Midlands Business Journal January 29, 2021 Vol. 47 No. 5 issue

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Business Annual Preview A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

January 29, 2021

Alignment of supportive funding, resources helps sustain organizations

by Michelle Leach

Collaboration in terms of resources — and aligning the right resources with the right recipients — has never been more important.

And these efforts are bearing fruit, even in some of the hardest times, as state and community leadership spotlight momentum partially driven by the uneven nature of the pandemic’s effects across industry and business type.

“When looking back at fiscal year 2020, the loan activity for our 7A and 504 loan programs remained flat and the dollar amount increased by $10 million,” said Leon J. Milobar, district director with the Nebraska district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “This was primarily due to the loan interest rate on 504 loans. When looking at the break-down of applications, about 45% of

the loans were made to startups or businesses being purchased.”

Guarantees reportedly totaled almost $154 million (the $10 million increase from FY 2019). The number of loans totaled 436 (versus 445, but with a value of around $143 million last FY).

“I have encountered a number of startup businesses where staff have spun off and started their own businesses,” Milobar said.

“We are seeing more interest from sectors of the economy that have already recovered or were impacted to a lesser extent by the pandemic. Even today, we are still receiving calls from individuals looking for SBA’s traditional loans and how to start a business.

Individuals are still seeing opportunity to start or grow their business.”

Initially, Milobar described the number of

Leon Milobar, district director at the Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. calls for the start of the Paycheck Protection Commerce’s priorities span four areas, acProgram as “overwhelming.” cording to new President and CEO Drew “After two weeks, [things] settled down,” Kamp: workforce development, business he said. “With the portal, we had a tremen- retention and expansion, public policy, and dous number of new users and those who and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). had forgotten how to use the portal. With The Chamber has bolstered its workforce this new program, businesses had all types development team to address the biggest of questions. Nonprofits and farmers and issue mentioned by membership — finding ranchers were allowed to apply.” stable and qualified workers.

The current loan program, whose opening Kamp referred to funding and support was just announced Jan. 14, is focused on from organizations such as the Iowa West smaller businesses, Milobar said, and those Foundation, Iowa Western Community Colbusinesses that remain impacted and who lege, and Black Hills Energy. need a second PPP loan.

To business retention and expansion, The loan is divided between First Draw formerly, Kamp spent 18 months dedicated applicants (those businesses that haven’t to just that function in Ames, Iowa. received a PPP loan), and Second Draw “You have to look out for people in your applicants (those businesses, nonprofits, and own backyard,” he said. “You can’t always ranchers and farmers that have received a be attracting the ‘newest, shiniest object.’” previous loan or qualified for an increase).

In fact, he noted that 75% to 90% of exMilobar also noted First Draw applies to pansions come from existing industry. those organizations with limited employees, To public policy, Kamp will be leveraging and further specifies those qualifying non- his considerable political background (partly profits and producers. represented by his previous work in Senator “The Second Draw has restrictions on Ben Nelson’s office), while DEI efforts will the size of the business (generally 300 em- be focused on the likes of expanding its ployees) and requires the use of all previous women’s empowerment events. proceeds of the previous loan, and [they] He also referred to its partnership “across have to be able to document a 25% decrease the river” with the Greater Omaha Chamin revenue during comparable quarters,” he ber. Recently, President and CEO David G. added. “Both programs require 60% of the Brown spoke to how, as part of its 2040 plan loan proceeds to be spent on employees’ labor in 2017, the need to address the demographic costs and the remaining on operating costs, population shifts was emphasized. Ultimateas per the guidelines.” ly, the Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity Continued on page 6.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of

Business Annual Preview — inside JANUARY 29, 2021

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

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VOL. 47 NO. 5

Founder’s legacy in good hands at Midwest Laboratories

by Michelle Leach

The Mercato educates beef-eating customers one steak at a time.

– Page 2

40 er d Un 40 For Kelsey Haswell, continuous improvement is job one. – Page 3

s es sin ng Bu anni Pl

Business planning 101: Experts weigh in on new year. – Page 22

Almost seven months to the day that Kennard “Ken” Pohlman started Midwest Laboratories, an overheated dryer set the fledgling facility on fire.

Even the typewriters melted. It took around six weeks for the startup to get back to providing its testing/analyses services.

Through its more than 45 years, Midwest Laboratories has overcome its share of hardships, from snowstorms and tornados to ag and economic crises. And now, in a pandemic, the Omaha-based organization supports 208 employees who analyze 1.8 million soil samples annually across its 14-building footprint.

“Mainly, it’s been about keeping the ‘old’ clients, and we’ve had a lot of loyal clients,” said Pohlman, who retired in the fall. “There were times when we could have sold out. We were told we’ll be the same. I never believed that. It is a family group.”

That “family,” whose campus includes the former InfoGroup headquarters building, started with eight team members: Pohlman, John Torpy, Continued on page 9.

From left, CEO Brent Pohlman and founder Kennard “Ken” Pohlman … Sustaining reputation for quick turnaround times and employee benefits, while diversifying to support range of industries, expanding footprint.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

DeBoer & Associates makes transition with appointment of new leadership

by Richard D. Brown

DeBoer & Associates, a 17-employee Omaha-based tax, accounting and auditing firm with a regional reach, is transitioning its ownership and leadership team with the appointment of three employees to its top leadership positions. With Chris Wassenaar as president/quality control partner, Brad Yoder as vice president/ secretary, and Eryn Stevens as treasurer, the CPA trio brings a

total of 32 years of experience to the company.

“We can’t wait to see where it goes from here,” says retiring founder Gene DeBoer who with his wife Chery has built the business that serves about 500 clients.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered at 17330 Wright St. in far southwest Omaha, Wassenaar said over his 18 years with DeBoer & Associates he has seen Continued on page 9.

President Dr. James Hauschildt … The health care-focused college has enjoyed brisk student interest as a result of job opportunities in health care fields and having taken steps to maintain affordability. (Courtesy of Clarkson College)

Increased demand in health care careers propels Clarkson College

by Dwain Hebda

Vice President Brad Yoder, left, and President Chris Wassenaar … New trio of leaders set to grow, notably with a niche in auditing.

High demand for health care careers has helped Clarkson College thrive, recently marking the highest new student spring enrollment in its 133-year history.

Dr. James Hauschildt, who took over the presidency of the private college last summer, said the college’s long relationship with Nebraska Medicine and its ability to pivot to meet industry challenges are very important factors for the

college in remaining competitive.

“In the last 10 years, the delivery models and the financing of health care has changed dramatically with governmental intervention,” he said. “That, by nature, changes the programs we develop and how we deliver those.

We meet the needs responsive to the workforce.

“Our affiliation with Nebraska Medicine really affords us the Continued on page 8.

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

The Mercato educates beef-eating customers one steak at a time

by Dwain Hebda

Specialty butcher shop and market The Mercato opened in August in Lincoln, featuring proprietary Piedmontese beef.

The artisanal market, and the on-premises upscale steakhouse Casa Bovina, are part of the Great Plains Beef family of companies that also includes Lone Creek Cattle Company which specializes in raising certified Piedmontese cattle.

The Mercato Address: 4841 N. 84th St., Lincoln 68507 Service: butcher shop and market featuring certified Piedmontese beef Employees: 15 Industry outlook: Piedmontese cattle have only been raised in the United States since the 1970s and represent a very small percentage of all cattle in North America.

Website: cpmercato.com

“We are vertically integrated with our cattle company,” said Ben Mohl, Mercato online sales and marketing manager. “About 98% of our business is just the production and retail sales of certified Piemontese beef throughout the country. The Mercato is our own retail arm here, to give more local customers access to our fresh beef.”

Piedmontese is a heritage cattle breed that originated in northern Italy. The breed is genetically predisposed to achieve a unique balance of leanness and tenderness. Sold in finer steakhouses and markets across the country, Mohl said Lone Creek is the largest

Ben Mohl, online sales and marketing manager … As a purveyor of the proprietary Piedmontese beef, the artisanal market is the sole location to showcase the unique beef, while the product is shipped to high-end outlets coast to coast. producer of the beef nationally.

1970s and today represents less than 1% “I would say about 40% of our business of all cattle in North America. Mohl said is more in coastal or bigger metro cities, not the boutique butcher shop and steakhouse much right here, in the heart of Nebraska,” ventures aim to showcase the company’s Mohl said. “Right now, we’re about 15% product and publicize the favorable attridirect to consumer, which represents online butes of the cattle breed. sales. So, portions of frozen beef are going “Nebraska is the beef state and the main to people’s doorsteps, where the rest of it is motivation was to simply make a local still within the retail arm of the business.” showcase of our beef and our company,” he Per the company’s website, the breed said. “A lot of good producers throughout has only been raised in the states since the the country usually produce an angus-type

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of beef, more of a commodity product. We don’t have a lot of stores that carry our premium brand here, just because folks aren’t used to paying premium prices.

“We offer prime grade tenderness with half the fat and calories because it’s so lean. Typically, with the lean cuts of beef you would see, a lot of consumers would expect to have it be tough and have it not be as flavorful. Our breed of cattle just goes exactly against that.”

The production side of the company operates a flagship cattle ranch in Broken Bow, but also utilizes a network of family farms and ranches throughout central and western Nebraska. A few of the farms, specifically those in York and Seward, further specialize in raising grass-fed animals, which has helped boost the company’s profile with serious steakophiles.

“The response, given the circumstances of what the global climate is right now, actually has been very positive,” Mohl said.

“You know, it’s a smaller shop, so we’re focusing in on our beef, obviously, but also on our more artisanal goods. We’re not really wanting or setting up to be a really big, massive grocery store, where we have hundreds of people packed in at a time.

Usually, the shopping experience is quite intimate, where there might be two other people in the store. We’re able to help our customers with any questions they have or [make] recommendations.

“Most of our staff are very food-oriented or ‘foodies,’ so we coach them and direct them how to cook, what to use and what to cook with. In my opinion, [response has] been above expectations, certainly so with the restaurant. We have established a growing, loyal customer base between the market and a unique restaurant that Lincoln really hasn’t had before.”

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For Kelsey Haswell, continuous improvement is job one

by Dwain Hebda “[This job is] something that I wasn’t necKelsey Haswell, lean improvement special- essarily taught, especially in my undergraduate ist for Methodist Health System, has developed career,” she said. “I did get a little bit of it in my a shortcut for explaining what she does. Sim- master’s and that’s why I decided to go for the ply put, she helps the health system get better job. I also enjoyed doing it when I had worked every day. in the clinic before coming into this role.

“Every day is truly different in my job.

“Relationship-building is truly the way that That’s the beauty of it,” she said. “I support all I am successful in my job, more so than using of our leaders and frontline staff in continuous the certification or education that I have. Knowimprovement and that can be anything from ing the nuances of how people work together a larger system-level project to changing the and how they do what they do well and learning operations within a unit or within a how each person is motivated are hospital on how they cascade their essential parts of doing what I do.” improvement. It could be huddles, Haswell said while roles like standard work or some of those larger hers are still relatively rare, more are clinical transformational pieces.” starting to pop up across the health Haswell, who has an undergradcare landscape. uate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan “There’s starting to become more University in Lincoln, a master’s deof us,” she said. “Definitely in health gree and is working toward a doctoral care it’s still few and far between. In degree from Creighton University in the Omaha market [there are] maybe 2020 Omaha, said she always wanted a 20 people that have the same responcareer in health care. sibilities on paper that I do, but we definitely all Trained in phlebotomy at Nebraska Meth- do it a little differently.” odist College, she quickly developed a taste She also sees greater emphasis on formalfor leading others to greater performance at ized continuous improvement mechanisms the clinical level. This hands-on leadership in within her own organization. the workplace was her primary classroom for “I see the need only growing, because with the role she has now, as she works to deliver all the disruptions that are being put on health process improvement across the entire system. care in the traditional sense, we’re having to get

Proud Sponsors of the 2020 40 Under 40:

Lean Improvement Specialist Kelsey Haswell … Health care systems relying more on process specialist roles, with a greater emphasis on formalized continuous improvement mechanisms. more and more creative to just keep the business in a space where I have more direct responsirunning,” she said. “I’ve noticed even during bility on the outcomes of a particular business the pandemic we are front and center leading unit or division,” she said. “I also have a strong work groups with all the various leaders on very appetite to serve the public. I don’t know whethspecific topics to make sure that we stay safe er that’d be a school board or a city council or and can provide good care for patients. So, I some other avenue, but those are definitely the just see the role blossoming.” two areas that I am trying to prepare myself for.”

A native of rural Plattsmouth in Cass CounHer community service work includes ty, Haswell has been recognized as a Woman of board seats with the Greater Omaha Chamber the Year candidate awarded by The Leukemia and Friends of Nebraska Children, and market& Lymphoma Society and Ten Outstanding ing chair for the Junior League of Omaha. She’s Young Omahans! by Omaha Jaycees. also been a featured speaker for the InfoTech “For me in particular, I would like to move Conference and YP Summit.

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Business Annual Preview A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

January 29, 2021

Alignment of supportive funding, resources helps sustain organizations

by Michelle Leach

Collaboration in terms of resources — and aligning the right resources with the right recipients — has never been more important.

And these efforts are bearing fruit, even in some of the hardest times, as state and community leadership spotlight momentum partially driven by the uneven nature of the pandemic’s effects across industry and business type.

“When looking back at fiscal year 2020, the loan activity for our 7A and 504 loan programs remained flat and the dollar amount increased by $10 million,” said Leon J. Milobar, district director with the Nebraska district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “This was primarily due to the loan interest rate on 504 loans. When looking at the break-down of applications, about 45% of

the loans were made to startups or businesses being purchased.”

Guarantees reportedly totaled almost $154 million (the $10 million increase from FY 2019). The number of loans totaled 436 (versus 445, but with a value of around $143 million last FY).

“I have encountered a number of startup businesses where staff have spun off and started their own businesses,” Milobar said.

“We are seeing more interest from sectors of the economy that have already recovered or were impacted to a lesser extent by the pandemic. Even today, we are still receiving calls from individuals looking for SBA’s traditional loans and how to start a business.

Individuals are still seeing opportunity to start or grow their business.”

Initially, Milobar described the number of

Leon Milobar, district director at the Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. calls for the start of the Paycheck Protection Commerce’s priorities span four areas, acProgram as “overwhelming.” cording to new President and CEO Drew “After two weeks, [things] settled down,” Kamp: workforce development, business he said. “With the portal, we had a tremen- retention and expansion, public policy, and dous number of new users and those who and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). had forgotten how to use the portal. With The Chamber has bolstered its workforce this new program, businesses had all types development team to address the biggest of questions. Nonprofits and farmers and issue mentioned by membership — finding ranchers were allowed to apply.” stable and qualified workers.

