Midlands Business Journal January 24, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 4 issue by Midlands Business Journal

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

2020

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

January 24, 2020

Write it down: Business plans essential to growth, sustainability by Jasmine Heimgartner

Well into the new year, many people may have already given up on their resolutions or have foregone them all together. Any business, new or old, hoping to grow or maintain their success should have one resolution that sticks: establishing, setting and revisiting their business plan. “Forming a business plan is essential to operating a successful business no matter the size, especially for a new business,” said Justin Hochstein, attorney and financial advisor at Hochstein Strategic Legal Planning. “The first step is coming up with the plan. Drafting a formal plan is a form of goal setting. Everyone has goals they set, but writing them down and keeping them in front of you and on top of your mind is essential in getting a business off the ground or a successful one staying stable. It is a roadmap for defining the product or service being providing and the direction you want to take it.” Taking a business from point A to point B requires a little more than just scribbling down ideas. Developing a business plan is building a foundation for a business and a path for understanding what, where and how business will be done. It serves as a way to realistically spot issues that may happen down the road and ways to address them. While a baker may just want to bake

Allan Hale, SCORE volunteer and executive director of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Nebraska Chapter. or a groomer just wants to groom, there business plan doesn’t have to be an arduous is another imperative side to owning and or time-consuming task. operating a business. Even if finances or “Business plans don’t have to be writing aren’t one’s forte, developing a complicated, and many people tend to go

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online and see complicated plans and get discouraged,” said Allan Hale, volunteer at SCORE. “Think of a business plan as a way to organize your thoughts regarding your business and writing it down. The main elements include a summary of what your business is and what you plan on doing. Next, you need to determine what your marketing plan will be. In other words, who is you target audience? Finally, what are your financial needs and what sales and expenses will you have?” As more importance is being placed on mission statements, values and visions, incorporating in a business plan ensures everyone involved is on the same page. Revisiting them also serves as a checkpoint to realign changes that are impacting established goals. “The vision and values of the business are really what drive it,” Hochstein said. “If how your business operates is not in line with your vision and personal values, or that of your team, it will keep people from moving in the same direction. In your plan, you should set short-, medium- and long-term goals, breaking them down into attainable and achievable goals to get some wins under your belt.” The modern era has made developing and sustaining a plan easier than ever. Instant access to information can mean easily finding existing plans that can be borrowed from and revised to be unique. Social media and other resources enable people to more extensively research and boost marketing. “The shift towards social media marketing has been incredible,” Hale said. “Your marketing dollars are significantly less, and you can track your impact. Focus is another plus when you can profile your customer and market directly to them. You can also utilize your own network that can help you market.” No matter how complicated or simple a plan is, finding trusted mentors or developing a unified team can ensure the roadmap is adhered to and makes sense. “Every business is different, and each idea has merit, but getting a mentor that has experience is very helpful in working through the business planning process,” Hale said. “SCORE can match you to the mentor that best fits your business and can walk you through the process. The best way to start is to get that one-page summary of your business and how you plan to make a profit and you are on your way to creating a quality business plan.”

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Business Planning — inside JANUARY 24, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 46 NO. 4

Green House Data targets Omaha with Deliveron acquisition by Richard D. Brown

Blackbird Co. focuses on holistic care, interconnected beauty. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Anderson driven to serve others as a health care professional. – Page 3

ss ine us ges B ln Pa co al Lin ourn J

MembersOwn Credit Union expands footprint as it gives members rebates. – Page 27

With its recent acquisition of Omaha-based Deliveron, a 14-yearold home-grown technology consultant that is coming off a 40% growth in revenues in each of the past two years, Green House Data — a multistate digital transformation services provider — plans to build a strong footprint in the Midwest. Wyoming-based Green House Data, a privately-held company with 150 employees founded in 2007 by CEO Shawn Mills, CIO Cortney Thompson and CTO Thomas Burns, has grown by making one acquisition annually over the past five years. In addition to Wyoming, the firm has a presence in Washington, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, New York and Toronto, Ontario. “We have a nationwide search for companies that excel in providing digital transformation services and Omaha rose to the top of our list,” Mills said. “Deliveron provided a high level of service to providers nationally and was seeking to expand its capabilities in digital transformation services. We’re convinced that OmaContinued on page 9.

From left, Deliveron founders John Weland and Lucas Sahm … The firm’s acquisition comes as it sees opportunities for continued growth. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Strategic growth spurs expansion for Omaha-based Meridian Clinical Research by Becky McCarville

Meridian Clinical Research, an Omaha-based clinical trial company founded in 1999 by CEO Nicole Osborn and Lori Connolly (retired), over the years has established 20 investigative sites primarily in Midwest and eastern states and expanded its therapeutic investigative capabilities. In 2019, its 20th year, the company made its first acquisition

with New York-based Regional Clinical Research. Meridian Clinical Research is known in the industry for its vaccine-related studies, from influenza vaccines to pandemic-related vaccines. In fact, Meridian was the first site in the country to vaccinate for the Ebola virus, which was recently fast-tracked and approved by the Food and Continued on page 9.

Vice President Robb Vacek and owner Jim Horwath … Fourth-generation family leadership point to low turnover, longterm manufacturer and customer relationships to the distributor’s surpassing the century mark.

Horwath Laundry Equipment marks 100 years; focuses on automated systems opportunities by Michelle Leach

CEO Nicole Osborn … In its 21st year, clinical investigational research company growing with its first acquisition and adding investigative research sites across the United States.

On the heels of World War I, Austrian emigrant Andrew “Andy” Horwath started the wooden wash-basket business that eventually evolved into Horwath Laundry Equipment, a fourth-generation, family-owned commercial laundry machinery, parts, and services distributor with locations in Omaha and Rapid City, South Dakota.

“We sell and service commercial laundry equipment in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa,” said owner Jim Horwath. “We have equipment in 1,500 facilities … hospitality, health care, fitness [and] athletic, laundromats, correctional and government institutions. The equipment we sell ranges in size from what you see in laundromats Continued on page 10.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Blackbird Co. focuses on holistic care, interconnected beauty by Gabby Christensen

Lately, she has noticed a trend in utilizing nature to care for mind and body When founding Blackbird Co., a holistic lifestyle brand offering CBD skincare, — noting that CBD is a huge component owner Sue Liang had one mission in mind: in this effort. “This is a $3 million market, which is to make a positive change in the lives of expected to grow to $20 billion by 2024,” customers while operating a socially conshe said. “People are putting CBD in evscious business model. Liang established the store in October erything … to receive the most benefit, 2019 and has since seen rapid growth in it needs to be ingested. When you ingest CBD, it takes roughly 20 minutes for the sales. body to metabolize, The OmaBlackbird Co. and when you use ha-based maker oftopical CBD it abEmail: customerservice@shopblackbird.co fers handmade small sorbs even quicker.” Service: holistic lifestyle brand offering batches of CBD face Liang said this CBD skincare, as well as fashion and lotion creams, hand endeavor has been kitchen products and body lotions, a joyous process, as Employees: 1 full time, a few part-time and body butters and the products have contract workers soaking salts. The brought relief to cusFounded: October 2019 store also sells fashtomers. Goal: To initiate partnerships with like-mindion and kitchen ac“ I t ’s v e r y i m ed businesses, launch new online cooking cessory items. portant to me to put events. Liang aims to edpeople above profit,” Website: www.ShopBlackbird.co ucate her customer she said. “Being a base and build trustwoman-owned business, I want to set a ing relationships. “Our team brings over 50 years of ex- good example.” As a business owner, Liang said one of perience in skincare, body care, fashion, food and wellness,” she said. “We source the most difficult aspects is establishing all of our ingredients from carefully vetted work-life balance. “I’ve found that it’s critical to have a partners that also serve a purpose beyond profit. We don’t use synthetic fragrances strong team of individuals who hold you in any of our products. Only clinical and accountable so that you don’t overwork food grade essential oils are used in order or start to feel burned out,” she said. “It’s also extremely important to find the right to reap holistic benefits.” According to Liang, prime customers mentor.” Setting out, Liang has a goal to grow include women who are living with anxiety or seeking holistic alternatives to treat acne even more partnerships that align with the company’s mission statement. and slow down the aging process.

Business Minute

Founder Sue Liang … With the CBD skincare industry set to expand, the holistic skincare company has seen promising sales since its start in October. There are also plans in place to grow beauty depends on what’s put in the body the business’ team in the near future, she as well. said. For Liang, who has speer-headed other Additionally, the store will be launch- startups, the decision to chase this opporing live cooking events and video chan- tunity was a no-brainer. nels online soon, as a means to show that “Entrepreneurship is in my DNA, it’s who I am,” she said. “When you combine that passion with helping others find solutions to manage their pain and feel good Paid Content about themselves, I really can’t think of anything that could be more rewarding.”

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Vice President of Facility Based Operations, Hillcrest Health Services Hometown: Somerset, PA. Education: BS in Business Administration, Lee University.

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Anderson driven to serve others as a health care professional by Dwain Hebda

Jenn Anderson developed an early interest in serving in the health care field in the most personal way possible. As a child, she was involved in an accident that required a long commute for regular treatment at a Shriner’s Hospital in Illinois where she grew up. The experience developed an empathy that led to her career. “I was actually a Shriner’s patient for about 11 years of my life in Illinois,” she said. “We had to travel about four hours to go to the Shriner’s Hospital about twice a year. That’s really where I knew I wanted to be involved in health care because of this great organization that helped me and helped my family when I was a child. There was always a passion for health care, hopefully working in a pediatric setting one day.” Anderson earned her undergraduate degree in health care management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, followed by a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2011. Her next stop was Nebraska. “We do fellowships which are just extended internships to gain more experience in the field,” she said. “I was hired from my fellowship at a private ophthalmology practice here in Omaha and it was supposed to be a one-year gig, so I

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Jenn Anderson, manager of the Bariatric Clinic at Nebraska Medicine … Serving the Omaha community through a career and volunteer work in health care. thought I can go to Omaha for one year, get In January, Anderson accepted a new posithe experience and move on. That was eight tion, this time as manager of the Bariatric Clinic years ago.” at Nebraska Medicine. In that role, she has Anderson has spent the majority of her accepted even more supervisory responsibility, career thus far with Children’s Hospital and overseeing a staff of 20 including nutritionists, Medical Center where she ascended to the role of perioperative services business manager. In Proud Sponsors of the 2019 that capacity, she worked hand in hand with the surgical team and administrators to tend to the business side of running the operating rooms, such as purchasing equipment, managing IT staff and interacting with surgeons.

dieticians and clinic nurses, among others. Anderson said she wasn’t looking to make a change, but when approached, she was intrigued by the opportunity to assist in the health system’s continued growth. “The reputation Nebraska Medicine has, both regionally and nationally, it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of a larger organization,” she said. “I didn’t feel I was ready to leave Children’s yet because I loved what I was doing, but [Nebraska Medicine] talked to me about growth within the organization and what the organization is doing. “For the bariatric clinic, they’re looking to expand and continue growing. In this position I will be doing a lot of strategic planning, which I am super excited about.” Away from work, Anderson is also involved in her adopted community. Some of her activities include serving the Omaha Jaycees, for whom she served as president in 2017 and chairman of the board in 2018. “When I came to Omaha, I really was looking for involvement because I did not know a single person when I moved here,” she said. “That’s difficult to be young and living in a town where I did not know anyone. I needed to get out, meet new people and in order to do that, I looked for new opportunities to get involved and that’s how I came across the Omaha Jaycees.” Anderson has also served Junior League of Omaha as treasurer for its 2015 benefit American Girl Fashion Show. For the past eight years, she’s volunteered as photographer for Camp CoHoLo, a summer camp serving children affected by cancer or blood disorders.

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• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

2020

BUSINESS in PLANNING A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

January 24, 2020

Write it down: Business plans essential to growth, sustainability by Jasmine Heimgartner

Serving Omaha

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Business Planning •

The new year is a good time to evaluate business financial aspects, say experts by Dwain Hebda

With the dawn of the new year, many people take stock of their lives and chart a path for improvement. Business owners should make a point to do the same, particularly when it comes to financial issues governing their companies, say experts. “You should never get to a point where you are satisfied with stopping growth. A true entrepreneur never stops growing,” said Kim Kropp, financial advisor and planner with Moylan Kropp. Kropp said smart entrepreneurs must have a strong grasp of the financials of their business in order to make smart decisions, for instance, whether to build or lease space. “It is always suggested that you have more space and manpower than you need to prepare you for growth ahead,” she said. “However, there is a fine line to this. Make sure your overhead doesn’t exceed 25% to 30% of profits. “Leasing is great, especially when you

are starting out, but I wouldn’t go more than a double in rent because then it makes more sense to buy or build.” Kropp said while the new year promises particularly favorable conditions for starting a business, any time is ripe for an entrepreneur as long as the venture passes financial muster. “It is always a good time to start a business, but it is key to think through several things,” she said. “Always keep a close eye on expenses; unKropp derstand and control the expenses of your business. Open your heart and mind to improvement. If you are no longer passionate about the business you created, then it is a

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

good time to exit.” Bill Kenedy, M&A shareholder with Lutz Consulting, said the new year is also an ideal time to review succession plans, provided you have one. If you do not, he said, there’s no time like the present. “First and foremost, we believe it’s imperative to have a succession plan and most business owners do not have one,” he said. “Once a plan is in place, revisiting the plan at

Garlock Kenedy least annually is important for many reasons.” Kenedy said regular review of succession plans can help entrepreneurs stay on top of changes that affect a business owner’s exit

strategy, even if that day is some time off. “Check on progress towards plan goals,” he said. “A plan should have a timeline for certain key milestones required to achieve success. You should also address any changes in the business that could impact the plan, such as industry changes, employee issues, customer or vendor issues and the value of the business.” Finally, the business owner should assess if their timeline for exiting the business has changed or should change based on various factors, Kenedy said. One significant regulatory change many business owners will want to look into in 2020 is the federal SECURE Act, signed into law in December. According to RBC Wealth Management information provided by John Garlock, senior vice president of The Garlock Group, the new law provides assistance to employers in providing quality retirement savings opportunities to their workers. Among these changes are an increased tax credit that small businesses can take for starting a new retirement plan, a new tax credit for employers that launch a Simple IRA or Continued on next page.

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• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Business Planning

Successful business transition depends on communication and early planning by David Kubicek

Start planning for the transition of your business the day it opens its doors. “Start with the end in mind,” EXECSO President Robert B. Wellendorf II said. “We have the business owner explain what their ideal scenario would be when they no longer own the business so we can target when they want the transition to take place.” It can take at least two to three years to prepare a succession plan and involves various professionals like a CPA, attorney, finanWellendorf cial adviser, insurance broker, and commercial lender. A business adviser can help facilitate communication between these professionals. A big part of planning for business succession revolves around how dependent the own-

Evaluate financial

Continued from preceding page. 401(k) plan with automatic enrollment and dropping the hours for part-time workers to qualify to take part in company-sponsored retirement plans. “SECURE is a big deal in several ways,” Garlock said. “Specifically, for business owners, the multiple employer plan component should be of particular interest. Small business owners may now be able to offer employees a retirement plan where in the past it may have been cost prohibitive.”

er is on the sale of the company. For instance, does the owner need to sell the business for a certain amount? “As we understand what their ideal world looks like when they no longer own the business, we can advise them about what they need to do to meet their goals,” Wellendorf said. Luke Templin, virtual CFO at Hancock & Dana, said a business transition plan is a good tool to reward and retain top talent. “If you’re planning to transition the Ober business to someone in the company, those parties should discuss what they’re planning to do,” he said. Owners should bring in a team of succession planning experts to help them understand their options. The leadership team should be involved, and in a family business, involving the spouse is important. “Have clear, honest communication with everyone involved because if you can’t meet both parties’ needs the plan ultimately will fail,” Templin said. “Be open-minded. These plans typically involve multi-generations that think differently. For instance, the younger generation may think they should have ownership sooner rather than later, and the older generation probably won’t agree.” “Making a succession plan affects peoples’ lives and livelihoods,” Leadership Resources President Boyd Ober said. “It can get messy,

Luke Templin, virtual CFO at Hancock & Dana. emotional, and create discord or even divide sation, especially when those whose exits a family or destroy a business if you’re not you are planning are involved,” Ober said. careful,” “However, with the answers to these questions, Identify the key employees required to you’ll be able to set a goal of developing a livkeep your organization functioning smoothly, ing plan that will grow and evolve over time.” what these individuals do that is irreplaceable A good succession plan includes roles, duor difficult to pass along to someone else, ties, and a calendar. Create a list of individual when the company might lose them, and how high priority roles/jobs for succession planthe company would cope if they depart earlier ning, a list of duties that must be handled on an than expected. interim basis, and a calendar of projected dates Continued on next page. “This can feel like an awkward conver-

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Business Planning •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Having in-depth understanding of company’s target audience is key by Gabby Christensen

Lana LeGrand, chief marketing officer at OBI Creative.

