go into this kind of work and she’s igators at other companies. “Long story short, a resource navigator is been in the human services field for more than like having a school counselor onsite for adults,” a decade. In addition to earning a bachelor’s she said. “All of our lives we’ve been able to go degree in behavioral science through Bellevue to the school counselor when we needed to talk to someone. Now, with the GrOW Program, Proud Sponsors of the 2020 we have that for employers. The navigator goes onsite for that specific employer and serves those employees in that capacity, sort of like a counselor or social worker.”

University and a master’s degree in clinical counseling through Hope International College, she’s also a certified financial counselor, mediator and author, all of which play a role in how she serves others. “I believe that I was born to serve. I believe that my trials and tribulations have created a path for me to figure it out for myself so that I can help others figure it out,” she said. “Everything from abuse to homelessness to financial woes; in all those things, I educated myself to make my weaknesses my strengths. Then I took all of those things and began my journey in human services. “We actually have a saying at GrOW which is ‘Treat people like people.’As long as you treat people like people, you’ll go far in this world. It’s when we stop seeing each other as people that things get difficult for us. The more I educated myself and the more I pursued education and therapy working through my own issues, the more I had a hunger for serving. When the position at GrOW became available it was every single thing I had been working towards my whole life.” A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Evans is a sought-after expert in her field. She was featured in the Women’s Fund of Omaha’s publication Today’s Omaha Woman, and received recognition by Inclusive Communities for her work.

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• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

December 11, 2020

Local professionals highlight some best practices to maintain cyber resilience by Gabby Hellbusch

Cybersecurity •

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

Cyberattackers take advantage of vulnerabilities presented by COVID-19 by Michelle Leach

The insidious techniques are, generally, consistent; however, the pandemic is serving as bait to hook unsuspecting users. Trends emerging from a biological virus, such as the overnight rise of remote work, are accelerating cyber viruses. “The bottom line is that there is no bottom to the types of tactics that people will employ,” said Matt Hale, Ph.D., an assistant professor at UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology who has conducted considerable research on phishing. “Early on in the pandemic, there were updates about COVID-19 proliferation, and some were actually malware.” Citing the Anti-Phishing Working Group’s most recent third-quarter 2020 report, Hale noted there were around 200,000 reported phishing events this September. Last September, around 70,000 events were reported. Hale has found four common tactics, starting with an “appeal to authority.” “Most people have a boss or a boss’s boss,” he said. “It can be a powerful motivator. They emulate the boss and appeal to you by saying, ‘I need you to do this.’” Second, they appeal to one’s sense of urgency, which Hale indicated bypasses the thoughtfulness workers generally employ when they’re not under deadline pressure. “Another one you’ll see is the appeal to greed — you can win something, gain a useful investing tip or money is available to you in a settlement,” he said. Common tactics that create a “sense of intimacy,” Hale said, draw upon existing connections by compromising a contact’s data to trick you into opening an email or clicking a

link. During holiday season, emulating brand dispersed, many workers report frustration in identities may be top of mind; for instance, Hale having fewer lines of direct communication with encouraged looking for small cues that suggest co-workers or supervisors to confirm unanticipata bad actor (i.e. a “zero” instead of an “O” in a ed suspicious messages.” brand name). Habits such as using personal and shared Prior to the pandemic, SecureSky’s SVP of devices, or insecure public Wi-Fi, has also inOperations, Corey Meyer, noted mass “spray creased risk. and prey” phishing campaigns were “As people become more comon the decline. fortable in their home work environ“Malicious actors were attainment, they sometimes lose sight of ing greater results from performing the fact that they are still targets for reconnaissance and specifically bad actors,” said Arturo Perez, senior targeting phishing attacks,” he said. security engineer with Scantron “Several studies since the COVID-19 Technology Solutions. outbreak indicate a reverse in this Not identifying their new vultrend, reporting volumes of attacks nerabilities and threats to their orincreasing in the range of 600ganizations, he said, are the biggest 700%.” vulnerabilities. Meyer described COVID-19’s “Your organization’s security Shadden use as a “pretext;” scams are variafootprints change when adding or tions on classic social engineering techniques taking away processes,” Perez said. “We need to with a “twist” (related to scam charities, vaccines, make sure we are keeping track of these changes or government-sponsored payments). and the new attack surfaces that may be unveiled “Entities with remote workforces have creat- with them.” ed additional risk in a number of ways,” he said. Attacks are preying on fear amid the pan“While email has always been a primary phishing demic. vehicle, the rapid migration to cloud-hosted email “The spoofed emails and types keep evolvservices, for example Microsoft/Office 365 or ing, [which] makes it difficult at times for some Google Workspace, which include file storage organizations to properly respond without the and sharing functionality, has greatly increased right security tools in place,” he added. external attack surfaces.” Stacey A. Shadden, a member of McGrath Conferencing applications, such as Zoom, North’s business corporate practice group with have increased exposure. a focus on data privacy and cybersecurity mat“Remote workflow has also impacted se- ters, has noticed large corporations, government curity,” he said. “With email and video calls be- agencies and critical medical organizations as coming the primary communication channel for most under fire from attackers. many workers, and workforces becoming widely “Lack of training and the failure of compa-

nies to shift priorities and budget resources to security and technology tasks is leaving many companies vulnerable and an easy target, especially as companies continue to rely on remote workforces and e-commerce transactions,” she said. “Ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals hold computer data or networks hostage until a ransom is paid, continue to be prevalent and some reports say such attacks are on the rise as much as 800% during the pandemic.” There is an increased focus on if federal U.S. privacy and security regulations will be implemented with similar requirements as those enacted in other countries (including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations). “This has been a hot topic for many years, but the pandemic has certainly put an additional spotlight on the lack of U.S. data protection and security laws,” Shadden said. She encouraged updating VPNs, network infrastructure devices and devices used to remote into work with the latest software patches and security configurations. “Train employees and encourage them to be vigilant and report any suspicious emails that could be phishing attempts or related to social engineering attacks,” she said. Hale also said to keep all tech up-to-date, including personal devices, and to think before one clicks. Don’t give out unsolicited info. Be proactive when monitoring accounts to assure any suspect transactions don’t like slide through. SecureSky’s Meyer added that default configurations can be inadequate, so the company works with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) to define and communicate best practices for configuring and hardening cloud-hosted services.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Cybersecurity

Medical institutions take multifaceted approach to protecting patient data by David Kubicek

Medical institutions and telehealth companies have extensive sets of privacy and security policies that guide how they handle protected health information (PHI). “We have a multitude of technologies that protect the information [ranging] from assuring data accuracy and only [allowing] necessary access to it, to securing email and internet traffic,” said Kerry Kremke, director

of information security, privacy and CISO for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “The most critical element is helping our employees understand why their actions are important and how they can best protect themselves and our members’ information.” The firm produces weekly enterprise security tips and sends ad hoc faux phishing campaigns to test all employees’ alertness to potential scams. Blue Cross also provides

specialized training within the different departments about how to best handle its member information. “Having a workforce that fully un-

alent method is through phishing emails or voice phishing (vishing) where a caller asks questions to learn about the people and organization.

Kremke Elgan derstands why [security] is important and sincerely wants to support the program is critical,” Kremke said. “Without this culture, the effectiveness of our technology, policies and training would be limited.” OneWorld Community Health Centers filters as many attacks as it can at the outside perimeter with its firewall, spam filtering, and other protections, said Information Technology Director Steve Elgan. If a malicious actor breaks through the perimeter, there are other common mechanisms to stop them, like URL filtering, protocol filtering, next generation firewalls and next generation end-point protection. Security awareness training for employees focuses on behaviors. OneWorld educates employees on how threat actors can use misinformation and disinformation to compromise security. The most prev-

Vuchak Wagner “We’re in the process of rolling out a new tool that will allow us to do our own internal phishing campaigns so we can measure and track compliance with people — whether or not they respond to [the emails] or actually click through,” Elgan said. “Data protection is not something you look at once or twice a year to make sure you’re doing the right things,” said Jerry Vuchak, senior vice president and chief information officer at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. “It’s a constant and evolving thing. Cybersecurity incidents become more sophisticated every day.” Children’s has firewalls to keep hackers from getting into its network as well as a number of sophisticated tools that help detect breaches. Once a year, employees take a mandatory Continued on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

SL Jensen Construction adds to portfolio of construction services Continued from page 1. project became apartments for students and young professionals. It has since been the force behind the Courtyard on Park townhomes, and SL Jensen is teaming up with inCOMMON Development to rehab the Olympia Cycle building at 40th and

SL Jensen Construction, Inc. Phone: 593-9466 Address: 6324 S. 118th St., Omaha 68137 Services: general contractors; new construction, remodels, residential and commercial, development, cabinets Founded: 1984 by Stanley “Larry” Jensen Website: SLJensen.com

Hamilton streets as a community center: Walnut Hill Commons. “We like to get a development project once every year or two years,” Jensen said. At the time of this writing, the firm was seeking subcontractors with a commitment to the Walnut Hill neighborhood. To its bread and butter construction services, Jensen said the firm has received a lot of calls recently for “smaller-scale” improvements in an environment where people are spending more time at home than ever before. “We’re doing updates on kitchens, master bathrooms, or people may want a home office,” Jensen said. He speculates that homeowners are generally saving more for these projects, as monies aren’t going toward outside

entertainment or travel as much. Regardless of the type of project, Jensen indicated one can expect many of the same themes when partnering with a team that includes a carpenter who started a year after SL Jensen formed — in 1985. “We like to operate with strong communication and complete transparency with clients,” he said. “At the very beginning of the project, we’ll show them a very detailed estimate.” That way, Jensen noted, clients have a clear picture of where every dollar is going. “Instead of a lump bill,” he said. The firm is also aiming to defy the stigma of “fly-by-night” contractors with a team of quality, tenured craftspeople. “A lot of our guys have been here for five, 10 or more years or longer,” he said. “We want to provide enough benefits to everybody where they will not want to work for anyone else. Keeping people for a long time says a lot about their work ethic, the quality of work, and it provides confidence when we sell a new job — that they’ll take care of your project.” Jensen’s father and other first-generation talent set the tone; the business also includes a father-son project manager/superintendent duo and a father-son-daughter trio on the cabinet side. “We’re a true family-oriented business,” he said. Jensen’s father was 24 when he started the business. “He didn’t want to be the guy who

only talked about doing his own thing,” Jensen said. Jensen quite literally grew up around the business; they’ve lived in one “project” after another, as his father was constantly updating kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces. “I would contribute whenever I could, even as an inexperienced guy,” he said. During summer breaks from high school and college, Jensen might be found hauling lumber or cleaning jobsites. While Jensen seemingly inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, he brings additional perspective to this business.

Jensen earned his MBA and was offered a job in New York City, working in finance in Manhattan. “I found I was better suited to be on the operational side as opposed to the investment side,” he said. “[My dad] offered me a job to run the finance side of things here. I wanted to earn my position here … and I wanted to be a part of something that I could guide, and could make my mark on it.” Jensen moved back to the metro in 2016, around the same time its development activity was born, and just four years shy of its expansion into cabinetry.

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• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Under new ownership, Wohlner’s adds online store, new products Continued from page 1. with local suppliers to combat supply chain ness more than 40 years and have spent disruptions. There were also enhanced the last four at Wohlner’s,” Kimball said. cleaning protocols and public health con“Grocery has always been in my blood.” siderations to contend with; from employIn fact, throughee mask mandates out Kimball’s ten- Wohlner’s Neighborhood to the installation of ure with “numerous Grocery & Deli plexiglass barriers chains,” he said the Phone: 402-504-1025 and floor-markings i d e a o f o w n i n g a Address: 3253 Dodge St., Omaha 68131 to encourage social store was always in Founded: 1918 distancing. the back of his mind. Website: www.wohlners.com Employees When the opportuniwere rewarded with ty presented itself, courtesy of Schwartz’s COVID-19 bonuses, and Wohlner’s is retirement, Kimball said it was an absolute further investing in its associates with a perfect fit for the Fremont natives. “family lunch” on Fridays and, at the time The couple wasted no time in imple- of this writing, it’s establishing a 401(k) menting enhancements — and all of this program. occurred as the pandemic reared its head “Now more than ever people appreciate for the first time. the local touch,” Kimball said. “Wohlner’s “It’s been quite a year, particularly is all about ‘local supporting local.’” these past seven months,” Kimball said. He referred to the store carrying local “We’re working hard to keep our shelves brands, such as Volcanic Peppers, Archestocked, the store clean and sanitized, all type Coffee, Papa Rico’s and Brickway the while maintaining consistent and reg- Brewery beers. Of the projects that repreular store hours.” sent its “new spin” on the legendary busiRight away, the owners worked closely ness, one of the first involved partnering

with a local wine and liquor vendor to reassess its lineup of wines and liquors. In the end, they discontinued 75 to 80 varietals and brought in another 75 to 80 new varietals, based off of its partner’s suggestions (it was noted that some wines just weren’t “moving”). From the get-go, the new owners invested in new air handler units for the store. They also built upon the store’s reputation for USDA Choice steaks and meats by introducing Holiday Meat Collections signature gift boxes. Packages are curated to also include a few “surprises,” like gourmet cheeses and signature coffees. In early November, the Kimballs rolled out an online shopping platform to coincide with the busy holiday shopping season. “The new platform allows customers to shop online and choose from curbside pick-up or delivery,” he said. Customers asked for this service and the team delivered; as of late November, Kimball said they had a steady stream of online shoppers and associated positive comments. “It looks to be a 50/50 mix between curbside pick-up here at the store and delivery,” he said. Other near-term plans included an expanded selection of vegan and plant-based products, and a front-of-store remodel that

showcases the store’s fresh, grab-and-go produce department. What was characterized as “Phase 2” and “Phase 3” plans are centered on technological investments; for instance, updated point of sale (POS) software, check stands and registers. Kimball said the Wohlner’s team has been “humbled” by the community’s ongoing support. He indicated as much as things may change, a number of facets of the business remain consistent; personal attention, local ownership and family ownership, and community support and involvement. The tradition of family ownership can be traced back to the year of another pandemic, 1918, when the first wave of influenza struck. At the start of the year, former owner Schwartz recalled to the Midlands Business Journal how his Polish-Russian immigrant family started the business. Eventually, Schwartz’s father, Sidney, purchased the business from his father-in-law, founder Al Wohlner, in the 1960s. Schwartz recalled how he’d carry out groceries when he was as young as 7. He also referred to an “extended family” of current and former employees. Former general manager Kimball said they’re in it for the “long haul.” The couple have lived in Omaha for 20 years, and have four children and two grandchildren.