The current loan program, whose opening Kamp referred to funding and support was just announced Jan. 14, is focused on from organizations such as the Iowa West smaller businesses, Milobar said, and those Foundation, Iowa Western Community Colbusinesses that remain impacted and who lege, and Black Hills Energy. need a second PPP loan.

To business retention and expansion, The loan is divided between First Draw formerly, Kamp spent 18 months dedicated applicants (those businesses that haven’t to just that function in Ames, Iowa. received a PPP loan), and Second Draw “You have to look out for people in your applicants (those businesses, nonprofits, and own backyard,” he said. “You can’t always ranchers and farmers that have received a be attracting the ‘newest, shiniest object.’” previous loan or qualified for an increase).

In fact, he noted that 75% to 90% of exMilobar also noted First Draw applies to pansions come from existing industry. those organizations with limited employees, To public policy, Kamp will be leveraging and further specifies those qualifying non- his considerable political background (partly profits and producers. represented by his previous work in Senator “The Second Draw has restrictions on Ben Nelson’s office), while DEI efforts will the size of the business (generally 300 em- be focused on the likes of expanding its ployees) and requires the use of all previous women’s empowerment events. proceeds of the previous loan, and [they] He also referred to its partnership “across have to be able to document a 25% decrease the river” with the Greater Omaha Chamin revenue during comparable quarters,” he ber. Recently, President and CEO David G. added. “Both programs require 60% of the Brown spoke to how, as part of its 2040 plan loan proceeds to be spent on employees’ labor in 2017, the need to address the demographic costs and the remaining on operating costs, population shifts was emphasized. Ultimateas per the guidelines.” ly, the Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity Continued on page 6.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of

Business Annual Preview •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

• Business Annual Preview

A/E/C industry leverages technology, remains robust in 2021

by Gabby Hellbusch

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced several hurdles to the architecture, engineering and construction industry, the sector remains very strong in Omaha and throughout Nebraska and Iowa, local firms say.

Doug Duren, vice president of client solutions at JE Dunn Construction, said some projects have slowed the pace of construction or pushed start dates back to later this year or 2022, but the construction industry has figured out ways to adapt and persevere through the constant changes.

“We found several of our clients looking at the spaces they had currently

under construction and asking if these would be able to accommodate health department limits for gatherings and the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing,” Duren said. “De veloper-led projects continue to be strong and, although healthcare experienced an Duren initial slowdown with COVID-19, we see that market starting to rebound already.”

Duren said the market is expected to

Cadwallader Kroll remain strong in Nebraska and the Midwest with many mixed-use developments in the Omaha area driving growth in the A/E/C industry.

“All companies and businesses have found ways to adapt to less face-to-face interaction, fundraising and volunteering which has necessitated the use of technology,” he said. “We are currently in the final planning stages of our own office’s interior fit out and we’ve had to put a lot of thought into video conferencing, audio quality and using touch free technology whenever possible.

“The potential to prefabricate certain components of construction is another expectation. It’s one way to spread out our local labor force while driving innovation.

Last, the need for skilled trades has driven us to find areas where we can be part of Continued on next page.

Alignment of supportive funding, resources helps sustain organizations

Continued from page 4. other financial support) to hardest-hit nonand Equity (CODE) initiative was introduced, profits and households in Sarpy and Cass with around 270 CEOs pledging to support counties, and Executive Director Tonee Gay diversity and inclusion strategies, hiring and said the fund remains active. leadership efforts.

“MCF has been able to partner with Kamp also referred to routine meetings other nonprofit organizations, government with diverse stakeholders, not limited to its and business partners to immediately deploy business and workforce recovery flexible resources to assist those task force, Pottawattamie County who have been impacted most by Public Health, a litany of differthe pandemic,” she said. ent businesses, law enforcement MCF has also continued to agencies, and hospital CEOs provide its twice-annual grants around public safety and health program to nonprofits. throughout the pandemic and a In all, the MCF has distributed still uncertain, politically-charged $150,000-plus from the fund to environment. Similarly, the comsupport local food banks, to help munity has embarked on a Chamnonprofits provide rent and utility ber-led campaign to “stop the assistance, for virtual learning, and spread” and to promote public counseling for those struggling Gay health and safety. with mental distress.

Specific communitywide projects that “MCF and its 150 charitable funds Kamp said he is excited about include a distributed an additional $1.5 million to land use study covering the two-mile fringe charitable causes with an emphasis on the of Council Bluffs, which will look at how arts, community and economic development, to growth the likes of housing, retail and education, health and human services,” Gay industrial. River’s Edge, the MAC arena added. and its recreational opportunities, and the Its MCF Match Program’s funds exWestern Historic Trails Center as a “gateway ceeded $794,000 within one month across into the community” were also referenced as 1,100-plus donors. evolving hubs.

“It appears that this year’s MCF Match The Midlands Community Foundation Program, which ran from Dec. 1, 2020 established the MCF Coronavirus Response through Jan. 5, 2021, will have similar reFund last year to provide emergency food, sults,” she said. “There is still a great need supplies, rent and utilities assistance (among for support in our community.”

Business Annual Preview •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

7

Cybersecurity and interest rate hikes among banking and finance priorities, challenges

by Dwain Hebda

Midlands bankers and financial planners describe 2021 as a mixed bag after a challenging 2020.

Richard Baier, president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association, praised member banks for meeting the many challenges of COVID-19.

“Nebraska banks have been leaders in helping their customers navigate the challenges created by the pandemic,” he said. “They worked proactively to ensure Nebraska small businesses could access Baier Paycheck Protection Program loans. Despite ongoing economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Nebraska banks remain sound.”

Baier said the resilience shown by the state’s banks portends well for the new year.

“Our association’s leading concerns include promoting financial literacy to all ages and encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in banking,” he said. “Other challenges include inflation as a result of pandemic-related government spending and, with the change in control of both the White House and Senate, new banking regulations could be on the horizon.”

Some institutions have already embraced the optimism of the new year by announcing expansion and growth, such as the new Centris Federal Credit Union headquarters, soon to open at 132nd and Pacific streets.

As for business conditions, Steve Swanstrom, Centris president and CEO, predicted both opportunities and challenges on the near horizon.

“We expect mortgage lending will continue to be strong during the first six months,” he said. “We expect the stimulus payments, coupled with the COVID-19 vaccine, will put inflationary pressure on the economy and cause interest rates to

rise in the second half of the year. This will cause mortgage refinances to slow considerably.”

The job growth picture is similarly murky, Swanstrom said.

“The pandemic has been a concern for all of our employees, but especially our

Swanstrom Kula frontline employees,” he said. “We had to close our branch lobbies when the community spread of the virus was elevated and we will continue to monitor the impact on our employees in 2021.”

Meanwhile, the financial services industry continues to develop ways for clients

to reach their advisers, regardless of their level of fear over the pandemic.

“Face-to-face meetings are, in my opinion, the best opportunity to really engage,” said Trevor Kula, vice president, financial advisor and co-director of Nebraska branches with D.A. Davidson & Co. “But many times, these meetings were just not feasible. Some firms, advisers and clients have been more open than others to engaging in virtual meetings.”

Kula said technology has been a great equalizer in this respect.

Hale “Just a year ago, it would have been a near-miracle to coordinate a meeting with a multigenerational family in three separate locations,” he said. “Today it involves a simple calendar invitation and confirmation of a webcam or tablet. I do believe, even after social distance measures are gone, clients will

use this form of interaction.”

This increased reliance on virtual meetings will intensify cybersecurity measures in 2021, said Matt Hale, associate professor of cybersecurity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“In this world, the challenge is making documents and communication and the things your business runs on available to your work staff at home, while facing the challenges of things like home network security and environments that you can’t entirely control,” he said. “[Companies] will need to build resiliency into centralized infrastructure, understanding that a component of it is in less protected, decentralized environments.”

Hale said as a result of this, hiring cybersecurity expertise will be a priority for banks and financial planning companies.

"It’s a combination,” he said. “There certainly are some third-party consulting firms that do cybersecurity analysis as a service. But I would say most bigger companies, at this point, operate their own cybersecurity teams that fall under that IT banner.”

A/E/C industry leverages technology, remains robust in 2021 Continued from preceding page.

A/E/C industry education events and mentoring in metro high schools.”

Justin Cadwallader, director of virtual design & construction at Boyd Jones, said investors allocated over $5 billion to construction tech startups over the past few years.

“Leaders in the A/E/C industry have been leveraging technological advancements to add value throughout the project lifecycle,” he said. “The use of drones, site capture and laser scanning technology, BIM [building information modeling] and job site connectivity platforms are growing fast. Advancements in virtual and augmented reality applications also let designers, builders and project owners walk through proposed spaces and explore options.”

Cadwallader said this type of technol-

ogy enables owners to experience their future space well before construction begins.

“At Boyd Jones, it comes down to implementing technology that adds long-term value to our clients while enhancing their experience throughout preconstruction and construction,” he said.

Benjamin Kroll, partner/architect at RDG Planning & Design, said the challenges of 2020 pushed the architecture industry to look both inward and outward to address the health and well-being of staff and clients, and how designers can positively impact both.

“COVID-19 has brought the topic of wellness to the forefront of our discussions, and rightfully so,” he said. “There’s strong data that shows a substantial connection between positive mental and physical health with sustainable and wellness-based

design. Going forward, there’s a renewed challenge to ensure we’re designing environments that are equitable, healthy and safe. Moreover, that they benefit both the wellness of occupants and the health of our planet.”

Looking to the future, Kroll said architects will leverage technology to more precisely track things like daylighting, ventilation opportunities and volumetric alternatives — all of which can help inform more sustainable, wellness-forward design.

“Parametric design studies allow us to quickly generate and evaluate different design options that help create healthier and more productive end users,” Kroll said.

“Today we track our steps, tomorrow we may track our exposure to daylight and the quality of the air we breathe.”

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Increased demand in health care careers propels Clarkson College Continued from page 1. opportunity to meet workforce needs, not only for what’s trending in their health care system but, for the most part, what health care is doing across the country. Because of that close affiliation, we’re able to really track and manage to meet workforce needs regionally and nationally.”

Clarkson College Address: 101 S. 42nd St., Omaha 68131 Phone: 402-552-3100 Service: health care higher education Website: clarksoncollege.edu

Hauschildt said a traditional challenge for small colleges is overcoming the wow factor of larger institutions whose deeper pockets allow for continual capital improvements. COVID-19 helped level the playing field, allowing students to judge institutions on the quality of their instruction and the sophistication of their online platforms. Here Clarkson excels, as roughly 60% of its programs are online across 10 different degree options awarded at the associate through doctoral levels.

“For the last two years, we’ve been the highest in the state for our registered nurse licensure exams. We’ve been the top in the state at 100%,” he said. “We feel the smaller class sizes, the faculty-to-student ratios and the professional relationships that our faculty have with students lead to their success.

“Statistically, the quality of the relationship between the faculty and the student directly relates to their progression and

completion of our programs. We see nearly 90% retention in our degree programs.”

Hauschildt also said serving an older student population — the 1,200-member Clarkson College student body averages 27 years of age, a majority of which are working toward a second career — helps the college to pinpoint those campus and curricular attributes of most importance.

“There’s an expectation for affordability, accessibility and convenience among our student population,” he said. “That speaks to what I mentioned earlier with online programming. We have also stayed very competitive with our tuition pricing as a result of this competitive landscape

and the value that we try to provide our students with affordability. We froze tuition last year because of COVID-19 and because of inflation outpacing the ability for Nebraskans and our students to be able to afford education.”

Keeping one ear to the student while mapping out the future is of paramount importance going forward, Hauschildt said.

The college just cut the ribbon on a new commons and education center as part of that responsiveness to student needs.

“We’re very student-focused and we get their input,” he said. “They’re giving us feedback and we take that to heart and incorporate that feedback into our planning,

as well as that of our alumni, which are about 6,000 strong.

“We just launched a strategic planning process in the fall and we extended this assessment of our capabilities and our key stakeholder feedback to our vendors and our partners as well. We’re aligning with where the industry is trending to really give us appropriate guidance on the specific measures we should take to move forward strategically.”

A native of Des Moines, Hauschildt has degrees in psychology, nursing, business and education. Clarkson College is his third presidency of a health care-focused institution.

Pandemic will have lasting impact on legal profession

by David Kubicek

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to the practice of law, many of which are expected to become permanent.

The ability to work remotely has been accelerated by years, said Darren Carlson, a partner at Carlson & Burnett.

“People are figuring out that it’s pretty effective to video conference rather than have clients sit down with us [because] it’s faster and more efficient,” he said. “It was coming anyway, but [the pandemic] really accelerated it by maybe a decade.”

“A year ago, it would have been hard to find a judge willing to do a hearing via video conferencing,” Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman Attorney Samuel R. O’Neill said.

“Now that’s much more common.”

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The pandemic has created a backlog of hearings that have been postponed or continued and trials that have been delayed, according to Scott Jochim, a member at-

Carlson O’Neill torney of Crocker, Huck, Kasher, Dewitt, Anderson & Gonderinger.

“Once we get the all-clear I can see it taking some time from the court standpoint to address the backlog of what’s already a very overburdened docket,” he said.

Jochim said he sees some commercial landlords filing suits or eviction notices on tenants that can’t pay rent because their businesses have been closed.

“I think in coming months we’ll unfortunately see more of that,” he said.

“Everyone’s been affected by this to some degree. There have been stopgap measures to prevent evictions of residential tenants, but that will end. When it does, I can see those suits picking up.”

Collection cases may pick up because businesses that aren’t able to pay rent may not be able to pay other creditors.

“We’ll most likely see more personal bankruptcies being filed as a result,” Jochim said.

Many bankruptcies are almost certain to come in the near future from businesses of all sizes and not only the ones that are pandemic-related but from the ripple effect that will set off, Gross & Welch Shareholder Zach Lutz-Priefert said.

For example, if several restaurants go under, suppliers of those restaurants will be in jeopardy as will be the businesses behind the suppliers and on down the food chain.

“This probably hasn’t hit at its fullest capacity yet, although it certainly will in the near future,” Lutz-Priefert said.

One big positive is that many businesses are taking a hard look at their contracts to see what they can fix so they won’t be caught off guard by closures and event cancelations as they were when the

pandemic hit.

Lutz-Priefert has seen many organizations overhaul their force-majeure clauses, which excuse them from contractual obligations due to circumstances that they could not have anticipated or controlled.