Business transition

Continued from preceding page. of retirement, promotions, and other changes that may affect the succession plan — and assign someone to keep the calendar updated. “During the ongoing maintenance phase, revise your succession plan every quarter at minimum,” Ober said. A succession plan should be a priority for those at the top and shouldn’t be pushed off on a single HR rep or department manager. This is particularly important in family businesses — if the founder or a certain family member is

(Story at right)

not on board with the process, the succession plan will suffer. “Disagreements and discussion are a natural part of the succession planning process,” Ober said. “A strategic planning coach or consultant can help ensure you are welcoming multiple voices from diverse points of view. They can prevent the processes from becoming overwhelming, as well as foster open discussion and ensure your succession plan truly captures the spirit of your company.” More in-depth information about succession planning can be found in Leadership Resources’ white paper at lrsuccess.com/mbj.

A strong marketing strategy is key for any business plan moving into the new year. In fact, Lana LeGrand, chief marketing officer at OBI Creative, said marketing is more important than ever due to the vast amount of competition in the market and the ever-changing digital landscape. Inbound marketing is an approach to marketing that recognizes this reality and leverages it for both growth and customer retention. “We can no longer push marketing on audiences,” she said. “Brands must engage with consumers, sharing valuable content with them throughout the entire customer journey.” According to LeGrand, inbound marketing works because it puts the emphasis on understanding the customer and focuses on attracting people to a business instead of pushing out messages to them. “It converts prospects into customers and customers into brand loyalists with content that tells a story, connecting with people in meaningful ways,” she said. “This is very different from traditional marketing, which sells product benefits and features. While that approach is appropriate when a prospect is ready to buy, or is gathering information about products and services they’ve already decided they need, it doesn’t help people who are at an earlier stage, and who are still figuring out what business problems they’re

facing.” For these reasons, LeGrand said it’s critical for businesses to truly understand their audiences and know how to effectively reach them through marketing tactics where they can see a true ROI. “A clear, integrated strategy is the roadmap for success in marketing,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to invest in research that helps you better understand your brand, competitors and customers.” Tony Schultz, Omaha center director for Nebraska Business Development Center, said recognizing the importance of a marketing plan is the first step in any company’s success. “Identify the marketing objectives or goals for your company in 2020,” Schultz said. “Make a list of your competitors and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of your own strengths and weaknesses. Look for areas where your strengths counter your competitors’ weaknesses so you can grow your market share from your strengths.” When creating a budget, he said it’s important to look at last year’s expenses, but not get stuck in doing the same marketing year after year if it isn’t the best option. “Ask your customers how best to connect with them,” Schultz said. “The better you know your customer, the easier it will be to connect with them.” He noted free resources to help support businesses, including the Nebraska Business Continued on next page.

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• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Business Planning

Knowing audience is key for marketing in 2020

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Continued from preceding page. Development Center and the Small Business Development Centers located throughout Nebraska. When it comes to marketing for nonprofit businesses, Talia McGill, chief operating officer at No More Empty Pots, said communicating a mission and programming are important, but it’s equally important to establish a trustworthy reputation among supporters, participants and target demographics. “In the end, your supporters will be more likely to have a lasting, meaningful connections to your work, and your community will be able to trust that you will serve them well,” McGill said. Faith Walker, marketing and operational

projects coordinator at No More Empty Pots, said some tips for creating a successful marketing plan in 2020 include: starting early, considering the consumer’s point of view and utilizing tools that help with organization and automation. Britney Hansen, food entrepreneur manager at No More Empty Pots, said the organization provides mentorship for food business entrepreneurs. “Marketing is a vital part of any small business, especially in the food landscape,” Hansen said. “A big focus of the NMEP Food Incubator Program is to help food entrepreneurs develop their concept, understand their consumers and create a brand that stands out from the crowd.”

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Strategic growth spurs expansion for Omaha-based Meridian Clinical Research Dr. Keith Vrbicky, a principal investigator program was started this last year in Omaha to Continued from page 1. for Meridian’s Norfolk, Nebraska OB/GYN onboard new employees. Drug Administration, Osborn said. site and the company’s international medical Clinical trials involve a time commitment The company partners with major phardirector, travels and speaks as an industry leader maceutical and biotechnology companies from the patient, physician and staff, along and has contributed to industry publications. with the need for space within a practice. and contract research organizations (CROs), “He was one of the first doctors to do maOsborn said that proconducting Phase I ternal immunizations,” she said. “He has made viding the employees through IV clinical tri- Meridian Clinical Research such a huge name for himself in our industry — nurses, physician als. The majority are Phone: 402-933-6500 because he was on the forefront of when we assistants, nurse pracPhase II and III (out- Address: Headquarters: 3319 N. 107th started vaccinating moms.” titioners, medical aspatient) since Phase St., Omaha 68134 With over 20 years in the industry, Meridian sistants, etc. — works I typically involves Services: clinical research company is in a position to evaluate physicians who want the best because staff inpatient research and partnering with pharmaceutical and to partner with the company. at a physician’s office requires a facility with biotechnology companies for Phase I-IV “We have to really vet practices well to see already have existing beds for overnight or studies for new drugs, medical devices and if they’re a good fit because it is a huge time jobs to do. weekend stays. diagnostics commitment for those physicians, it is a huge As for the phy“There are huge Founded: 1999 by Nicole Osborn and Lori time commitment for their mid-level staff,” she sicians, “we have an advancements in med- Connolly said. “We’ve learned through trial and error agreement with their icine,” Osborn said, Employees: 135 employees across all what works and what doesn’t … having a little practice, and they’re adding that years of locations and 60 physician-contractors bit longer vetting process helps us to learn about considered contracstudying medications Goals: Expand site locations into western those practices more and to know, is it going tors,” she said, adding and indications go states and broaden therapeutic areas. to be a good fit.” that physicians are mointo an FDA-approved Industry outlook: Now more than ever, The company’s business development team drug. “We are always patients are more educated, more in charge tivated to be involved looks for clinical trials that would be suitable in clinical research for so thrilled when we of their health and in turn more open to for a particular practice and its patients and a number of reasons. see a press release that clinical trials and health care options. works with pharmaceutical companies and For instance, they comes out on a trial Website: www.mcrmed.com CROs to see what’s in their drug development can offer approved that we worked on that pipelines. Smaller biotech companies also seek is going to impact so many people. Ebola is one “cutting-edge medications, procedures, things partnerships with Meridian. that would not normally be offered to them,” of those huge ones for us. We [also] did a lot of When Osborn first started the company the Flublok trials, which is an influenza vaccine she said. at age 22 after just 10 months of working as For many, the philanthropic aspect is a [now approved and given yearly].” a nurse in a family practice setting, having As Meridian expanded its footprint about draw. For independent practices, research probeen exposed to and discovering a proclivity vides additional revenue streams. And some 11 years ago starting with its second standalone for clinical research at that office, her main site in South Dakota, its therapeutic areas also want to be leaders in their industry and publish motivation was to have a flexible job where broadened and now include women’s health, in medical journals. neurology, dermatology and general medicine. It’s looking to expand further into pediatrics and neurology. Currently there are 20 investigative sites, and all but two sites (Omaha and South Continued from page 1. customers around the country with strong Dakota) are embedded within existing practic- ha provides us with tremendous opportunities concentrations in industries that include finance, es. Omaha is the largest site with 48 employees. in a very dynamic market.” energy, health care and education. Details regarding a new name for the “When we embed it within a practice, we Partnerships with firms such as Microsoft have the trust of the physicians, the patients merged businesses have not been fully worked and Design Map have enabled Deliveron to have the trust of their physicians,” she said. out. expand not only across the nation but also Deliveron was founded in 2006 by Omah- across industries. “When presenting [patients] with an opportunity … we’re part of that conversation and we ans Lucas Sahm and John Weland. It is headWeland, a 1999 UNO computer science have access to patients and indications we don’t quartered in about 20,000 square feet on the graduate, said Deliveron made an important second floor at 11516 have to advertise for.” decision when it started Its neurology locations provide access to Miracle Hills Drive. Deliveron in 2015 incorporating patients that meet strict research criteria — “a The firm is adding Phone: 402-238-1399 DevOps Enablement needle in a haystack” — for indications for space on another level Address: 11516 Miracle Hills Dr., Suite product quality and diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s of the building. change processes into 201, Omaha 68154 Clients include Services: technology consulting or Parkinson’s disease. its work. “You have to be in a practice to be able to Think Whole Person Founded: 2006 by Lucas Sahm and John An attractive feaconduct those types of trials. Whereas here, Healthcare, Tenaska, Weland ture to Green House if we’re doing a healthy clinical trial and it’s Orion, Alegent Health Employees: 34 Data in making the vaccines … or high blood pressure or diabetes and British Petroleum, One-year goal: Facilitate acquisition by acquisition was the or something like that, those are easier to enroll among others. delivery team model Green House Data and its integration plan. “We now have Industry outlook: Significant growth without having to have a huge practice behind used by Deliveron in you,” she said, noting that diabetes patients the ability to help our opportunities await in new cloud-application serving its clients. For typically need physician involvement since customers build, de- development. example, in a project ploy, host, and manage Website: www.deliveron.com their daily routine can be affected. involving software People are more educated today about their modern apps that drive development — the health care options and are more open to clinical differentiation and innovation,” Sahm said. “We largest share of the firm’s revenues — a four are excited to join a rapidly growing IT service to six person team is commissioned to take the trials, which makes recruitment easier. “When we approach [people] with a clinical provider to help clients reach their goals around task. The core of the group might include a research trial, most of the time they’re at least data center modernization, workload migration, delivery manager, delivery engineer, business a little bit familiar,” she said. “For many years, and agile DevOps processes.” analyst, quality analyst, user experience interWeland said he’s been told that the delivery face designer, as well as testing personnel. In that wasn’t even part of the conversation in treating patients and now it’s become an option. model developed and perfected by Deliveron, addition, a representative of the customer can As an industry our goal has always been … to with Omaha talent over several years, has been also be included. be part of the conversation because that’s how a differentiating factor. “The big benefit is the agility, ability and “It provides customers a high performing knowledge that the team uses on projects that medicine gets advanced.” The company has two call centers — one Agile team as a service,” he said. “It can now be might take from three to 12 months,” Weland in Omaha and one in Statesboro, Georgia (right grown and scaled to help empower more cus- explained. outside of Savannah). A number of sites are tomers on their digital transformation journey.” Weland recalls a project about five years Sahm, a 1998 University of Nebraska at ago for a Chicago-based health care business located in Savannah. Meridian employees conduct clinical tri- Omaha management information systems that deployed eight different delivery teams to als at the various locations — a new training graduate, said Deliveron has about 70 to 80 basically rebuild that firm’s business and well-

she could spend time with her newly adopted son and her baby on the way. Now with 135 employees across the U.S., 20% growth and 25-30% profit margins annually, Osborn’s comfort level with the responsibilities as an employer has grown along with the company. Employees are at the forefront of her decision-making as is giving back to the communities where the company has its locations. In 2019, Meridian donated more than $290,000 as part of an employee incentive program. “I’m a person who’s not super comfortable doing anything unless I know that we can strategically be able to build and not have to lay off employees … so I’ve never done an acquisition up until this year,” she said. When CFO Dave Roehr joined Meridian six years ago, his expertise was a catalyst to hone the company’s long-term strategic plan. And when the opportunity to acquire Regional Clinical Research came up, Roehr helped determine if it was a good fit. “We jumped in and we did it,” Osborn said. “And the employees are amazing — we didn’t let anyone go. Their culture is very similar to ours, which made it an easier transition.” Another boost to Osborn’s business acumen was joining the local Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) a couple of years ago. “This group is a huge sounding board for me,” she said. “They share all of their experiences and I think I’ve probably grown more in the last two years as a businessperson based on their experience shares with me and that’s helped me to go, OK, I’m not alone.”

Green House Data targets Omaha with Deliveron acquisition ness platforms. The project was an investment of “tens of millions of dollars,” he said. “Now they are able to be competitive with both smaller and larger competitors,” Weland said. Mills, a Fort Worth, Texas, native and 1996 graduate of the finance program at the University of Texas, said the firm he heads has grown with a diversity of projects. Smaller projects might include building mobile applications for customer client service initiatives while larger undertakings might involve rewriting a client’s back-end office processing system. Digital transformation assignments provide a big growth opportunity, he said. “We’re seeing a 200% increase in this division,” he said. Earlier this month, Green House Data added Victor Tingler as senior vice president of digital transformation. Tingler, a former vice president of cloud transformation systems at Trace3, vice president of consulting and cloud solutions at InterVision, director of channel engineering at CenturyLink, and global master architect at EDS, was necessary to take Green House Data’s expertise to the next level, Mills said. Mills noted that continued growth of firms such as Green House Data is dependent on being ready to serve customers in a highly customized, always-available way. Catering to unique needs and steep customer demands is a necessary requirement to keep providers on an upward trajectory. “One of the common denominators for us in hiring is that we need to see a growth mindset and an ability to learn new things,” Mills said. That will be important as Green House Data continues to meet the challenge of tackling the needs of some of the country’s largest corporations.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Horwath Laundry Equipment marks 100 years; focuses on automated systems opportunities Continued from page 1. to the size of a school bus. “We supply automatic systems in commercial laundry plants that produce 220 pounds of linen every three minutes. In these facilities, we also sell automated systems that spread, iron,

Horwath Laundry Equipment Phone: 402-342-1299 Address: 1002 South 13th St., Omaha 68108 Services: complete distributor of commercial laundry machinery, parts, service, and laundry design and technical support Founded: 1919 by Andrew Horwath Website: www.aahorwath.com

fold and stack sheets and towels.” Horwath represents the third-generation family leadership for the business based out of 1002 South 13th St. in Omaha. He and his nephew, Vice President Robb Vacek, recalled an origin story approaching legendary status for a business that reached the 100-year mark in 2019. Andy Horwath had only been in the United States for nine years when, while working as a carpenter for Peter Kiewit, the owner of Evans Laundry in Omaha was so impressed by his work on their office renovation that he hired him to build wooden washer baskets. “He loved the product and asked for more to be made,” Vacek said. “He also told colleagues about Andrew’s work and soon Andy was making more money from his side job than his full-time job.” The side job grew quite literally from a basement into a thriving business. “In the 1940s, his sons, Joe and Rudy, joined the business to help him design and manufacture laundry equipment,” Horwath said. “The brothers transitioned the business from wooden washers to metal washers. Some of those old

Horwath machines can still be found today in laundries throughout the region.” The business further transitioned from manufacturing to distribution and service, with Rudy’s son, Jim Horwath, taking over the company in 1997. The most difficult time in its history was when Jim’s brother, Randy, died in a car accident three weeks before they were supposed to buy the company from their father and uncle. Horwath would later go on to welcome the fourth generation (represented by Vacek) in 2012, and lead its bricks and mortar expansion. “One of the most important developments for our company during Jim’s time as owner has been the opening of a second location in Rapid City in 2000,” Vacek said. “This location has allowed us to expand our geographic footprint by having local service to western Nebraska and western South Dakota. Our manager, Ron Kramer, is a jack-of-all-trades and has been integral in making this location successful.” The company employs nine and four team members in Omaha and Rapid City respectively; moreover, many employees are in it for the long haul. “Greg Hula, our service manager, has been with the company for 40 years,” Horwath said. “Shane Spearman, our lead service technician, has been with the company for 23 years. Kim Tweedy, our office manager, has been with us for 18 years.” In turn, the service department is among

the region’s strongest, with Horwath saying the knowledge base is “second to none,” courtesy of the number of service technicians and their longevity. Vacek also spotlighted its customer care and “fair dealing.” “We do not push to just make a sale or to make a quota,” he said. “If the customer does not need one of our products, we’ll still help them find the best solution for their business.” The “long-term” theme further extends to its customer base; for instance, the uncle-nephew duo highlighted the company’s relationship with Columbus-based Jackson Services (also, a fourth-generation family business). In a rare turn, they recalled a meeting in Columbus two years ago with Jackson Services and manufacturer Pellerin Milnor — yet another fourth-generation business. “That probably doesn’t happen often,” Vacek added. Horwath recalled how modern technology updates became a big focus with the addition of his nephew. “Going paperless with job reports, modern software integrations and digital streamlining of day-to-day processes were big challenges to take on, but they’ve made the company more efficient,” he said, noting continued expansion into the coin laundry industry and automated laundry systems is the big focus for 2020. “Like most other industries, our customers are finding it more difficult to find employees. We

by Jasmine Heimgartner

“Houses $225,000 and below are still moving quickly,” said Susan Clark, president of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors. “We don’t see this slowing down anytime soon. As you get above that price it is becoming more of a ‘normal’ market. The home price depends on if you are shopping or selling in a sellers’ market.” A top concern in realty nationwide, as well as locally, is the housing shortage. That small inventory means people need to be ready to take the plunge or miss out on the closest thing to the perfect house. It also means buyers and investors can expect to Clark continue to pay more, even for homes in poor condition. “The market is such that even distressed properties, which would normally sell for $5,000 or $10,000, are selling for $20,000,” said Kenton Duncan, acquisitions director and property sales manager at Omaha Municipal Land Bank. “Every house is worth something right now unless it’s something completely unfixable like the foundation or rot. Even the price of vacant lots in areas that don’t quickly sell are going up.” In the Omaha area, expansion of family homes to outlying areas continues to see development, but obtaining land is becoming more difficult. The costs of new buildings is also on the rise. This has created a push back into the city, where people are redeveloping or renovating in more established areas. “In the Westside District, 87th and Pacific, a higher tax-based neighborhood, they are tearing down some houses and building a cul de sac with 19 new homes,” Duncan said.