Does travel insurance pay off in a COVID-19 era? Here are some considerations to make by Susan Tompor

Many people could be a tad more willing now to book a flight or trip, given the ongoing good news about progress toward COVID-19 vaccines. Lingering uncertainties and spiking coronavirus cases in some areas, though, might drive you to think Travel twice and hedge your bets by spending extra cash on travel insurance. But is it worth the money? It might be — but it might not. To be sure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday urged travelers to stay home for the holidays. The reason: Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing. Millions, of course, traveled by plane for Thanksgiving in spite of a similar warning. —Dig deep into the details “No one should assume that COVID is part of a travel insurance policy,” warns Carmen Balber, an insurance expert and executive director for Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit group based in Los Angeles. “The No. 1 warning for any travel insurance purchase is read the fine print. It’s so crucial in travel insurance because there is no standard policy.” Typically, travelers early in 2020 weren’t covered if a trip was canceled due to COVID-19. But much of that has changed since the pandemic began in the United States and now many travel insurance plans will include some coverage related to coronavirus. Not all policies, though, will treat all the risks associated by the virus the same way. And it’s up to the consumer to make certain that any travel insurance policy that is purchased specifically mentions COVID-19.

“The big catch is: ‘What emergency is covered?’” Balber said. Most policies are going to cover a death in the family. Many times, policies will cover serious illness of you or a spouse, and sometimes a job layoff or issue. Many policies may treat COVID now the same way the policy would treat another illness but it’s best to check. So if a parent dies two days before a big trip to Florida or France, you might be able to get your money back. Many times, travel insurance will have a medical benefit, which can range from $25,000-$100,000. And the plan can include emergency evacuation coverage and may cover certain medical costs. But the policy might not cover the costs of transporting you home. Again, you need to carefully read that policy. Look closely at exactly what’s excluded from coverage and when. An event that is not listed on, or not described in, the policy is not likely to be covered. “People are surprised when a family emergency doesn’t qualify,” Balber said. Even so, she said, the concerns about the virus could give people more reason to consider buying travel insurance, depending on how much money they might lose if the trip had to be canceled. Some countries, such as Costa Rica, are requiring that travelers have health insurance to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cost Rica. —Not every dime you spend will be covered Remember, though: Trip insurance only Continued on page 12.

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Formerly Fashion Institute Midwest, Fashion Arts Collective builds reach Continued from page 1. pattern-making tables, fabric for sourcing, dress forms, a computer lab and board room, as well as a salon for private client fittings. Free to the public, The Workroom is oftentimes filled with both new and established designers who are wanting to share ideas and be surrounded by like-minded individuals, Dilts said. “When we started, it was just this community of people that saw a need to support the artists in our area,” she said. “As a board member from the beginning, it’s so rewarding to watch it grow. There is no other resource like ours in the metro and we feel it would be devastating to not support these talented and creative individuals in our community.”

Like all nonprofits, this year has been challenging for FAC, particularly when it comes to funding. “Unfortunately, the arts are usually the first to go during hard times,” she said. “But for us, it’s something that we’ve been up against since day one. We are very encouraged by the fact that we were still able to raise money during this time, which tells us that there is a need, and people do understand how important it is that the arts stay prominent in our culture as a city.” In fact, FAC’s annual fundraising gala, Fashion Impact Awards, raised nearly $30,000 — even in a virtual setting this year. During the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, FAC also organized over 100 stitching

volunteers, which produced over 500 masks per day, distributing over 10,000 masks to the medical community. Dilts said FAC has now pivoted those efforts into what is one of its core goals and values: job creation. “We are now employing designers to create logoed masks for businesses through our newly formed Marketplace, where we will start with producing masks and hope that its future will grow into small batch production,” she said. FAC has also partnered with Metropolitan Community College’s continuing education program in providing classes on fashion illustration, design presentation, intro to apparel and more. While MCC canceled all in-person continuing education classes during

3D-printed parts moving closer to production cars by Henry Payne

Five years ago, Detroit auto show crowds scratched their heads over a car whose body, frame and interior emerged fully formed at the show from computer printers that laid down layers of carbon-fiber infused plastic to form the three-dimensional Auto components. The 3D printing of auto parts, demonstrated then by a small company called Local Motors, has accelerated from auto show curiosity to manufacturing necessity in just a few short years. This year, printed parts logged 80,000 miles on Chevrolet’s Corvette, IndyCar, NASCAR and Silverado race teams, while providing prototype duty on production vehicles like the Ford Mustang GT500. With its hand-made cars and focus on immediate results, the racing industry is the current focus of 3D-printed parts, but manufacturers don’t rule them out for production-line vehicles. “We’re on a journey of identifying opportunities across a number of areas including motorsports, product development and future production vehicles,” said Ali Shabbir, General Motors Co.’s chief of additive design and manufacturing product applications. “Racing continues to be an excellent proving ground for new concepts and technologies leading toward production.” Leading the way is the mid-engine Corvette C8.R race car which bristled with 75 printed parts as it pounded through grueling endurance races to its first IMSA Weathertech Sportscar GT title this year. Those parts included such essentials as the oil tank and oil cap, parts of the driver cooling-system, power-steering pump bracket and headlight assemblies. Fifty of the parts were made in-house by GM and survived some of the world’s most punishing tracks including the washboard-rough Sebring Raceway in Florida. The 3D printing process starts with a three-dimensional digital blueprint of a part that is downloaded to a printer. A nozzle on the machine lays down successive layers of plastic, metal or ceramic until a perfect physical representation is created. The manufacturing process has become a mainstay of educational art programs with classes on how to make printed jewelry and decorative objects for the home. On a much larger scale, the technology has become essential to automakers as they seek to shrink production cycles. Before they become rolling sheet metal,

modern cars are developed with extensive computer modeling. Printed parts help to quickly assemble them into prototype cars for wind-tunnel testing and other development needs. “Right now, we see large benefits in the pre-production space,” said GM’s Shabbir. “3D printing has the benefit of speed and quick iteration. With 3D prototypes, teams can rapidly check the viability of different versions of the same part, which can save considerable time during the development phase.” Ford showed off its pre-production assets — including supercomputers, printer and wind tunnels — to the news media last year ahead of the introduction of its 760-horse-

power GT500 muscle car. Crafted at Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford, the printed prototype parts for the GT500 were fitted to the front end of a standard Mustang GT for testing at Ford’s wind tunnel in Allen Park. The printed parts also did duty at the state-of-the-art Windshear wind tunnel in North Carolina that’s used by racing teams. “We did over 300 simulations in the virtual world, then we 3D-printed car parts and took it in the wind tunnel,” Mustang GT500 aerodynamic engineer Matt Titus told The Detroit News. The Team Penske racing team partnered in 2017 with Stratasys, a 3D printing soluContinued on next page.

the pandemic, Dilts said FAC continued to safely keep The Workroom open and ended up creating its own set of classes in order to mentor fashion designers. Next year, FAC will offer double the classes and workshops previously provided and carry on its goal to nurture aspiring designers so that they may fulfill their creative potential in the fashion industry.

Fashion Arts Collective Phone: 402-342-4487 Address: 1141 N. 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Omaha 68102 Founded: 2012 Service: nonprofit supporting the growth of regional fashion designers Goal: To grow the Marketplace into small batch production and continue to add educational resources. Website: https://fashionartscollective.org

“In the Midwest, especially among teens, individuals sometimes get caught up in what they are familiar with, but not everyone fits into that mold,” Dilts said. “There are a lot of artists out there who want to express themselves as young people, which is why having that safe place for them to share ideas and express themselves while learning these skills is so important. It’s especially crucial that people build their portfolio and skill sets before applying to those higher learning education institutions in larger markets. We feel grateful to offer these resources, and it will always be our mission to help everyone in any aspect of their life and career.”

Nontraditional students represent mixed bag for area colleges, universities by Dwain Hebda

Depending on who you talk to, COVID-19 has either inspired or deterred nontraditional students from pursuing continuing education. Mardell Wilson, provost at Creighton University, said the school continues to see robust enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate levels. “Creighton enrolled the second largest number of new graduate students for Fall 2020; we saw the greatest increase in business, leadership and health,” she said. “We also enrolled more than 1,000 new undergraduate students for the seventh consecutive fall semester.” Speaking of nontraditional learners, Wilson said uncertainty in the job market is driving many adults to broaden their skill set. “With an ever-changing market, adults are looking for opportunities to grow, develop and potentially upskill,” she said. “Many prospective adult students are seeking to position themselves as employees with the ability to develop and grow with the evolving needs of the organization. Advancing formal education is one way people are attempting to develop and showcase new and diverse skill sets.” The same can be said for health care careers, said Tammy Webster, assistant dean of academic affairs in the College of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “The college continues to experience an increase in enrollment,” she said. “Our degree completion programs continue to be in demand along with online graduate degree plans of study. These options appeal to working health professionals seeking to advance

their academic portfolio, while maintaining their current employment status. “We also find nontraditional students value the opportunity to seamlessly switch career trajectories by offering an undergraduate curriculum that requires only a limited number of prerequisite hours for admissions eligibility,” she said. Conversely, Matthew Mancuso, dean of

Mancuso Dobransky industrial technology for Iowa Western Community College, reported flat enrollment and a bump in the number of students pressing pause on their education. “We have seen that more students do not persist throughout the semester. This could be directly attributed to COVID-19,” he said. “We were expecting another year of growth; however, COVID-19 interrupted a lot of plans for students. Many postponed their plans for college until the pandemic has passed.” Mancuso said going forward, flexibility will be the competitive advantage in higher education per student demand. “Across all modalities — face to face, online and hybrid — students will be drawn to

programs that have more flexibility,” he said. “I do not think career and technical education could go all online, however there could be more portions offered through software simulation, online learning and at-home learning. “An example of home learning is a culinary student taking home ingredients to prepare food at home. Another tool is open lab, which allows people to come in when they are available to complete the lab portion of a class.” Mary Dobransky, dean of the College of Science and Technology at Bellevue University, said flexible course delivery is one reason for the school’s 13.5% spike in enrollment, specifically in business, data science and supply chain management. “Nontraditional students want flexible scheduling and delivery options, and student support services that enable their success,” she said. “Bellevue University offers courses online and face-to-face in traditional and accelerated formats. We provide students an array of specialized support such as dedicated coaches, technical support, online tutoring, 24/7 library service, and services for our military and veterans, to name a few.” Applicability of subject matter is another major plus for the school’s programs, Dobransky said. “Bellevue University focuses career-oriented, cost effective, open access education through a variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs,” she said. “Our innovative culture allows us to quickly adapt to a rapidly changing higher education environment so our students and university can be wildly successful.”

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

Hiring slows sharply in November as US employers added a modest 245,000 jobs by Don Lee

In a troubling new sign that the U.S. economy may be stalling, job growth slowed dramatically in November and more people gave up looking for work altogether. Economy The report released Friday, which showed that employers added only 245,000 jobs last month — down from 610,000 in October — was the latest sign that the country is essentially in a race between the surging COVID-19 virus and efforts to deploy an SUPER CROSSWORD

effective vaccine on a large scale. “Today’s report is both a wakeup call and a warning,” said Nick Bunker, economic research director at Indeed, an online jobs site. “Progress in the labor market has slowed at the worst possible time.” Given the resistance to mask wearing and social distancing among many Americans, experts’ predictions for a dark medical front may be matched by equally grim news on the economic front. “We’re only beginning to see this recessionary dynamic, this downward FILM CLASSES

spiral,” said Erica Groshen, an economist at Cornell University and former commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which generates the monthly employment report. The numbers are likely to increase pressure on Congress to end its deadlock over large-scale new stimulus measures. “The situation requires urgent action. Americans need help and they need it now,” President-elect Joe Biden said in a statement in which he described the jobs report as “grim” and “dire.” Biden said he was encouraged by the bipartisan efforts in the Senate around a $900-billion relief package, but added that it wasn’t enough. “It’s just the start,” he said. November’s unemployment rate edged down to 6.7% from 6.9% the prior month, but that was due to hundreds of thousands of workers dropping out of the labor force, many saying they were prevented from searching for work because of the pandemic. “A number of workers pulled away from the labor force amid rising coronavirus cases,” said Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. He noted that the employment situation varies significantly by state. In October, half the states were at 6% unemployment or lower, but two of the largest states — California and New York — were well above 9% that month. California’s jobs report for November comes out in two weeks.

