Midlands Business Journal February 26, 2021 Vol. 47 No. 9 issue by Midlands Business Journal

2021 Engineering Excellence Awards A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Category H Winner

Client: Nebraska Department of Transportation Project: U.S. Highway 281 over Niobrara River Emergency Repairs

Grand Award

Olsson

In March 2019, a rare bomb cyclone hit Nebraska resulting in record snow fall, heavy rains, flooding, and massive ice build-up against Spencer Dam about five miles south of Spencer, Nebraska, causing a breach and severe flooding downstream. Floodwaters from the breached dam wreaked havoc on U.S. Highway 281 (US-281), an important highway maintained by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). Flooding also created a new river channel, washing away approximately 1,300 feet of the existing US-281 embankment. NDOT reached out to Olsson transportation professionals to help restore the roadway and bridge who began this emergency repair project March 22, 2019, within eight days of the destruction. Because access to the site was limited, Olsson used drones to photogrammetrically map the project area and collect the information needed to properly engineer corrective measures. Olsson’s in-house geomorphologist and hydraulics specialists analyzed the channel’s instability so bridge engineers could account for it in the designs of the temporary and permanent bridges. Olsson environmental professionals worked to ensure all proposed solutions would comply with the emergency Clean Water Act (CWA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Ultimately, two bridge structures were designed to restore access to this area. By committing key senior design staff to this emergency project, Olsson’s final design plans went out for bid on May 1, 2019 — just six weeks after NDOT’s notice to proceed. A temporary, one-lane bridge restored traffic on US-281 within four months. The permanent bridge replacement, and associated roadway and approaches, opened on October 15, 2020.

Young Professional of the Year

Brittni Yates, a professional engineer with Olsson, has been named the 2021 Young Professional of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska. Yates, a technical leader on Olsson’s Nebraska Water/Wastewater team, earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from South Dakota State University. She has been with Olsson since 2018 and has extensive experience providing project management, planning, engineering design, and construction management services for water quality and water treatment projects. At Olsson, she is Yates responsible for managing and leading key client accounts, organizing technical resources for projects, directing team members on design approaches, and promoting efficiencies in producing quality work. “I believe in living life with purpose, passion, and inquisitiveness,” she said. “I value travel and global awareness, and I’m committed to learning as much as I can about water quality and treatment. These passions came together when I traveled to several countries as part of nonprofit organizations. Experiences like these helped me see how I could use my talents – my technical expertise and my ability to connect with people – to help others.” Yates’s industry involvement includes serving as president, past president, vice president, and board member of the Engineers Club of Omaha; serving on public communication and outreach committees with the Water Environment Federation; and leading committees for the Nebraska Water Environment Association. She is also actively involved with the Nebraska chapter of the American Water Works Association, Engineers Without Borders, and the Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority at South Dakota State.

ACEC Awards — inside FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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VOL. 47 NO. 9

TotalWellness targets COVID-19 vaccinations to increase national presence

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

Dreamy Displays aims to elevate events with vibrant installations. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Ashley Rae Turner boosts brand recognition at North End Teleservices. – Page 4

e gin

eri

The projects that keep engineers busy remain as new approaches emerge. – Page 5

TotalWellness is a 23-yearold Omaha-based firm that partners with companies of all sizes throughout the country to provide customized wellness solutions for employees. Founder and President Alan Kohll, who said about 95% of his firm’s revenues have come from outside Nebraska, believes the changing pandemic response scene offers his nimble company an unprecedented opportunity to become a much larger national player. “By April and May, the COVID-19 vaccines will exceed demand, and this comes at a time of worsening fatigue among health care workers,” said Kohll, a 53-year-old Omaha entrepreneur with a business degree from Tulane. He noted that much of the infrastructure is in place with the growth of TotalWellness and multiple previous vaccination campaigns for companies all of all sizes. Kohll said TotalWellness Continued on page 24.

Founder and President Alan Kohll, left, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thomas J. Safranek in front of freezers full of COVID-19 vaccines ... The wellness solutions provider is set to offer key services in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Ambassador Title Services grows, embraces tech to meet demand by Becky McCarville

Ambassador Title Services is decidedly not “old school title,” said President Carrie Clure, who started the company 10 years ago after a career at a mortgage company and a background in computers. With growth averaging over 20% every year, Ambassador Title Services has embraced

technology, operating as a paperless office in an industry that still heavily relies on physical documents and paper trails. ATS is also growing into the commercial sector. ATS has five area offices that have opened in tandem with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate — Continued on page 24.

Partners Rod Smith, left, and Don Stavneak … Combination of technical capabilities, warm approach to delivering software services propels firm in its 14th year and in a dynamic, competitive pandemic environment.

Under new branding, Volano Software builds niche with small, medium-sized businesses by Michelle Leach

President Carrie Clure … Growing the business from three employees 10 years ago to nearly 50 today.

Volano shed 2020 with a fresh website, tagline, and name — Volano Software — as its team builds upon the characteristics that have enabled the custom development firm to partner with more than 100 clients, including some of the region’s most recognizable brands, over its 14-year history, and to retain its well-established niche among established small and medium-sized businesses as the developer space becomes

increasingly crowded. “We know from customer studies that our clients enjoy working with us for many reasons beyond our technical capabilities,” said Rod Smith, who founded the firm with Don Stavneak in 2007. “Quotes like, ‘friends,’ ‘approachable,’ ‘easy to work with,’ ‘easy to talk to’ came up repeatedly. Our previous website didn’t tell this side of the story; it was too technical and too transacContinued on page 26.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Dreamy Displays aims to elevate events with vibrant installations by Gabby Hellbusch

Brittany Thomas has always loved a DIY project, but it wasn’t until February 2020 that she was able to fully utilize her creativity and launch the newly established Dreamy Displays, which offers custom designed displays, backdrops and art installations for weddings, celebrations, par-

Dreamy Displays Phone: 402-979-7766 Founded: February 2020 Service: creative design studio offering custom designed displays, backdrops and art installations for events Employees: 3 Goal: Moving into a larger space that includes a showroom. Website: www.dreamydisplays.com

ties and corporate events, while also providing specialty event rentals. It was the birth of her twins that really pushed Thomas to move forward with the business plans. “One of my twins, Eric, was born with severe Laryngomalacia; a life-threatening diagnosis that required surgery, several doctor visits and careful monitoring by me and his father,” Thomas said. “His condition not only affected

Founder and Creative Director Brittany Thomas … Newly-established event display studio has gotten creative to reach variety of clientele. (Courtesy of Dreamy Displays) my personal life, but my professional life, as cohesive look with event branding. well. Because of this, I decided to start my own “I looked at what was being offered in business. It was through heartache, frustration bigger cities and found a way to introduce a and my true passion to create that I founded completely new market to Omaha,” she said. Dreamy Displays.” “Many of our specialty rentals can’t be found All products can be customized with sig- elsewhere in the metropolitan area, including nage, florals and other materials to maintain a our champagne wall, flower wall, donut wall

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Michael Wallace President/CEO, Farris Engineering

Associations/Titles: PE, ATD Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Education: Kansas State University BS in Architectural Engineering

and shimmering sequin wall.” The full-service creative design studio, which specializes in elevating events through upscale displays and backdrops, is known for its seamless fabrication and captivating designs, according to Thomas. The business also houses a designer and two fabricators. Dreamy Displays, like many small businesses, had to pivot in response to the COVID-19 global health crisis and has seen an uptick in at-home and small-scale events. “People are wanting to find new ways to celebrate and I have had to use my innate creative abilities to push design boundaries to set the scene at events and provide a bright spot in a time of economic uncertainty,” she said. “During lockdown, I did contactless drop-offs and contactless installations. Not even a pandemic has been able to halt my passion to do what I love.” In its infancy, Thomas said the business has been more successful than ever planned. “I proudly achieved all the goals I set for year one,” Thomas said. “Dreamy Displays has provided services to numerous weddings, corporate events, celebration parties and we are currently working on our first permanent backdrop installation that will be displayed at a local spa.” Like many other business owners have experienced, she said finding a balance between running a successful business and raising a family can be tough. “But, I’m very big on planning ahead so that I can give my company and my children the attention they need,” Thomas said. “I know the ‘mompreneur’ path I chose won’t be easy so whenever I get thrown off track, I remain calm and give myself the grace to start fresh the next day.” Future plans for the business include finding a space with enough square footage to utilize it as a showroom and host socially distant events.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

How I got into the business: In high school I took some drafting classes and liked designing buildings and figured people will always need buildings so it should be a pretty secure job for the future. First job: Lifeguard/Swimming Instructor. Biggest career break: Shortly after I became licensed, my supervisor left the company. At the time, the managing principal was going to hire someone else to fill the position, and I went into his office and said, “I’m your man.” Taking on the responsibility for being the electrical department head that soon into my career changed how I looked at engineering and how quickly business decisions were soon part of my everyday responsibility. The toughest part of the job: The closest

I can describe is that being CEO is like playing chess with multiple opponents. About the time you think you have your opponent’s strategy figured out; you change opponents. You must always be thinking ahead and be able to change direction when the outside forces you deal with change. The best advice I have received: Read everything you can get your hands on, but primarily non-fiction books. Even if you do not agree with what someone is writing, it gives you an education into how others think, process, and come up with their opinions. About my family: Married to my wife Amy for 17 years and we have 2 boys, Nathan 15 and Joel 13. Something else I’d like to accomplish: Become a Certified Flight Instructor. Book I finished reading recently: “The Rise of Carry: The Dangerous Consequences of Volatility Suppression and the New Financial Order of Decaying Growth and Recurring Crisis.” It is a hard book to describe and covers so many financial areas that it is a difficult read but it does have some valuable insights into how loans, leverage and carry affect different markets and in many cases forces the government’s hand

when economic downturns occur. Something about me not everyone knows: I like to teach. How my business will change in the next decade: Over the last 30 years, building design practices have continued to evolve with influence from changes in Energy Codes and Sustainability practices. I expect that this trend will continue to shape the world in which we work over the next decade. As a building design team, we will need to further embrace this change influence and evolve our practices to ensure we are delivering the best design for an owner’s specific project. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: I think everyone I have worked for over the years has imparted some amount of wisdom on me and for that I am very thankful and hop that I can carry that on to future generations. Outside interests: golf, flying, fishing, hiking, camping. Favorite vacation spot: Areas without cell phone coverage. Those are getting harder to find. Other careers I would like to try: Commercial Pilot.

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

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The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly plus one by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy or $75 per year. Editorial offices are 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Periodical postage paid at Omaha NE POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned.

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Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Ashley Rae Turner boosts brand recognition at North End Teleservices by Dwain Hebda “Fortunately, North End already had a pretty Ashley Rae Turner has made the most of good system of communications internally, so her first year with North End Teleservices. As when the pandemic started, we could quickly the company’s marketing communications start talking about what we’re going to do specialist since last February, she’s had the dual and get ahead of it,” she said. “We are a very challenges of boosting the corporate brand and people-focused organization, so right away we developing communications channels to help started having daily meetings that turned into employees navigate COVID-19 protocols. weekly meetings with our management staff “We are a full-service contact center, formed about how are we going to communicate with with the mission to create jobs and change lives people, what are we going to do, how are we in northeast Omaha,” she said. “We were found- going to get people home if that’s necessary. And ed in 2015 and since then we have grown to a then, obviously, it was how do we efficiently get staff of about 400 people. people to a different environment.” “When I started here, our biggest Turner said one of the organipressing need was we didn’t have a zation’s biggest strengths — diverreally strong North End Teleservices sity — is often one of the stiffest brand. Carmen Tapio, our president challenges from a communications and CEO, is phenomenal. She is very perspective, be it in rebranding or well known in the community but we internal communications. were finding that a lot of people had a “We have a little bit of everylittle knowledge of North End.” thing,” she said. “North End TeleserTurner said company milestones vices really looks at diversity, equity 2020 provided the opportunity to communiand inclusion past just the general cate the company’s mission and growth, which markers of race, gender and ability. We want to she leveraged heavily. build a culture where any person, no matter their “We celebrated our five-year anniversary gender, directionality or ability, can really come in September of 2020 and shortly thereafter, we and be successful. We just focus on being able were named to the Inc. 5000 list,” she said. “We to listen and understand and look at the person really saw that as an opportunity to not only tell and really make a way to have a place for them. the story of Carmen and all the good work that “We are who we are because of the people she did, but also tell the story of the company and the team at North End, so we prioritize that she founded, and the good work that we do making sure that we celebrate ourselves with both internally and externally.” each other and really tell our stories, reminisce In addition to juggling these messages, over the different things and how far we’ve Turner was also thrown into the fray of com- come and how far we want to go.” municating with employees about COVID-19 Turner graduated from the University of and its impact on company operations. Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in textiles, mer-

Marketing Communications Specialist Ashley Rae Turner … Helping boost growing company with communications expertise. chandising and fashion design communications the Urban League of Nebraska Young Profesand has a master’s degree in communications sionals. A member of Leadership Omaha Class with a graduate certification in strategic commu- 41, she’s also served as volunteer engagement nications management from Purdue University. chair and selection chair for the Greater Omaha She is a member of the Heartland 2050 Chamber’s Young Professionals Council as well Regional Planning Advisory Committee and as a past YP Summit programming co-chair. She Equity and Engagement Committee as well also served as an online instructor for Metropolas vice president and public relations chair of itan Community College in 2020.

Proud Sponsors of the 2020 40 Under 40:

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Engineering Profession

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

February 26, 2021

The projects that keep engineers busy remain as new approaches emerge by Michelle Leach

Seasonally-adjusted employment in the architectural and engineering services sector was slightly up between December and January, from around 1.52 million to slightly more than 1.53 million, with modest improvement noted between November and December as well, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures released earlier this month. These most recent figures reflect a slight decrease from year-prior, preCOVID-19 numbers. “During the last 12 months, we have Moffitt seen project volume at about the same levels as early 2020,” said Steve Moffitt, vice president at HGM Associates. “The value of our projects has also been similar to early 2020, at a level that is historically very typical.” Featured projects include the overhaul of the West Broadway corridor in Council Bluffs, a five-phase project that started in 2017 and is reportedly slated for completion of the final phase this year. “The nature of our projects has not changed,” Moffitt said. “But the way we [execute] them has, of course. I believe interoffice collaboration has changed due to the forced adoption of new communication and shared workspace tools.” Schemmer BIM/CADD Manager and Associate Joshua Murphy highlighted the adoption of “generative design,” which he described as an iterative design process whereby a software program generates hundreds of design options based off of a set of parameters; for instance, spatial areas and project location. “The software then ranks the designs and finds the best fit for the user’s custom criteria,” he said. Architecture, engineering and construction software leader, Autodesk, has in fact made investments in architecture, transportation and cloud-based software, enhancing access and wide adoption across its platform. Murphy indicated it’s a far cry from using pen and paper — as it would take a very long time to create 100 iterations. A computer can render these iterations in mere seconds. “Using computer software provides

Josh Murphy, BIM/CADD manager and associate at Schemmer. an added benefit in that the user can get design has supported considerable imfeedback from each possible design that provements in everything from 3D printing to value engineering — and he sees it helps rank them,” he said. Bringing it back around, Murphy em- defining what a post-pandemic world will phasized architect-engineer employment look like. “Everyone loves data, and data-driven is secure as human input is still required planning and design will help us look at in the decision-making process. Already, Murphy indicated generative the best possible use of the existing com-

mercial real estate market,” he said. As a tool that informs decisions, Murphy said this design approach gives power to each project stakeholder. “It is all about accuracy, efficiency and providing multiple solutions to our client’s project needs,” he said. “This equates to value for our clients and gives our designers another tool in their toolbox.” In fact, Schemmer, too, is investing in a full-time programmer. More broadly, he said the firm continues to invest time in research and development of Dirks new technologies, which present new processes that create consistent workflows and improved efficiency. To specific region-wide projects, Alfred Benesch & Co. SVP Anthony Dirks and VP Andrew W. Beil recently highlighted notables: the Lincoln South Beltway and the Offutt Air Force Base relocation (to the Lincoln Airport campus). “That’s the largest transportation project in the state,” Dirks said of the former Continued on next page.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering Profession

Skilled engineers in metro area remain in high demand by Gabby Hellbusch

In today’s engineering market, experts in the industry say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find and hire experienced engineers. Jake McConnell, structural engineering leader and principal at DLR Group, said this has been a problem that has continued since the last economic downturn and has increased due to recent uncertainties of the market during 2020. “What we’ve found is that engineers are actively occupied with work and hesitant to make any significant career changes with the current uncertainty of the economy,” McConnell said. One of the larger impacts affecting the younger workforce is the availability of internships, and even new-hire positions. “In the past, we would secure summer interns following the career fairs in the fall,

but now we are seeing a notable number are well-equipped with technical aptitude. of upperclassmen without internship plans “They can also encourage students to and still looking for a summer position as showcase soft skills, such as teamwork we approach March,” he said. and problem-solving,” Pérez said. “At the For the younger workforce, McConnell College of Engineering, we develop ‘Comsaid involvement with schools that are con- plete Engineers’ who are honing essential tinually graduating students in the industry competencies that industry are asking for. have helped attract new talent. In addition, they can encourage improving “We’ve invested time mentoring experiences in remote work, as this skill incoming freshmen and volunwill continue to be pertinent for teering our time as professionals those entering industry.” within the engineering-specific The statewide Blueprint classes,” he said. “DLR Group Nebraska initiative and the Nedoes a great job of getting our braska Tech Collaborative also folks into schools and finding offer opportunities to strengthen ways to engage students as much workforce development and as possible in the years before maximize ways to continue atthey are actually in the industry, tracting young people to work which is great and has proven to and live in Nebraska. be successful.” Also, the University of NeThere has also been a larger braska-Lincoln and the College McConnell interest around community inof Engineering are forming a volvement. new School of Computing to specifically “There tends to be more interest in increase enrollments in computer science, joining a firm with a larger, local contri- software engineering and computer engibution, including community engagement neering. and local design work,” McConnell said. “For those with an engineering de“Individuals have expressed a desire to gree, adapting to new technology is an give back to their local community through exciting and expected reality,” he said. their design work and their ability to ele- “The virtual space will continue to grow vate the human experience.” as people seek jobs and work online more. Lance C. Pérez, dean of the College of The demand in engineering fields should Engineering and Omar H. Heins Professor remain steady or increase, especially in of Electrical and Computer Engineering at such areas as construction, health care, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said agriculture/forestry, as well as in aeroemployers realize that students who grad- space and other services. The demand for uate from an accredited engineering school graduates with a variety of computer skills

has also increased, especially to serve a global workforce.” Additionally, Pérez said students graduating now and in the immediate future must demonstrate more flexibility and adaptability than their predecessors.

New approaches Continued from preceding page. project, which includes multiple system and service interchanges, roadway alignments, bridges and roundabouts to the tune of $350 million. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the concept was first discussed in the 1960s but was constrained by funding and has reportedly evolved over the past six decades. Benesch leadership directed readers toward a 9-minute video update from January for the “latest” from NDOT on its YouTube channel. Beil’s team, which does aviation work nationally, has locally partnered with Denver-based engineering firm Jacobs to support the relocation of Offutt’s mission to Lincoln as Bellevue undergoes replacement of its aging runway. “More experience with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force is a good feather in our cap,” he said. Benesch reported recently that, after completion of the hangar as part of necessary upgrades to accommodate the mission, the first plane has landed at the airport. Hundreds of base personnel are reported to boost the local economy from the airport site until the latter half of next year.

Engineering Profession •

Lamp Rynearson Geomatics 3D Practice Lead Mike DeBoer prepares a survey drone for flight. (Courtesy of Lamp Rynearson)

Evolving tech advances driving innovation in engineering sector by David Kubicek

Evolving drones and software help provide more innovative data to engineers who in turn can deliver improved products to their customers. “We’re currently able to capture and create everything from survey data to updated aerial imagery to 3D walkthrough models of the project,” said Warren Headlee, geomatics and survey group leader at Lamp Rynearson. “Drone survey allows us to collect site data where we physically could not before, and it reduces our time in the field.”

Recently, at Heartwood Preserve, the firm used drones to capture grading status while grading was in progress — making it unnecessary to clear the site or risk workers’ safety. “While this technology is incredible, it's still a tool for our licensed surveyors and geomatics team,” Headlee said. “We've hit the sweet spot: a combination of cutting-edge technologies and seasoned professionals who can use their knowledge and experience to collect data correctly and ensure accuracy.” Some collegiate programs are teaming up Continued on page 12.

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering Profession

E-Week promotes industry, attracts young people to engineering field by Dwain Hebda

Promoting and retaining talent is the role of E-Week, which continues to play a major role in connecting young people to engineering careers. “The purpose of E-Week is to call attention to the engineering profession and the contributions engineers make,” said Matt McFadden, principal with Felsburg Holt & Ullevig and president of American Council of Engineering Companies/Nebraska. “We are encouraging the youth of today to pursue a career in engineering,

benefitting both students and companies by helping fill the engineering needs for companies.” McFadden said the organization and the 50 consulting engineering firms that make up ACEC/Nebraska membership, are strong supporters of the event including the Engineering Excellence Awards. “The Engineering Excellence Awards provide firms an opportunity to obtain statewide recognition and to showcase their talent and

Claire Vorthmann, senior project engineer at McCarthy Building Cos., and vice president of the National Association of Women in Construction. expertise,” he said. “Projects are rated on the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers basis of uniqueness and originality; future value (NeSPE) said E-Week also gives the industry a to the engineering profession and successful chance to communicate with lawmakers. fulfillment of the client/owners needs.” “NeSPE utilizes E-Week to connect with Companies see E-Week as an effective state legislators on the importance of PE liconduit for stressing censure and helping STEM curriculum as them understand we well as a way to proare a resource on enmote the industry. gineering-related is“HDR’s Omaha sues,” she said. “In office supports STEM non-COVID times, education around the we host a luncheon to community during discuss legislative bills E-Week and throughimpacting our industry out the year,” said and simply get to know Andy Yosten, director them, and them us. In of Mechanical Engiaddition, we traditionMcFadden Yosten neering for HDR and ally do office visits at co-chair of the STEM Academy advisory board the Capitol. for Omaha North High School. “NeSPE is a founding member of the Pro“Last fall, HDR invited 60 academy stu- fessional Engineers Coalition (PEC), which dents to a round table event for a real-life look serves as an industry group focused on legislaat a wide variety of STEM fields via the Lake tion. Our hope is to recognize the professional Cunningham improvements and development work our members do day in and day out by project team. Mentoring the next generation, sharing this with stakeholders as we work to showing them what’s possible and helping them shape public policy and use E-Week as an adshape the future along with us, are important vocacy advancement opportunity.” efforts to HDR.” For other firms, E-Week is just one opporKaty Boggs, executive director for the tunity to show young people how engineering degrees can be applied in the marketplace. Claire Vorthmann, vice president of National Association for Women in Construction/Greater Omaha Chapter, said in addition to E-Week the group is also a big supporter of Women in Construction Week (WIC) and Block Kids competition. “Block Kids is an event presented by the NAWIC Educational Foundation and involves students in grades K-6 competing to build something out of interlocking building blocks during a designated time period,” she said. “The overall winner will have photographs taken of their project, which will be submitted for regional judging. This is an event we really enjoy putting on each year.” Vorthmann, senior project engineer with McCarthy Building Companies, said beyond emphasizing job skills, these efforts also show youngsters the range of careers available to engineers. “I have an engineering degree, but I do not work for an engineering firm or organization, I work for a construction management company,” she said. “There are hundreds if not thousands of different types of jobs that require engineering degrees and it is important to showcase the breadth of what ‘being an engineer’ means.”

Engineering Profession •

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Built environment sees changes amid pandemic by Gabby Hellbusch

The pandemic has definitely caused several impacts on the built environment, local engineers say. Eric Granzow, associate principal at Specialized Engineering Solutions, said the biggest impact is that wellness has moved up the priority list significantly. “Right now, everyone is asking how engineering and architecture can help keep people safe inside buildings as we settle into whatever the ‘new normal’ will be,” Granzow said. “Filtration, fresh air and air cleaning technologies have become part of the Granzow mainstream discussion and hundreds of products have entered the market to capture some of the attention. Some of these are proven and have scientific backing, while others do not and helping building owners understand the benefits of each has become a major part of the design process.” Another major impact has been a re-envisioning of how people gather and interact. “Flexibility in the design of these spaces has become more important and the amount of space per person has also generally increased to allow for social distancing and constantly changing guidance,” he said. “I anticipate we will see a surge in coworking space needs and a significant reduction in built office space needs.” Michael Hromanik, mechanical engineer at Prochaska & Associates, the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing the concept of “Sick Building Syndrome” again to the forefront. “Sick Building Syndrome has been a topic for decades, with concerns that ‘tight buildings,’ coupled with off-gassing from building materials, airborne mold, biological particulate, ozone from copiers and multitudes of other sources were responsible for various health issues of the occupants,” Hromanik said. “The pandemic has added a real urgency to improving the indoor air quality of buildings.” He noted “tight building” is building construction and operation that greatly limits the amount of outside air coming into the building. “This outside air coming into a building, via

Adam Denney, transportation engineer at Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. both the HVAC system and through infiltration, with a more robust mix of work from home or can be the single biggest heating and cooling hybrid models. load that a building sees,” Hromanik said. “With the explosion in outdoor activities “Modern construction methods greatly reduce that infiltration, and current codes minimize the amount of outside air brought into the HVAC systems.” In the world of transportation, Adam Denney, transportation engineer at Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, said the pandemic’s start caused a monumental shift in the movement of people and goods. “Your typically congested morning and evening commuting peak hours were nonexistent due to lockdowns and the transition to remote working and learning,” Denney said. “The demand for consumer goods skyrocketed, causing an increase in the volume of semitruck traffic due to demand for distribution and mass transit ridership stalled or declined due to social distancing regulations. Outdoor activities such as biking and walking/running popularity grew as the typical means of entertainment were no longer available.” Today, daily traffic volumes have made it back to their pre-pandemic levels; however, the peak hour commuting volumes have not returned, and they may never function the same with the change in how businesses will operate

during the pandemic, I feel there will be a trend for more livable, multimodal means of travel into the future,” he said. Rich Anderson, senior mechanical project engineer at Leo A Daly, said the built environment has continued to evolve due to the pandemic. “Clients in the health care industry are requesting more exhausted exam and treatment rooms for potentially infected patients,” Ander-

Hromanik Anderson son said. “The oxygen and medical air piping systems are under more scrutiny due to the unexpected additional demand for ventilators. Entire patient wings are now being considered for temporary ICU use with the air being fully Continued on next page.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering Profession

New tech supports environmental initiatives, increased safety by Michelle Leach

Environmental projects and innovative applications of technologies are supporting the health of site users, communities, and the planet. In fact, Thiele Geotech Environmental Department Manager Robert Miller indicated the team has remained busy, as he characterized its volume of projects as “steady” throughout 2020. “Omaha had a strong economy prior to COVID-19 and, with economic stimulus, we saw a steady to increased number of en-

vironmental site assessment projects related to property transactions for new and existing developments,” he said. Additionally, the overall value of the projects actually “ticked upward,” he said. “Many of these sites were either existing recognizable projects or other new developments,” Miller noted. While the pandemic hasn’t influenced the nature of his team’s projects, Miller acknowledged it has affected how they approach their

work. “Social distancing and personal protective equipment added another layer of safety and regulatory consideration to an already regulatory-driven field,” he said. “Many environmental professionals are required to obtain a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification if they are in this field long. Having this certification has been helpful sorting through the myriad of COVID-19-related, suggested health and safety measures implemented since the beginning of the pandemic.” The types of projects that have driven this steady work include those site assessments in which Miller contaminants were identified above regulatory levels. “These sites were entered into state regulatory cleanup programs for further investigation and mitigation,” he said. “The primary contaminants of concern are typically metals in soil and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air.” Vapor intrusion from VOCs is a relatively new focus by environmental regulatory agencies, according to Miller, due to vapor intrusion concerns identified at previously investigated state and federal cleanup sites; for instance, cleaning, fuel and manufacturing sites that stored and used VOC-based compounds. “We typically encounter vapor intrusion concerns at former dry-cleaning facilities, gas stations and manufacturing facilities,” he said. Iteris applies cloud computing, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and advisory and managed services to help transportation agencies achieve safe, efficient and sustainable mobility, in turn, supporting the notion of smart cities, according to Associate Vice Presidents with Transportation Systems, John Albeck and Steven Garbe. “Smart cities are the natural response to increasingly populated, and crowded and congested, urban centers,” Albeck said. “Smart cities include the application of technology, data collection, big data analysis and data sharing to improve the quality of life in the areas of govern-

ment services, economic growth, environmental stewardship and mobility.” For mobility, he referred to how roadways accommodate different “modes” of transport — from cyclists to scooters. Designs account for users who are distracted by mobile devices. “These transformational pressures are driving public transportation agencies to rethink their approach to transportation network operations and invest in technologies and services that make them safer and more efficient to manage,” Albeck said. Garbe noted how the Nebraska Iteris offices go back to 2004; relationships have been forged with local agencies to provide solutions for Omaha, Friesen Council Bluffs, Lincoln and other nearby areas. “Our local projects have covered the entire transportation lifecycle, from planning and design to integration, operation and maintenance,” he said. “In our most recent project in the region, we have been assisting the city of Omaha with the complex planning, design and deployment activities required to upgrade its aging transportation system.” To that point, 10 years ago, Todd Pfitzer (now city engineer) envisioned improving Omaha’s aging traffic signal system. So, Garbe noted, Iteris and its consulting partners worked closely with Pfitzer, Jeff Riesselman, Bryan Guy and their traffic signal technicians to make improvements to infrastructure, reducing traffic problems and planning for future expansion. They’re also readying for connected and automated vehicles. “Omaha’s new traffic management technology allows for near real-time monitoring and control of the city’s signalized intersections,” he said. Improvements reportedly include enhanced vehicle and pedestrian detection, CCTV monitoring and a video wall at the city’s traffic management center. So staff can observe and adjust signal timing to improve traffic flow. Albeck also noted the city’s technological and software investments with algorithms along select corridors to monitor and adjust to rapidly-changing traffic conditions. “Improvements to mobility infrastructure, whether they involve traffic signal timing, traveler information services, the use of smart detection sensors, staffing traffic management centers and so on,” he said. “All serve to reduce crashes, minimize congestion, reduce Continued on page 13.

Built environment

Continued from preceding page. exhausted.” He noted considerations for all building types include ensuring that ventilation systems are operating correctly as confirmed by retro-commissioning professionals. “Increasing outside air levels to above code requirements adds additional effectiveness,” Anderson said. “Interest in air sterilization technologies using ultraviolet light or ionization are on the rise. These technologies kill a portion of airborne microbes, including viruses. Because viruses are also less likely to live in air that is more humid, humidification is garnering more attention.”

Engineering Profession •

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Engineering organizations hope to return to live events this year by David Kubicek

Engineering organizations, which had moved into a virtual environment for continuing education and networking in 2020, hope to resume in-person events later this year. The Structural Engineering Association of Nebraska (SEAON) didn’t hold its annual structural conference last year, according to Virtual Programs Chair Ryan Bateman. “We shifted toward trying to provide more virtual means for members to get their PDHs of continuing education,” he said. At the conferences, engineers make presentations about products and vendors often make presentations about their products. Bateman Recently the American Society of Civil Engineers made a presentation about engineering ethics. “We recently sent out a call for abstracts to get volunteers who would be willing to share some of their own projects with the group in the form of a virtual presentation,” Bateman said. “[Virtual presentations] provide some opportunities for networking because you get to attend the webinar and then meet people there, get contact information, and have a chance to ask questions of the presenter.” Continuing education is one of the purposes of the Engineers Club of Omaha, which offers 0.5 continuing education units (CEU) each month to persons attending monthly meetings, according to Past President Loras Klostermann. The club has a guest speaker at each meeting or site visit program, as allowed by social distancing standards. “Our meetings for the past year have been virtual, but we hope to get back to face to face meetings so we can fulfill one of our other purposes, social interaction between our members,” Klostermann said. Due to the role of the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects (NBEA) in regulating the practice of engineering, it does not offer, sponsor, or endorse any continuing education courses or networking opportunities, according to Public Information Officer Mia Azizah. “Continuing education requirements for licensed professional engineers are typically mandated by state engineering licensure boards, and may vary from state to state,” she said. “In Nebraska, licensed engineers must complete 30 actual hours of engineering-related learning

every two years, with one hour directly related to ethical issues of professional practice. Newly licensed engineers are not required to complete any continuing education hours in their first renewal period.” On April 17, 2020, NBEA temporarily reduced continuing education requirements for professional engineers whose licenses expire at the end of 2020 and 2021. These engineering

Klostermann Azizah licensees only need to complete a total of 20 actual hours. Licensees are also able to complete half of those required actual hours through webinars or virtual activities. “The reductions were intended to address travel restrictions and the possibility of fewer in-person continuing education opportunities,” Azizah said. The Nebraska Society of Professional Engi-

neers (NeSPE) hosts a two-day annual meeting each spring, a fall seminar, and luncheon focused on legislative issues, Executive Director

Katy Boggs said. “During this time, we have had to move our Continued on page 13.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

• Engineering Profession

Evolving tech advances driving innovation in engineering sector Continued from page 7. with early childhood care and learning programs to study caregiver interactions with children, according to Gabe Erdei, project manager of Alvine Engineering’s IP design group. “Using audiovisual tools, coaching staff observe and report on students and future caregivers’ interactions with children from birth to age five,” he said. “Because this is essential learning time for the children, coaching needs to be as discreet as possible.”

Instructors use observation rooms with one-way glass, ceiling microphones, ceiling speakers, and earpieces, to coach the student without interrupting the learning environment. Some early childhood programs use audiovisual cameras that automatically follow the child caregiver via a radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking lanyard. The recordings are then used to develop training videos specific to individual students that they can review with instructors without taking away valu-

able firsthand experience interacting with the children. “One 60-floor, 1 million-square-foot highrise building in San Francisco was particularly challenging because it required three separate wireless networks overlapping on various floors throughout the building, and each wireless network required a separate access point,” Erdei said. “This can lead to numerous ceiling access points, which can greatly impact the visual aesthetic of the space.” Because the highrise had multiple Headlee high-profile tenants — including a luxury hotel, 14 levels of premium office space, and condominium residents — the architect wanted to use inaccessible ceiling finishes, such as drywall, for a more appealing look. “This makes device placement a critical element of technology design as you will not be able to get back into the ceiling to adjust device location after installation,” Erdei said. “A Wi-Fi predictive analysis software with the 3D building model and the latest WI-FI standard 802.11ax — a.k.a. WI-FI 6 — became the perfect tools for the job. Using them, we were able to provide separate networks, minimize impact on interior design by

reducing the number of access points, and provide improved network access to more devices across a network.” New technology should be considered on a case-by-case basis. “If you pay a premium for a newer technology today, how long will it provide value to your company before it needs to be replaced?” Erdei said. For example, a university may pay for a premium structured data cable solution to standardize and support an entire campus network. This is a good Erdei option because that cable will be in place for more than 25 years and will support the university’s future needs, but a new office building may be better served by a more economically-priced cable with less performance. “Because [the office building] may have a limited building lease or will not require a high-performance data cable for the foreseeable future, they can save money on cabling,” Erdei said. “As consultants, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons of various solutions to help clients make informed decisions based on their individual needs.”

Signal strength, sometimes called coverage, is the most basic requirement for a wireless network. As a general guideline, low signal strength means unreliable connections and low data throughput. (Courtesy of Alvine Engineering)

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Coronavirus hurts housing affordability: The 5 most and least affordable metro areas by Jeff Ostrowski

By taking money out of Americans’ paychecks and creating a housing shortage, the coronavirus delivered a blow to housing affordability. However, Real Estate in a countertrend that has softened the blow to buyers’ budgets, the pandemic has driven mortgage rates to record lows. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that median family income for 2020 fell to $72,900 from $75,500 in 2019. “You have a sudden stop for the econ-

omy, which means for a lot of buyers, their budget available to buy a home has drastically changed,” says Robert Dietz, NAHB’s chief economist. As a result of that pay cut, it’s getting harder for Americans to buy homes. Just 58.3 percent of homes sold during the fourth quarter were affordable to families earning a typical income. That was unchanged from the third quarter but down from 63.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. SUMMONING JEKYLL AND SEUSS

Three factors drive affordability The builders’ index looks at three variables — incomes, home prices and mortgage rates. The affordability study shows nationwide home prices have spiked in recent months. The median home price rose to a record $320,000 in the fourth quarter, up from $313,000 in the third quarter. In a trend that offsets some of the affordability squeeze, average mortgage rates fell to a record low of 2.85 percent, down from 3.05 percent in the third quarter, according to the NAHB/Walls Fargo index. While falling mortgage rates created tailwinds for affordability, there are two major headwinds — layoffs and rising home prices. The U.S. jobless rate jumped to the double digits in the spring. While the labor market has recovered, unemployment remains elevated. Meanwhile, those who are still employed are driving home prices higher. Bidding wars have broken out in many areas. “While historically low mortgage rates are helping on the affordability front, there was a significant jump in year-over-year home pricing from 2020 to 2019, as inventory remained lean due to supply chain issues and the COVID-19 pandemic,” NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke said in a statement. 5 most affordable metro areas Home prices and incomes vary widely, and there are oases of affordability, mainly in the Rust Belt and Midwest. The top five most affordable places among metro areas with population of 500,000 or more: Lansing, Michigan: As a result of modest home prices, 89.9 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the third quarter were

Environmental initiatives

Answers on page 12.

Continued from page 10. pollution, reduce citizen complaints, make operations more efficient and ultimately make cities future-ready — all of which we believe significantly improve residents’ quality of life and the sustainability of the planet.” Cities that have adopted a cloud-first strategy before or during the pandemic are positioned well to navigate unprecedented times, Garbe said. “Cloud-based services are, by their nature, more agile and efficient, and can even improve cybersecurity,” he said. Morrissey Engineering LEED Accredited Professional Jared Friesen highlighted the concept of serving energy needs from renewable sources — easily available in the form of electricity — as transformative. And, he noted, there is confidence that the pollution impact of electrically-powered devices will decrease as more renewable electricity comes online. “While much of our lives are already powered with electricity, it is still a challenge for electric space heating and cooking to compete with natural gas, and still a challenge for electric transportation to compete with gasoline and diesel,” he said. A nod to aforementioned vehicular innovations, Friesen said that he sees adoption of the modern electric vehicle becoming more mainstream as corporations, schools and developers install distributed EV charging devices. While these vehicles afford performance and operating advantages, he emphasized they also have no tailpipes — so, no ozone and particulate matter emitted into the air. The electricity to charge these vehicles can even come from renewables, such as solar.

affordable to families earning the area’s median income of $75,000. The median home price was $150,000 in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh: This metro area has a median family income of $77,100 and a median home price of just $160,000. As a result, 88.3 percent of homes were affordable for typical earners. Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pennsylvania: With a median family income of $79,000 and a median home price of $180,000, fully 89.2 percent of homes were in reach of median-income families. Scranton-Wilkes Barre-Hazleton, Pennsylvania: Wages here are below national levels, but so are home prices — the median sale price was just $134,000 in the fourth quarter of 2020. As a result of rock-bottom prices, fully 88 percent of all new and existing homes sold in July, August and September were affordable to families earning the area’s median income of $66,600, NAHB says. St. Louis: This metro area has a median family income of $77,000 and a median home price of just $169,000. As a result, 86.9 percent of homes were affordable for typical earners. 5 least affordable areas At the opposite end of the affordability spectrum, California dominates. The nation’s least-affordable markets: Los Angeles-Long-Beach-Glendale: In a market with a median home price of $720,000, LA’s median income of just $71,800 doesn’t go far. As a result, only 9.1 percent of homes were affordable for typical families. Los Angeles edged out San Francisco as the least affordable market during the final three months of the year. San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco: Incomes are high here — the median is $129,200. Prices are even higher — the typical home went for $1.35 million, down from $1.41 million in the third quarter. That translates to just 11 percent of homes sold during the autumn months falling in the range of affordability for families earning the area’s median income. Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine: Orange County’s incomes are high: The typical family makes $95,700 this year. But home prices are higher, at a median of $800,000. That means just 14.3 percent of homes are in reach of average families. San Diego-Carlsbad: San Diego has a median family income of $86,100 and a median home price of $649,000, translating to just 19.1 Continued on next page.

Engineering organizations Continued from page 11. annual meeting and seminar to a virtual setting, and cancel our legislative luncheon,” she said. The organization focuses on such issues as the future of engineering, ethics and legislative issues impacting the engineering industry, and the importance of licensure. Each of these events, when in-person, allows members to network and catch up with fellow engineers in the state. In addition, members can utilize national- and chapter-based activities that offer both education and networking. “In one aspect, [through virtual meetings] we have reached members who don’t typically attend in person, as perhaps it lessens the travel time for them, or works better in their busy schedule,” Boggs said. “On the flip-side, the gathering and networking is a large part of what an organization works to provide, and that is something not well replicated via Zoom. NeSPE will continue to monitor local health directives, and continue to adjust as we continue to provide continuing education.”

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Hospitality workers on edge, wondering if jobs will come back by Kavita Kumar

For much of the last year, Claudia Sandoval worried she might lose her house. In the early days of the pandemic, when travel and group events came to a grinding halt in March, she lost her job as a banquet cook at Delta Hotel by Marriott in northeast Minneapolis. Her bills Hospitality began piling up. She was able to pay her mortgage with her unemployment benefits. She prioritized other bills, signing up for payment plans so her utilities wouldn't be cut off. She visited food shelves to help feed her two children. And her $3,800 property tax bill that she was already behind on? That had to wait. "It's been stressful," said Sandoval, 36, of Maplewood, Minn. "Not knowing what tomorrow will bring and not knowing what's happening. Not knowing if you can depend on any money coming in. It's been the worst." The pandemic led to job losses in pretty much every sector of the economy. But because it curtailed in-person socializing, no sector has been as hard-hit as leisure and hospitality. The sector remains in a deep hole, with nearly 4 million fewer jobs nationally. In January, the unemployment rate in leisure

and hospitality was 15.9%, more than double the national rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "It's definitely the industry that's suffered the most," said Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). For restaurant workers, it's been a year of whiplash. When the pandemic hit, many found themselves suddenly jobless as restaurants quickly shut down. Some returned to work when indoor dining resumed at lower capacities in the summer, only to be out again as COVID-19 cases surged in late fall, prompting the state to restrict indoor dining again for a couple of months. For hotel workers, there haven't been many callbacks yet — not even for a few months. Some have found other jobs. Others wait in limbo, hoping to still return to their previous jobs as they juggle paying rent and other bills with unemployment insurance. Those jobless benefits were extended by Congress in December. They are set to expire next month, though a new federal stimulus could extend them through summer. Sandoval sighs when asked what she's thinking of doing next. A single mother

Airline workforce shrank significantly amid pandemic by Kelly Yamanouchi

Nearly a year into the pandemic, the number of people employed by U.S. airlines has rebounded slightly but remains significantly lower than pre-COVID-19 days, according to the latest federal data. Aviation Even after receiving federal aid contingent on limiting layoffs, airlines had about 60,000 fewer people working for them at the end of the year than they had in the spring. About 695,000 people worked for U.S. airlines as of December 2020, and that's up from about 678,000 in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Last March, 755,000 were employed by the nation's airlines. Federal stimulus funding for airlines prohibited layoffs through September. In October, staffing dropped. Atlanta-based Delta had already cut its workforce from more than 90,000 employees to about 75,000 through early retirements and buyouts by July. The number of Delta employees actually working and getting paid is even lower. That's mainly because roughly 10,000 employees are still on voluntary unpaid leave.

Coronavirus hurts housing Continued from preceding page. percent of homes falling in the typical buyer’s budget. San Jose: Silicon Valley’s median family income is a healthy $131,500, but the typical home sold for $1.11 million. That meant 22 percent of homes sold were affordable. Housing affordability has been an ongoing challenge in California and other areas that have seen strong demand and little new building since the Great Recession. ©2021 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Delta's paid workforce dropped to as low as 51,000 in May, after more than 40,000 employees agreed to take unpaid leave. By December, Delta's paid headcount had rebounded to 62,786 employees, according to the federal data. Delta's headcount in 2020 reached its lowest point in a decade, dating back to before it absorbed the employees of merger partner Northwest Airlines to create a workforce of more than 80,000 employees by 2010. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend that people not travel, since traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Delta had been on a growth path in recent years, until the coronavirus pandemic brought that to an abrupt halt. Delta CEO Ed Bastian has emphasized that the company has been able to avoid involuntary furloughs. Major carriers United and American have warned that thousands of employees could be furloughed after the second round of federal aid barring such cuts expires at the end of March. Bastian said in an interview on CNN on Tuesday morning, "We are not in danger of any furloughs at Delta." With all the upheaval airlines have faced, Bastian said he's against the idea of mandating COVID-19 testing for domestic flights, which federal officials are considering. Because the airline industry has been carrying more than 1 million people a day during peak periods, Bastian said such a travel mandate could take testing resources away from sick people who need to be tested. Bastian said he thinks that would "be a horrible idea" — and "would set us back at least probably another year in the recovery." ©2021 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

whose children have been at home remote schooling for most of the last year, it's been hard to think about taking another job. When $600 in stimulus money showed up in her account in January, she exhaled and immediately used it to finish paying off her property taxes. But since then, her car broke down and required $4,000 in repairs. The hotel where she worked is still closed and told employees last year it planned to reopen in March. But she hasn't heard anything since. Having been a cook for so many years, the idea of finding a job in another field that might require other skills is daunting for her. "This is all I know," she said. "Right now, I'm just hoping they reopen soon." More than half of restaurants, bars and hotels said in December they won't be solvent in six months if current business conditions continue, a survey of Minnesota businesses by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Hospitality Minnesota and Explore Minnesota found. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz earlier this month allowed indoor wedding receptions and other private parties to have 50 people, up from 10. Other indoor events can now have up to 250 people, up from 150, at 25% capacity. Restaurants and bars must continue to operate at half capacity but can stay open an hour later, until 11 p.m. "It's a step in the right direction," said Ken Jarka, general manager of the Minneapolis Hilton, the state's largest hotel. "But for my size property, it's not going to have a big effect on my business." With large ballrooms and proximity to the Minneapolis Convention Center, nearly

two-thirds of the hotel's business is tied to large group events. The hotel, which employed about 500 before the pandemic, is down to 28 employees. It's operating at between 2 and 10% occupancy, Jarka said. He would like Walz to provide a framework or timeline for further opening up to reassure planners they can hold their events in Minnesota this summer and fall. "There's no plan to open up that we can provide these customers to say, 'Come!' " Jarka said. Leaders of UNITE HERE Local 17, the union that represents hospitality workers at Twin Cities-area hotels, stadiums and the airport, estimate that about 80 to 90% of the union's 6,000 members haven't returned to work yet. A majority of them are women and people of color. To support those workers, the union is advocating that the state and municipalities pass proposals that would require large hotels and event centers to recall former workers first before hiring others through next year. Baltimore, Los Angeles and Philadelphia have passed similar ordinances. With vaccines rolling out, some leisure and hospitality jobs should start bouncing back. Grove said he expects cooped-up Minnesotans to seek out experiences they've missed in the past year. "We're hopeful that consumer confidence will come back and that people will get out and go to restaurants and go to hotels," he said. Leisure travel is expected to pick up later this year. But corporate and group travel will likely take longer to rebound. A full Continued on page 22.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • 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.

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF IMAGINE WORKFORCE STRATEGIES, 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 IMAGINE WORKFORCE STRATEGIES, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 1006 Elk Ridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 2, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION FOR TROIA INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Troia Investments, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been amended as follows: the Company has changed its name to Salix Leaf, LLC; the street and mailing address of the designated office has been changed to 10703 J Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68127; and the street and mailing address of the registered agent has been changed to 10703 J Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68127. The registered agent remains the same: Carl J. Troia, Jr. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 2, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS Attorneys at Law 300 Overland Wolfe Centre 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF 1217 BUILDING, LLC Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Organization of 1217 Building, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to reflect its registered agent as John S. Kampfe, and its registered office as 300 Overland Wolf Centre, 6910 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska 681061045. A Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Agent’s Address was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 28, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIRD PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bird Public Relations, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 139 S. 144th St., Unit 540991, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

JACOB A. ACERS, Attorney SMITH SUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BERAKAH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 9, 2020, Berakah, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Jacob A. Acers, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Sean A. Minahan, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF PLYMOUTH FRAME COMPANY, 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 PLYMOUTH FRAME COMPANY, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 2023 South 181st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 2, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR PATRIOT POINTE HC5, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Patriot Pointe HC5, LLC (the “Company”) on December 17, 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 February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Ginak Counseling Services Name of Applicant: Kitoko Golden Life LLC Address:4155 N 145th Plaza Apt 306 Omaha. NE. 68116 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 12/2020 General nature of business: Mental Health Counseling Services GINA M KADIMA Feb 1, 2021 Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative February 26, 2021

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF RED BRANCH MEDIA, INC. Notice is hereby given that Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Red Branch Media, Inc., were filed on January 25, 2021. The corporation is authorized to issue 2,000 shares of common stock. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF NL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 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 NL Property Management, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1311 South 185th Cir., Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on December 18, 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 February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOVETHEGAME, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LoveTheGame, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 20950 State Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Sam T. Wageman, 20950 State Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on February 3, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

JACOB A. ACERS, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PERIGON WELLNESS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 4, 2021, Perigon Wellness, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 12301 Reynolds Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68142 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Paul Golwitzer, 12301 Reynolds Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

JACOB A. ACERS, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A ONE GROOMING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 13, 2021, A One Grooming, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Jacob A. Acers, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF MARY JANE DANCE, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MARY JANE DANCE, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is SUZANNE M. KASSELMAN. The general nature of the business is to operate a general dance instruction business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general dance instruction business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on October 6, 2020, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 20, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the ByLaws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EJR Holdings, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that EJR Holdings, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the Company is 3802 S. 191st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent for service of process on the Company is EVAN JOEL RAINS and his mailing address is 3802 S. 191st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. 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 February, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, EVAN JOEL RAINS. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GHOST TACTICIAN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ghost Tactician, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3410 N. 73rd St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68507. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JTB TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of JTB Technologies, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is JTB Technologies, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 19133 Pinehurst Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Diane Stewart-Ferro Attorney at Law 7207 South 103rd Street La Vista, NE 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SABBY’S SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Sabby’s Services, LLC. The address of the initial registered office is 1721 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108, and the initial registered agent at that office is Luke Sabaliauskas. Luke Sabaliauskas is the sole member and the affairs of the company will be conducted by the sole member. Perpetual existence commenced on the 25th day of January 2021. Dated this 4th day of February 2021. Sabby’s Services, LLC By: Luke Sabaliauskas Manager and Sole Member First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TREATMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Treatment Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14110 Olive Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FLATWATER SOFTWARE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Flatwater Software, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 12755 Hamilton Street, Omaha, NE 68154. 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 February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Timothy J. Buckley, Attorney SMITH, SLUSKY, POHREN & ROGERS, LLP 8712 W. Dodge Road, #400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-102 Estate of Kimberly J. Dolphin, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 3, 2021 in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of said Decedent and that Michaela M. Dolphin, whose address is 1017 North 33rd Street, Omaha, NE 68124 and Kevin O. Dolphin whose address is 1323 N. 140th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68118, were informally appointed by the Registrar as Co-Personal Representatives 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 April 12, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Notice of Incorporation of Rank the Vote Nebraska. Notice is hereby given that Rank the Vote Nebraska has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation and shall have no members. It’s initial registered agent is Cynthia S. Maxwell-Ostdiek, 16626 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68118. The original incorporator is Cynthia S. Maxwell-Ostdiek, 16626 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68118. The corporate existence began on February 2, 2021 First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LINCOLN WAY SOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Lincoln Way South Homeowners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the corporation is Lincoln Way South Homeowners Association. 2. The Lincoln Way South Homeowners Association is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The street address of the Corporation's initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The name of its initial registered agent at that office is Mark J. LaPuzza. 4. The name and address of the incorporator is as follows: Marc Stodola 3803 N. 153rd Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68116 Mike Freestone 3803 N. 153rd Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68116 5. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. 6. The Corporation shall have members. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT – NEIGHBORS FOR COMMON GOOD Notice is hereby given that on February 5, 2021, NEIGHBORS FOR COMMON GOOD, a Nebraska corporation, filed an Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation. The Amendment stated the Company changed its Articles of Incorporation and will have members. The amendment was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Bylaws. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged. By: Alyssa Preciado, President First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Notice Of Organization Of Porta Potty Solutions, LLC Notice is hereby given that Porta Potty Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office address of the Company is 1125 S. 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144. The registered agent of the Company is Philip S. Murante, whose mailing address is 1125 S 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Darren R. Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOT 27, LLC Notice is hereby given that LOT 27, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on February 5, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021 CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RENEE HOERSCHELMANN, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is RENEE HOERSCHELMANN, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is, 7012 S 161st Cir, Omaha, NE 68136. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 4, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ELKHORN SPORTS PERFORMANCE, LLC The name of the Company is Elkhorn Sports Performance, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The initial registered agent is Sean Moylan located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The initial designated office of the Company is located at 19111 Mason Plaza, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. This limited liability company commenced business on February 3, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JEWELL PUBLISHING, LLC has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is located at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the registered agent at that address is THOMAS H. PENKE. The Designated office is: 11597 South 207th Street, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business commenced on February 5, 2021 and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

SHAUN M. JAMES, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EIRENE LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 19, 2021, Eirene LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Act, with a designated office at 1325 Lynnwood Lane, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Shaun M. James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PULLED BBQ, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PULLED BBQ, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a regis¬tered office at 2202 North 152nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent is KRISTINE R. FULLER. The general nature of the business is to operate a general restaurant and barbeque business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general restaurant and barbeque business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on January 6, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 28, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, VicePresident, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STIMULADE HEALTH & NUTRITION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STIMULADE Health & Nutrition, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1101 Jackson Street, Unit 307, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SierraLincolnBenni, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 18108 Honeysuckle Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jonathan Jones, 18108 Honeysuckle Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company was formed on February 2, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is SUNSET HOMES & PROPERTIES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 1309 South 204th Street, Suite #314, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent is Tracy A. Ostlund and the Registered Agent's address is 1309 South 204th Street, Suite #314, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 3. The general nature of the Company is property construction, remodeling and management. 4. The Company commenced on February 4, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KDKLK LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 7956 S 171st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steve Sheppard, 1237 S 119th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on February 8, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DREAMVESTING PROPERTIES I, LLC The name of the Company is Dreamvesting Properties I, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 503 South 36th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 8, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DREAMVESTING PROPERTIES III, LLC The name of the Company is Dreamvesting Properties III, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 503 South 36th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 8, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DREAMVESTING PROPERTIES II, LLC The name of the Company is Dreamvesting Properties II, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 503 South 36th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 8, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIFELINE ELITE SPORTS, LLC The name of the Company is Lifeline Elite Sports, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 3911 South 191st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 17, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GC Residential Real Estate, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 8, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Kendra Ringenberg will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to GC Residential Real Estate, LLC, c/o Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF HOTSHOT DELIVERIES, INC. Notice if hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of HotShot Deliveries, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follows: Articles 1 states the name of the Corporation as Cartage Management, Inc. Article 2 states the registered Office of the Corporation is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124, and the registered agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. Articles 3 states the purpose. Article 4 states that the Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 each. Article 5 states that the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws. Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 3, 2021. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Faith Baptist Church of Omaha, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (the "Church"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 4, 2021, and the Church has voluntarily dissolved. The Church’s sole assets are cash reserves held in financial or banking accounts maintained by the Church, and the Church has no liabilities. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Church have been fully paid and satisfied and any remaining assets will be distributed in accordance with the Church’s Articles of Incorporation. The Trustee, Jane Slotemaker, will wind up the Church’s business and affairs. The Church’s remaining assets shall be distributed in accordance with the Plan of Dissolution. First publication February 12, 2021, final February 26, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARK AVE CAPITAL 2, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Park Ave Capital 2, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Park Ave Capital 2, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AFU CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION, 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 AFU Custom Construction, 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 5030 S. 135th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. Andrew Ullsperger and Sarah Ullsperger, Member First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that My Whiskey Barrel L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 17322 Orchard Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Greg P. Schmaderer, 17322 Orchard Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Company was formed on February 10, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BlingRing LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BlingRing LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11904 Arbor Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-214 Estate of DENISE M. JOHNSON, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that on February 10, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, RUSSELL N. JOHNSON, whose address is 3742 Cornhusker Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 19, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL MILLS Registrar First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that 47 Properties LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 8419 N 30th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The Registered Agent of the Company is Caleb Dempsey, 8419 N 30th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The Company was formed on January 7, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP III VAN ZANDT DEVELOPMENT, LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Van Zandt Development, 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 February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska. 1. The name of the corporation is ETERNAL VALUE FINANCIAL CORP. 2. The address of the registered office is 3345 N 107th, Omaha, NE 68134, and the initial registered agent at the address is Mark Munger. 3. The general nature of business is to provide a business, and to do business which is not forbidden by the laws of the State of Nebraska. 4. The authorized capital stock of the corporation is 1,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $1.00 per share, each of which may be issued for any medium permissible under the laws of the State of Nebraska and as is determined from time-to-time by the Board of Directors. 5. The corporation commenced existence on February 2, 2021 and shall have perpetual existence. 6. The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be chosen by the Board of Directors. 7. The incorporator is Mark Munger. The address of incorporator is 3345 N 107th, Omaha, NE 68134 Mark Munger Incorporator First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE HARBOR SENIOR CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Harbor Senior Care, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3101 North 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. 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 February 9, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, # 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TUCKERED, LLC Notice is hereby given that TUCKERED, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 1608 S. 219th Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 1608 S. 219th Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Daniel Wehrmann. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCK GROUP SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of MCK Group Services, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is MCK Group Services, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 17328 Monroe Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Enrique Meraz, 17328 Monroe Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, # 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION LONG DOG FAT CAT V LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, with its registered office at 16909 Burke Street, BAY 126, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The registered agent is Shaun M. James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68114. The Limited Liability Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The perpetual existence commenced October 13, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by its Members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ASHBURY CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Ashbury Creek Homeowners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Ashbury Creek Homeowners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 4. The names and street addresses of the incorporators are: Gerald L. Torczon 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68138 Jeffery S. Torczon 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68138 5. The Corporation will have members. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

SHAUN M. JAMES, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NB ELECTRICAL LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, with its registered office at 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The registered agent is Shaun M. James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68114. The designated office is 20702 Parker Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Limited Liability Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The perpetual existence commenced October 23, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by its Members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

Julia K. Palzer, Attorney at Law KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is FORD RENTALS & REHABS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 8213 Keystone Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The registered agent is Brent Ford and the Registered Agent's address is 8213 Keystone Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. 3. The general nature of the Company is property real estate holding. 4. The Company commenced on February 12, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney at Law KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is NEBRASKA DISC GOLF COMPANY, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 3433 T Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68107. The registered agent is William Schram and the Registered Agent's address is 3433 T Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68107. 3. The general nature of the Company is retail sales of disc golf goods, organizing disc golf tournaments and training/education courses. 4. The Company commenced on February 12, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Ground Control Irrigation Company. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 11302 N Hwy 75, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68152, and the Registered Agent at such address is Daniel Newcomer. 4. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 26,2021. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Daniel Newcomer, 11302 N Hwy 75, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68152. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Moreno's Painting, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Moreno's Painting, LLC. Registered agent and office of Moreno's Painting, LLC is Jose Abraham Moreno Rodriguez at 1305 Monroe Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 1305 Monroe Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Jose Abraham Moreno Rodriguez. 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 February 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Thomas H. Penke, Attorney Thomas H. Penke, P.C., L.L.O 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-200 ESTATE OF STEVEN A. GROTH, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 10th day of February, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent, and that Donna M. Heinz, 1716 South 95th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 26, 2021, or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys and Counselors at Law 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CUBBY’S-LAUREL, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Cubby’s-Laurel, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the Company is 9229 Mormon Bridge Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The Registered Agent for service of process on the Company is PHILLIP E. MORRISON and his mailing address 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 4th day of February, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, PHILLIP E. MORRISON. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is Scouting the Unknown, LLC. The name of its initial agent for service of process is Joseph J. Skudlarek. The street and mailing address of its initial designated office and of its initial agent for service of process is 1055 North 115 Street - STE 301, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company is not organized to render a professional service as defined in § 21-117(b). /s/ Ryan Sallans, Organizer. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

MICHAEL J. WEAVER, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HERITAGE POINTE MERIDIAN MASTER TENANT LLC Notice is hereby given that HERITAGE POINTE MERIDIAN MASTER TENANT 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 16934 Frances Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68130. 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 February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 14410 STONY BROOK CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 14410 Stony Brook Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

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 SammyStrong. 2. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The name and address of the Incorporator is as follows: Dan M. McMahon, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 5. The Corporation shall have no members. 6. The corporate existence began on February 11, 2021, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Mardos Auto Transport LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 11717 Ruggles Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Registered Agent of the Company is Josiel Dos Santos, 11717 Ruggles Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Company was formed on February 8, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE GOLDEN FIRST RESPONDERS FLAG, LCC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Golden First Responders Flag, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 14019 Manderson Plaza, #107 Omaha, NE 68164. Registered Agent of the Company is Robert M. Connely, 14019 Manderson Plaza, #107, Omaha, NE 68164. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

William E. Olson OLSON ZALEWSKI WYNNER LLP 575 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68521 NOTICE OF FILING OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF TEWS HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation for Benefit Planning Company of Nebraska, Inc. have been filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office. The Registered Office is location at 9300Underwood Ave, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska. The registered agent is Michael F. Tews. The Amended Articles of Incorporation change the name of the Corporation from Benefit Planning Company of Nebraska, Inc. to Tews Holdings, Inc. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF MINNESOTA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF MINNESOTA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF MISSOURI, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF MISSOURI, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF OHIO, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF OHIO, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF OKLAHOMA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF OKLAHOMA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF IOWA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF IOWA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF COLORADO, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF COLORADO, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF KANSAS, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF KANSAS, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF FLORIDA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF FLORIDA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF LOUISIANA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF LOUISIANA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF TEXAS, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF TEXAS, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF WYOMING, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF WYOMING, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOMES BY J.E.S., LLC The name of the limited liability company is Homes by J.E.S., LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2011 N 156 Street, Omaha, NE 68116. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Travis Freeman, 2011 N 156 Street, Omaha, NE 68116. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF HELLO SUGAR, LLC Notice is hereby given that the Certificate of Organization of Hello Sugar, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to reflect its designated office as 7012 N. 102nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68122 and its registered agent as Nathan Newhouse, 7012 N. 102nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 8, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GILLE PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gille Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3101 North 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. 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 February 9, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF GEORGIA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF GEORGIA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHEESEBURGER’S OMAHA SW, LLC The name of the Company is Cheeseburger’s Omaha SW, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1108 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 16, 2021. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

PREMIER CLAIMS OF NEBRASKA, L.L.C. NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that PREMIER CLAIMS OF NEBRASKA, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process is Nicholas R. Andersen, 120 Regency Parkway #115, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIAL’S CREATIVE CUSTOMS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Dial’s Creative Customs, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with initial designated office at 2503 Parker Street, Omaha, NE 68111. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Registered Agent, Inc. 530 South 13th Street Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508. First publication February 19, 2021, final March 5, 2021

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF MGP CORPORATION MGP Corporation, a Nebraska corporation, has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The corporation has collected its assets, disposed of its properties which were not distributed in kind to its shareholders, discharged or made provision for the discharge of its liabilities, distributed its remaining property among its shareholders according to their interests, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. Marcia G. Pitlor, President of the corporation, was the person who was responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the corporation. The corporation has no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ALA HOLDINGS, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is ALA Holdings, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000,000 Shares having a par value of $.10 each with 100,000 shares designated as voting common stock and 900,000 shares designated as nonvoting common stock. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: Suite 800, 1125 South 103rd Street, Omaha, NE 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on December 28, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Michael M. Hupp, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION MK Projects LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing addresses of the initial designated office of the company are 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing addresses of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Kathryn A. Glissman, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Miracle 11650, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 17, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Zachary A. Wiegert will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to GCP III Miracle 11650, LLC, c/o Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 N 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Miracle 11808, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 17, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Zachary A. Wiegert will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to GCP III Miracle 11808, LLC, c/o Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 N 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Concourse, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 17, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Zachary A. Wiegert will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to GCP III Concourse, LLC, c/o Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 N 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Castanon Concrete & Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Castanon Concrete & Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Castanon Concrete & Landscaping, LLC is Adalberto Castanon at 2523 E Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2523 E Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Adalberto Castanon. 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 October 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COUNSEL FOR COACHES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Counsel for Coaches, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JK FENCING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JK Fencing, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7518 Polk St., Ralston, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ASH BRAVAN Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ASH BRAVAN Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rambabu Kallepalli, 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Gigi’s Gourmet Shaved Ice and Treats, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 11215 Roxbury Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is Michele R. Mower, 11215 Roxbury Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on February 17, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

JENNIFER L. RATTNER, Esq. RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOVE WITH MARISSA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Move With Marissa, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1105 Sunny Lane, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION - ROCKWELL ROADRUNNERS PTO, INC. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 23, 2020. The name of the corporation is ROCKWELL ROADRUNNERS PTO, INC. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation and will not have members. The initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Incorporator is Matthew Wurstner, 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. Matthew Wurstner, Incorporator First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

SHAUN M. JAMES, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEXTGEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 17, 2021, NEXTGEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Act, with a designated office at 11299 Farnam, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Shaun M. James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Grandpa Doug’s Mobile RV Repair, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 4248 Kristy Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The Registered Agent of the Company is Linda J. Bowman, 4248 Kristy Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The Company was formed on January 27, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HA 1031, LLC The name of the Company is HA 1031, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 17, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SyrenCloud LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is Geeta V. Chokkara, 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company was formed on January 26, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TETRASU Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TETRASU Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rambabu Kallepalli, 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Assisted Healing LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska with its initial designated office at 3520 N. 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The initial agent for service of process is Vcorp Agent Services, Inc. at 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. The company is manager-managed. Nature of the company is massage therapy. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FUSION MARKETPLACE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fusion Marketplace, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11808 Grant Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. 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 February 18, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SALKIN STRENGTH SOLUTIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is SALKIN STRENGTH SOLUTIONS, 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 1311 N. 113th Plaza, #5119, Omaha, NE 68154. Aleks Salkin, Member First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 200 Regency One, 10050 Regency Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION JAMARCUS WORLDWIDE LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 6212 Maple Street, Omaha, NE 68104. The name, street and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are David M. Hohman, 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114. Dated this 19th of February, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DEEP STACKS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Deep Stacks, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9802 Ascot Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SPARKMOX, LLC The name of the Company is Sparkmox, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The initial registered agent is Sean Moylan located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The initial designated office of the Company is located at 1511 S. 83rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 16, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SIMMONDS RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Simmonds Restaurant Management, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 18, 2021, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President, Paula K. Glissman, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KAASCH MONEY PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kaasch Money Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 2420 North 147th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. 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 February 18, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

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 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Home Instead Senior Care Foundation have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: Home Instead Charities. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 3, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney and Incorporator CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TIMOTHY GRECO MINISTRIES Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State on February 17, 2021. The name of the corporation is TIMOTHY GRECO MINISTRIES. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation and will not have members. The initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose registered office address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. Matthew Wurstner, Attorney and Incorporator First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JVSA HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JVSA Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall conduct the practice of anesthesia. 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 February 22, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Joshua R. Dunyon, Attorney Mandy M. Gruhlkey, Attorney The Advocates 1001 Farnam Street, Suite 203 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-157 Estate of Alvin Donald Kock, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 3rd, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Teresa M. Kock, 5110 S. 48th Street, Omaha, NE 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 April 26, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SARA PUTNAM, M.D., LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sara Putnam, M.D., LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 674 N. 57th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Robert J. Likes, Attorney Likes Meyerson Hatch LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-235 Estate of Janet R. Zaleski, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 22, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Cynthia M. Schaecher, 16216 Briar Street, Omaha, NE 68136, 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 April 26, 2021 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Organization of Sorensen Investment, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), have been amended and restated as follows: The name of the Company is Sorensen Investment, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 4404 South 76th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 22, 2021. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FIREGUARD, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of Fireguard, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were amended and restated on February 23, 2021, in their entirety as follows: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation is Fireguard, Inc. Article 2 states the registered agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. Article 3 states the purpose. Article 4 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 shares of Voting Common Stock, having a par value of $1.00 per share. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws. Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Neighborhood Junk Removal Name of Applicant: United Services of America, Inc. Address: 3320 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE 68134 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: February 1, 2021 General nature of business: Junk removal, hauling and disposal of junk SHERI DIETRICH Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative February 26, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Nobility Tax Name of Applicant: Alpha 66 Investment Group Address:7930 Blond Street Ste 201, Omaha, NE 68134 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: January 1, 2020 General nature of business: Tax Preparation Service DAMIEN P. FOSTER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative February 26, 2021

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES Craig F. Martin, Attorney LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP 1 0306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CLINTON CONSTRUCTION, 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 CLINTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 3035 Dudley Street, Lincoln, NE 68503. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 12, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REKSUH AUTO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Reksuh Auto, 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 February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GOLDENROD BITCOIN, LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GOLDENROD BITCOIN, 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 February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF QTD CONSULTING, LLC Notice is hereby given that QTD Consulting, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address is 10510 Parker Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent is Stephen F Molini who resides at the same address with business commencing on December 1st, 2020. First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF POST MILLILLAS, LLC Notice is hereby given that POST MILLILLAS, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on February 22, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCKEE IRRIGATED, LLC Notice is hereby given that MCKEE IRRIGATED, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on February 22, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEBRASKA ORGANIC PRESERVE, LLC Notice is hereby given that NEBRASKA ORGANIC PRESERVE, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 2002 Douglas Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68102. 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 February 22, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ULYSSES BLUE RIVER, LLC Notice is hereby given that ULYSSES BLUE RIVER, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is Carlson & Burnett, LLP, 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on February 22, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication February 26, 2021, final March 12, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Little King Name of Applicant: Royce Petit Roi, LLC Address: 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: January 1, 1969 General nature of business: Deli Sandwich Franchise LAWRENCE R. JAMES, II Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative February 26, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Little King Restaurants Name of Applicant: Royce Petit Roi, LLC Address: 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: February 8, 2012 General nature of business: Deli Sandwich Franchise LAWRENCE R. JAMES, II Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative February 26, 2021

Hospitality workers wondering if jobs will come back Continued from page 14. recovery for the travel industry is not expected until 2024. Even when business improves, there's no guarantee all these hospitality jobs will return, Grove said. Automation and technology may push out the need for some jobs, and other jobs will migrate elsewhere. "So there may be a need for some of these workers to look at other industries — both because the bounceback will take some time and the jobs themselves will shift," he said. For Leonna Williams, her job in room service and as a restaurant host at the DoubleTree in downtown St. Paul was the best she'd ever had. After working there for six years, she was making more than $17 an hour, plus tips. "I had a 401(k). I had health insurance," she said. "I never had a job like that." Out of work since last spring, she hopes for a callback to that job. Many of the other jobs she sees don't pay enough for her to support her household, which includes her partner, who is finishing school, and three children. She reached out to some temp agencies, but they didn't have enough hours for her to work. She applied for some work-from-home jobs in customer service but didn't hear back from any of them. She knows there are jobs available in nursing homes, hospitals and warehouses. Many of her relatives work those kinds of jobs and most of them, she added, have caught COVID-19. So she's not eager to switch to those fields, but she may soon consider it. Williams has barely made ends meet on unemployment benefits. After the additional $600 weekly benefit from the CARES Act expired last summer, she had to scramble. She leaned on family members, borrowing money to cover a bill one week and paying them back the next. She started paying her rent late. And then there have been the unanticipated expenses, such as when her wisdom teeth began throbbing. The bill for extracting them came in at $500. The $600 stimulus check and additional $300 a week in unemployment benefits that began in January as a result of Congress' last relief bill have helped. Williams managed to pay the rent on time in January — and in February, too. Then, she also had a car break down. She felt sure things would go back to normal in 2021, but is less so now. "I didn't think it was going to last this long," she said. "I really don't know what to think right now." ©2021 StarTribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Majors Plastics, Inc., Custom Injection Molder and Contract Manufacturing, was honored with the 2020 3M Supplier of the Year Award in recognition of the company’s contribution to improving 3M’s competitiveness. This year, 3M recognized 20 suppliers supporting the U.S. and Canada, among thousands in its global supply base, for world-class performance in providing products and services. These suppliers were identified and rated based on actions taken to improve 3M’s competitiveness and overall supplier performance. Majors Plastics is a full-service custom plastics injection molding business with over 100 molding machines and over 800 employees from both Omaha and Reynosa, Mexico specializing in high-volume, high-quality injection molding. Taco John’s International Inc. reopened its Council Bluffs, Iowa restaurant, located at 2300 W. Broadway. As part of a larger, system wide remodeling initiative, the updated restaurant features new design elements, kitchen equipment and operational updates. The Human Resource Association of the Midlands named Stephen Gutierrez-Sager the 2020 Volunteer of the Year. The award is given annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to HRAM, its membership, and the community during the year. Gutierrez-Sager has been a member of HRAM since 2017. When he joined he also became a member of the diversity and inclusion committee at HRAM. Gutierrez-Sager’s contributions on the committee run from development of a new committee motto to beta testing the new IDEAL Award that HRAM rolled out in 2020. He was active in driving member engagement, fundraising, and program planning.

Education notes…

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will offer two new programs to help address the nursing shortage: a master’s degree program, and a certificate program for internationally educated nurses. In addition, an accelerated option will be offered in the registered nurse to bachelor’s degree in nursing program (RN to BSN). The new Advanced Nurse Generalist Master’s Degree in Nursing, which begins in the fall, is a new track for nurses looking to advance their skills and knowledge but are not seeking nurse practitioner certification.

The second new program is “Nursing in the U.S. Context,” an undergraduate certificate beginning this May. The goal of the program is to better prepare internationally educated nurses for practice in the U.S. and for exams necessary to make them eligible for RN licensure. The college also will offer an eight-week option for the online RN to BSN program.

Health care notes…

The National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center have been awarded a $142,000 contract with Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, to create assessment tools that measure frontline military medical personnel skills acquisition, readiness and degradation. Led by Alicia Schiller, Ph.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology and director of combat casualty medicine at UNMC, the project will use novel medical simulation techniques to better understand how to effectively train for infrequently performed, high-value procedures executed by combat medics.

Activities of nonprofits…

Kicks for a Cure has raised over $3.4 million in support of local cancer research. Monies raised go to Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Center and The Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center at UNMC for the treatment and prevention of cancer, while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. New to the Board of Directors are: Andy Max, Omaha: Kara Karnes Mason, Chicago; Brandi Preston, Omaha; and Kalen Karnes Strickland, Bronxville, New York. The 15th Annual Kicks for a Cure is being held April 12-18, 2021 online. Goodwill Omaha and Max I. Walker have teamed up several times since last March to identify and respond to clothing-related community needs. Their latest joint venture was its Sleepers & Scrubs Drive for local hospitals. During the month long drive, Goodwill locations collected 150 sleepers to donate to CHI Health’s three area NICUs. Additionally, 427 scrubs were collected from the drive. The scrubs don’t have a destination yet, but Max I. Walker will store them, cleaned and packaged, in anticipation of requests.

Arts & events…

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts has opened the application process for its 2022 Artist-in-Residence Programs. Artist-in-Residence opportunities are open

to national and international artists over the age of 21 who can show a strong professional working history. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to, visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, music composition, and choreography. U.S.-based artists-in-residence will receive monthly stipends. Due to the limitations of B2 visas, international artists-in-residence are eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses. Applications for the May 18- Aug. 12, 2022 round are due April 1, 2021. Applications for the Sept. 7 through Nov. 11, 2022 round are due Aug. 16, 2021. In celebration of Black History Month, The Durham Museum will present Harriet Tubman, portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century, as its Scholar in Residence for the month of February. Unlike the typical assembly-style in-person format, this year’s program will be offered virtually. A virtual public program will take place on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Registration is available online or by calling 402-444-5071. The performances will be followed by an in-character Q&A session. The Durham Scholars in Residence initiative is an educational outreach program developed to promote academic enrichment in area schools and community organizations for all age levels. The Durham Museum will present a unique exhibition experience exploring the lasting impact of the 19th amendment. “Beyond the Vote” will blend iconic images of the past from its partners at the Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress with original contemporary artwork created by six local artists. The exhibit will explore the themes at the heart of the suffrage movement — both for and against — and how those same themes about a woman’s place in the world continue to resonate today. The exhibit will open on March 6, 2021 and will be open until June 6, 2021. Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District are coming together to raise money for energy assistance programs through the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth, which will take place March 6. This year it will be held virtually. OPPD and M.U.D. encourage participants to complete the 5K run or one-mile walk on their own — in neighborhoods, local trails, or even on a treadmill. Custom neck gaiters will be mailed to all registrants. Participants

in the 5K may submit their results online. Awards will be mailed to the first, second and third-place male and female runners in several age divisions. Registration is online: 5K price, $35, and the one-mile walk, $25.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

TotalWellness targets COVID-19 vaccinations to increase national presence Continued from page 1. is almost perfectly positioned for an increased presence in the COVID-19 inoculation race. The independent corporate wellness firm has grown to 40 full-time workers — and can easily ramp up with additional hires as the needs justify. Plus, Kohll said he has access to more than 10,000 health care professionals across the U.S. — about 6,000 of them are nurses. They take assignments as independent contractors. Kohll, who remembers building his initial list more than 20 years ago and the assistance his mother provided as faxes came into his apartment as a result of newspaper and magazine ads he had placed, resulted in contracts with General Electric, the Associated Press, and Gateway, the South Dakota-based technology company, that resulted in flu shots in 1998-99 for all of its 25,000 employees. Today Kohll admits he’s about running out of fingers in counting the square footage used by TotalWellness at 9320 H Court as its corporate headquarters. “There’s one ... five ... and we’ve added either a seventh or eighth bay,” he said, which all adds up to 16,000 square feet. In addition to the health care professionals located throughout the country, Omaha warehouse space with many of the injection and related supplies wrapped

to sanitary standards, Kohll said much of the nimbleness is in the technology infrastructure that was built to support its corporate health screening contracts and wellness initiatives. The Beata turnkey wellness portal was designed to help employers to effectively manage their TotalWellness program to build an effective and engaging program that encourages healthy behavior and boosts employee participation levels. Kohll said the technology was designed as an affordable, “no sweat,” wellness portal designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Kohll said the technology developed in-house by TotalWellness, with some outsourcing done with Omaha-based Volano Custom Software Development, is adaptable for the additional demands of scheduling COVID-19 shots. TotalWellness has a cooperative relationship with the Douglas County Health Department. During the peak month of November 2020 more than 1,000 COVID-19 tests were administered in the 15-stall parking lot immediately south of TotalWellness’s headquarters. Earlier this month TotalWellness hired Dr. Thomas J. Safranek as its chief medical officer. Safranek spent more than 30 years of his career in applied epidemiology at the Nebraska Department of

Health and Human Services Division of Public Health. Safranek, 67, said he realizes he is moving to the private sector and joining TotalWellness at a pivotal time. “Through 20 years of mass worksite influenza vaccinations numbering over 150,000 vaccines each year, TotalWellness represents a homegrown, off-theshelf solution that addresses the many challenges of mass COVID vaccination,” he said. “I’m eager to place the TotalWellness mass vaccination platform at the disposal of Nebraska and other jurisdictions, many of which are attempting to re-create this infrastructure in the middle of the crisis. “This could be a game-changer for the state and local health departments whose workforce is increasingly fatigued one year into the COVID pandemic.” Safranek, a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Medicine, said the large network of health care workers TotalWellness has built across the country, coupled with the Omaha-based technology and administrative support available, will enable more large-inoculation clinics to be set up and staffed in multiple communities at the same time. As more vaccine is produced, costs could rise. Safranek favors age-based prioritization with a business model such

Ambassador Title Services grows, embraces tech to meet demand Continued from page 1. easier to find employees during the panSarpy County, Regency, Lincoln, Council demic because more people are looking for Bluffs and its Omaha headquarters at 331 jobs — either because they’ve been laid off Village Pointe Plaza. or they’re looking to switch careers. HowAfter making it through the first hous- ever, keeping up with the volume of transing crash in 2005/2006 and deciding to actions has been the most challenging and switch careers from mortgage to title ser- having the time to find and train people. vices (her husband During the is also in mortgage), Ambassador Title Services “slow” month of C l u r e s t a r t e d t h e Phone: 402-884-4500 February, the firm company with Vince Address: 331 Village Pointe Plaza #102, will still close around Leisey, who owned Omaha 68118 500 transactions. Prudential Ambas- Services: complete title insurance, title search, Last summer, they sador Real Estate at full escrow services and closing services were averaging 800 the time. DRI Title Founded: 2011 transactions a month, was the joint title Employees: nearly 50 close to Clure’s goal company that helped One-year goal: Continue to grow and create of closing 1,000 ATS get its start. In more jobs. transactions per 2 0 1 8 , H o m e S e r - Industry outlook: The real estate industry month. vices of America, a surges with demand due to low interest rates While the panBerkshire Hathaway and increased property value. demic changed the affiliate, acquired Website: ambassadortitle.com way the firm does Berkshire Hathabusiness, it has not way HomeServices Ambassador Real affected growth. Estate and took an ownership interest “We had some people working from in Ambassador Title Services, buying home that could, but the real estate could not out Leisey. stop (offices stayed open) — it had to keep “Because I came in as one of the own- going … it was difficult, but it was good ers, I was able to build outside business to us from a volume standpoint,” she said. instead of just focusing on the inside real Interest rates are low and property valestate brokerage, and that wouldn’t have ues continue to increase, and some people happened if I wouldn’t have been involved, have refinanced two or three times over the so that’s where we came together and past year-and-a-half. ended up joining forces, and in the end, “With rates low, inventory is super we pretty much split off completely and low so it’s hurting the market today, but I started doing everything separate,” she refi’s are still coming in, so purchases are said. “I was able to hire all my people. We struggling but we’re still getting them in,” have lots of women working here, about she said. 90% women.” Even with such low interest rates, there While the pandemic raged, title ser- still aren’t enough properties on the market vices has been hopping — ATS has added to meet demand — an existing problem the 10 employees in the past year to keep up pandemic exacerbated — which has been with market demand. Clure said it’s been great for sellers who often get over asking

price, but bad for first-time homebuyers, who are often beat out by higher offers. Clure said she keeps up on real estate trends and said that there are similar parallels in the market today as in 2005/2006, minus the subprime loans that caused the housing crisis. “I’ve noticed in the last three years there are some pretty aggressive loans being made, buyers coming in with only $500 down and those scare me,” she said. “Now they have good credit, but are they going to be over their head if the market does decline and hopefully it doesn’t but if it does, if you’ve loaned 100% on a property, they’ll walk away and that’s the scary part. But hopefully they don’t. Hopefully the value stays up and makes more money and we go on.” ATS adds fun to a job that Clure calls “boring,” by offering amenities like a Nintendo Switch at the office, philanthropic outreach, company outings and the like. She’s happy to share with other title companies and lenders how the firm switched to paperless — a herculean task of building an entire database that was completed in three months instead of the projected 12 months — and hopes that others in the industry, like lenders, will see the benefits of technology and continue to use it. Since COVID-19 hit, the demand for electronic signatures has skyrocketed in the lending industry, and states like Nebraska have passed laws that allow online notarizations so that people can sign documents remotely. “Buyers, sellers, lenders, agents — everyone can get online and see the status of the file and grab documents,” Clure said, adding that she hopes that that the online notarization law will continue beyond the pandemic.

as that used by Uber with thousands of nurses and related professionals nationwide delivering the shots. Both Kohll and Safranek laud the scheduling and billing platform developed by TotalWellness, which can easily be enhanced to meet community-specific needs. “It is truly evolutionary,” Safranek

TotalWellness Phone: 888-434-4358 Address: 9320 H Court, Omaha 68127 Services: independent provider that partners with companies of any size to facilitate custom wellness solutions Founded: 1998 by Alan Kohll Employees: 40 full-time, with seasonal adjustments One year goal: Perform an increased role in response to needs of pandemic from providing technological platform for online registrations for vaccines and through the efficient administration and delivery process via a network of more than 10,000 health care professionals — including 6,000 nurses — throughout the nation. Industry outlook: the 10-firm field of competitors nationally five years ago has been halved due to consolidation. Website: www.totalwellnesshealth.com

said. In addition to the COVID-19 business, about 50% of TotalWellness’s revenues were generated from health screenings and related tailored corporate health and wellness services. In addition to biometric screenings, flu shots were a major offering, although Safranek and Kohll lament that only 25% to 30% of eligible employees of companies served elect to get a flu shot. Kohll said his company has developed wellness relationships with a bevy of companies including McGraw Hill Publishing, The Southern Company, Union Pacific, John Day, Quality Pork and Allstate, among others. It’s a wide spectrum, from companies as small as 50 employees to firms in the 30,000 to 50,000, and up, range. Kohll started his work career with a 68-stop newspaper route on West Center Road that he covered on his dirt bike, which he modified with a carrying bag over the handlebar. He also cleaned the soda fountain at a relative’s Westgate drug store. Kohll said a greater use of technology — especially for testing and vaccination appointments — has added much-needed efficiency to the process. He remembers in the early days of TotalWellness an important lesson learned when fulfilling a flu shot contract with Continental General Insurance. He was too open-ended about spacing out the appointments. “All 70 employees showed up at 7 a.m.,” he remembers. Since then, he preaches the advice of Walmart founder Sam Walton: “You always need to stay ahead of infrastructure to improve efficiency.” When various offerings are compared, Kohll said TotalWellness five years ago had about 10 competitors nationally; today that number is about five or six.

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Keith Fix, CEO of Retail Aware, won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Andee Hoig, publisher of MBJ, addresses the nearly 300 online viewers.

2020 40 Under 40 virtual event honors exceptional young professionals by Gabby Hellbusch special is that it highlighted and honored Now in its 19th year, the Midlands Busi- local young professionals in the area. Seeing ness Journal 40 Under 40 Awards once again the joy and passion each winner has for their celebrated the accomplishments of young pro- field is a sign that their impact will last years fessionals throughout the community. to come.” Since the event’s founding in 2002, MBJ The award winners, who were evaluated has recognized 760 young professionals. based on their involvement in the Greater “These creative, talented and exceptional Omaha community and their respective oryoung people build and make our community ganizations, represented various industries, what it is,” according to Andee Hoig, publisher including health care, real estate, education, of MBJ. technology, financial, engineering, marketing, This year the live virtual event drew nearly as well as many others. 300 viewers. This year’s platinum sponsors included Mike Gilstrap, owner/CEO of Dog and Northwest Bank and the University of Nebraska Pony Productions, which served as the video Omaha’s College of Business Administration. production partner for this year’s ceremoJohn Bothof, president of Northwest ny, said the event was Bank, said the bank has unique because it prosponsored 40 Under 40 Photos by Roger Humphries vided a way to honor since its inception. everyone, while not making it difficult to keep “At the time, the bank was a small comthe event moving. munity bank that was just getting started,” “By breaking the awards up into groups and Bothof said. “We saw the sponsorship as an interspersing other presentations throughout, opportunity to gain recognition and that’s exwe kept the audience at home entertained and actly what it did. It brought us to the forefront focused,” Gilstrap said. of banking in Omaha. These award winners Sara Tefft, event producer at planit inc, are high performers and they are a great which was the event planning partner for the group to engage with and recognize. This is awards, said the hospitality, tourism and events what community banking is all about — supindustry pivoted to a virtual space to respond porting your community and supporting the and assist the needs of clients this past year. people in your community. That's why we “The 2020 Midlands Business Journal stay involved.” 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon followed Melanie Krings, executive director of similar trends of hosting a virtual event with UNO’s Executive MBA and Executive Manpre-recorded content, as well as a live com- agement Education Programs, said it is ponent,” Tefft said. “What made this event important to publicly recognize the success

of young professionals. “Each and every one of you [winners] is working so hard to help your organization thrive and grow, even in the midst of an international pandemic,” Krings said during the ceremony. “And you are using your skills, knowledge and network to continue to support our nonprofit community to help so many individuals in need.” David Brown, president of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said the chamber, along with community partners, have implemented a strategy called Omaha 2040 that is directly impacted by current and future leaders. “It’s based on a very simple notion,” Brown said. “If Omaha can be the best it can be by 2040, we can have a community that attracts talent, keeps talent, and becomes a dynamic place where everyone who wants to be included can be involved. We thank those of you who are selected as top individuals in the 40 Under 40 category, as you are key to our success in the future.” During the event, Dr. Beverly Kracher, senior ethicist and founder of Business Eth-

A behind-the-scenes look at the virtual event production, which included planit inc and Dog and Pony Productions.

Dr. Beverly Kracher, senior ethicist and founder of Business Ethics Alliance, was named the 2020 Woman of Distinction.

ics Alliance, was named the 2020 Woman of Distinction. “Let’s think about the luck we’ve had, the specific people who have helped us along the way, and the specific systems that have helped us,” Kracher said. “The 40 Under 40 honorees should feel good about themselves and what they’ve accomplished. And always remember to temper their pride with a nod toward lady luck.” Also at the event, Keith Fix, founder and CEO of Retail Aware, was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. “I’m deeply humbled by the opportunity to be standing here,” Fix said to the live virtual audience. “It is such an honor to be recognized among my incredible peers in this community.” Hoig said these winners are not only future leaders, but they are leading the way now. “That is what excites me and inspires me for today, and for our future,” Hoig said. Nominations are now being accepted for the 20th annual 40 Under 40 Awards, which will be held on Feb. 4, 2022. Visit MBJ.com for more information.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Under new branding, Volano Software builds niche with small, medium-sized businesses Continued from page 1. tional. We have received a lot of positive feedback since launching the new website.” With a physical home based in Millwork Commons, the developer of custom software solutions ranging from mobile and web apps, to databases and reporting systems, has approached its branding, messaging and logo dynamically, rather than statically. “In a more recent iteration, we dropped the ‘Solutions’ and went with the bolder ‘Volano,’” Stavneak said, a reference to prior-namesake: Volano Solutions. “The challenge here is that you can’t really tell what we do. So, we have two versions of our logo — one as a stand alone and one with ‘Custom Software.’ “It goes a long way to clarify what we do and how we are, first and foremost, a software development company,” he added. With each revision, Smith noted how its website has become more readable and approachable. “We work to abstract the technology and focus on the people behind the code and the benefits of the software,” he said. “We see technology merely as a tool to achieve a set of objectives. And, really it is all about the people that are crafting the

Godfather’s Pizza. software and the people that will benefit For Bosselman, Smith said regional from the solution.” Last thing we wanted on the site, managers of its Pump & Pantry convenience stores and Boss Shops use Action Stavneak explained, is stock photography. “We want clients and candidates alike Card to document store visits, perform inspections and to to get a real feel of coach store managwho Volano is, our Volano Software ers — behaviors that personality, our cul- Phone: 402-934-3733 assure the best custure and what makes Address: 1111 North 13th St., Suite 208, tomer experience is u s d i ff e r e n t , ” h e Omaha 68102 being supported. said. “This especial- Founded: 2007 by Rod Smith and Don “Store managly shines through on Stavneak ers use Action Card the culture page.” Services: development of database, website, to guide their daily That page fea- mobile apps, reporting systems and other ‘store walk’ process, tures the concept of custom software which ensures ev“flowlines,” which Website: Volanosoftware.com ery location is up to ties to its tagline of standards,” he said. “Having cloud-based “Let’s make work flow.” “Throughout the site, you see the green software in place allows communication and collaboration. So, corporate can checkline illustrating a ‘work mess’ that gets unin and check-up without driving to each tangled into a ‘work flow,’” he said. “This is a great visual representation of what we do location each day.” For Godfather’s, Smith indicated that for our clients — making their work flow.” they recognized dropping a comment card The firm’s clients include well-recogin a wooden box isn’t enough in today’s nized names, from Iowa Western Community College to Triage Staffing, and AGP to digital world. “Godfather’s has long used Action Card American Fence Co. Smith also highlighted for management level store inspections, two notables as “success stories” associated with its seven-year-old SaaS product but they wanted to go to the next level,” Action Card: Bosselman Enterprises and he said. “We collaborated to create an

Community organizations work to empower the next generation by David Kubicek

Several organizations in the midlands are working to prepare today’s youth to become tomorrow’s community leaders. Best known for its mentors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands currently serves about 600 youth in the community, said Donor Communications Specialist Thomas Slagle. Last fall, the organization introSlagle duced Leadership Academy, a virtual mentoring program especially for high school students. “Leadership Academy was in the works before the pandemic,” Slagle said. “Leadership Academy works out well to serve a lot of youth in our community, especially some of the older kids who often don’t have an opportunity to be matched with a mentor in the community-based mentoring program. Youth are our future community leaders, and we want to ensure that we can invest in them so they can be the best students they are right now, so they have all the tools they need to be a success in their community and their careers.” Throughout the pandemic, Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands has impacted the lives of about 2,400 kids per day through its STEM programs, Readers to Leaders, Power Hour, Passport to Manhood, and many other program initiatives, said President and CEO Richard Webb. The organization has a $30 per year membership fee but allows scholarships to people with financial hardship. “Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to realize their fullest potential as productive, healthy, responsible, and caring

individuals of our society,” Webb said. The Urban League of Nebraska advocates for social justice related issues, according to president and CEO Thomas H.

“The basis of all Kids Can’s Out-OfSchool programs is STEMsmart — Academy Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Strength, Music, Art, Reading, Tu-

Webb Warren Warren, Sr. Its programs focus on preparing youth and young adults to be successful in school, work and life by delivering services that enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities. “Our objective is to empower the next generation’s workforce by ensuring that they are educated and equipped with the workplace etiquette that is necessary to successfully transition to career opportunities,” Warren said. “The Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Academy is our college preparatory program, where we facilitate enrollment into post-secondary educational institutions. Our Employment and Career Services start with the STEP-UP Summer Youth Employment program. Each year, in partnership with the Empowerment Network, we case-manage 150 youth, ages 16 to 18 at worksites throughout the City of Omaha.” Kids Can’s mission is to educate, engage and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences, CEO Robert Patterson said. The organization serves children from age 18 months to 13 years old at its 49th and Q streets center, and five elementary school sites in north and south Omaha.

Patterson Watkins toring — a blend of experiences and opportunities to develop academic competencies and 21st century skills through hands-on experiences,” Patterson said. The organization also has a mentoring program accredited through MENTOR Nebraska. Youth Emergency Services (YES) offers several programs that help vulnerable youth from ages 12 to 21 meet their immediate needs of shelter, food and safety and teaches them essential life skills which empower them to become self-sufficient, said Marketing and Communications Manager Michael Watkins. Some key resources include rent assistance, assistance to victims of sex trafficking through a partnership with the Women’s Center for Advancement, connection with a mentor through YES’ mentoring program, and assistance through the Job Readiness program offered at the Street Outreach Center that helps youth find and keep a job. “Our goal is to help [youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness] become contributing members of society, to see their value and know their worth to themselves and in the community,” Watkins said.

immediate customer feedback process by connecting the ‘contact us’ page on their website with the Action Card app. When a customer submits feedback, their comments are immediately routed to the most appropriate person in the organization.” Smith said this allows for real-time reaction; for instance, a store manager can handle an inquiry before the customer leaves the restaurant. Reportedly, Action Card boasts more than 60 clients across 10,000-plus locations in 25 countries. The people that power these solutions and are at the heart of rebranding initiatives span around 20. “We just hired a developer who had interned for us back in 2013,” Stavneak said. “It is motivational to see the impact we made in his career and are excited to have him back. We’re expecting continued growth and plan to hire at least another developer before the end of the year.” Similarly, Stavneak said its team has been working together for a long time now. “We pride ourselves in the level of experience of our developers, not only in their profession, but more so at Volano,” he said. “We have an average tenure of five years compared to an industry standard of one and a half … We’re able to build more software, more efficiently and successfully with our team that is in it together. Our teamwork really has shined when there were any obstacles that arose during this pandemic.” Smith said the pandemic has been toughest on the small teams and the independent developers. “Also, there has been a lot of consolidation in the local software development space in the last few years,” he said. “We’ve also seen new firms pop up that focus on startups, partly because that is ‘sexy’ work.” Smith noted its permanency and team size has established Volano within the niche of established, small- and medium-sized organizations in need of robust business software — mobile and web apps, and databases alike. “Many businesses have learned how to ‘get by’ while working remote during the pandemic and Volano has been fortunate in many regards,” he said. “Fortunate that the systems we built ‘pre-pandemic’ made our customers much, much, stronger during the pandemic. Fortunate that we were already geared up to work efficiently while remote, because of our hybrid ‘work from home’ policy.” That said, Smith noted, the best software is built through strong collaboration. “And this often means ‘around the table’ time with a software developer,” he said. “We miss these opportunities. It has also been tough not being able to host weekly ‘Whiskey Wednesday’ for our friends and clients.” Going forward, Stavneak indicated its focus will be on telling and marketing their story — of collaboration with companies’ key stakeholders, taking their visions of the bigger picture and creating an achievable roadmap through incremental change and successfully-delivered software. “In 2021, we will be working hard to tell the many stories of how Volano has helped companies achieve their vision in this way, with our proven process and by being their long-term partner,” he said.

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

Hired

Added

Thomas M. Maul Attorney Dvorak Law Group

Dvorak Law Group, LLC is pleased to welcome Thomas M. Maul to its new Columbus, Nebraska location. The firm’s new office is located at 3214 25th Street in Columbus and can be reached at 402564-5880. Maul brings over 40 years of experience assisting clients with legal needs and focuses his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, real estate, corporate, and guardianships. Maul advises individuals in the structuring of their

estate plans and assists in preparation of their wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives/living wills. He represents clients in estate and trust administration matters. In addition, Maul advises clients on business and corporate matters, including business contracts and entity formation. He also assists clients in the buying, selling and leasing of real estate, including commercial real estate, and the financing of real estate transactions. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have such a well-respected and experienced attorney join our team.” said David M. Dvorak, President of Dvorak Law Group. “With almost 40 years of practice to his credit, Maul brings a wealth of legal knowledge and judgment to the table when advising clients. That coupled with being a

stalwart in the East Central Nebraska community of Columbus will allow us to expand and better serve our clients in that part of the state.” Dvorak Law Group, LLC is a full-service business, estate planning, and litigation law firm with offices in Omaha, Hastings, Sutton, Columbus, and North Platte, Nebraska. It serves individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities in Nebraska and throughout the country. To learn more about Dvorak Law Group, visit www.dvoraklawgroup.com.

Heather Carver Associate General Counsel Metonic

Metonic is excited to announce the addition of Heather Carver as Associate General Counsel. Carver will provide legal counsel and guidance to Metonic with respect to acquisition, disposition, development and financing transactions. Carver has extensive experience in real estate law, with an emphasis on community redevelopment, land use planning, commercial real estate, and real estate finance.

SENIOR SERVICES

Promoted

Chris Alford VP of International Operations/Executive Director, China Home Instead, Inc.

Home Instead, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Alford to Vice President of International Operations and Executive Director, China. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, he will assist in shaping and leading strategic initiatives for the company. Alford is responsible for leading the creation of short, medium, and long-term economic engines to expand Home Instead’s global market

leader position. In addition, he has overall responsibility for Home Instead China. He joined Home Instead in 2015 and has held other leadership roles on the international team. The Home Instead network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with over 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that annually provide more than 80 million hours of care throughout the United States and 13 other countries.

Rod Roberts VP of Franchise Operations Home Instead, Inc.

Home Instead, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Rod Roberts to Vice President of Franchise Operations. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, he will assist in shaping and leading strategic initiatives for the company. In this role, Roberts is responsible for Canadian operations, North American multiple franchise unit ownerships, redevelopment and new owner franchises and development. Roberts joined Home Instead 15 years ago and has served in numerous

HEALTH CARE Hired

Nhat H. Ngo Chief Commercial Officer Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions, one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing providers of total workforce solutions in the healthcare industry, has announced the addition of Nhat H. Ngo as Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Ngo is responsible for commercial strategy to drive the company’s growth in existing and adjacent markets. He will ensure continuity between

strategic positioning, solutions offerings, and services delivery in the market. By forging integrated partnerships with Medical Solutions’ clients, Mr. Ngo will take a customer-centric approach to creating new products and offerings and to advancing existing client programs and resources. Mr. Ngo is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience successfully leading growth strategies, market development, commercial execution, and corporate development for startup, mid-sized, and large capitalization healthcare technology companies. He previously served as executive vice president, marketing, strategy and business development with Omnicell,

and served in senior leadership positions with Medtronic and BriteSmile. Mr. Ngo practiced corporate law at Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman in Washington, D.C. He earned a B.S. from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

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

positions supporting Home Instead’s franchise network. Prior to joining Global Headquarters, Roberts owned a Home Instead franchise in Naples, Florida. The Home Instead network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with over 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that annually provide more than 80 million hours of care throughout the United States and 13 other countries.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

2021 Engineering Excellence Awards A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Category H Winner

Client: Nebraska Department of Transportation Project: U.S. Highway 281 over Niobrara River Emergency Repairs

Grand Award Olsson

Young Professional of the Year

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Honor Awards Category B Building/Technology Systems

son, is essential not only to preserve the artwork, but to secure agreements for traveling art exhibitions and collections. To save energy, other areas of the building use systems that allow excess heat in one room to be used in another room. In the end, Alvine Engineering’s mechanical design provides a level of precision and that has impressed the center’s early exhibitors and lighting design that provides gallery-class lighting while remaining within budget.

with a bridge extending back to the hospital floors. Although the construction was complex, with more than 2,000 temporary system shut-downs required to build the addition, close coordination between the design team, contractor, fabricator, and erector resulted in a project that caused minimal disruption to the hospital during construction and provided the owner much needed new space.

Category B Building/Technology Systems

Category C Structural Systems

Farris Engineering University of Nebraska - Omaha | UNO Arts & Sciences Hall Renovation

HDR Union Pacific Railroad Company | Emergency Repair of Bridge 465.91 Falls City over the Platte River

Category B Winner

HDR Sentara Healthcare | Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Expansion and Renovation

Building on top of an occupied building is never easy. Building on top of a hospital without interrupting the operation of the hospital below is especially difficult. Over 30 years ago, when the River Pavilion and the Kaufman Pavilion were designed for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, they were designed as five- and six-story concrete buildings. In 2015, to accommodate the hospital’s growing needs three new floors and a helipad were added on top of the existing buildings. As part of the project upgrades and expansions to the existing electrical and mechanical distribution systems were undertaken including air handling units, steam and chilled water piping and electrical distribution were all performed while still maintaining hospital operation throughout the construction process. Of note for the mechanical system, Surgery air handling units were upgraded, steam and chilled water distribution pumping and piping were upgraded. Existing plumbing storm and waste risers for the buildings were reused. To account for the required additional electrical capacity to serve the new vertical square footage being added to an aging existing infrastructure, the existing service electrical distribution to the towers were replaced and additional generator capacity added. Although the construction was complex, with more than 2,000 temporary system shut-downs required to build the addition, close coordination between the design team, contractor, fabricator, and erector resulted in a project that caused minimal disruption allowing the facility to maintain operation 24/7 during construction and provided the owner much needed new space.

Category B Building/Technology Systems

The Arts and Sciences Building at University of NebraskaOmaha is the oldest building on the Omaha Campus and was showing its age in the interior environment. The major scope of this project involved providing new finishes to the corridor and classroom spaces and upgrading the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Lighting systems throughout the building. The majority of the Mechanical systems were past their useful life causing temperature control issues, stagnant air, and humidity concerns. Farris designed a new air handling system to be built within the existing air handling unit casing to greatly improve the airflow, temperature, humidity within the learning environment. The existing plumbing and restroom systems no longer suited the needs of the students so new larger restrooms were provided. Lighting in all the building was insufficient causing the building to feel old and outdated. Farris design new high efficiency lighting throughout the building to increase energy efficiency and give the building a brighter more modern feel as well as create a welcoming education space for the students. Other electrical improvements include replacing outdated panels and providing larger backup generator power. Perhaps the most challenging aspect to this project involved coordinating the phasing of construction to allow the building to remain fully occupied and functional throughout construction.

Category C Structural Systems

In March 2019, Nebraska was hit by winter storm Ulmer, a "bomb cyclone" that blanketed the state with 3 feet of snow. With frozen ground and a 60-degree temperature swing, historic floods overtopped levees, dams, riverbanks and undermined Union Pacific Railroad’s Falls City Subdivision bridge over the Platte River. The bridge outage, paired with flooding throughout the Midwest and limited rerouting capabilities, required the team to act quickly. To find a solution, the bridge design team had to balance currently available materials with river modeling and soil and bedrock information coming in as the design progressed. While a temporary bridge would suffice, Union Pacific designed a permanent, reliable structure capable of withstanding the river environment’s demands. To design piers that would withstand 30 feet of possible soil removal, 250,000 pounds of ice load and velocities reaching 13.4 feet per second, the team turned to 5-foot-diameter drilled shafts with permanent steel casings. The project provides a critical service: fuel for Omaha Public Power District’s power plant. The plant provides more than 1,300 megawatts of energy and consumes 135 train cars of coal every day - without a convenient alternative line to reroute the trains on. Overcoming tight work confinements, scarce materials, and rigid security measures, the team’s efforts were nothing short or heroic. Just 59 days after the collapse, the first Union Pacific train crossed the bridge, four days ahead of schedule.

Category C Structural Systems

Alvine Engineering Rand Elliott Architects | Folding Light: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center “Folding Light”, architect Rand Elliott’s vision for the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, provides the Oklahoma City community with a new home for artistic expression. The building itself is a work of art as the exterior changes color with the sunlight and features a 70-foot “lantern” at night. With very few right angles found anywhere in the structure, the unique shape provided many opportunities for engineering innovation, especially in lighting design where lighting tracks had to be custom cut to fit. The lighting design team provided many creative solutions in the galleries, as well. Over 200 light switches in the ceiling allow gallery staff the flexibility in beam and dimming needed to adapt to each exhibition without stretching the budget. After a full-scale lighting mockup meeting with the architect, owner, and Alvine team, LED lighting was chosen for the entire building to not only save energy, but protect artwork against potentially damaging infrared light. Because artwork can be easily damaged by environmental conditions, maintaining a consistent temperature and relative humidity in galleries and storage spaces, regardless of the sea-

Category C Winner

HDR Sentara Healthcare | Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Expansion and Renovation

Alfred Benesch & Company Nebraska Department of Transportation | Niobrara West Bridges (ER-12-5(122), CN 32320) In March 2019, west of Niobrara, Nebraska, record flooding and the failure of the Spencer Dam caused the Highway 12 Bridge over the Mormon Canal to be completely swept away and the Highway 12 Bridge over the Niobrara River to be partially washed away with the remaining bridge spans heavily damaged. Due to its technical expertise and familiarity with the project area from on-going work with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Alfred Benesch & Company (Benesch) was called upon for emergency engineering services. Benesch evaluated the damage and identified and designed temporary and permanent solutions on an extremely aggressive schedule. Over 30 Benesch team members in seven office locations worked together to deliver a set of biddable plans in just three weeks.

Midlands Business Journal • FEBRUARY 26, 2021 •

Honor Awards

Merit Awards

This $45 Million project included repairs to the existing bridge over the Niobrara River, reconstruction of a new bridge over the Mormon Canal and repairs to the roadway connecting the bridges. During construction, traffic was restored by designing and installation of a temporary bridge to provide access over the Mormon Canal while a new permanent bridge was built. Construction of a temporary shoofly to maintain traffic and reconstruction of damaged roadway sections were also included. The project was completed on schedule and fully opened to traffic in September 2020, 18 months after the catastrophic damage and years ahead of a typical timeline for this type of project.

Category F Water and Waste Water

plant to a 3.2 million gallon per day (MGD) WWTF with the entire facility to be relocated to the protected side of the levee. HDR designed the new WWTF in three phases spanning from 2012 to 2020. The City now has increased treatment capacity in a sustainable facility located on the protected side of the levee system, providing reliability for the long-term. The expansion was delivered on schedule and was accomplished for 20% less cost than originally estimated. The City’s foresight in looking forward to future potential permit requirements allowed the engineer to design processes and treatment units which will allow the facility to meet future nutrient requirements with limited additional capital investment.

In March 2019 heavy rain, snowmelt, and ice jam break-ups caused historic flooding across much of eastern Nebraska. Flooding caused power outages in and around the Lincoln Water System (LWS) wellfields and a temporary loss of water production capacity. Citizens were forced to delay everyday chores and contend with low water pressure. LWS contacted our team at Olsson to assist with flood recovery efforts at the wellfields. The city was in the middle of mandatory water restrictions, so we were eager to roll-up our sleeves and get to work. Our team of experts were among the first people to visit the site and document existing conditions and infrastructure damage. We accessed the well fields to assess conditions and we provided drone images and videos of inaccessible areas and structural inspection of the island bridge. In the weeks that followed, members of our team were on-site every day to coordinate the repair of wells and broken mains. We were also asked to manage road construction on the access roads to the wellfields. When power was restored, our field inspectors started and tested the horizontal collector wells and the transmission mains on the east bank, the island, and those connected to the water treatment plant. We continue to coordinate with the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for repair of breeches to the Platte River levee. Our quick thinking, responsive services, and commitment to Lincoln helped end the city’s mandatory water restrictions in less than a week.

Category F Water and Waste Water

JEO Consulting Group

Burns & McDonnell

HDR

Burns & McDonnell

Morrissey Engineering

Alfred Benesch & Company

Farris Engineering

Schemmer

HDR

Schemmer

City of Lincoln | Lincoln Downtown Irrigation Management Plan

Category G Winner

Metropolitan Utilities District | Florence Water Treatment Plant Chemical Building Rehabilitation

In 2012, the City of Columbus’s wastewater treatment facility was nearing its capacity to serve the existing residents/industries as well as future growth and upcoming nutrient limits, resulting in the immediate need for expansion to secondary treatment. In addition, the current facility was located on the river side of the levee, leaving it vulnerable to flooding and the very real risk of discharge of raw sewage into the Loup River during flood events. HDR developed a plan based on numerous criteria, including overall life-cycle costs, which recommended expansion of the

Nebraska Department of Transportation | JCT. US-6/Adams Central Avenue, Adams County, NE

HDR Platte River Recovery Implementation Program | Cottonwood Ranch Broad-Scale Recharge Project

The Platte River Recovery Program developed a pioneering approach to better manage target flow deficits in the Platte River for the health of the ecosystem and the people that depend on it. The Program is enhancing, recovering and protecting habitat lands in Nebraska. For this unique project, the Program selected HDR for design and implementation of one such concept developed by the Program, a broad-scale groundwater recharge project at Cottonwood Ranch. The project involved design and construction of eight water retention cells, over roughly 400 grassland acres, created by approximately 6.5 miles of earthen berms of no higher than 6 feet tall. When flows in the Platte River exceed target levels, excess flows are diverted through the CNPPID’s Phelps Canal to the Cottonwood Ranch project via a new 42-inch conveyance pipeline. Water is impounded in the eight retention cells at depths of 12 inches or less, creating suitable habitat for the endangered whooping crane. At the same time, water is slowly recharging the groundwater, and it is ultimately returned back to the Platte River to increase the river’s flow. The goal is for those flows to occur when flows are below target levels to reduce the shortage. Flume gates on the berm structures allow remote operators to maintain desired water levels and manage the movement of water from cell to cell. The final design integrated innovative techniques and modeling to provide a design that optimizes resources and is technically sound, implementable, and cost-effective.

University of Nebraska Medical Center | Nebraska Medicine Catheterization/ Electrophysiology (EP) Labs

University of Nebraska - Lincoln | University of Nebraska, East Campus Student Union Renovation

City of Omaha | 156th Street, West Dodge Road to Corby Street

NDOT | N-79 Improvements – Agnew North and South — Lancaster and Saunders Counties

Category H Transportation

City of Omaha | 26th & Q Street Bridge Replacement

HDR City of Columbus | Wastewater Treatment Facility Design

City of Omaha | Dundee Elementary School Green Infrastructure

Category G Water Resources

Category F Winner

Olsson City of Lincoln, Lincoln Water System | Wellfields Emergency Consultation

Category A Winner

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig City of Omaha, Creighton University | 24th Street Road Diet and Beautification (OPW 53457) Creighton University and the City of Omaha had some tall orders for the 24th Street Road Diet and Beautification project. They wanted to: • Modernize the feel of Creighton’s campus • Create a signature gateway to North Omaha • Transform historic 24th Street to support all modes of transportation and improve public safety. The project team of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, Ehrhart Griffin & Associates, and Confluence were up for the challenge, balancing mean-

City of Lincoln | Pine Lake Road Improvements, 61st Street to Highway 2

ingful aesthetic enhancements with innovative multi-modal design. After an initial traffic study to analyze alternatives, a lane reconfiguration on 24th Street from Cass Street to Cuming Street changed the street from four lanes to one lane each direction. The gained right-of-way allowed for the addition of previously nonexistent bike lanes, grassy treed medians between northbound and southbound traffic, and the construction of two METRO bus stops. Additionally, a roundabout constructed at the intersection of 24th Street and Cass Street slows vehicle speeds, increasing vehicle and pedestrian safety, and is a stunning entrance to the campus. This prominent “front door” entrance is further defined with extensive streetscaping using pavers with a concrete base, monuments along the street, and sustainable landscaping with granite edging. Today, this beautiful section of 24th Street serves a diverse swath of the community, provides safe and easy access to Creighton University and North Omaha, and is one of the most complete multimodal projects in the state. It is a showcase of the positive things that happen when engineers and private/public entities work together for the good of the community.

• FEBRUARY 26, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

As we continue to adjust to the challenges that rise before us, we want to thank all who have protected public health and safety during this pandemic, including our private and public SDUWQHUV DQG RXU PHPEHU HQJLQHHULQJ ȴUPV ZKR KDYH FRQWLQXHG WR SURYLGH VROXWLRQV ZLWK leadership, compassion, and creativity. We celebrate your determination and continued commitment to your colleagues, clients, and communities. Representing Nebraska engineering companies specializing in the areas of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental, Transportation, Structural, Water, Wastewater, Water Resources, Construction Management, Geotechnical, Communications, and many more.

ACEC Nebraska • 211 N. 14 Street • Lincoln, NE 68508 • www.acecnebraska.org