believe there will continue to be a greater need for automation moving forward.” As much as strategy has played a role in the company’s longevity and gains through the decades, Horwath and Vacek said no business makes it 100 years without a little luck on their side. “That being said, the immigrant work ethic instilled into Rudy and Joe by Andy drove them to succeed,” Vacek said. “That work ethic was expected and passed down to the third and fourth generations.” In addition to low employee turnover, they highlighted long and stable relationship with the likes of primary manufacturers, aforementioned Pellerin Milnor and Chicago Dryer Co. (50-plus years) and Huebsch-Alliance Laundry Systems (40-plus years). The family’s passion extends to community involvement; for instance, supplying laundry equipment to local homeless shelters, Siena Francis House and the Open Door Mission. The organization’s robust health is arguably all the more gratifying, considering that Horwath was repeatedly told “only 5% of family businesses make it to the third generation” when he came into the business. Vacek represents their overcoming the odds. Perhaps the best sense as to how important the business is to the family, the second-generation patriarch, Rudy, 92, continues to ask Horwath and Vacek specific questions about the business every time he speaks with them.

Buying a new home? Expect sellers’ market to continue

It may be a new year, but the home real estate market looks to be staying relatively the same in 2020. People looking to buy a new home can plan on the ongoing trends of multiple offers, low rates, limited inventory and fast turnaround.

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“In northeast Omaha and east of 52nd street, where houses have been 100 years, you see some remodeling and pockets where investors and nonprofits are doing a lot in those areas. The best part of that is helping the community with those distressed houses.” It also means developers are needing to get a little more creative. Apartments are on the rise to help accommodate the housing shortage, as well as a new generation of college graduates with high student loan debt. To curb construction costs, pre-fab, modular construction — homes built off-site and brought in — is on the rise. Zoning Duncan rules have begun to change in some areas in an attempt to build for the future. The banking industry has taken a proactive approach to assist with housing issues to get more people into homes. “Banks are seeing the problems,” Kenton said. “When it comes to distressed homes, it can be difficult to get financing. Banks are addressing that and coming up with new ways to fund repairs beforehand to help enhance the housing market.” While many people are reinvesting in their current homes, the market is still full of many potential new buyers. For people in that group, getting into a new home isn’t impossible, but it will continue to require patience, persistence, compromise and being ready to buy at any minute. “Start looking now while there is less competition,” Clark said. “March will bring about several more buyers and more competing offer situations, so don’t wait.”

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Property taxes sink farmland owners by April Simpson

Doug Schmale’s family farm straddles the Great Plains in two parts: 4,500 acres in western Nebraska and a separate 160acre plot in eastern Colorado. Schmale pays wildly different Agriculture property taxes on either side of the border. “The last time I ran the numbers, I was paying somewhere close to five or six times as much in Nebraska than I was paying in eastern Colorado,” said Schmale, a third-generation wheat farmer. “And the better land, and the better school system, is in eastern Colorado.” SUPER CROSSWORD

Schmale’s situation illustrates the load that farmers carry in Nebraska: a heavy property tax burden that, on top of a poor farm economy, threatens their ability to earn a living. On average, Nebraska farmers pay $16,200 in property taxes per year, among the highest figures of any state. And the state relies heavily on that money: More than a quarter of its total property tax revenue, much of which pays for public education, comes from farmland. In fact, Nebraska brings in more cash taxing farmland than any state but California and Texas. But as farmland continues to increase CONTINUING ED

in value, even amid declining farm prices and weather woes, and farmers see their tax bills rise, some in the Nebraska legislature want to give farmers some relief — even at the potential cost of state revenue. There is no relationship, critics say, between how the land is taxed and landowners’ ability to pay for it, and Nebraska’s antiquated system reflects a time when property ownership was an indication of wealth and income. “I wish more than anything else that I could leave the state of Nebraska and move my farm to another state,” Schmale said. “Almost any state would be better than here.” Nebraskans are not alone in carrying a heavy tax burden on agricultural property in comparison with their profit margins, said Katherine Loughead, a policy analyst with the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation. The Northeast region is notorious for its high property taxes. Policymakers in Nebraska, Iowa and other agriculture-intensive Midwestern states prioritize property tax cuts, Loughead said. “But real, lasting property tax reform is difficult to accomplish, so these debates can take years to play out.” The Nebraska Revenue Committee introduced a bill this week that would lessen the property tax burden for taxes levied by school districts. The multi-step plan would reduce the tax evaluation for agricultural property for school district taxing purposes from 75% of its taxable value to 55% over a two-year period. Residential and commercial properties would be taxed from 100% down to 85% over three years. Nebraska also would use excess state revenue to increase state aid to K-12 education so school districts are less reliant on property taxes. In his budget address this week, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts recommended putting roughly $500 million

over the next three years toward property tax credit relief by controlling local and state spending. Ricketts increased the property tax credit relief fund by more than 20% last year. A grassroots group also is collecting signatures for a ballot initiative to provide all residents a rebate on their property taxes. Assessing a smaller share of a property’s value is a promising start, said Adam Weinberg, communications and outreach director with the Platte Institute, a free-market think tank in Omaha. But even as Nebraska is spending $275 million a year on direct subsidies for property taxes, they are at historic levels for agriculture. “If you look at the share of property taxes relative to their income, there aren’t too many people who would pay 40 or 50% of their income to run a business,” Weinberg said. The Nebraska legislature has tried before to tackle the issue based on past complaints, but tax revenue and a lack of economic resources have limited its ability to address the problem. In 2017, taxes on agricultural property, which are overwhelmingly drawn from the state’s rural areas, were 47% of the state’s net farm income. Agricultural land values increased substantially alongside commodity prices that reached record highs around 2010. But property valuations have continued to rise, even as crop prices decline and farmer woes pile on. Trade uncertainties, lower yields, natural disasters and more have resulted in slimmer profit margins. Wheat prices, for example, have fluctuated for more than a decade. This month, they’re roughly $5.60 a bushel, well below a high of $9.40 a bushel in 2012. “I’m in a commodity that prices in the third world and I’m paying first-world Continued on page 26.

How to navigate the high cost of becoming a caregiver by Carla Fried

Answers on page 12.

If you have yet to step into the role of caregiver, there’s a good chance it may be in your future. A 2017 joint survey by Merrill Lynch and Age Health care Wave estimated that 40 million Americans have already served as a caregiver. With the advancing age of baby boomers, 20 million more are expected to join the caregiving ranks each year. While caregivers are overwhelmingly grateful to step in and help a loved one, their generosity comes at a high cost. Many caregivers provide financial assistance, and the average annual cost is about $7,000. Seven in 10 caregivers surveyed by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave said the financial cost of caregiving causes them stress. If a 55-year-old adult child spends $7,000 a year for five years that’s $35,000 unavailable to pay down debt or save for retirement. That $7,000 just happens to be the maximum contribution anyone at least 50 years old can make to an IRA this year. If $7,000 was invested in a Roth IRA for five consecutive years and then left to grow for another 10 years (to age 70 for our 55-year-old), that works out to about $65,000 in tax-free savings, assuming a 5% annualized rate of return. So, caregiving work can impact retirement planning. Then there are less apparent costs. The

physical demands of caregiving can make it hard to keep the same hours at work, or give the same effort. That can mean reduced income. An empathetic boss today may not be supportive when the next recession hits, moving you higher up the layoff list. None of that is a reason to question the role of caregiver. Your desire (and need) to care for a loved one supersedes all, including financial cost. Needed by a loved one, you step in and do what needs to be done. Yet you can — and should — be as strategic as possible in lessening financial strain. In the Merrill Lynch/Age Wave survey, seven in 10 respondents said they gave little or no thought to their financial situation as a caregiver. That’s potentially setting up your own kids’ need to step in and help you. Taking time to consider ways to limit financial strain today can help you protect your children’s future. —Lower living costs free up more money for care. Most older Americans want to age in place. If you wait until loved ones need care, a move becomes harder. Helping a 70-yearold parent see the financial wisdom of a move today is likely more practical than the emotional and physical toll of a move at 85. —Resist quitting work as long as possible. It’s not just the salary you are giving up. Continued on next page.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

New retirement rules could help boost your savings: 5 things to know by Susan Tompor

The rules of the retirement game just saw a sizable overhaul in Congress, giving a nod to the reality that many Americans can’t afford to quit working. The changes aren’t massive enough to put to rest concerns Retirement about an upcoming retirement crisis where some forecast a growing gap between the haves and have-nots. Even so, the adjustments are likely to help some households boost their retirement savings. The new law, signed by President Donald Trump in late December, has key twists for those who work at small businesses, those who steadily work part time at a given company and those who are worried about whether they’re on a bleak path to outlive the money in their 401(k). Eventually, workers may see their 401(k) plans begin to add options that offer annuities in their 401(k) plans, too. The SECURE Act — or the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement — offers small business owners some additional tax incentives for starting a retirement

Becoming a caregiver Continued from preceding page. Your Social Security. Your health insurance could also become a huge cost if you quit work. The average monthly cost of an individual plan for a 60-year-old in 2019 was pushing $900; that said, if you completely stop earning income, you could be eligible for subsidies that can bring the cost way down. —Set generational priorities. An all-toocommon pressure point for many 50- and 60-year-olds is providing support to adult children. Get paid. That you are doing this out of love is not in question. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be compensated. If you have stopped work, a basic goal should be to get paid enough to cover your own personal health insurance and not have to touch your retirement savings until you are at least 65. If the person you are taking care of has the resources, you should discuss being paid. You may want to consult with an elder care attorney for advice on drawing up a personal care agreement (a contract). The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has a free online search tool. If you are taking the caregiving lead among siblings, there should be a family plan for paying you. This is not about money so you can buy groceries for Mom or Dad. That’s a separate issue. This is about you being compensated for the time you are putting into caregiving. Also explore state-run plans that provide income to a caregiver. The most common programs are limited to individuals who are on Medicaid, but many states have programs that are not tied to Medicaid. For example, in Maryland, a caregiver who meets certain requirements can qualify for up to $600 or so in monthly payments for taking care of someone with income below $120,000. The Paying for Senior Care website has state-bystate information on financial assistance for caregivers. ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

plan and seeks to make it less costly to do so. Financial services firms would be allowed to offer new multiple employer 401(k) plans to unrelated small companies with unrelated businesses. Workers who spend a large chunk of their careers at small companies that do not offer pensions or 401(k) plans are particularly vulnerable to an inadequate level of savings to cover the bills in retirement. Here’s a look at some points to know: -Turning 70 in 2020? New rules can help delay spending savings. Start thinking of age 72, instead of 70 and a half, if you want to delay taking money from your IRA or 401(k) for as long as possible. Under the new law, savers who are currently in their 50s and 60s wouldn’t be required to take a minimum distribution from retirement savings until they hit age 72. Taking out the correct required minimum distribution, or RMDs for short, is essential each year, especially since the penalty for not doing so is 50% of what you should have taken out that year. The penalty is in addition to the ordinary income tax you pay on the money you withdraw from the retirement accounts. (Tax experts at H&R Block note, though, that it is possible to get a waiver by making the appropriate withdrawal as soon as the mistake is discovered and filing Form 5329 with an explanation of the error. If the IRS considers the error to be reasonable, the penalty will be waived. It may help to talk with a tax professional.) Given that many Americans are living longer and working longer, it can make sense for some to try to keep their hands off their retirement savings for as long as possible. “This isn’t necessarily a one-size-fitsall-situation,” said Keith Bernhardt, vice president of retirement income for Fidelity Investments. Keeping the money in a tax-deferred IRA or 401(k) can help the account grow more in the future, too, depending on the success of your investments. “You’re still benefiting from the tax deferred nature of having money inside the account,” Bernhardt said. The new threshold applies to people who turn age 70 and a half in 2020 and later. The new 72 is simpler to track than the old age rules. After all, it’s a little odd to try to figure out when you turn age 70 and a half. One potential point of confusion: If you turned 70 and a half in 2019 or earlier, you don’t get the benefit of the new delay. You’re still required to take the RMD for 2019 and in future years. The new rules can give you more flexibility for minimizing the tax hit in some years, too. Maybe you’d rather spend money from a regular brokerage account earlier in your retirement years. Say that investment outside of a retirement account is worth $10,000 but only $2,000 of that money represents actual earnings. Then, you’d only be taxed on the $2,000 not the entire $10,000. Take $10,000 out of the IRA and you’d be taxed on the full amount if you saved that money on a pretax basis while working. Take a hard look at your own numbers and talk to a tax professional or financial adviser. Outliving your money remains a real risk for many. Once people retire, they can run

the risk of dipping too heavily into their retirement savings and running short of money as they age. Though people retire at different ages, Fidelity noted that participants in the 401(k) plans it manages often retire around age 65. “Regardless of age, most make withdrawals in the first year, then the withdrawal rate declines until the required minimum distribution age,” according to Fidelity. One drawback for withdrawing money from a tax-deferred retirement account is that withdrawals are taxed at your regular income tax rate. You might face a 10% penalty if you withdraw the money before age 59½ as well. If you take out too much money, you’re at risk of driving up your annual income tax bill. -Retirement savings can help young families, too. The act allows parents to withdraw money without penalties — but you would pay income taxes on those withdrawals — from a 401(k) or IRA to cover costs associated with childbirth or adoption. The change applies to distributions in 2020 and afterward. New parents would be allowed to withdraw up to $5,000 without the 10% penalty if the money is withdrawn within a year of the birth or adoption. You’d have to check with your plan sponsor to see when this might be allowed within a given plan. -Working part time won’t hurt your ability to save. Going forward, the new law requires companies that offer 401(k) plans to allow part-time employees who have worked at least 500 hours a year for at least three consecutive years to set aside money from their paychecks into the plan. The employer isn’t

required to make matching contributions until the worker meets the plan’s normal eligibility requirements. In the past, someone who was steadily working part time could legally be excluded from saving for retirement in a 401(k) or similar plan if he or she worked less than 1,000 hours a year. So the change is expected to open the doors for many people who work in retail, health care and other part-time heavy fields. The change may be particularly beneficial for women. How soon will you be able to save? It might be sometime in 2024 or earlier. Some plan sponsors could wait until 2024 to make this change relating to part-time workers based on the statute, said Mark Iwry, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Iwry was responsible for national retirement policy and regulation of the private pension system while serving as senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Obama administration. But, he continues, some plans will voluntarily implement this change earlier by taking into account years worked before 2021. Or, he said, some might conceivably decide for administrative simplicity not to look back for three years and simply allow participation by employees who have at least 500 hours of service in a given year. -Time for a wake-up call. By December 2021 or after, savers are expected to begin receiving estimates once a year for how much monthly income their current 401(k) savings might generate in retirement. Iwry, who has supported such a disclosure Continued on page 22.

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Trump inked a deal with China. California is still sorting out the implications by Suhauna Hussain

The list of Chinese goods Trump imposed tariffs on since launching a trade war two years ago seems like it runs forever: catfish, bird eggs, natural sponges, pearl onions, mushrooms, chestnuts, Economy copper springs, tungsten wire, thermometer parts. These are just a few. “It’s mind-boggling to go down the list,” said Jock O’Connell, international trade adviser at Beacon Economics. “It goes on for dozens and dozens of pages … and covers a lot of goods you can’t even imagine.” The trade deal inked recently doesn’t do much to clear up that complexity, or relieve the impact of tariffs on California businesses and consumers. Trump’s deal with China was touted by his administration as a victory, but experts say that deal is only a first step toward eased tensions, bringing some immediate benefits but leaving some of the thorniest issues unresolved. The vast majority of tariffs — which escalated a trade war and delivered higher costs to consumers and uncertainty to the U.S. auto industry and agricultural and manufacturing sectors — remain in place. In a preliminary agreement last month, Trump canceled 15% tariffs on about $160 billion of Chinese imports scheduled to be rolled out Dec. 15. Levies on about $120 billion of goods from China were cut in

half, to 7.5%. But the deal kept in place 25% tariffs on another $250 billion of imports as a bargaining chip for further negotiations. “We’re keeping the tariffs on because we’ll use that for another one,” Trump said at a Jan. 9 rally in Toledo, Ohio. California’s economy has weathered the trade war relatively well compared with other parts of the country slammed by declines in manufacturing and farming, said Lynn Reaser, chief economist of the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute at Point Loma Nazarene University. California’s economy grew at a 2.6% rate through the first 10 months of 2019, according to the UCLA Anderson School, compared with 2.1% growth for the entire U.S. in the third quarter. However, Reaser said the state would have seen higher levels of technology exports to China and more Chinese investment and spending on California education if not for the trade tension. Uncertainty and tariffs have also disrupted supply chains and plans for capital spending. While China has not explicitly committed to removing some of the retaliatory tariffs that hurt California industries, the state could see gains from China’s commitments to buy an additional $200 billion of American goods and services by 2021. “What is likely to happen administratively is that waivers will be granted in cases where the Chinese decide to import U.S.

products that remain subject to higher retaliatory tariffs,” O’Connell said in an email. “It’s not a lot of progress. The U.S. is still imposing high tariffs on a still large volume of goods we would import from China,” O’Connell said. “We’ll have to wait and see.” Here’s how some key California industries may be affected. Wine Over the summer, China imposed a 93% tax on American wine, up from 48% before the escalation of tensions, according to the Wine Institute, a trade group for some 1,000 California wineries and related businesses. As a result, sales of California wines to China were down just over 20% by volume last year through November compared with the year before, said Honore Comfort, vice president of International Marketing at the Wine Institute. The tariffs remain in place. However, the trade deal prevents tariffs from increasing, which is positive for the industry, Comfort said. Wine is included in the list of China’s buying commitments. Comfort said the Wine Institute was evaluating details of the trade agreement and could not draw any conclusions. “We will continue to support California wine in China. … We are hopeful we will be able to resume our trade position with them,” she said.

Trump bailout means farmers emerge optimistic from trade war by Mike Dorning

Donald Trump is boasting that he’s made farmers “really happy.” He’s not wrong, but it’s not just the trade deal that’s left farmers optimistic for 2020. Analysts are saying Economy the accord signed recently mostly just takes trade back to normal for American agriculture. China has committed to $32 billion in additional purchases over two years, but that buying will be market dependent and retaliatory tariffs are still in place. Even the status quo is still a welcome relief after more than a year of escalating tensions. The thing that’s really moved the needle for farmers is Trump’s $28 billion farm bailout. The trade aid meant incomes rose in a year when they were widely expected to fall. Even better news: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue just confirmed he’s expecting the administration will make the third and final payment for the aid package, even with the China deal. Perdue said those checks should be coming “imminently.” That extra income boost underscores why farmers are feeling good in places like Iowa’s Sioux County, the top agricultural producer in a state that’s No. 1 for corn and hogs. “I’m really optimistic,” said Chris Ten Napel, who farms 2,500 acres (1,012 hectares) and raises 15,000 hogs a year in a family operation with his father and brother in Sioux County. “Things are looking up, you might say.” In a growing season marked by unrelenting rains, record-late planting and depressed prices, farmers like Ten Napel still managed to come out ahead thanks to hard work, some luck, and especially that Trump bailout. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects national net farm income for 2019 will be up more than 10% to the high-

est since 2013, with the bailout payments accounting for the increase. There are other signs of shored up finances: Farmers became less reliant on loans at the end of 2019, with lending activity declining for a second straight quarter, the Kansas City Federal Reserve said. Meanwhile, rural economic sentiment began the year positive, reaching the highest point in 18 months, according to a Creighton University survey. “Without the trade aid, almost no one would have made money,” said Eric Walhof, president of Northwest Bank in Sioux Center, Iowa. About half the bank’s farm borrowers turned a profit last year, and the rest had what he called “manageable” losses. Just a few months ago, that would’ve seemed nearly impossible. Ten Napel remembers one 48-hour stretch that summed the whole dreadful thing up. He spent it on his tractor, catching one measly hour-long nap in the cab, as he raced through a rare dry spell to plant soybeans he figured might never fetch much of a profit. “It was looking pretty bleak,” the 37-year-old said, sitting on a stool beside a wooden workbench in his equipment shed, his red tractor and combine parked behind him. Sioux County is a fertile area of rolling hills with the scent of manure in the air. The towns are built around grain elevators, and rural roads are lined with cattle feed lots, hog buildings and corn-stalk bales. It’s Trump country — he won 81% of the vote here in 2016. That support wavered little during the hard times of 2019. “He understands we’re at the front lines of the trade war. He’s taken care of us,” Brad Den Herder, who grows corn and soybeans and raises hogs with his brother and father, said of Trump before trade deals were finalized last week. “We don’t feel forgotten.”

If it weren’t for the aid — the $28 billion sum ringing in at more than twice as expensive as the 2009 bailout of automakers — many Iowa farmers would’ve likely posted losses last year.Federal subsidies have long been part of their financial picture, and while this program was extraordinarily large, it’s viewed as a good investment of taxpayer money to back up Trump’s China strategy. The Den Herder family farm had its best year in 2019 out of the past five, he said, estimating his profits would’ve been halved without aid payments. Sioux County was one of the 10 largest recipients of the money, according to a database of payments compiled by the Environmental Working Group. Even then, U.S. farmers don’t have a long leash to confront hurdles. Their working capital, a key measure of ability to withstand short-term setbacks, has been trending down for half a decade, dropping last year to half its level in 2014, according to USDA projections.There’s no telling, meanwhile, what the weather will bring. As it is, the hangover from 2019 still stings, some worse than others. In the Dakotas, some farmers haven’t been able to harvest late-maturing crops that are still covered in snow. But recent price stabilization helps. Soybean futures in Chicago are up about 1% since Dec. 12, the day before Trump announced the China agreement. Compared with this time last year, they’re 3.3% higher.”We’re sitting pretty good,” said Ten Napel. On his farm, about two-thirds of last year’s corn and soy harvest is still sitting in storage bins. “If we sold the grain at today’s price, we’d make more money than we have the last three or four years.” (With assistance from Anne Reifenberg.) ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Agriculture As Trump piled on tariffs, China retaliated by canceling purchases of soybeans, one of the biggest U.S. exports to that country. It also hit wheat and corn with tariffs. The Trump administration gave farmers a $28-billion bailout. Beijing imposed a 50% tariff on U.S. almonds, one of California’s biggest crops; that remains in place. The state supplies 82% of the world’s almonds, and exports to China fell by about one-third, according to the Almond Board of California. In the deal, China commits to agricultural purchases that will mostly benefit states specializing in soybeans and pork, Reaser said. However, California should see some gains in exports of citrus and nuts, she said. “We’re glad to see agreement and China’s commitment to purchase more ag products,” Julie Adams, vice president of global technical and regulatory affairs at the Almond Board of California, said in a statement. “But for almonds and other specialty crops, the question is whether China will reduce the retaliatory tariffs that have been imposed since April 2018, as a means of encouraging our Chinese customers to purchase more almonds.” Technology American companies have long accused their Chinese rivals of stealing valuable technology. Under the trade deal, Beijing says it will ban those practices and increase protection of intellectual property. Experts say this could benefit tech companies in Silicon Valley and Southern California — provided China holds up its end of the deal. China also pledged to cease requiring the transfer of technology as a precondition for companies to gain access to their markets. But it remains to be seen how strictly China will enforce these provisions, Reaser said. China has shown that it can acquire technology and, with government support, build competitive rivals to American firms. The technology wall between the two countries solidified further over the course of the trade war. China’s Huawei was forced to find alternative supply chains after the Trump administration cut off critical components from the likes of Intel and Qualcomm. For more than a year, as the trade war waged, Apple avoided damage. The round of 15% tariffs that Trump threatened to impose in December would have included mobile phones; Apple’s iPhone is made almost entirely in China. Those tariffs have been suspended indefinitely. Reaser said American companies will likely continue to search for alternative supply chains to China as uncertainty and the administration’s national security concerns persist. “The technology wall has a huge impact on California,” she said. “The paranoia and the fear does represent a significant constraint.” Consumer goods In September, 15% tariffs were slapped on $120 billion in Chinese imports that included consumer products such as smart watches, TVs, shoes, diapers, sporting goods, meat and dairy products. That round hit American households directly, as many U.S. firms said they would be forced to pass the elevated prices on to customers. Under the agreement reached in December, the levy imposed on those imports is reduced from

• JANUARY 24, 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.

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 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Detroit Sterling Heights, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Detroit Sterling Heights, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Detroit Novi, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Detroit Novi, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that The Cord: Where Science Meets Connection, L.L.C., has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 638 N. 109th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent of the Company is Catherine A. Schweitzer, 5022 Lafayette Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render services related to the providing of mental health services in this state. The Company was formed on October 17, 2019. First publication January 17, 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

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 P & L REALTY – JOHNSON NE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that P & L Realty – Johnson NE, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13323 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 9, 2020. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR GARREN TECHNOLOGIES GLOBAL, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is GARREN TECHNOLOGIES GLOBAL, LLC. The address of the registered office is 19927 Logan Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130-3718 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is RAYMOND E. GARREN. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced business on January 13, 2020, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BRM Farms, 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 BRM Farms, 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 January 10, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIG D PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is BIG D PROPERTIES, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 225 S. 123rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. Matt Garland; Kim Garland, Inc.; Jordan Binfield; and Cari Binfield, Members First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DEE & LEE PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is DEE & LEE PROPERTIES, LLC. The company is organized to render real estate sales services. 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 4301 Edgerton Drive, Bellevue, NE 68123. Kevin Nieto, Jr. and Jessica Nieto, Directors First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRUCKY’S CREATIONS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Trucky’s Creations LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered and designated offices located at 4811 North 139th Street, Omaha, NE 68164 and its Registered Agent being Donald Truckenbrod. The company was organized and commenced on October 22, 2019, and its duration is perpetual. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its sole Member, Donald Truckenbrod. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 • 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: 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 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 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

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 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

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 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), AKILE BANISTER & JENNIFER BANISTER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 09/30/2019 on Case Number CI19-21949, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $278.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 03/02/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SYLVESTER MALTA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 10/11/2019 on Case Number CI19-23302, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $116.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 03/02/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JESSICA L BULTEZ You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 09/30/2019 on Case Number CI19-21950, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $174.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 03/02/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, ATTORNEY VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 OMAHA, NEBRASKA, 68118 TELEPHONE 402-504-1300 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ADVANCED PAIN SOLUTIONS LLC Notice is hereby given that ADVANCED PAIN SOLUTIONS 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 1023 Creighton Rd., Papillion, NE 68046. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents, LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The Company’s members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render services related to the providing of pain management medical services in this state. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 BOULAIR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Boulair, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 8, 2020. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SPLIT/LIP PRESS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Split/Lip Press, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office address of the Company is 6710 S. 87th Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws, and its duration is perpetual, commencing from January 1, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the Managing Member. The registered agent is Kristine Langley Mahler at 6710 S. 87th Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Law Firm Management Consulting, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9859 S 168th Ave, Omaha, NE 68136. The Registered Agent of the Company is Daniel P. Stuenzi, located at the same address. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is VBS INVESTMENTS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 15236 Curtis Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. The registered agent is Vanessa Schmidt and the Register Agent's address is 15236 Curtis Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116. 3. The general nature of the Company is residential rental real estate. 4. The Company commenced on January 2, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, and, if necessary, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 ORGANIZATION OF RLB HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RLB Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 11404 W. Dodge Road, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the registered agent is Myron J. Kaplan. Its initial designated office is 1015 South 78th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company was formed on November 22, 2019, and its duration is perpetual. Management of the Company shall be vested in its Managers. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF EUPHORIA LIFE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Euphoria Life, LLC. The 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 6, 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 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NFM CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS, LLC Notice is hereby given that NFM CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 700 S. 72nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Victor C. Padios. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TAKE NOTICE that Koru Studios, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office is 601 West 2nd Street, Hastings, NE 68901. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company commenced on November 22, 2019, and its existence is perpetual. The company will be managed by its members. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 186 BASKETBALL FACILITY, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that 186 Basketball Facility, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the Company is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The purpose of the Company shall be to have such purposes and to engage in such activities with the exception of banking and insurance as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on the 24th day of October, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members and/or Managers as set forth in the terms of the company’s Operating Agreement from time to time. The registered agent for the service of process is Scott Brown at 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 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 cOF 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

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 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 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 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Eccker 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 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

ROBERT J. KIRBY, Incorporator C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF INTEGRATED WINDOWS, INC. Integrated Windows, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The Articles of Incorporation were filed on January 8, 2020. The street address of the corporation's registered office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, Nebraska, 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is Robert J. Kirby. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 DAVID J. SKALKA, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BATTLELINE LLC The name of the limited liability company is Battleline LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7166 North 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68152. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is David J. Skalka, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 THOMAS C. DORWART, Attorney TELPNER PETERSON LAW FIRM, LLP 25 Main Place, Suite 200 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Njord Transportation, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office located at 13504 So. 33rd Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123. The general nature of the business is to transact all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated under the Nebraska law. The corporation was incorporated on January 9, 2020 and shall have a perpetual existence. Its purpose is to provide trucking and transportation services. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors and its officer who shall consist of a president, a vice president, a secretary and a treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the by-laws. Zachary Mathias, Incorporator First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF GOLDENROD FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Goldenrod Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Steckler & Sons, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 7173 Mormon Bridge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The registered agent of the Company is Chad N. Steckler, 7173 Mormon Bridge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. The Company was formed on January 10, 2020. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FIAT CAREER COACHING, LLC Notice is hereby given that Fiat Career Coaching, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 530 S. 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc., 530 S. 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 JOHN N. MASSIH, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1954 Estate of Ailie May Backora, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 23rd day of December, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Timothy J. Backora, of 2309 Nelson's Creek Drive, Omaha, NE 68116, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before March 17, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMERGENSKI, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is EMERGENSKI, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 1803 S. 221st Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68133 Tyler Lewandowski, Members First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DJG PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of DJG Properties, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is DJG Properties, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 16909 Lakeside Hills Plz, #119, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 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 Coventry Business Owners Association, Inc. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The name and address of the Incorporator is as follows: Max J. Burbach, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 5. The Corporation shall have members. 6. The corporate existence began on January 14, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. First publication January 17, 2020, final January 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PMP Property Management LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6515 N 46th Ave, Omaha NE 68152. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kunta Plunkett. Its registered agent is Irene Tryon and the street address is 5421 N 103rd St, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68134. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Real Estate Sold By Sonia LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 16063 Frederick Street, Omaha NE 68130. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Sonia Herrera. Its registered agent is Sonia Herrera.and the street address is 16063 Frederick Street, Omaha NE 68130. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BAILOR RENTALS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bailor Rentals, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4507 Walnut Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Jason Michael Bailey, 4507 Walnut Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The limited liability company commenced business on December 10, 2019. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Cisneros Tree Service, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Cisneros Tree Service, LLC. Registered agent and office of Cisneros Tree Service, LLC is Luis Alberto Cisneros at 1010 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68105. The designated address is 1010 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68105. Initial members: Luis Alberto Cisneros. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on November 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF XCANCERAIR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that XCancerAir, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17607 Gold Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 16, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

ROBERT L. FREEMAN, ATTORNEY FRASER STRYKER P.C. L.L.O. 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE POINTE MED, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Village Pointe, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 20, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663. The Registered Agent of the Company is Robert L. Freeman 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663 First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAXWELL SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Maxwell Solutions, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 S 103rd Street Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 15, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

ROBERT E. BURNS, Attorney 11330 Q Street, Suite 220 Omaha, Nebraska 68137 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TKBRAND, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of TKBRAND, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability Company is TKBRAND, LLC. 2. The company's Initial agent for service of process is Troy A. Brand. The Initial agent's address and the address of the Initial designated office of the Company is 6320 South 131st Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. 3. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Company is to engage in and transact in any and all lawful business enterprises for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, and specifically to engage in the ownership and management of real estate, and all other related activities, and to own, hold and sell or assign any and all licenses necessary or advisable to conduct said business. 4. The Company commenced on December 27, 2019, and shall have a perpetual duration. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KSAD AVIATION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KSAD Aviation, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 10340 N 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. 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 16, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TEK INDUSTRIES HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tek Industries Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8843 South 137th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. at 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 14, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DMSI HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DMSI Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 26, 2019. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ATOMIC NINJAS OF OMAHA LLC Notice is hereby given that Atomic Ninjas Of Omaha LLC. (the “Company”) has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws. The initial designated office of the Company is 18118 Mason St. Elkhorn, NE 68022. The initial registered agent of the Company is LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC. located at 706 N. 129th St. Suite 121 Omaha, NE 68154. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of LFM Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is LFM Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of LFM Construction, LLC is Luis Fernando Mendez Alvarez at 4161 S 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68117. The designated address is 4161 S 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68117. Initial members: Luis Fernando Mendez Alvarez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on November 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 PAUL R. DIETSCH, VICE PRESIDENT NODDLE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 2285 S 67th Street, Ste. 250 Omaha, NE 68106 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BONUS DAYS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bonus Days, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 4, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2285 S 67th Street, Ste. 250, Omaha, NE 68106. The Registered Agent of the Company is Paul R. Dietsch, 2285 S 67th Street, Ste. 250, Omaha, NE 68106. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of FCM Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is FCM Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of FCM Construction, LLC is Filogonio Cruz Melchor at 620 N 41st Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131. The designated address is 620 N 41st Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131. Initial members: Filogonio Cruz Melchor. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on January 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF THE HUNDRED FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of The Hundred Foundation have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: The Hogan Family Foundation. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 14, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 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 NICOLE E. CRAWFORD, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 6107 Maple Street, Suite B, Omaha, NE, 68104. The registered agent is Julia K. Palzer and the Registered Agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154. 3. The general nature of the Company is clinical mental health counseling. 4. The Company commenced on January 16, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 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: CHRIS A. RING, 2805 Angie 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 CI1924954, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,926.17, 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 16th day of March, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 14, 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 CAREERLINK, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 1905 Harney Street, Suite 110, Omaha, NE 68102. The registered agent for the company is Jeffrey T. Palzer and the registered agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154 3. The general nature of the Company is career placement services. 4. The Company commenced on January 15, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION CHANGE OF NAME The Certificate of Organization of AMR ENTERPRISES, LLC. have been amended, changing the name of the company from AMR ENTERPRISES, LLC to CACR VENTURES, LLC., effective January 14 , 2020. All other provisions of the Certificate of Organization remain unchanged. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 WAYNE S. RASMUSSEN, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BUFFALO RIDGE ENTERPRISES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 16, 2020, Buffalo Ridge Enterprises, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 14914 Buffalo Rd., Springfield, Nebraska 68059. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Michael J. Schram, 14914 Buffalo Rd., Springfield, Nebraska 68059. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 Name: SLCZ, LLC Date of Organization: January 13, 2020 State of Organization: Nebraska Registered Agent: Saul Chavez Registered Office: 6223 N. 150th Street, Omaha, NE 68116 Duration: Perpetual Capital Contribution: $5,000.00 First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PACIFIC MARCY LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PACIFIC MARCY LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on January 13, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Flatwater Development Company LLC, with registered office at 17121 Marcy Street, Attn: Shervin Ansari, Omaha, NE 68118. The Company’s initial designated office is at 17121 Marcy Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 ALEX B. RAINVILLE, Attorney VANDENACK WILLIAMS LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118-3121 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALLAN IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given that ALLAN IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Goons & Hooligans, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 5123 S. 170th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent of the Company is Brian Christiansen, 5123 S. 170th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Company was formed on January 16, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: DEUZ CAMPOS You are hereby notified that on 08/27/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 19026. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 223.00, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 03/08/20 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Megal L Bischoff #25206 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: MDtelehealth, P.C. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporators: John Horne, MD, 2111 South 67th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106 Renuga Vivekanandan, MD, 2111 South 67th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106 First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 2127 VALENTINE STREET, LLC Notice is hereby given that 2127 Valentine Street, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated agent Sean D. Moylan and designated office at 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The purpose for which 2127 Valentine Street, LLC has been established is real estate management, and any and all lawful businesses for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Perpetual existence commenced on January 15, 2020. Management of the company shall be vested in its Members. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 KATHRYN J. DERR, Attorney BERKSHIRE & BURMEISTER 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROYAL TERRACE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROYAL TERRACE, LLC has been amended so as to change the name of the company to LENA PROPERTIES II, LLC as of January 6, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4863 SOUTH 121ST STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4863 South 121st Street, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2357 South 183rd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3717 NORTH 70TH AVENUE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3717 North 70th Avenue, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2357 South 183rd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 SAMUEL J. TURCO, SR., Attorney 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR9-1913 Estate of TIMOTHY A. SVACINA, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on December 16, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased, and that Karen Walag, whose address is 1453 North 96th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68114, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before March 24, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Downey Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O Registered Agent: Shaun Downey Registered Office: 4939 South 24th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporator: Shaun Downey, 4939 South 24th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107 First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020

CHARLES E. DORWART, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-71 Estate of Donna M. Brich, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on January 16th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the testacy of said Decedent and that Renee M. Cummings, of 1810 North 171st Street, Omaha, NE 68118 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before March 24, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ZEHV’S PLACE, LLC The name of the Company is Zehv’s Place, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 7630 Park Drive, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The purpose is to invest in qualified opportunity zone property by acquiring qualified opportunity zone partnership interests or qualified opportunity zone stock in one or more first-tier subsidiaries or by directly acquiring qualified opportunity zone business property and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. The Company intends to be a qualified opportunity fund and cause any first-tier subsidiaries it invests in to meet the requirements for a qualified opportunity zone business. This limited liability company commenced business on January 16, 2020. First publication January 24, 2020, final February 7, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Optimal Offices Name of Applicant: Arkfeld Real Estate, LLC Address: 3512 163rd Plaza Omaha, NE 68116 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NE Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 12/01/2019 General nature of business: Professional business suites for lease ANDY ARKFELD Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 24, 2020

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development will award a total of $523,500 to two recipients under the 2019 HOME Investment Partnerships Community Housing Development Organization funding cycle. NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska will receive $266,000 for purchase, rehabilitation and resale activities with direct homebuyer assistance. The organization serves a seven-county area that includes Colfax, Cuming, Madison, Pierce, Platte, Stanton and Wayne Counties. NeighborWorks Lincoln will receive $257,500 to support construction costs for newly built homes, as well as direct homebuyer assistance. Lincoln Electric System’s Sustainable Energy Program is returning in 2020 with $1.75 million in incentive funds. This year’s program offers incentives for: residential heat pump water heater incentives; high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners with incentives ranging from $200 to $1,500 for qualifying equipment; wholehouse and facility sealing and insulation; commercial lighting to replace existing fluorescent or metal halide lighting with LEDs; commercial and industrial customers can get as much as $100,000 in incentives per year for achieving peak-demand savings through air conditioner/heat pump replacement, variable frequency drive upgrades, compressed air systems analysis and upgrade, energy management systems installation, optimization or upgrade, and systems commissioning. Peoples Company, a provider of land brokerage, management, investment and appraisal services in 21 states, has acquired Omaha-based Mid-Continent Properties, Inc. With the acquisition, Peoples Company increases its team of expert land managers, appraisers and brokers, and its regional reach, specifically in Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas. Mid-Continent Properties, Inc. was formed in the late 1960s to provide management and insurance services for Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas farm owners. Now, over 50 years later, Mid-Continent Properties, Inc. continues to deliver service to clients throughout the Heartland providing land management, brokerage, appraisal and crop insurance services. The Mid-Continent Properties team consists of 10 professionals who joined the Peoples Company. UBreakiFix has brought its smartphone repair service to Midtown Crossing in Omaha. The new store opened on Dec. 31 and is now fixing smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices at 3157 Farnam St. While common device repairs include smartphones, tablets, and computers, uBreakiFix offers repair service on anything with a power button, including drones, hoverboards, game consoles, and everything in between. An authorized service provider for both Samsung and Google, uBreakiFix provides Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel customers with manufacturer-backed, same-day repair service using genuine parts. The 2020 board of directors for the Metro Omaha Builders Association were announced. Officers: President Greg Frazell of G. Lee Homes, Vice President Brett Clarke of Frontier Builders, Immediate Past President Ryan Krejci of Ideal Design

Custom Homes, Treasurer Dan Wellendorf of Builders Supply Co. and Secretary Deb Benak of Centris Federal Credit Union. Directors: Tom Hegarty, General Siding; Matt Kronaizl, Sierra Homes; Marc Stodola, Charleston Homes; Dave Tewes Thomas David Fine Homes; Kent Therkelsen, KRT Construction; Jason Troshynski, Grace Custom Homes; and Dave Vogtman, The Home Company. The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business announced the 2020 inductees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including: Richard R. (Dick) Bell, former chairman and CEO of HDR in Omaha; William W. Marshall, III (posthumous), former president of Five Points Bank in Grand Island; and Roland A. Temme, founder, owner and CEO of TMCO, Inc. in Lincoln. The three will officially be inducted at the Nebraska Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Hall of Fame Banquet Jan. 30 at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln.

Health care notes…

To reflect the growing demand for patient services in allergy and immunology, the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine has created a Division of Allergy and Immunology, which will include four physicians/ faculty members. The new division had previously been under the Department of Internal Medicine’s Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Medicine, which will now revert back to the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. Jill Poole, M.D., was named the division’s first chief. In addition to Poole, the other physicians in the division include three assistant professors — Sara May, M.D., Andrew Rorie, M.D., and Joel Van De Graaf, M.D. The University of Nebraska Medical Center set another record for research funding from external sources, exceeding $138 million for fiscal year 2019. It’s a 2% increase from the previous year’s record total of $135 million, which was itself a 15.8% jump from the previous year. The FY 2019 research dollars included a 13.3% funding increase awarded to the College of Medicine, and the College of Nursing had a 30.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.

Education notes…

“With a semester of school under their belts and young minds well rested after break, the new year is a time for families to step back, reassess academic performance, and recommit to achieving their math goals,” said Michelle Koester, owner of Mathnasium of Papillion. Here are five steps you can take to get your child on track: Assess the situation, identify resources at your disposal, think positively, formulate an action plan and make math fun. “Celebrate accomplishments with enthusiasm. With diligent effort over time, it is entirely possible for a struggling math student to make massive gains with newfound confidence.” Nebraska Methodist College added three new members to its board of directors. Ronald Banse, Dr. Ann Polich and Leon Thomas will join 12 other board memContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. bers in leading the college. Banse, CIA, CISA, spent 42 years working at Union Pacific as an auditor. Polich, M.D., MPH, MBA, has served as the vice president for quality, safety and population health for the Nebraska Methodist Health System since 2016. Thomas is the president and CEO of Jelecos and has over 20 years of experience leading strategic IT initiatives. Doane biology professor Dr. Ramesh Laungani is co-host of “Warm Regards,” a podcast focused on climate change and its various impacts. It is one of five podcasts nominated for “Best Green Podcast” at the second annual iHeart Radio Podcast Awards. Warm Regards, originally started in 2016 by Dr. Jacquelyn Gill, has nearly 500,000 listens since its inception. The podcast is one of the longest-running climate change podcasts in the marketplace and has always been independently operated. Laungani believes there is a gap in understanding between the scientific community and the general public. Shrinking that gap is one of the driving forces behind the podcast. Jeff Harrison, M.D., will be the new chair of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Family Medicine. The announcement was made by Bradley Britigan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, following a national search to find a successor to Michael Sitorius, M.D., who is stepping down after 30 years as department chair. A 1988 graduate of the UNMC College of MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, Jan 29 The American Marketing Association Omaha Chapter is hosting its January 2020 Workshop on “What Are Personas” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at SilverStone Group. Ann Pedersen, director of strategic communications and public relations at OBI Creative, will lead the conversation. Registration is online. The Sarpy County Chamber is kicking of its 2020 luncheon lineup with ActionCOACH’s Jim Barger who will share the 21 most common marketing mistakes. Business growth is driven by marketing, but most business owners are not trained or experienced in marketing, so they often focus on the wrong things. This is a practical and entertaining dive into powerful marketing. The talk is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sarpy County Chamber. Registration is online. Thursday, Jan. 30 The Nebraska Healthcare Financial Management Association is hosting the State of the Senior Care Industry Summit. The Summit has been approved for up to 14 hours of CPE. The event will take place at the Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel & Conference Center and will continue thr following day. Registration is online. The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance Omaha Chapter is hosting its Annual Regulatory Update Luncheon and Scholarship Raffle from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Security National Bank, 1120 S. 101st Street. Janine M. Meyer, tax partner at Seim Johnson, and Megan L. Koziol, tax manager at Seim Johnson, will be the speakers. Registration is avaliable online.

Medicine, Harrison served a brief stint as an emergency medicine physician at Midlands Hospital in Papillion before joining the family medicine faculty in 1995 as clinical assistant professor and medical director of the Mission Village Clinic located at 168th and Q streets. A new report illustrates the economic impact made by Rural Futures Institute Fellows and their work over the summer of 2019. The annual fellows program embeds college students in Nebraska communities over the summer months to lead community service projects. From strategic planning to resource mapping to writing radio ads and taking photos, there was no shortage of deliverables. Evaluation of the program from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln estimates the market value for the participating communities at $111,844 total — $34,246 for Custer County, $29,920 for Chadron, $25,581 Garden County and $22,097 for Grand Island.

Activities of Nonprofits…

First National Bank of Omaha is now accepting applications for its upcoming community development grant cycle, focused on programs related to affordable housing and neighborhood stability, as well as entrepreneurship and small business development. Programs must be implemented for the benefit of low- or moderate-income individuals, families and/ or communities within the FNBO footprint. The first 2020-grant cycle opened on Jan. 8 and the bank will accept applications from eligible nonprofit community organizations until Jan. 29. MENTOR, a coalition that advocates for youth mentoring and the activities of its member agencies, is celebrating National Mentoring Month this January by launching its 7th annual mentor recruitment campaign. As part of the recruitment campaign, MENTOR Nebraska is conducting a corporate mentoring challenge in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber and the mayor’s office. The goal is to challenge Omaha businesses to create or expand an existing mentoring culture within their companies and to encourage employee participation in mentoring programs for youth in the community. Companies must participate in three mentoring activities in order to complete the challenge. Bright Lights recently received $15,000 from the Ameritas Charitable Foundation to help provide need-based scholarships to elementary and middle school students to participate in summer hands-on learning opportunities. Started by two Lincoln women over 30 years ago, Bright Lights typically offers over 100 camps to more than 1,500 students each summer. During their camp, students are immersed in a chosen topic for a week of hands-on learning not often offered to students during the school year. Camps will be hosted at Holmes Elementary and various community sites around Lincoln. The Nebraska Library Commission’s Books2Kids Learning Initiative was awarded $28,000 for new books and eBooks by First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education for children in need. The Nebraska Library Commission’s Books2Kids Learning Initiative will use the award to

reach out to schools, public libraries, Head Start programs, and youth rehabilitation and treatment centers in Nebraska to encourage them to register in the First Book Marketplace.

Arts & events…

Opera in Conversation features three sessions in advance of each production featuring artists, scholars, and other public figures that foster cross-disciplinary explorations of artists, big questions, and concepts in Opera Omaha’s main stage productions. The second session on Jan. 28 will feature Neil Fortin, costume design of “The Abduction from the Seraglio” from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Le Bouillon. Registration for this free event is online. Out Nebraska is hosting its first advocacy-training program for 2020 on Jan. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. Out Nebraska wants to make sure that LGBTQ+ Nebraskans have the necessary tools and skills to practice self-advocacy and join with other community members to create effective and sustainable change. Nebraska’s Unicameral Legislature is the only legislature in the nation that provides an open hearing on every single bill. Out Nebraska will be focusing on how to craft your experience into an effective story for legislators and how to testify in front of a committee, as well as going over legislation for the 2020 session. Join the Tri-Faith Initiative in welcoming author Asma Uddin as its first

speaker for the 2020 Faith Matters series on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the W. Dale Clark Main Library. Uddin is an Inclusive America Project Fellow at the Aspen Institute, where she is leading a project on peace-building in the U.S. culture war. She was formerly Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and has held fellowships at Georgetown, UCLA, and Brigham Young University. Uddin is also an expert adviser on religious freedom to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and a term-member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Uddin is the author of “When Islam Is Not a Religion: Inside America’s Fight for Religious Freedom.” The Sarpy County Chamber Modern Professionals Group is hosting a fundraiser to support its 2019 Non-Profit of the Year winners Midlands Community Foundation and Moving Veterans Forward on Jan. 31 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Papio Bowl. Grab some friends for a team of five or six bowlers and join the group for a fun night of bowling to support these two community organizations. Registration is online. The 13th Annual Ultra Chic Boutique dress sale is taking place on Feb. 2 at a View on State Street. Shop over 2,000 donated dresses, all for $30. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. This is the third year Max I. Walker has partnered with the organization; in 2018 and 2019 $38,000 was raised.

Changing the dynamics with a blindsiding boss by Liz Reyer

Q: I work closely with one of our executives, and he often will swoop in with questions that have no context and sound critical of what I’m doing. It upsets me, and then when I set up a meeting to clear the air, he backs down. Workplace How can I change this dynamic? -Karl, 48, senior director, financial analysis A: A set pattern like this gives you plenty of opportunity to assess the dynamics and weigh your options. Choose a time when you are not feeling bothered to do some reflection. As you think about past incidents, try to identify the triggers that bring out this behavior in him. Visualize the emotions that he is transmitting to try to understand if he is being driven by anger, fear, frustration, or some other strong emotion. It’s not unusual for someone to then bring these feelings to bear in their interactions with others. If this is the case, though, there may not be much you can do to stop him. Your solution then will be to learn to buffer yourself so that you don’t internalize his dynamics. More on that later. Depending on the nature of your relationship, you may be able to have a candid conversation about these interactions and the negative effect they have on you. This is a time for “I statements” to avoid triggering defensiveness on his part. If you are not familiar with this technique, there are lots of resources online. The essence is to create statements that focus on your feelings, the event, the impact, and what you would prefer instead.

For example, you might say, “I feel anxious when you fire questions at me with no context. As a result, I’m less productive and it takes longer to provide the information you need. I would like it if you would give me advance warning to prepare.” When this goes well, it opens the other person’s eyes to the effect of their behavior. As an optimist, I believe that most people don’t intend to be jerks and will try to do better. You can then develop a shared strategy for interacting constructively. At the same time, if they are impulsive by nature and are being reactive to their senior leaders, they may have trouble forming a new habit. That’s where we come back to your personal buffering. First you need to understand your own triggers. Are your interactions with him more fraught than with other people you engage with? Perhaps he even just reminds you of someone from your past. Then keep in mind that your old reactions may no longer be serving you well. Buffer inwardly. Visualize a shield of some sort that keeps his emotions off you, even as you’re interacting. Use your breath to stay centered. Buffer externally. When he raises issues out of the blue, take charge. Get him focused, be able to take notes, and remind him of your communication agreement. Be persistent and advocate for your needs, while also being a cooperative partner and colleague. In most cases, this approach will lead to a more positive and productive working relationship. ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Midcentury chic living rooms, beer, blow-out salons and networking: Why more of us will co-work in 2020 by Corilyn Shropshire

Shaniqua Davis is a seasoned co-worker — but not in the traditional sense, working alongside fellow employees or shooting the breeze at the office water cooler. Davis, 29, is the new definition of co-worker — one Workplace who rents a desk alongside strangers, takes meetings on sofas in cozy common spaces and steps into a tiny phone-boothlike space when she needs privacy. In the past two years in Chicago, she’s had plenty of locations to try as she builds her diversity recruiting business, Noirefy. Davis has set up shop at 1871, WeWork, Novel, came close to joining The Wing and now is back at WeWork. Co-working, she said, has given her an office, an attractive and centrally located meeting space for clients and a venue for networking. She likes getting out of her home office a few days a week and having somewhere to be in the morning, and working in a space that doesn’t look like a traditional office. “I’m a small company … I’m only one person. Usually people like me aren’t doing co-working spaces (because they are expensive), but I’ve figured out the kinks,” Davis said. “I love working in co-working

Farmers emerge optimistic Continued from page 13. 15% to 7.5%. Ports Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which handle roughly half of U.S. maritime trade with China, will likely see increased business from the trade deal, O’Connell said. However, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Gene Seroka does not think the deal will do much to improve matters. Seroka said the port has not seen any noticeable uptick in exports yet, and he doesn’t believe there will be significant gains over the next few months. He said it could take months or years for trade volumes to snap back, and he’s not sure they will ever manage to return to pre-trade war levels. “It’s been 14 consecutive months of declining export business,” Seroka said “The damage that has been done over the past 18 to 20 months has been so hurtful.” Seroka said many American firms have shifted their supply sourcing to Southeast Asian nations, which adds complexity to previously long-established routes and reduces business for the port. If an American company decides to move its manufacturing to Vietnam from China, for example, it might become easier to ship the products to the East Coast via the Suez Canal, and then inland to destinations such as Chicago, Memphis and Dallas. “We’ve basically given a sales lead to every other trading nation,” Seroka said. “We have officially been left behind.” The port needs more specificity on which commodities will benefit from increased purchases under the deal, he said, and which tariffs remain in place in order to figure out supply chains and transit paths. “The details are very slim,” Seroka said. “We’d like to see some specifics.” ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

spaces. It’s flexible.” Davis’ experience illustrates the allure of co-working, a workplace phenomenon that has caught on with freelancers who want a communal table to sit at, entrepreneurs looking for a space to take meetings and large corporations trying to free themselves from long-term leases and expensive office remodels. We Wo r k ’s i n t e r n a l s t r i f e a s i d e , co-working’s upward trajectory continues but the industry is changing. Big shared office space players like WeWork and Industrious are blanketing chosen cities with locations or acquiring competitors. Regus, which outnumbers its competitors in co-working locations around the world fourfold, is making investments to keep up with current trends. Meanwhile, newcomers to the shared office space industry are moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach and going after specific niches. Changing demographics are on the industry’s side. By 2025, 40% of working-age individuals will work as freelancers or independent contractors or for a small organization, according to Robert O’Brien, a global real estate and construction expert at Deloitte. “One of the things that has really driven growth in co-working has been changes to the workforce,” he said. “The fact that there are more freelancers and virtual workers and people who can work for an organization of any size, but work from a distance.” At the end of November, Chicago had 94 co-working spaces occupying about 3.4 million square feet. By the end of this year, that number is expected to jump to 163 spaces and 4.2 million square feet, according to a report from Newmark Knight Frank and Chicago Creative Space. Amenities and services are increasingly important in the co-working arms race. The offerings depend on the clientele co-working operators are wooing: blowdry salons, yoga studios, child care, laundry services, nice bathrooms and showers, wine, beer and chic networking events are all designed to keep tenants happy and paying rent. Members of Working From — Fulton Market at the Hoxton can grab a $25 discounted room at the luxury hotel. “It’s all about creating a great tenant experience,” said Deloitte’s O’Brien. “You’re basically taking what hospitality organizations have tried to do by creating a great guest experience and now applying it to co-workers in a work environment.” An awareness of what certain tenants are craving is part of what led Alicia Driskill to found EvolveHer, a women-only co-working space in the Loop that offers events to help women mentor and be mentored, child care through a partnership with another business and a podcasting studio. Co-working “is just going to continue to grow,” Driskill said. “Giant corporations and organizations and gyms, hotels … everyone is building out workspace toward saturation and there’s a demand for personalization.” Co-working operators will home in on a niche because “it’s not just about the space but the impact you can create,” Driskill said. Co-workers want to be part of a community, and the search for one will drive

the growth of co-working locations, Deloitte’s O’Brien said. “They feel connected to it and they are disciples, helping the community grow,” he said. Operators “will focus more on the user experience, differentiating themselves from their competitors and using technology to understand what their customers want and how to operate efficiently,” O’Brien said. Anna Cerniglia’s experience as she connects with new artists and artwork is what drew her to Working From — Fulton Market at the Hoxton Hotel in the Fulton Market district. The art consultant and entrepreneur gravitated toward the 2-month old space for its high-end design, comfort and quiet. The in-house design team curated the co-working space with custom-designed soft lighting, contemporary furniture in warm tones and high-gloss cabinets and brass fixtures in the kitchens. There’s a yoga studio and beverages for sale, like wine and beer. “I feel very special here,” she said. “When I go to another space and they have a restaurant, I’m always regretting how much I spend. … I feel like here, they are kind of helping you. You can just get a free cup of coffee when you want.” Cerniglia likes co-working so much that she has started her own space, Art/ Work, in the West Town neighborhood geared specifically to people who work in servicing the art industry. The rise of newcomers is prompting companies with longer roots to adapt. IWG, the parent company of industry mainstay Regus, which has locations all over the world, is launching a new brand of short-term high-end rentable office

spaces called No18. In Chicago, the space will be located on the top two floors of 110 N. Wacker and, according to its website, will be a “cosmopolitan” space filled with “quirky furniture and chic art” for members. An in-house report by Regus found flexible workspaces and co-working could bring $127 billion to local economies in the U.S. over the next decade. “It’s important to always remain relevant,” said Michael Berretta, vice president of network development at IWG, which owns Regus. “The focus is always going to be around a professional work environment that’s coupled with an interesting experience.” Industrious, which now has six locations in Chicago after acquiring the three Assemble locations in 2018, has started a new brand, Canvas, designed for companies with 20 to 200 employees. “They are designed for Fortune 500 companies who might be opening in new markets to move into co-working spaces rather than sign new leases,” said Marie Adrian, Industrious’ Midwest regional manager. While cool amenities and services are important, co-working operators also need to make money, which has led several operators to team up with landlords. Co-working businesses get a partner to help share the costs, and landlords get access to a pipeline of future tenants who may need more space as their businesses grow. For most entrepreneurs, picking which space to settle down in is a matter of both the finances and the feel of the space. Teddy Heidt, who runs The Gauge Collective, a digital marketing freelance community, left WeWork and recently settled at Working From — Fulton MarContinued on page 26.

New retirement rules could help boost your savings Continued from page 12. for more than a decade, said the number will be key in helping people understand what kind of regular income their retirement accounts could generate. “People don’t readily have a way to translate the account balance that they’ve accumulated to the amount of regular income that it can deliver to them in their retirement years,” Iwry said. Think of something similar to the estimates that you receive for Social Security retirement benefits. Once you have a clearer picture, you may decide to work longer, save more, or maybe even realize that you’re well on track when it comes to saving for retirement. Right now, many people are in the dark when it comes to their retirement savings, according to Joshua Gotbaum, a guest scholar for economic studies at the Brookings Institution. Many people haven’t saved enough before they retire, but they don’t know it, he said. Or others who have retired don’t know how long their savings will last and they could be afraid to spend even when they have enough financial resources to do so. “This lifetime income benchmarking will help both,” Gotbaum said. Consider this example: A woman with $50,000 in her 401(k) at age 65 could get an annuity paying just under $3,000 per year — or $250 a month — for life. It’s a number that might motivate you to

bump up your regular savings rate. In 2020, individuals can save up to $19,500 in their 401(k) plans — or $500 more than last year. If you’re 50 or older, you can save even more than that through what’s called catch-up contributions, which max out at $6,500 in 2020. In all, someone 50 and older could save up to $26,000 in 2020. The annual contribution limit for Individual Retirement Accounts for 2020 is $6,000 or $7,000 for those 50 and older. -Want to work and save more into your 70s? If you’re working, the new law removes the age cap for setting aside savings into a traditional Individual Retirement Account. Beginning in 2020, the age cap — formerly age 70 1/2 — goes away for individuals who have wage income. You’re allowed to set aside money in a traditional IRA as long as you have income from work. Another plus: If a couple could contribute to a spousal IRA before age 70 1/2, the new rules allow them to do so now even if the person is older than 70 1/2. But remember, the change is only effective starting with tax year 2020 contributions made for the year 2020, so people should understand the 70 1/2 age limit is still in place for traditional IRAs when it comes to contributions made for tax year 2019. ©2020 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

LocalLocal startups Startup

Advances in Medicine A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Advances in Medicine overview • Sports medicine • Robotics Travel nursing • Facility upgrades • In the lab Issue Date: January 31 • Ad Deadline: January 23

Ecosystem

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Local Startup Ecosystem overview • Entrepreneur resources Silicon Prairie growth • Building a business plan Issue Date: January 31 • Ad Deadline: January 23

Hotels & Tourism A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Tourism industry • Hotels overview Travel agents • Events and conventions Entertainment districts Issue Date: February 7 • Ad Deadline: January 30 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 • Joe Misiunas - joe@mbj.com

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

Appointed

Promoted

Added

Appointed

Samantha Mosser

Stacy Durr

Tyler Albers

Nate Keller

President

Regional Retail Banking Manager

Vice President/ Relationship Manager

Pinnacle Bank

Cornhusker Bank

ACCESSbank

The Board of Directors of ACCESSbank is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Mosser as President. Mosser joins CEO Patrick Corrigan and the ACCESSbank executive leadership team in providing exceptional service to clients and seeking continued growth in the Omaha commercial banking market. Mosser brings a wealth of knowledge and prior leadership experience in the Omaha market. She feels this is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to a great team established by Corrigan. “ACCESSbank is a well-known and respected bank,” said Mosser. “I have admired their approach to serving their clients and it is an honor to be selected to join this outstanding organization. I’m excited to be a part of the bank’s future and I look forward to working closely with Pat, the board, management and team members.” ACCESSbank CEO, Corrigan said, “I am delighted to welcome Samantha as our new President. She is a proven leader with a strong track record of driving results, building a quality team, and growing a local bank. Sam impacts our leadership team in a way that enriches our commitment to stakeholders while supporting the bank’s vision for growth in the Omaha marketplace.” Mosser has over 20 years of commercial banking experience, the last ten as the Omaha Market President for Union Bank & Trust. She holds a MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha and Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Pinnacle Bank recently promoted Stacy Durr to Regional Retail Banking Manager for the Lincoln area. Durr works from the 70th and Adams location. In her new role, Durr will oversee all retail branch services, activities and product development. She has also emphasized the importance of customer service through her work. Durr has 25 years of banking experience, including 22 years with Pinnacle Bank. She’s held a variety of positions at several locations, including serving as a Branch Manager for 19 years. Durr holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Stacy enjoys volunteering for community events and recently served as the President of the Board of Directors for Women in Community Service. She is also an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. About Pinnacle Bancorp: Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp is a $12 billion financial holding company with 152 locations across 7 states. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce Tyler Albers has been appointed as Vice President/Relationship Manager. Tyler will be working out of the Cornhusker Bank Loan Production Office at 135th and California Streets in Omaha until the bank’s new facility at 111th and Blondo Streets in Omaha is completed and opened in March of 2020. Mr. Albers brings 10 years of banking experience with him. Barry Lockard, Cornhusker Bank President/CEO, noted, “Tyler’s experience in the industry, along with community involvement in organizations such as the Risk Management Association and Business Network International, make him a talented and highly qualified addition to the Cornhusker Bank team.” Tyler’s community involvement also includes Metro Basketball official, Ducks Unlimited, 6th Mav’s Club, and volunteering for organizations such as the Annual Paint-a-Thon with Northern Natural, and St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. Cornhusker Bank remains the area’s oldest locally owned bank, demonstrating Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and showing a commitment to the Omaha community with the opening of its full service Omaha location in the spring of 2020. For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.

Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce Nate Keller has been appointed as Vice President/ Relationship Manager. Nate will be located at the 8310 O Street location in the Cornhusker Bank Center. Barry Lockard, President/ CEO reported, “Nate brings nearly two decades of banking experience in consumer and commercial lending with him, and we are excited he has joined our team.” Mr. Keller noted, “I enjoy working with people and building long-term relationships.” Nate is a United Way volunteer and supporter; a member of Lincoln Realtors Association; Treasurer of Boulder Ridge Neighborhood Association; a Pheasants Forever youth mentor; and coaches his son’s sports teams. Cornhusker Bank remains the area’s oldest locally owned bank, demonstrating Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and investing in the success of customers, associates, and community. For more information, please visit www. CornhuskerBank.com.

ARCHITECTURE

Promoted

Kjersten Tucker Lead Interior Architect Sinclair Hille Architects

Sinclair Hille Architects is pleased to promote Kjersten Tucker, AIA, IIDA, NCARB to Lead Interior Architect. Tucker, a Registered Architect and Seward, Nebraska native, joined Sinclair Hille in 2016 after spending seven years in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received a Master of Architecture Degree from Georgia Tech and worked for one of Atlanta’s Top 5 Architecture Firms. She brings design experience in office, mixed-use, higher education, and the creative use of lighting and materiality to shape the built environment. Since joining Sinclair Hille Architects, Kjersten has led interior design and the

implementation of high-quality virtual reality and video animations as primary design and client communication tools. Sinclair Hille Architects offers a full range of design services and focuses on projects where people Live, Work and Learn. To find out more, please visit their website at www.sinclairhille.com or call 402-476-7331.

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

David Warner Senior Associate Holland Basham Architects

With 15 years of architectural experience, David understands clients’ needs and applies his expertise to every project. He has a deep understanding of the entire process from conception through project completion. His unique background and desire to strive for perfection are instrumental in David’s success as a project manager, as well as his ability to elevate HBA’s design work. Congratulations to David on his promotion to Senior Associate.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content

HEALTH CARE MARKETING Appointed

New

Brent Schott President Swanson Russell

ARCHITECTURE

MARKETING & BRANDING

Promoted

Gary Greckel

Katie Ripa

Shareholder & Director of Quality

Vice President: Account Director

Holland Basham Architects

KidGlov Lincoln

For 29 years, Gary has been providing exceptional service to Holland Basham Architects’ clients. His commitment to quality control and technical competence makes Gary a recognized leader in the firm. His leadership and willingness to mentor project architects helps solidify HBA’s reputation for outstanding client satisfaction and project outcomes. It is due to his pivotal role in HBA’s success that we announce our newest shareholder. Congratulations, Gary.

KidGlov is pleased to announce the promotion of Katie Ripa to Vice President: Account Director. Ripa brings more than 15 years of experience in branding, strategy and management to the agency. In her new role, she will focus on creating strategies, strengthening current relationships and supporting new business efforts. Before joining KidGlov in 2016, Ripa was brand management/marketing strategist for ExMark Manufacturing and worked in business development for both BVH Architects and E&A Consulting Engineers.

Swanson Russell, Nebraska’s largest full-service advertising, marketing and communications agency, announced today that Brent Schott has been appointed to president. Chief Executive Officer Dave Hansen has moved into the role of chairman. Brian Boesche will continue his role as chief creative officer. In his new role as president, Schott will be responsible for establishing and managing the agency’s vision while working closely with leadership to ensure exceptional business operations, client service, strategic counsel and communications development. He will keep the agency focused on building client brands with the agency’s proprietary Real Connection™ approach. Schott was formerly executive vice president/managing director of Swanson Russell. He joined the agency in 1990 as a computer graphic designer and has held roles in design, copywriting, database marketing and account service. “When I first joined Swanson Russell, there were 30 employees. With 176 employees today, I have a personal interest and a framework for the future to ensure that this culture continues to thrive. Our employees are mentored and encouraged to pursue their creative passions and interests. And our work is reflected in the core values we live by every day: be a team, be real, be honest, be hungry, and be thankful. These important intangibles will continue to be nurtured as they are a big reason for our success and longevity.” Schott added, “Technology and the resulting digital transformation are changing everything about our business. With that change comes new challenges, but also new opportunities to better understand and engage consumers and business decision makers. Big data, marketing technology and an expanded focus on the entire customer experience are elevating our ability to deliver a Real Connection™ for our clients. These are exciting times to be in this business.” Boesche and Hansen assumed leadership of Swanson Russell in 2007 and displayed their commitment to the legacy of founders Gus Swanson and Steve Russell by maintaining their local commitment. Under their leadership, the agency has increased capitalized billings by 51 percent (from $87M to $131M), with record billings in five of the past

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six years. The agency’s employee base has also grown from 132 to 176. In addition, Boesche and Hansen recently supported the agency’s growth with a new 12,000-square-foot building, adjacent to the existing office location in downtown Lincoln. Both Boesche and Hansen will continue to be active with several clients and involved in new business to ensure the continued growth and success of Swanson Russell, while also providing guidance and support to Schott. “We announced the leadership transition plan at our annual staff meeting in 2017,” said Hansen. “With continuity as our focus, the transition has been a work in progress, and we can’t be more excited for the next chapter ahead. Brent (Schott) is bringing new ideas and energy to the foundation of who we are at Swanson Russell.” Boesche added, “Brent will continue to evolve our agency by pushing teams to utilize new technology and stay current with the trends of marketing, branding and advertising. The continued success of Swanson Russell is in good hands.” For more information about Swanson Russell, visit www.swansonrussell.com. Swanson Russell is a nationally recognized fullservice branding, advertising and public relations agency in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. The agency partners with clients across many industries while specializing in agriculture, construction, landscape/turf, outdoor recreation and healthcare. To learn how Swanson Russell builds a Real Connection™ between brands and audiences, visit www.swansonrussell.com.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

U.S. patent activity surged in 2019 with Microsoft, Amazon among the top 10 recipients by Benjamin Romano

Washington’s technology giants were both among the top 10 recipients of U.S. patents in 2019, a record year for new intellectual property. Microsoft ranked fourth with 3,083 patents granted and Amazon, with 2,434, was ninth, according Technology to an analysis by IFI Claims Patent Services. Boeing was 22nd on the list, with 1,383. Just behind Amazon was Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, and Chinese companies as a group claimed 5% of U.S. patents issued last year, trailing South Korean and Japanese businesses among foreign patent awardees. In all, 333,530 patents were granted in 2019, up 15% from a year earlier, IFI found. “The trend is up and it pretty much follows the economy, so it’s no surprise that 2019 was a banner year,” said IFI senior analyst Larry Cady. While Amazon often attracts attention for unusual patents related to its core business of online commerce and delivery — air bags for packages dropped by drone, wrist-

Co-work in 2020 Continued from page 22. ket because he found it quieter, more communal and offered a more affordable and flexible leasing arrangement, he said. “It’s more open here and pushes us to be more communicative and social with each other,” Heidt said. “I don’t work with the people around me, but we’ve turned this into a type of cohort where we refer each other to people who may be interested in our work.” Vanessa Abron, who runs Agency Abron, a public relations, marketing and communications firm, said despite the slight uptick in rent in the three years she’s been at WeWork, she’s staying the course with the co-working space where, ironically, she’s already put down some roots. Abron, who works from the River North WeWork location, feels “light and airy, like I can take on the world,” when she walks to her desk in the morning. WeWork allows her to bring in the dog, Millie, she often takes care of for a friend. She regularly hosts networking events in the space and hangs out in the common area where she meets other “co-workers” who have helped her with her business. But it’s not all perfect, she said. “I do hate that they got rid of the beer and no one will tell me where it went,” she said. “I can’t get a consistent answer.” ©2020 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

bands tracking worker movements in warehouses, or methods for discretely returning unwanted gifts before they’re sent – the majority of its 2019 granted patents fell into a few broad technology categories. Most of its 2019 patents were for data processing and transmission of digital information, likely relating to its huge, highly profitable cloud computing business, Cady said. “Amazon has a similar profile to IBM, Microsoft, Google and Facebook,” he said. (IBM was again the top recipient of U.S. patents last year, followed by Samsung Electronics and Canon.) Amazon also had a concentration of patents in speech recognition, a reflection of its Alexa voice computing technology and machine learning, though several of Amazon’s rivals were active in this area, too, Cady said. The lag time between a patent applica-

tion and its grant can be two years or more, so the patent categories granted in 2019 represent the outcome of research conducted in the mid- to late-2010s or earlier. And many patents may never wind up in a product on the market. At Amazon, patents don’t necessarily reflect current developments in its product and services, a spokesperson said. But a robust and growing patent portfolio is table stakes for the world’s biggest technology companies, and their employees are often recognized and rewarded for inventions patented on behalf of their employers. Amazon has an internal office to streamline the process, helping even non-engineers claim ideas on the company’s behalf. As recognition for filing for a patent, employees get clear, puzzle-shaped awards adorned with CEO Jeff Bezos’ signature. A blue puzzle piece recognizes granted patents.

Amazon ranked 52nd on a separate IFI tabulation of active patent holders — counting the patent families owned by a company and its subsidiaries, which may include multiple individual patents related to a given technology. Microsoft is fifth on that list. An Amazon spokesperson declined to provide specifics on the company’s patent portfolio. IFI also tracked the fastest-growing areas of new patent activity from 2014 to 2019. This list includes genetically modified hybrid plants, gene editing technologies, cancer therapies, quantum computing and machine learning, 3-D printing, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous driving and piloting systems, medical image processing and golf equipment. ©2020 The Seattle Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

is used for grazing livestock, is in a conservation reserve program or has forestland in a forest management program. “There’s literally companies out there that will run goats on your property for a couple days just so you can say you’re agricultural property,” said Chris Stiffler, a senior economist with the Colorado Fiscal Institute in Denver. For farmers like Schmale, the tax burden dings his standard of living, retirement savings and ability to pay for new machinery. “For an equal-sized farmer in Nebraska and a comparable-sized farm in eastern Colorado, those guys are always going to be ending up better,” Schmale said. “They’re going to have a competitive advantage.” The Nebraska bill doesn’t go far enough, but it’s a “good step in the right direction,” said Republican state Sen. Curt Friesen, who’s among the Revenue Committee members to sign on to the bill. “We have all said we didn’t get there in one year, so we’re not going to fix it in one year,” said Friesen, who’s also a corn and soybean farmer. But critics seek a long-term solution. Without a constitutional amendment, a new group of senators could change the property tax calculation. Some also question whether the state will have enough money to cut property taxes without other revenue to make up for it. Lawmakers tend to keep an eye on what neighboring states are doing because every state wants to remain competitive and avoid losing residents over high taxes, said the Tax Foundation’s Loughead. “We’ve had an over-reliance on property taxes for a long time,” said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, “and the legislature and the governor have not been willing to step up and accept the responsibility to fix a structural inequity.” Grassroots group True Nebraskans is collecting signatures to put a ballot initiative on the 2020 ballot that would provide a 35% rebate of the property tax all residents pay and credit it to their state personal or business income tax. The proposal wouldn’t require local governments to change their policies and attempts to move Nebraska toward a consumption-based tax revenue stream,

according to advocates. The state ranks among the lowest in the United States in sales taxes and school aid. But critics of the initiative, including Ricketts, warn that it would result in significant state tax increases if adopted. “The governor has accused us of attempting to blow a hole in the state budget,” said True Nebraskans’ Campaign Manager Patrick Bonnett. “To that I say, the legislature has spared precious little to the hole that’s been blown in local Nebraska families’ budgets.” ‘We’ll Tough It Out’ In 2017, Frederic “Fritz” and Nancy Oltjenbruns were fed up. That year, they paid Lancaster County, Nebraska, roughly $50,000 in property taxes for their 585acre family farm in Ceresco, 20 miles north of Lincoln. They took home about $30,000 for themselves. “With that kind of money, you would think our kids could converse with Einstein and our roads would be paved in silver,” Fritz said. “We didn’t think we were getting much value for our money.” The couple became the poster children for the Cornhusker State’s property tax woes when they left their 150-year-old family farm behind. After considering states including South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas, they settled near Warrensburg, Missouri. They bought 850 acres on the Blackwater River with 2-foot-thick topsoil, and a third more rain than Ceresco, so they no longer worry about drought. “The first year down here was the best crop of my entire career,” Fritz said. The next year wasn’t, given the region’s historic flooding. But the Oltjenbruns say they’re still better off. “We’ll tough it out,” Fritz said. In Missouri, they paid $1,100 in property taxes for their farm in 2018. After they added a 60-foot grain bushel and 100-foot machine shed, their taxes increased, to $1,200 in 2019. Overall, Missouri farmers paid roughly $235 million in property taxes in 2017, a 21% increase from 2012. “You can’t help but notice,” Nancy said, “things are different when you move to another state and wonder, why does it have to be this way?” ©2020 Stateline.org Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Property taxes sink farmland owners Continued from page 11. taxes,” Schmale said. The latest Census of Agriculture from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that in 2017, 43,000 Nebraska farmers paid $686.5 million in property taxes, a 43% increase from the previous census in 2012, and a 206% increase from 1997. (The census figures reflect property taxes paid by producers for the farm share of land, machinery, buildings and livestock. They exclude taxes paid by landlords, which would result in significantly higher figures.) By comparison, 37,000 Colorado farmers and ranchers paid about $129 million or $3,500 each. Nebraska farmers paid nearly five times as much, both collectively and individually. Only two states collected more property tax from farmers than Nebraska. In California, 65,000 farmers paid $1.1 billion, or roughly $17,300 each. In Texas, which has no state income tax, 236,000 farmers and ranchers paid $698 million, or roughly $3,000 each. Following Nebraska are Iowa ($538 million), Illinois ($432 million), Ohio ($412 million) and Minnesota ($403 million). Nationally, 1.9 million farms paid $9.4 billion in property taxes, for an average of roughly $4,900 per farm. Five years earlier, 2 million farms paid about $3,800 each. Between 2012 and 2017, property taxes overall increased about 27%. A Structural Inequity States vary in what property they tax and how. For example, the taxable value of agricultural land in Colorado is based on a 10-year average of the earning or productive capacity of the land, regardless of the property’s market value. “As a result, the actual values of agricultural property are often much lower than their market values, and they tend to be relatively stable from year to year,” according to the 2018 annual report from the division of property taxation at the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. But the system is not without faults. Broader qualifications for farms and ranches in Colorado have resulted in people falsely claiming an agricultural tax status. Among the qualifications are that the land

LBJ Pages •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Lincoln

BUSINESS Journal Pages

A monthly production by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

President Linda Blair … The 80-year-old Lincoln-based credit union expanded its footprint from two counties to 10 last year.

MembersOwn Credit Union expands footprint as it gives members rebates by Dwain Hebda

MembersOwn Credit Union enjoyed brisk business in 2019, enough to share with its 8,000 members in a very concrete way. In January, the Lincoln-based institution announced it would issue a 2019 yearend dividend bonus and interest rebate of 7%, due to the company’s performance last year. “It’s a special thing to be able to do

it,” said Linda Blair, president. “We have had, for the last three years, really good loan growth. We make more money by lending out to our members and putting it in investments. That has fueled more income for the credit union, so we wanted to be able to give it back to those members.” This isn’t the first time the credit union has made this move for its members, Blair said, but it is the first time in 11 years the

company has done so. It’s also the first logical tools. The company doesn’t plan on bonus dividend interest rebate issued adding brick and mortar to its new market since MembersOwn expanded its market areas; instead, it has invested heavily in footprint last summer. developing new products and tools that “As credit unions, the way we’re reg- make it easier for members to do business ulated is we have a field of membership,” with MembersOwn. she said. “Our regulators control what “We do a lot of things online and digimembers we can serve based on what tally,” Blair said. “Within the digital world, counties they give us. we’ve got an online account-opening “We were serving just two counties in system. We’ve gone through some other southeast Nebraska, Lancaster and Gage online enhancements internally, such as County. Now we serve 10 counties and a new lending system that frees up more Lincoln and Beatrice are the hub of those time for our staff.” 10 counties.” All of these have combined to attract Credit unions new members, Blair differ from banks MembersOwn Credit Union said, especially conin that they are notsumers who are just Phone: 402-436-5365 Lincoln/ 402-223for-profit, memstarting out. 4204 Beatrice ber-owned institu“ D e f i n i t e l y, Address: 1391 South 33rd Street, Lintions, Blair said. [members are] getcoln/2600 Eastside Boulevard, Beatrice Many are tied to ting younger,” she Service: Banking services including a group such as a said. “Our favorite savings, checking, auto, home equity and religious organizaloan to do is their personal loans tion or, as in Memvery first car loan. Employees: 25 bersOwn’s original We also have a great Industry outlook: Competition has case, a company. lease look-alike intensified with online players, competi“We were, many auto loan that we’ve tion MembersOwn has met with improved years ago, the Linbeen really excittechnological tools and new lending c o l n Te l e p h o n e ed about because it products. The efforts have paid off particEmployees Credit gets those younger ularly well with younger consumers, who Union,” Blair said. borrowers in a betmake up a growing segment of the credit “We changed and ter car without the union’s membership. then became a comfear of a lease where Website: membersowncu.org munity-chartered sometimes you don’t credit union.” know everything Blair said while it isn’t difficult to that’s going into it. That’s an exciting become a member — just open a check- new product.” ing account — some restrictions, such as Blair said the company’s true competiwhere consumers reside, can limit who tive advantage doesn’t lie with technology, can join. This means marketing has to be but the individual attention members get extremely targeted, especially as online from the credit union’s 25 employees, competition continues to grow. whether for a checking account, auto, “Online [competition] is really heavy home equity or personal loans. now,” she said. “Almost 60% of our loans “It gets back to us working to build that are in auto loans, so lenders like Ally or relationship and be their go-to person,” other big lenders that work with car dealers she said. “If we can treat them right, like are competition for us.” they’re a member and owner and part of Blair said the credit union’s counter- our family, then they’ll tell their friends balance to new competition lies in techno- and their family.”

Downtown Lincoln - Page 28

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• LBJ Pages • Dowwntown Lincoln

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN A section prepared by the staff of the Lincoln Business Journal

January 24, 2020

Lincoln’s downtown a shining attraction for residents, visitors by Dwain Hebda

Investment and development in Lincoln’s downtown district have paid off handsomely, say city officials. Not only is the neighborhood a popular place for residents to seek entertainment, it’s also a magnet for businesses and a key part of convention and tourism traffic. “Downtown is the heartbeat of the city,” said Todd Ogden, president and CEO of Downtown Lincoln Association. “Looking at other strong cities throughout the country, they survive and thrive on a healthy city core. “Downtown Lincoln’s role has always provided an inclusive atmosphere to create new ideas and serve as an incubator for innovation. As we look into the future, I see downtown continuing its role as an active business hub, but I also see it evolving into a neighborhood of its own, with an active resident community.” In order to achieve this, the neighborhood must address several challenges. “Downtown will need to continue to adjust to its growth,” he said. “Providing the right business mix will continue to be a challenge, but also serve as an opportunity. Our Downtown Lincoln Master Plan … recognizes Lincoln has a strong connection to education, high quality of life and a hardworking and innovative business and development community. We need to capitalize on this momentum and help downtown continue to become the center of opportunity that is welcoming to everyone.”

Todd Ogden, president and CEO of Downtown Lincoln Association. One particularly attractive aspect of down- concentrated area,” he said. “We are seeing more town is its allure for young professionals and and more employees that want the live, work entrepreneurs alike, said Luke Peltz, director of and play opportunity that they can get in larger business development for the Lincoln Chamber metros. This is an attractive tool for not only reof Commerce. cent college grads, but also for the ‘boomerangs’ “Lincoln’s downtown is an attractive loca- who are wanting to come back to the good life.” tion for new business. It has all the amenities that Peltz echoed the opinion that for everything employees and employers are looking for in one that downtown offers, there are still some glaring omissions that must be addressed for the neighborhood to fully realize its potential. “The major challenge for the downtown core is a lack of existing parking garages,” he said. “We have been working closely with the city to address these needs. The Telegraph District and

Railyard, meanwhile, have constructed ample parking in the area to plan for future parking needs.” Jeff Maul, vice president and executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Lincoln’s downtown is also a key element of tourism and economic development. “Visitors often gauge a city’s vitality on its downtown area, which is why it’s essential to have a strong downtown,” he said. “In the last 10 years, there has been nearly $1 billion in development in the downtown area which has made this part of Lincoln very attractive.” Maul said the only Maul drag on downtown’s appeal for groups and conventions is the lack of a suitable convention center. “The Downtown Lincoln Master Plan, released in 2019, focuses on the next goals for downtown development,” he said. “From a Convention and Visitors Bureau point of view, construction of a convention center in the downtown area is needed to remain competitive in the events industry. “Currently, there is an adequate supply of hotel rooms in downtown, but Lincoln lacks the meeting space required to host the next level of events we would like to go after. Additional research is needed, and our next steps would be to identify the appropriate location and identify the funding sources that could pay for the construction of a convention center.”

New redevelopment, retail opportunities bring new life to city’s entertainment hub by Gabby Christensen

Lincoln’s retail market is seeing some change, according to local real estate and development experts. Sally DeLair, sales associate at NAI NFM Lincoln, said downtown development continues to be good, with the market experiencing an increased number of restaurant closings with most quickly filling up with new occupants or redevelopment opportunities. Within the downtown retail sector, DeLair said soft goods retailers are still in demand, yet hard to come by. “Challenges to further development

for downtown include traffic, parking and decisions on what to do with the Pershing site,” she said. DeLair said Lululemon, Chase Bank and Rusty Taco recently entered the Lincoln market with downtown locations. Additionally, she said The Gold’s Building, a 96-year old six-story office tower, was recently purchased by Florida-based Keating Resources and the interior of the building will be gutted and rebuilt for a new 110-room extended stay hotel. “A strong local economy, increasing Continued on next page.

LBJ Pages • Downtown Lincoln •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

New redevelopment, retail opportunities Trends drive downtown living focus Continued from preceding page. Retail will continue to add more ecovisitor numbers and public and private investment has all supported the ongoing evolution of Lincoln’s downtown,” DeLair said. “The downtown core plays a major role as a regional destination, as the focus of specialty shopping, entertainment, office, residential and hotel development bring together a unique combination of local, regional and national tenants.” DeLair Robin Eschliman, president of Eschliman Commercial Real Estate, said a large number of restaurants closed in Downtown and Haymarket in Lincoln in 2019 proportionate to the city. “Restaurateurs probably overshot on what downtown can support despite the number of hotels, apartments and student housing moving into the area,” Eschliman said. “The cost of building out a restaurant has dramatically increased, partly because of burdensome code requirements and partly because of inflation in construction prices. The cost of labor has significantly increased partly due to minimum wage increases and partly due to market conditions.” She expects the market to correct itself somewhat in the upcoming year. “I predict that the new hotel and apartment complexes coming with construction projects in the downtown area will offer retail space on the first floor,” Eschliman said. “However, we haven’t seen very many prospects coming to street level spaces in recent years, and unfortunately I do not expect that to change in 2020. My prediction is that the city of Lincoln will relax its standards of requiring developers to provide active space on the first floor and will allow them to put apartments or office space on the first floor, just so we won’t have so many vacancies.” Jonathan S. Camp, vice president of Haymarket Square Developers, said he spent a lot of time watching the district evolve while working on the ground to resurrect old warehouses, and as with anything that grows, change is inevitable. “The district is becoming evermore youthful and consequently more vibrant,” Camp said. “This provides more opportunity for businesses and community in Lincoln’s Downtown and Haymarket than ever before.” He said there is more potential downtown for enterprising businesses capable of tapping the right retail sectors which cater to the burgeoning millennial population. “Location is always key in retail,” Camp said. “The all-day shopping mall hang-out scene is over and to access customers with brick-and-mortar retail, you need to be where they are located. Customers with disposable income — the lifeblood of retail — are increasingly living, working, studying, or attending entertainment in the Haymarket and Downtown.”

nomic and commercial diversity to Lincoln’s Downtown and Haymarket districts. “It adds communal activity, increases

Eschliman Camp the duration of visitors’ stays and facilitates the financial engine necessary for a strong, thriving municipal core,” he said. “Retail is a vital anchor to our continually evolving and growing downtown, providing opportunity for businesses, customers and community.”

on one thing: New development by David Kubicek

Two trends are driving downtown residential development — what developers are constructing and what tenants are asking for. “Developers still see room in the market for more undergraduate student-oriented housing,” said Hallie Salem, a Lincoln Urban Development redevelopment manager. They are showing a continued interest in developing condos and second floor rehabilitations in mixed-use buildings — such as a project at 16th and O streets, the Post and Nickel project at 14th and P streets, and Canopy Park in the Haymarket, which will have a mix of luxury and affordable housing. South Haymarket Park is also slated for development in the next few years.

“There’s a demand for more affordable options that are right-sized for different households,” Salem said. “Downtown has lots of studio apartments, which are more affordable for lower income individuals, but the studios don’t work for two- or three-person households. We need some more affordable options for families and for ADA households where someone lives with the tenants to assist them.” A national trend is millennials and empty nesters moving downtown where work and services are within walking distance or easily accessible by other means of transit. “We want to create an environment people want to live in, in terms of streets, sidewalks, alleys,” Salem said. “We’re creating a more friendly environment that bumps out curbs, creates shade with street Continued on next page.

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • LBJ Pages • Dowwntown Lincoln

Trends drive downtown living focus on one thing: New development Continued from preceding page. trees, and longer crossing times or shorter crossing distances to bridge the gap between where people live and the services they want.” Currently under development is the O Street corridor project, which will make Lincoln’s main street more walkable and easy to use. The city is also looking at the corridors of 9th and 10th streets, making those crossings easier to get through, and on Salem determining the best use of its parking infrastructure. U.S. Property has 137 units all over Lincoln, with most of them downtown, including some mixed-use buildings from 8th and O streets to 22nd and Y streets, Residential Property Manager Devany Ray said. “For us, location is centric,” she said.

“[Our tenants] work down here, they go to school down here, and they want to be within walking distance. We don’t have many people who commute from [downtown] to other parts of the city.” Although lots of student housing has been developed downtown over the past few years, many projects have been built that appeal to a wide demographic, according to Brett Harris, managing broker at Greenleaf Harris Properties. “There was a pent up demand from folks living outside of Lincoln who want a place for when they’re in town for football games, or they may have a child at UNL,” he said. “A number of people living outside of Lincoln rented apartments or purchased condos in the downtown area. There is also a younger

professional demographic that works downtown or at UNL.” Tax increment financing (TIF) allowed some of these redevelopment projects to happen. For instance, TIF is available for conversion of older buildings into apartments or condos. “Downtown is seen as a more desirable place to live than it was 10, 15, or 20 years ago,” Harris said. “Some of that has to do with downtown becoming a more vibrant place to

be with the [Pinnacle Bank] arena built about five years ago and all the associated development. In the west Haymarket area we’re seeing more entertainment options than there used to be. We have more employers down there now. We still have a ways to go before we can truly call it a 24/7 environment, but that has changed some of the perception about living downtown. There are also more newer apartments with modern amenities available than there have been in the past.”

by Dwain Hebda

scarlet and cream and we are proud to support them,” said Katy Martin, account executive with Hurrdat who handles corporate sponsorships for The Railyard. “It’s true that we have the greatest fans in all of college sports. “We have had excellent crowds, for both home and away games, extra programming and vendors on Canopy Street to expand the entertainment district. This was a huge success during the Ohio State game when College Game Day came to town. Sure, there is disappointment with a loss, but we still have a great watch party and environment to help support the team as they rebuild and look to success.” The Railyard is a popular site for pep rallies and other events surrounding Cornhusker sporting events, Martin said. Digital marketing has been a key element in Leners sustaining interest and driving participation in as well. “Digital advertising and marketing are something we take pride in,” she said. “Our digital strategists help promote the events beforehand but more importantly, during and after the event you can see how much fun is happening at The Railyard.” Other companies hang their hat on helping clients leverage the popularity of Big Red athletics as the backdrop for corporate social and entertainment functions. “Fans are looking to be entertained in multiple ways by creating new experiences,” said Stacy Leners with Blur Parties. “Our business focuses on hospitality events surrounding the Nebraska football home games. We provide an atmosphere for companies to entertain clients, employees or prospects outside of the actual game.” Leners described Blur Parties events as turnkey entertainment functions that include food and drink, tailgate games and music before and during the athletic contest. It helps companies make the most of the game day experience. “This concept allows companies looking to entertain guests for an entire day versus just a few hours by surrounding them with other entertainment, not only the game,” she said. Leners said clients aren’t fazed by the football and basketball programs’ lackluster success in recent seasons. “With our corporate groups, business has not been affected too much,” she said. “Corporate groups look for those unique options to entertain clients in a setting unlike anything else Continued on next page.

Husker sports draw crowds no matter the season or record No matter the season or the final score, the Cornhuskers are still a hot ticket and experts say Husker athletics are a particularly big draw for Lincoln’s downtown. “The Husker faithful will always show up in

LBJ Pages • Downtown Lincoln •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 24, 2020 •

Connected bike system, enhancements benefit downtown dwellers, commuters, visitors by Jasmine Heimgartner

Long known for its extensive bike path system, with all points leading downtown, Lincoln’s continued efforts to accommodate the growing number of cyclists is making bicycling easier. “Whether you are in Lincoln for the day or you live here, you want to get from A to B,” said Edith Matteson, president of Great Plains Bicycling Club. “Many people commute by bike daily, some of them all year round. There is also the option of bringing your bike with you and combining bicycling with other forms of transportation. You can park in town or at a shopping mall on the edge of town and put your bike on the front of a bus to get your journey started. Then, you can hop on your bike to finish your journey or park your car and find a trail or bike route to take you where you need to go.” Accessibility and enhancements to biking paths is especially important for people who spend the majority of their time downtown. “A key reason we have seen investment in the trail system is more off-campus student housing and continued growth of downtown living,” said Paul Glenn, co-founder and co-owner of Tailwind E-Bikes. “Not having to park downtown is one less expense for a student. It really becomes part of a lifestyle and is their primary transportation method. The trails are also key to the safety and comfort of those students, many of whom aren’t from the area.” Since 2018, one enhancement has been the addition of a bike share program. More than 73,000 people have used the program since it was launched. With 20 stations and a new one on its way, their versatility makes it an ideal solution for various kinds of riders.

Husker sports Continued from preceding page. during the year. We have seen some companies scale back a bit and choose different outlets to entertain outside of football season, however for the most part we still feel the interest is there.” Jeff Sheldon, senior director of communications and marketing for the Nebraska Alumni Association, is even more adamant about the continuing popularity of Husker events, even in rebuilding years. “It’s no secret Nebraska alumni and fans are the most loyal, passionate fans in the country and we continue to see strong levels of support for the alumni association even when athletic programs are rebuilding,” he said. The association hosts a full slate of events on home football weekends as well as hosting trips to select away games each year. The organization’s Nebraska Champions Club, which provides a VIP game day experience, is also not hurting for takers. All of this speaks to the deeper impact University of Nebraska-Lincoln has on the faithful. “Our members support the University of Nebraska for what it means to communities across the state. That goes beyond athletics,” Sheldon said. “The university produces an enormous economic boost that’s felt in all 93 Nebraska counties and our alumni know that supporting the university is essential to a strong future for our state.”

“You might be someone who is infre- explore the major beauty around us. For quently downtown so just a ride purchase others, specifically in the past 12 months, pass will work,” said Jamie Granquist, I’ve noticed a lot more e-bikes being used city manager at BikeLNK. “If you work by commuters. It’s something people are downtown or only ride in the recognizing as a tremendous summer, a monthly or annual financial savings. The cost of a pass option might work. Riding good quality bicycle is a lot less has never been easier downtown. than what insuring the vehicle When you have something fun would be. Once you add in the and easy that still gets you from gas and other expenses, people here to there in the same amount are starting to see the economic of time, it really makes sense.” value.” Along with easier access to Striving for net zero carbon bikes through that program, bikes emissions and lowering pedesthemselves continue to advance. trian injuries are other reasons The emergence of e-bikes offers sponsors, the city and community Glenn an easier way to get the bicymembers are embracing enhancecling experience while personalizing the ments, including bike lanes, additional physical. paths and traffic light changes. “They are a way for people who may“Increased safety, N Street Bike Track, be used to be hardcore cyclists but can’t and improved traffic flow, removing do what they used to still appreciate the traffic lights around UNL campus, have adventure,” Glenn said. “It provides an encouraged more people to ride more opportunity for anyone to get out and often,” Matteson said. “Saving money

and avoiding traffic congestion are major factors in encouraging people to choose to ride. On football Saturdays, the volume of traffic is high. Bike traffic heading to and from the games along the trails moves faster than the cars on the road. You can take advantage of the bike valet service offered by Bike UNL, which saves both money for parking and time—it’s a short walk to the stadium from the bike valet parking location.” While some may not totally embrace the bicycling options, having them makes a difference. “No. 1, riding a bike is fun. It was fun when you were 6, and it is fun when you were 60. There is a freedom in the experience,” Granquist said. “Especially riding downtown, you are hearing people’s conversations along the streets and sometimes music. You ride by restaurants and smell all kinds of wonderful things. You really experience Lincoln in a different way than in a car.”

• JANUARY 24, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • LBJ Pages • Dowwntown Lincoln