Midlands Business Journal January 10, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 2 issue by Midlands Business Journal

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

FINANCIAL AND TAX PLANNING A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

January 10, 2020

Get into healthy financial habits; mind retirement account changes in the new year Timely tax considerations include the by Michelle Leach When it comes to new year’s resolu- increased standard deduction from $12,700 tions, many Americans are trying to trim to $24,400 for a married couple, and the the fat as it relates to their superfluous limitation on the deduction for state and spending, while bulking up their bank local taxes to $10,000 per year, which Seelhoff noted will make itemizing less accounts. beneficial for many taxpayers. “Good financially-fit habits “A strategy to maximize the really come down to how much tax benefits of your charitable you are saving and ultimately contributions is to bunch those how you are maximizing those contributions into the years you savings,” said Financial Planitemize, and take the higher ning Association of Nebraska standard deduction in the othPresident Jay Nelson, who douer years,” he said. “A donor bles as director of financial planadvised fund can be used to ning at Nelson, Van Denburg & bunch several years’ worth of Campbell Wealth Management charitable contributions, while Group, a SEC-registered inallowing you to continue donatvestment advisor. “We try and Hunt ing to your preferred charities encourage clients to save at least 15% to 20% of their income through each year.” Business owners need to consider 401(k)s, IRAs or other investment vehicles. Not all clients can afford to save that the 20% deduction for qualified business large of a percentage of their income. So, income, Seelhoff said, which allows them when a client receives a raise, we encour- to deduct up to 20% of their income genage them to save as much of that raise as erated by the business each year. Plus, they can take advantage of the Section possible (rather than spend it).” 179 deduction — immediate expensing of Where one saves matters. “The No. 1 place to invest the money up to $1 million of new asset purchases you are saving is toward your 401(k) to (from $510,000). “The bonus depreciation has been ensure you are receiving all of your employer match,” Nelson said. “We work with liberalized to allow a business to expense our clients to determine the best savings up to 100% of both new and used assets vehicle … they can utilize that will best fit their financial and tax situation.” Get into the habit of paying down debt, highest interest rate debt first. “Make the minimum monthly payment on all your debt obligations but allow any excess cashflow to go toward paying down the highest interest rate debt,” he said. “Remember, don’t add debt while paying down debt. For example, if you are working to pay down your credit card debt but are adding to your balance monthly; you are essentially bailing water out of a boat without fixing the hole first.” Bland & Associates CPA Michael Seelhoff referred to the “timeless” notion of setting up a budget each month. “Without a spending plan, it is easy to spend money mindlessly, with very little to show for it,” he said. “Increase your retirement plan contribution at work. If you received a raise, consider putting the additional cash flow into your retirement plan. You aren’t used to living on the money. So, it should be easy to increase your contributions.” And mind the emergency fund.

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Michael Seelhoff, CPA at Bland and Associates. used qualifying property in the year of purchased,” he said. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs purchase,” he said. Seelhoff suggested taxpayers realizing Act, Seelhoff noted the deduction for entertainment expenses and limitations on capital gains should consider reinvesting deducting meal expenses, as well as the the proceeds in an “opportunity zone,” which can defer the recognition of capital expanded bonus depreciation rules. “The TCJA allows a business to deduct gains and potentially eliminate related Continued on next page. 100% of the purchase price of new and

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Financial and Tax Planning — inside JANUARY 10, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

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VOL. 46 NO. 2

Prime Therapeutics makes investment in Omaha facility by Michelle Leach

Nebraska’s first Drybar opens; early traffic bodes well for salon specializing in blowouts. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Salon owner Stephanie Moss lives her passion for beauty every day. – Page 4

in ms ds Fir lan w d La e Mi th

Investments made in technology aim to improve client experience, protect data. – Page 24

With a presence in Omaha reportedly as old as the company itself, Prime Therapeutics is further solidifying its commitment to the metro, as it was poised to top 500 employees by year’s end after growing from fewer than 100 associates to more than 300 in around two years. The amenity-rich facility that the local team relocated to this fall was designed with room to grow, according to Josh Walker, Omaha-based senior director of member services. “We’re expanding and growing in such a fashion that the old building wasn’t meeting the requirements of where we were going as a company, and we were limited in the space,” Walker said in early December. “And a lot of our new buildings have been updated with new technology. We wanted it to be state-of-the-art, and so we can hire more people.” From its 10802 Farnam Drive location, Prime Therapeutics came about in 1998 as an alternative to for-profit drug makers Continued on page 9.

Senior Director of Member Services Josh Walker … Pioneering Pharmacy Benefit Manager bolsters commitment to metro region with talent, facility investments. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Full Fledged Brewing Co. brings craft brewing to the heart of Council Bluffs by Michelle Leach

When Full Fledged Brewing Co. opened its doors in the fall, it made history as the first craft brewery within the limits of the more than 165-year-old city of Council Bluffs. “We had to make sure it was rezoned before we signed any documents,” said Marshall Redmond, who doubles as an owner and brewmaster. “It was quite a

process. It’s been a blur over the last two years but the planning department was so helpful.” Redmond and his wife, Dessie, a full-time planner for the city of Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commission, debuted Full Fledged at 40 Arena Way, near I-29 and I-80 and the Mid-America Center campus. Redmond liked that the site Continued on page 9. EO Nebraska President and Metro Stars Gymnastics co-founder Erik Lilla … Cultivating a fellowship of like-minded entrepreneurs who can learn from each other and with each other.

EO Nebraska works toward increasing visibility, membership and diversity by Savannah Behrends

Brewmaster Marshall Redmond … Brewery gets off to a strong start by minding even the little details such as comfy couches and juice boxes for the kids.

Rolling into its 19th year, EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) Nebraska leadership has been focused on setting the structural groundwork for the coming years. “The deal is that entrepreneurs lead the group during one-year terms,” said current President Erik Lilla. “So year to year the hand-off varies and we wanted to create

some consistency.” The organization, currently with 89 members, functions as a fellowship of like-minded business owners and decision makers of companies with over $1 million in revenue. Through forums, workshops and conferences — locally, regionally and globally — members have the opportunity to learn from each Continued on page 10.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Nebraska’s first Drybar opens; early traffic bodes well for salon specializing in blowouts so we are the perfect solution for that.” by Michelle Leach Kohll became familiar with Drybar firstBolstered by well-established recognition hand around five years ago, during a trip to associated with Drybar products available in notable beauty retailers such as Sephora and New York City. “It was love at first sight,” she said. “Not Ulta, the nationwide hair-styling brand is off to a robust start in Nebraska — following the only is the blowout experience amazing, but opening of its Regency Court location in Omaha every little detail of the shop is so thought-out.” For example, Kohll referred to how the Dec. 20. “We have done quite a few pop-ups around 1,547-square-foot, 11-chair Regency Court satown and we were constantly getting questions lon maintained Drybar’s signature design, from custom Italian chairs about when our books Drybar Omaha and tufted fabric walls, would open,” said Sara to marble bars with Phone: 402-218-4100 Kohll, Omaha’s Drybuilt-in phone docking Address: 10203 Regency Circle, Suite bar operating partner. stations and flat screens 100, Omaha 68144 “A lot of people have featuring “cult favorite Services: hair-styling, with a special focus been booking early … chick-flicks.” on blowouts The buzz and excite“The shop offers Website: www.thedrybar.com ment are both there.” dry-styling and features Drybar gets its name for the blow-drying at the heart of its the entire Drybar collection on two product services. The “bar” part harkens to a theme modules to shop from post-blowout,” she said. Familiarity with the quality of Drybar’s throughout the Drybar experience; for instance, products, available in major beauty retailers its hair styles are each named after different cocktails such as the “Old Fashioned,” which and featuring fitting bar-themed names (On the naturally results in vintage Hollywood waves, Rocks Shampoo and Condition and Detox Dry and the “Shirley Temple,” a non-boozy name Shampoo), is playing into the location’s early that is apt for styles for girls aged 10 and traction. “But [consumers] may not have ever been younger. And while blowouts may be many a curly- in an actual Drybar before,” Kohll said. “The haired girl’s best friend, Kohll indicated clients love for the products alone has generated a huge of varied hair types can benefit from Drybar’s buzz to enjoy the entire experience in our store. services — including those with naturally Brand recognition is huge and it’s amazing to see the number of Omaha women that have straight hair. “They love the Cosmo-Tai (loose curls and visited a Drybar while out of town, who now beachy waves), because it adds the curls that couldn’t be more excited to finally have [one] they don’t naturally have,” she said. “A lot of our in their own city.” Kohll, born and raised in Omaha, leveraged clients don’t enjoy doing their hair themselves,

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Drybar Operating Partner Sara Kohll, left, talks with Sarah Graham, franchise lead educator, at the store’s grand opening at Regency Court … The Regency Court location is the first in state for the blowout salon chain. her familiarity with the community to debut the “We open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. brand’s first location in the state. during the week, so if they want to stop in before “I had no doubt that the women of Omaha a meeting or on Monday, it’s a great way to have been waiting for Drybar to finally come start the work week,” she said. “We can easily here,” she said. “We focus on one thing and want style for any occasion, such as a photo shoot to be the best at it and, for us, that’s blowouts.” or big presentation. We love to be involved in Kohll indicated Drybar is a great comple- the community, so we’d be happy to welcome ment for busy professionals that want to get their any business in for team-building — we love to hair done before or after work. host groups — as well as putting together gift bags for charity events.” February will mark Drybar’s 10th anniversary, Kohll noted. “It’s an exciting year with lots of great product launches coming out and we will even have some new services to offer in early 2020,” she added.

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Salon owner Stephanie Moss lives her passion for beauty every day by Dwain Hebda

Beauty entrepreneur Stephanie Moss laughs at the retelling of her upbringing on a farm outside Audubon, Iowa, where her passion for hair and cosmetology was first realized. “I always had an interest in hair, even at a young age,” she said. “I would tell people my Barbies ran out of enough hair to cut, so I had to move on, do some live models. That was my joke.” Moss may not have been destined to stay on the family farm, but she readily admits it gave her one of the most valuable gifts a future entrepreneur could have. “Both of my parents owned their own businesses and have been entrepreneurs, so it was just kind of a family thing,” she said. “My hard work and work ethic, I can thank my parents for that.” Moss attended Capital School of Hairstyling and Aesthetics in Omaha where she learned hair and skin as a craft, then set off to refine them as an art and a business. “I always had [salon ownership] in the back of my head. I felt that there was a need, especially in the Omaha area,” she said. “Probably 75% of what you get in school is technical. The business side of it, they teach you how to get out there and promote yourself, but how to actually run the business side of it was not something that I went through. “I feel you always have to keep learning and putting yourself out there and growing. Before I settled in Omaha I did go and look

at a lot of other states and cities to see where I really wanted to end up.” Moss, whose credits include being the youngest person nominated to join the L’Oreal Professional artistic team, launched the second phase of her dream in 2008 with her first salon, Blonde. She transitioned to opening Stephanie Moss Salon in 2013 and grew to two locations, plus The Shave barbershop, honing her business chops to match her technical skills. “I find that it can all work, but the balance has to be absolutely perfect,” she said. “I’m a firm believer in hiring really talented people and letting them do their job. I have such amazing managers; I have managers at each location that can do the job better than I can, let’s be honest.” Moss doesn’t leave success to fate, however. The company invests heavily and consistently in ongoing training for all members of the team to help keep their skills at the forefront of what’s happening in hair and beauty. “We spend tens of thousands of dollars a year on education for our team every single year,” she said. “We want to make sure that by the time they go up and get their first guest who’s going to be coming through the door, it’s not only going to be exceptional customer service, but they can feel comfortable and confident that they’ve been trained to do the services that they’re going to be delivering that day. “The other big thing is certifications. If anyone wants to specialize in something in

2019

Owner Stephanie Moss … Skill in hair coupled with entrepreneurial spirit strike balance for the salon owner. our company, we take that really seriously, Moss also has a steadfast personal rule for too. There’s a lot of amazing, fun niche oppor- staying centered even with the demands of her tunities but making sure that you’re actually rapidly growing enterprise. getting certified in it and doing it the right way, “I still do hair, because I love it,” she said. is important.” “Three days a week behind the chair.”

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

FINANCIAL AND TAX PLANNING A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

January 10, 2020

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Financial and Tax Planning

Next generation of financial planners versatile by Gabby Christensen

Local financial professors say the future is very promising for those who are soon entering the industry. With an aging population and increased life expectancies, Ashley Peters, financial planning program director at Metropolitan Community College, said the need for a financial planner is anticipated to increase. Peters said the certified financial planner (CFP) professional will likely obtain the best job prospects, as this mark is recognized as the most distinguished credential in Clarke the field. According to the CFP Board, a significant challenge facing the industry is underrepresentation of minority participants. “Specifically, less than 3.5% of the 80,000 CFP professionals in the U.S. as of

Ashley Peters, financial planning program director at Metropolitan Community College. 2017 were black or Latino,” Peters said. “Metropolitan Community College delivers relevant, student-centered education to a diverse community of learners and provides an affordable, online, CFP board certified program committed to changing the landscape of this industry.” Anthony Clarke, associate professor in the College of Business at Bellevue University, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the market for financial planners will grow at the rate of 7% over the next five years, which is more than the average occupation. “Many firms and industries have eliminated pension-type retirement programs that were managed by the employer,” Clarke said. “Individuals are expected to manage their own long-term retirement planning,

which may require the skills of a financial planner.” The role of a financial planner historically included choosing specific real and financial assets, but he said this task has evolved to allocating wealth to various asset classes. “Today, the financial adviser needs to make themselves relevant by offering other services, including retirement planning, estate management, insurance and other peripheral services tied to financial well-being,” Clarke said. He said another nuance of the financial planning business is that it is less geographically dependent. “Communication is cheap and effective, and clients may choose a financial planner less on geoPoyzer graphical location and more based on overall value,” Clarke said. While CPAs and financial planners are not the same, Jillian Poyzer, accounting lecturer, internship coordinator and accounting career advisor for the School of Accounting at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said CPAs play a vital role in financial planning due to the significant tax implications of investing, planning for retirement as well as wealth/estate planning. “CPAs generally have always been in high demand since their skill set can apply to both businesses and individuals,” Poyzer said. “Public accounting firms are very aggressive in their recruiting of accounting graduates by hiring them, even as college sophomores, for accounting internships.” Just like in most areas of life, she said technology has evolved and will continue to evolve the CPA profession. “Today, most client information can be scanned and uploaded automatically into tax Continued on next page.

Mind retirement account changes in the new year Continued from preceding page. taxes on them. Hiley Hunt Wealth Management Partner and co-founder Andrew Hunt referred to new tax considerations resulting from the recently-passed SECURE Act. “Starting Jan. 1, 2020, IRA holders will need to start withdrawing money from their traditional IRA at age 72, a change from the current withdrawal requirement of age 70 and a half,” he said. “If the IRA holder turns 70 and a half in 2019, they will still need to take their [required minimum distribution] for 2019 no later than April 1, 2020. If they are currently receiving RMDs (or should be) because they are over age 70 and a half, they must continue taking these RMDs. Only those who will turn 70 and a half in 2020 or later may wait until age 72 to begin taking required distributions.” There are other perks to the new law, Hunt noted. “Beginning in the 2020 tax year, the new law will allow folks to contribute to their traditional IRA in the year they turn 70 and a half and beyond, provided they have earned income,” he said. “They still may not make 2019 (prior year) traditional IRA contributions if they are over 70 and a half.” Upon the death of the account owner, Hunt said distributions to individual benefi-

ciaries must be made within 10 years. “There are exceptions for spouses, disabled individuals and individuals not more than 10 years younger than the account owner,” he said. “Minor children who are beneficiaries of IRA accounts also have a special exception to the 10-year rule, but only until they reach the age of majority.” Hunt noted the new law also allows penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans for birth or adoption expenses — up to certain limits. “These are some of the largest changes to retirement accounts in the recent era,” Hunt said. “So, savers should take care to note the new rules.”

Financial and Tax Planning • Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

Financial planners Fintech pushing Nebraska banking, financial industries into new frontiers

Continued from preceding page.

software that leaves a completed tax return to be reviewed and edited,” Poyzer said. “The time savings from these types of automation processes allows the tax professional to spend more time consulting and advising clients on tax strategies in a more efficient and effective way.” Thom Jackman, professor of business administration at Nebraska Wesleyan University, said opportunities are endless for incoming financial planners. With that being said, Jackman said many advisers have become extremely competitive and expect additional certifications. “I always tell my students that their education is just getting started upon graduation,” he said. Jackman also noted that many professionals are opting to partner with a senior individual who has more experience. “We’re seeing a lot more mentoring than we have in the past,” he said. “There is a lot of money, time and effort put into training employees today.” Additionally, Jackman said a much more holistic approach is being considered today, as financial planners work alongside other professionals, such as lawyers, bankers and insurance agents, to best serve clients. Although technology continues to evolve and robo-trading is here to stay, Jackman said a human element will still be needed. “The future looks very bright for the next generation,” he said. “The name of the game is change. Those who will stick around will have to adapt.”

by Dwain Hebda

Financial technology, or fintech, is changing how banks and financial institutions serve their customers and will continue to do so in the future. “Consumers increasingly want their bank or credit union experience to integrate into and enhance their daily lives, and financial institutions want to innovate to meet customers’ needs,” said Jamie Deterding, senior vice president of bank solutions with Fiserv. “An example of this type of innovation could be Pankonin the ability to view a health savings account balance while checking out at a drugstore. “As financial institutions address consumer expectations, they will realize greater levels of customer loyalty, which will result in more consumer-centric innovation in the future.” Deterding said the technology that’s coming to market now will not only have a pronounced impact on the way people bank but the way banks operate. “Financial technology innovation is focused on enabling frictionless money movement and delivering a better experience for the consumer,” he said. “In 10 years, the banking experience will be more digital, more mobile and more personalized as it evolves.”

Jamie Deterding, senior vice president of bank solutions at Fiserv. Ben Pankonin, CEO of Social Assur- understand all of the regulations, but we ance and a co-founder of the Flyover Fin- know how to acquire customers in a way tech conference in Lincoln, said the very that maybe you don’t know. They focus on nature of fintech inventions has changed. something very small, but then work with “Five years ago, the majority of fintechs a bank to help do that.” were focused on disrupting banks,” he said. In fact, Pankonin said the most success“Now what we’re seeing is the majority of ful fintech companies are those who have fintechs, in one way or another, are working successfully leveraged a niche in the induswith a bank, at least one bank, and they try and not overturned the entire apple cart. might be working with many banks. “That niche focus could be building “What we’re starting to see are these technology around something in construchybrid roles where you have a fintech that’s tion and now they’re saying ‘You know connecting with a bank and saying we don’t Continued on next page.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Financial and Tax Planning

Start saving for education earlier to reduce later financial burden by David Kubicek

The earlier parents start saving for college, the better their household budget will be when it is time for their children to enroll. Parents should have an established savings plan that automatically takes money from their checking account each month, according to Dawn M. Gonzales, vice president of community development at Centris Federal Credit Union. “They should talk to a financial planner

to help determine the best ways to save that will provide good returns on their investment, tax savings, and other options in case their child does not attend college and chooses another life path,” she said. Options for setting funds aside and allowing them to grow over time range from the more risky, like investing in the stock market, to plans with little to no risk, like a savings account or certificate of deposit. Individuals applying for a student loan as a co-signer should work to improve their

credit scores, according to Jay Fee, vice president of unsecured lending at PenFed Credit Union. “Even swings of 30 or 40 points can cause swings of several percentage points in loan rate, which can translate into thousands of dollars of finance charges over several years of the life of the loan,” he said. “Reducing outstanding debt and ensuring payments are on time six months before applying will help increase your score.” Parents with students who will be attending college in 2020 should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows students to apply for Gonzales student direct loans from the government, work study, and Pell grants. Gonzales recommended that students graduating from college set a budget and use the online budgeting tools available to them through their financial institutions to pay down student loans. For instance, Centris’ online tool allows borrowers to link to outside accounts like a credit card or loan at another financial institution so they can see their entire financial status. They can then set limits for what they want to spend each month. “Many students don’t realize that if they attend college for four years, each year they take out a loan is a separate loan that requires its own payment,” Gonzales said. “Consolidating the loans can make

budgeting easier and often you can lower your monthly payment.” Students may pay more on the loan over time so they should consider their salary and the time it takes to pay off the entire loan when choosing their best repayment option. “Many lenders will accept more than the stated payment so I advise graduates to pay as much as they can over their stated payment every month,” Gonzales said. Borrowers should consider where they can make cuts to their budget, like reducing the number of meals they eat out or daily trips to the coffee shop. Fee “I’m not saying cut it altogether; however if I eliminate just one lunch each week, I can average a $40 savings each month that could be applied as an additional payment to my student loan,” Gonzales said. “The money adds up and can be used to reduce debt on college loans.” Fee suggested refinancing programs for individuals weighed down by student debt. “Many people don’t realize that they could qualify for much lower interest rates on their loans than they did right out of college,” he said. “When unemployed students first take out a loan, they are risky borrowers and have no income. After a few years in the working world, these borrowers likely have a stable income and a more established credit history.”

Fintech pushing Nebraska banking Continued from preceding page. what, a big part of construction is also lending, so maybe we need to embrace that,’” he said. “Maybe it’s a financial institution that wants to continue building relationships with clients, but since they’re not in the bank they need to understand a little bit

more about where the client’s money is. They need technology to do that.” Perhaps the greatest indicator of how far fintech has come is the growing number of business colleges that offer curriculum in this area, Creighton University being a notable example. “I regularly meet with finance firms locally and in major finance hubs like New York City to make sure our students are competitive in the job market by having the relevant skills,” said Lee Dunham, chair of the department of economics and finance at Creighton’s Heider College of Business. “In recent years, it has become crystal clear that these firms are demanding prospective hires be competent in using data analysis, particularly with unstructured ‘big data’ to make better business decisions.” In response to this, Dunham developed a new fintech major at the college to give CU grads a leg up in the marketplace. “The field of finance has become far more data-driven in all subdisciplines of finance compared to just five or 10 years ago,” he said. “Consequently, having our students just acquire the relevant textbook knowledge is increasingly becoming insufficient. Therefore, in addition to the traditional rigorous finance coursework we offer, the curriculum includes courses on blockchain, machine learning, Python, app development, among others.”

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

Full Fledged Brewing Co. brings craft brewing to heart of Council Bluffs Co. has received as a Council Bluffs brewery Continued from page 1. “remained untouched,” yet “everything was pioneer, it wasn’t originally slated to reside going on around it” with keen development. within city limits — nor was it originally called He further acknowledged the assistance of “Full Fledged.” “My brother-in-law and I originally wanted Advance Southwest Iowa Corp. Executive to buy a farm and start a brewery outside of city Director Paula Hazlewood. “She has been our biggest advocate,” he limits,” he said. “We got to know key people said. “We wouldn’t be this far along without in economic development. Even being outside of the city limits, we got to know people inside her.” Hazlewood introduced the Redmonds to the city limits.” But the sale of the farm never took place. design and construction services provider, “So, Dessie, [my brother-in-law] and I Ayars & Ayars, and its Architecture Etc. team. moved on with plan “We wanted an B,” Redmond said. industrial feel for our Full Fledged Brewing Co. The city move space, and we wanted Phone: 712-201-6520 was made easier with a large taproom and an Address: 40 Arena Way, Suite 2, Council aforementioned conevent room that could Bluffs 51501 nections. be utilized for private Services: brewery business with taproom, At the start of the An array of taps at the family-owned brewery. events,” he said. private events space, distribution capacity three-year planning was in the pipeline,” Redmond said. “We were Brewers Guild, and refined systems and methThough the brew- Website: fullfledgedbeer.com process, the Reddown to the wire. We had a lease agreement and ods in Albuquerque before working as a head ery is the “star.” were ready to sign with Ayars & Ayars, and had brewer near Las Vegas. He transitioned to the “You go to a lot of breweries and sit at the monds’ brainchild was “Fundamental Brewsigned all these contracts with Fundamental. bar and look around and ask yourself, ‘Where ing Co.” production world while running a large brew“I don’t like to overthink things and apBut it really worked out for the best.” is the brewery?’ You can’t see anything. That’s ery in Reno. That company tasked Redmond Full Fledged encapsulates Redmond’s with opening an even larger brewery in central our pride and joy. So, we made sure to really preciate the basics, so fundamental kind of passion; a military veteran, Redmond fell in Texas. While in the Lone Star State, Redmond showcase the brewery through large windows fit, and it incorporated ‘fun,’ that’s what the love with the industry toward the end of his and his Fremont, Nebraska native wife started that you can see through pretty much any win- industry means to me and why I enjoy because it’s fun,” he said. navy career. dow in the taproom,” he said. to consider a move to the metro. What wasn’t fun was being told that there “I was never really interested in pursuing it The Ayars & Ayars October newsletter “There are really only a couple of regions as a hobby,” he said. “I was dead set in pursuing left in the country where the craft brewing characterized the brewery business as “boom- were conflicts upon applying for the trademark. “We tried to work through those, and Full it as a career.” ing,” and noted its “spacious and vibrant-colindustry hasn’t exploded — and the Midwest Redmond graduated from the American is one of those regions,” he said. ored environment makes it an ideal spot to enjoy Fledged was a name we had tossed around, so it quality time with family and friends.” “As far as business goes, everything is going according to plan,” Redmond said. “We envisioned the taproom as being comfortable, Continued from page 1. a couple of training rooms now to town hall in the market and have a lot of clients who come here specifically to witness exactly what we do, family-friendly and inviting, and we’ve done who owned the largest pharmacy benefit rooms with full audiovisual technology.” that. People rave about having toys for kids to managers (PBMs). According to Prime inIts partners are able to leverage technology and we try to do different things.” For example, a recent press release issued play with, and couches and chairs in a space formation, Pharmacy Gold and ProPar began to collaborate, regardless of if they work at the that’s comfortable. We also have diaper chang- sharing staff to serve “ … two pioneering Blue corporate headquarters, in New Mexico or from by corporate characterizes Prime as a “pioneer ing tables in the men’s and women’s restrooms Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plans.” Within home. Furthermore, its new facility boasts more in value-based contracting since 2010,” and a decade, the firm would be joined by nonprofit than 32 break-out areas for conversations and goes on to note how its manufacturer contracts: — details like that. “The reason I say, ‘things are going accord- Blue plans from Minnesota, Nebraska, North dialogue that suits individual’s work habits and “analyze the value of a selected medicine when taken appropriately, with the goal of improving ing to plan,’ is we spent so much time planning Dakota, Wyoming and Kansas in this new PBM groups’ needs. it, and we put so much careful thought into it, model. “When you change outcomes and lowering total cost of care.” InteToday, the Twin Prime Therapeutics Omaha there isn’t a whole lot we didn’t think about.” the work environment, grated pharmacy and medical data, reportedly, In Iowa, brewers can legally self-distribute. Cities area-based com- Phone: 800-858-0723 it can bring a positive show members’ total health picture and provide “We’re a manufacturer and a distributor,” pany boasts regional Address: 10802 Farnam Dr., Omaha energy, attitude and actionable information to design “high-touch he said. “I can take beer from my brewery and offices in Omaha and 68154 pride in where you’re interventions.” In all, Prime employs 3,800 people, with drive to a restaurant and sell to them directly.” Albuquerque. working,” he said. Founded: 1998 by two Blue Cross and “You won’t feel Blue Shield plans States such as Nebraska that prohibit Brick and mortar work-from-home as well as flexible arrangeself-distribution require partners to sell brews a huge difference be- Employees: 300+ (early December) Omachanges are comple- ments to accommodate associates’ various tween Omaha, Minne- ha; 3,800 companywide to bars and restaurants. mented by notewor- lifestyles and needs. “This company believes in empowering “It may be a little bit slower process and sota, or Albuquerque,” Website: www.primetherapeutics.com thy changes associated you don’t have the reach, but you can have a Walker said. “Our team with the individuals its people and engaging its clients and a lot of companies talk about this, but this company more personal and hands-on touch,” he said. members interact with clients to provide more who work within the space. “And, especially for startup businesses, nobody innovative services within the current, existing “We were mostly a contact center with walks it,” Walker said. “We wouldn’t invest is going to sell our product better than we can.” portfolio.” different groups in Omaha,” Walker explained. all this money in team members if we weren’t Walker also indicated the importance of “Now, we’re going full-blown into having a committed to the Omaha base.” That product is described as “something Furthermore, he indicated the building’s consistency in terms of client service across its large clinical presence.” for everyone.” “We don’t specialize in anything,” he teams; health care is sufficiently complicated on For instance, he noted the likes of phar- amenities ultimately influence how associates said. “We don’t focus mainly on IPAs and its own, he noted, and requires an understand- macy techs will equate to around half of the deliver services to clients and health care consumers. ing, compassionate individual on the phone. metro staff. Belgian-style beers; we cover the spectrum.” Walker himself came to Prime (and OmaFor instance, Redmond described its amber Walker further reported its bigger and improved “We can engage our clients on a whole ale as “approachable,” a good introduction to space aligns with Prime’s values and supports new level,” he said. “We’re able to make the ha) by way of Dallas, Texas and the security craft beers. There are beers that range from its goals going forward. experience better. We don’t have to get on a industry. “I didn’t move to the city arbitrarily,” he “We went from a single building on a single conference call. [Clinical staff] are within sight darker and hoppy, to sour and fruity. There are floor to a two-story space,” he said. “We have and we’re able to collaborate with both groups.” said. “Prime cares about the experience. So, I even juice boxes for the kids. The Redmonds also welcome true part- 500 desks now, and they’re all standing desks. So, as Prime Therapeutics expands in spent a good week or two here interacting with nerships with organizations; for instance, We love being able to move around … and that Omaha, it’s also combining the likes of support different businesses and different people, and Full Fledged carries Glenwood, Iowa-based fitness and wellness piece is very important and clinical teams in its broader mission of [Omaha] really resonated with who I am. I got Sacrilegious Ciderworks for local cider lov- when you work in the [health care] industry.” “making health care work better and helping questions all the time, ‘Why leave Dallas? The job market is popping there.’ It’s a different feel, The fitness room is equipped with lockers people feel better.” ers. Likewise, Sacrilegious has Full Fledged and showers, fresh food options are available beer on tap. “The industry in general is growing expo- vibe, and I was attracted to the energy in the Other partnerships include those with food onsite, and a game room allows opportunities nentially and quickly,” he said. “We serve 28 way people care about each other here … And trucks; for instance, it features “Food Truck for associates to decompress. million customers and we’re always looking for there is a large footprint here. We have a diverse “We didn’t have any of that stuff before,” new ways to be affordable. We’re doing that in footprint, and there is a hotbed of experience. Friday” — onsite dinner options courtesy of Walker said. “We also more than doubled the Omaha by tinkering in multiple different areas, That’s why we continue to invest so much Pomodoro Fresh Italian food truck. For all the fanfare Full Fledged Brewing capacity to train our people … We went from and providing more things locally. We innovate money, time and effort in Omaha.”

Prime Therapeutics makes investment in Omaha facility

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

EO Nebraska works toward increasing visibility, membership and diversity Continued from page 1. other and specialists. “Success is not a great teacher but failure is and this is a place were we talk about what we’ve messed up and then use the wisdom that we’ve gleaned to help each other,” Lilla said.

EO Nebraska

Founded: 2001 Membership: 89 Service: EO Nebraska is part of an international peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs who have revenue of $1 million annually and get together regularly to discuss challenges in their businesses, share their experiences and learn together through a variety of forums. Goals: Add a 20% increase in membership per year, about two a month. The group is also working to become more visible in the community in hopes of attracting more diversity. Website: eonetwork.org/nebraska

For example, during a forum members will share what Lilla refers to as the 5% — the top 5% and the low 5% from business, family and personal. When a forum member explains a particular problem they’re having in their business, the group follows the Gestalt Language Protocol — sharing only their experience and what they did, not offering advice. “It allows the presenter to listen to everyone else’s experiences and then draw their own conclusions,” Lilla said. Members come from all industries and vary in where they are at in their career. As such, the local chapter works hard to put together a yearly learning schedule that has something for everyone.

For example, this year the chapter brought in a facilitator from BlueEQ to give everyone an emotional quotient exam. Then they talked about weaknesses, strengths and how to either minimize or maximize those qualities. That was open to members and key staff at their companies. Another event brought in Ron White, twotime USA Memory Champion, who taught members and their families memory tricks. EO Nebraska is one of 195 chapters in 61 countries with over 14,000 members. As such the organization also offers regional and global conferences. For example, Lilla said a regional event was hosted on the field of the Dallas Cowboys stadium where former President George W. Bush was the keynote speaker. Global events are being held in the following places this year: Sydney, Australia; Nairobi, Kenya; and Cambodia and Vietnam.

Each event is unique and hosts speakers and workshops on a variety of different topics. At an EO University in Montreal, Canada, longtime EO Nebraska member John Lund attended a workshop titled “Is your business being commoditized” that changed how he did business. Lund, who owned a cell phone accessory distribution company called Offwire, was having problems turning a profit when the market became saturated. The workshop gave him a set of questions to work through with clients, which he did. “All of the sudden he was able to grow and add more people,” Lilla said. Universities, like the one Lund attended, add an additional layer of professional development for members. Additional programs include: Entrepreneurial Masters, Key Executive Program, Key Executive Program International, London Business School Growth

Forum, EO@Wharton: Elevating Finance + Operations, and EO@Harvard: Inspiring Entrepreneurial Strategy. Globally, Lilla said EO has been pushing for a more diverse membership, a challenge with such a broad network. “Moving the needle in Portland is different than moving the needle in Omaha, and that’s different than moving the needle in India, which looks different than Australia,” Lilla said. Locally, EO Nebraska is working on garnering more visibility through social media and news outlets. Lilla said that currently most of the members have joined after referrals, but that needs to shift if it’s going to get a more diverse mix. “I’d love to see a more diverse crew because I know what I think, I want to know what other people think,” Lilla said.

by David Kubicek

ities, which are at capacity. “The new facility will be designed in a way so we can support more telemedicine to reach out to the entire state and the region,” Linder said. In January, Nebraska Medicine will open its new cardiac catherization center that will provide state-of-the-art technology to the metro region. The center will include seven different procedure rooms, takes advantage of new virtualization technology to aid in the planning of cases, and is designed to be patient-friendly and accelerate recovery. Linder In April, UNMC plans to open the Davis Global Center for Advanced Professional Education, according to Dr. Dele Davies, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. The five-floor center will train health care personnel from ambulance atLarsen tendants to surgeons and will have a 20-bed national quarantine unit for individuals who have been exposed to a disease but aren’t sick, and an emergency operations center for training students to manage emergencies. “We’ll also have an EON Reality VR Innovation Academy where we’ll train the first group of people on how to create content for our virtual reality settings,” Davies said. “This technology has been used in entertainment and other industries for a long time, but it’s relatively new in health care.” Dr. Jennifer Larsen, vice chancellor for research, said UNMC raised more than $139 million in grants and awards in its last fiscal year and plans to continue its ongoing research goals of leading globally-recognized research programs and improving health care in Nebraska and beyond. “Research we do is an economic driver because each of those grants usually means

hiring people and sometimes brings people to the state where they eat in our restaurants and stay in our hotels,” Larsen said. In 2020, CHI Health is again committing to its push for transparency, accountability, and affordability. The organization continues to invest in CHI Health Partners, a regional network of hospitals and doctors who coordinate with population health coaches to reduce avoidable emergency department visits and hospital admissions, the number of duplicative tests, and to shorten hospital stays and prevent readmissions. Davies “CHI Health has signed with an online marketplace called MDsave that operates much like an Expedia for health care,” said CHI Health Chief Operating Officer Kathy Bressler. “The service allows patients to buy vouchers for medical procedures Prochazka online like people do for flights and lodging. Prices are up to 60% less than the health system would bill insurance.” The 60,000-square-foot medical office building, opening in June on the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital campus, will become home to expanded women’s services with up to 15 primary care providers and other services and specialties, according to Jeff Prochazka, vice president of strategic planning/business development for Methodist Health System. A new clinic at 194th Street and West Maple Road will open in August 2020. It will offer eight to 10 providers specializing in family medicine and pediatrics and will also feature urgent care services. “We will further build on a very successful relationship formed with Methodist Fremont Health and pursue additional integration activities in Fremont,” Prochazka said.

Medical centers announce projects for the new year

New facilities for patient care and for training health care personnel, from ambulance attendants to surgeons, are among the projects medical care centers have planned for next year. On Dec. 5, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine announced plans to build a new facility at the intersection of Farnam Street and Saddle Creek Road, according to Nebraska Medicine CEO Dr. James Linder. “It’s in the very early stages of planning, so the size and scope of activities haven’t been defined,” he said. “We’ll begin construction on this, if it proceeds, in 2021.” Driving the new facility’s development is the need to provide more acute care beds to replace the organization’s existing facil-

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

AI and the cloud play increasing roles in health care by David Kubicek

Health care today is more efficient and more precise than it was five years, and it is evolving at a rapid pace thanks largely to the cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). “We’re seeing a lot of subscription-related cloud services for infrastructure and application delivery technologies,” said Steve Elgan, director of IT for OneWorld Community Health Centers. “We’re also seeing a lot more portal and telehealth offerings so we can connect physicians and nurses with patients wherever the patients are.” Due to patient demand, texting is gainSUPER CROSSWORD

ing popularity for appointment reminders, scheduling appointments and engaging electronically with the patients in other ways. Anna Turman, division chief information officer for CHI Health, said improved equipment technology, like 3D mammography, is now the standard in many cases. Non-invasive robotic radiation tumor treatments allow adjustments to patients’ movements during treatment and minimize radiation exposure. Technology has become much more prevalent in the ever-increasing need for relevant actionable data in health care. APT OCCUPATIONS

Internet of medical things (IoMT) is the connectivity to medical devices and software that can communicate with health care applications like the electronic health record. “We can leverage this technology to promote patients as members of their own health care team, as well as to provide more cost-effective monitoring, chronic care management, preventative care, and patient compliance,” Turman said. While still in its infancy, AI is enabling quicker diagnoses and improved outcomes. For example, it can improve Elgan the time it takes to identify a type of stroke, and in a mammogram, it can help identify tumors, and it can assist in many processes from managing prescriptions to scheduling appointments. “A byproduct of AI is the increase in the amount of storage required for the quantities of data needed to accommodate these technologies,” Turman said. “The cloud has changed health care in the past few years by enabling organizations to support massive amounts of data in a more cost effective way.” “3D printing is really incredible,” said Wendy Worthing, director of IT operations at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. “We can print a 3D replicant of the patient’s heart so the doctor can show exactly what’s wrong and how they will fix it.” Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving issue. “The biggest thing we can do outside of good security practices with adminis-

trative processes, policies, and procedures is user awareness training,” Elgan said. “We’re spending a lot more time training staff [to create awareness of cyber threats]. Ultimately, they’re the ones who are interfacing with the devices, using electronic medical records, checking email, and taking phone calls where a potential attacker is trying to get information that will allow them to gain access.” Although OneWorld keeps up to date with the latest security protections, maintaining good security is a constant effort. “Every software vendor seems to have some security vulnerabilities we have to deal with on Turman a monthly basis,” Elgan said. “Now the hardware vendors are having vulnerabilities, and when you patch those vulnerabilities you lose capacity from your hardware because some of the efficiencies you gained with the architectures work with those processors. You lose it when you patch it so now it costs more money to have the same amount of computer capacity. The landscape is constantly evolving, and we’re doing everything we can to stay ahead of it.” Children’s Hospital keeps its medical records in a level 3 secure data center, Worthing said. All data is encrypted and requires two-factor authentication to access it, such as a token or a generated code, which is good for a limited time. “We have firewalls and multiple application layers of security,” Worthing said. “If there is a breach, the system will alert us, and it quarantines things we need to look at immediately.”

Stressed at work? Feeling underpaid or even ignored? Employees still have leverage in 2020 by Jackie Crosby

Answers on page 12.

Welcome to the start of a new year at work, where unemployment remains low and employees — in theory — have leverage to call the shots. Workplace Yet the state of the American workplace is less than ideal. Workers say they feel shortchanged, commutes are more stressful, burnout is real and more are planning to jump ship. “Companies are having to get more creative because there’s so much demand for better pay and better benefits,” said Elizabeth Hang, a Minneapolis-based workplace expert at the staffing agency Robert Half International. In the span of a decade, the labor market has swung from deep recession and layoffs where businesses called the shots, to what now is decidedly a candidate’s market. More workers are scrutinizing their salary and benefits, and assessing their satisfaction, according to Robert Half, which bundled up a series of workplace surveys from the past year to provide a more comprehensive view into the psyche of today’s employees. About three-quarters of workers nationwide say they’ve checked their salary against market rates, and about half of professionals feel underpaid.

The company’s research found that workers in the Twin Cities metro area present a mixed bag of workplace perceptions. More than 60% feel they are paid fairly, the highest of all 28 cities polled. Yet a solid one-third say they aren’t earning their due. Close to half (45%) of Twin Cities workers would be willing to move for a job that has better pay and perks, slightly more the national average. Overall, today’s workers want two things: more money and more flexibility. Because businesses are eager to attract and retain good workers in a tight market, hiring managers are discovering that one size doesn’t fit all in a multigenerational workplace. “It’s no longer just a salary,” Hang said. “People are looking at work-life balance, flexible work schedules and remote working. They want to know what are your benefits, what’s the time-off policy, what’s your environment and culture, who’s my leader. Everyone’s variables are different, which can make it tricky.” The view is of a potentially antsy workplace, where four generations working side-by-side can create both conflict and opportunities. Aging workers don’t want to move on, Continued on next page.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

For tech-weary farmers, 40-year-old tractors now a hot commodity by Adam Belz

Kris Folland grows corn, wheat and soybeans and raises cattle on 2,000 acres near Halma in the northwest corner of Minnesota, so his operation is far from small. But when he last bought a new tractor, he opted for an old one — a 1979 John Agriculture Deere 4440. He retrofitted it with automatic steering guided by satellite, and he and his kids can use the tractor to feed cows, plant fields and run a grain auger. The best thing? The tractor cost $18,000, compared to upward of $150,000 for a new tractor. And Folland doesn’t need a computer to repair it. “This is still a really good tractor,” said Folland, who owns two other tractors built before 1982. “They cost a fraction of the price, and then the operating costs are much less because they’re so much easier to fix,” he said. Tractors manufactured in the late 1970s and 1980s are some of the hottest items in farm auctions across the Midwest these days — and it’s not because they’re antiques. Cost-conscious farmers are looking for bargains, and tractors from that era are wellbuilt and totally functional, and aren’t as complicated or expensive to repair as more recent models that run on sophisticated software. “It’s a trend that’s been building. It’s been interesting in the last couple years, which have been difficult for ag, to see the trend acceler-

ate,” said Greg Peterson, the founder of Machinery Pete, a farm equipment data company in Rochester with a website and TV show. “There’s an affinity factor if you grew up around these tractors, but it goes way beyond that,” Peterson said. “These things, they’re basically bulletproof. You can put 15,000 hours on it and if something breaks you can just replace it.” BigIron Auctions, a Nebraska-based dealer that auctioned 3,300 pieces of farm equipment online in two days last month, sold 27 John Deere 4440 tractors through 2019. The model, which Deere built between 1977 and 1982 at a factory in Waterloo, Iowa, was the most popular of the company’s “Iron Horse” series of tractors, which used stronger and heavier internal components to support engines with greater horsepower. The tractors featured big, safe cabins, advancing a design first seen in the 1960s that is now standard. A sale of one of those tractors in good condition with low hours of use — the tractors typically last for 12,000 to 15,000 hours — will start a bidding war today. A 1980 John Deere 4440 with 2,147 hours on it sold for $43,500 at a farm estate auction in Lake City in April. A 1979 John Deere 4640 with only 826 hours on it sold for $61,000 at an auction in Bingham Lake in August. “Those older tractors that had good care and good maintenance, that’s good property,” said Mark Stock, co-founder of BigIron.

Stressed at work? Feeling underpaid or even ignored? Employees still have leverage in 2020 Continued from preceding page. especially if they’ve got good health care benefits and enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the workplace. Companies may or may not value their longevity and institutional memory in a rapidly changing world. The Generation Xers, who now have moved into mid- and senior-level roles, are feeling squeezed between the much-larger cohorts of baby boomers and millennials. Meanwhile, the oldest millennials will turn 39 this year. They’re driving toward their peak earning years and ready to take on top management roles. And the true digital natives, Generation Z, are in their early- to mid-20s and ready to shake up the status quo. They have high expectations for diversity, training and workplace engagement. “It’s not about understanding the different generations,” Hang cautioned. “It’s about understanding your employee and what they need.” Workplace burnout is garnering more serious attention with an “always-on” mind-set driven by technology. Nationwide, nearly all managers — 96% — believe their employees are experiencing some degree of burnout, according to the Robert Half surveys. Twin Cities workers put the burner slightly above “5” on a 10-point scale, pinning the blame on constant interruptions and fires to put out. About a third of workers in the metro area say long commutes are adding to the stress, with an average journey of 40 minutes. Workplace stress has become enough of a concern that the World Health Organization has redefined it among its international classifications of diseases. The organization is developing new guidelines on mental

well-being in the workplace. Both workers and managers share responsibility, but it can lead to what Hang called “regrettable turnover” if good employees leave. Another vulnerability in the years ahead: a potential retention problem with Gen X employees (age 40 to 55). As companies increasingly rely on Gen Xers without rewarding them with advancement, Gen Xers are getting frustrated, Stephanie Neal, director of the Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research at the global consulting firm DDI, argues in the Harvard Business Review. Some 40% of Gen X leaders say they are contemplating leaving to advance their careers. Nearly one in five say this urge to depart has grown in the last year, levels much higher than baby boomers or millennials. “While Gen X has been loyal up until now, this frustration is approaching a breaking point for Gen X leaders who have advanced to higher-level management roles,” Neal said. It can happen with many longtime workers, who may not have the skills to ask for a raise. In a tight labor market, companies hire people from the outside and pay them more because they’re competing against other employers, Robert Half’s Hang said. “And then you’ve got this person who has been getting 2 to 4% increases for the last 10 or 20 years and they are not being paid what the market’s paying,” she said. “Sometimes, companies need to invest in their existing employees.” ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The tractors have enough horsepower to do anything most farmers need, and even at a record price like the $61,000 the tractor in Bingham Lake fetched, they’re a bargain compared to what a farmer would pay for a newer tractor with similar horsepower. The other big draw of the older tractors is their lack of complex technology. Farmers prefer to fix what they can on the spot, or take it to their mechanic and not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars. “The newer machines, any time something breaks, you’ve got to have a computer to fix it,” Stock said. There are some good things about the software in newer machines, said Peterson. The dealer will get a warning if something is about to break and can contact the farmer ahead of time to nip the problem in the bud. But if something does break, the farmer is powerless, stuck in the field waiting for a service truck from the dealership to come out to their farm and charge up to $150 per hour for labor. “That goes against the pride of ownership, plus your lifetime of skills you’ve built up being able to fix things,” Peterson said. The cheaper repairs for an older tractor mean their life cycle can be extended. A new motor or transmission may cost $10,000 to $15,000, and then a tractor could be good for another 10 or 15 years. Folland has two Versatile 875s manufactured in the early 1980s in Winnipeg and bought a John Deere 4440 last year with 9,000 hours on it, expecting to get another 5,000 hours out of it before he has to make a major repair. “An expensive repair would be $15,000 to $20,000, but you’re still well below the

cost of buying a new tractor that’s $150,000 to $250,000. It’s still a fraction of the cost,” Folland said. “That’s why these models are so popular. They’ve stood the test of time, well built, easy to fix, and it’s easy to get parts.” He also said the modifications to newer diesel engines on tractors can cause mechanical problems, and the carbon footprint of an older tractor can be mitigated by using biodiesel, which is produced from soybeans grown in Minnesota and extends the life of an engine because it includes better lubricants than conventional diesel fuel. Combine all that with nostalgia for the tractors of a farmer’s youth, and 30- or 40-year-old tractors are in high demand. That’s a shift from 30 years ago, Peterson said. In 1989, 30-year-old tractors really were antiques. A 1959 tractor at that point would have sold for $2,000 or $3,000 and looked like a different species from the tractors in operation in the 1980s. But tractors from the 1970s and 1980s aren’t so dramatically different from tractors produced in the 2000s, other than the irksome software, and at a time when farmers are struggling financially, older tractors can make a lot of business sense. Folland said his corn crop was better than the Minnesota average in 2019, despite the fact that he farms on the Canadian border and uses 40-year-old equipment. “The main reason we do this is to make money,” Folland said. “Older equipment is a way to reduce your cost per bushel to become more profitable.” ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

Do Americans even want time off? by Froma Harrop

A new Gallup survey finds that about half of Americans who hold second jobs say they don’t do it out of financial necessity. Why, then, do they put in the extra hours? Do they just like working? Economy Europeans, in stark contrast, relish their free time. Workers in Denmark actually went on a general strike because they were entitled to (SET ITAL) only (END ITAL) five weeks of vacation. They wanted six. Many American workers get a lousy one or two weeks off, if that much. Yet 55 percent of Americans with paid vacation said they didn’t even use all the time off, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

John de Graaf, who writes on free time and consumption, has a theory on why Americans don’t pound the table for more paid vacation. “Until you actually get a block of time off,” he said, “you don’t really appreciate it.” He cites an interesting case in Amador County, California. After the 2007-09 financial crisis, California trimmed its contribution to every county by 10 percent. County officials in Amador decided that rather than lay off public workers, they would cut their working hours by 10 percent. The Service Employees International Union cried foul. It preferred layoffs of low-seniority people over a shorter workweek for other public employees. The county stood firm but said that it would honor the

union’s preference in two years if money remained tight. Two years later, the budget still needed cutting. The union leadership predictably chose layoffs and restoring the five-day week for the others. But the workers said, “Wait a minute.” They weren’t asked. The union put the matter before the rank and file, which voted 71 percent to 29 percent to stay on four days with less pay. What happened? As de Graaf observed, “Workers were now saying things like, ‘Now I go fishing on Fridays.’” (Only a few, mainly men, used the freed-up day to take on outside work.) The female employees tended to like the four-day week more than the men, according to de Graaf. They would tell him, “Well, now what I do is the kids are in school on Fridays, so I do various chores on Friday, and then I

Midwest manufacturing crawls back into growth territory in December by Dee DePass

With boosted sales and orders, conditions for manufacturers in Minnesota and eight other central states crawled back into growth territory in December, nudging up confidence levels afManufacturing ter a difficult fall season, a closely watched economic report said. Creighton University’s nine-state Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 50.6 in December from November’s disappointing 48.6, according to data released recently. Minnesota’s index slipped to 50.7 in December from 50.9 in November. Any index below 50 signals economic contraction, so supply managers and economists were hoping for an uptick after three months of contraction over a four-month period. The region — which also includes Iowa, The Dakotas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma — saw improvements in December sales and new orders. Delivery speeds of raw materials continued to grow but at a slower rate. Employment and export orders continued to show significant economic contraction. Imports, however, were unchanged from November as supply managers continued to boost purchasing from abroad in anticipation of higher tariffs in the weeks months ahead. “Surveys over the past several months indicate that the regional manufacturing economy is being negatively impacted by the trade war with China and the global economic slowdown,” said Ernie Goss, director of Creighton’s Economic Forecasting Group. “This will be a drag on the overall Mid-America economy for the first half of 2020. However, I expect overall regional growth to remain soft but positive for the first half of the year.” Company executives in Minnesota — who will report fourth quarter earnings results later this month — signaled weeks ago that the trade war with China and uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies with Mexico and Canada had dramatically impacted their supply chains, pricing and the scheduling and sourcing of raw material orders. The Institute for Supply Management releases its national manufacturing conditions report recently. But it is widely expected to also show pressure surrounding trade issues. In the last few months, companies such as 3M, Graco, Polaris and others said they increased some products prices to accommodate for extra trade tariff costs. Bill Gray, the

president of the flexible plumbing pipe maker Uponor North America in Apple Valley, said during an interview last month that uncertain U.S. trade policies and new threats about U.S. tariffs on Brazil and Argentina-made goods “is really undermining confidence in the (commercial construction) market.” In the December Creighton survey, 43% of supply managers reported that tariffs had resulted in increased prices of supplies purchased by their firms, Goss said. At the same time, factory purchasing managers noted they are taking advantage of the temporary freeze of new U.S. tariffs that were to go into effect Dec. 15 on $160 billion

worth of Chinese-made goods. With that pause, import orders increased, as did factory owners’ confidence levels, Goss said. “Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the December Business Confidence Index, climbed to 57.6 from November’s 52.9,” Goss said. “Potential January passage of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement and Phase I of the trade agreement with China boosted the regional business confidence index for the month.” ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

have the whole weekend off.” Amador County workers enjoyed the added advantage of all having the same day off, so they had friends to go fishing with. That’s the thinking in Europe, where nearly everyone gets vacation time during the same weeks of August. Europeans realized that people want time off when friends and family do. During the Great Depression, a number of big American companies moved to 30-hour weeks. One of them, Kellogg’s in Battle Creek, Michigan, adopted a kind of compromise. The workweek was reduced to 30 hours, but the company paid the employees for 35 hours. Interestingly, Kellogg’s found that these workers had become more productive during the hours worked. Those holding multiple jobs—now about a quarter of U.S. workers—are far rarer in Canada and France, according to Gallup. Why would that be? Perhaps the stronger social safety nets in those countries make ordinary people feel more economically secure. Perhaps a consumer culture flashing luxury in our faces makes Americans see some expenditures not as extravagances but as basic necessities. Work is how they can afford them. “Other things being equal,” de Graaf adds, “when Americans are given the choice of time or money, most will choose the money.” But looking at the experience in Amador County, it’s possible that we just don’t understand the value of time off because we’ve had so little experience with it. If so, what a sad commentary on the American way of life. Copyright 2020 Creators.com

US pays bulk of tariff costs as levies fail to save steel jobs by Reade Pickert

American companies and consumers are paying almost the full cost of U.S. tariffs, and the impact of those duties on import volume magnifies over time, according to a paper circulated recently Economy by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Traditional trade theory would suggest tariffs levied by the U.S. should cause foreign firms to lower prices and thereby force them to shoulder the cost of the duties. However, the study by Federal Reserve Bank of New York researcher Mary Amiti and professors Stephen Redding of Princeton and David Weinstein of Columbia shows the levies haven’t had a major impact on foreign export prices, suggesting American firms and consumers bear almost all the burden in most sectors as companies work to reorganize supply chains. “Among goods that continue to be imported, a 10% tariff is associated with about a 10% drop in imports for the first three months, but this elasticity doubles in magnitude in subsequent months,” the authors wrote. That suggests “the 2018 tariffs — many of which were applied in October — are only now having their full impact on U.S. import volumes.” A separate working paper circulated by NBER showed the 2018-19 tariffs also damped U.S. exports. While Americans bear the cost of tariffs in most sectors, the same doesn’t apply in the politically important steel industry, the study by Amiti, Redding and Weinstein showed. President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise when his administration put 25% duties on imported steel in March 2018.

The decision, meant to protect the industry from dumping practices by countries like China, was widely praised by producers, several of which announced plans to boost output. The paper finds the European Union and nations including South Korea and Japan are shouldering almost half the cost of U.S. steel tariffs. That’s good news for U.S. companies demanding the metal, “but bad news for workers hoping that steel tariffs will bring back jobs,” the paper said. It also may help explain why American steel production only increased by 2% per year between the third quarter of 2017 and the third quarter of 2019 despite the 25% steel tariffs, according to the authors.

The paper follows U.S. Steel Corp.’s December announcement that it would close its giant plant outside of Detroit and lay off as many as 1,545 workers. Following this, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the closure didn’t mean the import tariffs aren’t working. The paper’s authors seem to disagree. “These results suggest that the steel tariffs have a much smaller capacity to protect steel workers than other tariffs,” they said. (With assistance from Joe Deaux and Shawn Donnan.) ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week). 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is 5 p.m. 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 and a courtesy proof of the notice the first week it runs and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week. DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1877 Estate of MARJORIE H. QUIST, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 18th day of December, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of Marjorie H. Quist and that the following surviving daughters were appointed as the Co-Successor Personal Representatives of this Estate: Karen M. Armstrong, 10000 Benton, Lincoln, NE 68527 Susan A. Quist, 5723 East Irish Place, Centennial, CO Amy Lynn Black, 817 North Turner Ave., Hastings, NE 68901 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 February 27, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication December 27, 2019, final January 10, 2020 BRENT M. KUHN, Attorney 900 South 75th Street, Suite B Omaha, Nebraska 68114 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF: JAYSON BRUNO PODERYS, Minor. ORDER FOR HEARING Case No.: AD 19-278 YOU AND EACH OF YOU are hereby notified that the Petition for Step-Parent Adoption shall be heard by the Honorable Hendrix on the 16th day of January, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom # 330 in County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68183. DATED this 19th day of December, 2019. BY THE COURT: The Honorable MARCENA HENDRIX Judge First publication December 27, 2019, final January 10, 2020 MAX J. KELCH, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOME BUYERS OF OMAHA, LLC Notice is hereby given that Home Buyers of Omaha, LLC has been created as an organization as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated office of the company is 9159 Shirley Street, Omaha NE 68124. The agent for service of process for the Company is Cory Cutchall, Agent, 9159 Shirley Street, Omaha NE 68124. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 JOSEPH J. SKUDLAREK, Attorney 1055 North 115th Street, Suite 301 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATION In accordance with RRS Section 21-2,229(b) take notice of the dissolution of The Tennis Club, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, effective December 31, 2019 all in accordance with the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act (the "Act"). The terms and conditions of said dissolution shall comply with the Act, including the payment in full of all just debts of the Tennis Club, Inc. and a distribution of the assets to its shareholders. Patricia O. Grabow, President of the Tennis Club, Inc. shall wind up and liquidate its business. The assets of the Tennis Club, Inc. exceed its liabilities. Inquiries may be directed to: Joseph J. Skudlarek, attorney for The Tennis Club, Inc. 1055 N 115 Street - SUITE 301 Omaha NE 68154 (402) 522-6001 jjskudlarek@jjskudlarek.com By: Joseph J. Skudlarek, Attorney for The Tennis Club, Inc. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF AK-SAR-BEN HOLDINGS, INC. AK-SAR-BEN Holdings, Inc., 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. Barbara Simonsen, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Connect Human Performance, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 4463 S. 145th Street, #5214, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Michael Servais, 5061 S. 135th Street, #5214, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on December 18, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION 1. The name of the corporation is HYDRONICS, INC. 2. The address of the registered office is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. 3. That on September 4, 2019 the Corporation approved a Resolution to Dissolve the Corporation and that on December 17, 2019 the corporation filed Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State. 4. The corporation’s president, Effie Kullenberg, will facilitate the wind up and liquidation of the corporation, which ceased operations on September 4, 2019 At this time the Corporation has assets of less than $2,000.00 and has liabilities in excess of $2,000.00 5. All creditors of HYDRONICS, INC., you have 120 days from the date of this notice to file said claim. If you wish to submit a claim against HYDRONICS, INC., please mail notification of your claim to HYDRONICS, INC. c/o Jeffrey T. Palzer, 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154. 6. All claims must include the identity of the claimant, the amount of the claim, and the nature of the claim. All claims received after 120 days have elapsed since the date of this notice will be forever barred. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLACKSTONE MEATBALL WEST, LLC The name of the Company is Blackstone Meatball West, 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 December 18, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SAL1, LLC The name of the Company is SAL1, 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 December 19, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Epic PLD, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 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. 4. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019; however, the corporate existence will begin on January 1, 2020. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Mitchell D. Hiatt, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION KP Writes, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 12/02/2019, with its designated office and registered agent: Mark Adam Perley, 7902 S. 190th Ave, Omaha, NE 68136. The general nature of the business: Freelance business writing services. The company shall be Member-Managed. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PERLEBACH SECURITIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Perlebach Securities, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 516 South 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is George J. Perlebach, 516 South 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on December 19, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EPIC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Epic, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9300 Underwood Avenue, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 December 19, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ADDRAD, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 17, 2019, with an effective date of December 31, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Member. Dr. Allen Dvorak 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 9733 Brentwood Road, Suite 205, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CN FRANCHISE HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CN Franchise Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019, 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 of the Corporation, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CR HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CR Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019, 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 CEO of the Corporation 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEW YEAR PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the Company is New Year Properties, 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 December 26, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that ;j Enterprises, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68154. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Kelsey M. Weiler, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 • 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 OMAHA UROLOGY PARTNERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omaha Urology Partners, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 10707 Pacific Street, Suite 101, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 December 23, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 192ND BUILDING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 192nd Building, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8005 Farnam Drive, Suite 305, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Douglas J. Long, M.D., 8005 Farnam Drive, Suite 305, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on December 23, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SGH Concepts, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 19, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. If you have a claim against SGH Concepts, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to 742 N. 109th Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. A claim against SGH Concepts, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF WRA RESEARCH GROUP, INC. WRA RESEARCH GROUP, INC., a Nebraska corporation (the "Corporation"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State with a dissolution date effective December 17, 2019. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets to the Shareholder of the Corporation. Tom A. Wiese, President, will manage the Corporation's affairs and distribute its assets. As of the close of business on December 17, 2019, the Corporation had no liabilities and no assets. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF PULMONARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATES OF NEBRASKA P.C. PULMONARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATES OF NEBRASKA, P.C., a Nebraska corporation (the "Corporation"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State with a dissolution date effective December 31, 2019. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets to the Shareholder of the Corporation. Lon W. Keim, M.D., President, will manage the Corporation's affairs and distribute its assets. As of the close of business on December 31, 2019 the Corporation had no liabilities and no assets. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Madee LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the Company is 1110 N. 133rd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The general nature of business is to engage in and to do any and all business, other than banking and insurance, for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced its existence on 08/15/2019, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member and/or Members as authorized by the Company’s Operating Agreement. The initial agent for service of process is Roger J Grohmann at 15705 O Cir, Omaha, NE 68135. Venkata Alla, Organizer First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Staffolutions, 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 Staffolutions, 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., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 18801 Lafayette Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Maura Roddy, Member First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Patriot Holdings 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 19903 Elkhorn Ridge Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are R. Craig Fry, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is INSPIRED EVENTS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 10701 Mockingbird Drive, Omaha, NE 68130. The registered agent is Jeffrey T. Palzer and the Register Agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154. 3. The general nature of the Company is wellness. 4. The Company commenced on December 19, 2019, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is AMR ENTERPRISES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 16380 Grebe Street, Bennington, NE 68007. The registered agent is Charles Ring and the Register Agent's address is 16380 Grebe Street, Bennington, NE 68007. 3. The general nature of the Company is transition services for seniors. 4. The Company commenced on December 23, 2019, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 88 TACTICAL OMAHA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 88 Tactical Omaha, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 South 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and its mailing address is P.O. Box 428, Boys Town, Nebraska 68010. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF I LOVE PAD THAI, INC. Registered Office: 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Authorized capital stock is $10,000 to be fully paid and non-assessable on issue. Perpetual existence commenced December 20, 2019, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Rodney G. Gnuse, Incorporator First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION M J Squared 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 9906 N. 52nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Robert M. Schartz, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020

JAMES D. BUSER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF D&K HOLDINGS, INC. D&K HOLDINGS, INC., a Nebraska corporation (the "Corporation"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State with a dissolution date effective December 20, 2019. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets to the Shareholders of the Corporation. David M. Nelson, President, will manage the Corporation's affairs and distribute its assets. As of the close of business on December 20, 2019, the Corporation had no liabilities and no assets. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 LAW OFFICES OF EVELYN N. BABCOCK 16264 Rolling Ridge Road Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RJRV, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on December 19, 2019. The street and mailing address for the initial designated office is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska. The street and mailing address for the initial agent for service of process is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The name of the initial agent for service of process is George T. Babcock. The general nature of the business is any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Act of the State of Nebraska. The business of limited liability company will be conducted by its Members. George T. Babcock, Organizer First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BARTHOLOMEW RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Bartholomew Restaurant Holdings, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Bartholomew Restaurant Holdings, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF J&C SIMMENTALS LLC Notice is hereby given that J&C SIMMENTALS 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 1902 County Road 21, Bennington, NE 68007. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMILY PT LLC Notice is hereby given that EMILY PT 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 5815 Briggs Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. The Company’s members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render services related to the providing of physical therapy services in this state. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Tixmatic, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Ste. 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on December 26, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ENDEBROCK REAL ESTATE, LLC Designated Office: 21213 Arbor Crt., Elkhorn, NE 68022 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Purpose: To render the professional services of a duly licensed real estate salesperson First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DAVID M. HOHMAN, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION JKCP 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 620 N. 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The name, street address and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are Justin M. Kohll, 620 N. 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Dated this 26th day of December, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: DAVID M. WASHINGTON, 2921 Kansas Dr, Bellevue NE 68005, you are hereby notified that on November 11, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-24953, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $5,052.25, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 24th day of February, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: STONE CANYON KAUFFROATH, 6644 Charles Street, Omaha NE 68132, you are hereby notified that on November 12, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-25050, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $6,212.91, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 24th day of February, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 24, 2020 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JTV FAMILY PROPERTIES, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on December 12, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Meg Slattery Photography, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ABODE HOME MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Abode Home Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13340 California Street, STE 104, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Erin Anderson, 11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PVB INTERIORS & DESIGN, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 S. 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BATTLESON ENTERPRISES LLC All claims against the company must be forwarded to the company c/o JEAN M. BATTLESON, 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108, and contain the name of the claimant, the nature and amount of the claim, and the address and a contact person for the claimant. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 S. 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF RCB MFG. & SUPPLY, INC. CYNTHIA M. GOFF, 1702 S. 10 St., Suite. 2, Omaha, NE 68108, President, will manage the wind up and liquidation of its business and affairs. Assets, if any, remaining after paying liabilities will be distributed pro-rata to the shareholders. All claims against the corporation must be forwarded to the corporation at the foregoing address and contain the name of the claimant, the nature and amount of the claim, and the address and a contact person for the claimant. A claim against the corporation is barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR HILEY HUNT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hiley Hunt Wealth Management, Inc. were adopted on December 27, 2019, effective January 1st, 2020, to increase the amount of authorized shares to 1,960. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Online Trade Co, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 5511 N. 111th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on December 26, 2019. First publication January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Pearson GenSkip II, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF OSCEOLA COMPANY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Osceola Company, a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 30, 2019, and effective December 31, 2019 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. Johns S. Dinsdale, President of the Corporation, 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 January 3, 2020, final January 17, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: THOMAS E. DAVIS, SR., 4025 Spring Circle, Omaha, NE, 68105, you are hereby notified that on November 14, 2019, Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-25290, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $8,160.39, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 2nd day of March, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 31, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Lebens Family Enterprises IV, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION EA Search & Recruiting Consultants, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OV DRIVE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OV Drive Condominium Association (the “Association”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Association is a mutual benefit corporation. The Registered Agent of the Association is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Association will have members, who shall consist of all Owners of Units in the Oakview Drive Condominiums. The name and address of the incorporator is Jennifer L. Rattner, 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given of the dissolution of Triad Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“Company”), effective December 31st, 2019. Pursuant to the dissolution, any remaining assets and property of the Company are to be distributed to the members of the Company. There are no known liabilities. Tim Kirkpatrick and Susan Kirkpatrick, as members of the Company, are to manage the company affairs and distribute the company assets. Parties with claims against the Company are directed to submit them in writing to the attention of Tim Kirkpatrick, c/o Lamson, Dugan & Murray, LLP, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. All claims against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within three (3) years after the publication of this Notice. By: Tim Kirkpatrick, Member First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TDS VENTURES, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is TDS Ventures, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SPW PARTNERS, LLC SPW Partners, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been dissolved under the laws of the State of Nebraska and filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 31, 2019. The Company will dispose of those assets as may be necessary to pay for all liabilities of the Company. Any assets remaining will be distributed to the Members of the Company. Any party having a claim against the Company shall file its claim with the Company at the following address: SPW Partners, LLC, Dean T. Hokanson, 9929 Broadmoor Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Any claim against the Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the final publication of this Notice. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES JOSEPH J. SKUDLAREK, Attorney 1055 North 115th Street, Suite 301 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is Triple Shot Java, LLC. Its designated office is 17935 Welch Plaza - Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68135. Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced on November 21, 2019. Its affairs shall be managed by a Manager. Joseph J. Skudlarek, Organizer First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF DOMESTICATION/INCORPORATION OF J. A. BACCELLIERI ENTERPRISES, INC. You are hereby notified that the below applicant has filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State Articles of Domestication and Articles of Incorporation, including the following information: Domestication/Corporation Name: J. A. BACCELLIERI ENTERPRISES, INC. Address of Initial Designated Office: 4983 S. 177th Circle, Omaha, NE 68135 Registered Agent: James Baccellieri Shares: The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have the authority to issue is 10,000 shares of common stock and the par value of each of said shares shall be $1.00. The entity was originally incorporated in Virginia on October 22, 2012, and date of first use in Nebraska December 27, 2019. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Merger of C & S Realty Company, a Nebraska corporation, with and into GEM Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 26, 2019, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The merger was effective as of December 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. The surviving entity in the merger was GEM Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF FALEWITCH CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF FALEWITCH CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Falewitch Construction Services, Inc. has been converted into Falewitch Construction Services, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 1412 Centennial Road, Suite 800, La Vista, Sarpy County, Nebraska, 68128. The Registered Office of the company is 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. The Registered Agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. at 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 31, 2019. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Elevated Horizons, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 31, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. If you have a claim against Elevated Horizons, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to 7313 North 154ths Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. A claim against Elevated Horizons, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BANANA LEAF HOSPITALITY LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Banana Leaf Hospitality LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 555 North 155th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 3, 2020. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SAFE SPACE NEBRASKA Notice is hereby given that SAFE SPACE NEBRASKA, a Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation, (the “Corporation”) has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The Corporation has collected and liquidated assets, discharged its liabilities, distributed its remaining property to Omaha Women’s Fund and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business affairs. Megan Hunt, Secretary of the Corporation, was the person responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the Corporation. All claims against the Corporation must be made in writing and must include (1) the amount of the claim, (2) the basis of the claim, and (3) all documentation supporting the claim, including, without limitation, invoices, purchase orders, and contracts. All claims must be sent to Safe Space Nebraska, c/o Mary E. Vandenack, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. All claims against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication of this notice First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 MYRON J. KAPLAN, Attorney McGILL, GOTSDINER, WORKMAN & LEPP, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, First National Plaza Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2584 NOTICE OF MERGER OF BELGRADE HOLDINGS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Nebraska limited partnership AND BELGRADE COMPANY, INC., a Nebraska corporation INTO BELGRADE L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the merger of Belgrade Holdings Limited Partnership, a Nebraska limited partnership and Belgrade Company, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, into Belgrade L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, in accordance with the provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Upon completion of this merger, the sole surviving entity shall be Belgrade L.L.C., and all rights, property and assets of Belgrade Holdings Limited Partnership and Belgrade Company, Inc. shall vest in and become the sole property and assets of the surviving entity. The merger was effective January 1, 2020. Robert L. Belgrade, Manager First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OLAF PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Olaf Properties, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on December 12, 2019 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 January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF VALLEYJOY, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that VALLEYJOY, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3322 South 78th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is BRITTANY J. SWAIT. The general nature of the business is to operate a general landscaping and property management 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 landscaping and property management 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 November 26, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR CUESTAS HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Cuestas HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on June 12, 2019. 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 January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Certificate of Organization of Garage Restoration Specialists, LLC has been amended to change the name of the limited liability company to Hello Garage Operations, LLC. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR WOODBROOK HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Woodbrook HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on June 12, 2019. 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 January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that EJ McMAHON CONSTRUCTION, INC. has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Affairs will be conducted by the corporation’s registered agent, Edward J. McMahon, who’s address and designated office is 3806 “V” Street, Omaha NE 68107. The general nature of the company is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be organized in the State of Nebraska and is authorized to issue 100 shares of common stock. This corporation’s duration is perpetual, commencing October 7, 2019. Incorporator is Lisa Hillis at 16510 Loop Street Omaha, NE 68136. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR DEER CROSS HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Deer Cross HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on May 13, 2019. 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 January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DEAN F. SUING, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF ADDMAR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Addmar, LLC has filed with the Secretary of State a Statement of Dissolution effective December 31, 2019. George N. Hatjinos, 14571 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68144 as a Member of the LLC has been appointed by the members to wind up the affairs of the limited liability company and distribute the remaining assets after payment of liabilities, if any, to the members in accordance with their membership interest in the limited liability company. By: George Hatjinos, Member First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 DEAN F. SUING, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISSOLVE GRECO, INC. Pursuant to the Nebraska Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation hereby publishes notice of its voluntary dissolution. The stockholder adopted a resolution to dissolve on December 31, 2019. The resolution received the unanimous vote of stockholder in attendance at said meeting. George N. Hatjinos, 14571 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68144, President of the corporation, is the person who is to manage the affairs during the dissolution of the corporation. The plan of dissolution will be to pay creditors of the corporation and then distribute the remaining assets of the corporation to the shareholder in accordance with the stock ownership in the corporation. By: George N. Hatjinos, President First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LEELO DINING, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on October 28, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LEVERAGE REHABILITATION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Leverage Rehabilitation, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kenneth Klaasmeyer, 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 12, 2019. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: HELEN B. AFTONOMOS, 7224 Northridge Drive, Omaha NE 68112, you are hereby notified that on November 11, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-24956, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $9,629.92, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 2nd day of March, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KTMD Holdings LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the Company is 2508 N 169th St, Omaha, NE 68116. The general nature of business is to engage in and to do any and all business, other than banking and insurance, for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced its existence on 08/22/2019, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member and/or Members as authorized by the Company’s Operating Agreement. The initial agent for service of process is Roger J Grohmann at 15705 O Cir, Omaha, NE 68135. Timisha Singh, Organizer First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF O&HSP LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that O&HSP LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2132 S 181st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jason Kuhr, 2132 S 181st Circle Omaha, NE 68130. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F H E L L O G A R A G E FRANCHISING, LLC Notice is hereby given that Hello Garage Franchising, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 11850 Valley Ridge Drive, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. The registered agent of the Company is Gregory M. Thrasher, 11850 Valley Ridge Drive, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRAN TEC, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of Tran Tec, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been amended to change the name of the Company to Tran-Tec, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on November 8, 2019. In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR DEER WOOD HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Deer Wood HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on May 13, 2019. 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 January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PHILLIPS TILE & STONE LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Phillips Tile & Stone LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 4924 South 128th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic, PO Box 830902, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 TAYLOR HERBERT, Attorney LI LAW OFFICE 2103 Franklin Drive Papillion, NE 68133 LEGAL NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA Case Number CI19-9910 IN RE NAME CHANGE OF Baby Girl Senecal Notice is hereby given that on the 23rd day of December, 2019, a petition was filed in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the object and prayer of which is for the change of the petitioner’s name from Baby Girl Senecal to Lorraina Elizabeth Senecal. A hearing will be had on said petition before the Honorable Peter C. Bataillon, in courtroom no. 413, 1701 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68183 on the 5th day of Februray, 2020 at 8:45 a.m., or as soon thereafter as will be convenient for the court and that unless sufficient cause is shown to the contrary, the petitioner’s name will be changed from that of Baby Girl Senecal, to Lorraina Elizabeth Senecal. Petitioner Baby Girl Senecal, 10935 Arlington Plz, Atp 1911, Omaha, NE 68164, 402-391-2486 First publication January 10, 2020, final January 31, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1878 Estate of JOHN R. QUIST, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 19th day of December, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of John R. Quist and that the following surviving daughters were appointed as the Co-Successor Personal Representatives of this Estate: Karen M. Armstrong, 10000 Benton, Lincoln, NE 68527 Susan A. Quist, 5723 East Irish Place, Centennial, CO Amy Lynn Black, 817 North Turner Ave., Hastings, NE 68901 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 March 10, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Compendia Pictures Name of Applicant: Peacey Media LLC Address: 19641 W Street Omaha NE 68135 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 19, 2015 General nature of business: Video Production PAUL GLENN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 10, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Pillar Roofing, Siding, and Windows Name of Applicant: M J Squared LLC Address: 9906 N. 52nd Street Omaha NE 68152 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: 12/27/2019 General nature of business: Roofing and siding services; window and gutter installation. CHRISTOPHER O. ESTWICK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 10, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: B & G Tasty Foods Name of Applicant: Bartholomew Retaurant Holdings, LLC Address: 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 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 1953 General nature of business: Retaurant BENJAMIN J. PICK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 10, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CSI Concrete Construction Name of Applicant: Creative Structures, Inc. Address: 8731 Hamilton Street Omaha NE 68114 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: 12/27/2019 General nature of business: Concrete construciton, paving, stamped concrete, and coatings. CHRISTOPHER O. ESTWICK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 10, 2020

WALENTINE O'TOOLE, Attorneys Jamie M. Hurst, Esq. 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-0125 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ED WEST CONSULTING, LLC ED WEST CONSULTING, LLC, with its initial designated office 964 S. 183rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, gives notice that it filed its Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 3, 2020, and that it has been organized as a Nebraska limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial agent for service of process is Jamie M. Hurst, and her initial mailing address is 11240 Davenport Street, P.O. Box 540125, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The company’s period of duration is perpetual, and the general nature of its business is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. James Edward West, Member First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Indian Creek Nursery, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke. The designated office is 303 North Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business will commence on January 1, 2020, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Indian WAIIC Properties, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke. The designated office is 13510 Giles Road, Bay H, Omaha, Nebraska 68138 The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business will commence on December 1, 2019, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Downtown 2nd Time Around Name of Applicant: Perfectly Preserved Petals LLC Address: 905 S 20th St Omaha NE 68108 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: 12/11/19 General nature of business: Crafts CHRISTINE BOWDEN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 10, 2020 DIANE B. METZ, Attorney 1823 Harney Street, ES 1005 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1874 Estate of Robert Charles Donnelly, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on December 20, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Mark J. Donnelly whose address is 11532 Canterbury Circle, Leawood, Kansas 66211, has been appointed Personal Representative of the estate. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 10, 2020, final January 24, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

Pawternity leave: More companies offering time off when employees adopt a pet by Mark Williams

To BrewDog, furry families are as important as the human ones. That’s why the Scottish brewer, which has based its U.S. operations in Canal Winchester, Ohio, gives its employees an unusual perk: A week Trends of paid time off when they adopt a dog that they can use one time. “The regular family isn’t everyone’s thing. We have to make sure we’re nurturing people’s family, whether that’s furry families or human families,” said Miranda Dietz, the company’s supply chain manager. “This is just a really cool way to make sure we’re taking care of our people.” While still few in number, other companies have started to offer similar benefits. Minneapolis digital marketing agency Nina Hale has a “fur-ternity leave” policy

that gives new pet parents a week of workfrom-home days so that they can adjust to their new pets. “Part of embracing employee satisfaction as a business priority means recognizing important life events that happen outside of the office,” Nina Hale CEO Donna Robinson said when the policy was put in place in 2018. “If we want to continue to set the example as a top workplace, it is crucial to offer innovative benefits that help to preserve the work-life happiness of our employee owners.” Pet-food company Mars Petcare encourages its workers to talk with their managers to determine their plans for time off when they adopt a new pet. In addition, the company’s new U.S. headquarters in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, has a “doggie playcare” with full-time pet-sitters.

The New York City-based software company mParticle offers two weeks paid time off for those who adopt a rescue dog or cat. Bark, the company behind the dog toy and treat subscription BarkBox, doesn’t have an official policy when it comes to giving workers time off at its Columbus operations when they adopt a new dog. Still, it gives employees time to work from home and has an extensive support system to provide help to new pup parents in the office, said Stacie Grissom, director of content and communications at Bark, where employees are permitted to bring their dogs to work. “There are so many questions in the first few days and weeks of having a new dog, and we’ve noticed that it’s extremely helpful to have these in-real-life human resources to support folks with a new dog,”

Mortgage rate forecast for 2020: Experts predict low rates will last by Natalie Campisi

If you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your current one in the new year, there’s good news: Today’s low mortgage rates are expected to continue into 2020. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate started 2019 at Real Estate 4.68% and steadily declined before closing out the year at 3.93 percent. In 2020, rates are expected to remain mostly stable, not straying too much higher or lower from the 4% mark. Here are responses from a range of experts predicting what will happen to mortgage rates in 2020. Expect mortgage rates to remain low Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst, predicts mortgage rates will stay relatively stable around 4% in 2020. “The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage will hopscotch back and forth over the 4% mark for much of 2020, remaining low enough to facilitate homebuying and providing ample refinancing opportunities on those trips below 4 percent,” he says. Inflation is something borrowers should watch for, especially toward the end of 2020, McBride says. Core inflation, as measured by the Fed’s PCE Index, will top out at 2.2 percent, he predicts, which will likely keep the Fed muted on rate hikes. “Rates will trend higher toward the back half of the year as inflation readings move above 2 percent.” Since the end of June 2019, interest rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage have stayed south of the 4% mark. They hit their lowest point on Sept. 4, dropping to 3.74 percent, according to Bankrate data. These historically low rates have helped homeowners save money by refinancing and made it easier for folks to afford to buy a house. How the Federal Reserve could impact rates It’s challenging to predict where rates will head in the future, as daily news has the power to sway rates. But if the Fed’s attitude is any indication, then rates should remain low next year. “We have been in a low interest rate environment for quite some time, and the current signaling from the Fed is that rates

will continue to remain low,” says Alexander Akel, president of Akel Homes in South Florida. “Even if they tick up north of 4 percent, they will remain extremely attractive when compared to historical rates.” One thing rate-watchers should consider is that we’re voting for a president in 2020, which might compel the Fed to take a backseat to the political action in D.C., says Tony Taveekanjana, executive vice president and chief production officer at Gateway First Bank. “Obviously, there are no guarantees that mortgage rates will stay where they are for all of 2020. However, one significant factor is that 2020 is in an election year,” Taveekanjana says. “Historically, the Fed moves to the sidelines as it relates to rate hikes or cuts during the election and then

steps back in to stimulate the economy by doing what they feel is necessary once the election is over. Based on this, it would be reasonable to expect rates to generally stay in the same area as they are now.” Although low rates are generally a good thing, they can also fatten price tags of homes, which might cancel out some of the savings, observes Mike Hardwick, owner at Escrow Services of Tennessee. “In 2020, we anticipate that rates will remain stable. This will cause home prices to increase slightly, but we will also see some improvement in home sales. Also, margins will continue to tighten,” Hardwick says. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

she said. One employee has fostered 63 dogs in the past four years, making her a sort of “dogmother” to the dogs and humans in the office who need help, Grissom said. For pet-friendly companies, the payoff from such policies is employees more likely to be engaged with their work, research shows. A 2018 study by Nationwide, the nation’s largest pet insurer, and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 90% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company mission and willing to recommend their employers to others. That drops to less than 65% in less dog-friendly companies, according to the report. “Pet owners increasingly think of their pets as members of the family,” the institute’s executive director, Steven Feldman, said in the report. “When employers offer pet-friendly benefits, it sends an important signal that the company cares about every member of the family, even the ones with four legs.” John Macari, 32, of Columbus, took a paid week off from work at BrewDog when he adopted Khaya, a Rhodesian Ridgeback that is now 14 months old. Macari said the benefit might be unusual for most companies, but not for BrewDog, which also allows workers to bring their pets to work with them. Taking time off allows the puppy and its owner to get more accustomed to each other in a new environment for the dog, he said. “It’s good for the dog,” he said. “It’s good for us. It helps the dog get settled, helps you bond with them.” ©2020 The Columbus Dispatch (Col Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tax refund or bonus? Hire a financial planner by Carla Fried

In a survey of more than 1,600 workers, nearly 60% identified financial matters as their top stress. The next most-common stress was “my job” at a very distant 15%. Every household has its own list of financial stress points, Financial but there are some common anxiety-inducers: —Building an emergency fund —Getting a handle on credit card debt —Being able to consistently pay the bills, on time —Juggling paying down student loans with saving for retirement —Sending kids to college without sending you to the eternal poorhouse —Meeting the daunting challenge of building retirement savings that match your life expectancy If any or all of those resonated with you, you might consider making an investment in hiring a financial pro to help you hatch a long-term plan for tackling your challenges and building financial security. Don’t presume planners are out of your league. There are plenty of financial planners you can hire to work up a financial plan without having to sign on to have them manage your money, too, for an additional fee. In other words, you don’t need

to have a big sum stuffed in retirement and investment accounts to work with a financial planner. According to research from Michael Kitces, a thought leader in financial planning circles, the median cost to have a pro size up where you’re at and where you want to get, and then hatch a plan to get you there is $2,400. (If you want an ongoing relationship, there are all sorts of fee structures, ranging from hourly to a retainer fee or the “assets under management” approach, if you indeed hand over management of your investments.) Granted, $2,000 or so is not nothing. But a good plan can save you so much more and give you so much more. Given all the moving pieces to our financial lives, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, how to prioritize and, ultimately, how to become a master juggler of various goals. Those are core services a financial planner provides. Establishing an ongoing relationship with a planner can also pay off by helping you navigate all the psychological and emotional bad habits that can get in the way of financial success. If you got a year-end bonus, earmarking it to help pay for a financial planner could be a great 2020 investment. Or, if you expect a tax refund, that might cover

the bill. Last year, the average refund on federal returns was $2,725 according to the IRS. Friends, families and colleagues can be good sources for referrals. Just keep in mind that you need to carefully vet a financial planner. If you don’t have any personal references, you can search online for fiduciaries who are part of the Garrett Planning Network or the XYPlanning Network, where member planners specialize in working with Gen X and Gen Y clients, with no investment minimums required. In a recent survey by Northwestern Mutual, two-thirds of people who work with a pro said they feel very financially secure, compared with less than one-third of people surveyed who are winging it. Moreover, seven in 10 survey participants who work with a pro said they are happy with their life, compared with 50% of people without professional financial help. That suggests spending some money on getting money help might indeed buy more happiness, which we all know is a very valuable return on investment. Rate.com/research/news ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 17

OMAHA REAL ESTATE

RETIREMENT

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Intrado added podcast monitoring to Notified, the first end-to-end communications workflow automation platform. Together with print, online news and social media, Notified’s listening, measurement and alert capabilities now include the ability to monitor podcasts from around the world. Public relations and marketing professionals now have more opportunity to look across a broader spectrum of media for relevant mentions of their brand. This new feature allows users to create searches and alerts for every word spoken in more than 20,000 popular podcasts. In addition to English, podcasts are indexed in Spanish, French, Italian, German and Greek. The Ralston Community Foundation Fund in collaboration with the city of Ralston announced the $7.5 million gift from longtime Ralston resident LaDonna R. Johnson to go towards The Hinge project. The Hinge project is an economic development vision to develop the Ralston area around 72nd and Main streets so it serves as a connection between the arena and the city’s downtown. The idea came out of the city’s 10-year comprehensive plan it completed in 2014 and it included mixed-use developments, entertainment and dining areas. The plan is designed to attract new residents and businesses, and provide more amenities to Ralston visitors and residents.

Health care notes…

JANUARY 24

BUSINESS PLANNING IN 2020

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below. Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date. You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

Two local nonprofits, Live Well Omaha and WELLCOM, have merged to form The Wellbeing Partners. The Wellbeing Partners will engage its diverse membership of more than 150 organizations from various sectors such as health care, education, manufacturing, retail, food, architecture, government, public health and more. The new organization will draw from the 56 years of institutional knowledge of its two parent organizations. The Wellbeing Partners is an answer to the evolution of the role businesses play in their communities, and an increased understanding of the social determinants of health and eight dimensions of well-being.

Education notes…

In a recent report, Michael Brown, a research analyst for LendEDU, recognized the Creative Center, college of art and design in Omaha, for possessing a perfect 0% student loan default rate. The Creative Center is one of only 119 colleges in the entire country, and one of only two Nebraska schools on the list. The Creative Center credits its student loan default rate to several practices. The college’s curriculum balances both creative expression and practical real-world skills. The college’s staff is culled from a pool of professionals with real-world experience in the subject matter and has teaching experience.

Arts & events…

The Business Ethics Alliance is hosting a New Year Party on Jan. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Buildertrend. The party will be an open house complete with refreshments, light hors d’oeuvres, and a short presentation of the annual “Hamm Volunteer of the Year Award.” RSVP on the Business Ethics Alliance website. Join the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts for a lunch and learn with

Greg Fripp, founder and executive director of Whispering Roots, on Jan. 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Fripp will discuss the best plants for hydroponic gardening and water-based growing techniques that can aid in times of disaster. Whispering Roots, Inc. is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to bringing healthy, fresh food; nutrition education; innovative agriculture techniques; and science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) education to students and residents living in urban and rural socially and economically under-served communities. Makovicka Physical Therapy will host a ribbon-cutting event with the Greater Omaha Chamber followed by an open house. The event takes place on Jan. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The ribbon cutting and comments by owners Joel Makovicka, Natalie Harms, and Cory Sylliaasen begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by light refreshments. The clinic is located at 11901 Pacific St. and is Makovicka Physical Therapy’s 17th clinic. Brittni Klostermeyer PT, DPT, is the clinic director. She joined the Makovicka team in the summer of 2018 through the Creighton University Orthopaedic Residency program. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is hosting a Disney-themed Trivia Night for those over the age of 21 on Jan. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lozier Theater. This quizzical evening will include Animal Ambassadors, drinks, snacks, and of course, a ton of trivia. Teams can have up to five participants. If you attend as an individual looking for a team, staff will group you accordingly. The cost is $18 for zoo members, $20 for non-members. Registration is online. To kick off the Joslyn Castle’s Speakeasy Series, staff is hosting a guided tour through the world of rum on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. The spirit guide for the night is Alzuri of Spirit World. Gourmet food pairings will be curated by Miranda McQuillan of Miranda’s Cheese Club. The evening begins with a drink and tour of George Joslyn’s rarely seen man cave basement followed by snacks. Tickets are available online. America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near And Far is opening at the Omaha Children’s Museum on Jan. 18. America to Zanzibar: Muslim cultures Near and Far features innovative handson experiences with fascinating objects, images and information from over 50 countries. Children can explore ancient trade routes on a two-story Indian Ocean dhow (boat) or on a camel, shop a global marketplace, and explore art, architecture and design elements from across the globe. Metropolitan Community College will celebrate the 500-year-old theatrical tradition of Commedia dell’Arte by hosting the Laughing Stock Theatre of Chicago for a weekend of workshops and performance. The theatre troupe will give live performances of its original work, “Dottore’s Lab, or The One Where They Plot a Heist,” on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Those interested in learning about Commedia dell’Arte can enroll in a workshop on Jan. Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 • REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. 18 at 10 a.m. The workshop will result in a free public performance on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. To register email Scott Working at saworking@mccneb.edu. MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, Jan. 15 The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Growth and Development Forum from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Growth & Development Forum highlights ways Lincoln is supporting growth to benefit the community. Topics range from transportation to economic development and features who and how Lincoln is cutting edge when it comes to being one of the best places to live, work and play. The guest for January’s forum will be Mike DeKalb, cochair of Lincoln’s Advisory Committee on Transportation. The event is free and open to the public. Thursday, Jan. 16 The Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council of Companies and the Council for Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity are presenting Collaborative Series on Inclusive Leadership from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Scriptown Brewing Company. The four-part series is designed for young professionals and leaders of employee resource groups. In collaboration with Creighton University Graduate Studies and Heider College of Business, each event will explore emerging topics in the fields of diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace. Thought leaders will equip attendees with tools and resources to effectively and inclusively lead in today’s changing environment. Wednesday, Jan. 22 The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is hosting a workshop on Mentoring 101 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Best Care EAP. This program is designed to help professionals enjoy the benefits of a productive, ongoing learning partnership with someone they respect and admire by offering time-tested tools and guidelines for creating and sustaining positive mentoring relationships. Registration is online. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is hosting Face the Chamber, featuring a keynote by Dr. Steve Joel, LPS, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Country Club of Lincoln. Joel, superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, will give an update on the LPS Superintendent’s Facility Advisory Committee report that recommends building new schools throughout the city of Lincoln. Admission is $20 ($25 at the door) and includes lunch. Registration is online. Thursday, Jan. 23 The Greater Omaha Chamber is hosting its annual membership meeting from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The Chamber will recap the accomplishments of the prior year, provide attendees with an annual report, present the goals and directions for the coming year and recognize volunteer leadership. This event also includes a keynote address from Daniel Coyle, New York Times best-selling author, from subject matter expert focused on content that directly aligns with the Chamber’s program of work efforts. Reservations are due Jan. 16. No refunds will be granted after this date.

Foreign students who want to work in U.S. must navigate complex visa system by Stephanie Adeline

The pressure to find a job was high for Amrit Jalan. For 10 months, the University of Texas at Dallas student spent mornings and nights sending out resumes on Indeed. It was just like brushing his teeth, he said. And his ability to stay in the U.S. depended on it. Jalan, from India, is one of hundreds of thousands of student visa holders who want to work in the U.S. after graduation. But Careers in addition to the challenge of finding a job, foreign-born graduates must navigate a very narrow path to staying in the U.S. permanently. Most arrive on an F-1 visa, more commonly known as a student visa. As they earn their degrees, they often work with an Optional Practical Training employment authorization. But to stay and work in the U.S. on a more permanent basis, they need another kind of visa, usually an H-1B visa for workers with needed talents. There’s intense competition for those visas, which almost always require the worker to have a corporate sponsor and get through a lottery system. “You never know what’s going to happen,” Jalan said. “That anxiety is always going to be there until my H-1B kicks in.” The complex system for getting work visas in the U.S. doesn’t just complicate the lives of talented students. Experts say it is depriving the U.S. of that talent just when unemployment is at its lowest in years. Many foreign students are being forced to leave the country, and that’s costing America at a time when high-skilled workers are in high demand. “We would attract the best minds from all over the world to study in our universities on an F visa, and then we’d make them promise that they would go home to go compete against us, which is sort of a crazy way to think about it,” said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of New American Economy. After sending out 3,000 resumes in 10 months, Jalan landed a position as an operations analyst at Nike in Portland, four months after he graduated with a master’s degree in systems engineering and management. But he still needs his H-1B visa to make a life here. Having a corporate sponsor may not get him that coveted document. There’s an element of luck as well. Practical training For most students, the path to permanent employment in the U.S. is complicated, and worse, shaped like an inverted pyramid, with hundreds of thousands of foreign students legally studying in the U.S. through F-1 visas, and then only a fraction of those working through OPT and far fewer moving on to other, more permanent work visas like the H-1B after graduation. OPT authorizes a student on an F-1 visa for up to one year of employment, with a possible 2-year extension for STEM – science, technology, engineering or math – majors. Between 2014 and 2018, the number of students like Jalan who received temporary work authorization under OPT has nearly doubled. In 2014, around 140,000 students requested OPT. By 2018, the number had grown to more than 249,000. Two area schools, UT Dallas and UT Arlington, have seen a significant increase in OPT, according to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement data. More than 4,000 UTD students were approved for the program in 2018, compared to 1,700 in 2014. For UTA, the 2014 figure was 900, which more than tripled to over 3,200 in 2018. Those who wish to stay longer will need to apply for an employment-based visa. The most

common visa is the H-1B. Corporate sponsorships Obtaining an H-1B visa requires a corporate sponsor. The quest for such a sponsor is a constant source of anxiety for students who are already studying in the U.S. Back home in India, Nikita D’Monte earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and co-founded an online magazine called Ink Drift. While pursuing a second master’s degree at UT Dallas, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant, contributed to a student-run publication, and still made time to send out resumes, connect with people on LinkedIn and apply to at least 1,000 jobs, she said. For a few months, she volunteered and was sometimes paid while working for a company called Andwill to maintain her status. Meanwhile, she was living in San Antonio with her friend to save on expenses. She had several job interviews, but companies were unwilling to hire her because of her visa status. “It’s not the fact that my skill sets don’t match the job,” she said. “Sometimes I do feel like I’m overqualified. I have been told that, you know, ‘This role may be a little below your skill set … but then again, even though you’re overqualified, we still cannot take you on because we are not ready to sponsor (for a visa) at this point of time.’ “ Without a corporate sponsor, D’Monte can’t apply for the H-1B and needs to find another way to stay here. For many students, going back to school and obtaining another student visa is an option. D’Monte has been accepted to a PhD program and plans to go back to school this year. But that plan is only temporary. “I’m looking at the worst case scenario, which is, I’ll have to go back and I totally cannot stay here,” she said. “I do believe even with a PhD, my chances of getting a job, which sponsors my H-1B would be slim.” Things are looking up. After a long period of radio silence, D’Monte finally was offered contract work for Levi’s in Dallas as a content management coordinator. She is currently working under OPT. “My previous job I was literally on the bench for quite some time. It would be a couple of weeks working and then a couple of weeks on the bench not getting paid,” she said. “So I remember when I got this call, the first thing I did was I called my mom back home … I literally cried with joy.” While people from foreign countries can apply for other types of employment-based visas, they are not as common as the H-1B because the requirements are far more specific. For example, the TN visa is specific to Canadian and Mexican nationals, and the O visa is for people with “extraordinary ability.” The narrowing funnel U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Bourke said in a statement that the agency does not have data available on the total number of F-1 students who applied for an H-1B. But only about 30,000 to 40,000 F-1 students are approved for the H-1B visa each year between 2012 and 2017, according to USCIS. There’s a nagging reason that the number of F-1 students who changed status to H-1B is relatively small compared to the almost quarter million students who are staying on OPT, said Jeanne Batalova, senior analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. That’s because there’s a limit to how many new H-1B visas can be issued each year. And that number has not grown in more than a decade. Since 2005, the annual cap for the number

of available H-1B visas is at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for those with a master’s or higher level degree. Every April, when the annual application period opens, if the number of petitions exceeds the cap, those who apply are entered into a lottery for the coveted spots. “More and more people came to the United States to study,” said Batalova. “If you look at the number of international students, it has been climbing fairly steadily. And yet we still have the 65,000 cap.” Since 2014, the number of petitions has always exceeded the cap and required a lottery. In 2017, there were more than 236,000 petitions within the first five business days of April, and in 2018 that number dropped slightly to 199,000, according to the Pew Research Center. Foreign students who studied in the U.S. under an F-1 visa don’t get any special consideration for the H-1B spots. When he applies for the H-1B for the next fiscal year, Jalan’s petition will be one of many in the highly competitive lottery. In early 2019, USCIS made a change to H-1B process that was aimed at giving U.S. employers seeking foreign workers with a U.S. master’s or higher degree a greater chance in the lottery. The change was expected to increase the number of advanced degree holders by 16% by reversing the order in which H-1B petitions were selected in the lottery, USCIS said. But some critics have said the change creates a math problem that will result in fewer visas selected overall, and say it hurts high-skilled workers who only have bachelor’s degrees. Critics are also concerned because President Donald J. Trump’s Buy American and Hire American executive order, signed in 2017, has resulted in tighter scrutiny of the H-1B visa process. More applications are being denied, and there’s been an increase in requests for evidence, which slows things down. But the challenge of retaining high-skilled foreign graduates predates Trump. Experts say the H-1B system is not designed to give an easy pathway for international students. “Before the president even came into office, we had a very broken immigration system,” Robbins said, “particularly when it came to keeping students here.” Long road to reform Even after someone gets an H-1B, the path to permanent residency can be really long for some. The availability of green cards allowing permanent residency is limited based on per-country quotas. That makes the wait time for a green card longer for applicants from countries that have a high number of applicants — such as India, China, the Philippines and Mexico. A Cato Institute study found the wait time for a green card for an Indian national is 151 years, at the current rate of visa issuances. Laura Collins, director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, noted that people seeking green cards are “trying to do things the right way. They are trying to use the system and the way it was intended, and they’re being put in these endless waits.” “So you are in effect having a system that creates illegality, whether you intended that or not,” she added. In order to increase international students’ chances of getting the H-1B, more substantial changes are needed, she said. This includes increasing or eliminating the H-1B cap or making it easier for students to get a green card. “(International students) have had time in the United States to adjust to American social and cultural norms, and they have improved their English language skills. Those are things Continued on page 23.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Retirement Omaha Real Estate A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Real estate overview • Residential market overview • Efforts to combat equality issues Commercial/Office/Industrial Space Market Overviews • How lifestyle drives demand Mortgage trends/financing • Building renovations Tips for buying and selling a home • Legal considerations

Overview • Wealth management trends • Selecting the right kind of care Making wills and estate plans • Active retirement • Downsizing Wellness after 65 • Retirement planning steps at each stage of life

Issue Date: January 17 • Ad Deadline: January 9

BUSINESS PLANNING

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

2020

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Business Planning Overview • Financial strategies • Marketing Business succession planning • Diversity and inclusion Employee benefits, insurance • Strategic growth plan

Downtown Lincoln overview/economic development • Retail update Downtown living • Husker entertainment • Bike friendly city

Issue Date: January 24 • Ad Deadline: January 16

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

LEGAL SERVICES

Named

Promoted

Travis Flodine

Kristin A. Crone

Managing Director of Commerce Banking

Partner

Mutual of Omaha Bank

Travis Flodine has been named Managing Director of Commercial Banking for Mutual of Omaha Bank. In this role, Flodine is responsible for leading a team of commercial lenders that are focused on expanding the Bank’s relationship with existing customers and developing new relationships with companies that have revenues of $10MM or more. Flodine joined Mutual of Omaha Bank in 2012 and has been a valued leader in several key initiatives. In 2018, he was a recipient of the Bank’s Pillar Award and the CRA Miracle Award in 2016. Flodine earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2001 and Master of Business Administration from Creighton University in 2002. He graduated from Leadership Omaha in 2014 and is part of the current Leadership Nebraska class through the State Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the Boy Scouts of America Board and has chaired the Annual Golf Event since 2018. Over the past several years, he has been involved with Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Board, and many other organizations. Mutual of Omaha Bank is a full-service bank providing financial solutions to individuals and businesses across the United States. With more than $8.5 billion in assets, Mutual of Omaha Bank is a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 500 insurance and financial services company founded in 1909. For more information about Mutual of Omaha Bank, visit www. mutualofomahabank.com.

Fraser Stryker

Kristin A. Crone has been promoted to partner effective January 1, 2020. Ms. Crone leads the Firm's Immigration practice, focusing on business-related immigration issues, including immigrant and nonimmigrant employment-based visa petitions. Ms. Crone has carried out many I-9 audits and regularly addresses concerns regarding I-9 and E-Verify process and compliance procedures. Ms. Crone frequently presents to HR professionals on I-9, E-Verify, and immigration matters. LEGAL SERVICES Promoted

Jacqueline M. DeLuca Partner Fraser Stryker

Jacqueline M. DeLuca has been promoted to partner effective January 1, 2020. Ms. DeLuca's litigation practice is focused on professional negligence, primarily legal malpractice defense; trust and estate litigation, products liability; commercial litigation; and personal injury. Ms. DeLuca has successfully tried many cases to verdict and defended such verdicts on appeal. LEGAL SERVICES Promoted

Katherine A. McNamara Partner Fraser Stryker

Katherine A. McNamara has been promoted to partner effective January 1, 2020. Ms. McNamara's practice focuses primarily on complex litigation in both federal and state courts, including commercial matters, insurance defense, personal injury, construction, environmental, regulatory, and government enforcement litigation. As a former federal prosecutor, Ms. McNamara has a unique background to effectively defend individuals and companies in whitecollar matters.

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

Foreign students who want to work in U.S. must navigate complex visa system Continued from preceding page. that we know help immigrants be successful in the United States,” Collins said. “The faster we can get those people on that path, we’re more likely to end up with someone who’s a very good contributing member of society.” High-skilled foreign workers, including international students, are needed to fill workforce needs in industries such as engineering, medicine and technology, that not enough native-born workers have the skills for, Collins said. “If you are not letting in the best and the brightest, if you’re not letting them earn an opportunity to work here, you’re losing them to places like Canada who frankly is much more willing to not only give them a work visa, but gives them citizenship and allow them to become Canadian,” Collins said. D’Monte says she is considering moving to countries such as Canada, Australia or Germany if she can’t stay in the U.S. long-term. “It’s almost like I’m starting all over,” she said. “You have to start from the ground up with your social relationships all over again, making new friends. And at this age, I’m

turning 27 now, at this age it’s very difficult to break into the social groups.” Leaving the U.S. would mean saying goodbye to friends that she’s built close relationships with during her time here. “They’ve literally become family away from home,” she said. “It’s always difficult leaving behind people you’ve grown so close to … When you’re away from home, they kind of become like a family. You share your sorrows, your joys with them.” Jalan echoes the same sentiment. While Jalan said he’s never really given much thought to going back to India, he is open to exploring other places such as Europe. And even if he has to leave the U.S., he said his experiences were still worthwhile. “Studying abroad is more often than not really tough, especially for kids with Asian backgrounds because it’s a very contrasting culture,” he said. “Once you overcome that barrier, it’s really easy for you to walk to any place on this planet.” ©2020 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Law Firms 2018 challenges and successes

in the Midlands

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal • January 10, 2020

Investments made in technology aim to improve client experience, protect data by Michelle Leach

Many of the practice areas that represent the most business for firms, such as cybersecurity, also represent some of the biggest internal challenges for firm leadership. “The biggest thing now is keeping everybody up to speed on protecting client data and protecting the firm from ransomware and issues like that,” said Robert M. Schartz, partner and chair of the litigation group at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman. “We’ve specifically implemented training for everyone on that.” In the legal world, Schartz noted there are “serious consequences,” including potential disbarment, for getting out of balance on trust accounts. “We have a three-step verification process

here on anything that has to do with a transfer, and funds coming out of a trust account,” he said. Other organizations whose systems have been breached might discover after the fact that the sophisticated thief was in the system for not hours but days, weeks, months or even years. “There is a case now that I’m defending where the account was hacked,” Schartz said. “There was a request to send money, and that money was rerouted.” It was a significant sum that resulted in an FBI investigation, which could have been avoided with something as simple as a call to the appropriate person to confirm the transaction. Smaller law firms and other businessRobert M. Schartz, partner and chair of the litigation group at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP. es alike, Schartz indicated, don’t have the application to help in-house counsel, HR execresources to devote a single professional to utives and managers navigate these challenges cybersecurity. So, one must depend on a lot of and make better, faster and more informed vendors and have its own checks and balances decisions.” in place. With the complexities of labor and emThe notion that one’s business is “too ployment law today, Richter said there is a small” to be hacked is an illusion. real demand for a deep knowledge of sub“Fifty-thousand dollars could be enough stantive sub-specialty areas (like wage and to put a business in peril,” he said. hour, disability leave management, traditional Technology is also being used for good labor law, Occupational Safety and Health — to enhance client Administration and service. immigration) as well “We have been as an understanding of developing platforms the nuances specific to and services to help a certain industry. clients themselves “In the area of latackle some of the bor and employment more challenging lalaw, data security and bor and employment immigration are parissues and to minimize ticularly active praclegal risk; for examtice areas,” he said. ple, Jackson Lewis “Cybersecurity and Richter Mattoon uses a web-based suite protecting data is a of tools called workgrowing request by thruIT [registered trademark] designed to clients of all sizes and industries regardless of provide employers, in-house counsel, human whether it is consumer data, employee data, resource executives and managers with quick vendor or third-party data … The demand and effective legal and compliance information for immigration services including visas, I-9 and assessments related to the workplace,” audits, and the like continues to climb.” said Chad Richter, managing principal at the Richter also referred to the continuing firm’s Omaha office. “Employers today face an uptick in wage and hour preventive services increasing, often onerous, number of laws and and litigation. regulations that have a direct impact on daily “Given the challenges employers face to labor and employment decisions. Compliance correctly classify and pay employees while can be difficult and complex. We created navigating archaic legislation with today’s Continued on next page. workthruIT to be an intuitive, self-service

Law Firms in the Midlands •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

Attorneys see increased demand for practice areas from privacy to energy

Jodie McGill, director of Nebraska Collaborative Center.

Investments

Continued from preceding page. modern workforce, we don’t anticipate this trend changing,” he said. When asked about prominent legal trends, Nebraska State Bar Association President Steven F. Mattoon said both the state and nation have experienced a significant increase in self-represented litigants. “This presents additional challenges for both judges and lawyers when only one or neither party is represented by legal counsel,” he said.

(Story at right)

There is also an increase in the number of lawyers providing pro bono services through the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Mattoon said. “VLP is the pro bono program of the Nebraska State Bar Association and is one of only several statewide pro bono programs in the country,” he said. “VLP was created by Nebraska lawyers with a common passion, an unwavering commitment to pursue equal justice under the law for the less fortunate and unrepresented in Nebraska.” VLP connects lawyers to pro bono opportunities; for instance, Mattoon noted it provides full- and limited-scope case representation,

by Gabby Christensen with such problems is crucial.” Law firms throughout the area are noHe noted labor and employment practicing growth in specific areas of practice. tice continues to grow, as employers apRichard E. Putnam, managing partner preciate the necessity of having up-to-date at Baird Holm, said there are policies and procedures. multiple areas in demand right Additionally, Putnam said now including privacy and sethe continued focus on alternacurity, all facets of employment tive energy is not going away. law, alternative energy, technolHe also said companies are ogy and merger and acquisition being brought into the technolwork. ogy world, either proactively or “The sophistication of the by necessity in order to keep up ‘bad guys’ is increasing at a with the competition. rapid pace,” Putnam said. “Data The merger and acquisition breaches and other security isarea is busy due to the amount sues are affecting all industries of cash on the sideline waiting Putnam and all sizes of business. The to be invested. pace will not slow down and having so“The practice of law is changing at a phisticated, experienced counsel to assist Continued on next page. volunteers at self-help centers and walk-in advice clinics and answers to civil legal questions online at Nebraska Free Legal Answers (ne.freelegalanswers.org). “Creighton University School of Law and the University of Nebraska College of Law are also working to create a culture of pro bono among law students and have increased opportunities for law students to provide pro bono legal services under the supervision of a Nebraska lawyer,” he said. Mattoon also noted lawyers in their first five years of practice have access to reduced rates for continuing legal education courses,

as the NSBA focuses on improving resources and networks available to new attorneys. “Law firms of all sizes face significant challenges in relation to the affordability of health insurance,” he said. “In an effort to address the health insurance needs of our members, the NSBA established a Health Insurance Consortium in 2019 that allows law firms to band together for the purpose of purchasing health insurance as a single entity in the large group market.” Mattoon noted the consortium provides “tremendous value” to participating organizations.

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Law Firms in the Midlands

Attorneys note demand in certain areas of practice Continued from preceding page. market are two factors that are creating a rapid pace,” Putnam said. “There is no host of legal issues. option to do things the same old way. “A set of well-tailored company docBeing innovative to meet clients’ needs uments will save a company thousands is a must.” of dollars in comparison to the cost of On the transactional side, Patrick Mc- litigating a single lawsuit,” he said. Namara, attorney at Goosmann Law Firm, Jodie McGill, founder of McGill Law said there’s a lot of growth in business and director of the Nebraska Collaborative succession planning for family businesses, Center, said there has been a steady inespecially in regard to agriculcrease in the number of couples tural business. seeking a collaboratively trained “There are a lot of baby attorney to help them dissolve boomers that see retirement on their marriage. the near or far horizon, and they “People are educating themknow that they want to protect selves about the numerous their business and pass it along, benefits of using the collaborawhether it be to a child who tive process,” she said. “They is involved in the business, or understand that during a potentially selling it to a key collaborative divorce, they employee or outside purchaser,” will have the benefit of a team he said. “The more planning that guiding them to a resolution McNamara we can do in advance, the greater that works for them and their the likelihood that the business family.” will continue to thrive and/or sell for a McGill said the collaborative process fair price.” tends to cost less than litigation, results For litigation, McNamara said there’s in a longer lasting settlement and keeps a lot of growth with the enforcement of the focus on the things that really matter non-compete agreements. to the family. “I believe that the tight labor pool “The recent opening of the Nebrasis causing employers to create more and ka Collaborative Center has really been more restrictive non-competes,” he said. a catalyst in growing the collaborative “Employers should be careful though, as practice and our ability to help families Nebraska has a fundamental public policy in Omaha,” she said. “We have four colagainst unreasonably restrictive covenants, laboratively trained attorneys and one and the courts will toss an unfair agreement therapist working together under one roof in the trash.” to assist families with change. It truly According to McNamara, the aging of has changed the landscape of divorce business owners as well as the tight job in Nebraska.”

Tara A. Stingley, partner at Cline Williams.

FLSA raises federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirement for employers by David Kubicek

An income threshold change — which took effect Jan. 1, 2020 — will make 1.3 million workers newly eligible for overtime pay, according to the Department of Labor. Cline Williams Partner Tara A. Stingley said the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage

and Hour Division’s final rule updates the earnings threshold necessary to exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. “This new rule will impact employers Continued on next page.

Law Firms in the Midlands •

FLSA updates

Continued from preceding page. with employees who are currently classified as exempt under the FLSA but who will no longer meet the salary basis test,” she said. “Employers must determine whether to increase the amount of compensation provided to such employees, or to reclassify the employees as non-exempt.” The new rule increases the annual salary threshold below which workers qualify for overtime wages to $35,568 from the current level of approximately $23,600 and will require employers to pay time

Bernard Miller and a half to workers earning less than the threshold amount for each hour they work above 40 hours, per week. The rule change also increased the threshold for highly compensated employees from $100,000 to $107,432 annually. “Highly compensated employees are similarly exempt from overtime laws, given the presence of certain other factors,” said Colin Bernard, an attorney with McGill Gotsdiner Workman & Lepp. “The rule change additionally allows employers to use non-discretionary bonuses, commissions, and certain other incentives, paid annually, to comprise up to 10% of both the salary thresholds.” Molly Miller, an attorney with Adams & Sullivan, said employment law is in flux about managing and supporting transgender employees because current discrimination protections under Title VII are not clear about whether or not transgender employees are covered. “The Supreme Court took a case up in 2019 to help make the determination,” she said. “There is a conflict amongst the various federal courts on the scope of the discrimination protections and whether

transgender discrimination falls into a protected class under Title VII. This determination may impact how accommodations and protections are applied.” Also in question is if the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections apply to transgender persons. A 2017 case, Blatt v. Cabela’s, provided a disability classification for gender dysphoria, but in 2019 John Doe v. Northrop Grumman stated it was not a disability, which created confusion for both employers and employees, Miller said. On Dec. 17, 2019, the National Labor Relations Board revoked a right granted to employees in the Purple Communications, Inc. ruling, which held that employees who have access to the employer’s email system may use that system to try to organize co-workers. “The board’s decision in Caesar ’s Barrett Entertainment effectively revokes this right and allows employers to restrict use of their email and other information technology systems to certain purposes as long as they do not target union-related communications and activity,” said Patrick J. Barrett, a partner at Fraser Stryker. “It also creates an exception for situations when there are no other reasonable means to communicate on non-working time among co-workers. This is significant, because it indicates that, in most cases, the board will not require that employers allow employees to use their email systems to try to organize the workplace.” Paid leave will continue to be a hot topic this year. The Trump Administration announced recently that federal employees will be required to receive paid leave under certain circumstances. The law, which was tucked into a defense spending bill, is set to take effect in October. “The new regulation guarantees paid leave to federal employees in the event of childbirth, adoption, or fostering a child, but it does not contain provisions for personal illness or caring for a sick or injured family member,” Barrett said.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 10, 2020 •

• JANUARY 10, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Law Firms in the Midlands