Many firms are wrestling with PTO time and sick leave for employees who must quarantine.

“People are supposed to be permitted to take time off Jochim to quarantine because of exposure,” Carlson said. “So far no one has passed any protections for employers [if employees are infected on the job]. Most think Congress will eventually fix this.”

Once COVID-19 vaccinations become available, employers may require their employees to be vaccinated with two exceptions — religious beliefs and medical sensitivities — but most businesses probably won’t because it could cause staffing issues, O’Neill said.

“If 25% of your employees don’t want to get the vaccine, how can you continue to operate?” he said. “It would make sense for [employees of] hospitals and doctor’s offices, which are in contact with COVID to be vaccinated for the safety of the staff — but a law office, probably not.”

“I don’t know of any employers that will require vaccinations,” Carlson said.

“Most will use education and maybe try to put pressure on employees to get vaccinated because everyone else is doing it to make their workplace safer.”

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Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

Founder’s legacy in good hands at Midwest Laboratories Continued from page 1. a secretary and five lab associates. Furthermore, the country’s soil testing giant is actually rooted in Lincoln; Pohlman and Torpy moved from the capital city to Omaha after leaving Harris Laboratories, which was purchased by AgSource in 2006.

“It’s not an easy move, but I had my wife’s support at the time,” said Pohlman, a reference to his late wife, Bev. What Pohlman won’t readily illustrate is just how far that commitment to the business went; son and CEO Brent Pohlman was passing by the business, after-hours, with his father on that fateful Dec. 23, 1975. The senior Pohlman recalled seeing a “glow” on the bottom floor.

“I remember I was in the car with my dad and he went back into the building to grab a briefcase,” Brent Pohlman recalled. “I was petrified.”

While the son will talk about the great lengths his father went to sustain the business, Ken is quick to talk about Midwest Laboratories’ vendor relationships during the recovery effort.

“You’ve got to treat your vendors well,” he

“Profit-sharing is a lot more generous than said. “They got us the material that we needed.”

He was also quick to talk about the lengths a 401(k),” he said.

And the business, which serves industries the team as a whole went to in those earlier years, as varied as pet food and alternative fuels, has just to keep the business going. remained profitable if “When soil testing its record soil testing was down, we went Midwest Laboratories volume amid the paninto the fulfillment Phone: 402-334-7770 demic last year is in any business,” he said. “We Address: 13611 B St., Omaha 68144 indication. did some supplying. Services: testing/analyses across a diverse To provide perYou have to do what array of industries, from agricultural operaspective, Brent Pohlyou need to do. At one tions, food safety, and animal feed and pet man noted how in 2007 point, we had up to 100 food production, to shelf-life studies, nutrithe company went from people … working in tional labeling, municipal water quality, real testing 5,000 samples fulfillment.” estate-related transactions and alternative (daily) during the fall The founder noted fuel production busy season (October this was in the 1980s, Employees: 208 (as of January 25, 2021) to December) to testand involved support Founded: May 15, 1975 ing more than 30,000 services for an agro- Website: midwestlabs.com samples. chemical and ag bio“In 2005 to 2007, we went to a new soil technology giant.

Additionally, he said through fires and oth- system and expanded our soil receiving, drying, erwise, the focus has always been on “paying grinding and extracting laboratory,” he said.

In fact, it was 2005 when the junior Pohlman people first,” which aligns with its principles as a “family-first” company; for instance, they have returned to the business — just as precision ag was taking over. historically offered profit-sharing.

DeBoer & Associates makes transition with appointment of new leadership Continued from page 1. the firm identify and develop a sizable business niche in auditing.

“Much of the work is with auditing employee benefit plans offered by our clients,” Wassenaar said.

The work, done for clients well outside Omaha in cities such as St. Joseph, Missouri; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Des Moines involves a myriad of check points and issues regarding Department of Labor regulations pertaining to 401(k), health and wellness programs, the filing of annual documents such as Form 5500 — among others.

Changing regulations regarding the hardship distribution of 401(k) monies can be easily ignored by business owners who tend to be diverted by other issues in the operation of their business.

“It’s so important that an attorney or auditor research the employee benefit plan and the applicable laws, which are almost constantly changing,” Wassenaar said.

Wassenaar, an Orange City, Iowa native with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Business Administration and Computer Science from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa brought other specialties to DeBoer & Associates 18 years ago: experience with nonprofit entities, income tax planning and compliance work, and assisting small businesses on the growth trajectory.

Yoder, the son of a salesman for Sutherlands, a national home improvement center chain, grew up with frequent business-related family moves in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa and Kansas City and attended University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned both undergraduate and graduate business degrees.

He credits the moves with giving him a broader perspective on business, which he has been able to apply to his accounting career that has included stops at Kiewit and Hayes & Associates, prior to joining DeBoer & Associates 18 months ago.

For example, Yoder — who now leads a tax team of six — said his five years of private accounting experience at Kiewit

is transferable to DeBoer & Associates products and services, a strong accounting clients with much smaller businesses. system and the talent necessary to run “There’s a way to set up a set of ac- the program, and how to effectively set counts and run an accounting system that a business up properly to be strategicalwill manage a business through the grow- ly adaptable to changes to changes in ing process,” he said. the tax code.

Particular areas of expertise Yoder For example, Yoder said starting this brings to the DeBoer & Associates lead- year business meals provided by restauership trio include rants are 100% rather tailored accounting DeBoer & Associates than 50% deductible. and tax solutions for Phone: 402-333-5200 Wassenaar and small and medium Address: 17330 Wright St., Suite 100, Yoder said DeBoer & sized businesses in a Omaha 68130 Associates’ leaderwide range of indus- Founded: 1989 by Gene DeBoer ship change comes at tries. He has expe- Services: tax, accounting and auditing a time when the firm rience working with Employees: 17 has about a 50/50 individuals, trusts One-year goal: Transition new leadersplit in revenues genand estates and has ship group of Chris Wassenaar, Brad erated between tax been a heavy user of Yoder and Eryn Stevens. work and auditing. accounting programs Industry outlook: The ability to find and While Gene and i n c l u d i n g Q u i c k - attract qualified staff remains a chalChery DeBoer — B o o k s o r Q u i c k - lenge. who have reached Books Online. the 40th year in their Website: www.deboercpa.com “ We p r o v i d e accounting careers smart solutions for clients that are part of — will transition to part-time status, the small business growth,” Yoder said. “A reins are being handed over with a strong firm with 15 to 20 employees can benefit foundation set three decades by the Defrom a regular financial statement being Boers, they said. prepared, tax consulting and completion “We have a long-standing culture that of documents and review of information all staff have bought into and that’s doing for their bank or financial firm.” the right thing for our firm and always Both Wassenaar and Yoder said De- keeping the client’s needs first,” Yoder Boer & Associates expects to benefit with said. an increased amount of work for clients Stevens, a UNO accounting graduate in the construction sector, followed by who interned at DeBoer & Associates needs from the professional services and in 2007 and joined the staff a year later, retail sectors. said the predecessors as well as the new A major project last year involved leadership team will build on what’s been DeBoer & Associates’ work with clients accomplished since 1989. in preparing applications for Payroll Pro“We don’t accept mediocrity — we tection Program applications. want to be the best with everything we “We talked to virtually all of our busi- do,” she said. ness clients via email about the availability Often two or three DeBoer & Associof the money and the deadline for submit- ates professionals will collaborate on meetting the application,” Yoder said. “Clients ing the needs of the firm’s major clients. in the entertainment area and restaurants DeBoer & Associates had its work were hit the worst and PPP was an import- audited by a federal agency, which found ant lifeline for them.” the performance to be of very high quality He said the “lessons” that are emerging — among the best. from the pandemic reinforce the impor“That’s how we want to go about our tance of having a good business plan and business for our clients,” Stevens said.

9

“Besides ag, we’ve also brought in areas like pet food and ethanol,” he said. “We diversified.”

While the founder has a more decided appetite for risk, which he attributes to his farming background, the duo both share in their willingness to look at different industries and that sense of innovation.

“You have to keep your eyes open to opportunities,” Ken Pohlman said.

Some of these opportunities have come in the form of the very structures that house their equipment and talent.

“Over the years I have bought a number of labs,” he said, indicating these labs presented good opportunities for “bargains” on the likes of assets such as glassware.

Brent Pohlman laughed about how his father would casually mention that he was “thinking about buying a building tomorrow.” For the younger Pohlman’s part, he has parlayed his training in education and business into Midwest Laboratories. After college, his work in corporate included major accounting and engineering firms.

“I knew there would be a sense of wanting to come back,” he said, referencing his work at the family business during high school.

“I was blessed to have a son that can take [the company] over,” Ken Pohlman said.

As much as the company and its clients’ work may evolve, the CEO indicated much of what his father built will remain the same.

For instance, its three- to five-business day turnaround time was an obvious source of pride. Brent clarified that this is “standard” for soils and feeds at Midwest Laboratories (with some variations depending on what is being requested).

As a point of reference, other labs have turnarounds of 10 days.

“Turnaround time is huge,” he added. “You have to give good, quality service.”

That turnaround has remained “consistent.”

Brent Pohlman indicated he has been fortunate to see his father’s sustained appreciation of their broader team, which is set to grow by another seven employees (to 215) next week (Feb. 1).

“He’s touched the lives of so many,” he said, recalling how his father would walk around the office during pay periods just to catch up with employees. “He said it best, he wants to keep that family dynamic in the business, that closeness.”

Through the years, the father-son duo describe getting pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas dinners, homemade baby blankets for new parents, and hosting golf events for vendors.

Faith is also important; they invite any type of prayer request.

The founding force has also taken advantage of a pool of available temporary talent, many of which have gone on to be hired full time. A temp-to-hire arrangement, Ken Pohlman noted, provides an opportunity for employees to see firsthand if their personality and preferences align with a lab environment.

Off of an eventful year, marked by physical setbacks as well as an oft-cited retirement “send-off,” Ken Pohlman is looking forward to exploring destinations near (Kansas, South Dakota) and far (Vancouver, Alaska) with his wife, Linda.

“The main streets of any town have a lot of history,” he said. “Everything has a story.”

Midwest Laboratories’ story continues to be written.

“This is [my father’s] ‘baby,’ I want to protect it and see it grow,” Brent Pohlman said. “I am a proud, humbled son and I want my father’s legacy to live on for years.”

10

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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11

The PPP process was excruciating for some last year. Will it change this time around?

by Ronald D. White

Market researcher Dave Cristofaro was down to his last $1,500 and on the verge of laying off his final four full-time employees — down from seven before the pandemic — when he got a loan Financial in May from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

Getting the $45,000 wasn't easy, Cristofaro said. The website crashed 30 times as he tried to fill out the application. Then, the first round of funding ran out; federal data

show much of it was scooped up by large corporations.

In the meantime, business disappeared, including a $69,000 job from a major client.

"I'm about to tell my employees, 'Hey, we're going to have to stop working,'" said Cristofaro, 56, who has run Actionable Research Inc. in Aliso Viejo since 2002. "That PPP funding perfectly covered the crater caused by the coronavirus."

With the latest, $285-billion round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, which kicked off Jan. 11, federal officials are aiming TECH BUZZ

to avoid the worst missteps of the previous versions, under which the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration distributed $523 billion in forgivable loans to more than 5 million companies. Some other loan and grant programs reopened because of December's $900-billion relief package, and President Biden's $1.9-trillion coronavirus relief plan promises additional aid.

Small-business owners complained to lawmakers that the Paycheck Protection Program and other aid efforts in Congress' $2.2-trillion CARES Act were confusing and unfair, and an audit found a potential $3.6 billion went to ineligible borrowers.

The process was excruciating for small businesses, said Holly Wade, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Research Center. Forms and procedures were confusing and frustrating.

Many owners lacked banking relationships that could have helped them through the process, she said.

"The uncertainty of how they were going to navigate through this was incredibly emotional for many small-business owners," Wade said. "When they were applying, it was incredibly difficult for many of them to get ahold of their bank to better understand how they were supposed to fill out these applications, how to qualify for the maximum amount that they were eligible for."

Discrimination also may have played a role in preventing funds from getting to small businesses run by people of color and women, said Anneliese Lederer, director of fair lending and consumer protection for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition advocacy organization in Washington. The coalition's analysis of the program's loans in the first two rounds found that most of the money went to businesses in wealthy white areas.

The organization tested the program's fairness last year with a "mystery shopper"-type study in which pairs of potential borrowers with similar financial profiles but different races, genders and ethnic backgrounds telephoned for loan information at national and regional financial institutions, including 47 in Los Angeles. Lederer said.

The Black and Latino test borrowers presented stronger financial credentials than the white borrowers in the study but often were discouraged from applying, she said, receiving less information and being quoted higher rates. Black and Latino women were

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treated less fairly than men "especially in Los Angeles," Lederer said.

The new funding round is starting slowly to avoid previous mistakes, with an initial focus on underserved communities, small lenders and businesses owned by people of color, women and veterans.

The need for more assistance is staggering. More than 400,000 small businesses folded as of July because of the virus, more firms than in a typical year, according to a policy proposal by George Washington University economics professor Steven Hamilton, released in September by the Brookings Institution.

"Many small businesses are financially fragile and not equipped to weather a prolonged period of substantially reduced revenues," Hamilton wrote, proposing sharply expanded refundable tax credits for small businesses. "Further widespread business failures would destroy jobs and firm-specific capital, and hamstring the recovery."

Angel Gonzalez said banking relationships were crucial to getting a $151,000 loan for Quality Trailers Inc. His Portland, Ore., company has since received a boost in orders, many from California, for its food-preparation trailers, which range from 16 feet to 30 feet long and can easily be hauled around town.

But the going was tough initially.

"We were living off my orders backlog," Gonzalez said, "but then that was it. I had no new sales coming in, no new down payments.

Nothing, so we were just barely making it."

Moreover, when Gonzalez, 63, looked into the paperwork required to apply for a PPP loan, it looked like a foreign language to him.

Gonzalez had the foresight to get to know a local Bank of America branch manager well enough to say hello and make small talk. The manager had become a specialized small-business banker when a frustrated Gonzalez reached out to him.

"Whenever I got stuck, I just went to him directly. Once he got involved, it was a lot easier." Gonzalez said.

The loan arrived in May, just as Gonzalez was about to run out of payroll funds for his eight employees. The funding allowed him to rehire two workers he had been forced to lay off because of the virus.