Medical institutions

Answers on page 12.

Continued from page 6. educational program, which is periodically reinforced. Employees are given access only to information they need to perform their duties. The organization’s chief compliance officer reviews compliance laws to make sure Children’s is following all regulations. “We have a team that’s always working to improve our environment to make sure the data is protected in the best way possible,” Vuchak said. OrthoNebraska receives current threat intelligence from the department of homeland security, adjusting its security controls to meet active threats to the organization, according to Robert Wagner, manager of business support. In addition, the firm leverages third parties to perform penetration tests into its network to help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The firm trains providers on proper use and etiquette when hosting a telehealth session. “We make sure the provider knows to be in a quiet, private location out of others’ hearing distance, typically their office or an exam room,” Wagner said. Telehealth clinicians also are trained on appropriately preparing and sharing their screens to allow patients to view X-rays without revealing patient PHI. “On the back end we utilize the appropriate settings and permissions to enforce encryption, disable recording, and appropriately set session passwords and waiting rooms to avoid any unwanted audio or video visitors during a session,” Wagner said.

The economy has often surprised economic forecasters with its resilience this year. And the two-tier economic impact of the pandemic is largely holding true: Upper income, better-educated workers who can work from home are doing pretty well, while those lower down the income scale are being hit hard. In November, payrolls fell at retailers and restaurants, and hiring was tepid in many sectors, with one notable exception — people stocking and delivering goods for home delivery. More and more consumers are buying groceries and other products online. The disappointing national employment report may give further motivation to lawmakers on a compromise relief package, and plans to begin administering a vaccine to some people could start this month. But they may not be enough, or on a large enough scale. Surging hospitalizations and record deaths from the coronavirus have sparked new fears of another recession and deepening pain for millions of people whose unemployment benefits are expiring this month. With the modest job gains in November, the nation has recovered 56% of the 22.2 million jobs lost in March and April. That means there are still 9.8 million more people jobless than in February, and increasingly they are victims of permanent layoffs and among the long-term unemployed who will find it harder to get new jobs. California is further behind, through Continued on page 27.

3D-printed parts

Continued from preceding page. tions company, for tooling and engineering prototypes. Penske now uses printed components on its actual IndyCar racers. For example, the V-6 exhaust system was printed to eliminate failure points in traditional manufactured components while increasing design freedom and reducing cost. NASCAR, too, is a hotbed for development. Chevy switched to the Camaro ZL1 1LE for this year’s Cup Series, replacing the ZL1. The body of the new car underwent extensive wind-tunnel testing using over 500 printed prototype parts. On-track, the Camaro uses a printed gear-cooling duct, which logged 18,500 miles of competition in 27 races. Printed parts even go off-road racing. The Chevy Silverado off-road race truck has in-house printer-generated components including a rear shock absorber shield for protection over rocky desert terrain. Don’t expect to see a car on a showroom floor anytime soon like the one with a body, frame and interior printed at the Detroit auto show. Individual components are a different story. “GM’s 3D printing capability speeds up our learning cycles,” said Jim Campbell, chief of GM’s U.S. Motorsports, “and, in turn, these racetrack experiences help our additive manufacturing team move one step closer to using 3D printed parts in production vehicles.” ©2020 www.detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Small businesses that took PPP aid may face a tax problem by Evan Ramstad

A recent IRS ruling tying up a loose end in the 2020 economic-relief law could force many small businesses to Financial pay taxes on government aid meant to help through the pandemic. The agency on Nov. 18 said the businesses cannot deduct expenses such as payroll and rent, paid for with money from the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act. Such deductions are common when those expenses are paid for with revenue from running a business. The ruling hardened a divide between the Trump administration and the main tax writers in Congress, who have sought since the coronavirus outbreak produced an economic slowdown to ensure that aid to businesses not

be taxed. The IRS decision got lost in the swirl of news out of Washington last week, including that the Treasury Department moved to restrict the Federal Reserve's emergency lending. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin opposed PPP-related deductions for businesses in negotiations with Congress earlier this year. As word sank in this week, accountants and bankers called small-business owners to warn them to prepare for an increased tax bill. A trade association of accountants urged business owners to reach out to members of Congress for legislative relief. Leaders of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, asked the IRS and Treasury to reconsider their

Does travel insurance pay off in a COVID-19 era?

Continued from page 8. covers the money that you cannot recover elsewhere. If you cancel a hotel but they refund 90% of your cost, you typically can recover the other 10% from the insurance. No double dipping. And even more important: Buying just a basic plan isn’t going to help you recover costs if you’re just skittish and want to stay home if the area where you’re traveling has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases. —Know what your airline, others offer Take time to first read the rules set out by an airline. Delta Air Lines, for example, notes that if you purchase a ticket now through Dec. 31, 2020, the airline has waived change fees for all domestic and international travel, even if you’re scheduled to travel next year. Tickets purchased between March 1 and December 31, 2020, can be changed without a change fee or Award redeposit fees for a year from the date you purchased it. If you wait and buy an airline ticket on Delta in January 2021 for U.S. domestic travel, you could rebook your flight without a change fee for most U.S. domestic travel and U.S. domestic award travel, but that waiver excludes Basic Economy fares. SkyMiles members may change or cancel Award Tickets before departure. No longer will changes and cancellations made within 72 hours of departure result in the loss of miles, with the exception of Basic Economy fares. If you cancel your Delta ticket, you’ll receive the value in the form of an eCredit, which can be used for one year from the original ticket issue date without a change fee, according to Delta spokesman Drake Castañeda. In addition, you might want to look at what could be covered by your credit card. Some credit cards offer good travel insurance benefits; others offer nothing. You need to review the exact rules there, too. —Take time to compare travel insurance Overall, it’s wise to compare what’s being offered through specific policies. Websites, such as TravelInsurance. com and SquareMouth.com, can help you study various policies and rates for trip insurance. In general, rates reflect the cost of the trip and the ages of those who are traveling. “In most cases, an older person is going to pay more than a younger person,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.

Sandberg said some travelers might want to buy insurance even if their only cost of the trip is the flight — say they’re staying with relatives — because of some extra coverage relating to lost baggage, medical care or trip delays that require staying longer in a location. It is possible to buy a medical trip policy only. The typical trip cancellation plan runs somewhere from 4% to up to 10% of the travel costs being insured. On a $1,000 trip, for example, the cost could range from $40 to $100. —What if you want to back out for any reason? Some travelers might want to add what’s called a “cancel for any reason” optional upgrade. But it’s a pricey add-on. “Cancel-for-any-reason” policies typically allow cancellations up until two days before departure and offer up to 75% reimbursement of the cost. Some less expensive options only offer 50% reimbursement. “It creates a bit of an option or hedge if you will for those who are really skittish about traveling during COVID,” Sandberg said. “Cancel-for-any-reason” coverage might add another $35 to $50 on top of the insurance cost for a $1,000 trip. Sandberg said an enormous level of cancellations took place in the summer, as might be expected. He’s noticed an uptick in interest in travel insurance but admits that overall interest in travel remains down, compared with a year ago. Some people may be more willing to book a trip for 2021 or 2022 as they feel more confident that the virus is getting under control, particularly if the vaccine starts being offered, he said. Yet Sandberg stresses that it’s important to buy travel insurance when you book that trip. You don’t want to play a wait-and-see game and then try to buy travel insurance when you see cases spiking in the area where you plan to travel. It’s too often too late to buy insurance once it’s known that a disaster, such as a hurricane, is on the way to an area. And you want to avoid getting tripped up by the chance that an illness could be pegged as a pre-existing condition and then you’d be denied coverage. “You can’t buy car insurance after you’ve had the accident,” Sandberg said. ©2020 Detroit Free Press. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

position and said Congress may act when it reconvenes in December. "Since the CARES Act, we've stressed that our intent was for small businesses receiving Paycheck Protection Program loans to receive the benefit of their deductions for ordinary and necessary business expenses," the senators said in a statement. To speed the distribution of $525 billion in aid to small businesses this spring and summer, the CARES Act directed the Small Business Administration to move funds through the nation's banks in the form of loans that would be forgiven if a business showed it used the money to keep people employed. The last loans were distributed in August. The tax confusion for PPP recipients arose because the tax code normally disallows deductions associated with tax-free income. The IRS and Treasury Department underscored that principle last week by saying, "Since businesses are not taxed on the proceeds of a forgiven PPP loan, the expenses are not deductible." The issue is complicated by the timing of when the loan is forgiven, turning it into a taxfree grant. Many businesses have not yet asked the government for loan forgiveness. The IRS views the PPP aid as a wash for businesses, since tax-free income would go in and nondeductible expenses go out of a tax calculation. But from a business owner's perspective, the PPP money replaced lost revenue but without the benefit of being able to subtract payroll and other costs to calculate taxable income, creating greater tax exposure as a result. "The word from Congress at the time was this is going to be a forgivable loan and it says

right in the CARES Act that it's not income," said Mike Crabtree, partner at Boulay, an accounting firm with offices in Eden Prairie and Minneapolis. "People were thinking it's like a government grant, essentially a shot in the arm to help them through this rough time," he said. "But as they decided to create the disallowance of the expenses, then it might not be helping keep these businesses afloat. It was called the Paycheck Protection Program, with the idea that the money would go to employees and keep them off the unemployment line. That's generally what happened. As far as the health of the business itself, this isn't really doing as much." In a worst-case situation, business owners who sought the aid, kept people employed for awhile but ultimately couldn't keep their business alive would face a tax bill for taking government assistance. In their statement, Grassley and Wyden said the ruling by the IRS and Treasury "increases the tax burden on small businesses by accelerating their tax liability, all at a time when many businesses continue to struggle and some are again beginning to close. Small businesses need help maintaining their cash flow, not more strains on it." To the U.S. Treasury and IRS, tens of billions of dollars are on the line. If the ruling stands, the government could recover money from business taxpayers. If Congress changes the law and President Donald Trump agrees before leaving office, the government could end up, in many cases, making tax refunds to small businesses that received the PPP aid. (c)2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 • 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). As a publisher and not a legal advisor we print notices exactly as they are submitted and therefor only comp reruns when the notice was rejected or messed up due to a MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring the content fits with the State’s requirements and are responsible for the cost of republishing the notice if it is rejected due to misinformation or missing information 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is noon 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.

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney JAKE T. HOULIHAN, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: ARELI ARAGON, 1101 S. 33rd St, Omaha NE 68105, you are hereby notified that on August 6, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-14128, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,488.00, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the11th day of January , 2021, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 11, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JAMES E HUNTER SELMA S HUNTER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 09/15/2020 on Case Number CI20-17044, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $2,442.42 , plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/11/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ALTON E. MITCHELL, Attorney at Law, LLC 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Notice of Organization of Wisdom Enterprises, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Limited Liability Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska.The initial Registered Agent is: Alton E. Mitchell, 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711, Omaha, NE 68102. The address of the initial Designated Office is: J.M. Wisdom Realty LLC, 2107 South 214th Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State on November 12, 2020. The Company has perpetual existence; the general nature of its business is real estate investment. Company business will be conducted by its Manager as described in the Company’s Operating Agreement. Alton E. Mitchell, Authorized Representative First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FICHTER FINANCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fichter Financial, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 805 S. 190th Avenue, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOLOW, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LoLoW, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 16325 Seward Circle, Omaha, NE 68118 and designating its registered agent as Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C. with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NORTH 192 PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is North 192 Properties, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 12909 N. 185th Street, Bennington, NE 68007. Andrew Petersen, Member First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NSC, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of NSC, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is NSC, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10855 West Dodge Road, Suite 270, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 6401RWR, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of 6401RWR, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is 6401RWR, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

DONALD J. PISTOLLO, Attorney at Law 2712 South 87th Avenue Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ANTLER AVENUE, LLC Registered Office: 2712 South 87th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska, 68124 Registered Agent: Donald J. Pistillo Notice is hereby given that Antler Avenue LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office a 6525 Fern Lake Circle, Valley Nebraska 68064. The general nature of the business is to engage in the business of real estate management and development and activities relevant thereto as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. 21-101 to 21-197 et. seq.; and such other business activities necessary and incidental thereto. The company commenced existence on September 25, 2020 and its duration is perpetual. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by its Members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ALTON E. MITCHELL, Attorney at Law, LLC 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Notice of Organization of J.M. Wisdom Realty LLC Notice is hereby given that a Limited Liability Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial Registered Agent is: Alton E. Mitchell, 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711, Omaha, NE 68102. The address of the initial Designated Office is: J.M. Wisdom Realty LLC, 2107 South 214th Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State on September 16, 2020. The Company has perpetual existence; the general nature of its business is real estate investment. Company business will be conducted by its Manager as described in the Company’s Operating Agreement. Alton E. Mitchell, Authorized Representative First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

TIM J. BUCKLEY, Attorney SMITH, SLUSKY, POHREN & ROGERS, LLP 8712 W. Dodge Road, #400 Omaha, NE 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1589 Estate of MARTIN C. HERNANDEZ, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 23, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of said Decedent and that ANGELA V. HERNANDEZ, whose address is 6712 South 53rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68117, 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 January 27, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jensen Veterinary Consulting, P.C., a Nebraska professional corporation, has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 17, 2020, and the corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequately provision is to be made therefore. Ellis G. Jensen, as President of the corporation, will wind up and liquidate the corporation‘s business and affairs. The corporation has no assets or liability as of the date hereof. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

JEFFREY T. PALZER, Attorney at Law KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION 1. The name of the non-profit corporation is SOLES, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 3606 N. 156th Street, #332, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent at that office is Craig Wolf. 3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is to assist charitable organizations who are assisting families and individuals struggling with mental illness. 4. The corporation commenced on November 19, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Craig Wolf, 3606 N. 156th Street, #332, Omaha, NE 68116. 5. The corporation will not have members. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

STEVEN G. RANUM, 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 4809 DAVENPORT, LLC The name of the limited liability company is 4809 Davenport, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 416 South 14th Street, Omaha, NE 68102. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR VILLAGE HC5, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Village HC5, LLC (the “Company”) on August 12, 2020. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: PARADIS PRACTICE, P.C. Registered Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Registered Agent: Allan M. Ziebarth Authorized Shares: 10,000 shares of $1.00 par value common stock Incorporator: Lisa M. Paradis, 4901 N. 210 St., Elkhorn, NE 68022 First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTENSEN HOMESTEAD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Christensen Homestead, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7712 Braun Avenue, La Vista, Nebraska 68128 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 November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LondynChains, 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 LondynChains, 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 16602 Longbow Loop, Omaha, NE 68136. Krista Wiese, Member First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that 3H Consulting, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 7713 N 158th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Registered Agent of the Company is Heather Hamilton, 7713 N 158th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Company was formed on November 13, 2020. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

MICHAEL J. WEAVER, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SEACOAST MEDICAL, LLC. Notice is hereby given that Seacoast Medical, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, (the “Company”) has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company has collected and liquidated its assets, discharged its liabilities, distributed its remaining property to its member, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. David MacFarlane, Manager of the Company, was the person responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the Company. All claims against the Company must be made in writing and must include (1) the amount of the claim, (2) the basis of the claim, and (3) all documentation supporting the claim, including, without limitation, invoices, purchase orders, and contracts. All claims must be sent to David MacFarlane, c/o Michael J. Weaver, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. All claims against the Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication of this notice. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

MATTHEW G. DUNNING, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF RESTORATION STATION LLC Notice is hereby given that RESTORATION STATION 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 change of address from 9663 “V” Plaza, Apt. 43, Omaha, NE 68127 to 10840 204th Avenue Circle, Apt. 207, Gretna, NE 68028. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAC5 INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mac5 Investments, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that Hardline Holdings (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is 16502 S 78th St. Papillion, NE 68046. Its purpose is any lawful business. The Registered Agent of the company is Mitchell Scanlan, 16502 S 78th St. Papillion, Ne 68046. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F W I L L O W L A N E DEVELOPMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Willow Lane Development, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Willow Lane Development, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12500 I Street, Suite 160, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BAREFOOT PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Barefoot Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on November 23, 2020. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

EDWARD F. POHREN, Attorney SMITH, SLUSKY, POHREN, & ROGERS, LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 20-01658 Estate of MICHAEL D. KOZLIK, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Formal Probate of Will of said Deceased, Determination of Heirs, and Appointment of EMILY C. KOZLIK as Personal Representative has been filed and is set for hearing in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, located at 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, CR 330, on Jan. 6, 2021 at 9:00 o'clock A.M. EMILY C. KOSLIK Petitioner First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DESDE UNA ESQUINA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on November 2, 2020, Desde Una Esquina, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 5711 S. 33rd Avenue, Omaha, NE 68107. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Ricardo Trejo, whose address is 5711 S. 33rd Avenue, Omaha, NE 68107. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE PAMPERED PUP LLC Notice is hereby given that THE PAMPERED PUP 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 20012 Chicago Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. 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 November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP III MIRACLE HILLS 11650, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Miracle Hills 11650, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF KEY ASSOCIATES, LLC. Notice is hereby given that Key Associates, LLC (the “Company”) filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 30, 2020 and is effective October 30, 2020. The name of the Registered Agent of the Company is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68127. Any person having claims against the Company must present such claim to the Registered Agent within five (5) years of the third publication of this Notice. Such claims must be in writing and should include the amount, date and description of items asked for on the claim. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that Kulm Construction (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is. Its purpose is any lawful business. The Registered Agent of the company is Morgan Kulm, 11905 Mitchell Rd. Springfield NE 68059. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OON LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that OON LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 19314 Ruggles Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-5218. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Daniel J. Woodhead, 19314 Ruggles Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-5218. The limited liability company commenced business on November 25, 2020. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP, Attorneys 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF PEARSON FITNESS, 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 Pearson Fitness, LLC. The address of the registered office is 19006 Ohio Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The name and address of the registered agent 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 November 20, 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 December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR PARACHUTE & THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Parachute & Therapeutic Services, LLC (the “Company”) on November 24, 2020. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF KMAM LLC Notice is hereby given that KMAM 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 change of designated address from 8010 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68124 to 522 Mayberry Street, Omaha, NE 68106. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), CONSTANCE M BARBAS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 08/12/2020 on Case Number CI20-14939, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $195.43, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/18/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), CARI J GANS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/16/2020 on Case Number CI20-13376, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $344.25, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/25/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

LAW OFFICES OF EVELYN N. BABCOCK 16264 Rolling Ridge Road Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PWC Aviation, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 17, 2020. The street and mailing address for the initial designated office is 10360 Ellison Circle, Omaha NE. The street and mailing address for the initial agent for service of process is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The name of the initial agent for service of process is George T. Babcock. The general nature of the business is any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Act of the State of Nebraska. The business of limited liability company will be conducted by its Members. George T. Babcock, Organizer First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION 1. The name of the non-profit corporation is THE HOUSE EXPERIENCE, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 6012 N. 102nd Street, #642021, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent at that office is Jeffrey T. Palzer. 3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is to restore and strengthen marriage and family relationships using practical holistic and traditional Christian principles and approaches. 4. The corporation commenced on November 17, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Donna Blum, 6012 N. 102nd Street, #642021, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. 5. The corporation will not have members. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF JGW CONSULTING, 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 JGW Consulting, 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 Jeremy Wilhelm, 1855 S. 110th Street, Omaha, NE 68144. Jeremy Wilhelm, Incorporator First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VAE, 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 VAE, 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 17217 Emiline Street, Omaha, NE 68136. Victoria Eremeeva, Member First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 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 OTC L STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that OTC L Street, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14321 Cornhusker Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., whose mailing address is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on November 24, 2020. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), EMILY A HARTMANN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/31/2020 on Case Number CI20-14084, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,170.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/18/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION South Arrow Coffee Company #2, 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 December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Jared M. Homan, D.D.S., P.C. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 11840 Nicholas Street, Suite 210, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the Registered Agent at such address is Jared M. Homan, D.D.S. 4. The corporate existence began on November 24, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Jared M. Homan, D.D.S., 11840 Nicholas Street, Suite 210, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REDDOG CONCRETE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RedDog Concrete, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2526 South 148th Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Esq., Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ASSET PURCHASERS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Asset Purchasers, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Asset Purchasers, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12500 I Street, Suite 160, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

LAW OFFICES OF EVELYN N. BABCOCK 16264 Rolling Ridge Road Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fair Deal Leasing, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 17, 2020. The street and mailing address for the initial designated office is 17750 Burt Street, Omaha NE. The street and mailing address for the initial agent for service of process is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The name of the initial agent for service of process is George T. Babcock. The general nature of the business is any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Act of the State of Nebraska. The business of limited liability company will be conducted by its Members. George T. Babcock, Organizer First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMNICORP GRETNA LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omnicorp Gretna LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VERTICAL BUILDING GROUP, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Vertical Building Group, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of its Registered Agent is Scott Brown and the registered office is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The purposes for which the Company is organized are to engage in any and all lawful businesses for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company commenced on the 15th day of October, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, Jeff Hartung, and the designated office address is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FOUR SEAM INVESTMENTS, 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 Four Seam Investments, 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 3910 N. 190th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Jared Meays, Member First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR HOGAN VENTURES LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Hogan Ventures LLC (the “Company”) on November 18, 2020. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

Extra Mile Holdings LLC 314 S 68th AVE Omaha, NE 68132 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Extra Mile Holdings LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Act. The address of the designated office is 314 S 68th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132 and shall be managed by member Chris Whirrett. The registered agent is Chris Whirrett and the registered agent office is 314 S 68th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on in Nebraska as an LLC. The company commenced business as an LLC on September 11, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC Notice is hereby given that Aperture Development (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is 16502 S 78th St. Papillion, NE 68046. Its purpose is any lawful business. The Registered Agent of the company is Mitchell Scanlan, 16502 S 78th St. Papillion, Ne 68046. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PEANUT AND HECTOR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Peanut and Hector, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8913 North 171st 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 November 18, 2020. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCHAEFER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Schaefer Development Company, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2927 N 84th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jeff Lapel, 14707 California St. #10, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CALLAWAY CONSTRUCTION, 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 CALLAWAY CONSTRUCTION, 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, La Vista, NE 68128, and its incorporator is Chris Cannon, 7812 S. 195th Street, Gretna, NE 68028. Chris Cannon, Incorporator First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF T & K HASENAUER, 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 T & K HASENAUER, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 22603 Schram Rd, Gretna, NE 68028. 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 November 23, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP III MIRACLE HILLS 11808, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Miracle Hills 11808, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF NORTHERN STAR PARTNERS, 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 NORTHERN STAR PARTNERS, 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 November 25, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020 TERMINATION OF NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT Notice is hereby given that a Termination of Notice of Commencement was recorded at the Register of Deeds, Douglas County, Nebraska on November 24, 2020 as Instrument No. 2020138824. Contracting Owner: Entertainment Ventures, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company located at 9140 W Dodge Road, Suite 404, Omaha, NE 68114. The Notice of Commencement to which this Termination applies was recorded on May 17, 2018, as Instrument No. 2018037266, in the records of the Register of Deeds, Douglas County, Nebraska. The Notice of Commencement identified above shall be terminated as to the property described below, effective December 24, 2020. All lien claims for which a notice of lien is not recorded by the termination date may be defeated by a transfer of the real estate. The properties for which the Termination of Notice of Commencement applies are the following eight parcels: Lots 99, 101, and 100 of Coventry, A Subdivision, as Surveyed, Platted and Recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska; and Lots 1, 3, 4, and 5 of Coventry Replat 10, A Subdivision, as Surveyed, Platted and Recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

JODIE MCGILL, Attorney MCGILL LAW, P.C., L.L.O. 1411 N. 72nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WILKINSON INDUSTRIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is Wilkinson Industrial, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2821 Grebe St, Omaha, NE 68112 and the initial registered agent is Jodie McGill of McGill Law, P.C., L.L.O., 1411 N. 72 St, Omaha, NE 68114. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Statement of Qualification with the Secretary of State on November 30, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in its members in proportion to their contribution to the capital of the company, as adjusted from time to time, to reflect additional contributions or withdrawals by the members. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of CST Cleaning Service, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is CST Cleaning Service, LLC. Registered agent and office of CST Cleaning Service, LLC is Carlos Ivan Serrano Torres at 10917 Jaynes Plaza Apt 1813, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated address is 10917 Jaynes Plaza Apt 1813, Omaha, NE 68164. Initial members: Carlos Ivan Serrano Torres and Yelitza Ortiz Robles. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in November 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication November 27, 2020, final December 11, 2020

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 S. 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SINGLETON CONSULTING, INC. LARRY C. SINGLETON, 1702 S. 10 St., Ste. 2, Omaha, NE 68108, President, will manage the wind up and liquidation of its business and affairs. Assets, if any, remaining after paying liabilities will be distributed pro-rata to the shareholders. All claims against the corporation must be forwarded to the corporation at the foregoing address and contain the name of the claimant, the nature and amount of the claim, and the address and a contact person for the claimant. A claim against the corporation is barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three years after publication of this notice. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF I LOVE PAD THAI II, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of I LOVE PAD THAI II, INC. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock. The name and address of the incorporator and the initial registered agent is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced December 1, 2020, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Rodney G. Gnuse Incorporator First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PJ55 INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PJ55 Investments, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT Article IV of the Articles of Incorporation of Quality Refrigerated Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, has been amended so as to provide that the corporation is authorized to issue a total of 6,250 shares of Voting Common Stock and 18,750 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock. Article VII of such Articles of Incorporation has been revised to limit the personal liability of directors of the corporation to the corporation or to the shareholders of the corporation in accordance with the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. A new Article VIII has been added to such Articles of Incorporation to provide for indemnification of and advancement of expenses to directors of the corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

Notice of Organization of JJJC Investments, LLC Notice is hereby given that JJJC Investments LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10603 S 180th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The Registered Agent of the Company is Linda M Dolinsky, 8007 N 31st St, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Timmerman Four LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Howard J. Kaslow, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney THOMAS H. PENKE, P.C., L.L.O. 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Untoxic, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent at that address is Thomas H. Penke. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The Designated office address is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The business will commence on December 6, 2020 and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRIMO’S 2, 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 Primo’s 2, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Barbara Taylor, 2221 S. 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The designated office is located at 5914 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68106. Travis Taylor, Member First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF JANE CIUMMO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jane Ciummo, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 4, 2020, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President, Jane E. Ciummo, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that McGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on December 4, 2020 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Manager. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SANTA EXPRESS OMAHA, 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 SANTA EXPRESS OMAHA, 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 20816 W. Gruenther Road, Suite 101, Gretna, NE 68028. Bryan Boyce, Member First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

STATE OF NEBRASKA PAROLE BOARD HEARING N O T I C E A total of 163 cases will be heard by the Board in December, 2020. The following case(s) sentenced in Douglas County will be seen by the Board of Parole. December 16, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, York, Nebraska Urbanovsky, Patricia 99489 Theft by Deception (2 counts) December 17, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln, Nebraska Osler, Dennis 46216 Kidnapping Robbery Graves, Tyrone 73729 Robbery (2 counts) Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Vazquez, Juan 77634 Assault 1st Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Perkins, Freddie 79897 Sexual Assault 1st Degree Cardenas, Juan 80882 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Mejia, Adam 81063 Poss Deadly Weap by Felong/Fug Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Bratetic, Garry 86999 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Pierce, Kevin 87259 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Howell, Anthony 87710 Burglary Engram, Camren 88772 Accessory to a Felony Burglary Lorenzo-Gallardo, Edgar 88792 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Boswell, Tre 210744 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Door, Gatluak 211628 Driving While Intoxicated Green, Terrence 84768 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Wright, Antonio 82424 Sexual Assault 1st Degree Sexual Assault of Child 3rd Deg Barnes, Joseph 89958 Domestic Assault Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I

Jennings, Jarvis 211269 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug

December 18, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center – Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Kerr, Walter 53273 Murder 2nd Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Elliott, Herbert 65674 Murder 2nd Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Lawrence, Ernest 73549 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Conway, Gerald 75923 Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Theft by Shoplifting Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Brown, Tre’Vaughn 77863 Assault 1st Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Hill, Patrick 87304 Assault 1st Degree Arrick, Andrew 89634 Possession of Burglary Tools Mangiamelli, Savannah 392246 Poss/Receive Stolen Firearm Disher, Jayden 89968 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Chavez, Javier 88762 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug December 22, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln, Nebraska Strickland, Robert 63259 Assault 1st Degree Robbery Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Jones-Ross, Thomas 75084 Assault 2nd Degree (2 counts) Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Owen, Laeshojn 81048 Accessory to a Felony Robbery Tampering Warren, Marvin 84824 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Torres, Daniel 86014 Robbery Terroristic Threats Bird, Andrew 210020 Burglary Criminal Mischief Forgery 1st Degree Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Turner, Rodney 77702 Incest (2 counts) December 23, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Williams, Terry 86157 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Terroristic Threats Spencer, Roykeyvius 89777 Assault 2nd Degree McClain, Kimberly 99583 Forgery 2nd Degree (2 counts) Miller, Hakeim 211426 Robbery Wagner, Lisa 392000 Criminal Impersonation Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Monson, Natalia 392347 Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp December 24, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska Gooch, Frederick 65759 Aslt Peac OFCR/DCS Emp 3rd Dgr (4 counts Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Tatum, Roger 82177 Burglary Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Williams, Jesse 85915 Driving Under Revoked License Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Milburn, Lashon 87724 Robbery Haywood, Bobby 87918 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Freeman, Benjamin 89116 Driving Under Revoked License Manu/ Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Wright, Kani 210265 Burglary Poss/Receive Stolen Firearm Lennard, Cole 211509 Robbery Haywood, Kabir 210807 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Unlwfl Discharge of Firearm Leapley, Devin 211766 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest Unlwfl Discharge of Firearm December 28, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, Tecumseh, Nebraska Perry, Lonnie 72632 Escape Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug RobberY Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Martin, Dillon 74954 Poss/Receive Stolen Firearm Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Anderson, Kenneth 82780 Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Violation of Protection Order

Milton, Javaris 83643 Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Hill, Delyahn 86145 Robbery John, Kandaru 89009 Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Marion, Jaquan 89179 Accessory to a Felony Himes, Zachary 83609 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Trans/Poss Machine/Short Gun December 31, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. Omaha Correctional Center, Omaha, Nebraska Branch, William 71928 Assault 2nd Degree Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Seffron, Justin 82230 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Tampering Burns, Dajuan 86422 Robbery Armand, Juan 88812 Robbery Marcoe, Tanner 84303 Assault Peac OFCR/DCS Emp 2nd Dgr (2 counts) Henderson, Nathaniel 89601 Robbery Croffer, Devante 85361 Robbery (3 counts) ROSALYN COTTON, CHAIR NEBRASKA BOARD OF PAROLE First publication December 11, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY SERVICES, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Community Pharmacy Services, Inc. has been converted into Community Pharmacy Services, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 21689 Northstar Drive, Gretna, Sarpy County, Nebraska, 68029. The Registered Agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. at 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68124. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 30, 2020. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

Notice is hereby given that Wren Leather LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office is at 7912 Clover Ct. La Vista, Nebraska 68128. The registered agent for the company is Jennifer Bell at 7912 Clover Ct. La Vista, Nebraska 68128. First publication December 4, 2020, final December 18, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WISDOM PAINTING HOME SERVICES LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 6312 N 46th Ave Omaha, NE 68104. The registered agent of WISDOM PAINTING HOME SERVICES LLC is Miguel A Lopez 6312 N 45th Ave Omaha, NE 68104. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF AVENUE ONE MASTER OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Avenue One Master Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Avenue One 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: Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206 Omaha, Nebraska 68130 Jeffrey Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206 Omaha, Nebraska 68130 Jeffrey Perdue, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206 Omaha, Nebraska 68130 5. The Corporation shall have members. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF S. 125TH & WEST GILES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that S. 125th & West Giles, 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, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GATES 5, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that GATES 5, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 1404 North 189th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, 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 November 25, 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 December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA FLIP, 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 Omaha Flip, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 16908 Virginia Street, Omaha, NE 68136. 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 December 7, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP, Attorneys 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF JSHC INVESTMENTS, 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 JSHC Investments, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5641 South 85th Circle, 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 November 30, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: BRANDON PRUSS You are hereby notified that on, 08/18/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20 14769. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $619.00, 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 01/24/21, at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska. BY: MEGAN L BISCHOFF, #25206 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 140TH STREET CARWASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 140th 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, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION notice is hereby given that Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool and Academy, Inc., a Nebraska Non-Profit Religious Coporation, has been organized under the Laws of the State of Nebraska on November 30, 2020. The registered agent and office: Richard Kennedy, 5201 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, NE 68516, is also the sole incorporator of the corporation. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

Retailers are warning of shipping delays as millions shop online. Here’s what to know by Lauren Zumbach

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 2511 S. 140TH STREET CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 2511 S. 140th Street Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: A1 Garage Doors Name of Applicant: Atlantis Garage Doors inc Address:1707 N 42nd st, Bay 6, Omaha, NE 68111 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: 11/13/20 General nature of business: Garage Doors ADAM OFRI Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative December 11, 2020

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRIPLE NET ACQUISTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Triple Net Acquisitions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J Ringenberg, whose mailing address is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that FNM Auto Repair, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 4621 S 88th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is Mavlyandzhon Tuychiev, 14211 Marinda Plaza Apt 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on November 20, 2020. First publication December 11, 2020, final December 25, 2020

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This isn’t the year to procrastinate on your online holiday shopping. Retailers are warning that orders could take longer than usual to arrive because consumers are increasingly buying everyday essentials and holiday gifts online. Shipping companies like UPS and FedEx say they have been handling package volumes usually seen during the height of the holidays all year as people shop online to avoid trips to stores during the pandemic. Ecommerce Now that the holidays have arrived, online sales are still growing. Consumers spent a record $10.8 billion on Cyber Monday, up 15.1% compared with last year, even after earlier-than-usual deals shifted some sales to before Thanksgiving, according to Adobe Analytics. People choosing not to travel during the pandemic are also expected to ship more gifts to loved ones. Here’s what to know to make sure gifts arrive on time. Why are delays possible? Retailers and shipping companies have been preparing for extra packages. UPS and FedEx said they are hiring 100,000 and 70,000 seasonal workers respectively, and both say they are doing more weekend deliveries. Still, the industry’s capacity could be short by up to 7 million packages a day between Thanksgiving and Christmas, said Satish Jindel, president of ShipMatrix, which analyzes shipping data. Delays of a day or two won’t affect people buying gifts on Black Friday that they don’t intend to give until Dec. 25, but they could be an issue for last-minute shoppers, Jindel said. “Don’t try to order after the 15th thinking you’ll get a better price, because the better price will be lost in extra shipping or not getting it on time,” he said. UPS works with big retailers to make sure they know how much shipping capacity they can use during the holiday season, the company said in a statement. If retailers need more, UPS picks up the extra packages as space becomes available. UPS said it wants to make sure it can accommodate other customers, including smaller businesses that are also seeing more holiday sales. FedEx, which is predicting peak season shipping volumes will be 22% higher than last year, temporarily extended FedEx Ground transit times on some routes by one day starting Nov. 2. How soon should I order? Retailers’ rules for delivery by Dec. 25 vary. Crate & Barrel’s deadline for standard shipping is Thursday. Lands’ End shoppers must order monogrammed gifts by Friday; the deadline for other items is Dec. 15. Macy’s and L.L. Bean give shoppers until Dec. 18 and 19, respectively. Others have warned customers shipments may take longer than usual to arrive but haven’t set deadlines. Abercrombie & Fitch initially told shoppers they needed to shop by Dec. 4 if they didn’t want to pay for expedited shipping. The company has since said shoppers have more time but encouraged people to check the website before ordering because “this remains a very fluid situation.” Target’s website says high shipping volume could delay deliveries, but most packages shipped to customers’ homes will arrive within a day or two of the estimated date. It could also depend on what you buy. Costco warned members last month it expected delivery delays with small parcels but didn’t expect big items like furniture, grills and appliances to be affected. What if I wait too long? Curbside pickup and same-day delivery orders can often be filled within a few hours. Many retailers that didn’t offer those services last year rolled them out after nonessential stores were forced to close during the pandemic. Orders are filled at nearby stores so they can be ready quickly, though shoppers might not have access to every item a retailer carries. Target said customers can place same-day pickup or Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

Shipping networks prep for COVID-19 vaccine distribution by Jessica Wehrman

For supply chains hobbled in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, it won’t be easy to hobble the pandemic in 2021 by distributing millions of doses of vaccine in the U.S. alone. Airlines and trucking companies tasked with delivering the vaccine Logistics will need to figure out how to keep the vaccines as cold as minus 70 degrees Celsius. The airline industry will need to be ready to transport millions of doses despite being pummeled so badly by the pandemic that it was forced to slash services and reduce fleets. And both airlines and freight say they will need regulatory flexibility in order to distribute the vaccine efficiently, including being able to move the vaccine through borders and customs with the appropriate safeguards to prevent tampering and theft. Beyond that, distributors will have to be able to deliver the vaccine to hard-to-reach rural areas as well. “This is a cross-organizational effort like none that’s been seen from a logistics standpoint,” said John Haber, founder and CEO of Spend Management Experts, an Atlanta-based supply chain consulting firm. During a typical year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distributes about 75 million vaccine doses to health departments and private providers around the country, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. During the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, the government distributed 124 million doses. By contrast, the vaccine for

Retailers are warning of shipping delays

Continued from preceding page. delivery orders up until two hours before stores close on Dec. 24. Macy’s recommends placing same-day delivery orders by 10 a.m. and pickup orders by 3 p.m. Dec. 24 to ensure arrival by Dec. 25. The services are convenient for last-minute shoppers but they can also reduce strain on delivery networks, since every package picked up or hand-delivered to a shopper’s home is one that doesn’t have to be mailed, said Curt Bimschleger, managing director at Deloitte. When should I ship my packages? The U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx all said their shipping deadlines for individuals mailing packages are relatively consistent with last year. For delivery by Dec. 25, the U.S. Postal Service recommends sending items by First Class service by Dec. 18, Priority Mail by Dec. 19 and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 23. The last recommended shipping date for UPS Ground depends on the package’s route, but can be as early as Dec. 15. Recommended send-by dates for UPS 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air are Dec. 21, 22 and 23, respectively. FedEx says packages shipped by FedEx Ground or Home Delivery should be sent by Dec. 15. FedEx 2-Day and Overnight packages should be shipped by Dec. 22 and 23, respectively, and FedEx SameDay can be sent on Christmas Day. Those dates could change as the holiday season progresses, according to FedEx’s website. ©2020 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

COVID-19 is new. The U.S. population is about 328 million, and the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will require two doses. [What we know now about COVID-19 vaccine authorization and distribution] Julie Swann, head of the industrial and systems engineering department at North Carolina State University and a health care supply chain expert, said the two primary vaccines, which have mostly been tested on adults, require two doses, meaning that the goal will be to distribute some 510 million doses. Adults comprise roughly 77 percent of the 328 million people in the United States, she said. But it’s unclear whether the vaccines will need to be renewed annually, like the flu shot, or will last permanently, according to COVID-19 fact sheets on the CDC website. The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, said Kaiser, “will be the largest-scale vaccination distribution effort ever undertaken in the U.S.” And abroad. Distribution of the vaccine is a global effort, and many of the logistical efforts currently being organized entail shipping doses from overseas. “Delivering billions of doses of a vaccine that must be transported and stored in a deep-frozen state to the entire world efficiently will involve hugely complex logistical challenges across the supply chain,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of The International Air Transport Association. The task is daunting enough that the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing Thursday titled “The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine.” Officials from FedEx Express and United Parcel Service are among those scheduled to testify. Among the top challenges: Refrigeration. Pfizer’s vaccine requires a temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit), while Moderna’s requires refrigeration at minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 Fahrenheit). In anticipation of transporting the vaccines, some airlines have created “freezer farms” or thermal containers that can keep the vaccines at the desired temperature. More controversially, they have considered using dry ice — the solid form of carbon dioxide that can displace cabin air and potentially risk combustion — to keep the vaccines cold. The Wall Street Journal reported late last month that the Federal Aviation Administration has permitted United Airlines, which is conducting charter flights from Brussels to Chicago with Pfizer’s vaccine, to carry 15,000 pounds of dry ice on charter flights carrying the vaccine — five times more than the roughly 3,000 pounds normally permitted. Those flights are cargo-only and carry no passengers, and it’s unclear if the FAA plans to continue to ease its dry ice restrictions as cargo airlines begin distributing the vaccine on a large-scale basis. “The FAA is working with manufacturers, air carriers and airport authorities to provide guidance on implementing current regulatory requirements for safely transporting large quantities of dry ice in air cargo,” said the agency, which is also giving priority to flights with medical equipment or other supplies aimed at responding to the virus. Delta Air Lines has established warehouses and cooler facilities in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle to store the

vaccines, as well as a network of 49 certified Pharma airports across the globe. American Airlines, meanwhile, began conducting trial vaccine flights last month from Miami to South America on its Boeing 777-200 aircraft. That airlines have had to make these preparations during a year when they have been pummeled financially is not lost on House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., who said the need to get airplanes distributing the vaccine is yet another reason to extend federal payroll support for airline workers. The $32 billion airline aid program expired in October. He said it will take months to re-certify the furloughed pilots and flight attendants. But “if we have a vaccine and a lot of people start flying in April and into the summer, the airlines aren’t gonna be able to meet the demand,” he said. Swann said the airlines that have scaled back are still largely in business. “I don’t see air capacity as being a major driver here,” she said. Still, she said, the vaccines will come out more slowly than people want. During the H1N1 crisis, she said, pharmaceutical companies were sending out 10 million doses a week. If that distribution model holds, “it would take a while for us to get enough vaccines out there to cover the U.S. population sufficiently.” Haber, of Spend Management Experts, said he expects some headaches caused by the overlap of initial vaccine distribution and the holiday shopping season. He said some online retailers are giving customers money back if they agree to ship their products slower.

Others are offering promotions for customers who pick up products in the store rather than have them shipped. “I’ve never seen the issues with last-mile delivery from UPS and FedEx that I’m seeing right now,” Haber said, saying COVID and the shift to more people buying online combined with the vaccine is causing “chaos.” Add to that other potential wrinkles — say, a snow storm that hits Louisville and Memphis, shutting down air hubs for UPS and FedEx, respectively — and a complicated process grows more complicated. “There are a lot of operational plans where they’re dependent on a lot of different things working,” he said. “This is not like shipping a pair of jeans and a Polo shirt for Christmas.” Paul Lewis, vice president of policy and finance at the Eno Center for Transportation, said his concern is not as much related to transportation as it is logistics. “The real challenge will be trying to distribute this vaccine to millions and millions of people,” he said. “It’s the logistics of contacting them and organizing the actual inoculation not only once, but twice.” He said cold storage is “achievable” and disputes Haber’s assertion that Christmas could complicate the distribution. “It’s going to take a little while to ramp up production,” he said. “We will learn a lot over the next couple weeks as we start to inoculate health care workers and those most vulnerable, but hopefully those will provide a blueprint when we go from 10 million to 100 million in the late winter and early spring.” (c)2020 CQ Roll Call Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Soy-hungry China gets early start buying America’s 2021 crop by Isis Almeida and Kim Chipman

China is so hungry for soybeans that it has started buying U.S. supplies from next year’s crop much earlier than usual. The world’s top Agriculture importer has been picking up American cargoes over the past week, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the trades are private. While buyers bought fewer than five cargoes, purchases came earlier than the usual end of the first quarter. China is loading up on U.S. crops from corn to soybeans to feed a hog population that’s recovering from African swine fever, a deadly pig disease, much faster than traders and analysts expected. The Asian nation’s economy is also recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, helping boost demand for food. “To me, it is an indication they have a big purchase program for next year,” said Stephen Nicholson, a senior grain and oilseed analyst at Rabobank. “The Chinese have such a big book to buy that just needed to get started sometime, because the longer they wait, the higher the probability of running the price up on themselves.” The soybeans will load at U.S. ports in October, the people said, adding that Chinese buyers on Monday continued to ask for more offers for supplies from the 2021-22 season.

Talk about the purchases helped lift futures traded in Chicago 0.5% for a brief period, after prices started the day in the red. There’s also speculation that China will need to turn to the U.S. to buy supplies for February as dry weather is delaying the crop in Brazil, the world’s largest producer. The price difference between Brazilian and U.S. supplies for that month is now narrow, and it’s “almost impossible” to find offers from Brazil for the first half of February, according to Chicago-based AgResource. “The delay in Brazilian seeding combined with recent dry weather has delayed the crop and pushed back maturation,” the consultants said in a report. “This has exporters scrambling.” “Brazil has a quality and freight advantage into China, but other world importers will be prodded to cover their soy import needs from the US.,” AgResource said. China may also be concerned about the impact a La Nina weather event could have on crops at a time Brazilian inventories have dried up. “Without a doubt it’s unusual for China to be going out that far ahead at this time frame,” said Tom Fritz, partner at Chicago-based EFG Group LLC. “It might be a slight hedge against a short Brazilian crop.” ©2020 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 18

TECHNOLOGY

LBJ ENGINEERING PROFESSION

DECEMBER 25

YEAR IN REVIEW

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

PK, a global services firm that helps customer-obsessed brands design, build and run the future, announced the acquisition of Nuvem Consulting. Since its inception in 2008, Nuvem Consulting has been a Salesforce consulting partner. Its expertise is in building applications and fully integrated software systems to drive sales insights and eliminate process inefficiencies. By joining forces, PK will grow its existing Salesforce practice and expand its expertise in delivering complete, end-to-end technology and customer experience solutions with the platform. The company’s employees based in Nebraska will join PK’s offices in Omaha. The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality combined for over 600 hours of community service this year. The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha metro community, as the combined number of mascot and staff appearances totaled 75. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Livia McFadden and Nolan Christianson. The Chasers also partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the year. A brand-new classroom program, Chasers All-Stars, was also created in 2020 providing parents, teachers and administrators the ability to nominate teachers from the metro to be honored. The Scoular Company has selected a new site for its global headquarters in Omaha. The new location is an existing building at 13660 California St., at the intersection of 137th Street and West Dodge Road. Scoular is expected to move into its new location in 2021. The stand-alone building, constructed in 2006, includes easy access to West Dodge Road, proximity to other business services and room for in-house functions. Scoular is partnered with Investors Realty. Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture is designing a collaborative space that will advance Scoular’s culture, corporate identity and culture of inclusion. Scoular is exploring options for its current headquarters, located at 2027 Dodge St. Lincoln Electric System recently earned Gold Level recognition from the American Heart Association on its Workplace Health Achievement Index. The recognition comes for taking significant steps toward building a culture of health and wellness within the workplace. LES is one of 776 other organizations across the country that completed the Index assessment this year, evaluating the time period of July 30, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Of those 776 organizations, 35% received gold recognition, 29% silver and 25% bronze. The Safety Awards Committee of the Nebraska Water Environment Association recognized 12 Nebraska facilities for excellence in accident prevention and for implementing a safety program that includes training, materials and the participation of all employees. The 2020 awards were presented to the following facilities: Fremont Wastewater Treatment Plant; Grand Island Wastewater Treatment Facility; City of Lincoln, Water Resource Recovery Theresa St.; Norfolk Water Pollution Control; Scottsbluff Water Reclamation Facility; Lincoln Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facility; City of Chadron; Wahoo Utilities

Wastewater Plant; North Platte Wastewater Treatment Facility; Beatrice Wastewater Treatment Facility. UNO Industrial/Organizational Psychology doctoral students Laura Brooks Dueland and Emily Adams presented the findings of their study on creating professional environments that are inclusive and representative of the diversity of the community at a virtual conference held as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity. About 40 organizations completed the assessment used in this research. The study found that women, people of color, and those who identify as a gender minority are underrepresented and have less positive experiences than their white male colleagues in surveyed Omaha workplaces. Dollar General has announced a stateof-the-art dry and DG Fresh distribution center in Blair. Economists at the Greater Omaha Chamber used IMPLAN analysis to demonstrate, when fully operational, the 800,000-square-foot facility will add $106.1 million to the local economy each year, $53.5 million of which will be specific to Washington County. The dual-distribution center in Blair is the organization’s first ground-up facility of its type. Dollar General operates 17 dry distribution centers and eight DG Fresh facilities nationwide. BrokerTech Ventures closed a co-leading fund effort to raise $4 million in capital for Highwing, a Denver-based insurtech company focused on an open exchange ecosystem for the benefit of the insurance industry value-chain. The Omaha office of Colliers International has extended its affiliate relationship with Colliers International Group Inc. An independently owned operation, Colliers Omaha will continue to leverage the resources and global network of Colliers International. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Pursuant to its strategic long-term objectives, Colliers Omaha led a partnership that acquired 11516 Miracle Hills Dr., an office property located near 114th Street & West Dodge Road, which is prominently situated in Miracle Hills Business Park. Colliers Omaha will be moving its operations to this address, with an occupancy date set for the first quarter of 2021. The Omaha Jaycees and the TOYO! Committee are seeking nominations for the 2020 Ten Outstanding Young Omahans! Nominations should be of young professionals ages 21 to 40 who are making a long-lasting impact in Omaha through service to the community. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by others online by midnight on Dec. 31. Nominees will be contacted individually with application instructions. Application criteria and a panel of judges will determine the recipients, to be announced in the Spring. Ten winners will receive a plaque and be recognized at the annual banquet to be held in early summer 2021. The expanded Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act has gone into effect. This summer the legislature passed LB 840 prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in all enclosed indoor workplaces with very few exceptions. This includes office buildings, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, restaurants, bars, and others. Information about the changes is posted at smokefree.ne.gov. Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition encourages all Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. businesses, especially those that currently allow the use of e-cigarettes indoors, to take steps to inform employees and visitors about the changes. Compliance with the law is the responsibility of the business owner and management and MOTAC offers resources to assist businesses at https://www.motac. org/tobacco-free-businesses/. King of Kings Church has paid off $1.65 million dollars of medical debt at a fraction of a dollar, eliminating the medical debt of 562 of the most impoverished households in Nebraska and Iowa. This was accomplished in partnership with RIP Medical Debt, which uses donations to abolish medical debt for people living at or near the poverty line and who are facing insolvency. Every $100 donated pays off $10,000 of medical debt. Once the debt is purchased and forgiven, RIP Medical Debt sends forgiveness notices to the beneficiaries and helps them repair their credit reports. A Nebraskan with more than 40 years of experience in community economic development is the newest board member for the GROW Nebraska Foundation. Don Macke, vice president of e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (previously the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship), has been selected to join GROW’s 12-member statewide board of directors. Macke’s experience in both nonprofit organizational development and working with entrepreneurial ventures will be of great value to GROW Nebraska. Omaha Public Power District is using drone technology to help ensure its customers have power when they need it. The UAV RECON, which stands for unmanned aerial vehicle reconnaissance, provides a cost-effective way to examine a variety of OPPD power lines and structures and identify issues in need of maintenance. This allows OPPD to be proactive with repair or replacement of this equipment before it interrupts electric service.

Health care notes…

Kelly Caverzagie, M.D., associate professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, and physician at Nebraska Medicine, was selected to the Accreditation Council for Medical Education board of directors. His three-year term began Sept. 30 for the national organization. The ACGME board oversees the accreditation process for residency and fellowship training programs and institutions in the United States. Through numerous sub-committees, board members also ensure stability with regards to the finances, operations, policies and procedures of the organization. Caverzagie is the third UNMC leader consecutively to serve in a board role. The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine are involved in a multi-center clinical trial to learn whether a combination of cancer drugs can eradicate leukemia in patients suffering from relapsed/ refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Vijaya Bhatt, MBBS, associate professor and medical director of the leukemia program in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, is leading the study with patients at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The aim is to enroll 24 patients before April 2021.

Education notes…

Darland Construction is underway on a new elementary school near 10th and Pine streets at the former Grace University. The design team worked with the neighborhood association to ensure the new building would match the aesthetic of the historic area. Three additions, totaling over 46,000 square feet, will adjoin to the existing gymnasium and student center bringing the building’s total to nearly 113,000 square feet. The new K-5 school will feature four sections at each grade level with additional classroom space for Pre-K and the Alternate Curriculum Program. The former student center will be completely remodeled and house the school’s

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Monday, Dec. 14 Metropolitan Community College’s 15th annual Diversity Matters Film and Lecture Series will feature the lecture “Removal of Confederate Symbols in the U.S.” via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. De’Andra Orey, Ph.D., professor of Political Science at Jackson State University, and Erin Shirley Orey, project manager at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, will present. Discussion will focus on the events that led to the removal of Confederate symbols erected in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Registration is required to receive Zoom link. Registration is through interculturaled@mccneb.edu. Tuesday, Dec. 15 Everyday struggles such as finances, relationships, health, and/or mental health can easily occupy an employee’s mind and keep them from being mentally or physically present at work. Learn how you can change that with an on-site GrOW Navigator from the Greater Omaha Worklab (GrOW). A GrOW Navigator helps employees bring their whole selves to work. The Greater Omaha Chamber will host Tammy Carlson with Lozier to discuss how the company changed the lives of their employees with a proven program from the Greater Omaha Chamber.

The event, from noon to 1 p.m., will be virtual and registration is online. Wednesday, Dec. 16 Metropolitan Community College’s 15th annual Diversity Matters Film and Lecture Series will feature a lecture on “An American in Samoa: Laika Lewis’ Adventures in Peacekeeping Growing up in North Omaha” from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Laika Lewis learned to volunteer from her mother who raised her children to care about their community. After graduating from Duchesne Academy and then Grinnell College, Lewis joined the Peace Corps and continued her community impact volunteering for two years in Samoa. Her next journey was delayed by challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but will lead her to a position as a site coordinator and program manager with Central Texas College at Camp Buehring in Egypt. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Registration is through interculturaled@mccneb.edu. Monday, Dec. 21 FranNet of the Heartland is hosting a virtual workshop on “How to Fund Your Business” from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshop will cover options on how to start your own business, purchase an existing business, or buying to a franchise. Registration is online.

library, art, kitchen and various staff offices and conference areas. The school is slated for completion in spring 2022. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will offer grants for communities that participate in the 2021 Rural Fellows program. Communities that apply for the 2021 program will be eligible to receive up to $2,000 per student fellow. Students typically work in pairs, meaning that communities would be eligible to receive up to $4,000 in support. In all, IANR will provide $100,000 in grant funding. The application period for both students and communities is currently open. Students work closely with local leaders on projects focused on economic and business development, entrepreneurship, early childhood development, marketing and promotion, and other areas critical to the sustained success of rural communities. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is among the top 20 U.S. institutions for academic research in the field of agricultural sciences, according to the 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities

Subject Rankings. The rankings, which were released last month, place UNL’s agricultural sciences research performance at No. 18 in the United States — the highest ranking of any UNL program. The university ranked No. 51 worldwide in the subject of agricultural sciences. The 2021 subject rankings include nearly 13,000 institutions in 38 subjects across 91 countries. The rankings are based on indicators including global research reputation, regional research reputation, publications and citations, among other factors.

Activities of nonprofits…

Black & Pink, a national prison abolition organization mobilizing to liberate LGBTQIA2S+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS from the criminal punishment system, has launched a new site to support its PenPal Program. The site, located at www. blackandpinkpenpals.org, is a complete revamp of the organization’s existing PenPal database, and will help more than 20,000 inside members find connection. It allows community users to quickly and easily find a PenPal who is incarcerated and begin writing to them within minutes.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

In The Workplace A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Eric Tiritilli, senior counsel in Lamson Dugan & Murray’s business department.

Don’t let policies stagnate: Avoid new legal risks presented by COVID-19 by Michelle Leach

Is policy keeping pace with the challenges presented by COVID-19? “Businesses have spent considerable time and effort adapting their written policies to protect employees from COVID-19 hazards in the workplace,” said Gigi O’Hara, partner, employment law, at Kutak Rock. “The continuing vulnerability usually stems from what is not included in these policies.” Policies should instruct on physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory etiquette, face coverings, and administrative and operational controls. “Policies also usually instruct employees on what to do in case of potential exposure, how to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home from work,” O’Hara added. Non-essential travel or non-essential visitors may be restricted, and policies may govern physical navigation of the workplace — directing flow of traffic in common areas. Baird Holm Partner R.J. (Randy) Stevenson addressed vulnerabilities in three areas: masks, quarantine and remote work. “An employer needs to understand whether the face masks or coverings worn by its employees qualify as a ‘respirator,’” he said. “If so, and if subject to OSHA’s jurisdiction, the employer will need to comply with OSHA’s comprehensive Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) requirements.” RPP involves things like medical evaluation

of employees, fit-testing respirators, training on its proper use, and a written program. Employees with some disabilities may be unable to wear coverings, or may have religious restrictions. “When an employee with a disability requests an accommodation related to face masks

December 11, 2020

or requests a religious accommodation, the at Target or responds to a text from a coworker employer should discuss the request and allow a at 9 P.M., those hours need to be tracked.” modification or alternative,” he said; for instance, To avoid penalties, enlist accurate, easy-toface shields that don’t restrict airflow or modified use tracking systems. And, if the system implecoverings that comport with religious attire. mented at the beginning of the pandemic isn’t The modification should not cause “undue cutting it, transition to a new program or update hardship” to business operations. WFH policies. “Under the Families First Coronavirus Re“Unprepared businesses face several hursponse Act (FFCRA), employers need to know dles related to COVID-19 policies,” said Eric that they may be obligated to provide emergency Tiritilli, a Lamson Dugan and Murray attorney paid sick leave to employees who are who works primarily in employadvised by their health care provider ment law. “Although the paid leave to self-quarantine due to concerns requirements of the Families First related to COVID-19,” he said. Coronavirus Response Act may be Keep track of often-changing expiring, employers still need to be Centers for Disease Control recommindful of their obligations under mendations for returning to work. other employment laws and regu“Employees need to know what lations that may impact employees is expected of them when working during this pandemic.” remotely, especially with regard to He referenced Americans with the security of their employer’s confiDisabilities Act and Occupational dential and proprietary information,” Safety and Health Administration Heino he said. regulations. Goosmann Law Firm Attorney Kelsey The firm has hosted many remote, Heino said companies that never allowed remote COVID-19 related presentations, Tiritilli said, work are rolling out work-from-home policies and its COVID-19 Resource Center on the and practices under tight time constraints. firm’s homepage includes info on employment, “One of the biggest vulnerabilities that business issues, and workers’ compensation. comes from this is a failure to comply with the Kutak Rock’s O’Hara, whose team has Fair Labor Standards Act,” she said. “The FLSA drafted telework, layoff, and wage adjustment requires that employees be paid for all time spent preparedness and response plans and written performing work tasks, regardless of whether policies, noted employers who fail to adequately that time is spent in the normal office setting. safeguard assume legal risk. This means every time your employee checks “Such legal risk includes, for example, their email on their phone while waiting in line Continued on next page.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• In the Workplace

Flexibility, communication and support are key to retaining talented workforce by Gabby Hellbusch

Retaining talent can be a difficult task, especially when amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, local professionals say making accommodations for workers who are balancing parenting, life and work can really make an impact on keeping employees aboard. In order to help employees who are parents, Kate White, chief space creator at TheirSpace Omaha, said businesses need to make the shift to focus on employee achievements rather than hitting a certain number of hours worked in a day. “In this virtual-first environment, it can feel overwhelming to parents to have to be available to managers and associates online around-the-clock in order to give the perception that they are ‘getting in a full day’s

work’ even if there are breaks to help kids with remote learning, etc.,” she said. According to White, now is the time when organizations need to seek out creative benefits to support the whole employee in order to get top productivity and creativity from their talent. “The employers who are going to retain and attract talent in today’s world are White those who are going to acknowledge and support the whole employee,” she said. “Top talent among millennials and Gen Z will be attracted to workplace

Don’t let policies stagnate: Avoid new legal risks presented by COVID-19 Continued from preceding page. claims filed by employees with OSHA alleging unsafe work conditions and potential exposure to COVID-19,” she said. “Heading into 2021, businesses may want to review their existing policies or draft new policies outlining comprehensive guidance for COVID-19 protections at work.” Consider federal, state and local variances. “Once drafted, companies may want to consider specific COVID-19 training on their policies,” she said. Baird Holm’s Stevenson, who has drafted screening, remote work and paid leave policies, said employers need to think about vaccine requirements. They have the right to mandate vaccinations. “But they need to carefully consider whether that is the best approach,” he said. At least one-third of Americans may initially refuse the vaccine. “If that happens, is the employer really willing to terminate the employment of that many workers?” Stevenson said. Consider the “carrot” rather than the “stick” approach; for example, employees receive a reduction in health insurance premiums if vaccines are received as soon as available. Once employees see coworkers and others

haven’t had adverse effects, they’ll likely get vaccinated. “There will still be some employees who refuse to be vaccinated,” he said. “That is probably the appropriate time for the employer to mandate the vaccination or else be fired.” Goosmann Law’s Heino encourages reviewing policies and procedures during the holidays, and update the handbook if it’s been a few years. “If the reactive measures you took in March are doing more harm than good … address those problems,” she said. Some relevant FFCRA and CARES Act provisions expire on December 31. So, end-ofyear is a good time for employers to establish contingency plans. COVID-19 continues, Heino added, but some protections won’t. “Take stock of the good and bad of 2020, and to right the ship as we head into uncertain but, with any luck, better times,” she said. Amid uncertainty, Lamson Dugan and Murray’s Tiritilli said it’s possible to overlook the effects of even a well-intentioned policy. “By discussing how things are working for employees, it is possible to make a shift in policies that both benefit the employee and are in line with company’s legal responsibilities and business goals,” he said.

cultures where their personal lives are accepted, even celebrated, and will reject cultures where they feel that part of them needs to

Schmad McFarland be stifled. The topic of how to successfully merge and manage personal and professional life into one ‘whole employee’ should be considered when planning workplace culture and benefits for 2021 and beyond.” Andy Schmad, head of recruiting at Persevus, said every business is different, which means every business will be able to make different accommodations. “We feel the No. 1 priority is to have open and honest communication regarding expectations of each employee,” he said. Alex McFarland, president of Persevus, said early alignment between an employer and employee is one key to long-term retention. “The foundation of this alignment is between your employee’s personal vision and your company’s,” he said. “Once vision is aligned, we need to align our definitions of success. When we understand how success is measured, we’re able to take ownership of our role and execute using all the tools we

bring to the table. This allows the employer to delegate more effectively and the employee a sense of autonomy.” The final aspect of alignment, McFarland said, is between the employee’s personality, interests and skills. “This alignment doesn’t need to be just at the start of the professional relationship,” he said. “Times of transition, like a new year or new quarter, are great times to get aligned.” Chad Mares, director of workforce services at Greater Omaha Chamber, said it’s very important that employers start with an awareness that working from home versus working in the office is different. “An expectation of getting a similar level of productivity from your employee, especially if they are a working parent, may come at a significant hidden cost of stress,” he said. “Encourage managers to accommodate different scheduling structures.” Right now, many companies are looking at their benefits package to identify new ways to support their employees. “These include job sharing, work/life management applications, on or off-site tutoring for remote learners, subsidizing an employee dependent care FSA or engaging the services of a GrOW Navigator to assist employees directly with issues that intersect our working and personal lives,” Mares said. “Leaders should deliberately practice building meaningful relationships with their employees. Presume positive intent in the actions of your employees. Redefine intimacy in the workplace with clarity, consistency and healthy boundaries as essential pillars to build relationships. Have honest, transparent and tough conversations with employees.”

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In the Workplace •

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 11, 2020 •

Solutions for creating a cohesive workplace remotely and safely on-site by Jasmine Heimgartner

For many businesses, the pandemic forced employers and employees to innovate and reimagine the modern workplace. With a glimmer of a return to some new normal on the horizon, a new challenge is how to balance the benefits of remote work with a true office space that is safe and adaptable. “Companies need to really understand their goals and vision of the workplace, and what re-entry looks like for them,” said Melissa Spearman, DLR Group interior designer. “At the onset of the pandemic, DLR Group developed the Reconnected Workplace to help our clients comprehend how work has changed and where we’re headed as an industry. My advice is to start with a workplace strategy deep dive into your organization and look at tools like DLR Group’s reentry workshop through the Reconnected Workplace initiative. These efforts offer businesses the best tools to plan and begin the process for either a remodel or new built workplace environment.” Prior to the pandemic, there was already a move away from designing individual spaces for focused work. More team-based activities led to open plan offices that emphasized working in groups. “These shared spaces offer the greatest flexibility in the future to shift between safely distancing yet remain close enough to feel part of the team,” said Doug Schuring, All Makes Office Equipment vice president. “Furniture in these spaces is

generally freestanding and can be rearranged to act as a shield or create division. Screens can be added to open-plan areas,

Spearman Schuring allowing colleagues to work together without direct, face-to-face interaction. They are a low-cost, quick way to transform the work settings into safer spaces where people can focus or catch up with colleagues passing by.” Along with a move away from large-gathering spaces, businesses are needing to incorporate additional safety protocols, as well as consider the materials being used for any remodeling or new construction. “Some people see a contradiction in bringing natural materials into the offices while maintaining cleanability, but there are a number of natural finishes that support a healthy environment (wood, stone, natural light) that should be considered before using ‘faux’ materials that try to emulate natural products but are made of synthetic materials that can potentially

harm people and the environment,” said Heather Robbins, Leo A Daly senior interior designer. “There is a lot of discussion about raising relative humidity inside buildings because of its potential to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other pathogens, which should absolutely be a consideration for remodeling and especially new construction. However Robbins certain synthetic materials in a more-humid environment carry greater potential for off-gassing of volatile organic compounds, which could create additional health risks.” Bringing nature inside, regardless if at home or the office, is also a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. “The benefit of bringing nature indoors seems to be outweighing any ongoing concerns with maintaining live indoor plants,” Robbins said. “Likewise, plants that require little direct sunlight and water but aid in air purification are popular. There are a number of self-contained ‘living wall’ systems available that make ongoing plant maintenance even easier because they are self-contained and can provide lighting, irrigation and drainage.” No matter where an employee is completing their work, having the right tools and furniture is imperative to teams staying

on-task and cohesive. In some cases, those basics may be more challenging for remote workers. “Secure a good, functioning, task chair that moves with you and helps you change postures while sitting,” Schuring said. “Find a desk, table or surface that can hold your laptop, keyboard, mouse, phone, etc. The worksurface should be at your elbow height when seated. Even consider a height-adjustable table so you can change or move from sitting to standing. Lastly, add computer support tools to improve your ergonomics, such as a monitor arm that puts your computer screen in the right position, and a keyboard platform to keep your keyboard and mouse on the same surface. All these items will make you more comfortable while delivering a healthier, more productive workspace when working from home.” Whether in the midst of developing how the office will look or still in the planning phases, embracing new technology and how the workplace is changing is essential to future success. “Easily adaptable furniture, as well as flexible infrastructure and power, must be incorporated to support this next generation of workplace design,” Spearman said. “DLR Group’s research findings on the workplace of the future identified the major driver for employees returning to the office is in-person collaboration, therefore, providing spaces to meet this goal will be important as we look to the future of the workplace.”

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

ACCOUNTING

ENGINEERING

Hired

Retiring

Amy Zlotsky

Staff Accountant

Mike Mason, CPA

Frankel Zacharia

Tax Manager

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Wyatt Whitaker

Kelsey Rollins

Staff Accountant Frankel Zacharia

Whitaker attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln and graduated with high distinction with his B.S. degree in Accounting with a minor in economics. He went on to receive his Master’s degree through the Masters of Professional Accountancy program at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Whitaker completed an internship with Frankel Zacharia prior to graduation and has joined the firm as a full-time staff accountant.

After completing a full-time internship with Frankel Zacharia, Rollins accepted a full-time position with the firm as a staff accountant. Rollins attended Bellevue University, where she graduated cum laude with a B.S degree in Accounting. She continued her education at Bellevue University, graduating with an M.S. degree ounting with an emphasis in Finance.

ACCOUNTING

MANUFACTURING

Hired

Welcomed

Bryce Koch

Andy Dobel

Staff Accountant

Partner

Frankel Zacharia

Greater American Distributing

Koch graduated from Morningside College with a B.S. degree in Accounting. Koch then spent two years at WoodmenLife working on corporate tax filings and also spent some time at Kiewit in their tax provision department. Koch joined Frankel Zacharia in August of 2020 as a full-time staff accountant.

Mike Dobel and Larry Bailey, owners of Greater America Distributing (GAD), welcome new partner, Andy Dobel. With a number of recent retirements, Andy is a welcome addition to the GAD team. Armed with an outside perspective, Andy sees expanding opportunities in the markets they serve as the pandemic continues to heavily impact people’s lives, especially in the sales and service of arcade and pinball games for the home. After a 16-year career in the railroad

Frankel Zacharia

Mason is a graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he earned his B.S. degree in Accounting. Mike has been in the accounting industry for several years, joining the firm as a Tax Manager. He works in all areas of taxation for individuals and businesses, specializing in closely held businesses. Mason is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of CPAs (NSCPA).

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) announced the retirement of Principal Amy Zlotsky and the promotion of Allison Sambol. Zlotsky led FHU’s Great Plains Environmental group since 2009 and helped establish FHU’s Lincoln office. She spent her 36-year career as an environmental scientist protecting natural resources and leaves a legacy of leadership in environmental compliance across Nebraska.

industry, Andy brings a new outlook to the distributor side of vending and games. “Our role in our customer’s success has never been more important. We strive to ensure we provide all the resources and expertise necessary to keep our line of products performing their best,” says Dobel. A strong background in logistics and customer service gives the younger Dobel a uniquely positioned skill set to slide into his new role quickly. With the continuing isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic more and more people are turning under used space in their homes into game rooms and arcades. Pinball has seen so much growth from home play many in the industry are unable to keep pinball machines in stock. “Thanks to our long-standing relationship with the pinball manufacturers we are able to keep

a large number of titles in stock in the face of increased demand,” according to Bailey. “GAD is also able to outfit any home with a complete game room from online darts to Golden Tee games and even the nostalgic Multicade consoles featuring Pacman, Galaga, Space Invaders and dozens more.” Greater America Distributing (gadvending.com) is the premier, authorized distributor of pinball, vending and arcade games to both the commercial and home markets in Mid America. We stock all the latest equipment and parts for service throughout our three warehouses. Operating for over 30 years with sales and service offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines, GAD has what you need to outfit your home or office.

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

HEALTH CARE

Hired

Recognized

Travis Schwartz Omaha Market Leader Meridian Business LLC

Meridian Business LLC (“Meridian”) is pleased to announce the hiring of Travis Schwartz as the Omaha Market Leader. Schwartz brings over 20 years’ experience leveraging technology to enable businesses transformation and growth. Schwartz will be focused on helping Omaha companies enhance business operations by investing in NetSuite business applications. He brings extensive experience managing multiple solution implementations, ranging

from custom development to enterprise technology systems. He has a BS in Business from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from University of Texas-El Paso. In his role prior to joining Meridian, Schwartz worked as Senior Manager at Grant Thornton. As a Senior Manager at Grant Thornton, Schwartz provided technology solutions to businesses, managed transformation plans related to ERP, HCM and facilitated the implementation of Oracle applications across business sectors. Bruce Allen, CEO of Meridian, said “We’re very excited to have Travis on board. His depth of experience, knowledge and management capabilities are a huge asset to Meridian and the Omaha business community.” More information about Travis Schwartz is available at the company’s Our People page at www. meridianbusiness.com/why-meridian/#people

Principal

Amber Barna Global Power 150 Women in Staffing List Staffing Industry Analysts

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions, has named Amber Barna, vice president of clinical and quality assurance at Medical Solutions, to its Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing list. The annual list recognizes women who stand out as leaders and influencers in the global talent marketplace and the significant contributions of women industry-wide. At Medical Solutions, one of the largest and

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

fastest-growing healthcare staffing companies, Barna, a registered nurse for over 20 years, directs a large clinical team of nurse managers who oversee the performance of several thousand contingent clinicians. Under Barna’s leadership, Medical Solutions has recognized a 96% successful assignment completion rate when nurse managers are involved in prescreening and interviewing candidates. She has successfully integrated multiple onboarding and credentialing systems to provide partners with an integrated approach to quickly onboard high-quality contingent labor, enabling nimble responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barna serves on committees with the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) and the Joint Commission.

Midlands Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 11, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

In the Spotlight Paid Content

COMMUNICATIONS Appointed

Kim Rowell Market Vice President, Greater Omaha area Cox Communications

Kim Rowell has been appointed Cox Communicationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market Vice President for the Greater Omaha area, returning to a position she held from 2014-2016. In the role, Rowell will be responsible forÂ championing the customer and employee experience, building community and civic relationships, and maintaining the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-standing commitment to the greater Omaha

metropolitan area. Most recently, Kim worked for Cox Communications at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlanta headquarters, leading a team that established enhanced process improvements across the telecommunications companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national network. Kim has an incredible pedigree in the telecom industry.Â Throughout her career, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been asked to lead a number of different functional areas, including call centers, credit and collections, sales, product development, and marketing and communications, among others. She has also led a variety of initiatives centered on productivity and optimal operational performance, which is why she was

asked to leave Omaha for a few years to help lead a team that established process improvements for Cox as a whole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kim has provided leadership at every level of the Cox Organization,â&#x20AC;? said Percy Kirk, region manager for Cox Communications. This depth and breadth of experience is exactly what makes her an incredible fit for this Omaha market leader position. She will be an incredible resource for employees and our customers and partners in the Omaha Community.â&#x20AC;? Kim is currently on the Board of Trustees for Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shepherd Center, which is ranked among the top 10 rehabilitation

hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Kim earned a BS Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, with a minor in Mathematics.

ENGINEERING Promoted

â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 26, 2019 ss Journal â&#x20AC;˘

Midlands Busine

Allison Sambol Senior Environmental Scientist Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Allison Sambol will now lead FHUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Plains Environmental Team serving clients in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. A Senior Environmental Scientist with 17 years of experience, SambolÂ specializes in helping state and local public agencies successfully navigate the NEPA process onÂ federalaidÂ projects. HazMat best practices, project management and effective

public outreach are also areas of expertise. Sambol earned Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees in Geography from the University of Nebraska and joined FHU in 2008. She is an active member of WTS-Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Membership Committee, ACEC-NE and ACEC-Nationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental and Energy Committees.

In the Spotlig ISING

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EDUCATION Promotion

Dr. Tim

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US employers added a modest 245,000 jobs Continued from page 11. October having regained just 44% of the 2.6 million jobs it lost, said Michael Bernick, former director of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Employment Development Department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The California economy is in a suspended state. Those in secure jobs in government, tech firms and larger nonprofits are continuing, but there is little new hiring, and no economic uptick over the past two months,â&#x20AC;? he said. Besides federal aid and a vaccine, Bernick pointed to a third factor that was hindering the jobs recovery: renewed closings of in-person instruction at schools, leaving few options, especially for working parents. The Federal Reserve, in its latest summary of U.S. economic conditions, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases had precipitated more school and plant closings and renewed fears of infection, which have further aggravated labor supply problems, including absenteeism and attrition.â&#x20AC;?

Up till now, the recovery had held up fairly well, in large part because of strong consumer spending for goods that was helped by earlier rounds of expanded unemployment benefits and other federal support for businesses and households. In fact, overall consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, was down just 2.3% in mid-November from February levels, according to Opportunity Insights, a Harvard-led economic tracking site. In April, spending was down as much as 32.5%. But with new restrictions and lockdowns, and uncertainties about the path of the pandemic, economists worry that consumers and businesses will pull back again. If that happens, what in spring began as an extraordinary pandemic-shocked recession could turn into a more ordinary recession caused by permanent job losses and cutback in demand

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for goods and services due to insecurity. Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobs report showed early signs of that as retailers and, notably, food services and drinking places shed jobs, breaking six straight months of gains after losing a combined 8.5 million payroll jobs in the spring. Many of these and other low-paid service, self-employed and part-time workers have been getting by, and paying their housing and other bills, with expanded unemployment benefits. But key programs and extensions are set to run out soon unless Congress acts. By Christmas, some 13.5 million people could be out in the cold. Many of them â&#x20AC;&#x153;are the very lowest of income workers,â&#x20AC;? said Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst at National Employment Law Project. The Census Bureau, which has been tracking the effects of the pandemic, said that about 8% of people it surveyed in November were behind on rent or mortgage payments, or

would probably be so in the next month. And of this group, about one-third reported they were likely to face eviction or foreclosure in the next two months. Heidi Shierholz, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute and former chief Labor Department economist in the Obama administration, said the picture will turn even more grim if Congress doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide additional aid right away. In particular, she noted, budget-strained state and local governments will make further cutbacks in spending, setting back the recovery potentially by years as it happened after the Great Recession in 2008-09. States and local government activity accounts for 12%-15% of the national economy, she said, and they will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;massive dragâ&#x20AC;? on growth if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no help for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be like little anti-stimulus machines,â&#x20AC;? she said. ÂŠ2020 Los Angeles Times. Visit atÂ latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• DECEMBER 11, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal