Midlands Business Journal December 4, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 49 issue by Midlands Business Journal

DECEMBER 4, 2020

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VOL. 46 NO. 49

New Children’s Hospital CEO Chacon looks to the future by Dwain Hebda

2020 40 Under 40 insert

– Inside

Wilma and Rose helps businesses, individuals stay connected during pandemic. – Page 2

r ree Ca nt e & ng pm ini lo Tra Deve

Tech pushes training and career development opportunities forward. – Page 3

Over the three months since being installed as Children’s Hospital & Medical Center President and CEO, Chanda Chacón has done a lot of walking and listening. It’s the industry veteran’s way of immersing herself in the culture of the hospital and medical center, gathering feedback and fixing a vision for the future. “I’ve talked with hundreds of people because that’s been my focus of really listening and learning and understanding the organization, learning how we got to this place through the eyes of the people that have been here and through their voice,” she said. “That, for me, has been very powerful to get acquainted to the organization through the community, through the people that are here. “It’s also the most powerful part of what we are able to do as a children’s hospital, to really connect with the community and connect with patients and families.” Chacón boasts an extensive Continued on page 7.

President and CEO Chanda Chacón in the solarium of the new Hubbard Center for Children, expected to be completed in 2021… After holding leadership positions at children’s health centers in Texas and Ar(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) kansas, Chacón took over the position Sept. 8.

Celebrating a decade, Don’t Panic Labs launches pipeline program with Doane by Savannah Behrends

Since its genesis as a part of Nebraska Global 10 years ago, Don’t Panic Labs (DPL) has been dedicated to developing the tech talent in the region as part of its four branches. DPL took it a step further earlier this year when it launched the Nebraska Dev Lab Pipeline Program with Doane University. “We feel it will be an advan-

tage to our region if we are known for companies that build products ‘the right way’ as that can help with attracting outside talent to our communities,” said Doug Durham, CEO and co-founder of DPL. The program is aimed at addressing the tech talent shortage in Nebraska, which Durham said comes from several places, Continued on page 6.

Partners Emily Andersen and Geoff DeOld … Formerly hailing from Brooklyn, the architecture and design partners take on a variety of Omaha projects.

DeOld Andersen Architecture focuses on client interaction and local impact by Gabby Hellbusch

CEO and co-founder Doug Durham … Lincoln-based company aims to help startups, small businesses and professionals with software development needs. (courtesy of Don’t Panic Labs)

Because every client’s needs are different, DeOld Andersen Architecture doesn’t approach projects in a prescribed way, but instead uses flexibility to achieve that client’s goals. This approach has shown proven growth over its 10 years in operation, according to business partners Geoff DeOld and Emily Andersen. The firm, which was established in 2010 while the duo was living in Brooklyn, New York,

works on commercial, institutional, multi-family residential and single-family residential projects. This includes tenant improvement work, ground-up building construction and extensive building renovations. The team also prepares feasibility studies, conducts programming exercises and draws test-fits. Clients range from developers and property owners, small business owners, homeowners, artists and larger entities like Continued on page 8.

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Wilma and Rose helps businesses, individuals stay connected during pandemic have ordered gifts because they aren’t able by Gabby Hellbusch Finding the right gift for a loved one or an to attend those special occasions like a baby employee can be an overwhelming and con- shower or a milestone birthday. Plus, business fusing task at times, which is exactly why avid owners are ordering gifts to feel connected to gift-giver DeAnna Williams founded Wilma & employees who are working remotely. “During a time when people are feeling Rose, a business specializing in personal gift disconnected from their concierge services. loved ones or employNamed after Wil- Wilma & Rose ees, gifting is a great liams’ grandmothers, Phone: 402-871-8604 way to brighten someWilma & Rose opened Founded: November 2019 one’s day and let them in November 2019. Service: personal gift concierge with a know you’re thinking “I wanted to con- variety of gifting solutions of them,” she said. tinue the legacy of my Goal: To create a signature brand of WilWilliams said one grandmothers, who ma & Rose items, open brick and mortar should never undereswere very good friends, gift design studio. timate the impact of and what better way to Website: https://wilmaandrose.com a gift. demonstrate friendship “The best part about what I do is knowing and love than through the act of gifting?” she that every time I tie a bow, someone else is said. The business offers curated gift boxes going to untie that bow with excitement,” she featuring sourced items from boutiques and said. “I love that I’m able to help in creating that markets, as well as gift experiences, such as a experience and it’s such a joy to watch emotions relaxing day at the spa or a gourmet meal pre- on a recipient’s face during a delivery. It’s what pared at home. Gifts for special occasions like drives me.” Supporting other locally-owned businesses bar and bat mitzvahs, baby showers or birthdays are also offered. Additionally, the company is extremely important to Williams, as well, which is why local products are frequently used offers corporate gifting options. For added convenience, Williams said a in gift boxes. Right now, comfort items like survey is provided for customers who aren’t blankets, cozy socks and coffee are trending, as sure which gift option to choose for their recip- more people are working from home. A major challenge throughout the pandemic ient. Based on the information collected about the recipient, a personalized gift is crafted just has been delayed shipping and receiving times, especially in the midst of the holiday season. for them. Even though there are daily risks and chalRecently, Williams said many customers

Business Minute

Owner and founder DeAnna Williams … Curating gifting while utilizing local businesses to build gift boxes. lenges of being a business owner, especially in myself for a while,” Williams said. “But one today’s world, she said gaining new exposure day, it clicked for me when a customer said they and connecting with new customers makes any needed to feel connected to a loved one, and therefore needed a gift. Gifting is important, and obstacle well worth it. “In the beginning of this year, I really didn’t I feel so much gratitude to be able to continue want to be insensitive to the seriousness of what to serve my customers.” Moving forward, she hopes to one day was going on in our world so I did not promote launch a Wilma & Rose line of candles, soaps and lotions to reflect the style of her grandmothers. She also plans to open a brick and Paid Content mortar gift design studio in the future. “I want to create a place where people can come to create gifts with an experienced gift designer from start to finish,” Williams said. “I would love to serve the community in this way, as gifting is an important part of connecting with others.” Design and Construction), MCL

Tim Tiensvold Director of VDC (Virtual Construction

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

Associations/Titles: Associations: NE AGC, Omaha BIM Collaborative, Veterans of Foreign Wars, MCC Architectural, Design Advisory Committee. Titles: CM-BIM (Cert. Management – Building Information Modelling). Hometown: Kimball, Nebraska Education: AA – Architectural Drafting from West Wood College in Chicago; BS – Business Operations and Management, DePaul University.

How I got into the business: Shortly after earning my associate degree I was recommended by a former classmate for a position as an electrical drafter for an engineering firm in Chicago. Accomplishments or milestones: Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Army Commendation Medal; Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; and I worked in U.K. (London) for two years. First job: Grocery store bagger. Biggest career break: MCL Construction promotion to Director of VDC. The toughest part of the job: Intro-

ducing process change to traditional means and methods. Members of the construction community are traditionally faithful to tried and true methodologies. Modern approaches are only beneficial if the end user has enough confidence in the new technologies to adopt them as the preferred process. The best advice I have received: Be the person that proposes a solution, not the person that points out problems. About my family: My wife Emily is a senior director of alumni relations and development for Creighton University College of Nursing. I have four children: two daughters ages 6 and 3 and 10-month-old twin boys. Our house is hectic from sun-up to sun-down! Something else I’d like to accomplish: I’d like to become a helicopter pilot. How my business will change in the

next decade: Artificial Intelligence will play a much larger role in the construction industry. We are already seeing it integrated into design software and jobsite safety applications for mobile devices. I think we will begin to see it play larger roles in estimating, scheduling and QA/QC applications. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Drill Sergeant Dougherty. Outside interests: Skiing, travel, cooking, Creighton University basketball, Nebraska University football. Favorite vacation spot: Santa Barbara, California. Other careers I would like to try: Architect or brewer. Favorite cause or charity: National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Favorite app: Otter.

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Training & Career Development A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Karlus Cozart, director of business relations at Heartland Workforce Solutions.

Tech pushes training and career development opportunities forward by Gabby Hellbusch

Technology is at the center of the latest in training and career development opportunities, local industry experts say. Unlike any other point in history, Dr. Sammi Kaiser, senior director of academic advising and director of the Academic & Career Development Center at University of Nebraska at Omaha, said technology is providing the workforce a chance to access and customize unique learning content. “From participating in a massive open online course, to earning a certification through a local instituKaiser tion of higher learning, to watching a TEDtalk, technology is providing access to grow both professionally and personally,” she said. “The pandemic has led to more training and conferences going online, which removes the travel barrier for professionals to engage in opportunities that once were not an option. Now is a great time to review development plans and participate in training that once were out of reach.” Professionals should invest time in a professional development plan. “Training and upskilling are critical to remaining relevant and ensuring the professional will be ready for the next opportunity,” Kaiser

said. “Adopting a professional development plan and committing to develop as a professional will ensure the individual is ready for promotion. The best place to start discussing your professional development plan is with a manager or mentor.” Karlus Cozart, director of business relations at Heartland Workforce Solutions, said one’s professional advancement, let alone existence in this time of dynamic technological change depends on constant growth and development. “The adage that ‘knowledge is power’ is not only applicable, but knowledge along with continual learning Veland are essential elements and qualifications for personal and professional growth in the 21st century,” he said. “During this changing time, people are skill building for career changes. More than ever, training is linking to employers ready to hire.” Cozart said a number of career pipelines are forming that promote earn and learn models, and employers are growing their own talent through innovative career pipelines — such as Omaha Public Power District’s Legacy program for energy industry training followed by employment. “Another example is a collaboration led by Turner Construction with Metropolitan Community College and Heartland Workforce Solutions

December 4, 2020

for skilled trades,” he said. “These career pipeline students are hired by Turner Construction, to earn while learning. Students then participate in a sign on day for on-the-job training match to companies for cement, sheet metal, electrical, general construction and more.” Cozart said a number of Certified Nursing Assistant pipelines are also developing in the community and apprenticeships are growing as a career pathway for various industries. Tony Veland, director of community engagement at AIM Institute, said companies are also becoming less interested in the level of education and more concerned with years of experience. “This is leading to more investment in immersive training programs that are set up specifically around current staff within the organization,” he said. There’s an increase in online programs, both free and paid, of varying quality. “With the pandemic resulting in high unemployment numbers, we expect this trend to

increase as individuals take the necessary steps to become marketable candidates for available opportunities,” he said. According to Veland, the landscape of business and technology is ever-changing. “In order to keep pace with this trend and not lose efficiency, as well as to keep a competitive advantage over individuals who are coming behind them, professionals of all levels must continue to improve the value they provide,” he said. Investment in worker training programs and individuals investing in themselves is extremely important. “The tech sector is taking the lead in providing training and career development opportunities because of the need to close the skills gap in the workforce,” Veland said. “Careers in technology provide opportunities for workers to acquire skills to transition into high-demand, high-paying, high-skill jobs that can change their career trajectory.”

MCC Automotive Tech Facility, Rendering Courtesty of BVH Architecture

Designing Technology for Education and Career Development

ipdesigngroup.com | Omaha, Nebraska

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Training & Career Development

Local training programs create employment pipelines commercial installation and service for equipment like furnaces, small roof top units, and small ice machines. Business Manager Brad Bird said the organization takes applications the first two full weeks of March. Apprentices attend an unpaid full day of training every other week, year-round. “For our journeyman members we typically offer more than 40 different classes to

help them keep, or obtain, various licenses and certifications needed to perform work in our field,” Bird said. “Due to COVID we have paired that down some, and now offer 12 online classes in addition to the in-person classes.” The goal of Nebraska Dev Lab Pipeline Program, an academic/corporate partnership between Doane University and Don’t Panic Labs, is to help address the lack of area soft-

Why We Train:

Bird Durham will be high-quality entry-level software developers ready to work for their sponsor organization.” The curriculum has been designed to align with guidance on undergraduate software engineering education, and the teaching method is competency-based to ensure the mastery of concepts and skills. Upon completion, students will receive a Software Development Certificate from Doane University for 18 hours of credit related to computer science and project management. “We are currently recruiting sponsors for our next cohort, which is currently set to begin in 2021,” Durham said. Graepel North America has teamed up with the German Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and Metropolitan Community College (MCC) to provide the Industry Continued on next page.

• To engage our employees • To develop our employees • To promote our employees • To give our clients the best team for their project

402-339-2221

mclconstruction.com

“ From left: Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President; Matt Biggs, VP/Relationship Manager; and Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company.

My Cornhusker Bank team takes the time to understand me and my specific situation. They determine the best services and programs for the benefit of my business. Matt and his associates have been instrumental in assisting me with my personal and business needs and executing a financial road map to achieve my goals. Their approach, time and time again has always been customer-first and this is why we choose to do business with Cornhusker Bank.

“

by David Kubicek

To prepare young people to enter the workforce and to advance the careers of those already working, several local organizations offer on-the-job training programs. Steamfitters and Plumbers Local Union No. 464 has a five-year program split into three different trade sets — plumbers, steamfitters, and HVAC service technicians — and a four-year program for residential and light

ware developers, according to Don’t Panic Labs CEO Doug Durham. “It begins with local organizations sponsoring individuals with no programming experience who are seeking a career change,” he said. “At the end of the full-time, nine-month immersive experience, these individuals

Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company

11102 Blondo Street, Omaha, NE 402-671-0200 | CornhuskerBank.com Member FDIC

Training & Career Development •

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Before launching a small business, explore marketing training opportunities by Jasmine Heimgartner

From the initial concept to preparing to launch a small business, entrepreneurs have a lot on their plates. As a subject matter

expert on the goods or services that will be offered, it can be easy to overlook the other vital elements needed for success, including marketing.

Local training programs create employment pipelines Continued from preceding page. Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT), said President and CEO Mark Zumdohme. The firm, headquartered in Germany, has 40 employees in Omaha. ICATT is a threeyear dual study program where employees attend classes two days a week at MCC and work three days a week at Graepel. The apprenticeship is a full-time position with company benefits. “We have 10%, or four employees, in Zumdohme [the] apprenticeship program,” Zumdohme said. “In Germany we have a well-established apprenticeship program. We’d like to make this program successful in Nebraska.” The firm’s goal is to find other local firms to partner with the program. “CLAAS, a combine manufacturer in Omaha, has their first two apprentices in the program this year, but to make it worthwhile and establish it in the area we need more,” Zumdohme said. STEP-UP! OMAHA is a program for 16

to 21-year-olds geared to prepare young people for the workforce, according to Razalyn Bredow, director of employment and career services for the Urban League of Nebraska, which partners with the Empowerment Network to administer the program. “ We n o r m a l l y have them about 10 weeks, from the first week in June until the first week in August,” Bredow said. The first two weeks gives participants a foundation of what to expect when Bredow going into the workforce. For the remaining eight weeks they are placed on a worksite for practical experience. They are paid $10 per hour. Those under 21 work 20 hours a week; those over 21 can work as many hours as the employer/partner can give them. The employer/partners range from construction to hospitality to health care, and last summer there was one manufacturer. “We didn’t have any nursing or day care workers this year because nursing homes and day care centers were closed,” Bredow said.

“Marketing is an essential element of any growth strategy,” said MJ McBride, Rebel Interactive agency partner. “If a business wants to grow efficiently and attract quality customers, it needs to set a marketing direction from the start and build on its steady foundation. If the branding isn’t solid, it will cause internal and external confusion as it goes to market, limiting the potential speed and acceptance in the market as a valuable brand.” While one’s level of expertise in the subject may vary, gaining extra knowlMcBride edge and insight will only help the business. Luckily, people don’t have to go far or over-extend an already fragile budget. “Nebraska’s marketing and advertising associations provide great educational seminars and materials on marketing,” said Katherine Warren, vice president and operations director at KidGlov. “It’s how most of us marketers stay up to date on the latest trends. I would strongly advise business owners to get involved in these associations to learn more about marketing. They also provide excellent networking opportunities, which I know is a necessity of most small businesses as well.” Organizations like PRSA Nebraska can help fill in the gaps and provide expertise.

It has a network of more than 150 professionals locally and thousands nationwide who are a sounding board and can provide a possible spark for the next big idea. “Our chapter offers topical, insightful programs that are budget-friendly and open to anyone who has an interest in attending,”

Warren Lustgraaf said Amanda Lustgraaf, PRSA Nebraska president. “In fact, about half of our attendees each month are not PRSA Nebraska members. We design our programming to suit a wide variety of communicators, from corporate professionals to small business owners juggling multiple roles. Recent topics have included growth strategies for your organization, social media ethics and planning successful virtual events.” Even before finding additional training, the marketing process may be happening behind the scenes along with the rest of the work being done, especially when it comes to research. “Research and preparation are keys to Continued on page 12.

FIND WHAT MATTERS. Lutz is a business solutions firm. Our Talent division wants to help you find what matters. There’s a lot of great talent out there, but it’s meaningless unless you get the right people, in the right chairs, at the right times. We dedicate ourselves to thoroughly learning our clients’ objectives, harnessing a pool of premier applicants, and getting the absolute strongest one on board. All the while, our candidates’ needs are top-of-mind. We want this to be a healthy match from every perspective. R E C R U I T I N G & S E A R C H S E R V I C E S • T E M P O R A R Y S TA F F I N G • W W W. L U T Z . U S / TA L E N T

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Celebrating a decade, Don’t Panic Labs launches pipeline program with Doane Continued from page 1. nies, the program is able to alleviate some including the field’s limited exposure to of the barriers potential participants may women and people of color. have, such as staying afloat financially “The reality is, if we can simply get as when work hours are replaced by training many women chooshours. ing this career field Don’t Panic Labs The partnership as men, we would no Phone: 402-875-5573 also helps alleviate longer have a short- Address: 151 N. 8th Street, Suite 350, the stresses of the age,” Durham said. hiring process for Lincoln 68508 The first cohort Services: software engineering, corporate both student and of six included three innovation, startup assistance and continpartnering organizawomen, a man from ued education for software engineers and tion. Partnering orIraq and a man from beginners ganizations agree to Venezuela. do one of the followFounded: as part of Nebraska Global in While Durham 2010 ing: send a current s a i d m o r e w o r k Industry outlook: Continued shortage in employee through needs to be done to experienced professionals in the software the program or hire expose children and engineering fields nationwide is creating a a candidate from young adults to the need for innovative educational opportunithe community as field, the Nebraska ties. an “intern” with the Dev Lab is focused Website: dontpaniclabs.com goal of hiring them on attracting and full-time when they re-training working adults. complete the program. Durham emphasized that the program “We believe this makes economic was not created to compete with four-year sense for the sponsors and it opens up programs or code programs, but rather to the candidate pool to everyone in the act as a comprehensive jumping point for community and not just those that have working adults who are interested in a the means to pay for this program,” career change. Durham said. The nine-month program (formerly Partnering organizations currently 12-months long) requires participants to include NelNet, ALLO Communications become full-time students, working in a and NRC Health, in addition to Don’t Panic professional software engineering envi- Labs and Doane University. ronment for 40-hours a week. The program is currently seeking inBy partnering with local tech compa- terested parties for their two 2021 cohorts

and more information for the program can be found at dontpaniclabs.com/devlab/. Also in line with education, DPL continues to offer its professional development course and help guide startups through their software development needs. On the software development side of things, DPL works with companies to make sure their solutions are sustainable, not just attainable. “Our key value proposition is the ability to reduce risk on the technical side as well as being an adviser and a coach on the business side,” he said. “We love working with people and companies who can utilize our startup experience to help make sure they are thinking beyond just the technical risk of their project and including the business and market risks as well.” To date DPL has helped local startups

Nebraska computer science by the numbers • 2,580 open computing jobs • In 2018, only 570 Bachelor’s degrees in computer science were awarded; only 18% were awarded to women. • Only 44% of public high schools teach a foundational computer science course Information courtesy of code.org/statefacts/NE

such as Vosaic, Local Any Day, Fourstarzz, Ocuvera, Beehive, Elite Form, Black Box and Ear Check Pro. Looking towards the next decade, Durham said DPL will continue to focus on small businesses and startups, but other possibilities are vast. For example, he said five years ago he would never have thought creating a stand-alone training program with a college would be something DPL did, but that’s what DPL has been working hard to develop over the last two years.

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

New Children’s Hospital CEO Chacon looks to the future Continued from page 1. professional pedigree; she comes to Omaha from Arkansas Children’s in Little Rock where she was executive vice president and system chief operating officer. Before that, she spent 14 years with Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the top pediatric centers in

for them to work in, that’s really the heartbeat of what we’re doing.” The Illinois-born Chacón grew up in Texas and earned her undergraduate degrees in biology and Spanish from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. She followed that up with a Master of Public Health Management from Yale University. She is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives and has volunteered extensively as a court-appointed Child Advocate serving children in custody. She and her husband Carlo, arrived in Omaha in August.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Phone: 402-955-5400 Address: 8200 Dodge St., Omaha 68114 Goal: The organization is on the threshold of opening the Hubbard Center for Children, a state-of-the-art pediatric specialty care facility, in 2021. Website: childrensomaha.org

the country, ultimately serving as president. While those roles honed her organizational chops, her real training for what makes a superb pediatric health care center was born much earlier. “I got into this work because I had a bad experience in health care and didn’t ever trust a children’s hospital. For me, the work that I get to do every day is personal,” she said. “You can talk to my mom today and ask her about the story of me in the health care system as a child and you will think, with the level of passion and the vividness of her memories, that it just happened yesterday. “Understanding that and knowing the obligation I feel to my family and to the families that we get to interact with every day, it is truly a personal calling for me to be able to do this

The new Hubbard Center’s Cardiac Care Unit is under construction. work and provide something that my family their families. “What I’ve learned most about opening never received. That personal authenticity and realness for me is really important. That’s what new hospitals and new facilities is, it’s more than just bricks and mortar. The most important makes us, at Children’s, unique.” Chacón arrives at a time of great anticipation part is the people,” she said. “It is awesome to be and progress at Children’s Hospital. The institu- able to have the kind of facility you can design tion is on the threshold of opening the Hubbard to help improve efficiency and improve care. “The part that gets me excited every day Center for Children, a state-of-the-art pediatric specialty care facility. Having overseen capital and wakes me up with a spark in my eye is realexpansion projects in each of her previous two ly the ability to invest in our team. To have that stops, she is uniquely qualified to maximize this investment be the driver of providing better outoutstanding resource for the good of patients and comes because we’ve provided a better space

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One of the new operating rooms in the surgical area.

Pedro Londono, MBA University of Nebraska–Lincoln

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

DeOld Andersen Architecture focuses on client interaction and local impact Continued from page 1. pair say fostering relationships with clients makes up for any challenges. Omaha Public Schools. “We typically get to be involved in the fun Prior to relocating to Omaha, both DeOld and Andersen worked with large corporate cli- part of our client’s day,” DeOld said. “Building ents, completing public work for the city of New a new building, reimagining your current space, or planning for the fuYork, boutique retail ture is always a fun projects and high-end DeOld Andersen Architecture Phone: 402-345-7694 distraction from what residential work. most of our clients do “Essentially, we Address: 1717 Vinton Street, Omaha day-to-day and we love wanted to expand the 68108 being a part of that — range of projects we Founded: 2010 and, we get to meet were working on be- Service: architecture and design partand work with very yond what our previous nership interesting and smart employers were offer- Employees: 5 people as part of that ing,” Andersen said. Goal: To grow studio, expand practice design process.” “At the time, we were to tackle ways to more sustainably plan Since the onset of very interested in the suburban and green field sites. the COVID-19 panpublic realm and the Website: https://d-aarch.com demic, DeOld Andersscale of neighborhoods and cities and wanted to further understand en Architecture staff has been working remotely, how thinking at an urban scale could influence in which additional tools and software for comour work and the types of projects we were municating had to be implemented. “We’ll be interested to evaluate the benefits engaged with.” Projects are a result of the dialogue that and drawbacks of remote work when this is over, and whether they influence how we look at our happens with the client. “We approach all of our projects focusing studio in the future,” DeOld said. As for now, DeOld said projects are always on the local context, while understanding it in a much larger context beyond Omaha,” she expanding and diversifying. “An unintended segment of our work has said. “There is so much interesting work going on nationally and internationally. We think been providing architectural services for our every project we work on brings very special community or people who drop-in to our storeand interesting parameters and contexts, but front business,” he said. “Whether that’s preparour reference is often the art, design and archi- ing building permit drawings for a small busitecture that has significance simply because ness in south Omaha or helping an individual navigate the sometimes complex requirements it is very good.” As small business owners, DeOld and An- of zoning and building code compliance, we find dersen are constantly shifting focus to different that work to be just as fulfilling.” In the coming years, they intend to grow tasks, which can be difficult at times. Yet, the

the studio in a way that continues to be collaborative with clients and consultants. “A lot of our work so far has been in established neighborhoods where we get to influence what appropriate and forward-looking urban infill can be, or how to be respectful of historic properties,”

Andersen said. “But, we simultaneously want to expand our practice to tackle ways to more sustainably plan suburban and green field sites, where there are equal opportunities to create the same walkable and diverse communities that we cherish in older neighborhoods.”

Employees key to keeping systems, networks safe by Dwain Hebda potentially use their devices has changed,” Cybersecurity experts say with COVID-19 he said. “It is key to emphasize expectations driving many employees into remote work around how a work-provided device can be environments, the fundamentals of sound and used outside the office. The extended time at secure use of networks have never been more home with these devices may lead to employees critical. being tempted to use the device in “Industry research shows the unintended, risky ways.” primary target of the bad guys are Maureen Fulton, attorney and our employees, not the technologies chair of the Data Privacy and we deploy,” said Kerry Kremke, Security Practice Area at Koley director of Information Security, Jessen, said cybercriminals have Privacy & CISO at Blue Cross and rapidly shifted tactics to individual Blue Shield of Nebraska. “Think of users from home, hoping for a it like a car alarm; the best system weak point. in the world becomes ineffective if “Hackers are sending out many the keys are left lying on the hood. more phishing attacks than usual,” “Human behaviors are both she said. “For each email an emFulton the greatest line of defense against ployee receives, they should look cyber incidents and simultaneously, the great- carefully at the subject line and the sender to est risk. A crucial component to an effective ensure legitimacy. An employee should not security program is an informed, motivated and click on a link unless she is sure she knows the equipped workforce.” sender’s email address is correct by closely Kremke said companies need to be clear in examining the email address.” their communication with employees, regardOther policies Fulton recommends is reless of where they’re working from. quiring work that involves sensitive information “While most of the core cybersecurity best being done over the phone, not email, and propractices still apply to anyone working remotely, hibiting employees from connecting to public how employees do their work and who may Continued on page 12.

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the winter.â&#x20AC;? If not for FireSprintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $5,500 LQVXUDQFH FKHFN It was around this WKH UHVXOW RI LWV ÂżU same time VW period that screen-printer getting FireSprint freight, the trade-only damaged in Hamzhie had originally was born; sign printer shop started the probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as TargetOmaha have Marketing in go on, roughly eight survived to 2007 and brought on brother, Direcbe named among years later, to tor of Customer Inc. Experience James est-growing companies 5000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast- Hamzhie, and longtime friend in America, fellow and according to CEO owner/COO, Mark Gene Hamzhie. Kistler, as partners a year â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ran out of later. he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That check cash in 2011,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prior to 2007, got us through I had an eBay Continued on page 14.

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HDM Corp adds new cloud-based, health products to enhance services by Michelle Leach

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Father-son team ha and Jason LanohaDavid Lanoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; owners of Lanoha Real Estate Co. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are focused on what they term â&#x20AC;&#x153;good projectsâ&#x20AC;? and an overall portfolio of developments with an almost even split between IDPLO\ DQG RIÂżFH single/multiple UHWDLO XVHV Under new ownership However, Vice GrandBox son Lanoha admits President Jadevelops new products, programs. which was founded the business, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 2 in 1988, is venturingby his father to the next level â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and then some proposed 1416 Dodge, â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with its a two-tower, 730,000-squarefoot will include office, endeavor that parking and retail space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting good traction with a lot of really attracting teny ants since we announced log our plans earlier this year,â&#x20AC;? hno Jason Lanoha Tec said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our commitment Wealth of data, digital to provide something processes that underscore evolving pride and enhance will garner customer the perception experience, in-demand of downtown Omaha.â&#x20AC;? skills. As proposed, the development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 6 on the site of the former Union Pacific headquarters could see construction begin as early as 2022, 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW Continued on page 13. WRZHUV DQG PL[ -DVRQ /DQRKD ÂŤ HG XVH GHYHORSP

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New partners need good working relationship to meet challenges by David Kubicek

Partners will face many business challenges in forming a new company, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that they have a good working relationship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The upside, they're in it together,â&#x20AC;? said Angela Forss Schmit, attorney with Schmit Law firm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The downside, they need to get on the same page about the best way to move through these challenges, and they often have very different opinions and approaches.â&#x20AC;? Prospective partners should discuss their goals for the business, their ideal management of the business and their respective roles in the business. If they don't share the same vision and have the same interests in mind, the firm will either fail or be a source of ongoing tension.Â Mary E. Vandenack, managing member of Vandenack Weaver, said partners should clearly identify the purpose of the partnership and what each partner will contribute.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discussions about contributions should involve a professional who routinely sets up partnerships because there are many ways to structure it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Significant discussion should be given at the beginning to what each partner is contributing, what each partner will be doing and how any profits and losses will be shared.â&#x20AC;? Partners need to consider what type of legal structure should be used for the partnership and what jurisdiction should be selected for governing law.Â New partners will face more tax and legal responsibility than they had previously as employees, according to Justin Korth, tax manager at Lutz. Partners generally share in the profits, losses, and risk of the new partnership,

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so they need to have a long-term objective.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Legal entities can be taxed differently, so proper tax planning is key,â&#x20AC;? Korth said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Partnerships are a flow-through entity, meaning that individuals pay tax for business earnings, not the business itself. Since partners do not pay themselves W-2 wages

Forss Schmit Vandenack but rather guaranteed payments, they likely have quarterly estimated tax requirements at the individual level.â&#x20AC;?Â A well-reasoned partnership operating agreement is critical. It is essentially the playbook for executing decisions ranging from income tax allocations to tax distributions to liquidation procedures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In some complicated agreements, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful to have addendums that help explain some of these provisions in number form,â&#x20AC;? Korth said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Legal and tax wording can confuse partners [and] these schedules help to translate these complexities.â&#x20AC;? The partnership operating agreement should include a buy-sell provision, which spells out how one co-owner will buy out the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ownership interest in the event of a deadlock or any other specified circumstances.Â

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A buy-sell provision both encourages deadlocked business owners to find a solution to avoid triggering these provisions and provides a predetermined way for one of the partners or members to exit the business in the event the co-owners are unable to iron out their differences,â&#x20AC;? Schmit said. Partners should decide who will be in control of day-to-day decisions and to what extent. The partnership agreement should address any limitations on the general partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authority. Partners should also have an agreement governing what hapKorth pens to their partnership interests if an active partner becomes disabled, dies, or otherwise becomes inactive with respect to the partnership.Â Partners should focus on running the business and engage competent professionals to help them achieve success in other areas such as technology support, tax or legal advice, and marketing services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once you make the commitment to form a partnership, stick to your word and fully engage in the partnership,â&#x20AC;? Schmit said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cannot fully anticipate each and every issue that your business will face, but as long as you have an agreed upon method or approach to discuss and address these issues, you can work through them. At the end of the day, you formed the partnership because you each have your own unique zone of genius, so capitalize on that.â&#x20AC;?Â

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

As new COVID-19 restrictions bear down, surviving businesses draw on hard-earned lessons from the spring by Paul Roberts

Like many business owners in Washington state, sisters Tara Espinoza and Sabrina Rinderle, proprietors of Queen Anne Dispatch in Seattle, were neither surprised nor unprepared Economy for Gov. Jay Inslee’s second round of COVID-19 restrictions. Since the first restrictions in March, Espinoza and Rinderle have largely reengineered their combination boutique and mail-services business. Staff is fully SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

trained in safety protocols. Floors are marked for social distance and the inventory mix is more “grab-and-go.” The finances aren’t great. Sales are a fraction of pre-March levels and this time there’s no federal Paycheck Protection loan. But their landlord is working with them and, importantly, customers are no longer in shock. Unlike in March, when “nobody was coming in the doors,” customers are more “comfortable with the safety precautions,” said Espinoza. “They know what to expect.” PUZZLING-LY

Across Seattle and the state, employers, workers and consumers are plunging into the second round of restrictions better prepared in some ways than they were eight months ago. Of course, there have already been some reprises of the panic buying that followed the first restrictions in March. Another wave of closures and layoffs is probable, only this time quite possibly without the first COVID-19 shutdown’s billions of dollars in small business loans, enhanced unemployment benefits and other federal relief, or the millions in local philanthropic relief. But in other ways, this time may prove less dire for those businesses that have survived. Since March, much of the economy has adapted to COVID-19. Consumers are hardened to the new realities. Many businesses have come up with new strategies that, despite lower expectations for revenue and profit, could help operators get through this latest shutdown. Critical systems such as supply chains also have been upgraded as companies incorporate lessons and strategies from the pandemic. At the other end of the business spectrum from Queen Anne Dispatch is e-commerce giant Amazon. It too has adapted, though unlike many companies its sales have ballooned as more consumers shop from home. Amazon has poured $7.5 billion into its distribution network since the start of the year, hoping to avoid a repeat of its scramble early in the pandemic to stock distribution centers with cleaning supplies and home office equipment. The company faced an onslaught of criticism as the ensuing ripple effect of shipping delays reverberated throughout its ecosystem of third-party sellers, and fulfillment center employees said they feared catching COVID-19 at work. Amazon beefed up COVID-19 precautions in its distribution centers, hired 250,000 workers to meet surging demand for online shopping and expanded the square footage of its logistics infrastructure by 50%, Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said during a third-quarter earnings call. By midsummer, Amazon’s own distribution network delivered nearly two thirds of the packages purchased on its site, up from roughly half in 2019 and just 20% the year before. Amazon was “caught flat-footed” at the start of the pandemic, said e-commerce consultant Rick Watson. “That’s all lifted now.” Amazon’s sales during the pandemic have soared, tripling its profits compared with last year — though the company says much of the gains will be plowed into the company’s efforts to stay one step ahead both of surging pandemic demand and new health risks at its warehouses. Many other retailers, from Costco and Kroger all the way down to mom-and-pop shops, are also benefiting from pandemic-proofed supplier networks and distribution systems. Central Co-Op, which has a grocery store in Seattle and another in Tacoma, has not only seen improvements among its big suppliers, but also has broadened its supply chain to include more smaller local vendors. As a result, “we don’t have out-of-stock problems the way we did

back” in March, said CEO Catherine Willis Cleveland. Some retailers have also changed how they manage anxious shoppers, and were quicker to impose per-customer buying limits on some items. QFC, for example, has “proactively put product limits on toilet paper, tissue, cleaning wipes and bleach,” said Tiffany Sanders, spokesperson at QFC’s regional office in Bellevue. “We have plenty of food and other products in the supply chain but want to ensure everyone has access to it.” As a result, while runs on essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer once again left some grocery store shelves temporarily bare after the restrictions went into effect Monday night, so far those appear to be more short-lived and sporadic than they were in March. “The last time the governor announced restrictions, the next day, we had people lining up outside, but this time, it’s been so chill I’m on the verge of being bored,” said a midlevel employee at a Seattle-area Safeway who asked not to be identified. Safeway did not respond to questions for this story. Businesses also have refined their protocols for hygiene and for occupancy restrictions, with things like special hours for seniors and suggestions that customers limit the size of their shopping expeditions. “We are recommending families try to only send one person from their household to the grocery store,” said QFC’s Sanders. Some retailers have adopted new strategies for controversial issues like masks. At Safeway, for example, maskless customers are now simply offered a mask instead of being asked whether they have a condition that prevents them from wearing one, said the Safeway employee. “And that works like nine times out of 10,” the employee added. “We haven’t had any big outbursts or scenes.” Other industries that were thrown into turmoil by shutdowns in spring were allowed to continue work this go-round. Homebuilders raised a ruckus earlier this year when statewide orders temporarily shuttered construction sites. Thousands of contractors emailed the governor’s office in the last week of March alone, asking to be listed as an essential business, public records show. Construction work reopened — with added safety measures — after an aggressive lobbying campaign by industry groups. Those measures have kept job sites humming in the week since Inslee announced the latest restrictions, which exempt construction work. At a construction site of Seattle homebuilder David Coats, the founder of NEST design + build, prominent pandemic adaptations include masks, social distancing signs and a portable hand-washing station. “We’ve built all kinds of things, but we’d never built a small wash station for outside,” Coats said. “How are you going to drain it? How do you bring water to it? What kind of faucets are the right ones to use?” Sourcing protective equipment was also an initial hassle — but with those learning humps overcome, Coats said, the COVID-19 protocols have become so second-nature as to be boring. For many businesses, the pandemic has Continued on next page.

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

As new COVID-19 restrictions bear down, surviving businesses draw on hard-earned lessons from the spring Continued from preceding page. forced revisions to entire business models. In the past 10 months, Lakewood-based plastic fabricator Custom Edge has gone from making brochure holders for Microsoft’s now largely empty Redmond campus to producing a full line of COVID-19 protective equipment: sneeze guards, grocery store shields and polycarbonate face shields. The transition was one of necessity, said owner Scott Felk. Pandemic restrictions torpedoed his contracts with office buildings and retailers, including Nordstrom. In the first months after the pandemic, Felk said, his business “kind of puttered along” with only two employees instead of its regular 10 as he learned more about how to compete in the new COVID-19 marketplace. Because of the demand for protective equipment, Custom Edge is on track to finish the year with roughly the same sales volume as 2019, he said. Molly Moon Neitzel, owner of the eponymously named local chain of ice cream stores, is also counting on several pandemic adaptations to help get through the new restrictions. Since March, she has launched a wholesale operation — Molly Moon’s is now sold in more than 120 regional locations. She has also started ice cream deliveries, which now account for 10% of total sales, and is bringing out a two- and four-serving size dessert tailored for the smaller gatherings mandated by the governor. She’ll also revive a punch card that lets supportive customers pay in advance for 11 pints for the price of 10. After the first shutdown, card sales covered two months of health insurance for the 90 workers she had to lay off. She doesn’t expect card sales to be as high this time, “but I think we’ll get some kind of bump — and that will be helpful,” Neitzel said. Still, Neitzel knows her adaptations are only a stopgap. Even before the new restrictions, overall revenues were down around 40% compared with a year ago, and without some major improvement, she expects to be out of cash in five months. “I have until May to figure out what I’m going to do,” Neitzel said. That’s an all-too-common concern. While some larger players, such as Amazon or the big grocery chains, are likely to weather this new round of restrictions, it’s a far less certain path for smaller businesses, many which were

already barely hanging on. Even before the new restrictions had been announced, industry estimates suggested that 35% of the state’s restaurants and 49% of the state’s hotels will permanently close due to the pandemic, the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) said. Grim forecasts also await many smaller retailers as well as businesses, such as gyms, that must close entirely during the governor’s restrictions. Those scenarios would be playing out with only a fraction of the government aid provided to businesses and their workers last spring. Congress hasn’t extended its earlier program of small business loans and enhanced unemployment. On Friday, Gov. Inslee proposed a relief package worth $135 million as well as cuts in businesses’ unemployment tax — but that’s dwarfed by what the state’s business community faces in total lost revenue. Other relief is also drying up. The first lockdown saw private philanthropic efforts supplement public aid. But as the 10th month of the pandemic approaches, some of those initiatives have wound down or focused their efforts on a smaller subset of businesses. “Donor fatigue is real,” said Lillian Sherman, the executive director of the Pike Place Market Foundation, which has given nearly $500,000 to market businesses to help them roll out new products and transition to delivery. Amazon, which since March has funneled millions in charitable giving to Seattle schools and organizations serving people affected by job loss, continues to offer free rent to business tenants in buildings it owns. But its $11 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund and a short-lived program to help restaurants ramp up food delivery are both closed. Between March and May, Ellen Kuwana, the one-woman dynamo behind pandemic relief effort We Got This Seattle, had raised nearly $60,000 to buy food from local restaurants to feed front-line health care workers. The aid helped at least one restaurant stay current on rent, she said. But as the pandemic drags on, the pace of giving has lagged, her publicly accessible records show. So far in November, just three people have donated a total of $80. Kuwana is exhausted, she said. “I was sleeping four hours a night and running like crazy,” she said of the early months. She’s gearing up to restart coordinating donations for this

round of lockdown, but, she said, “I’m going to have to be much more selective this time.” Even those businesses that have managed to pivot say they haven’t necessarily found a new equilibrium. They may be more prepared to withstand the current realities of the pandemic than they were in March, but even a minor setback can threaten the precarious new balance. Since the pandemic, “we’re a smaller com-

Explore marketing training opportunities Continued from page 5. great marketing,” Warren said. “The sooner a small business starts to think about marketing, the more research they can do on their audience’s needs and their competitors. Their learnings from the research is what will help them create the most successful marketing message and look and help them decide how, when and where they will market their product. A common misconception we often see is that a business owner may think she/he knows exactly what their customer needs and how they want to learn about the product/service. Again, research is key to determining this important information. Survey customers, test messages with them, make sure you are on top of how your competitors are marketing, etc.” A successful business needs a vision, mission and plan, all three of which lend themselves to future marketing strategies. “As PRSA Nebraska communication professionals, we recommend beginning with a thorough examination of business goals to identify specific objectives,” Lustgraaf said. “One of the largest tenants of

whelming your organization’s security staff with tools that do not function well together. Great first steps are implementing multi-factor authentication for business systems and overall access, deploying password management tools to the user base, and applying the use of complex passwords.” Bennett said no matter what technology is eventually engineered in the name of cybersecurity, he cautioned companies against relying on such tools to do all of the work. “Even with authorized software installed, firewalls enabled, firmware and operating systems fully patched and complex passwords in use, there are still weaknesses to exploit,” he said. “Everyone should consider their passwords compromised and switch to randomly generated ones that are long and complex. Security teams should be looking at ‘dark web’ resources to see if company passwords are posted. There are several companies providing these tools and services to make investigation safer.”

successful public relations and marketing planning is setting measurable objectives. Additionally, be sure to clearly identify a target audience. PR is not just about a story in the news. It is about relating to each key audience, including your customers and employees, partners, vendors, investors and more. Think about your business from their perspective and carefully craft messages that will convey facts and resonate. Finally, select communication channels that will successfully carry your message to your key audience and gain the desired, measurable results.” When taking advantage of a training opportunity, the information gleaned needs to be considered on an individual basis. Just as every busines is unique, so are the methods of marketing. Before diving full in, it is often beneficial to test the waters first. “Market one really good idea at a time and perfect it,” McBride said. “When customer service is up to the task, branch out with other ideas you’d like to test. When you market one concept, you’ll spend less time and money and have clear feedback on a unified message.”

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Employees key to keeping systems, networks safe Continued from page 8. Wi-Fi. But she also cautioned companies against focusing solely on remote employees at the expense of office security. “With fewer or no employees in an office, criminals could zero in on the typical office setting as their target,” she said. “Employers may want to consider additional physical security measures such as sophisticated PINs for entry or additional security cameras. Implementing procedures for vendors such as pre-visit sign-ins, non-disclosure agreements and carefully worded service contracts can also offer a level of protection. Rob Bennett, security manager at LightEdge, said he fully expects new technical solutions to shore up remote workers’ online security, but companies need to take steps now to ensure the integrity of their networks. “Overall, there will be new innovations for remote workforces; it’s just a matter of time,” he said. “The challenge is not over-

pany than we were, personnel-wise,” said Felk. “And what’s going to happen on the other side, when all the (sneeze) guards go away? Will our other customers come back?” Moon sums it up: “A pandemic” she said, “is bad for business.” (c)2020 The Seattle Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 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

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TOXIE’S TRADES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on October 30, 2020, Toxie’s Trades, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 6009 Nebraska Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Kassandra R. Bendorf, whose address is 6009 Nebraska Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 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 NAZARETH MINISTRIES, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 10828 Old Mill Rd., Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. 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 create Christian community and nurture discipleship. 4. The corporation commenced on October 2, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Mary Stevens, 4545 Manchester Dr., Omaha, Nebraska 68152. 5. The corporation will not have members. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 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 HOMECARE ADVOCACY NETWORK SUPPORT FUND, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 3610 North 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent at that office is Mark Goetz. 3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is professional caregiver support. 4. The corporation commenced on October 21, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Mark Goetz 3610 North 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. 5. The corporation will not have members. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

ANNE K. BURNETT, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KSGOODNIGHT PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that KSGOODNIGHT PROPERTIES, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Anne K. Burnett, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on October 22, 2020, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney JAKE T. HOULIHAN, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: COUNT COOK III, 4025 N. 44th Street, Omaha NE 68111 and MICHAEL THORNTON, 2115 Spencer st, Omaha NE 68110, 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 CI20-14092, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,477.11, 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 the 4th day of January, 2021, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication November 13, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTYLEZ, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Christylez,, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2532 Decatur Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The Registered Agent of the Company is Christopher Brookins., 2532 Decatur Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRENTALEC 1, 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 BrentAlec 1, 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 12502 Longshore Circle, Papillion, NE 68046. James Ditoro, Member First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THREADWORKS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Threadworks, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13616 California Street, Ste 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Brett Jackson, 13616 California Street, Ste 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The limited liability company commenced business on October 22, 2020. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney at Law 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR BALLISTIX, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is BALLISTIX, LLC. The address of the Initial Designated Office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The address of the registered office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is BRETT S. THOMSEN. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced business on November 9, 2020, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

RICHARD A. TROIA, Attorney RICHARD TROIA LAW 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-2168 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF J AND B BEHAVIORAL SERVICVES, 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 in J and B Behavioral Services, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 8515 California Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent is Richard A. Troia, 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375, Omaha, NE 68114-2168. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 29, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

JULIA K. PALZER, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is ERIN'S DANCE STUDIO, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 6732 N. 92nd Street, Omaha, NE, 68122. The registered agent is Erin Wolfe and the Registered Agent's address is 6732 N. 92nd Street, Omaha, NE, 68122. 3. The general nature of the Company is dance instruction. 4. The Company commenced on November 10, 2020 and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF HMS L STREET, 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 HMS L Street, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7887 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on November 13, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DESERT PLAINS TRANSPORT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Desert Plains Transport, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6030 South 60th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68117. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JESSICA MARIE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jessica Marie, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Registered Agent of the company is Jessica M. Martinez with registered and designated street and mailing address at 13304 W Center Rd Ste 110, Omaha, NE. 68144 First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP, Attorneys 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FLANAGAN POINTE HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Flanagan Pointe Holdings, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Flanagan Pointe Holdings, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 17225 Clay Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007, 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 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CUBBY’S-BELLEVUE, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Cubby’s-Bellevue, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of its Registered Agent is PHILLIP E. MORRISON and the registered office is 9229 Mormon Bridge Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The purpose of the Company shall be to have such purposes and to engage in such activities with the exception of banking and insurance as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on the 17th day of September, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, PHILLIP E. MORRISON, and the designated office address is 9229 Mormon Bridge Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BUCK’S INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Buck’s Intermediate Holdings, 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 October 15, 2020. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is FRANCHISE OPTICS, LLC. 2. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17117 Oak Drive, Suite F, Omaha, NE 68130. 3. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Luke Towey, at 17117 Oak Drive, Suite F, Omaha, NE 68130. 4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 5. The company commenced its existence on November 4, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

RODNEY G. GNUSE, Attorney GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C. 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PURPOSE REAL ESTATE, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Purpose Real Estate, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 3173 Meredith Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the limited liability company’s initial registered office is 11311 Chicago Circle, Douglas County, Omaha, NE 68154 and the name of its’ initial registered agent at such address is Rodney G. Gnuse. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 18, 2020. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members. Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), EDITH J RYAN SHAUN P RYAN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 08/27/2020 on Case Number CI20-16044, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $373.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/04/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION PAV LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing addresses of the initial designated office of the company are 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing addresses of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Randall C. Hanson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN FLOORING, 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 American Flooring, 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 1213 Cimarron Street, Papillion, NE 68046. Dakota Garvey, Member First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MISTLETOE QUILTING CO., 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 Mistletoe Quilting Co., 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 1107 W. 6th Street, #7208, Papillion, NE 68046. Haley Schober, Member First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 50851 Partners, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Thomas J. Malicki. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Thomas J. Malicki, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CHUNKY CHICKENS, 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 Chunky Chickens, LLC. The address of the registered office is 634 Kingfisher Circle, Ashland, Nebraska 68003. 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 13, 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 November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF SKYLINE PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Skyline Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1129 Skyline Drive, Blair, Nebraska 68008. 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 Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 13, 2020 and a Statement of Correction was filed on October 15, 2020. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F P E R F E C T D O O R 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 Perfect Door Investments, 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 12502 Longshore Circle, Papillion, NE 68046. James Ditoro, Member First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given that GREAT PLAINS REMODELING, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Cesar Dominguez Munoz at 1115 Ave F #431 Wisner, NE 68791. The general nature of the Company's business is to engage in any lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized on October 28, 2020, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. In general, the Company's business is to be managed by its primary member Francisco Rivera in accordance with the Company's operating agreement. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blockchain Team LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Timothy Wilson office location,12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200. The limited liability company commenced business on September 9, 2020. Subsequently, the name has been changed to Linkitup LLC. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TEAM UNINVITED, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Team UninVited, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7013 Hamilton Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is Registered Agents Inc., 530 S. 13th St., Ste 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KARTHAUSER FAMILY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Karthauser Family, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 19407 Camden Ave., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DAILEY OPERATION LAWN CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dailey Operation Lawn Care, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5323 North Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kipp E. Dailey, 5323 North 51st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

Notice of LLC Dissolution Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 21-150 (RULLCA 704), please be advised that Wood is Good, LLC, doing business at 166625 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE 68118 has been dissolved by mutual consent of the members as of September 30, 2020. 1. All claims against the assets of the limited liability company must be made in writing and include the claim amount, basis and origination date. 2. All claims must be sent to the Registered Agent: Matthew J. Bock, 9802 Nicholas Street, #115, Omaha, NE 68114. 3. All claims against the company are barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice. Dated: September 28, 2020. By: Matthew J. Bock, Registered Agent First publication November 20, 2020, final December 4, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• DECEMBER 4, 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

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 4, 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 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES 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 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

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

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

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

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

Thousands of doctors’ offices buckle under financial stress of COVID-19 by Laura Ungar

Cormay Caine misses a full day of work and drives more than 130 miles round trip to take five of her children to their pediatrician. The Sartell, Minn., clinic where their doctor used to work closed in August. Caine is one of several parents who followed Dr. Heather Decker to her new location on the outskirts of Minneapolis, an hour and a half away. Many couldn’t get appointments for months with swamped nearby doctors. Health care “I was kind of devastated that she was leaving because I don’t like switching providers, and my kids were used to her. She’s just an awesome doctor,” said Caine, a postal worker who recently piled the kids into her car for back-to-back appointments. “I just wish she didn’t have to go that far away.” So does Decker, who had hoped to settle in the Sartell area. She recently bought her four-bedroom “dream home” there. The HealthPartners Central Minnesota Clinic where Decker worked is part of a wave of coronavirus-related closures starting to wash across America, reducing access to care in areas already short on primary care doctors. Although no one tracks medical closures, recent research suggests they number in the thousands. A survey by the Physicians Foundation estimated that 8% of all physician practices nationally — around 16,000 — have closed under the stress of the pandemic. That survey didn’t break them down by type, but another from the Virginia-based Larry A. Green Center and the Primary Care Collaborative found in late September that 7% of primary care practices were unsure they could stay open past December without financial assistance. And many more teeter on the economic brink, experts say. “The last few years have been difficult for primary care practices, especially independent ones,” said Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox, co-director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy at Washington University in St. Louis. “Putting on top of that COVID-19, that’s in many cases the proverbial straw. These practices are not operating with huge margins. They’re just getting by.” When offices close, experts said, the biggest losers are patients, who may skip preventive care or regular appointments that help keep chronic diseases such as diabetes under control. “This is especially poignant in the rural areas. There aren’t any good choices. What happens is people end up getting care in the emergency room,” said Dr. Michael LeFevre, head of the family and community medicine department at the University of Missouri and a practicing physician in Columbia. “If anything, what this pandemic has done is put a big spotlight on what was already a big crack in our health care system.” Federal data shows that 82 million Americans live in primary care “health professional shortage areas,” and the nation needed more than 15,000 more primary care practitioners even before the pandemic began. Once the coronavirus struck, some practices buckled when patients stayed away in droves for fear of catching it, said Dr. Gary Price, president of the Physicians Foundation, a nonprofit grant-making and research organization. Its survey, based on 3,513 responses from emails to half a million doctors, found that 4 in 10 practices saw patient volumes drop by more than a quarter. On the West Coast, a survey released in October by the California Medical Association found that one-quarter of practices in that state saw revenues drop by at least half. One respondent wrote: “We are closing next month.” Decker’s experience at HealthPartners is typical. Before the pandemic, she saw about 18 patients a day. That quickly dropped to six or eight, “if that,” she said. “There were no well checks, which is the bread-and-butter of pediatrics.”

In an emailed statement, officials at HealthPartners, which has more than 50 primary care clinics around the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin, said closing the one in Sartell ”was not an easy decision,” but the pandemic caused an immediate, significant drop in revenue. While continuing to provide dental care in Sartell, northwest of Minneapolis, the company encouraged employees to apply for open positions elsewhere in the organization. Decker got one of them. Officials also posted online information for patients on where more than 20 clinicians were moving. The pandemic’s financial ripples rocked practices of all sizes, said LeFevre, the Missouri doctor. Before the pandemic, he said, the 10 clinics in his group saw a total of 3,500 patients a week. COVID-19 temporarily cut that number in half. “We had fiscal reserves to weather the storm. Small practices don’t often have that. But it’s not like we went unscathed,” he said. “All staff had a one-week furlough without pay. All providers took a 10% pay cut for three months.” Federal figures show pediatricians earn an average of $184,400 a year, and doctors of general internal medicine $201,400, making primary care doctors among the lowest-paid physicians. As revenues dropped in medical practices, overhead costs stayed the same. And practices faced new costs such as personal protective equipment, which grew more expensive as demand exceeded supply, especially for small practices without the bulk buying power of large ones. Doctors also lost money in other ways, said Rebecca Etz, co-director of the Green Center research group. For example, she said, pediatricians paid for vaccines upfront, “then when no one came in, they expired.” Some doctors took out loans or applied for Provider Relief Fund money under the federal CARES Act. Dr. Joseph Provenzano, who practices in Modesto, California, said his group of more than 300 physicians received $8.7 million in relief in the early days of the pandemic. “We were about ready to go under,” he said. “That came in the nick of time.” While the group’s patient loads have largely bounced back, it still had to permanently close three of 11 clinics. “We’ve got to keep practice doors open so that we don’t lose access, especially now that people need it most,” said Dr. Ada Stewart, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Caine, the Minnesota mom, said her own health care has suffered because she also saw providers at the now-closed Sartell clinic. While searching for new ones, she’s had to seek treatment in urgent care offices and the emergency room. “I’m fortunate because I’m able to make it. I’m able to improvise. But what about the families that don’t have transportation?” she said. “Older people and the more sickly people really need these services, and they’ve been stripped away.” (c) 2020 Kaiser Health News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Small businesses frequent targets of pandemic loan scams by Andy Peters

Kara Kapczynski could tell something wasn't right. The Vinings School of Art — which she started in 2006 to offer painting, drawing and music classes — had received a federal pandemic relief loan in Small business May. So, when an Atlanta-based employee with the Small Business Administration called Kapczynski on Nov. 17 to verify information for another loan, alarm bells went off, she said. "At first, I thought he was trying to scam me," she said. As it happens, a fraudster had submitted an application for a $71,000 COVID-19 relief loan in the name of the Vinings School of Art. Fraud — whether it's someone posing as a business owner or a real company misusing funds — has been a persistent problem with the $525 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). With the coronavirus pandemic exacting a heavy toll on the economy, the Trump admin-

istration prioritized speed over safeguards as the program was being set up, critics say. The forgivable loans were meant to encourage small businesses to keep employees by providing money to pay them. Through October, at least $113 million in loans had been fraudulently obtained from the PPP, according to the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group. The program has few built-in ways to stop fraud, said Page Pate, an Atlanta attorney who has represented both people accused of PPP loan fraud and whistleblowers in PPP cases. "The government felt that it was more important to put some gas in the tank and put money out in the community quickly," Pate said. "They knew that there was going to be a certain amount of fraud" because the program was launched so fast. Kapczynski said that, after she confirmed that she did not apply for the loan, the matter was closed. An SBA spokeswoman declined to discuss her case. The Vinings School of Art offered only virtual classes from March to June, which

meant "we had fewer students overall because not everyone wanted to pay for a virtual class," Kapczynski said. Kapczynski said the relief loan she received in the spring, the amount of which she declined to disclose, helped her pay staff and conduct deep cleanings of the classroom space. The loan program, established by Congress earlier this year, stopped taking new applications in August. Its success in helping small businesses stay afloat is still being debated. A Wall Street Journal analysis this month found that at least 300 companies that received PPP loans later failed. And a Harvard University study showed that the loans saved few jobs. It's been difficult to gain insight into the program, as the SBA has been stingy with details. On November 5, in a Freedom of Information lawsuit filed by a group of news organizations, a federal judge ruled that the SBA must disclose all PPP data. The SBA has asked the court to delay the release deadline. The Justice Department has prioritized fighting the type of scam that nearly ensnared the Vinings School of Art — when con artists

Tech trends accelerated by COVID-19 pandemic likely here to stay by Mike Freeman

COVID-19 has accelerated technology trends around things like e-commerce and remote work that likely will continue even after the pandemic subsides. A report by finanTechnology cial services firm UBS Global Wealth Management — Tech Trends after COVID-19: The Future of the Tech Economy — contends that the pandemic has made more people rely on, and become comfortable with, doing things digitally over the Internet. That means a shift to a digital way of doing things that was already under way prior to the pandemic is expected to gain even more momentum going forward. “When we think about a virtual world, I don’t think that is going to change,” said Kevin Dennean, a tech equity strategist at UBS who contributed to the report. “I think some of this is a permanent fix. When we think about distributed workforces, that may be a structural change.” Small- and medium-sized businesses — only 20% of which were considered to have an adequate digital presence before COVID — likely will continue to establish online foundations for their businesses, according to the report. “Even if we are getting better news on the vaccine front and a more optimistic view of 2021, I think the adoption rates for e-commerce aren’t going to change that much,” said Dennean. “What the pandemic did was it brought into the e-commerce fold people who weren’t e-commerce shoppers before. Some of that is going to stay.” UBS’s Tech Trends report targets investors. Already, technology firms, especially the giant brands such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft, are driving the stock market’s heady gains since March lockdowns. Dennean declined to talk about specific companies. But he did point to technologies that UBS believes will drive and benefit from the expansion of digital business models. They include e-commerce, 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, 3D printing and drones, among others.

Longer term, promising “moonshot” technologies include quantum computing, neural interfaces, solid-state batteries and fuel cells, according to the report. These trends could spill over into other economic sectors, according to the report. E-commerce, for example, boosts demand for warehouses, which could spark an uptick in automation technologies used to ship products. San Diego is well-positioned to benefit from these trends, said Alex Howell, senior vice president and financial adviser at UBS locally.

“San Diego is a top 10 market for venture capital — a lot of people don’t realize that,” he said. “There is money flowing here. There is an incredible talent pool. It is a very educated city with a great university system. “So we have seen and heard from a lot of people moving from areas like San Francisco because the find it a more affordable place to live, a more enjoyable place to live and for their business, an attractive place to recruit talent,” he said. (c)2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

apply for loans using the names and addresses of operating businesses, Pate said. "These are run by a network of fraudsters who use legitimate businesses as part of their loan applications and have the money sent to them," Pate said. In September, the DOJ arrested members of a Miami-based group that tried to steal $24 million in PPP funds. In federal court in Georgia, the Justice Department is pursuing one case that involves PPP loans totaling $4.1 million and two separate cases that involve loans of $300,000 each. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment on the PPP fraud cases that it is pursuing. Law enforcement has made less progress in identifying other types of scams, including those that involve the use of fake companies or fake charities. Details about some loan recipients is so scant that it's difficult to ascertain whether they're legitimate. God's Anointed Youth Ministry received a PPP loan of between $1 million and $2 million, despite not registering as a corporation in Georgia and having a lapsed nonprofit registration, according to government records. Despite the program's problems, Kapczynski and other business owners credit the PPP with helping them survive this spring's economic lockdown. She appreciates the fact that law enforcement and government officials are trying to identify fraud. "People need to know that this is going on and that criminals don't need much information about your business" to submit a fake loan application, she said. (c)2020 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Data deluge shows uneven progress in US economic recovery by Reade Pickert and Henry Ren

A smorgasbord of U.S. data on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday showed lingering signs of both strain and strength in an economy trying to escape the clutches of the coronavirus. Economy The number of people applying for state unemployment benefits unexpectedly increased in consecutive weeks for the first time since July, Americans’ income declined more than forecast in October and consumer sentiment dipped to a three-month low. At the same time, the consumer remains healthy, powering the housing market and manufacturing demand. In sum, the data are consistent with a solid, yet moderating pace of the economic growth approaching the end of a tumultuous year for Americans and one that will challenge the Biden administration in early 2021. “It’s like economic momentum versus the pandemic,” said Michael Gapen, chief U.S. economist at Barclays Plc. “The pandemic is likely to spoil things in the coming months and make the outlook a little more choppy, but that’s right at the time when we expect vaccines to arrive.” While household savings remain elevated and certain sectors show resilience, soaring infection rates threaten to stymie the recovery’s progress should they lead to a broad setback in the labor market.

Hanging in the balance is the holiday-shopping season, the busiest time of the year for the nation’s retailers. With consumers cutting back on service-related spending as the pandemic forces many Americans to reduce travel, event attendance and meals out, retailers are hoping they redirect their dollars to more gift purchases. Vaccine Prospects The economy will certainly benefit from a vaccine for Covid-19, which would boost prospects for the hardest-hit industries. Yet, despite the recent favorable news surrounding trials and efficacy of vaccines in development, widespread distribution could take months even if a program is started as early as next month. At the same time, millions of unemployed and small businesses in tenuous financial situations are stuck with a Congress that’s shown little urgency in cobbling together more fiscal relief. Without congressional action, two pandemic jobless benefit programs are set to expire at the end of December, affecting an estimated 12 million people. “Stimulus is needed to keep the economy and the recovery on track,” said Joel Naroff, president and chief economist at Naroff Economics LLC. “And it’s not happening and I don’t think it’s going to happen before the new administration takes over.” Personal incomes in October fell 0.7%, a larger decrease than forecast, owing in large

part to a decline in the supplemental benefit payments authorized by President Donald Trump in August. The Commerce Department’s report also showed spending increased 0.5% after a 1.2% advance. Until then, housing and manufacturing have the potential of providing additional fuel for the economy. New-home sales hovered around the 1 million mark in each of the last three months on an annualized basis, the strongest since 2006 and indicating increased construction through early 2021. Meantime, orders placed with U.S. factories for durable goods rose more than forecast in October and signaled still-solid business equipment spending at the start of the fourth quarter. Shipments of core capital goods, which help form estimates for a portion of U.S. gross domestic product, climbed 2.3% from the prior month, the strongest reading since July and above all forecasts. “The continued weakness of the labor market is something that is going to drive the whole economy down,” Catherine Mann, global chief economist at Citigroup Inc., said on Bloomberg Television. At the same time, solid sectors like manufacturing are “going to keep us from being in official recession, but it’s going to be very grim,” she said. (c)2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 11

CYBERSECURITY

IN THE WORKPLACE DECEMBER 18

TECHNOLOGY

LBJ ENGINEERING PROFESSION

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date. You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Bridges Trust has scheduled its move to its new headquarters. The Bridges Trust Building will be a 34,774-square-foot facility featuring a number of private office suites with significant growth capacity via individual workstations in a space with distinctive architecture and advanced design elements and technologies. Additional features include a unitized energy-efficient reflective glazing system integrated with two rooftop patios, an underground parking garage with electric vehicle charging stations, an exercise faculty and multipurpose rooms, conference and training rooms. Bridges Trust will be maintaining its existing trust office location in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Midland Scientific was named 2020 Supplier of the Year winner by ADM. The award was given based on superior performance and the ability to deliver exceptional value to ADM and its customers. The award criteria was based on both hard and soft data points from the supplier scorecard process, as well as direct feedback from ADM stakeholders. Union Omaha presented donations from the sale of its 2020 Inaugural Season kit jerseys to Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health. Each organization received $2,500. In April, Union Omaha launched its Inaugural Season kit and donated the kit partnership to Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health and in addition, the club committed to donate a portion of the sales of each jersey to honor frontline health care workers, build awareness, and support each organization’s COVID-19 relief funds. Amazon announced its newest robotic fulfillment center that is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs. Economists at the Greater Omaha Chamber evaluated the economic impact of the proposed site, noting the 1,000 jobs catalyzed by the project would help support an additional 603 workers in the community, according to an IMPLAN Trade/Flow analysis of the seven Eastern Nebraska counties served by the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. Additional analysis of the project suggested the facility, when fully operational, will add nearly $204 million to the local economy each year. A1 Garage Door has landed on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for four years in a row, and now the garage door service and repair company is looking to expand its Omaha roster to accommodate growing demand. A1 Garage Door Service & Repair is seeking qualified professionals in fill installer, customer service and related roles in the Omaha area. The Enable Savings Plan has updated a rule in accordance with LB705. Upon the death of an Enable Savings Plan account designated beneficiary, the state will not seek repayment from the beneficiary’s Enable account for medical assistance that the beneficiary, a spouse or dependent received through Medicaid while the Enable account was open. More broadly, the revised law stipulates that in the case of a designated beneficiary’s death, the owner of the Enable account or the beneficiary’s personal representative may transfer the balance of the account to another Enable account specified by the account owner, the designated beneficiary or the estate of the designated beneficiary. Omaha Performing Arts launched two new digital performing arts education

programs. Theater Essentials Online is for students in grades 7-12 and teachers. Any student, teacher and parent can participate in the program and choose from a list of pre-recorded lessons in the following categories: vocal technique, acting technique, movement, technical theater basics and professional development for teachers. Each lesson will come with study guides, worksheets and other resources. AT THIS STAGE is a series of livestreamed theater workshops for K-12 schools and certified homeschools. Workshops focus on themes from Broadway shows, addresses required core-curriculum for middle and high schools, and issues of diversity and inclusion, social and emotional learning, and life skills. Bio Nebraska has selected Evonik as the 2020 recipient of the Governor’s Bioscience Award. This award was given during an award presentation ceremony and recognizes individuals and companies making significant contributions to the Nebraska bioscience industry. Evonik’s Blair, Nebraska site, located approximately 20 miles north of Omaha, and employing about 105, manufactures Biolys, a form of L-Lysine used to produce feed additives for swine and poultry animal nutrition. Production started in 2000 for lysine. In addition, Evonik and DSM have formed a 50:50 joint venture company called Veramaris to produce omega-3 fatty acids in Blair with a natural marine algae, which started up in May 2019. BrokerTech Ventures has opened the application window for its 2021 BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator program. The company, backed by 13 industry firms and carrier partners throughout the U.S., is dedicated to fostering innovation in the insurance space by providing early-stage insurtech companies the support to develop tech solutions for the industry. The submissions deadline has passed, and selected startups will be notified of acceptance in early February 2021. Subsequently, the cohort will begin the five-week Accelerator program in March 2021. More than $500,000 in funding is at stake for the selected broker-centric, seed and early-stage startups, with each startup receiving up to $50,000. Bridgepoint Investment Banking has opened a new office in Denver, Colorado that includes the addition of Managing Directors Nick Orr and Bryan Wallace. This increases the number of locations to six. Omahan Kent Zimmerman from John Day Co. has been elected president of the Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association for 2020-2021. EMDA is the international trade association of shortline equipment marketing & distribution firms. As EMDA President, Zimmerman will head the association’s seven-member board of directors and professional staff in supervision of services to EMDA’s U.S. and Canadian member firms and their branches, and associate members worldwide. EMDA member firms are reps and distributors of shortline agricultural and outdoor power equipment and related specialty products. Classical 90.7, KVNO launched The Sound of 13, a new radio program that highlights the contributions of African American composers and musicians to classical music. It is hosted by Garrett McQueen, a professional bassoonist who has performed with Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. symphonies and in venues across the country. The Sound of 13 airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Health care notes…

The University of Nebraska Medical Center team has made a discovery in fighting Staphylococcus aureus infection, a leading cause of prosthetic joint infection, shows potential for preventing immune suppression to clear infection. Infections after a surgery can result in additional surgery and hospitalization, considerable disability and prolonged recovery, as well as cost. UNMC researchers are working toward another way to treat S. aureus infections in joint replacement surgery besides using antibiotics, which when used alone usually aren’t effective. The three-year MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, Dec. 9 The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska will host a free forum via Zoom on featuring experts in public policy, rural health and behavioral health. The forum begins at noon and is expected to last 90 minutes. The 2020 Nebraska Behavioral Health Policy Forum will discuss how the challenges of the past year have impacted behavioral health care and behavioral health policy. The forum will feature a keynote presentation by Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association; guest speaker, Nebraska Sen. John Arch; and a panel of four Nebraska behavioral health professionals. Monday, Dec. 14 The second annual BreakThrough Summit, a digital leadership conference for women in sports starts on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. and ends on Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.. This event was organized and developed by Nebraska-based Hudl and WeCOACH. Attendance is free of charge. The BreakThrough Summit seeks to serve as a focal point of activism for females and their allies in sports, across coaching, media and front offices. It also seeks to generate an important discussion on the unique challenges facing women in sports, including pay inequality, gender stereotyping, objectification and lack of representation. Registration is online.

study was funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The Board of Trustees of the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln established a Resiliency Fund to support the community’s efforts to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund focused its funding on health equity, human connection, and embracing opportunity. The first round of grants from the Resiliency Fund will build and enhance online platforms to engage vulnerable youth and Lincoln’s Yezidi community, address isolation experienced by Lincoln’s elderly, build the local health care workforce, and build connections within families and neighborhoods. All grants listed begin on Jan. 1. Additional funds from the Resiliency Fund will be awarded in a second round in 2021. The National Association of Community Health Centers has awarded Jenna Thomsen, director of training and technical assistance at the Health Center Association of Nebraska, the Henry Fiumelli Patient Advocate Award. Established in 2008 in recognition of Henry Fiumelli’s contributions to the health center movement, this award is presented to an outstanding staff member of a NACHC-chartered State or Regional Primary Care Association who exemplifies passion and commitment to improving the care and quality of life for health center patients. Thomsen has served as the director of training and technical assistance at HCAN since 2016.

Education notes…

College of Saint Mary’s departments of Kinesiology & Exercise Science and Physical Therapy recently collaborated on a manuscript to explore whether stability scores vary among children with autism. The study, “The Effects of a Pedal-Less Bicycle Intervention on Stability Scores Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” is now published in Advancements in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, an international research journal out of Switzerland. The research explores the possible improvement of stability scores amongst children with ASD through the use of pedal-less bicycles. Under the leadership of Philippe Mal-

colm, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, graduate student Arash Mohammadzadeh Gonabadi within UNO’s Center for Research in Human Movement Variability tested several methods of estimating fluctuations in energy cost within the gait cycle. The results, recently published in the Public Library of Science Computational Biology, could shift our understanding of the science behind walking and pave the way for physical therapy and rehabilitation innovations. The new 44,000-square-foot addition under construction at Mammel Hall, home to the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration, now has a name: the Rod Rhoden Business Innovation Center. The naming of the new privately-funded addition was approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and will be completed in the spring of 2021. The Rod Rhoden Business Innovation Center is made possible through a privately funded initiative with lead gifts from the Mammel Foundation, Rod Rhoden Foundation, and Union Pacific Foundation. The new addition will help serve as a central hub for applied learning, community engagement and cutting-edge research that reimagines business education.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Chris Walker Education Fund Board of Trustees is continuing its annual mission in honoring late NEFA Member and Member of NEFA’s board of directors, Chris Walker. The Chris Walker Education Fund focuses on education. The board is raising funds and accepting grant requests to honor Chris’s great service to the industry until the

application deadline of Feb. 15, 2021. The fund will award a total of $16,000 in grants to be distributed by the end of February 2021. The grant application process is available to individuals as well as associations, foundations, and institutions. Easterseals Nebraska was awarded a $100,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands Karnett Trust. The Karnett Family Trust Grant funds programs that are focused on the care, education and training of children with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the Omaha metropolitan area. The Easterseals Nebraska BRIDGE Program facilitates employment opportunities for youth ages 14-21 who have diagnoses of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD), and reside in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington or Cass counties.

Arts and events…

All 19 Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics are collecting diapers for the holidays as part of the Makovicka Cares! program. All size diapers are needed, but size 4, 5, and 6 are needed the most. Diapers may be dropped off at any of the Makovicka clinics between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The 13 Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics located in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties participate in the 18th annual Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive. The collected diapers will be transported to the Hy-Vee at Linden Market on Dec. 11, and ultimately delivered to the Lydia House at the Open Door Mission. The six Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics located in Lancaster and Saunders counties collect diapers for Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders county.

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• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

BUSINESS SERVICES

Appointed

Charlene Pierce Business Banking Officer, Commercial Banking Division CharterWest Bank

CharterWest Bank has added Charlene Pierce as a Business Banking Officer for its Commercial Banking Division. Charlene is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has over 20 years of media sales and sales management experience in the Omaha metro area business community. She is active in the Small Business Council of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Business Development Center by GROW

Nebraska, the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Association, the National Association of Remodeling Industry, and SCORE of the Small Business Association. Charlene provides a tremendous amount of expertise in helping businesses with their growth, marketing, and problem-solving needs. Charlene’s primary focus at CharterWest is to help acquire new business banking relationships and help with their commercial banking cost-savings needs. She will assist in providing partnership business banking services such as free business checking, mobile & remote deposits, business loans, local personal service, and much more. “We are very excited to have Charlene join our

Commercial Banking team,” said Steve Tooley, Elkhorn Branch President. “Her experience in working with Omaha area business owners will be a huge asset. Charlene’s impressive sales and marketing experience will also help us achieve our Commercial Banking goals.” Tooley said. CharterWest Bank is a state-chartered community bank that started in 1985 in West Point, Nebraska. CharterWest Bank continues to be headquartered in West Point and also has full-service bank branches in Pender, Walthill, Elkhorn, and Papillion. CharterWest Bank also has residential mortgage offices in Elkhorn, Omaha, South Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook and Hastings.

Chris Mueller President Aradius Group

Chris Mueller succeeds Chuck Kinzer as president of Aradius Group and joins the board of directors. Mueller held several roles with Aradius Group, from quality management and continuous improvement, to leading the production platform as vice president of manufacturing, and recently as COO. As president, he is responsible for leading Aradius Group’s future and creating velocity within the business.

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Sarah J. Moore Attorney McGrath North

Sarah J. Moore joins McGrath North's Business and Corporate group. Sarah has spent the last seven years preparing to support business clients in all aspects of their operations, having received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and her law degree from the University of Nebraska with a concentration on Business Transactions. Her driven interest in playing a role in the success

of corporate clients resulted in her academic excellence being recognized magna cum laude at Loyola, and she graduated from Nebraska with high distinction and as a member of the Order of the Coif. While in law school, Sarah was an Executive Editor of the Nebraska Law Review and a student attorney for the University of Nebraska Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic.

Alexander K. Shaner Attorney McGrath North

Alexander K. Shaner joins the firm's Litigation group. After graduating magna cum laude from Drake University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Alex spent several years involved in regulatory and communication matters for energy and chemical companies, and marketing strategies for technology and manufacturing businesses. With this real-world experience in hand, and having served as a policy intern for the United States Senate Health, Education, Labor

and Pensions Committee, Alex attended the University of Minnesota Law School where he graduated magna cum laude in 2020 and was the Managing and Research Editor for the Minnesota Law Review.

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John W. Iliff The Omaha law firm of Gross & Welch is pleased to announce that John W. Iliff has been selected as the 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law- Employers in Omaha by both Best Lawyers® and Best of Omaha. Only a single lawyer in a specific practice area and location is honored with a “Lawyer of the Year” designation. John was selected by his peers in Best Lawyers®, and was selected by the community in Best of Omaha. The law firm of Gross &

Welch was founded in 1927 by Daniel J. Gross and is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawyers within the firm practice in the following areas: civil litigation, business law, insurance law, employment law, estate planning and probate, real estate, family law, creditor bankruptcy and workers’ compensation. The firm represents clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa. More information about the firm can be found at www.grosswelch.com.

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The Harry A. Koch Co.

Dan Ferris joined The Harry A. Koch Co. in September 2020 with 35+ years of experience. He enjoys problem solving with his clients and introducing technology options that improve the employee experience. Prior to joining The Koch Co., Dan was the Managing Partner of Omaha-based Ferris Benefits Group. Visit www. hakco.com to learn more about The Koch Co.

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

Gunner Kennedy joined The Harry A. Koch Co. team in September 2020 from Ferris Benefits Group. He has been in the financial industry since 2015, and is experienced in client relations and financial planning. He enjoys building relationships and reviewing the data. Visit www.hakco.com to learn more about The Koch Co.

Midlands Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 4, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

Hired

Gabrielle A. Kott Attorney Baird Holm

Gabrielle A. Kott focuses her practice on commercial financing transactions and public finance transactions. She earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law, cum laude, in 2018. At Creighton, she was a member

of National Moot Court Team, CALI in Copyright Law, Negotiation, Commercial Contract Drafting and participated in Milton R. Abrahams legal clinic. Gabbie was a Judicial Clerk to the Hon. William B. Cassel of the Nebraska Supreme Court from 2018-2020.

Brian Barmettler Attorney Baird Holm

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Tessa M. Lancaster Attorney Baird Holm

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the Fundraising Chair of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Law Society and Event Coordinator of the Health and Elder Law Society. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Studies in 2015.

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Sarah M. Gorsche concentrates her practice on all aspects of labor and employment matters. She received her Juris Doctor, with high distinction, from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2020, where she was a member and Executive Editor of the Nebraska Law Review. Prior to law school, Sarah graduated from Boston College, cum laude, in 2015 and worked for a Fortune 500 company conducting sales analytics.

Nicholas F. Miller concentrates his practice on trial and appellate advocacy, representing clients in complex commercial, contract, real estate, insurance, and finance disputes. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho and his law degree from Creighton University School of Law, magna cum laude. At Creighton, he was a member of the Creighton Law Review, and was elected Student Bar President by his classmates.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Appointed

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

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W. Todd Johnson Senior Vice President of Economic Development Greater Omaha Chamber

TheÂ Greater Omaha ChamberÂ has appointed W. Todd Johnson, past global channel leader of entrepreneurship and job creation atÂ Gallup, as its next senior vice president of economic development. Effective early January 2021, Johnson will join David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber, in leading the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership, a seven-county, two-state collaborative that accounts for

more than 44% of Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, and more than 60 percent of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todd brings a wealth of global experience to our region, along with unparalleled initiative to connect our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stakeholders on critical issues. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a consummate collaborator, and a cogent thought leader. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to welcome him to the team,â&#x20AC;? Brown said.Â Brown explained the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;critical issuesâ&#x20AC;? include job creation and investment, supporting entrepreneurship, boosting the startup ecosystem, encouraging retention and expansion of existing business, recruiting new business and the importance of developing, retaining and attracting a diverse talent pool. Brown pointed out anticipating the needs of a vibrant and thriving community through the lens of diversity, inclusion and opportunity for all is equally significant.

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the Wall Street Journal and local publications as a young kid. In high school, he placed first at DECA’s ICDC competition. At age 16, he put together a portfolio of the websites he created, printed his resume on the school printer, walked into a major Omaha call center and landed a job, which led to his first break building out a CRM for a national clothing brand. In college, he won the business plan competition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which led to a position at Ho-Chunk Inc. and the creation and sale of blabfeed. While Fix recognizes the serendipity of his experiences, he has always been intentional about partnerships, staying focused on his goals and outcomes. Now at 31, he’s also grown to respect the value of “quality relationships — it’s the village that you build around yourself to help you succeed.” Among various board memberships, committees, awards and recognition, Fix is quick to help others wanting to get into tech or start their own business and is actively involved in the community.

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2020

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D. Business Ethics Alliance

Fifteen years ago, Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., founder of the Business Ethics Alliance, and Robert B. Daugherty Endowed Chair in Business Ethics and Society at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, created the Business Ethics Alliance, a visionary partnership between the Greater Omaha business c o m m u n i t y, t h e Kracher Heider College of Business, the Better Business Bureau and the Greater Omaha Chamber. This June, she stepped away from the executive director/CEO role and now is the senior ethicist and adviser to the Alliance. The organization, a community-level initiative backed by a credible academic institution, is exclusive to the metropolitan area because of Omaha’s mix of Fortune 500 companies, small and mid-sized businesses and a robust nonprofit sector. Local business leaders championed the not-for-profit startup in its early stages and now it boasts 350 Trustees. While the entire Alliance model hasn’t been replicated 40Under40Ad.pdf

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2020 woman of distinction in other cities, many parts have, and it thus serves as an exemplar of how to establish business ethics education in cities by creating partnerships between various entities and community leaders. The innovative, practical, research-based programming takes business ethics “out of the academic towers and into the Greater Omaha business community,” an opportunity that Kracher seized in 2005 after the need for business ethics education was made evident by the Enron scandal. Kracher has co-authored “Ethinary: An Ethics Dictionary, 50 Ethical Words with Commonsensical Definitions to Use in Your Conversations,” and established engaging programming, including Trustees Talk Ethics, Executive Breakfasts, Ethics on Trial, Mind Candy Dialogues and Speed Ethics. While the universal truths of business ethics remain — to do no harm and to do good —the conversation has changed in a positive way over the years. Today, young people expect companies to be socially responsible and want to address the ethical implications of data ownership and the reach of social media. What’s more, in the last couple years leaders of national corporations are calling for organizations to strengthen their mission and purpose, a “sea change” in the corporate world. Kracher points to looming ethical dilemmas around COVID-19 in terms of

returning to the workplace — the divide between the have and have nots — and around data and artificial intelligence. Trained as a philosopher, she has been teaching at the Heider College of Business for 30 years. Throughout her life, Kracher has persisted, first as a farmer’s daughter, growing up among the corn and bean fields in rural Nebraska, then as a philosophy student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned her Ph.D., to a respected university professor, to a visionary community business ethics leader and adviser. While the beauty of the Nebraska plains has no match for Kracher, she loves to travel, building relationships with people who have different viewpoints and cultures.

Dr. Kracher’s tips for young entrepreneurs and leaders 1. Learn what values really matter to you and make you who you are. One of mine is persistence. I am not the smartest person on the block in any way, shape or form, but I learned persistence as a kid when I was in the cornfields and that value has really done me well. It is wrapped around other values like responsibility, fairness and trust. 2. Don’t ever give up your voice. We each have our own voice and sometimes we’ll give that up for a reason we think is valuable. But there’s never a good reason to give up your voice. It’s more important to expand it and to grow it. 3. Develop a sincere curiosity about people and culture. I love hearing other people’s stories. You learn so much when you lean in, listen and show true interest in what they have to say … and then ask them to tell you more. Sincere curiosity is particularly important with people who are different from you. Especially today, where we have such a divide in this country, we’ve got to be respectful and we’ve got to have a sincere curiosity for the other.

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Pandemic can’t dampen enthusiasm for entrepreneurship in Greater Omaha by Dwain Hebda

As devastating as the COVID-19 pandemic has been on existing businesses, the times may never be better for entrepreneurs. They’ve certainly never been needed more than now. “Consider this: There are more opportunities to start a business today than we’ve seen since the Great Recession,” said Erica Wassinger, co-founder of The Startup Collaborative and partner with Proven Ventures. “The systemic changes to many legacy industries represents a Candy Land of startup concepts for anyone with a founder mindset. “The Startup Collaborative, along with 30 other entrepreneur support organizations, launched a program, 7 Days to Think Like a Founder, to draw out even more founders looking to start up. More than 420 people participated from across the state.” As America begins the slow, painful slog out of the coronavirus crater, entrepreneurs must lead the way. In September, Inc. Magazine said as much, noting some estimates that reported 3.3 million businesses had shut down, many of them permanently and including an alarming percentage of Black and Latinx-owned firms. Moreover, this implosion comes at a time when new business creation in America has fallen overall to its lowest rate in more than 40 years. Yet, the publication asserted, entrepreneurs are precisely what is needed to lead the recovery, something Wassinger couldn’t agree with more.

“All great businesses start as painful problems. Most want-to-be-founders miss this incredibly important insight. They chase shiny concepts and solutions, ultimately spending too much time and money looking for someone’s problem to solve. That is the No. 1 mistake founders make when starting up,” she said. “If we look in our backyard, we know the delivery of health care will forever be changed. We know that financial services will look different. The future of work has been tilted on its head. Agriculture’s supply chain and distribution model have been tested. In each of these examples, Nebraska founders can and should be Wassinger the ones designing next-generation solutions.” Such is not to say that launching a business is easier than it ever was, said Scott Henderson, managing director of NMotion, but the challenge in itself can be a motivator. “Entrepreneurship can be daunting. You're taking on the status quo. The simple answer is to just start,” he said. “You can study and research all you want, but the real journey begins when you take action. Sometimes that comes from someone competing in a pitch competition, hackathon or idea challenge. Sometimes it means working with

The Startup Collaborative or NMotion. The internet offers everyone the chance to find other founders and startup champions who are more than willing to plug you in. But it starts with you.” Once an entrepreneur accepts that risk will come with the territory of starting a business, they tend to look past challenges and see opportunities instead. This is true even in the uncharted territory of the current marketplace. “The pandemic creates a bunch of new opportunities as well as challenges,” Henderson said. “We are better because of the local and national awareness Silicon Prairie News and Big Omaha helped kickstart a decade ago. That’s helped encourage more local startup founders and local investors to jump. We’re well-positioned as a region to attract great talent here to Wiseman stay and build here, while attracting those folks leaving the major cities looking for new opportunities, either by moving here or working virtually. “People are making moves and thanks to the programs and resources people have already created, we’re in a great position to lean into these opportunities. Interestingly, we’re selecting the five founders/founding teams for the next NMotion Accelerator Studio cohort almost exclusively through Zoom conversations.” Nebraska still suffers from certain deficiencies when it comes to startups, especially

surrounding investment capital. “Nebraska Angels is a growing network of early investors, which helps for those early in the journey,” Henderson said. “What we’ll need is more investors who can help with Series A, B, and C rounds.” Helping the new generation meet funding and other challenges are a robust, accessible community of mentors who have been through the process of starting a business. This collection of entrepreneurial veterans is arguably the most important element of the local startup ecosystem. “Getting a business off the ground takes more than a vision and inspiration. It takes a lot of perspiration, dedication and courage,” said Wendy Wiseman, president and chief creative officer with Zaiss & Company. “It also takes a balance of following your strategy and heart, while opening your ears and taking in advice from those who have gone before you. “Omaha is rich with resources for entrepreneurs: The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business Administration’s Center of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising is dedicated to the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship. Bellevue University offers a master’s degree with concentrations in entrepreneurship and an entrepreneur boot camp. Entrepreneurs’ Organization Nebraska, with nearly 100 members from Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas, helps entrepreneurs achieve their full potential in their businesses and personal lives through life-enhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning.” Wiseman said the collective expertise of these formal organizations — as well as Continued on page 10.

You’re the toast of the town. We’re raising our glass to the tried-and-true professionals serving clients throughout the region. Congratulations to BKD Senior Manager Colby Jensen and the rest of this year’s 40 Under 40 class.

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Proﬁles of our 40 Under 40 award winners for 2020 appear on the following pages.

2020

A feature story on each winner will appear in the coming issues of the Midlands Business Journal.

Anthony Ashby, 32 CHI Health

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What career accomplishments are you most proud of? My greatest career accomplishment is honestly the people I have influenced, some who I may know and some I may never know. I am always seeking to help people grow and develop through leading by example and intentionally making myself available to Ashby mentor and coach those seeking to advance. I love my job so much and I just want to do whatever I can to connect people with the purpose and why of their work so that they can leverage their passion. What are you currently working on? Currently, I am leading a task force through the Greater Omaha Chamber to develop a listening and engagement platform to facilitate intentional conversations and accelerate relationship building between individuals of dominant and marginalized

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What career accomplishments are you most proud of? Dentistry is a career of many small accomplishments, with occasional large accomplishments. While being named the New Dentist of the Year by the Iowa Dental Association is an exciting accolade, nothing compares to the day-today successes with patients. Whether it’s making a first visit for a nervous Beresford kiddo a positive experience or restoring a smile people thought they would never have back, I get to improve lives on a daily basis. What are you currently working on? Routine dental care was suspended for two full months this year due to COVID-19. We were allowed to provide emergency services only from March 17 until May 18. Re-opening involved acquiring substantial personal protective equipment and making modifications to schedule and other day-today operational matters to ensure my office continues to provide dental care in an envi-

groups to learn how we all can help bridge gaps and remove barriers of diversity, equity and inclusion. I am also in the process of founding a local Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) to promote the advancement and development of Black health care leaders, and elevate the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities to ensure greater participation of minority groups in the health field. What are your biggest goals for the future? My ultimate goal for the future is to lead a health care system to reduce the cost of health care, ensure the quality of care is equitable across all populations and to increase the minority representation in health care leadership. Community involvement/Achievements: I am fortunate to be able to serve on a few local boards including Heartland Family Service and the Omaha-Council Bluffs American Red Cross. I am also privileged to be recently appointed to the Mayor’s Community Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion for the City of Omaha. Nominated by: Ann Schumacher ronment safe for patients and employees. What are your biggest goals for the future? The pandemic continues to shape the way we do dentistry and we are constantly adapting. I am focused on making sure Bluffs Family Dentistry is able to safely provide care to our patients and keep our staff employed during unprecedented times. Community involvement/Achievements: I'm very proud of my work with the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Pink Out Committee. Through events and fundraising, we are able to provide breast health services for under and uninsured members of our Southwest Iowa community. I've been a member of the Iowa Cookie Crumbs for 10 years. Our group sends cookies and comfort items to deployed military service people on a monthly basis. Since the Iowa Cookie Crumbs was founded in 2007, we have sent over 1.3 million cookies abroad. I currently serve as a board member of the Council Bluffs Water Works, member of the Iowa Western Community College Dental Assistant Advisory Committee and provide free dental services to the community through the Donated Dental Services program. Outside of work and volunteer commitments I teach fitness classes at Council Bluffs Jazzercise. Nominated by: Tom Hanafan

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Robyn (Sederstrom) Burnett, 36

Steve Elgan, 39

Best Care EAP

OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? After over 10 years in direct-mental health care, I have found my calling and voice with Best Care EAP, and am now reaching an even larger a u d i e n c e . Wi t h the support of my amazing boss, I’ve been given the autonomy to get creative with my Burnett position to make it my own, and increase revenue by more than 250%. What are you currently working on? Since June 2020, I have been working on a community-wide grassroots campaign to decrease stigma around mental health/substance abuse use, specifically in the workplace. Workplace mental health has become my passion and as the leading provider of EAP services in the region, it’s become evident to me the impact that my voice can make on our client organizations, and through my various community efforts. What are your biggest goals for the future? I want people to think of me when they have questions on how to create a mental health-friendly workplace. D, E, & I (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts are now top-of-mind for our community business owners/senior leadership, so we need to ensure mental health is included in this conversation. If people have a point-person when these efforts begin, it makes it that much more likely that true integration will come to fruition. With two young children, I can only hope by the time they enter the workforce, there will be far less discrimination on individuals based on all areas of their life, including mental health/diagnosis. Community involvement/Achievements: Besides the Stigma Reduction Campaign, I am on the leadership team for Methodist Emerging Professions-Talent Development, Greater Omaha Chamber’s Engagement Council, co-chair of the Health & Wellness Collaborative, board member on the Southwest YMCA and planning committee for Disrupt HR. I am proud to have been a part of several mental health-related articles in the past year through Midlands Business Journal, Omaha World Herald, Strictly Business, and KETV. Nominated by: Kelly Ethridge

Visit the 40 under 40 page at MBJ.com to see past winners.

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? Over the last 10 years, I have helped transform the IT system of work from a break-fix, reactive approach to a standards-based, data-driven, learning organization. I have successfully implemented concepts from Elgan Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System, and Theory of Constraints into the IT system of work to improve quality, reduce lead time and remove unplanned work from the IT System. What are you currently working on? When COVID hit, the least flexible tech-

nology we had was our voice communications and phone system. We are currently migrating from an older digital phone system to a VOIP phone system that better suits our needs. It’ll provide the metrics we need for good decision making as well as the flexibility to support work from home, in-office and hybrid staff workflows. In addition, the needs of the business are quickly evolving as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. IT is an integral part of those efforts and must quickly deploy equipment and connectivity so that our clinical staff can serve our community. What are your biggest goals for the future? My first goal is to continue to evaluate our systems of work in order to reduce unplanned work and build resilience into all of our IT Systems. This is achieved through automation, simplifying architectures and leveraging next generation technologies. My second goal is to develop my team through the advancement of the first goal. Community Involvement/Achieve-

ments: Citrix User Group Steering Committee, 2020 President Citrix User Group Steering Committee, 2019 Vice President Citrix User Group Steering Committee, Member 2018 Omaha Citrix User Group Community (CUGC) Co-Leader, 2015 – Present Nutanix User Group Champion (NUG) Co-Leader, 2017 – Present Alumni Advisor – Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at UNO, 2012 – 2016 Citrix Technology Advocate (CTA), 2018, 2019, 2020 Nutanix Technology Champion (NTC), 2018, 2019, 2020 CUGCY Award – Local Groups, 2017, 2018, 2019 CUGCY Award – XL Event, 2018 CUGC Member of the Month, March 2018 NUG Celebrations, 2019 Nominated by: Andrea Skolkin

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Kristin Ellenberger, 36 Lockwood Development

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of what I have done to grow and scale my department at Lockwood Development. We have added team members to our Lockwood family seamlessly; we have built in processes and procedures to allow for scalability. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve implemented five different technologies in the company to increase efficiencies and excellence Ellenberger across multiple departments. And when I pull into my office at Sterling Ridge, no matter the day or time, I see folks walking their dogs, jogging, people coming to work, shopping, or just heading home, that active and alive development Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a part of makes me smile and feel proud of my work. What are you currently working on? Lockwood Development is seeing tremendous growth on the horizon. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m currently working on those growth opportunities and strategic planning for our team and department. And every day, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working to ensure Lockwood Development is providing excellent service to our tenants. What are your biggest goals for the future? My goal is to continue Lockwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation in all aspects of Property Management and to do so seamlessly. I want to continue to provide the perks of a local partner with industry leading knowledge and expertise. Community involvement/Achievements: BOMA Omaha Board of Directors 2012-present; BOMA Omaha President 2017 & 2018. CREW Omaha President 2020, CREW Omaha Secretary 2013-2018; CREW Omaha President Elect 2019; JDRF V1P Excellence in Fundraising 2020, UCP of Nebraska Committee Member 20142018. Lutheran Family Services 2014-2019. Nominated by: Leslie Suhr

Leontyne Evans, 33 Greater Omaha Chamber/ Survivors Rising

to growing in my role, as well. I am also the first Survivor Engagement Specialist with Survivors Rising. This is a unique role, which I believe I have done an outstanding job defining. Engaging with survivors of sexual trauma and domestic violence is not an easy task, but as a survivor myself, I continue to fulfill my purpose by doing this work. What are you currently working on? I am currently working on developing training for organizations working with survivors of sexual trauma, domestic violence and trafficking to provide more informed and equitable services and programming. What are your biggest goals for the future? My biggest goals are to finish my third book, end the cycle of unhealthy, abusive relationships by helping individuals deal with their unresolved traumas by starting my own private practice, and have the training I developed help organizations

engage and serve BIPOC facilitated in every survivor-centered organization in Omaha. Community involvement/Achievements: I am a published Author of two books, "Princeton Pike Road" and "Relationships, Friendships, and Situationships-90 days of Inspiration to Keep Your Ships From Sinking.â&#x20AC;? I have appeared on the front page on the Omaha World-Herald, and I have had the opportunity to share my story of overcoming childhood trauma with various news outlets. I have conducted several press conferences as a sexual assault and domestic violence advocate, was recently a breakout speaker at the Greater Omaha Chamber YP Summit two years in a row, recognized by the Omaha Women's Fund as "Today's Omaha Woman,â&#x20AC;? and selected as a panelist for TEDx Omaha Women. Nominated by: Morisha Brown

Nadira Ford-Robbins, 36

schooling, and coaching both Drill Team and clients. Mental wellness is paramount, especially while in this global pandemic that breeds isolation. Lastly, I am in the process of joining the Board of Directors for a local organization to continue to be a voice for marginalized populations. What are your biggest goals for the future? I have goals to strengthen my Gallup-Certified coaching business, Ford-Robbins Coaching & Consulting LLC, helping clients bridge the gap between strengths and success. Community involvement/Achievements: In 2015, my husband and I were awarded Burkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Leader Award for our work

coaching the Burke High â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marching Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;? Drill Team, in which we are the first couple and first ethnic minorities in that category. In my public service Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I served as the inaugural 2nd Vice President for the Omaha Alumnae Chapter from 2018â&#x20AC;&#x201D;2020, and was also an inaugural Delta PEARL for the Sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Region. I now serve as a Co-Coordinator of the Regional Reactivation Committee. I also provide leadership coaching to organizations through partnerships with the Nebraska Business Development Center and private contractors. Nominated by: Paul H. Davis

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud to be the first in both of my professional roles. As the first Greater Omaha Worklab Navigator at the Greater Omaha Chamber, I have been essential in establishing and marketing the program to future employer partners. Evans We have grown from one Navigator to five in the last year. As the program continues to grow, I look forward

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? Receiving the 40 Under 40 award is a huge honor. Prior to receiving this honor, I was most proud of advising over 1,500 students in one year between two full-time advisors with upwards of 2,500 Pre-Health students at UNO. While that required massive dedication and strategic planning, Ford-Robbins it has afforded us the opportunity to expand our team and grow our department. I was promoted to Assistant Director after a year of working in the HCRC. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fulfilling helping students navigate their academic career and helping them to achieve their goals of getting into professional programs. I am also proud of the ability to mentor and advise UHOP Scholars in our pipeline program to UNMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MD Program. What are you currently working on? I am currently working on finding balance between being a wife and mother of four, working full-time, teaching part-time, remote

26, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Journal â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL Midlands Business

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Continued from page 6. the many informal connections to be made within the business community itself â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are of enormous help to the new entrepreneur, especially given the pace at which the startup process moves today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The speed of change is a big challenge today and, in most cases, marketing your business in digital and social media is challenging, but necessary,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work with clients who have a hard time keeping up with all the change in these channels, and my advice is to allow marketing experts to guide and implement in this area with their expertise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pandemic has changed a lot of protocols and behaviors these past nine months. Some things will never be the same. Read everything you can about someone you admire in your industry, even if your business idea is disrupting that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Realize that most people really do want to help others. They just need to be asked. Allow their stories to guide yours.â&#x20AC;?

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Leadership resources complement forward-thinking citywide responses by Michelle Leach

Complemented by communitywide responses to COVID-19 and social justice efforts, support to engage and build young leaders has myriad implications for the region’s ability to attract and retain next-generation talent, to compete with other markets, and to grow in a sustained manner. “Similar to what a candidate might seek out for a position at a company, they are also seeking in a home city — stability, great leadership, safety, opportunity and inspiration,” said Antonette Pash, who founded Ladies in Leadership with Jaime Hann and Lisa Bilek. “It is essential that Omaha showcases these values that drive talent to our great city and grow their love for the city. It is ultimately a relationship where we give back to the community — whether monetary or physical — and we get back from the city. If the city is taking more than it gives, why would anyone stay? This becomes critical when extreme situations arise, because Omaha’s ability to perform is in the spotlight and is easily compared to cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, or Denver that might be outperforming and represent an easy move.” Allison Schorr Zach, director of marketing, communications and events with the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN), said it has become imperative for organizations to play an active and contributing role to their communities – being present and having a voice toward growth, change and support.

“Young talent seeks and values support from their organization in the ability to give their time, talents and service to causes and organizations that mean something to them — whether that be volunteer shifts, board roles or service projects,” she said. “Having the encouragement and support of their organization and being able to represent their company, when appropriate, is key — seeing your organization out there being part of the Schorr Zach solution and progress where values are in alignment.” MindSet exists to help organizations develop leaders, said co-owner Brett Hoogeveen, and Leadership Propel specifically targets younger leaders. “Just about every organization, whether for-profit or nonprofit, wants their business to thrive and grow,” he said. “And in today’s marketplace one of the most effective ways to grow your business is by focusing on attracting, developing and retaining talent. The most powerful motivating force for attracting and keeping talent is culture.” And, he said, culture emanates from leadership. “Whether you are talking about the leadership of a company or the stewardship or a city and community, culture matters,” Hoogeveen said. “To move the needle,

a community, just like in business, must create the right culture. And it takes passionate, capable leaders to do that.” Sam Mosser chairs the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Talent Council, which works

Hoogeveen Mosser with Senior Director of Talent Sarah Moylan and her team to provide guidance on talent-related strategy. Its initiatives to support existing recruitment efforts by employers and major players (like universities) include the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals program. The nearly 20-year-old organization is tasked with attracting and retaining YPs to Greater Omaha through engagement, opportunity and advocacy. “The group currently operates the largest young professionals’ event in the country — the YP Summit,” Mosser said. “Going on 16 years, the event engages over 1,500 young professionals in personal, professional and community development.” Additionally, Mosser referenced the Chamber’s active promotion of the region

as a “great place to work and live” through its regional brand: We Don’t Coast. The aim is to build awareness of the diverse of Omaha’s community, neighborhoods, offerings and employers. “The Chamber talent team specifically manages and executes two programs to nurture prospective, out-of-market talent,” Mosser said, noting its Execute INTRO Events are tentatively scheduled for June 3 and Sept. 9 as a “Welcome to Omaha” party for newbies that may have landed in the community. “They also work with volunteers on the coordination of an Ambassadors program, which pairs people considering Omaha with a helpful, locally-rooted volunteer guide.” The talent team also regularly supports employers who conduct their own recruitment, Mosser said, and universities that attract post-secondary students to Omaha; for instance, launched in 2020 in partnership with the University of Nebraska and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Tech and Engineering Career Institute (NTECI) seeks Lincoln and Omaha businesses to pair with freshman computer engineering, software engineering and computer science students. The program, she said, establishes employer connections early on in the university experience. “In the inaugural year, 16 students participated, 10 coming from out of state,” she said. “The intent is to help grow this program in the future, so more students and employers participate, and we have Continued on page 13.

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• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Cory Garlock, 30 RBC Wealth Management

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? While achieving the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation was a high point for me, I am most proud of developing a process that allows my clients to Garlock pursue what they are most passionate about. We call it the G360

Valyn Gipson Beasley, 30 United States Air Force/Guided Professionals Staffing Network

W h a t c a re e r accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of starting my own business, which I named after my son Gipson — Guided Professionals Staffing Network (GPSN). I have really enjoyed workGipson Beasley ing with my clients and helping candidates get jobs that fit their experience and skills. Getting to know my clients and the jobs they are hiring for really help me to choose the

Process. Our goal is to have our clients look to the future with anticipation instead of apprehension. What are you currently working on? The finance industry is becoming increasingly complex. In order to simplify our clients’ lives we are creating a WealthPlan for every single client. It helps us understand their current financial situation, identify their goals and determine what steps they can take to meet them. What are your biggest goals for the future? My primary goal as a financial advisor is simple – continue to work hard to help our clients achieve their goals. I want to continue

our deep, multigenerational relationships with our clients. My personal goals include running a 100-mile ultramarathon to raise money for another important cause, have others join me in taking the “Giving What We Can” pledge, ride a bike across the United States, and continue to support Omaha nonprofits in any way I can. We make ourselves available to act as a free sounding board for any local area nonprofits that might need financial advice. Community involvement/Achievements: In 2020, I ran a 62-mile ultramarathon to fund the distribution of 7,500 anti-malarial mosquito nets in high-risk areas across

right candidates for them, creating a person-organization fit that benefits everyone. What are you currently working on? Currently, I’m working on my Ph.D. I’m about a year out from completion. What are your biggest goals for the future? My biggest goal is to become a college administrator. I love working in higher education and helping students develop, and because of that I work part time as a business faculty adjunct at MCC. I’ve worked as an academic advisor at UNO before joining the military and I’m really excited about getting back into Higher Ed. Community involvement/Achievements: Currently, I am the Education Chair for the 100 Black Women of Omaha and we recently just awarded 10 women of color with $1,000 scholarships each. I was the Scholarship Coordinator and it was my

job to create the scholarship application and review all applicants. It was really impressive reading the applications, but also really difficult making a decision on who was awarded the scholarship. Recently, I was selected by the Dean of the Business department at MCC to serve on the Business Administration Advisory Board where I’ll be part of a team who will have a unique opportunity to inform the creation of curriculum and programs in high demand areas, many linked to professional credentials in growing career fields, such as Human Resources and Finance certificates. I’m really interested in a role like this, as I continue to navigate different roles, learning more about higher education. I think a role like this really suits me because I can help guide changes that benefit students and the institution. Nominated by: DuJuan Beasley

Melissa Glenn, 37 Core Bank

Congratulations Congratulations to Steve Elgan, OneWorld IT Director. Steve exemplifies the values of OneWorld with his strong work ethic and warmth toward all staff - he treats everyone with the respect and dignity they all deserve. Not only does Steve lead and manage OneWorld’s IT but he also leads the company that manages our electronic health record and that of 9 health centers. He is astute to managing a data center that houses the brains for all of these organizations which they rely on every minute of every day. OneWorld Community Health Centers provides quality, affordable health care at 14 clinical locations in Omaha, Bellevue and Plattsmouth. Established in 1970, OneWorld, in partnership with the community, provides culturally respectful, quality health care with special attention to the underserved. OneWorld is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and provides comprehensive primary health care, dental care, mental health/substance abuse services, affordable medications and supportive services. For more information, visit us at www.OneWorldOmaha.org.

What career accomplishments are you most proud of? When I think about which career accomplishment I am most proud of, I think of the skills and insights I’ve gained along the way which have molded me into a stronger, more valuable person. In almost every job I’ve had, I’ve been able to add or create something extra, most recently Glenn the creation of a podcast and developing training and networking opportunities for small businesses. I love having the ability to grow, connect and create in whatever role I’m in, culminating in the ability to pass that knowledge on and create a new path for those behind me. What are you currently working on? I am going to teach an online course for UNO and I’m thrilled for the challenge. The class doesn’t start until January, but I’m busy now scouring over content, building my syllabus and preparing the tone and deliverables I want to impart to the students. What are your biggest goals for the future? My goals for the future include 4 parts:

the world. In 2019 I completed a 50-mile ultramarathon to raise money to fund a young Kenyan woman’s entire private high school education. My current philanthropic efforts are focused on the Effective Altruism movement. This is a philosophical school of thought that applies evidence and reason to answer one simple question: how can we use our resources to help the greatest number of people? It inspired me to take the “Giving What We Can” pledge which entails giving a percentage of my income to effective nonprofits for my remaining working years. Nominated by: John "Buzz" Garlock

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growing my role and impact within the bank, developing my skills as an instructor, starting my own small business and publishing a body of written work. My path has always been my own and each goal I set for myself is a challenge but also a culmination of each experience to date. I am creating a future which will be as challenging as it will be rewarding and I welcome each step along the way. Community involvement/Achievements: I’ve volunteered for several groups during my time in Omaha including the Greater Omaha Young Professionals, SkillsUSA and Friends of Nebraska Children. Currently, I am on the boards of the UNO EMBA Alumni, Armbrust YMCA and HOBY Nebraska, and am part of the Service League for Project 4 Kids. I recently graduated from Leadership Sarpy and just started the Leadership Omaha program as part of Class 43, the best class ever! Nominated by: Steven R. Knapp

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Stacey Goodman, 35 Omaha Community Foundation

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? In partnership with local county affiliates, my team facilitated the establishment of three county flood relief funds in Southwest Iowa in response to 2019 flooding, which collectively secured over half a million dollars in charitable support to assist flood victims in Harrison, Mills and Fremont Counties. Goodman This past spring, I supported local community foundation advisory boards in launching COVID-19 response grant cycles in Page, Shelby and Crawford counties. I developed youth philanthropy programming, during work as a Donor Services Specialist, which included the development of a workshop for philanthropic families. What are you currently working on? Supporting our local advisory boards and our family of donors in responding to the needs of our communities and agencies across Southwest Iowa, particularly with grantmaking in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding our partnerships to increase resources that support projects and programs in our nine affiliate counties across Southwest Iowa. What are your biggest goals for the future? Strengthening the communities of Southwest Iowa. I get the privilege of working towards this goal as part of my career, as well as my volunteer efforts. Assisting individuals, families and businesses in crafting their philanthropic legacies. Beyond helping donors amplify the impact of their current giving, I hope my efforts can help them align their giving with their values, so that they can give with greater confidence and impact. In light of the current wealth transfer underway nationally, I see firsthand the importance of working with families on succession planning and engaging the next generation through multi-generational giving. Community involvement/Achievements: Leadership Iowa (2020-2021) Omaha Estate Planning Council (2020-present) Emerging Nonprofit Leader Award for Young Nonprofit Professionals of Greater Omaha (2017) Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Designation (2016) Leadership Council Bluffs (2011) CHI Health Mercy Hospital, Community Board member Council Bluffs Public Library, Board of Trustees member Advancement Network, National Board member 100 Women Who Care - Women’s Giving Circle, member Nominated by: Carol Waters

Leadership resources complement forward-thinking citywide responses Continued from page 11. great success at retaining this talent after graduation.” Lastly, Mosser highlighted the OPTiN branding campaign and job platform in partnership with the Lincoln Chamber. Four target markets were selected to place ads and run targeted campaigns promoting the region and tech opportunities from July 2019 through March 2020. “During that time, [OPTiN] saw approximately 1,784 tech-related jobs from 170 employers on the site,” she said. “In just nine months, it captured over 14,505 visitors and drove 693 clicks on available jobs in our region.” Ladies in Leadership’s Pash said the organization represents a supplemental resource to Omaha women preparing for, entering or revisiting their place in the workforce. “Our intent is to provide a community of support completely unbiased by indus-

try, experience or age,” she said. “We find that there are so many related scenarios and knowledge opportunities that women can bond over. Using Omaha’s own resources, including event locations, subject matter experts and professional services, we focus on the ongoing development of women to help define and reach their professional goals.” As with the entire economy, Pash said, there will be a heavy reliance from the generations who are currently or recently joining the workforce to both maintain and build upon what exists today. “It is essential that we provide as many resources as possible to develop and encourage these future leaders,” she said. “So, that not only are they able to step into the roles older generations will be vacating, but also have the knowledge to build beyond what exists today.” There must be an investment in leaders to accomplish the goals being set today. “It takes time for larger initiatives to

come to fruition,” Pash said. “The reins are often handed off to the next generation. It is our responsibility to ensure the next leaders exist and stay in Omaha by supporting them. A city that does not invest in its future generations dies, and we want to see Omaha live on strong.” Zach said ICAN provides experiences that develop one’s leadership voice and intention — gaining strength and inspiration to maximize one’s potential. “We find and encourage an active approach at leadership development and skill-building,” she said. “Whether that be through encouraging young leaders to secure a mentor or sponsor, providing opportunities to bring intention and awareness to their career journey, intentional skill-building, stretch assignments or supplying the insight and pathways to seek those growth opportunities — inside or out of their day-to-day role — that elevate leaders to the next level.”

Congratulations, Mindy! Heartland Family Service is proud of you!

Let’s center our neighbors’ needs.

So everyone can. Mindy Paces

Vice President

Housing & Financial Stability

40 Under 40 Honoree

Soeveryonecan.org

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Nikki Graser, 33 Congratulations to RBC Wealth Management Financial Advisor Cory Garlock on being named an honoree in the Midlands Business Journal’s 2020 Top 40 Under 40! We are proud of your accomplishments and your personalized approach to helping your clients meet their unique goals. Cory Garlock, CFP®, RICP® Financial Advisor Omaha 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 392-6108 | cory.j.garlock@rbc.com www.TheGarlockGroup.com

UMB Bank

W h a t c a re e r accomplishments are you the most proud of? Mentoring others, supporting them in their roles and helping them succeed with their own professional goals. Growing the Omaha Consumer Market Graser and delivering the very best customer service at all times.

Kellee K. Grimes, 34 Mutual of Omaha

Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Midlands Business Journal recognizes nominees under the age of 40 as of December 31 of the award year. Award winners cannot nominate themselves. © 2020 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/ FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved. 20-OM-03561 (10/20)

Congratulations MELISSA

MELISSA GLENN SBA LENDING RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

402 590 2114 | SBAOMAHA.COM

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? During my inpatient nursing career, I cared for the sickest cardiac patients in the region through lifesaving work as a team leader and nurse Grimes mentor in Nebraska Medicine’s cardiac progressive care environments. While caring for critically ill patients, I led several best practice initiatives to increase quality control efforts among bedside staff, which directly resulted in an enterprise-wide decrease in patient injuries. I am proud to have personally impacted the health and well-being of so many patients and families. What are you currently working on? At Mutual, I provide strategic oversight for all associate health and well-being functions, including integrated occupational health, disability inclusion, absence man-

Sarah Gudeman, 37 Morrissey Engineering

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I’m especially proud of our company’s demonstrated leadership in sustainability and energy efficiency when it comes to our headquarters, the 4940 Building. We were the first LEED Platinum certification in Nebraska and have recertified at the same level twice now. We also continuously earn the highest levels of ENERGY STAR Gudeman certification for our building and have demonstrated excellent indoor environmental quality through ongoing performance testing, waste audits and employee survey results. I love coming to work in this building. In addition, I’ve been given many opportunities to grow the sustainability service offerings at Morrissey Engineering and stay plugged into national trends regarding health and wellness, indoor air quality, energy modeling, commissioning and embodied carbon. I most look forward to the accomplishments that we’ll achieve in the future! What are you currently working on? Sometimes I feel like a more apt question

What are you currently working on? Continue to grow UMB in the Omaha area by sharing all of the awesome new digital tools, products and services that UMB can offer for our customers. What are your biggest goals for the future? Open another location in our market and offer more convenient ways of banking to our customers for convenience. Community involvement/Achievements: Chamber of Commerce involvement and volunteer work in Omaha and surrounding areas. Nominated by: Joel Falk agement, ergonomics, health and well-being benefit programming and on-site clinic offerings. My team and I also play an integral role supporting the company's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. What are your biggest goals for the future? I focus my philanthropic work on increasing access to health care, encouraging inclusive practices, and advocating for safe and equitable communities. My husband, Charlie, and I are passionate about ensuring our daughter and two young sons continue to be healthy and engaged members of the community. Community involvement/Achievements: In my work for the Omaha Chamber's Young Professionals Council, I championed the creation of the Urban League of Nebraska's Diversity C.O.D.E. Coalition, striving to make Omaha a thriving business and community destination for people of all identities. I am active member of the Women’s Fund Circles program, working to make Omaha a place for women and girls to thrive. Nominated by: Clare Meeker is what am I not working on? I have lots of professional interests, many of which parallel some of the main issues facing our society at large today. Answering questions on how we can improve the health-inducing capabilities of our indoor spaces — where we spend about 90% of our time, and lowering the environmental footprint of our industry to mitigate climate change, all while delivering an exceptional experience for the ultimate end users of our work, building users and operators. Commissioning and ongoing performance testing for acoustics, lighting, thermal comfort, air and water quality is growing in importance too. What are your biggest goals for the future? Leave the world a better place than I found it. Educate others. Be the change. Community involvement/Achievements: Volunteer with: Teammates Mentoring Program (Omaha Public Schools), Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) – Student Mentoring Program Omaha Catholic School Consortium – Campus Planning & Maintenance Committee, Marian High School – mPower Mentoring Program Member of: Mode Shift Omaha, Green Omaha Coalition (GOC), Restoration Exchange Omaha Nominated by: CREW Omaha Metro

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Community engagement options for YPs span across many industries, local needs by Gabby Hellbusch

Now more than ever before, community engagement is critical for young professionals, as their opinions are needed to advance forward, experts say. Marjorie Maas, executive director for SHARE Omaha, said there are many ways to engage in the community. “We offer SHAREomaha.org as a free resource to the community, both for nonprofits and the public, to pursue thousands of ways of getting plugged in and supporting causes,” she said. “We saw dozens of companies really make a mark when celebrating Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1. From showing support by lighting up a building or a marquee, to virtually volunteering as teams Maas and offices — we saw generosity overflow.” Maas said young leaders’ voices and perspective are valuable to nonprofit causes and the community as a whole. “Raise your hand and apply for a mayoral commission,” she said. “Seek out volunteer opportunities where you’re passionate or have applicable pro bono skills. I also highly suggest if leadership in community engagement is a goal, to review our website for what organizations are posting for volunteer committee or board roles within nonprofits.” SHARE Omaha’s resources are available all year round, but Giving Tuesday is a signature day. “We also look forward to our first Do Good Week, focused on all the ways our com-

Kelsey Haswell, 28

Methodist Health System

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I have been most proud of the relationships built and the growth of the teams I have been a part of. The lung cancer screening program saw over 1,000 patients. I remember each patient and family who were given more time or were cured of their cancer. We expanded the program to our Council Bluffs hospital. I brought forth the idea of having an emerging professionals’ employee Haswell resource group to our senior leader. Our CEO supported the idea. With a group of leaders, we developed Methodist Emerging Professionals, which has held many events and development opportunities, and broke volunteer records. Fighting the opioid epidemic through a multidisciplinary team was rewarding. We decreased the number of opioids prescribed; participated in volunteer take-back days; supported local nonprofits; and collaborated with other health systems in Omaha, lobbyists and legislators on changes, and the Nebraska Hospital Association on a tool kit.

munity can give back, April 18 through 24, 2021,” Maas said. “There will be a day dedicated to supply drives, volunteer recognition and registration, as well as a cash infusion crescendo to really boost nonprofit causes. Businesses, individuals, neighborhoods and families can all get involved during these campaigns, and really anytime they want to make a difference.” For students, Sara Woods, director of the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said community engagement is a critical part of the educational experience. “The benefits of engagement — for both the community and the new professional — don’t end at graduation,” Woods Woods said. “Young professionals and leaders bring fresh ideas, skill sets and important viewpoints. Through community service, you can build networks, build problem solving skills and gain diverse perspectives. Whatever your interest or passion, there is a political, nonprofit, neighborhood, or grassroots cause waiting for your skills, commitment and energy.” Woods said the 2020 election demonstrated the leadership power of young professionals. “In 2021, there will be new opportunities for young professionals to engage in our local elections,” she said. “There are always opportunities to serve on appointed public boards — just go to your city or state government’s Continued on next page. What are you currently working on? I am supporting frontline caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic through operationalizing all changes, and supporting new construction projects, modifications, and HR and employee health teams. I am also volunteering to ensure Greater Omaha is a space where all young professionals are catalyzed through attraction, development and retention, and to ensure local health care leaders have development opportunities. I am more than half-way through my doctoral program for interdisciplinary leadership, and preparing for my dissertation. What are your biggest goals for the future? My biggest goal is to rise to the occasion this pandemic has presented, ensure I stay healthy (I have lupus but I won't let it hold me back), and happiness, and to work with other leaders to create more warmth and opportunity in our community. Community involvement/Achievements: Greater Omaha Chamber/YP Council; YP Summit speaker American College of Healthcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa chapter board, 2021 president-elect and 2022 president Greater Omaha Chamber board, first young professional on executive board Nominated by: Greater Omaha Chamber

MATT PLOOSTER

PRESIDENT & CEO BRIDGEPOINT INVESTMENT BANKING

LEADERSHIP IS THE ABILITY TO TRANSLATE VISION INTO REALITY The Bridgepoint team is proud of Matt Plooster’s recognition as a 2020 40 Under 40 Winner. His leadership inspires us and his vision keeps us moving forward.

Congratulations!

OFFICES: Omaha • Lincoln • Des Moines • Denver • Chicago NEBRASKA PRINCIPALS: Matt Plooster • Gary Grote • Wm. Lee Merrit • Mike Anderson Securities offered through an unaffiliated entity, M&A Securities Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Community engagement options for YPs Continued from preceding page. website to apply.” Additionally, nonprofit organizations are always looking for the energy, creative skills and different perspectives that young professionals bring as volunteers, committee members and board members. “Our community has many thriving neighborhoods with active associations composed of a wide range of individuals with a wide range of skills and talents,” Woods said. “Often, young professionals are the backbone of these organizations.” Catherine Harrington, community impact council director of Junior League of Omaha, said a community is the culmination of all its parts — by definition being part of a community requires sharing and action. “While we are all physically distancing in many respects, the fabric of our community and our league is tight-knit and strong,” she said. “The need for community engagement and assistance is greater than ever before. In Omaha, 9% of our population is food insecure, more than double the national av-

“A healthy community benefits us all, and when we all give a little big change can erage of 4%. Food access is the focus of our happen,” she said. “Self-discovery, empathy leagues’ newest programming.” and endorphins are just a few of the side Harrington said area food pantries have effects of volunteering.” seen numbers skyrocket with the Another way to explore comuncertainty that COVID-19 has munity improvements and coninduced. nectivity is through Metropolitan “Since May, our volunteers Area Planning Agency’s (MAPA) have helped distribute 400,000 Block Talks, said Greg Youell, pounds of food through the Heart executive director at MAPA. Ministry Center’s Drive-Up Pan“Block Talks are a great tool try,” she said. “We’ve helped for gathering information about prepare 16,000 plant-based meals street conditions, engaging community members and informing with No More Empty Pots, and helped at Together Inc.’s commuplanning and traffic safety projnity garden and food pantry.” ects,” he said. “Since the pandemYouell The league has also responded ic, we have adapted to the virtual to the pandemic by offering in person and environment with Block Talks and other envirtual volunteering opportunities. gagement and outreach tools. In some ways, “We’re also holding socially-distanced we have found methods that are better, and park and storm drain clean-ups with Keep will continue to use them or a hybrid form in Omaha Beautiful,” Harrington said. a post-pandemic world.” Lending a hand in the community through In addition, Greater Omaha Chamber-led volunteering teaches members as much about transportation initiative, ConnectGO, in themselves as it does the people they are which MAPA is a partner, has been using online surveys shared through social media serving.

Congrats, Katie Kuhl! We Always Knew You Were a Winner. A loud, proud Medical Solutions shout-out to Katie Kuhl, our Director of Learning and Development, for being named among 2020’s 40 Under 40 award winners! Your incredible community impact is much appreciated and we’re so proud of you, Katie. Want to explore the award-winning, people-first culture created by Katie and her fellow rock star colleagues? Connect today at: 1.866.633.3548 | www.MedicalSolutions.com

Warmest regards to our very own 40 under 40 winner, Karisa Malchow. Her competitive drive is only surpassed by her collaborative spirit and heart of gold. With all the accessories to match.

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11/20/20 3:58 PM

to gather feedback from the public. “As planners, it’s important that we don't just assume we know what the community thinks, and instead are actually talking with residents on an ongoing basis,” Youell said. “I never fail to learn something new when I hear the thoughts and concerns of the people. Bringing different voices and perspectives to the table and not simply depending on the ‘usual suspects’ is also a challenge.” In the last year, MAPA has made targeted efforts to bring emerging leaders into the process to work alongside seasoned leaders. “The pandemic has been disruptive on so many levels, but it has also provided a unique opportunity to become more innovative,” he said. “It has never been more important to get involved and have your voice heard.”

Diping Huang, 32 Bellevue University

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? As Global Relationship Manager of International Programs and Designated School Official (DSO) at Bellevue University, I previously worked as a Scholarships and Grants Specialist. Some of my career highlights includes working with my colleagues to design and implement innovative and effective scholHuang arship practices that impact the ability of first-generation college students to access and be successful in higher education. In 2017, our work was recognized by the National Scholarship Providers Association. What are you currently working on? In my current position at Bellevue University, I manage relationships involving institutional and student compliance with the rules and regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), coordinate support services addressing specific needs of students, and develop pathways and direct learning initiatives in collaboration with academic and administrative leadership of both Bellevue University and partner organizations. What are your biggest goals for the future? I’m passionate about helping students reach their full potential, as well as working with inspiring leaders to break down barriers in order to make the local community a more forward-thinking place. Community involvement/Achievements: Some of my community involvements include: mentoring youths from underserved backgrounds, designing innovative information technology solutions for nonprofit organizations and promoting an understanding of cultural diversity in the local community. I am a fellow of the New Leaders Council, a founding member of the One Community Cultural Festival and a member of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert's Millennial Advisory Committee. I also serve on multiple national and local scholarship committees. In 2020, I was recognized with an Honorable Mention for Nebraska’s 2020 Community Involvement and Impact Award. Nominated by: Cris Hay-Merchant

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Liz Hunt, 34

Colby Jensen, 32

DayCloud Studios

BKD, LLP

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? We are a 100% female-owned business. I’m also very grateful that we have made it past the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 8-year markers. I’ve got my sights on the 10-year one now! Many of my employees have been with me for a long time. My Hunt first two hires are still with me to this day and that says a lot about the culture we’ve been able to create here as a creative agency. I’m super proud of the design and website awards my team has won over the years. That has always been a career dream of mine and I count those awards as huge accomplishments for the DayCloud crew! What are you currently working on? We are currently working on the social media launch campaign for a new chophouse restaurant opening here in Omaha. We are also working on building out the environmental design and branding of a 32,000-square-foot electrical training facility as well as the design and branding for the 24,000-square-foot building addition. Another project we’re working on is with a local irrigation group. We’re helping them build a dealer excellence program as it pertains to digital marketing efforts for their dealerships across the country. What are your biggest goals for the future? I am looking for strategic partnerships in the future as it pertains to advisors for myself and the business, as well as other potential types of partnerships. As I continue to grow, I want to make sure I am surrounding myself with key leaders who can help me walk with both humility and success over the coming years. Community involvement/Achievements: Civic Nebraska, coach for afterschool program Omaha Community Foundation, Omaha Venture Group Grant Making Member Volunteer – Lifegate Church, Metropolitan Community College, AAF Meet the Pros AIGA The Show Winner 2019, 2017, 2007 Speaker for Flywheel Flyfest Retreat; Me, Myself, & Design Conference, Kaneko Art Academy, Mutual of Omaha workshop Nominated by: Brett Clarke

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? Passing the CPA exam and earning my license to practice was the first monumental professional accomplishment. My biggest career accomplishments now relate to building the team at work and helping others succeed. I instruct various firmwide trainings as others progress in their careers, and feel acJensen complished when I receive positive feedback that I was able to help them understand the content covered, keep the training fun, and showcase my knowledge and passion for the work I do. What are you currently working on? I’m focusing on growing as a leader, practicing gratitude and giving grace. By

gaining a better understanding of myself and challenges in the workplace and our community, I’m able to better educate myself and create opportunities for improvement personally, professionally and in the community, becoming a better leader. In the unusual times of 2020, I’ve focused on practicing gratitude and giving grace to those around me. What are your biggest goals for the future? To be true to myself, keep learning and love deeply. I want to reflect back on my life and know my values were adhered to during these difficult and most rewarding times. I want to keep my curiosity for learning, get comfortable with the uncomfortable, become better educated and make an impact. Lastly, I want to love deeply. I want my love to be known, seen in practice and felt by those around me. Community involvement/Achievements: I am an active member of the Junior League of Omaha, a mentor for the UNO College of Business Scholars Academy and

Nebraska Society of CPAs, sit on the BKD Nebraska Foundation Board, participate in Boy Scouts of America events, and volunteer at various community organizations. I was a member of the UNO Alumni Associate Class of 2019. I’ve received numerous WOW! Awards for demonstrating exemplary efforts in BKD’s client service standards, which requires nomination by colleagues and selection by office leadership. Nominated by: Junior League of Omaha

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CONGRATULATIONS

to our very own Sam Zeineddine as a recipient of the Midlands Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Awards. Sam is a vital member of the Midwest Maintenance organization, and we are very proud of his success.

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Taylor Korensky, 26 Appsky, LLC

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? A career entrepreneur who has never had a “real job,” I have grown Appsky as a bootstrapped company over the last four years to a team of 10 employees and have doubled revenue this year, despite the pandemic. We’ve completed dozens of mobile and web projects for individuals and Korensky businesses in the region. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and tech and entrepreneurship, we support many groups in Omaha. What are you currently working on? I am currently working on expanding

our latest business we launched earlier this year, Appsky Ventures. Our goal is to be the premium venture studio in the Midwest. We provide software development experience and expertise through the life of a product, a lean canvas business experience, and coaching and support along each stage of growth. We partner with individuals that are working on techbased products, acquire existing software applications, or launch our own internal concepts. Currently, Appsky Ventures is working on two partner projects and made its first acquisition of an existing e-learning platform early this year. We are expanding our pipeline of potential projects to partner with Appsky Ventures, and always work to improve the process and experience. What are your biggest goals for the future? We want to be the go-to expert for mobile and web design and development and app modernization/cloud architecture in the Midwest; grow to a 20- to 30-person development company; continue to

develop partnerships in the region to support economic- and education-based development and outcomes over the next five to 10 years; expanding tech and entrepreneurship opportunities in Nebraska; and have multiple successful partner projects grow or exit as part of Appsky Ventures. Community involvement/Achievements: Co-organizer of Omaha's One Million Cups and Coffee & Code meetup Co-creator/website builder, Start Omaha Board Member of UNO's IT and Innovation Alumni Advisory Board and Tech Omaha Judge/mentor for UNO's Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Franchising Nominated by: Jade Jensen

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and its Board of Directors congratulate

Angel Starks on her recognition as one of Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the top entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals in the metro area.

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KELLEE GRIMES for earning the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award! Join forces with a company that can AMPLIFY YOUR STRENGTHS AND EMPOWER YOUR CAREER.

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Katie Kuhl, 35 Medical Solutions

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I’m most proud of being on the ground level to start a formal training department back in 2015; seeing it grow from one employee to 15 employees today; Kuhl and increasing our scope of support for our organization to onboarding, continued role and industry education, technology launches, coaching, knowledge management, professional development and leadership development. What are you currently working on? Our Learning & Development team is diligently working on creating great virtual and eLearning experiences through the design of interactive and engaging learning paths, aligning employees of all brands to our go-forward business processes and systems. Throughout the process, we will support over 1,300 employees in some way remotely, and redefine how learning occurs within our organization for all future initiatives. What are your biggest goals for the future? Working with our L&D team to focus on designing and delivering personalized, just-in-time learning experiences in our organization that truly give each employee, team, and leader the keys to drive their own development. By introducing collaborative and social learning approaches, we further knowledge-sharing and foster strong relationships between departments in a remote world. Through a shift to online and mobile learning, we add flexibility and convenience. And by using predictive mindsets and data, organizational development skills, and industry trends, I hope to gain some clarity on what the future needs of our workforce will be, and then design proactive development opportunities to ensure our employees are ready to rock once new roles or responsibilities are created. Personally, I’ve set my sights on speaking for TEDx about my experiences and ideas. Community involvement/ Achievements: Association of Talent Development (ATD), Nebraska Chapter - Board of Directors and Chapter President 2019 Learning Leadership Award through ATD-NE Speaker, national conferences, share learning effort successes and initiatives Special Olympics Volunteer Nominated by: Liz Hall

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Karisa Malchow, 30 OBI Creative

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? My relationships. I could not dream of working with a better team and developing some amazing (and successful) w o r k t o g e t h e r. I'm most proud of the trust and reMalchow spect I've gained throughout my career thus far. The people I get to work with every day are the reason I get up and (login) to work every day. I'm proud of the way we've been able to come together. People are the most important part of anything, and this year has only continued to prove that. Miraculously, I think we have gotten closer over this year and communicated (maybe) even better than before (but I still REALLY miss seeing people). What are you currently working on? When COVID hit we had to completely stop the production we had going with Stature—our factory in

Alyson Manning, 35 Kiewit Corp

What do you consider some of your biggest professional accomplishments? Developed and launched the company’s first Employee Relations & Affirmative Action Center of Excellence, designed to investigate and address employee issues and foster diversity under one business group; Designed and implemented Manning the company’s first paid maternity and paternity leave policies, and the paid sick leave program; Launched our internal Immigration Department to facilitate obtaining work authorization visas resulting in $1 million of cost savings annually; Served as member of the COVID-19 Task Force, which has led the company’s efforts to manage this unprecedented epidemic; Co-leading the Women in Kiewit initiative for the entire company designed to help recruit, retain and advance women within the organization. What are you currently working on? Continuing to build on Kiewit’s affirmative action programming de-

Alabama turned to only focus on PPE and most of our fabric vendors halted all resources as well. We have been working on getting everything back up and running to where we were in February and designing the next line to launch. For OBI right now it is a lot of planning for 2021. This has been one of the craziest years, so planning for our clients' marketing initiatives and tactics in 2021 is shaping up to be completely different from how we have ever done it before. What are your biggest goals for the future? To lead people in a more executive capacity. But biggest goals for the future? That's tough, there are so many and it's scary to speak/write them into existence, but I would love to run my own company in a different industry. Community involvement/Achievements: Our oldest son is a 1st grader at Mary Our Queen and this year, the school and parish's main annual fundraiser is going virtual, so I've been heading up as Social Media/Communications chair. So far it has been an awesome experience to get to work with our parish community in a completely different capacity. Nominated by: Christian Stillman

signed to recruit, retain, develop, and promote women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Part of this includes co-leading the Women in Kiewit initiative for the entire company designed to help recruit, retain and advance women within the organization. What are your goals for the future? I hope to continue to maintain the reputation I have built professionally and philanthropically in the Nebraska area. Professionally, I am focusing on additional opportunities within Kiewit to continue advance and be a leader within the organization. MATT PLOOSTER Community Involvement/AchievePRESIDENT & CEO BRIDGEPOINT ments: INVESTMENT BANKING W i n e , Wo m e n & S h o e s C o Chair, Children’s Hospital, 2020 (event raised $183,000.00) Rockin’ Rosie Co-Chair, The Rose Theater, 2021 Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show Luncheon Co-Chair, Lauritzen Gardens, 2020 (now 2021) Executive Vice President, Junior League of Omaha, 2018—2019 100th Anniversary Cookbook Chair, Junior League of Omaha, 2016— 2017 Pinot, Pigs, & Poets Restaurant Chair, Completely KIDs, 2019, 2020 (events raised $400,000—$500,000 for CK programs) Nominated by: Grace Pearson

CONGRATULATIONS SARA WILSON! Smith Kroeger is proud to recognize our very own EVP of Client Services and PR, Sara Wilson, on her recent honor of making Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. Her tireless dedication, professional leadership and exceptional management skills are assets that truly make her deserving of this recognition.

Smith Kroeger also congratulates our client and 40 Under 40 winner Matt Plooster, President and CEO of Bridgepoint Investment Banking!

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS smithkroeger.com

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Brandon D. Mason, 37 Bank of the West

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I am most proud of the excellent team that I have the privilege to lead. We have a very talented team of outstanding people whom I am proud Mason to call my colleagues and friends. I have also had the privilege to

Victoria Mejias, 37 Heartland United for Puerto Rico

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I never dreamt I'd help create an organization that would fill the gap in services for Puerto Ricans who survived the worst natural disaster in our lifetime, or that I'd fight for women's rights on a global scale at the risk of Mejias death or imprisonment. But my greatest accomplishment will always be my two children. What are you currently working on? I was born in NY but my parents and ancestors are all Puerto Rican. I've heard that Puerto Ricans are citizens but treated like second-hand citizens my whole life. But

serve in various leadership capacities within the banking industry. I am currently serving on the board of directors for the Nebraska Bankers Association and was previously the President of the Risk Management Association Midlands Chapter. I am very proud to be a Bluejay and grateful I had the opportunity to attend Creighton University for my undergraduate degree in Finance as well as my Master of Business Administration and Master of Finance. Finally, any banker will tell you that one of if not the best part of the job is doing deals. We have the privilege to work with amazing customers throughout the United States, but I am especially proud of I saw it play out before my very eyes in the aftermaths of Hurricane Irma and Maria. Currently, I continue to advocate on behalf of Puerto Ricans and fight against disparities and injustices against them. What are your biggest goals for the future? We need to fix the broken systems that work against Puerto Ricans. From doing away with antiquated laws such as the Jones Act, which was responsible for thousands of American lives to increasing the efficiency of FEMA and further uprooting any corruption. Community involvement/Achievements: Women of Distinction—Tribute to Women by the Women's Center for Advancement, Humanitarian of the Year by the State of Nebraska, two Congressional Awards by the U.S. House of Representatives by Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico and Nebraska's Don Bacon, and Undefeated Volleyball Coach :) Nominated by: Joel Ortiz Soto

our food and agribusiness clients right here in Omaha. Not only do we have the opportunity to support Nebraska’s largest industry, but the businesses we provide capital to support jobs in the local economy I am proud to call home. What are you currently working on? I consistently look for new opportunities and challenges within my industry. This year, I am in my second year of graduate banking school at Pacific Coast Banking School, which is held at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. What are your biggest goals for the future? Professionally, my biggest goal is to con-

John Levy, 39 William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? Rather than a single accomplishment, I am most proud that I simply have a career, which has allowed me to help give low-income youth and other talented yet vulnerable populations the opportunity to flourish. Specifically, thanks to the generosity of the Scott family, I have witnessed first-hand and hopefully played a small part in refugee youth thriving in college, low-income youth becoming the first members of their families to graduate high school, and high-risk adolescents making positive life decisions. What are you currently working Levy on? My primary objective is to determine whether the organization, project, or program is a potential fit with the William and Ruth Scott family foundation’s philanthropic interests. First, in Omaha, I focus my attention on efforts to address unmet human and social needs. In so doing, I regularly interact and communicate with community agencies and the people they serve. Second, throughout greater Nebraska, I meet and work with communities that have initiatives and need

Cassie Paben, 36 Tetrad Property Group

CONGRATULATIONS, ALYSON Congratulations on your 40-under-40 nomination. We’re proud to recognize you and all of our employees who strive for excellence and making a positive impact — at Kiewit and in our communities.

Alyson Manning, Employee Relations Director

KIEWITJOBS.COM

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? There are several things throughout various points in my career that I am extremely proud of. From being entrusted to run an economic development organization in my mid-twenties to working closely with Paben Omaha’s first female Mayor to make our community better, it’s difficult to pick just one. Moreover, I would say the thing I am most proud of is my ability to work collaboratively and creatively with a diverse set ideas, communities and circumstances to get the job done and allow everyone to be successful. What are you currently working on? Lots of exciting commercial real estate

tinue to progress to an executive position within the banking industry. Personally, my biggest goals are to be the best husband and father I can be to my wife and two children. Community involvement/Achievements: 2014 Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Award 2018 National Business Person of the Year Future Business Leaders of America Knights of Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee Member Jesuit Partnership Council of Omaha Creighton Prep Class Ambassador Nominated by: Elena Khots funding for public health and well-being; early childhood education; out of school time educational programs and enrichment; education to employment activities, and family and child well-being services. What are your biggest goals for the future? Professionally, I want to make sure that I continue to honor the intentions of Ruth and Bill Scott and the rest of the Scott family and to assist them with their philanthropy in the most thoughtful, strategic manner that I can. Personally, I want to be an engaged, present, and loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Community involvement/Achievements: Leadership Omaha class 33 graduate; Ten Outstanding Young Omahans recipient; Creighton University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major award recipient; Denny Holland Pillar of the Community award recipient. I have served on more than 15 Boards over the past 10 years. Here is my current Board service list: Nonprofit Association of the Midlands executive committee, Board of Directors and Immediate Past Board President; Canopy South Board President; Lending Link Founding Board Member; Simple Foundation Advisory BoardMember; Latino Center of the Midlands Advisory Board Member; Red Cloud Indian School Board Member; Sixpence Board of Trustee (Gov. Ricketts appointee); OHA Galaxy Girls Soccer Coach; Mentoring via several local community agencies. Nominated by: Hannah Young development projects both in and around the Omaha Metro Area as well as nationwide. What are your biggest goals for the future? Continued growth of our organization through strategic relationships we have worked hard to establish & maintain. Become a mentor for others within the industry. Set an example for my daughter so as she gets older she’ll understand the importance of working hard, listening and being strong. Community involvement/Achievements: CREW Omaha Metro Board Member YMCA Youth Volleyball Coach American Red Cross Board of Directors Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor Nebraska Enterprise Fund Board Member Nebraska Economic Developers Association Board Member Aksarben Future Trust Board Member Cattleman’s Ball Local Committee Optimist Internal Member, Chapter President Nominated by: CREW Omaha

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Mindy Paces, 33

Matt Plooster, 39

Heartland Family Service

Bridgepoint Investment Banking

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I worked in partnership with other housing providers and emergency shelters in our community to foster system wide impact and collaboration. These partnerships have been critical in making strides to end homelessness and have helped shape me as a leader. I was humbled to be a part of the research, strategy, design and Paces implementation of these initiatives, and am deeply satisfied to truly see the direct impact these services have had on folks in our community who otherwise would have had to experience the trauma of homelessness and housing instability. What are you currently working on? I serve on various steering committees, task forces, and workgroups that primarily focus on Trauma Informed Care, advocacy for affordable housing and identifying strategies to end homelessness. I serve on the Board of Directors for HELP Services Omaha and for the last four years have been a mentor to other young professionals looking to get into the human services field. I will forever be working on continued development of my leadership skills and identifying ways in which I can give back to my community. What are your biggest goals for the future? My ultimate goal is to continue to find ways to give back to my community and to never become disconnected from my roots, ancestral heritage, and where I came from through my life experiences. I have considered going back to school at some point to pursue a degree in public policy with the hope of eventually being able to have a larger and more intentional influence on the advancement of social and racial equity. Community involvement/ Achievements: I serve on several workgroups and committees in the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless. At Heartland Family Service, I am the executive sponsor of our Trauma Informed Care workgroups and a member of the Elevate (mentorship) Employee Resource Group. In 2018 I helped establish and implement a community learning circle for homeless service providers and frontline case managers working to divert individuals from homelessness. I am a member of the Housing Advocacy Collaborative which focuses their efforts on safe and affordable housing in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. I have personally mentored other young professionals looking to get into social services for the last four years. Nominated by: Mary O'Neill

W h a t c a re e r accomplishments are you the most proud of? 1. Our incredible team — such a talented and high integrity group of not only colleagues but family to us — and the passion for impact and doing good Plooster they provide to the Midwest economic ecosystem every day. 2. Founding a needed company and service (M&A and Capital Formation), providing high finance and sophisticated capital solutions FROM NEBRASKA! 3. Our company has provided substantial opportunity for talented young Nebraskans, and a pathway to Wall Street that didn’t exist before Bridgepoint. More than 20 of our Nebraskan

alumni now work in investment banking…which was previously impossible. 4. Summary: I slap my leg every day driving to the office — I feel so blessed to be able to get up and do what we do where we do it, building something special with and for a special group. What are you currently working on? We are building the first impact investment bank in the U.S., focused on providing investment banking services with uncompromising integrity, core values and a focus on doing good. We also just announced the opening of our Denver office, serving the US Mountain West, and we hired two Managing Directors and one Director to our team from larger investment banks. We recently completed several >$50 million sell-side transactions, a $50mm impact capital raise for a leading impact company on the East Coast. We are also building out additional marketing and operational functions to support our growth. We will also be announcing a new Omaha office

to accommodate growth. What are your biggest goals for the future? To provide unparalleled service and transformational impact to our clients, unparalleled opportunity and support to our people, and great service and benefit to our communities. Community involvement/Achievements: Bridgepoint Foundation, Bridgepoint Impacts (giving program), various corporate and non-profit boards Nominated by: Perry Worden

Relationship Builder. Team Leader. Community Connector. The Greater Omaha Chamber congratulates Leontyne Evans. Thank you for changing the world for one person each day.

Leontyne Evans Manager, Greater Omaha Worklab (GrOW)

Congratulations to all 40 Under 40 winners. Thank you for growing good throughout our community!

Stacey Goodman

John Levy

Iowa Foundations Director

Vice President, William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation

We’re so proud of you, Stacey and John!

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Andrew Prystai, 27 Event Vesta

W h a t c a re e r accomplishments are you the most proud of? If I had to pick one singular accomplishment, it would be co-founding two software startups that collectively raised Prystai approximately $2 million in venture capital, something that few startups ever achieve—especially here in the Midwest.

Alysia Radicia, 31 RDG Planning & Design

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? Designing spaces for mission-based organizations that positively influence the community. I'm a deeply engaged volunteer that is passionate about empowering women and promoting Radicia art and culture in an accessible way. In 2018 I had the opportunity to design the Women's Center for Advancement's space on 38th & Howard. This facility combined all my civic pas-

Naresh Sundar Rajan M.S., Ph.D., 32 NEHII

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I’m proud of having been able to apply informatics and data science approaches for the betterment of the health care industry. Promoting a nationwide interoperable infrastructure through an application programming interface eco-

What are you currently working on? In 2020, it shouldn’t be easier to rent your house to a stranger than it is to know what events and activities are happening down the street—something we’re fixing at Event Vesta with a new platform for finding and promoting local events. I’m passionate about solving this because the challenges of finding events hurts our ability to attract and retain talent, weakens our civic institutions and makes individuals feel more disconnected and isolated. We launched our local promotion system (like “ZipRecruiter for Local Events”) in Omaha in September 2019 and now are working on bringing

this time saving and connecting tool to communities from Coast to Coast in 2021 and launching our mobile app for finding events with friends in early 2021. What are your biggest goals for the future? I’m all in on ensuring Event Vesta will be a nationally known company that’s headquartered right here in Omaha. We know we have the opportunity to build a large, successful company in this $7B market and are working hard to create unique solutions to ensure we live up to that potential. Omaha is uniquely well suited to build a company due to the deep expertise here in marketing technology, fintech, and a deep

sense of support for experiences across the spectrum, including arts, music, sports and even supporting local bars and restaurants. Community involvement/Achievements: Chair of the Mayor’s Millennial Advisory Committee, ORBT Stakeholder Committee, Member of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative Talent Attraction Committee, Chamber Public Policy Committee, Member of the Silicon Prairie Collective, Past Chair of the Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals Council and Chamber Board of Directors. Nominated by: Keith Fix

sions in a professional product. The WCA was thoughtfully crafted and designed such that women felt safe and valuable. Art and design were prominently displayed in a way to showcase the value and importance of all women who inhabit the space—that regardless of situation, background, or point in life, that they too are worthy of a beautiful space, safety, and security. What are you currently working on? Omaha Public School's new middle school on 42nd & Y. This space has been a joy to design! The new middle school will open in 2023. What are your biggest goals for the future? To live in a community that supports art, creativity, nurtures talent and fosters development. I look to the arts as a valuable resource in fostering a sense of place and connection that

physical environments cannot The world we live in is divisive, polarizing, and defensive. I believe the use of art can have a positive influence in encouraging and creating inclusive and diverse communities. It continues an expression of communal meaning, creates social bonds, and encourages empathy. Community involvement/Achievements: Junior League of Omaha, 2012—Present; current Executive Vice President (2020-2021) and Member at Large on Board of Directors (2019-2020), former HQ Remodel Committee Chair (2018-2019) and former Fundraising Director (2017-2018). Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professional Council, 2019—Present; current Executive Operations Chair (2020), former Community Engagement Committee Chair (2019). Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee,

2020 Opera Omaha Community Advisory Panel, 2019—Present American Heart Association Sweethearts Committee, 2019—Present Share Omaha Advisory Council, 2018 Leadership Omaha Class 40, 2017— 2018 Women’s Fund Circles, 2015—2017 Friends of Nebraska Children, 2015— Present President of the Friends Board, 2019 Executive Vice President of Friends Board, 2018 Joslyn Art Museum Young Art Patrons, 2015—Present; 2017 Executive Committee Chair, Joslyn Art Museum Board of Governors—ex-officio Nominated by: Lakelyn Hogan

system, we’ve reduced the clinical burden to health care stakeholders. I’ve also contributed open-source initiatives for health information technologies, addressing key issues and reducing health care system cost while increasing reproducibility. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? COVID-19 projects include deploying a predictive model to forecast hospital capacity. In addition, I’m engaged in

building state-of-the-art epidemiological and risk prediction models for COVID-19 with Creighton University, The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health. This project will be critical to inform stakeholders on disease spread rates by time, region and predictive rate of infection. I have also worked in health informatics to enhance and evaluate prescribing practices as a means to inform deci-

sion-making by prescribers in combating the opioid epidemic. What are your biggest goals for the future? My goal is to create and promote open-source tools and technology and practice Rajan the idea of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reproducible) in health informatics. I believe in promoting a learning health system for the betterment of higher-quality, safer, more efficient care. Community Involvement/Achievements: National Prescription Monitoring Information eXchange (PMIX) Standards Organization Board – vice-chair and Nebraska state representative, Technical Architecture Subcommittee Social Determinants of Health, Gravity Project – technical advisory committee American Medical Informatics Association – peer reviewer Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society – peer reviewer Journal of Medical Internet Research – peer reviewer Coalition of Opioid Abuse Program – panelist RxDrug Summit – panelist Nominated by:Jamie Bland

CREW Omaha congratulates our 40 Under 40 winners!

Kristin Ellenberger

Sarah Gudeman

Cassie Paben

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Brandon Rich, 36 Alvine Engineering

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? One of my most significant achievements for my professional career was my promotion to Associate Principal for Alvine Engineering. The position of Rich Associate Principal allows me to represent Alvine in additional

Kinesha Roach, 38 Our Gathering Place Omaha

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? One of my greatest accomplishments has been providing judgment free dining experiences for families with special needs children, teens and young adults. In the last two years, we’ve been fortuRoach nate to serve over 1,000 meals to families. While many families can casually dine together, families who have children, teens, and adults with special needs often find it difficult to enjoy

Sara Smits Wilson, 30 Smith Kroeger

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? At age 26, I was made a vice president and ownership partner in the ad agency where I work. Less than three years later, shortly after our agency was purchased by Terry Smits Wilson Kroeger, I was promoted to executive vice president and a member of the Smith Kroeger senior management team. Being identified so quickly after the acquisition was a significant recognition of everything I’ve put into my career. Beyond being involved in leadership, I’ve worked with well over 50 companies, which means I’m continually accomplishing my overall goal in life – to never be

Curious about the 40 Under 40 nomination process? Visit mbj.com to learn more.

capacities to work with owners, clients, other associate principals, principals and executives to contribute to the overall health and vitality of our company. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? I am a registered Professional Engineer and LEED Building Design +Construction Accredited Professional, WELL Accredited Professional and Fitwel Ambassador working on a variety of projects from preliminary development and concept stages including 5th and Broadway in Nashville, Tenn.; Salesforce Tower, Chicago; and Herman Miller flagship showrooms in New York City and Chicago. What are your biggest goals for the

future? One of my biggest goals for the future is to continue to lead and inspire the future leaders of engineering, both at the student level and among my peers and colleagues at our firm. I have participated in a variety of community outreach to students including guest functions for the University of Nebraska Architectural Engineering program and serving as a mentor to current freshman and sophomore engineering students. Community Involvement/Achievements Miss Omaha & Douglas County Scholarship Program. I have volunteered for this organization for the past 20 years, producing the show alongside my wife, and we won the

organization's Volunteers of the Year award together in 2018. Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee Joslyn Young Arts Patrons Governance Committee University of Nebraska Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction 2020 Outstanding Alumni Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 AEI Forum Guest Presenter and Tour Guide Scott Scholar Alumni Organization Guest Lecturer, University of Nebraska Architectural Engineering Program Nominated by: Steph Guy

meals at restaurants without being judged. As a mother of two children with special needs and as a caterer, I envisioned an experience that united families and celebrated differences. This vision not only came into fruition, but the network flourished into something greater than I imagined. We have developed partnerships with Fontenelle Forest, YMCA Butler-Gast, YMCA Charles Lankin, La Vista Community Center, and Christ Cathedral COGIC. Partnering with them allowed us to host multiple events that united families and created a new sense of community. meaningful partnerships with community organizations has been an incredible asset to Our Gathering Place. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? Our Gathering Place has been supporting families one-on-one. Throughout this year

we’ve provided school supplies and electronics to families who needed assistance to succeed in virtual school. Delivering food boxes to families continues to bring them joy and it provides us with a greater sense of purpose. We are excited to close this year out with a virtual paint party and Christmas care package giveaway. We are currently working on a mental health initiative for parents through licensed therapists. We are planning and restructuring for 2021 in order to best serve families in a greater capacity. What are your biggest goals for the future? One day I would like to build a community center. In the center we would host our events, have a cafe, offer programs through the creative arts, and provide educational training classes. Our exposure in the media has drawn interest beyond Nebraska. As we

continue to grow and build, we dream of Our Gathering Place events being held around the nation and the world. Community involvement/Achievements: Our Gathering Place Omaha – Founder and Executive Director K. Rochelle Catering LLC- Owner RISE – Volunteer New Visions Homeless Shelter – Volunteer Omaha Mom’s Blog – Blogger Eagles Nest Worship Center – Youth Leader UNO Panelist for Special Education Classes 2018-2020 Nebraska 1st COGIC Women’s Department – Warrior in the Community Award Nominated by: Brandy Wallar

bored. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? I’m working on several integrated campaigns that span digital and traditional media, including various combinations of digital video, TV, digital display, web conversion forms, direct mail, radio and outdoor. A particularly interesting project I’m engaged in now is a Smith Kroeger client whose mission is to improve the economy

of Nebraska through workforce development. Deciphering pages and pages of data and turning that into a story the whole state needs to hear is a huge undertaking. I’m excited to help them share it. What are your biggest goals for the future? My biggest goal is to have Smith Kroeger recognized as the leading marketing partner in our region. Just this year, our staff has grown 25%, an accomplishment that we’re especially grateful for amid a

global pandemic. These knowledgeable additions to the team are passionate about their skill and round out our digital and media capabilities. I’m excited to continue building on this momentum. Community Involvement/Achievements: Aksarben – Floor Committee Member Coalition on Human Trafficking – Marketing Committee Science Olympiad – Volunteer Nominated by: Kayla Eggenberg

planit inc. vows to empower today’s female

Alycia Dinan 40 Under 40 Award Recipient vice president, meetings & conventions

Congratulations, Alycia! Alycia started with planit inc. as an intern almost ten years ago. We value connecting with young professionals & empowering them to reach their full potential. To learn about career opportunities in meeting & events or our internship program, please contact employment@planitincevents.com.

leaders.

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Save the Date!

2020 Friday, February 12th Join us for an awards celebration

Go to MBJ.com to purchase tickets today!

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Angel N. Starks, 36 Team Locale with Nebraska Realty

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I feel most accomplished when my professional realm coincides with my heart for the community. Serving the community is my happy place and it has afforded me the opportunity to connect with a variety of individuals who are Starks like-minded both professionally and personally. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? Team Locale is constantly improving our business methods to better serve current and future clients, focusing on education and planning. I've recently graduated from the Spark CDI Developer Academy, so in addition to 10 years in residential sales, our team is now better equipped to serve in the commercial sector. What are your biggest goals for the future? Professionally, my biggest goal is to utilize our growing real estate team, Team Locale, as a vehicle that connects people to Greater Omaha in that they, too, realize it's a great place to work, live and play. We also want to create A platform for marginalized groups to be better equipped with the necessary tools to become homeowners or real estate developers. Community Involvement/ Achievements: 2019-present, Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 2019-present, Omaha Area Board of REALTORS® (OABR) Board of Directors Greater Omaha Chamber CODE (Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity) Council Mentor/Community Advocate, Growing Hearts Collaborative & Sunlight Learning Center 2007-09 Board for the Omaha Association for the Education of Young Children 2006-2015 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Omaha 2011-13 Child Saving Institute Guild 2015-2017 American Diabetes Association Board 2014-16 Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals' Council 2015-16 Omaha Chamber Engagement Council 2016 YP Council Exec Team Member: Engagement Chair 2016-present EUREKA-STEM Facilitator; 2018 YP Summit Chair (2017 ViceChair) Nominated by: Amanda Brewer

What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? Gallup One of my team’s main focuses right What career accomplishments are now is to meet each company where they you the most proud of? are and guide them through this period My greatest point of pride is seeing of disruption. Internally, I have my clients succeed. I have had played a key role in creating at least one client annually and innovating my global win the “Gallup Exceptional team’s 2020 learning strategy, Workplace Award” presented redesigning our onboarding to fewer than 40 organizations program and launching other globally each year. As someyear-round development exone who started at Gallup periences. I have also hosted as an intern, I’m incredibly s e v e r a l o f G a l l u p ’s p u b l i c proud to have helped start, webcasts. and now lead, our business deWhat are your biggest velopment internship program goals for the future? for undergraduate students. I My career goals are to Spehn was thrilled to be recognized continue building exceptional in the Top 3 for my global business workplaces in partnership with our clients development team for 2019, where I and the team of business development managed summer interns and led Gal- consultants I coach. I hope to speak lup’s recruitment efforts at UNL. at more regional/national conferences

Lindsey Spehn, 32

and continue leading a team of highly engaged, high-performing consultants who are thriving in their well-being and getting to do what they do best every day. Community involvement/Achievements: Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO), 2017 by Omaha Jaycees TeamMates Mentoring Program: TeamMates+ Board of Directors and Mentor Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) Board of Directors University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council (PAC) City of Omaha Millennial Advisory Committee Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council, Executive Team and YP Summit Chair (2016) Nominated by: Zachory Klebba

2020 MBJ 40 UNDER 40 AWARD RECIPIENT

Congratulations, NA RE S H S UNDA R RA JA N

Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Technology and Operations

Nebraska Health Information Initiative (NEHII) proudly salutes Dr. Naresh Sundar Rajan and the 40 under 40 honorees for making a difference in our community. Congratulations and thank you for your leadership.

nehii.org | 402 -506-9900

Congratulations

Sarah Gudeman

Sarah is a mechanical engineer specializing in energy-efficiency, sustainability and health and wellness. We value her talents as part of our team and congratulate her being honored as part of 2020’s 40 Under 40! mechanical | electrical | lighting | technology | commissioning

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

Hannah Tjaden, 27 Union Pacific Railroad

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I started a new position a couple of weeks before the pandemic hit and given the state of the economy at that time, there was no shortage of work in the credit department. The team had Tjaden to draft creative solutions to not only protect the company, but also please customers. I surprised myself with the ideas and solutions I was able propose, especially given how new I was to the role. I am proud of my initiative and analytical skills, but also found that my soft skills have improved as well. Having difficult conversations with customers and other departments pushed me to the outer

edges of my comfort zone, but I saw a lot of growth in myself. That growth truly would not have been possible without the mentorship I have received at UP. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? On an ongoing basis, I am analyzing industry trends and benchmarks to enhance our credit monitoring abilities. I identify patterns of customer payment behavior to mitigate credit risk. Within UP, I seek to enhance the credit department's cross-departmental partnerships with marketing, legal and commercial departments to assist in making strategic decisions that ensure we grow the right business. What are your biggest goals for the future? My immediate goal is to expand on mentorship capabilities. As a CPA with solid professional experience under my belt, and a strong foundation of community involvement instilled upon me by my parents, this feels like the next natural step. I hope to find avenues to do this

not only within UP but also within the greater Omaha community. Community Involvement/Achievements: Lead Educate Achieve Develop (LEAD) This women’s initiative is one of Union Pacific’s Employee Resource Groups, the mission of which is to foster an environment that increases the opportunities for women to be recruited, retained and advanced in the workplace. LEAD strives to make a difference through professional programming, personal development, mentorship and community involvement. I am currently Communications Chair for the group; I have also held various other positions including Membership Chair and ChairElect, as well as Conference Committee Co-Chair. Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) I have been counseling clients during their testing sessions through NAP since January 2015. Nominated by: Jill Bazzell-Stenstrom

Congratulations, Brandon Rich! Alvine Engineering is excited to recognize and congratulate Associate Principal Brandon Rich P.E., LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, on being selected as a 2020 Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient! - From your friends and colleagues at Alvine Engineering

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Engineering

Ashley Rae Turner, 29 North End Teleservices

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I recently spearheaded a rebrand at North End Teleservices whereby I utilized my skillset to guide the process and ensure we stayed true to our brand essence while also celebrating the growth we’ve accomplished over the last five years. It’s an indescribable feelTurner ing when others compliment the new logo and branding as well as the thought process behind it: a modern take encompassing our people-centric culture and the innovative service our company is known for. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? Next up we will be launching a brand-new website. This year also marks five years in business for North End, so I’m also working on deploying a number of internal and external communications in celebration. Lastly, I have a number of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives I’m involved in through my job and the Chamber’s Council for Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE). What are your biggest goals for the future? I’d like to do all I can to help Black and Brown young professionals thrive in Omaha, support more economic development in North and South Omaha, work to get more diverse candidates elected locally and one day open a wine bar in North Omaha. Community Involvement/ Achievements: I’m most proud of my role in the creation of the Chamber ’s CODE initiatives through my involvement with the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals (current vice president) and the Chamber’s Young Professionals Council (past volunteer engagement and council selection chair). Each of us on the council works tirelessly to move our community forward through education, training and networking. I’m also very proud of my recent appointment to the Heartland 2050 Regional Planning Advisory Committee where I will be able to help bring a different perspective on what our region should look like in the future. I hope to push the committee towards more citizen engagement and transparency. I’m a LeadDIVERISTY Advocate in their second cohort and hope to take the knowledge I gain from the program over the next year to help create equitable solutions to Omaha’s brain drain and move us forward. Additionally, I look forward to continuing my journey with the Women’s Fund Circles group as an advocate for women and girls of color. Nominated by: Angel Starks

MBJ 40 Under 40 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 4, 2020 •

Alycia Zabrocki Dinan, 32 planit inc.

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? I’m most proud of the growth I’ve helped curate over my tenure at planit inc. I’m proud to see my team, a majority of whom started right out of college, flourish as strong successful business women. When I think back on all we’ve accomplished, I’m proud of how my team has made all Zabrocki Dinan those things happen. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? Currently, planit inc. is working to pivot our business to ensure sustainability and growth. Our initiatives [meet well meet safe] and [meet now meet smart] help execute safe, sustainable events and are gaining traction nationally. I’m also executive director for a virtual event hosting over 25,000 attendees

from around the world to provide education, networking and entertainment from the comfort and safety of their own homes. What are your biggest goals for the future? My goals for the future include continuing to educate the public on the availability of safe events as we turn the corner into 2021. The events industry has been forever changed; now, the goal is to ensure our business is poised to continue to pivot with what’s to come. Community Involvement/Achievements: I’m in my fourth term on the Board of Directors for the American Marketing Association, Omaha Chapter. As vice president of externals, I was instrumental in creating and executing the first-ever conference for creatives in the Omaha Metro. I currently serve as vice president of Pinnacles, the annual AMA Omaha awards program. I have previously mentored the Nebraska DECA State Officer elected position, providing insight and guidance into the marketing and professional world. I’m also a volunteer for Ronald McDonald House. Nominated by: Renee Black

UMB.com

You have that special spark. Congrats, Nikki Graser Congratulations on being named a 2020 Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner. Your hard work and commitment shine through in all you do.

We are proud to work alongside you.

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Wissam “Sam” Zeineddine, 38 Midwest Maintenance Co., Inc.

What career accomplishments are you the most proud of? Since 2007, I have been a liaison between the company and Metro Community College, leading the development and implementation of the first and only Commercial Custodian Certificate program in the Midwest. This program impacts safety and security in nearly every Zeineddine industry. Another initiative I implemented — Congratulate, Acknowledge and Recognize Excellence (CARE) — provides team member recognition. I also played a key role in creating Midwest Essential Personnel (MEPS). MEPS provides temporary laborers to suppliers, delivering crisis response. It grossed over $1 million in sales in just the first year. What projects or initiatives are you currently working on? I am currently developing a Supervisors’ Program in collaboration with MCC and am one of the six develop-

ment leaders of Midwest Maintenance’s Entrepreneurial Operating System. I am also pursuing my Ph.D. at Bellevue University studying Human Capital Management, halfway through my dissertation phase of Muslim veiled women’s inclusion in the workplace. What are your biggest goals for the future? In addition to representing Midwest Maintenance at various diversity and inclusion groups, I plan to pursue my passion for educating others about the core values of business ethics and valuing people. I am committed to promoting safe and equal treatment in the workplace. Community Involvement/Achievements: My professional affiliations include as a Registered Building Service Manager with Building Service Contractor International (BSCAI) and a member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). My studies and experience in cultural awareness led me to teach bachelor and master’s level business courses at the Swiss Business School in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. I am also an active mentor to youth gaining their GED through MCC. Nominated by: Jamie Gutierrez

• DECEMBER 4, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2020

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