Quality Trailers soon found lots of work — orders are running 25% above pre-pandemic levels — tied to the stuck-at-home increase in food deliveries. Still, it was a very near miss, Gonzalez said.

"If it wasn't for the PPP loan money, I wouldn't be in business right now," he said.

A $1.5-million loan carried Leon Brooks and his Torrance private security business through a series of body blows delivered in 2020 by the pandemic-induced economic downturn.

Allied Protection Services lost all but one contract, and revenue fell to about $200,000 a month from about $800,000 before the virus shut down his clients, Brooks said, forcing him to lay off 127 of his 273 employees. The remaining workers all took pay cuts.

The PPP loan should have taken the company through the end of 2020, said Brooks, 58, who started the security firm in 1989 and got a training boost 10 years ago from an entrepreneur education program called Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Continued on next page.

12

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Lab-grown fish startup BlueNalu lands $60 million to build out factory

by Mike Freeman

San Diego startup BlueNalu, which is growing fish fillets in a lab directly from real fish cells, has raised $60 million in convertible debt fiStartups nancing to build out a pilot factory, continue to pursue regulatory approval and launch its seafood in restaurants.

The 3-year-old firm, which was featured on CNBC's Streets of Dreams with Marcus Lemonis on Tuesday, is developing cell lines to grow up to eight species of seafood — with mahi-mahi and bluefin tuna targeted as its initial products.

Depending on the pace of U.S. Food and Drug Administration review, BlueNalu could roll out its first lab-grown mahi-mahi this year, said President and Chief Executive Lou Cooperhouse.

"We will be only in restaurants when we start," said Cooperhouse in an interview. "We plan to launch here in San Diego in the first restaurant. We have not determined one just yet, but we are in various discussions. From San Diego, we will quickly launch in restaurants in the U.S." While plant-based milk, and more recently beef, have become somewhat mainstream, cell-based foods are still in

the early stages. One cell-based product, Eat Just's cultured chicken, has received a regulatory designation in Singapore that says it's safe for human consumption. But BlueNalu knows of no cell-based seafood products that have been authorized by regulators.

Still, a handful of startups are working to grow cell-based seafood as a more environmentally sustainable food source that can be produced closer to home, rather than shipped hundreds or thousands of miles from where it was caught.

BlueNalu makes cell-based fillets by isolating real fish muscle cells, fat cells

The PPP process was excruciating for some last year. Will it change?

Continued from preceding page. which operates through local community colleges and business schools.

But two problems developed, Brooks said.

Without explanation, $158,000 of the loan was removed from his account, "which I was kind of disturbed about," Brooks said.

The bank and the Small Business Administration gave conflicting stories about why the money was taken back, he said, and the matter is "still in limbo."

"I took the PPP and we used it for what we were supposed to use it for," Brooks said.

That left the business seriously low on cash for December. Fortunately for Brooks, the last remaining contract — with Los Angeles World Airports, the governing body for Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports — is bringing in more money, and he's also gotten back one of the customers he had lost.

Then, as he approached lenders for a new loan, he said, the institutions looked at the PPP money as debt even though the program is designed so that the loans turn into grants if the proceeds are spent on payroll and various eligible costs, among other conditions.

The federal government is "saying to me, ... 'Now you go get your own help.' I can go get my own help, but my own help — my bank — is saying that they have to know what I'm going to do with this debt," Brooks said, referring to the PPP funds.

That frustration pushed Brooks to take part in a virtual Capitol Hill lobbying campaign this month, put together by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. More than 2,000 graduates of the training program held more than 400 online meetings with lawmakers to advocate for additional help, including tax incentives to offset reopening and other costs, according to the advocacy initiative.

The restaurant industry has been hit hard by pandemic shutdowns in Southern California, and Ruby Bugarin's two Mexican eateries have been no different.

Bugarin and her brother Rolando took over from their parents, and Margaritas Mexican Restaurant just outside Pasadena and Pepe's Mexican Restaurant in Montrose were running smoothly before the virus arrived, she said. The restaurants drew crowds of families and three-timesa-week regulars, with parties, post-baptism celebrations and post-funeral gatherings held inside.

Bugarin, 49, has a deep emotional connection to Pepe's, which is nearing its 51st year in operation, and Margaritas, which opened 44 years ago. Bugarin grew up in the restaurants, sometimes sneaking tortilla chips from diners' occupied tables as a child.

They received $287,500 in PPP funds, but it ran out months ago .

"We're desperate," she said, a feeling compounded by anger that her restaurants are governed by Los Angeles County's strict rules currently banning indoor and outdoor dining while establishments in nearby Pasadena are free to continue serving customers at outdoor tables. Pepe's and Margaritas are limited to takeout only.

"We have two, three generations of employees working with us," Bugarin said. "I don't want to be the generation that closes these restaurants because of something outside of my power to control."

Brooks and Bugarin, who met and continue to network in the Goldman Sachs program, said they will apply for more relief funding. The other owners interviewed for this article said they had decided not to apply for more funding because they can do without it.

Ben Cooke at first wasn't sure he wanted federal help for the Westchester public relations firm that bears his name. His workforce of independent contractors rises or falls depending on the size of the job with clients including Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. "There were a lot of considerations," Cooke said. "Can I weather the storm without it? Maybe. So was it even worth doing, especially looking at accruing debt, right?

Like taking out a loan when Lord knows when you'd be able to pay it back.

"But my business landscape had changed completely. There were no more daytime talk shows to work. I did a lot of health P.R., but all of the health being talked about was the pandemic."

Cooke listened to the advice of a controller for one of his client companies: better to have it and not need it, than to need it when it's too late to get it. The PPP money turned out to be the financial cushion that gave him time to switch to clients who were doing well in the new coronavirus economy.

Again, existing banking relationships proved invaluable. Cooke turned to 1st Century Bank, his longtime bank. It was founded in 2004 and is a division of MidFirst Bank.

"It was a small, local bank that took

care of me. I knew the people who work there, exchanged phone calls with people high up," Cooke said.

Despite everything it took to get the relief loans, some of the business owners were just grateful.

"When it was happening, it felt like an eternity, waiting every day for an answer," said Cristofaro, the market researcher.

"When I was denied the money, I didn't know what I was going to do.

"When I look back, all of it happened inside a month. My business is ongoing, and we are in a much better place than we were." The PPP funding was "the difference between having an opportunity to grow and having to tell people they have to find another job." ©2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

and connecting tissue, bathing them in nutrients and growing them in stainless steel equipment akin to what's used in microbreweries, said Cooperhouse.

The company has focused on certain species, such as mahi-mahi, that are difficult to raise on fish farms.

"Our whole model is to partner with the food industry," he said. "We are really changing the model from supply restricted — basically we sell what we catch — to now it can be a demand-driven model where we sell what people want."

BlueNalu's production facility will be roughly 40,000 square feet. The company employs 30 workers today, along with several independent contractors. It expects to grow to 60 employees by the year end.

Previously, BlueNalu raised $20 million in a Series A round of venture capital funding in early 2020. It got off the ground with a $4.5 million seed round in early 2018.

Rage Capital led the convertible note financing. Others participants include Agronomics, Lewis & Clark AgriFood, McWin and Siddhi Capital, as well as strategic investors Radicle Growth, Rich Products Corp. and Thai Union.

"BlueNalu's technology is the next phase in the continuous agricultural revolution," said Alex Ruimy, managing partner of Rage Capital, in a statement.

"What the team has built, and continues to build, promises to change the way we source and eat fish." ©2021 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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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 CONFLUENCE INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Confluence Industrial Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on January 5, 2021.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of RAMONA & RUTH, INC., with its registered office address at 118 East Grove Street, West Point, Nebraska 68788 and the registered agent at such address is Russell J. Kreikemeier. The principal office location of the Corporation is at 5914 North 169th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The purpose or purposes for which this corporation is formed is to own, conduct, operate, maintain and carry on the business of letterpress paper goods, including the conduct of sales of greeting cards, note pads and other various paper products and other related products and services and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The initial authorized number of shares of the corporation is 10,000 and such shares shall be issued at such time and under such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine.

The Corporation commenced doing business on January 1, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such officers as may be provided in the bylaws of the Corporation. The incorporator is Kimberly Burks, 5914 North 169th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dingman’s Collision Center, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Company”), filed Articles of Restatement with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 5, 2021 wherein the authorized stock of the Company was changed.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VON RIESEN FARMS LLC The name of the Company is Von Riesen Farms LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 312 North 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Thomas J. Von Riesen, 312 North 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. This limited liability company commenced business on January 5, 2021.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

LINDSEY A. SCHULER, 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 PRESCRIPTION PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Prescription Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5608 Weir Street, Omaha, NE 68117. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REKSUH AUTO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Reksuh Auto, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CONFLUENCE INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Confluence Industrial Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on January 5, 2021.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LAUREL GROUP, 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 Laurel Group, Inc. The corporation is authorizied to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery- Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164, and its incorporator is Phil Friesen, 36808 Oakmont Drive, Louisville, NE 68037.

Phil Friesen, Incorporator First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Maker Mosaics, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 3002 S 76th AVE, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Tamara A Rager, 3002 S 76th AVE, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CREATIVBEE, 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 CreativBee, 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 14, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Managers as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRR HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRR Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6414 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

13

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 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DLOMAR LLC The name of the limited liability company is Dlomar LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2908 North 161st Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116. 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 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TMAC VENTURES, 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 TMAC Ventures, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 907 Woodcrest Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701.

Thomas McGregor, Andrea McGregor, Melanie Fae Wemhoff, and Curtis William Wemhoff Members First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that CLK Real Estate, LLC, has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 4658 N 163rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent of the Company is Cynthia L. Kinzey, 4658 N 163rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the sale of real estate in this state. The Company was formed on December 31, 2020.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Reyes Real Estate, 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 14826 Walnut Grove Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the sale of real estate in this state. The Company was formed on December 31, 2020.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OUR FAMILY HOME HEALTHCARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Our Family Home Healthcare, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 440 Regency Parkway, Suite 225, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

ERIN K. ARTZ, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF PEARSON FITNESS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Pearson Fitness, LLC. The address of the designated office is 19006 Ohio Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on November 20, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

14

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 7240 BLONDO, LLC Notice is hereby given that 7240 BLONDO, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on January 12, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of LEPCO Properties, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is LEPCO Properties, LLC. Registered agent and office of LEPCO Properties, LLC is Jose Leonardo Pacheco Ledesma at 14960 L Street, Omaha, NE 68137. The designated address is 14960 L Street, Omaha, NE 68137. Initial members: Jose Leonardo Pacheco Ledesma. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in January 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Williams TSC, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Williams TSC, Inc. 2. The number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 shares of common stock.

3. The name of the initial registered agent is Matthew T. Payne, and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

5. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Corporation is any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated in Nebraska.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Kroupa Enterprise, LLC Notice is hereby given that Kroupa Enterprise, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 17514 K Street, Omaha, NE 68135, and with its initial agent for service of process as Zachary Kroupa, 17514 K Street, Omaha, NE 68135.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WILLOW CUSTOM HOMES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Willow Custom Homes, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jaime Suarez Delgado, 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC. Registered agent and office of Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC is Edgar Gonzalez Mendez at 4520 S 39th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 4520 S 39th Street, Omaha, NE 68107.

Initial members: Edgar Gonzalez Mendez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in January 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE FINANCIAL PLAZA II LLC, as of December 31, 2020. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant.

Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A&A AERONAUTICAL DRONE IMAGERY, LLC The name of the limited liability company is A&A Aeronautical Drone Imagery, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 18337 Polk Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EL ACQUISITION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of El Acquisition, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to eLIMBS, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 6, 2021.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CKP HOLDING COMPANY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of CKP Holding Company, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is CKP Holding Company, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Cr. Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARKER JOHNSON, INC. Notice is hereby given that Parker Johnson, Inc. has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 1,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.00 per share. Foster and Dolleck CPAs is the incorporation and the registered agent. The incorporator's address and the address of the registered office is 11516 Nicholas Street, Suite 302, Omaha, NE 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

JULIA K. PALZER, Attorney at Law KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 1. The name of the Company is FURNITURE SERVICES BY DAN ROCHE, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 11214 Martha Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The registered agent is Daniel J. Roche and the Registered Agent's address is 11214 Martha Circle, Omaha, NE 68144.

3. The general nature of the Company is furniture services.

4. The Company commenced on January 6, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence.

5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION notice is hereby given that Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool and Academy, Inc., a Nebraska Non-Profit Religious Corporation, has been organized under the Laws of the State of Nebraska on December 2, 2020. The initial registered agent and office: Kim Wagner, 5201 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. Sole incorporator of the corporation: Richard Kennedy, 6821 Laurent Circle, Lincoln, NE 68526.

Corporation has members.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Kreikemeier Home Inspections, LLC Notice is hereby given that Kreikemeier Home Inspections, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 615 Shoreline Drive, Lot 17, North Bend, NE 68649, and with its initial agent for service of process as Dale Kreikemeier, 615 Shoreline Drive, Lot 17, North Bend, NE 68649.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Red Bull Farm Services, LLC Notice is hereby given that Red Bull Farm Services, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 2364 I Road, Oakland, NE 68045, and with its initial agent for service of process as John Sanders, 2364 I Road, Oakland, NE 68045.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Sass Small Business 2, LLC Notice is hereby given that Sass Small Business 2, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 20521 D Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022, and with its initial agent for service of process as Martin Sass, 20521 D Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Sass Small Business Consulting, LLC Notice is hereby given that Sass Small Business Consulting, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 20521 D Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022, and with its initial agent for service of process as Martin Sass, 20521 D Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF THE HEALTHY HEART, P.C. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of THE HEALTHY HEART, P.C. under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as follows: 1. The name of the professional corporation is THE HEALTHY HEART, P.C. 2. The number of shares that the professional corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 shares of voting common stock.

3. The name of the initial registered agent is Antonio P. Reyes, M.D., and the address of the initial registered office is 5824 South 119th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is Antonio P. Reyes, M.D., 5824 S. 119th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

5. The general nature of the profession to be practiced by the Corporation is medicine and surgery.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HEART OF THE HEARTLAND, LLC Notice is hereby given that HEART OF THE HEARTLAND, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 5715 S. 98TH Plaza 3B, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is PAUL M. FISCHER, the initial registered office located 5715 S. 98th Plaza., 3B, Omaha, NE 68127.

The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 23, 2020, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ADORE MED SPA, 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 Adore Med Spa, LLC with an initial designated office of 17410 Burke Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. 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 4, 2021 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 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

ROBERT J. MURRAY, 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 Southhills, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), effective December 31, 2020. Pursuant to the dissolution, all of the assets and property of the Corporation are to be distributed to the shareholders of the Corporation. There are no known liabilities. George Boosalis, as President of the Corporation, is to manage the corporate affairs and distribute the corporate assets.

Parties with claims against the Corporation are directed to submit them in writing to the attention of George Boosalis, 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 five (5) years after the publication of this Notice.

SOUTHHILLS, INC., a Nebraska corporation, By: George Boosalis, President First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION The name of the Corporation is KMG MANAGEMENT, INC. The address of the registered office of the Corporation is 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136 and the registered agent of the said Corporation is Andrew C. Sigerson. The Corporation has Ten Thousand (10,000) shares of common stock authorized, each having the par value of $1.00. The Incorporator is Andrew C. Sigerson, 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

ANDREW C. SIGERSON Incorporator First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

ROBERT J. MURRAY, 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 Hoody & Lanspa Family Practice, P.C., a Nebraska corporation (o'Corporation"), effective December 31,2020. Pursuant to the dissolution, all of the assets and property ofthe Corporation are to be distributed to the shareholders of the Corporation.

There are no known liabilities. ZiadL. Zawaideh, M.D., as President of the Corporation, is to manage the corporate affairs and distribute the corporate assets.

Parties with claims against the Corporation are directed to submit them in writing to the attention of ZiadL. Zawaideh, M.D., 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 five (5) years after the publication of this Notice.

HOODY & LANSPA FAMILY PRACTICE.P.C., a Nebraska corporation, By: ZiadL, Zawaideh, M.D. First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of The JOHN L. HOICH FAMILY FOUNDATION under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 2. The name of the nonprofit corporation is THE JOHN L. HOICH FAMILY FOUNDATION. 3. The nonprofit corporation is a public benefit corporation.

4. The address of the registered office of the nonprofit corporation is 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136 and the registered agent of the said Corporation is Andrew C. Sigerson.

5. The name and address of the Incorporator is Andrew C. Sigerson, 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

6. The nonprofit corporation shall have no members.

Andrew C. Sigerson, Incorporator First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is KMG CAPITAL, LLC. 2. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1910 Thomes Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

3. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Andrew C. Sigerson at 9859 South 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska.

5. The company commenced its existence on December 21, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

MARTIN P. PELSTER, 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 PERKINS DELAWARE II, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Perkins Delaware II, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 608 North 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the agent for service of process is Agent Inc., 1015 North 98th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ETH Anesthesia, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall conduct the practice of anesthesia. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4968 S. 176th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on December 30, 2020.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F H E A LT H T E S T I N G LABORATORIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Health Testing Laboratories, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: BEN MCFARLAND You are hereby notified that on 08/26/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20 15392. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $ 297.00, plus court costs and prejudgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable.

The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the petition on or before 02/28/21, at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska.

BY: Steven J Morrison, #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

LINDSEY A. SCHULER, 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 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A&C RENTALS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is A&C Rentals, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

15

Notice of Organization Aubray Orduña Consulting, LLC Notice is hereby given that Aubray Orduña Consulting, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 4634 Camden Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104, and with its initial agent for service of process as Aubray Orduña, 4634 Camden Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER Dingman’s Collision Center, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on August 10, 2005 (the “Company”). On January 15, 2021, the Company filed Articles of Merger with the Nebraska Secretary of State wherein 1) BDD, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, 2) DAT, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, and 3) Alset Automotive, Inc., a Nebraska corporation were merged with and into the Company with the Company being the surviving entity. No amendments to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company are to be affected as part of the merger.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MELLONTIKOS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mellontikos, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 310 South 89th Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on January 13, 2021.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

AIMEE L. LOWE, Attorney Lowe Legal Group 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Micah 6:8 Ventures, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 13611 B. Street, Omaha, NE 68144. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

RODNEY G. GNUSE, Attorney GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C. 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PERMANENT NERD DAMAGE STUDIOS, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of PERMANENT NERD DAMAGE STUDIOS, INC. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock.

The name and address of the initial registered agent is Jesse Neese, 3273 S. 104th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the incorporator is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced December 30, 2020, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board.

Rodney G. Gnuse, Incorporator First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KTC HOLDINGS, 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 KTC Holdings, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 11506 Nicholas Street, Suite 105, Omaha, NE 68154.

T. Kelly Klein, Melanie Fae Wemhoff, and Stephanie Childers Members First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

16

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CEM ORGANIZATION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CEM Organization, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 6513 South 184th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that #1 EAGLES CONSTRUCTION LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 5065 S 40th st Omaha, NE 68107. The registered agent of #1 Eagles Construction LLC is Miguel Angel Cifuentes Cruz 5065 S 40th st Omaha, NE 68107.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOAT CAPITAL LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Moat Capital LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1113 S 10th St, #5, Omaha, Nebraska 68108. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jeffrey Milewski located at 1113 S 10th St, #5, Omaha, Nebraska 68108.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that BIG FUNDAMENTAL LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Joe Finocchiaro, 17007 Howard Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on April 30, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SREI, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Julie Wilson, 101 South 108th Avenue, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68154. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any or all lawful business. The business commenced on January 6, 2021, and it shall continue in perpetuity.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRR HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRR Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6414 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

JERRY W. KATSKEE, Attorney K & K Law P.C., L.L.O. 10675 Bedford Ave., Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68134 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporation Name: K & K Law, P.C., L.L.O., 10675 Bedford Avenue Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68134 Incorporator: Jerry W. Katskee Incorporator Address: 10675 Bedford Avenue Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68134 Registered Agent: Jerry W. Katskee Registered Office/Agent Address: 10675 Bedford Avenue Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68134 Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a professional corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Professional Corporation Act. Authorized capital stock is $10,000.00 to be fully paid and non-assessable on issue. Perpetual existence commenced on January 10, 2020, when Articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors and officers authorized by the By-Laws and the Board.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION 1. The name of the non-profit corporation is THE HOUSE EXPERIENCE, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 6012 N. 102nd Street, #642021, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent at that office is Donna Blum.

3. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and the general nature of the corporation is to restore and strengthen marriage and family relationships using practical holistic and traditional Christian principles and approaches.

4. The corporation commenced on November 17, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The name and address of the incorporator is Donna Blum, 6012 N. 102nd Street, #642021, Omaha, Nebraska 68164.

5. The corporation will not have members.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Darren R Carlson, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5524 N. 99th Street, LLC Notice is hereby given that 5524 N. 99th Street, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on January 12, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company.

Darren R Carlson, Organizer First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

Notice of Organization Prairie Wings, LLC Notice is hereby given that Prairie Wings, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1324 N 131st Circle, Omaha, NE 68154, and with its initial agent for service of process as Donald Carpino, 1324 N 131st Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION PICTURE PERFECT TILE, INC. Notice is hereby given that Picture Perfect Tile, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on October 26, 2020 when Articles were filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares.

Patrick J. Sullivan, Incorporator 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, NE 68046 Registered Office: 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046-2843 Registered Agent: Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Tribal Empowerment Strategies, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office and designated office at 4211 S. 38th St., Omaha, Ne 68107 with registered agent Teresa Renae Dameron.

The general nature of its business is to engage in any and all lawful businesses for which am LLC may be organized. The company was organized and commenced on 08/01/2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The agent of the company is owner, Teresa Dameron.

First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Amended Certificate of Organization for JSP Lakeside LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 13, 2021 wherein the name of the Company was changed to Lakeside Farms LLC. First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROYCE PETIT ROI, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Royce Petit Roi, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Royce Petit Roi, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 110, Nebraska 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is James D. Buser, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HTR PAYMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is HTR Payment Solutions, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68164.

Jim Prchal, and Kellie Schofield, Members First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STACY MEARS, 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 Stacy Mears, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 8077 Kilpatrick Parkway, Bennington, NE 68007.

Stacy Mears, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF R&M CONTRACTING, 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 R&M Contracting, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 18221 Farnam Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

Ryan McMahon, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1954 Estate of BARBARA P. TERRY, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on January 8, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, PATRICIA A. CURRY, 35 Price Avenue, Welland, Ontario, L3C3Y1, was informlly 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 15, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 15, 2021, final January 29, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 13942, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 13942, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5253 South 133rd Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KARI WITT, 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 KARI WITT, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Papillion, NE 68133.

The designated office is located at 16008 S. 63rd Street, Papillion, NE 68133.

Kari Witt, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JRB REALTY, 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 JRB Realty, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 2938 Bridgeford Road, Omaha, NE 68124.

John Begley, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CATTAIL COVE COLLECTIVE, 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 Cattail Cove Collective, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 912 S. 37th Street, Omaha, NE 68105.

Abby Scott, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRE SALON, 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 Tre Salon, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 13441 Erskine Street, Omaha, NE 68164.

Krista Lane, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GOLF LOVER PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Golf Lover Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEIGHBORS FOR COMMON GOOD Notice is given that NEIGHBORS FOR COMMON GOOD is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation and will not have members. The Corporation’s initial registered agent was Mike Huber whose address was 2709 Dewey Ave #7, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The current registered agent is Kristy Leahy whose address is 3309 Nebraska Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The Corporation commenced by filing its Articles of Incorporation on October 18, 2017. Its incorporator was LegalZoom.com, Inc., whose address was 101 N. Brand Blvd, 10th Floor, Glendale, CA 91203.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

Notice is hereby given that SANDERSON GROUP, INC., has incorporated unter the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 1,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.00 per share. Foster & Dolleck CPAs is the incorporator, the incorporators' address is 11516 Nicholas Street, Suite 302, Omaha, NE 68154. The regisrered agent is Jacque Spikes and the address of the registered office is 634 North 47th Street #4, Omaha NE 68132. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KCCK PROPERTIES, LLC. Notice is hereby given that KCCK PROPERTIES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated and registered office of the company is 1326 N 160th St, Omaha, NE 68118. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced on January 13th, 2021, and has perpetual duration. The manager and registered agent of the company is Aaron Flaugh.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REFORMED INDUSTRIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Reformed Industries, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1248 South 112th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 12, 2021.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

AIMEE L. LOWE, Attorney Lowe Legal Group 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that B Props, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 13611 B. Street, Omaha, NE 68144. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLUE SKY BAR & PATIO, LLC The name of the Company is Blue Sky Bar & Patio, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1108 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on January 13, 2021.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

Rodney G. Gnuse GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KNAPSTER PROPERTIES, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Knapster Properties, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7016 N. 153rd Street, Bennington, NE 68007. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the limited liability company’s initial registered office is 7016 N. 153rd Street, Bennington, NE 68007 and the name of its’ initial registered agent at such address is John Knape. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 6, 2021. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members.

Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

17

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of RUSTIC FARMHOUSE INVESTMENTS, INC., with its registered office address at 118 East Grove Street, West Point, Nebraska 68788 and the registered agent at such address is Russell J. Kreikemeier. The principal office location of the Corporation is at 11928 West Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The purpose or purposes for which this corporation is formed is to own, conduct, operate, maintain and carry on the business of a quilt shop, including the conduct of education courses and sales of all products for the creation of quilts and quilting equipment and to sell supplies and other related products and services and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The initial authorized number of shares of the corporation is 10,000 and such shares shall be issued at such time and under such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine. The Corporation commenced doing business on January 1, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such officers as may be provided in the bylaws of the Corporation. The incorporator is Deborah Cox, 11928 West Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HARRER HOMES, 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 Harrer Homes, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

The designated office is located at 7402 S. 50th Street, Omaha, NE 68157.

Donald Harrer III, Member First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HANSEN CABIN, LLC Notice is hereby given that HANSEN CABIN, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 22880 West Angus Road, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The initial registered agent is Randy Hansen, whose address is 22880 West Angus Road, Gretna Nebraska 68028.

The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and such activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on January 19, 2021 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by its initial Members of the Company who are Denise Kennedy, Randy Hansen, and Rodney Hansen.

Carlson & Burnett, LLP, Organizer First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Nebraska Prospects Foundation, Inc., a Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation, were filed on January 14, 2021 with the Nebraska Secretary of State for the purpose of amending the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the corporation to change the name of the corporation to The Four Coaches Foundation.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

MODERN LAW FIRM, PC, LLO PO Box 209 Boys Town, NE 68010 NOTICE OF MERGER, CONVERSION & ORGANIZATION NOTICE that Articles of Merger of Peak Engraving, Inc., a Nebraska business corporation, with and into Peak Industries, Inc., were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 31, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The merger was effective on January 1, 2021. The surviving entity in the merger was Peak Industries, Inc. NOTICE FURTHER that Peak Industries, Inc. a Nebraska business corporation, has been converted into Peak Industries, LLC, under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Articles of Conversion of Peak Industries, Inc., into Peak Industries, LLC, and Certificate of Organization of Peak Industries, LLC, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 31, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act and the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The conversion was effective on January 1, 2021. The Designated Office is at 1412 N 153rd Cir, Omaha, NE 68154. The Registered Agent is Jason L. Bickford, 1412 N 153rd Cir, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication January 22, 2021, final February 5, 2021

18

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HUSKERS IN CB, LLC The name of the Company is Huskers in CB, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 13323 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

This limited liability company commenced business on January 20, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MANNA SALON STUDIOS LLC Notice is hereby given that MANNA SALON STUDIOS 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 16911 Briar Street, Omaha, NE 68136. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is JKE HOSPITALITY 2, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 17676 Welch Plaza, Ste. 9, Omaha, Nebraska, 68135. The registered agent is Javier T. Villa and the Registered Agent's address is 17676 Welch Plaza, Ste. 9, Omaha, Nebraska, 68135.

3. The general nature of the Company is Mexican Restaurant Taqueria.

4. The Company commenced on December 31, 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 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is JKE HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 17676 Welch Plaza, Ste. 9, Omaha, Nebraska, 68135. The registered agent is Javier T. Villa and the Registered Agent's address is 17676 Welch Plaza, Ste. 9, Omaha, Nebraska, 68135.

3. The general nature of the Company is holding company.

4. The Company commenced on December 30, 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 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SIMON RENTAL MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Simon Rental Management, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Simon Rental Management, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1224 South 118th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DUNDEE HARD ICE CREAM CO., LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Dundee Hard Ice Cream Co., LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Dundee Hard Ice Cream Co., LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Nebraska Left Coalition Name of Applicant: Neighbors for Common Good Address: 3309 Nebraska Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68111 Applicant is a Other (specify): Domestic Non-Profit Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: October 2017 General nature of business: Charitable Giving MATTHEW WURSTNER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 29, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MALIBU AIR, 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 Malibu Air, LLC. The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 21008 Cumberland Drive, Suite 110, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

William Douglas, Organizer First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOJO PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SOJO Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State if Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address is 8019 12th Street, Murry, Nebraska 68409.

The Registered Agent of the Company is Heath Marrinan, 8019 12th Street, Murray, Nebraska 68409.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EXTRALUMENAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ExtraLumenal, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8901 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas Waldron, 8901 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on January 21, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Digital Innovation Engine Name of Applicant: Mellontikos, LLC Address: 310 South 89th Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 1/13/2021 General nature of business: Technology Consulting AARON DOWD Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative January 29, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WHITE OAK ACRES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that White Oak Acres, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17605 Shirley Street, 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 21, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KKB HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KKB Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 22145 West Maple Road, P.O. Box 131, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 21, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AC TIRES LLC The name of the Company is AC Tires LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 6130 Military Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Anthony M. Giessinger, 6130 Military Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. This limited liability company commenced business on January 21, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CEDAR FLY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cedar Fly, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5808 S. 118 Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is Registered Agents, Inc., 530 S. 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TMM, 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 TMM, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 419 West Judy Road, Fremont, NE 68025.

William Douglas, Organizer First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NORDHUES RAILWAY VALUE SOLUTIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Nordhues Railway Value Solutions, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 15414 Himebaugh Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116.

Connie Nordhues-Bieber, Member First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BUCKENDAHL’S TRUCKING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BUCKENDAHL’S TRUCKING, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 14905 Z Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent is JOE R. BUCKENDAHL. The general nature of the business is to operate a general over the road trucking 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 over the road trucking 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 August 18, 2020, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 20, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, VicePresident, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 • LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRECISION CANCER RESEARCH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Precision Cancer Research, LLC has been amended to change the name of the company to: XCancer, LLC. The amendment was accomplished by the filing of an Amended Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 22, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CRYSTAL HAM REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CRYSTAL HAM REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, CRYSTAL L. HAM. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law.

The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on September 4, 2020, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 20, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

CRYSTAL L. HAM, Organizational Member 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REBECKA J. MOSSMAN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that REBECKA J. MOSSMAN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, REBECKA J MOSSMAN. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on December 2, 2020, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 22, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

REBECKA J. MOSSMAN, Organizational Member 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COUNSELING WITH KRISTIN, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that COUNSELING WITH KRISTIN, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and registered office at 6706 South 142nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, KRISTIN WALKER-VINAL. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced doing business on December 3, 2020, and filed Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 22, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

KRISTIN WALKER-VINAL, Organizational Member 6706 South 142nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137 First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TRUE IRON TATTOO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRUE IRON TATTOO, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 11408 Elm Street, #16, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent is AARON JOSEPH WERT. The general nature of the business is to operate a general tattoo shop 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 tattoo shop 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 upon its Articles of Incorporation being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 9, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the 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 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

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 CKP HOLDING COMPANY, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of CKP HOLDING COMPANY, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been amended to change the name of the Company to SHARMALEAU HOLDINGS, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on January 25, 2021. In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PopOmaha!, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PopOmaha!, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 5428 South 13th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. The registered agent is AUBREY A. PALERMO. The general nature of the business is to operate a general licensed signage rental/installation 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 licensed signage rental/installation 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 upon its Articles of Incorporation being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 19, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the ByLaws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Husker Entertainment, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office of the Company is 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on January 13, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

JAMIE M. HURST, Esq. WALENTINE O'TOOLE, Attorneys 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-0125 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JUETT PROPERTIES, LLC Juett Properties, LLC, with its initial designated office at 2023 S. 214th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, gives notice that it filed its Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 22, 2021, 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 Lance Juett, and his initial mailing address is 2023 S. 214th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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.

Jamie M. Hurst, Organizer First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

JOHN N. MASSIH, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 21-69 Estate of TIMOTHY COMPTON, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on January 19th, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that TAMMY FLEER, of 5017 s. 93rd st. Omaha, NE 68127 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 14, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

19

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Sara Nies, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 18805 Polk Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Sarah Nies, 18805 Polk Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Company was formed on January 20, 2021.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION: SUMMIT HOMES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that SUMMIT HOMES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on January 26, 2021, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Manager Managed Limited Liability Company. The initial Manager of the Company is Awad Qumseya whose address is 2327 South 191st Street, Omaha, NE 68130.

Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHEPHERD CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION LLC Notice is hereby given that SHEPHERD CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION 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 2929 California Plaza, Apt. 6105, Omaha, NE 68131. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given of the organization of Simply Board Designs, LLC, with its registered office address at 118 East Grove Street, West Point, Nebraska 68788 and the registered agent at that address being Russell J. Kreikemeier. The designated office location of the Company is 16465 Read Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68007. The purpose or purposes for which this Company is formed is to own, manage, conduct, operate and carry on a small crafts and home décor business, including the conduct of sales of all products and raw materials to make small crafts and home décor whether in this State or any other and to conduct all related activities thereto. The Company shall conduct the transactions of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws. The initial capital of the Company has been contributed and evidence of membership in the Company will be issued by the Management Board. The Company commenced doing business on January 4, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by a Management Board and such other Officers and Managers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement of the Company.

First publication January 29, 2021, final February 12, 2021

Email your legal notices to legals@mbj.com You will receive a confirmation email with additional information

20

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Student loan relief extended until Sept. 30: How to take advantage of it

by Susan Tompor

If you're juggling federal student loan debt along with other bills, you're about to get another pandemic-related break.

Those who lost a job Financial during the pandemic and now need to decide whether to pay their student loan debt or buy groceries can hold off making federal student loan payments through Sept. 30.

The temporary pause for federal student loan payments had been set to end Jan. 31 for more than 42 million borrowers.

The move means that the interest rate on many federal student loan payments stays set at 0% for another eight months. (But remember, millions of private student loan payments and some federal student loans weren't covered by this deal.)

Time to breath and pay down other debt "It really gives people options to get their financial life in order," said Kristen Holt, CEO of GreenPath Financial Wellness, a Farmington Hills-based nonprofit that offers various services nationwide, including a debt management program and financial counseling on student loans.

Some families, Holt said, may be able to use this time to pay off high-rate credit card debt or other bills. Others, if able, might try to set aside extra cash to create or beef up an emergency fund.

Taking care of some other financial headaches, Holt said, will put many families on a better footing once payments on student loan bills must resume later this year.

"Right now," Holt said, "nothing is

forgiven. They still owe the money."

The temporary financial break, which was first announced in March, was extended twice last year and then again, most recently at the request of President Joe Biden, who took executive action on the matter on his first day in office.

"Too many Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities and to provide for their families," according to an alert from the U.S. Department of Education.

"They should not be forced to choose between paying their student loans and putting food on the table."

Time to review income-driven plans Holt told me in a phone interview that many borrowers should consider signing up for income-driven repayment plans even now while the pause is in place.

That's because the months when they're not required to make a payment will count in their favor with some income-driven plans that offer loan forgiveness at the end of a 20 year or 25 year period.

Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert, noted that the CARES Act, passed in March, specifically counts the payment pause and interest waiver as though the payments were made.

Kantrowitz said he generally advises borrowers to consider an income-driven repayment plan if their total student loan debt at graduation exceeds their annual income, especially if they want to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The budget-friendly, income-driven plans offered on federal student loans can help you avoid defaulting if your income is low compared with your student debt burden. In general,

monthly payments are calculated based on borrowers’ incomes and family sizes and the plans may be more affordable than other options.

Typically, experts say, borrowers should opt for the repayment plan with the highest monthly payment that they can afford so that the interest doesn't keep building over the long run.

Will there be another pause in payments after September? The Biden administration has left open that possibility. But borrowers would be wise to take advantage of what they know is available right now.

What happens after the pause?

Sarah Sattelmeyer, director of the Pew Charitable Trust's Student Borrower Success project, said financially strapped borrowers need to consider what happens when the payment pause ends.

The latest extension, she said, offers essential breathing room for borrowers during a time when many have lost jobs or seen their hours cut during the pandemic.

But many borrowers still may face difficulty even if the jobs picture improves, as some expect once more people receive a coronavirus vaccine.

"Even before the pandemic, a lot of families were struggling financially," Sattelmeyer said.

"Family financial security really drives borrowers' repayment behavior."

Policymakers should be using this time, she said, to put measures in place to help student loan borrowers smoothly transition back into making payments when that is required.

In addition, Kantrowitz notes that loan servicers will face challenges restarting repayment on all the borrowers all of a sudden, too.

The price (in electricity) of working from home

by Rob Nikolewski

With so many Americans working from home due to COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, their home electric usage has gone up — and so have their bills.

A company that sells Workplace energy monitoring devices just released an analysis attaching a dollar figure to the cost and according to one of the findings, California residents spent about $176 more on their utility bills in 2020 compared to 2019.

"There is a real cost to staying at home," said George Zavaliagkos, vice president of technology at Sense, the maker of the monitoring devices. "Maybe you don't notice it month to month, but we definitely noticed it over the year."

About the size of a cellphone, the Sense monitor is installed in a homeowner's electric panel.

The device, which costs about $300, provides real-time data on household electricity. It can track appliances and electronic devices — even for those not considered "smart" — and help identify energy drains so homeowners can eliminate wasting power. About 50,000 Sense monitors have been installed across the country.

To conduct the analysis, the Massachusetts-based company took a look at data from 5,200 randomly selected homes equipped with Sense monitors. Looking at energy use in those households from March 1 of last year — when lockdown orders first went into effect in many states such as California — to Aug. 31, the company compared the numbers in those homes to the same time

frame in 2019.

"We are comparing apples to apples," Zavaliagkos said. "They are the same people and we believe that the data (are) very accurate."

Nationally, the analysis found that electrical usage increased 9.3 percent from April through August last year compared to 2019, with homeowners paying $85 more in the spring and summer months. Extrapolating that through the end of the year, the additional cost came to $127 per household.

In California, the study showed residents on average paid $19.60 more per month in the spring and summer compared to 2019, a pace that Sense said would come to $176 for the year.

Zavaliagkos attributed the higher numbers in the Golden State to three factors: the pandemic, a spate of heat waves that made the summer of 2020 hotter than 2019 and a succession of wildfires that worsened air quality, which led to more people staying indoors.

"We did the analysis and said, 'Whoa,'" Zavaliagkos said. "You see this peak, it's so much higher than anything that's happened in the previous year. It's a triple whammy."

But California's numbers were not the highest in the Sense study.

Electricity use for New York residents increased 12.7 percent in the spring and summer, leading to an estimated increase of $243 for the year compared to 2019. And usage in Massachusetts was up 11.4 percent, putting Bay State residents on track to pay $244.80 more for all of 2020.

On the low end, Florida residents used just 3.9 percent more electricity last spring

and summer, putting the state on a yearend track to spend $76 more on utility bills compared to the previous year. Zavaliagkos reckoned Florida's lower numbers were due to mild weather and state officials not issuing stay-at-home orders right away.

Residents in Texas finished in the middle of the pack. Electricity bills in the Lone Star State jumped 12 percent in July due to record heat waves but overall electricity use in the spring and summer was up 8.6 percent, translating into $17.80 more in monthly bills compared to 2019. Sense estimated Texas residents were on pace to spend $160 more on their utility bills for the entire year.

Sense analyzed data from 1,832 homes in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and California.

After crunching the numbers, Zavaliagkos said he did not have any specific policy recommendations for officials in California, where a series of state mandates are being implemented to electrify more of the state's grid and expand adoption of electric vehicles.

But he did say too much electric infrastructure is wed to "last-century technology" and needs to be modernized. Exploiting new technologies that can expand the use of data "to both customers and utilities" can help do that.

"The pattern is, COVID or not, people will work more from home and heat waves are happening more frequently," Zavaliagkos said. "So we need to ask, is our infrastructure ready for this triple whammy effect?" ©2021 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Americans seem anxious about an uncertain future, according to Pew research, with nearly a quarter who are not confident that their household will be financially secure in six months.

"In addition, 58% of borrowers reported that it would be difficult to resume student loan payments in the next month if they had to do so," according to a Pew survey released in October.

Sattelmeyer said those who are at the greatest financial risk will need more help once the payment pause ends.

In the future, some borrowers may need a grace period after the pause in payments ends that can help people who maybe miss their first couple payments right after the program ends. A safety net needs to be in place, she said.

What's often not understood, she said, is that not all student loans are covered by this pause in payments.

About 9 million borrowers — those with private student loans and those with most Perkins loans and Federal Family Education Loans that are not owned by the federal government — are not receiving automatic relief, according to the Student Borrower Protection Center, a nonprofit advocacy group.

With private student loans, borrowers must request relief and their options may be very limited. It all depends on what the lender might offer, if anything at all. Some short-term solutions offered earlier have even expired, according to the Student Borrower Protection Center.

"Borrowers with commercially-held FFEL Program and Perkins loans may be able to get assistance, but it is neither automatic nor as comprehensive as that provided to those with federally held loans," Pew's Sattelmeyer said.

Kantrowitz noted that borrowers with FFEL loans and Federal Perkins Loans can make their loans eligible by consolidating them into a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan.

He noted that FFEL borrowers may be eligible for other types of financial relief, such as economic hardship deferments, unemployment deferments, forbearances and income-driven repayment. The monthly payment under an income-driven repayment plan is zero if the borrower's income is less than 150% of the poverty line.

Pew Charitable Trusts issued a report in January detailing how it is essential to reduce the complexity of the student loan repayment system. One recommendation includes allowing loan servicers to be temporarily permitted to enroll borrowers into an income-driven plan without requiring extensive paperwork.

Borrowers already expressed difficulties navigating the repayment system when the economy was functioning much better than it is now, according to Pew. The risks are high for failing to repay student loans. Borrowers "can face collection fees; wage garnishment; money being withheld from income tax refunds, Social Security, and other federal payments; damage to their credit scores; and even ineligibility for other aid programs, such as help with homeownership," Pew noted.

Going forward, Biden has proposed forgiving up to $10,000 in federal student loans for borrowers. But borrowers have no guarantees that such a change will take place or when.

Right now, it's important to take a realistic look at your overall financial situation and try to use the next eight months to your advantage. ©2021 Detroit Free Press.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

21

Young Professionals

Technology

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

YPs driving change in the community • How the pandemic is driving innovation • Making a career shift Empowering the next generation • Work/life balance in the age of WFH (work from home) Networking: How YPs managed to stay connected in 2020 and how to network in the future

Hottest tech jobs • Tech tools to ease return to the office E-Learning will continue to grow • AI and industry automation Tech growth in Nebraska: Trends local tech firms are noting for 2021

Issue Date: February 12 • Ad Deadline: February 4

Issue Date: February 12 • Ad Deadline: February 4

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Lincoln Business Journal Pages

LINCOLN REAL ESTATE NEBRASKA O N L Y

I N

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Industry update • Commercial real estate post pandemic Housing boom • Educational opportunities for Realtors

Silicon Prairie: local startups • Uniquely Nebraska eateries and purveyors Local attractions and their roles to the community • Agribusiness Home-grown corporations maintaining Nebraska HQs

Issue Date: February 19 • Ad Deadline: February 11

Issue Date: February 19 • Ad Deadline: February 11

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising at karla@mbj.com.

22

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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

January 29, 2020

Business planning 101: Experts weigh in on new year

by Gabby Hellbusch

No matter the circumstance, business planning is an important and strategic tool for any entrepreneur.

Allan Hale, marketing chairman for the Greater Omaha SCORE chapter, said some of the basics of a good plan involve deciphering the business owner’s qualifications and experience, as well as what problem the business will solve.

Hale said the biggest challenge for business planning moving into 2021 is the inability to have face-to-face meetings.

“It’s difficult to communicate the value of your business without that important component,” he said. “Becoming familiar with Zoom and other means to communicate to potential customers is critical. Many companies are much

more aggressive in their COVID-19 protocols and that needs to be considered. Be mindful of the CDC rules and state directives in planning your networking activities.”

Additionally, Hale said having an online presence is critical entering 2021.

“SCORE offers workshops and other business education classes, which will help as you work through your business planning,” he said. “Most of our workshops are free or very low cost and our mentoring does not charge for our services.”

Travis Schwartz, Omaha market leader at Meridian Business, said COVID-19 has highlighted budgeting and planning deficiencies.

“Companies need to increase inventory due to unpredictable supply chains while trying to maintain focus on working capital,” he said.

Travis Schwartz, Omaha market leader at Meridian Business.

“Supply fluctuations and variable demand changes passed in 2017, known as the Tax Cuts quickly results in stale budget data, which can and Jobs Act. cause lapses in management’s ability to make “This Act provided tools for professionals key business decisions.” to use to help clients build tax efficient income Schwartz said a dynamic real-time detailed strategies,” he said. “This took the old entity budgeting process is structure planning procritical in today’s volcess and flipped it on atile environment. its head because there “A dispersed was so much ‘new workforce, unprestuff’ to think about dictable supply chain and consider. Entity and variable customstructure has become er demand require one of the most importincreased collaboraant business planning tion, agility and data topics because of the modeling,” he said. unknown that comes “Leveraging multiple with a new tax law.”

Hale Faltys real-time data inputs Because of the will cause issues for Excel, and more scalable pandemic, Faltys said there are major cash solutions are essential. Cloud-based planning and liquidity concerns for many businesses. and budgeting solutions enable company-wide Moving into 2021, he said businesses need scenario modeling, approval workflow and to hold on to what they learned in 2020 to be rolling forecasts.” better prepared for what this year will bring.

According to Schwartz, using modeling “There are many issues with the 2020 techniques, predictive analytics, multiple ‘what CARES Act that will have implications on 2021 if’ scenarios and rolling forecasts as part of planning, such as when to recognize PPP loan the planning and budgeting process can help forgiveness,” Faltys said. “The timing could minimize uncertainty in the business. bring areas of opportunity of decreased tax “Enhanced collaboration and dynamic agile bills or lost opportunity if the client and their planning with real-time data inputs will allow tax professionals were unprepared and didn’t for quick business decisions to ensure margins consider the timing of forgiveness. Another are not eroded,” he said. unknown of 2021 is the outlook of any tax law Jeff Faltys, manager at Hancock Dana, said changes. With a change in presidency, we albusiness planning has been pretty volatile in ways observe the tax law landscape and analyze the last few years with the substantial tax law how it may change.”

Business Planning •

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

23

Identify and deploy ‘silver linings’ to come out of COVID-19 better

by Michelle Leach

Uncertainty is not an excuse to stand still. Businesses should plan for a stronger, healthier organization in 2021 and well beyond.

M&A Shareholder Bill Kenedy of Lutz Consulting saw how COVID-19 derailed or paused many business sale transactions.

“With the start of a new year and vaccines being distributed, we hope to see the COVID crisis start to settle down and business owners attempting to restart their business sale processes,” he said.

Near-term, tax rates are a significant factor.

“Business owners considering a sale need to focus on the proposed higher maximum rate on long-term capital gains,” Kenedy said.

Proposed changes revert back to a higher maximum rate of 39.6% for the top rate on ordinary income. The Tax Cats and Jobs Act lowered it to 37%.

President Biden’s campaign messaging has focused on very high-income earners and corporations paying their “fair share” in taxes.

Along with a 3.8% net investment income tax, Kenedy noted a 43.4% federal rate on the capital gain from the sale of a business. Since net long-term gains for those with taxable incomes above $1 million would be taxed at ordinary rates, 43.4% assumes owners have gains/income exceeding $1 million.

“That is an 82% increase in federal tax on the capital gain from the sale of a business,” he said. “It is too early to tell if this will pass, and if it does, when it would become effective.”

The organizations Joseph Kenney works with at 316 Strategy Group have been taxed with how and when to pivot, or resist pivoting by staying the course and staying in front of customers.

“For many, it has much to do with getting to the root of what they do, why they do it, and how to tell their story in a compelling way amidst all the noise,” the director of digital strategy said.

With foot traffic reduced, the digital presence has never been more vital.

“Uncertainty for many may lead to a great deal of anxiety and over-thinking, which often leads to a static state of the dreaded analysis-paralysis,” Kenney said.

Create a framework or outline of a long-term strategy, he said, and break it down into smaller, manageable steps.

To get through difficult times, make marketing and branding a priority in good times.

“Many organizations miss the mark when they don’t incorporate the social and emotional goals of their employees into their planning,” said Merle Riepe, Ph.D., co-owner of Solve Consulting.

“They look at their financial goals and growth, but none of that can happen without people. You have to think about who is doing the work and who is executing the initiatives.”

Financials are a lagging indicator, not a leading indicator.

As a provider of talent services, such as executive coaching and leadership development, Solve Consulting has seen employers plan a dedicated day where individuals “huddle” at the office and then

either stay and work in a distanced office or return to their home office.

Now, companies need to figure out new communication channels to replace those “watercooler conversations” that

Kenedy Kenney aren’t currently happening. Further, be intentional about engagement.

“There is the potential to lose that social connection,” he said. “The employer/ employee relationship can become more of a financial contract versus an emotional contract. You’re less likely to engage and retain folks.”

A psychologist by training, Riepe highlighted the focus on “energy management” (AKA burnout) as work and life are completely integrated. Employers have found that workers are more productive at home because “they’re working harder and working longer,” not because they’ve found efficiencies.

Prospective top talent joins firms with many perspectives and those that honor differences. Look at hiring and promotions practices, or partnerships.

“I guarantee the big companies are adjusting,” Riepe said. “So, what are you doing as a medium- and small-sized business? It’s going to be tough for you if you say, ‘We don’t let our employees work from home,’ or if it’s clear that you only hire one type of person.”

K+R Strategies “lives” in the equity and justice space.

“We’re thrilled that companies are embracing this call to action — this national imperative — to shift consciousness towards antiracism and resisting oppression,” said Rachel Grossman, who founded the firm with fellow strategist Katherine MacHolmes.

Companies and individuals are looking for personalized, tailored approaches beyond the “workshop setting.”

“They understand that the workshop isn’t the work,” she said. “We collaborate with individuals within institutions to shift consciousness. This then shifts an institution’s culture, which shifts the society that the institution is in.”

Work focuses on cultivating people, which will then transform structures.

“We work to normalize conversations around race/racism in order to operationalize just practices that build organizations to remain resilient in the face of social change,” Grossman said.

First, acknowledge that life is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA, for short).

“Shifting culture is a marathon, not a sprint,” Grossman said. “We invite everyone to release the false sense of urgency that drives us to jump straight to solutions.”

Second, depersonalize; for instance, white folks reared in the U.S. shouldn’t

view skin color as a condemnation. Yet, racism is reflected in all U.S. business practices and “it’s a fact that they can work to counter.”

Third, listen: “In order to create more equitable workplaces, seek support and co-create practices from employees, members of your immediate community(s), local consultants … Avoid assuming you can go it alone, that you know best, and create structures and Riepe practices for historically marginalized rather than with them,” Grossman said.

Mission Matters’ customized solutions include practical strategic planning, coaching, and meeting and virtual facilitation.

The team, including co-founder/Principal Holly Boyer and Principal Kayla Schnuelle, has noticed concerns around keeping

teams connected in virtual environments, funding streams, planning for short-term and post-COVID, and changing internal work culture and external clients.

Boyer noted a significant increase in interactive leadership team building.

“We often supplement this with one-onone coaching,” she said. “This way, leaders are able to grow and develop individually, but also come together to celebrate and help grow one another.”

Schnuelle advised clients to focus on their one- to two-year plans rather than five years out.

“Engage in scenario planning to think through the three most likely future scenarios,” she added.

Constraints often present opportunities.

“We have found that our clients have done an excellent job of finding the silver linings and focusing on new approaches to help navigate the ambiguity and uncertainty,” Boyer said. “In some cases, these new tools have strengthened organizations for readiness and planning in the short-term and longer-term post-COVID.”

24

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 5

INSURANCE

FEBRUARY 12

TECHNOLOGY

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Buildertrend, a provider of cloudbased software for homebuilders, remodelers and specialty contractors, has received an investment from Bain Capital Tech Opportunities and HGGC to accelerate its growth and expand the services it provides to customers. This first institutional investment will accelerate Buildertrend’s growth trajectory through strategic acquisitions and drive expansion into adjacent offerings such as payments, data analytics and contractor services.

The Foundry Community has partnered with Bagels & Joe to create a unique experience with a mission to support the Lincoln nonprofit community. The location at 14th and P streets will expand menu offerings to include many of the staple items that have made Bagels & Joe a Lincoln favorite since 1993, along with some exciting new offerings. Bagels & Joe will gradually roll out the new menu and rebrand Foundry Coffee to Bagels & Joe @ The Foundry over the first few months of 2021. Bagels & Joe will donate 10% of the location’s revenue back to the Foundry Community so it can continue, and increase, its ability to positively impact the community.

Holmes Murphy added two new members to its board of managers and one new member to its executive committee. The new members of the board of managers are: Roger Cornett, senior vice president, CSDZ and Jeff Spencer, senior vice president, employee benefits. Cornett and Spencer will each serve a two-year term on the Board.

The new member of the executive committee is Jay Reavis, senior vice president, PC brokerage sales.

Audubon Nebraska submitted a legal objection to a proposal that would transfer

In the Spotlight Paid Content

FEBRUARY 19

INSURANCE SERVICES Promoted

Joe Broekemeier Sales Executive, Ag Director

ONLY IN NEBRASKA To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date.

You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

The Harry A. Koch Co.

Joe Broekemeier has 10 years of experience in commercial insurance with a majority of his time spent helping clients in the agriculture industry. At The Koch Co., Joe will serve as the director of our agriculture division where he helps clients plan for the future and adapt to changes. Visit www.hakco.com to learn more about The Koch Co. In the Spotlight continues on pages 26 and 27

water from the Platte River to the Republican River. Audubon is concerned that transferring water out of the Platte River Basin, already crucially short on supply, could have drastic negative impacts on the ecosystems, birds and waterfowl, and people that depend on it. The purpose of the proposed interbasin transfer is to help Nebraska meet its water delivery obligations to Kansas under the Republican River Compact, a water sharing agreement set in place between Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado in 1943.

Bob Chalupa, senior vice president of NorthMarq’s Omaha office, negotiated the $36.25 million refinance of Chateau South, a 443-unit multifamily portfolio, located in Lincoln. The transaction was structured with a 10-year term on a 30-year amortization schedule.

NorthMarq arranged the permanent-fixed loan for the borrower through its status as a Freddie Mac Optigo lender. The properties were established suburban locations. Freddie Mac proved to be the best source for recapturing equity for a future development.

Seventy Five North Revitalization Corporation, a 501(c)3 organization serving in Omaha, was nominated by John Reed, managing director of NorthMarq’s Omaha office, to receive a 2020 grant from NorthMarq’s Community Involvement program. NorthMarq’s donation will facilitate the organization’s mission to revitalize a healthy, sustainable, mixed-income community in the Highlander neighborhood of Omaha. In the third year of NorthMarq’s Community Involvement Grant program, the company has awarded grants to 18 nonprofits in 16 cities. The program solicits nominations from each local office, and had an increase of 20% from 2019, with a total of 18 nonprofits focused on affordable housing and reducing homelessness receiving these grants in 2020.

FNTS, an adviser in multi-cloud solutions and managed IT services, has introduced its Desktop-as-a-Service offering, powered by Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure. The comprehensive desktop and application virtualization service enables remote capabilities for business workforces across the country regardless of location, device or time of day. With FNTS’ Desktop-as-a-Service, applications and resources can be accessed across a variety of devices, such as laptops, desktops, tablets and phones, providing more freedom.

Education notes…

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, with the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, has been awarded a $150,000 contract with U.S. Strategic Command to streamline and update database processes to increase efficiencies for the command’s personnel team. UNO professors are combining expertise in human resources, process analysis and data assessments to dive into the 12-month project and deliver a final dashboard system to USSTRATCOM by October 2021.

Do Space is offering a brand-new career building program, Excel-erate.

Excel-erate was created to develop MicContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

25

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. rosoft Excel talent among those changing careers and re-entering the workforce.

The goal of the program is to help master beginner to advanced level Excel skills.

Applications are currently open and will close on Feb. 12, 2021. The first session date is Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. via Zoom.

Creighton University has received a transformational $25 million gift from an anonymous foundation to establish the Arrupe Global Scholars and Partnerships Program. The program seeks to improve the health and well-being of the international poor and educate future servant-leader physicians. The gift will support 10 cohorts of 12 students from Creighton’s medical programs in both Omaha and Phoenix over 10 years beginning in the Fall of 2022. Under the new program, Arrupe Global Scholars will earn a medical degree while working alongside international health care workers and Creighton faculty on multiyear projects aimed at addressing significant health challenges in locations around the world.

Health care notes…

All Nebraskans are invited to participate in a new web-based challenge that offers virtual badges and actual prizes for achieving and logging healthy activities, both physical and mental. The WellPower Challenge, which begins Feb. 1, is the main component of the WellPower Move-

ment, a new year-round activity-tracking website hosted by The Wellbeing Partners and the Nebraska Sports Council. The program encourages individuals to increase their daily physical activity with the opportunity to earn prizes for themselves and recognition for their company or organization. To take the challenge, participants log physical and mental activity on a personal dashboard they establish for free at WellPowerMovement.com.

Holly Roberts, Ph.D., associate professor at the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, was a panelist in a national Health and Human Services Telehealth Innovation Summit with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The summit was designed for leaders in the telehealth community to share what they have learned and to discuss challenges and opportunities in reimbursement, best practices, public-private partnerships, health care resilience, biosecurity and the future of telehealth.

Nebraska Medicine has announced plans for the newest location in the Millard’s lumberyard district. The newest facility will be located on the site of the former Millard Roadhouse building at 13325 Millard Ave. The restaurant building had been vacant for nearly two years.

The Old Millard location is the sixth new primary care clinic Nebraska Medicine has opened in the last four years. Aside

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DataVizion Differentiates Business Units to BetterSupport Customers In order to better serve customers, DataVizion officially announced the launch of two new divisions, Mid-Market & Enterprise and Small & Mid-Sized Business. Entering its 20th year of business operations, this milestone is a major move for DataVizion on its mission to provide leading-edge technology solutions and support across the Midwest.

“This unit focus will drive clarity around what we do really well; secure [network] connectivity experiences for Mid-Market & Enterprise and secured managed technology service for Small & Mid-Sized businesses,” says Kelly Schrad, CEO of DataVizion. “The combination of these two business units will provide endless opportunities to our team which will give our customers continuity in engagement.”

This news comes in the wake of many recent initiatives and accomplishments of the company, including: • Promoting Kerry F. Corcoran to Director, Small & Mid-Sized Business • Promoting Dan Werner to Director, Mid-Market & Enterprise • Becoming an Inc. 5000 company after a record-breaking year in sales

“This is another step in the right direction to bring more focus and clarity of our mission and quality service to our clients. The division into the business units provides our employees with more specialized service to our customers,” noted Corcoran.

Werner adds “As companies everywhere enter into 2021 with new ways of doing business, technology continues to move at an alarming pace with growing demand.

Expect to see DataVizion prepared to support these new market needs with individualized solutions.”

To learn more about these business units, visit www.datavizion.com to catch all the latest updates.

DataVizion is a leading provider of custom IT solutions for businesses throughout the Midwest. Proficient in the full range of business technology solutions from Small Business to Enterprise, DataVizion provides a better connection through enhanced speed, flexibility, and productivity in a secure environment. Backed by superior support and customer service, these proven solutions give their customers a competitive advantage to grow and thrive.

IT, the way it should be.

Submit your paid announcements to the Spotlight@mbj.com

from its Old Market location, all are architecturally identical, designed to provide an extraordinary experience for patients.

Activities of nonprofits…

UScellular has donated a $2,500 gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands will use the funds to support its Council Bluffs Club by creating a debate team. UScellular’s gift is part of $110,000 in funding that will support 24 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country this month.

Earlier this year, UScellular provided $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands to support the club’s COVID-19 relief efforts and $8,000 toward new technology to assist with back-to-school learning.

Arts and events…

The Durham Museum will be kicking off the 2021 season on Feb. 6 with Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World. Experience diverse genres of music and discover the science of pitch and tone. Crossing over cultural bound-

aries, the guitar has made a significant impact on a wide variety of groups. See over 60 guitars and nearly 100 historical artifacts. The museum has partnered with the Omaha Conservatory of Music to showcase how instruments can be made from all kinds of things. In Instrumental: Making Music with the Omaha Conservatory of Music, guests can learn how to make their own instruments with things they have at home.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, Feb. 9 The Greater Omaha Chamber is hosting the Ignite: Strategy + Innovation Workshop, facilitated by Gilbert + Chittenden. The two-part workshop is designed to help attendees identify a new approach to specific business challenges.

Session 1, on Feb. 9, will cover reframing 2021. Session 2, on March 9, will cover implementing and improving. Registration is available online.

26

• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

INSURANCE AND FINANCE

NONPROFIT

Awarded

Named

Terry Headley John Newton Russell Memorial Award National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Nebraska Chapter

The 2020 John Newton Russell Memorial Award was presented to Terry Headley, LUTCF, FSS on December 4, 2020 by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual in the life insurance and financial planning industry.

The award recognizes a lifetime of

professional excellence, service to the industry and a commitment to ethical conduct. Terry K. Headley entered the life insurance business in January 1973 at age 19. He is the youngest Agent ever inducted into the Principal Financial Group Hall of Fame and has 45 consecutive Club qualifications. He is a Qualifying and Life Member of MDRT and consistent Court of the Table Qualifier. Terry held every office in the NAIFA-Nebraska chapter. He was inducted into the NAIFA-Omaha Hall of Fame and received the NAIFANebraska Distinguished Service Award. He served in various rolls on the national level including serving as NAIFA’s national President in 2010-

2011. He has been interviewed by several major print media, appeared on Fox News and testified before numerous congressional committees, state legislatures, and state and federal regulatory agencies to provide expert testimony. Most recently, he testified at the White House on the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. He was named

by Investment News as one of the “20 Most Powerful People” in financial services for 2011.

Albert Varas CEO Latino Center of the Midlands

Albert Varas has been named CEO of the nonprofit Latino Center of the Midlands (LCM). Since joining LCM as executive director in 2017, Varas has tripled the annual operating budget, launched multiple program initiatives, and cultivated new relationships with community partners. LCM was recognized by the Greater Omaha Chamber with a Business Excellence Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2019.

AGRICULTURE

LEGAL SERVICES

Named

Named

Benjamin J. Wischnowski Shareholder O’Neill Henrich Damkroger Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O.

The law firm of O'Neill Heinrich Damkroger Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O. is pleased to announce that Benjamin J. Wischnowski has been named as a shareholder in the firm. Ben has a business and estate planning practice which focuses on assisting clients with commercial transactions, corporate law, real estate transactions, business succession and estate planning issues.

Ben graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009, and received his law degree, with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2012. O'Neill Heinrich Damkroger Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O. provides legal services in the areas of business law, estate planning, real estate, banking, government, labor relations, employment and commercial litigation.

Anthony Finke Sales Manager, United States & Canada Chief Agri

Mark Kjar, President/ General Manager of Chief Agri, announced Anthony Finke as the new United States & Canada Sales Manager for Chief Agri, headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska. Growing up on a small family farm in Gothenburg, Nebraska, Finke joins Chief Agri with over 15 years of expanded Agricultural Sales and Crop Production experience. As the new United States & Canadian Sales Manager, Anthony will be responsible for the supervision, development, and organization of the

North American sales team. Anthony is an accomplished, professional sales manager, who will bring growth and success to the Chief Agri brand. “We are very excited to have Anthony on our team.” said Mark Kjar. “With his agricultural experience, he understands our customers’ needs and will work to find the best possible solutions to meet those needs.” Anthony graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Diversified Agricultural Studies, a Minor in Agricultural Economics, Associates of Applied Science in Crop Production, and was also a Certified Crop Advisor.

He and his wife Erin, enjoy everything offered by the great outdoors, going to the lake, off road motorcycle racing, and competitive cycling.

BANKING

HOSPITALITY

Named

Named

Anthony “Tony” Moody General Manager The Farnam, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel

Greenwood Hospitality Group and The Farnam, Omaha’s new luxury urban clubhouse and Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, named Anthony “Tony” Moody as its new general manager.

Moody, with more than 25 years of hotel and hospitality experience, will orchestrate operations for The Farnam, soon to open in the Landmark Building at 1299 Farnam St. The curated boutique hotel will include 120 guest rooms, including 24 suites, and two dining

and drinking concepts—Dynamite and Catalyst — offering high-end culinary and mixology experiences and the largest outdoor terrace in the city. The property is scheduled to open in Spring 2021. Moody returns to Omaha from the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area, where he was southeast region director for Real Hospitality Group. In that role, he was responsible for multiple hotel brands, including 10 hotels and more than 1,700 rooms. Prior to this role, Moody was a regional vice president and general manager for John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts in Nebraska. He directed the construction and opening of the $110 million Omaha La Vista Hotel and Conference Center. In his career, he opened four other major hotel operations in Arkansas and Nebraska.

Moody was past president and board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association in Omaha and the 2010 USA National Special Olympics Games.

Doug Nodgaard Board of Directors Equitable Bank

Thomas Gdowski, President/CEO of Equitable Bank, recently announced that Doug Nodgaard has been named to the Board of Directors of Equitable Bank. Nodgaard has more than 36 years of banking experience and joined Equitable Bank in 2013, most recently holding the position of Community Bank President-Omaha. He also serves as a member of the Bank’s Senior Loan Committee and Assets/ Liability Committee. He will continue to serve the Bank in these roles. Nodgaard

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

graduated from Wayne State in 1984, the Commercial Lending School of Banking in 1997 and the Nebraska Bankers Association’s Leadership Class in 2010.

Nodgaard served in various leadership roles with the Nebraska Bankers Association and acted as President of Omaha Morning Rotary. An inductee of the Omaha South High School Hall of Fame, Nodgaard served on the Elkhorn Legion Baseball and Elkhorn Baseball Association Board from 1999-2009. He currently acts as Chairman of SID #537 The Prairies. Nodgaard is a lifelong Omaha native and currently resides in Elkhorn with his wife, Julie. They have two grown sons, Kyle, and Alec as well as two grandkids.

Midlands Business Journal • JANUARY 29, 2021 •

27

In the Spotlight Paid Content

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

Promoted

Promoted

Promoted

Promoted

Mike R. Kottwitz

Tony Storer

Brian M. Klintworth

Mikaela L. Davis

Director

Director

Director

Director

HBE

HBE

HBE

HBE

Tony Storer has been promoted to Director, effective January 1, 2021. With over 25 years of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software experience, spanning multiple platforms and industries, Tony currently leads the firm’s ERP and Data Analytics division. With expertise in Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks, he is committed to helping clients understand and optimize their business technology to its fullest potential.

Brian M. Klintworth, CPA, MT, has been promoted to director, effective January 1, 2021. Brian is a 2015 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a 2019 graduate of the University of Denver. He joined HBE as an intern in 2015, and currently specializes in providing complex tax and advisory services for individuals and business clients across a variety of commercial industries. Brian serves as CPE Committee Chair for the Nebraska Society of CPAs, is a TeamMates mentor, and is a member of the Lincoln Young Professionals Group.

Mike R. Kottwitz, CPA, CVA, has been promoted to director, effective January 1, 2021. Mike is a 2012 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Doane University. As a Certified Valuation Analyst, Mike works with clients on business valuation, succession planning, buy-sell consultation, estate planning, and litigation support. He provides tax, advisory, and accounting services for individuals and business clients in various industries. In addition, Mike helps lead the firm’s Data Analytics division.

Mikaela L. Davis, CPA, has been promoted to director, effective January 1, 2021.

Mikaela is a 2009 graduate of Buena Vista University. At HBE, she specializes in providing comprehensive assurance services to a variety of clients, with a focus on those in the nonprofit and government industries. She currently serves as Treasurer for the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska.

LEGAL SERVICES

BANKING

Elected

Hired

Suzi Sterba Commercial Banking Team Lead American National Bank

American National Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Suzi Sterba as Commercial Banking Team Lead. Suzi brings a well-rounded approach to her client relationships with over 15 years of progressive and increasingly successful experience in commercial & retail banking, treasury management, credit administration and relationship management. Suzi and her team are creating partnerships and providing flexible solutions for new

and existing clients. Ms. Sterba received her Bachelor’s of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She currently serves as the as Vice Chair on the OneWorld Community Health Centers Board of Directors and is a Loan Committee Board Member with Spark Capital. “We are excited to welcome Suzi to the Commercial Banking team. Under Suzi’s leadership and expertise, we will continue to help businesses thrive throughout the region by providing innovative banking products and services. Her significant banking experience in the commercial sector in both lending and treasury management, together with her involvement in the community, will be invaluable to the bank and our clients.”

Jason Hansen, President, American National Bank.

Patrick T. Vint Partner Woods Aitken LLP

Woods Aitken LLP is delighted to announce that Patrick T. Vint has been elected a partner in the Firm. Vint focuses his practice on commercial litigation and construction law. He represents design professionals, contractors and subcontractors in construction-related claims, and business owners in contract and labor disputes. He also advises clients on how to manage risk and prevent future litigation. Vint received his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and his B.B.A. from the University of Iowa. He

is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Celebrating its 100th year, Woods Aitken has focused its practice of law on achieving long-term client success on local, regional, and national levels.

The Firm has offices in Denver, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington, D.C. Visit our website at www.woodsaitken.com.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REAL ESTATE

Promoted

Promoted

Jill Anderson President NP Dodge Real Estate Sales

NP Dodge Real Estate Sales announces the promotion of Jill Anderson as the new President of NP Dodge Real Estate Sales. As a native Nebraskan and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jill began her real estate career in Arizona in 1996, successfully running her own commercial real estate company with her husband. In 2013, Jill and her family moved back to Nebraska, where she brought her expertise to NP Dodge

first as an Assistant Manager, progressing to Broker Manager, and, for the last three years, as General Sales Manager of the Nebraska residential sales offices. Jill has also served on NP Dodge’s agent advisory for over six years and is an active participant in Dodge Cares, NP Dodge’s main philanthropic company endeavor.

She is the immediate past chair of the OABR Safety Committee, and currently serves on the OABR Governmental Affairs Committee and the OABR Nominating Committee. Jill is also an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Other realignments include Mike Riedmann transitioning to President Emeritus, Duan Rockette as manager of 148Dodge and 204Dodge, Mike Story as manager of 35Dodge and 86Dodge and Nick Boyer as managing broker of the Sarpy Office.

Kelly Foral Director of Residential Property Management Cushman & Wakefield/ The Lund Company

Cushman & Wakefield/ The Lund Company is proud to promote Kelly Foral to Director of Residential Property Management. As Director of Residential Property Management, Kelly is responsible for the oversite of a team of Regional Property Managers and the physical, operational, and financial aspects of multi-family communities held within the Company’s property management portfolio. Kelly joined The Lund Company in 2007. During her tenure,

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Kelly’s experience includes a role as a Property Manager and most recently as a Regional Property Manager where she oversaw over 2,100 units. In addition, she has assisted in the acquisition of several new apartment communities.

Kelly graduated from University of Nebraska – Omaha with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She has obtained the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designations with the Apartment Association of Nebraska.

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• JANUARY 29, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal