Midlands Business Journal July 19, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 29 issue by Midlands Business Journal

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Lincoln Business Journal — inside JULY 19, 2019

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VOL. 45 NO. 29

New owners study opportunities for Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing by Richard D. Brown

Tailwind E-Bikes ventures to grow cycling community, broaden opportunities for customers. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Cobalt’s Zitkovich draws inspiration from multiple leadership sources. – Page 3

t en g Ev n n i n Pl a

Promotional, corporate events alike get a client- and employeeengaging boost. – Page 26

Childhood friends John Houlihan and John Timmerman were well-entrenched in careers in other fields when they learned from a business broker over a beer at Barrett’s Barleycorn that a small 37,000-square-foot northeast Omaha manufacturing plant with 20-some employees might be available to would-be entrepreneurs. Financials were assembled but the firm’s founder — beyond retirement age — wasn’t able to reach a deal. Months passed and with the death of Humboldt Specialty founder and President James H. Keene, III, nine months ago, the Houlihan and Timmerman team put together a modified proposal that was accepted by the Keene family. “Our biggest challenge is successfully growing the business while learning the manufacturing industry as we grow,” said Timmerman, vice president. Houlihan said a lot of questions remained unanswered due to Keene’s sudden death. “There’s a lack of technical inforContinued on page 9.

Vice President John Timmerman, left, and President John Houlihan … Production customers likes Kool (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) Shield have presented avenues of growth.

The Firm Business Brokerage gains international recognition by Savannah Behrends

The Firm Business Brokerage made history in 2018, beating out 2,000 merger and acquistion firms at the International Business Brokerage Association’s Member Excellence Awards for the top three awards, a first for IBBA. The staff of 18 women received the IBBA Top Deal Maker of the Year Award, the IBBA Closing of the Year Award and the IBBA Top

Global Producer Award. “The company that got second [for the IBBA Top Global Producer Award] sold 36 companies, we sold 52,” said President Cortney Sells. The company with $370 million in assets under management started just nine years ago at a time when most brokerage firms operated with 1099 employees. “I decided all of my employees Continued on page 9. Co-owners Chris Minturn, left, and Rick Minturn … Striking balance of building upon ice cream shop’s legacy and expanding with unique offerings, like bringing the shop to events.

Zesto returns to its nostalgic roots; rolls out cakes, catering business by Michelle Leach

President Cortney Sells … Omaha-based company wins three bestin-class awards from International Business Brokerage Association, aims to sell 60 businesses in 2019.

The ingredients for Zesto’s sales growth in the past decade include a mix of getting in touch with the ice cream shop and grill’s deep roots in the metro, and the addition of cakes and catering. “Since the first year that we took over, we have had about five times the sales,” said Rick Minturn, who bought the Florence location in 2009 and the Cherry

Hills store in 2012 with cousin, Chris Minturn. “With the cakes, we’re getting calls all the time … and the first year for catering, we did 15 events, and now in May, we did one every three days.” The Florence store at 8606 North 30th St. got its start in 1948, while Minturn played a pivotal role in opening the Cherry Hills shop at 7130 North 102nd Circle Continued on page 7.

• JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Tailwind E-Bikes ventures to grow cycling community, broaden opportunities for customers by Gabby Christensen

Avid cyclist Paul Glenn has always been passionate about enhancing and growing the local biking community, which is exactly how he came to co-found Tailwind E-Bikes, a local company offering electronic bikes for daily commuting, outdoor exercise and everyday recreational use.

Tailwind E-Bikes Email: tailwindebikes@gmail.com Founded: 2018 Service: local company offering electronic bikes at affordable prices Employees: 3 Goal: to continue development and offer additional models in the near future Website: https://tailwindebikes.com

Glenn co-founded the business in 2018 with business partner Steve Glenn after noticing a lack of exposure in the U.S. and especially the Midwest. The Glenns spent many months researching the e-bike market, while utilizing several serious bike riders to help them assess the quality of their bikes. “We found that a lot of e-bikes were at price points that were not readily available

Co-owner Paul Glenn … Aiming to make e-bikes more accessible to the community. for most people,” Paul Glenn said. “Our key different models of bikes that can be purfocus is to bring consumers a quality product chased through the store’s website or other for a price that won’t break the bank.” e-commerce companies, as well as in local At this time, the business offers three hardware stores.

Business Minute

Andrew Simpson Attorney, Goosmann Law Firm Hometown: Kearney, Nebraska. Education: Bachelor’s degree in natural resource science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; master’s degree in biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney; J.D. from Creighton University

While manufacturing of the bikes is done in China, the complete development process is done in the U.S. Since receiving the first shipment of bikes in March, he said they’ve been hosting events and working to illustrate the concept to newcomers. “We’ve realized that people really need to experience it firsthand to fully understand,” he said. “We want people to be able to talk to us — the founders — and know we’ll be there if they have questions down the road.” Typically, Glenn said he’s noticed that the primary demographic tends to be middle aged individuals or teens that cannot drive yet and use the bikes as a mode of transportation. “We’ve also seen that a lot of people want to get out and explore, but some may have physical limitations,” he said. “Our bikes give people a way to continue to bike, despite a health change. These bikes offer freedom.” According to Glenn, the bikes are also frequently used by individuals who wish to build up strength as they break into the cycling realm. Additionally, others try out the e-bikes simply because they want to be able to spend time with their cyclist friends and family without worrying about whether or not they can keep up. “We’ve been trying to get the message out that this is still exercise,” he said. “People can engage in physical activity without expending all of their energy and e-bikes provide a great health opportunity.” Glenn said the e-bikes also prompt people to explore local trails and nature within Nebraska that they might not have been able to do previously. While he said the business has received support from the local community, he said the biggest challenge has been getting Continued on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

How I got into the business: I was a wetlands biologist, and, in that field, I was exposed to the regulatory framework around wetlands and their ecosystems in the Platte River Valley, which piqued my interest in environmental law. I also thoroughly enjoy helping people. The combination of these two experiences and desires pushed me to law school. During law school, I helped establish a grass roots nonprofit environmental law program. This eventually progressed to working for a private practice law firm utilizing my experience to grow a real estate and land use law practice. Accomplishments or milestones: I honestly view simply helping my clients solve their problems or achieve their goals

as efficiently and effectively as I can as my biggest accomplishments. First job: Paper route in 6th grade — I delivered 50 papers every morning on my bike in Kearney. The toughest part of the job: Juggling all the different issues and needs clients may have. In my practice no client, case or file is the same, so you must be able to problem solve efficiently and effectively. This may be the toughest part of the job, but it also is one of the best parts as it is always something new, interesting and challenging. The best advice I have received: “I am not sure exactly what you need to do, but you need to do something!” About my family: Married for 18 years to my wife Jody. We have three great kids: Elliott, 14, Helen, 12, Eileen, 8 Something else I’d like to accomplish: I plan to take the United States Patent Bar exam in the next two years. oo finish r a ing r ntly: “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Something about me not everyone

knows: I used to live on a bog in northern Minnesota in a cabin with no running water and an outhouse! (Obviously no phones or Wi-Fi either!) How my business will change in the next decade: At Goosmann Law Firm, we plan to continue to expand our transactional mergers and acquisitions practice, growing our team and Omaha office. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Jeff Farnham. Jeff taught me how to be an ethical, effective, versatile and practical attorney. Outside interests: Volunteering as a coach for youth sports as well as chairing PAL basketball at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn. Pet peeves: Being late. Favorite vacation spot: Sandhills, Cherry County Nebraska. Other careers I would like to try: Game warden. Favorite movie: “Unforgiven.” Favorite cause or charity: Catholic parishes and schools.

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The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly plus one by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy or $75 per year. Editorial offices are 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Periodical postage paid at Omaha NE POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned.

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Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Cobalt’s Zitkovich draws inspiration from multiple leadership sources Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of profiles featuring Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winners — entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and professionals under 40 years of age.

by Dwain Hebda

It’s not hard to see the impact of Terry Zitkovich’s leadership over the decade he’s been with Cobalt Credit Union. In that time, he’s led the conversion of acquired properties and built an impressive sales force wherever he’s been assigned. But analyzing the components of his leadership style is a more complex endeavor, as Zitkovich himself admits to multiple influences during his professional life. “A lot of the way I lead probably comes from growing up military. Both of my parents were in the Air Force and I learned a lot from them,” he said. “I also had opportunities to coach college football for a brief period. I think I bring a lot of those same type of qualities I used in working with football teams in terms of building people up.” Wherever it comes from, Zitkovich’s leadership style is a finely-honed tool used to get the best out of himself and the people around him. Time has only deepened his understanding of what makes humans tick and experience helps him understand what buttons to push and what levers to pull.

And it all comes back to one basic element. “I believe in 100% honesty and transparency,” he said. “When somebody’s not doing their job the way they should or up to par I let them know that. But I also let them know how we can get them to where they should be performing. It’s a lot of coaching and mentoring, pushing people along in their career path.” Zitkovich distinguished himself in the leadership department during Cobalt’s recent merger with a credit union in Denison, Iowa. During the transitional period, he spent considerable time on the ground in Denison, coaching employees and seeing to many of the details personally. As a result, the new territory came online in a fraction of the time it usually takes, while his six other locations not only never faltered, but continued to meet and exceed ambitious sales goals. He’s quick to deflect much of the credit for this, saying the right people in the right places properly motivated can accomplish amazing things. “In our field, you have to have an ability to connect with people,” he said. “I’ve always looked for that: How well can you connect, how well can you conversate? I’d interview people and I would have people sell me pens or random things on my desk. That’s not an exercise about how many of these pens could you sell. That’s an

Vice President of Operations Terry Zitkovich, at right, assembling goodie bags for “Operation Holiday Cheer,” an event held in Bellevue for military service members living in the dorms during the holidays who are not able to get leave to go home to their families. (Photo courtesy of Cobalt Credit Union) “I felt like if you could do that with exercise of can you think outside the box? Can you put a quick presentation together no training, then when we give you the on the fly? Can you look at a particular proper training and we teach you all of our product and come up with some benefits products and services, that person is going Continued on page 10. and features?

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• JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Report July 19, 2019

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Shortage of skilled labor only drag on Lincoln’s booming economy by Dwain Hebda

Lincoln’s economic development picture is decidedly rosy, but it won’t reach full potential unless the city can solve personnel issues threatening to cripple future growth and development. “The thing that is hurting us the most, and we’re not unlike any community across the country, is workforce,” said Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “I’ve heard people say, ‘We just need a warm body. I’ll train them.’ There’s many companies where it would take years to get them up to speed. “That’s my biggest concern; 10,000 baby boomers are retiring every day until 2024. So, we’re not getting out of this

anytime soon. I think technology will come into play in many cases, but we’re still not seeing that. We need people. And we need highly educated people.” Ironically, the labor shortage is actually stoking the growth of some secBirdsall tors of the Lincoln economy, Birdsall said. Startup companies tend to run lean and grow slowly, lessening the need to add more than a couple people at a time.

“Because of the workforce crunch, we see recruitment of startups as a tremendous opportunity for us,” she said. “We’ve already got that tremendous ecosystem with the Haymarket and the support of entrepreneurs. It’s just rich with growth Roth and with support. We need to recruit startups and we need to mentor them and bring them into our business community. They will become infused into that community.”

Dr. Brad Roth, executive director, associate vice chancellor for technology development with NUtech Ventures at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln agreed, saying the Star City’s ecosystem and resources for new companies has never been better. “Programming, such as the recently announced tech talent initiative by the Lincoln and Omaha chambers of commerce, is a great addition,” he said. “Further, the Nebraska Unicameral’s doubling down on the Business Innovation Act program extension is widely welcomed by the entire entrepreneurial community. Lastly, the cooperation between the stakeholders in our ecosystem is amazing; one does not have to look too Continued on next page.

Lincoln Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Shopping in Lincoln continues to impact local economy by Gabby Christensen

Shopping options continue to develop and grow in Lincoln, further illustrating the community’s strong growth. Julie Lattimer, marketing director at SouthPointe Pavilions Shopping Center, said there’s great shopping energy in the community right now. Rocket Fizz and locally owned H. Flynn Designs have opened at SouthPointe Pavilions and Rush Market now pops up every weekend in the former Younkers space at Gateway Mall, she said. Additionally, Lattimer said national brands at SouthPointe, Gateway, Wilderness Hills and Van Dorn Plaza combine with unique niche alternatives located downtown, in the Haymarket, College View and Uni Place.

Lincoln’s economy

Continued from preceding page. far to get help with their entrepreneurial endeavor.” Roth predicts particular growth in the areas of ag, ag tech and food tech companies. “Invest Nebraska and a number of other stakeholders — UNL included — are working to start up an AgTech/FoodTech company incubator at the Nebraska Innovation Campus later this year,” he said. “It will be kicked off, in part, by the third 2019 NMotion company cohort in late October focused on agriculture and food market vertical companies. This will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs in this space to move their companies forward.”

“SouthPointe Pavilions is midway through a multiyear expansion, including a new 220,000-square-foot Scheels that opened in 2018,” Lattimer said. “Construction of a city-owned parking garage is underway at SouthPointe with Lattimer more than 900 parking stalls and charging stations for electric vehicles. Across from SouthPointe, a former Shopko store is being remodeled to accommodate home furnishings retailer At Home.” According to Lattimer, shopping has a definite economic impact in the community.

“For example, the new Scheels is projected to generate several million dollars in additional sales tax revenue, as well as additional property tax to the city of Lincoln,” she said. “At SouthPointe Pavilions alone, more than 700 jobs have DeLair been created through the construction of Scheels and a new parking garage.” Jen Burianek, manager at the Sunday Farmers Market at College View, said each week there’s roughly 45-50 vendors at the market.

Such efforts are part of a larger culture of portunities to interact and develop ideas and fostering and supporting home-grown business- companies.” es in Lincoln, said Pat Haverty, vice Haverty said LPED’s efforts president for the Lincoln Partnerhave contributed to this environship for Economic Development. ment, including launching new “Lincoln has a significant numsources of small business funding. ber of organizations and activities “LPED has recently created a dedicated to helping homegrown grant program to attract and retain companies,” he said. “Lincoln has startup companies,” he said. “In developed a strong base of mentors, its first year, the LaunchLNK prowilling to provide advice and assisgram is assisting five companies tance to startup founders. Numerous with a $25,000 grant and a suite of community events including 1 Milprofessional services such as legal, lion Cups, Open Coffee, JumpStart accounting and marketing. Two of Haverty Challenge, Startup Week, Startup the companies receiving the grants Weekend and a variety of regularly scheduled are local while the others come from Montana, meetups are held to give entrepreneurs op- Washington, D.C., and Thailand.”

“Some vendors are staples that have been part of the market since its inception as the Old Cheney Road Farmers market back in 2005, while others are new this year or just attend a couple of markets each season,” she said. “We strive to keep to our roots as a farmers market while filling out our market with baked goods, artisan cheeses, honey, flowers, medicinal herbs, dog treats, soaps and a variety of concessionaires that provide food you can enjoy at the market or take home to enjoy later.” Additionally, Burianek said the market is starting to incorporate free yoga classes as a way to build community and create an option to support other aspects of healthy living in the neighborhood. Also, at the end of this month, the market will kick off its chef's demonstrations. “The goal of our chef demo program is to show people easy, tasty and versatile ways to prepare local products available at the market while highlighting local chef talent,” she said. Sally DeLair, sales associate at NAI FMA Realty, said the addition of Buffalo Wings & Rings to the Meridian Park development brought a surge of interest to fill the last remaining vacant spaces — a 7,200-square-foot bay when Akin’s Natural Foods pulled out of the market and one 1,200-square-foot bay. “The development is in the process of expanding a long-term tenant,” she said. Additionally, DeLair said Backstage Salon doubled in size to accommodate growth. “With the city’s growth to the east and southeast, developers are planning new housing developments with designated commercial space,” she said. “Expect retail to come out of the ground over the next few years Continued on next page.

• JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Lincoln Growth Report

Financial industry brings focus to upgrading of technology by David Kubicek

Many banks and financial service firms are upgrading online technology to provide greater efficiency and convenience for their customers. JFC Financial Services, a financial planning and investment advisory firm supporting the trading activities and providing compliance and supervision to roughly 180 financial advisers, hasn’t dramatically changed its business model over the past couple of years, but the firm is constantly leveraging technologies and looking for ways to improve efficiencies,

President Jack F. Connealy said. “One of the big things in the past few years that really has moved the needle in terms of efficiency for us and our clients is technology like DocuSign,” he said. “Many of our clients aren’t local, so our communication is electronic. DocuSign is a boon for short turnaround times. Also, new advisers who join our group have to repaper their accounts from their former dealers over to our broker/dealer. DocuSign makes that transition easy.” Laser applications make it easy for the

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firm to keep a library of forms from all sponsor companies, pull them up efficiently and prepopulate them. “These technologies have made our practice more efficient and have filtered down to all of our bank customers and advisers,” Connealy said. Coming in the near future will be a more robust client portal where clients will be able to consolidate all of their accounts into one place, track them and integrate them into financial planning software. “We’ve had pieces of that in the past via third party vendors,” Connealy said. “We see that as a big thing. As our clients become more tech savvy, we’re seeing more demand for that type of service. It’s important for us to be on the cutting edge Connealy of technology.” Cornhusker Bank has expanded its online banking and mobile services, making it more convenient to apply for consumer loans and open various accounts through the bank’s website, according to VP/ Retail Experience Audrie Bates. “We continually look to enhance and improve our process and services,” she said. “We have enhanced our online banking, which includes MicroNotes, which allows us to learn

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Continued from preceding page. to meet the demand from the households in the area.” DeLair said retail plays an important role in the local economy. “Retail development efforts are not only focused on recruiting national retailers, but growing the presence of local retailers,” she said. “As more money is spent locally, it increases sales tax revenue. Lincoln’s population continues to grow, and demand for housing is high. More housing development means more retail to follow, as consumers want the convenience of shopping and services in close proximity to their homes.”

more about our customers’ needs. We’ve also added enhancements to our mobile services by providing the Card Valet service, which allows clients to manage their debit cards from their phone.” For example, a customer who misplaces a card can log in to Card Valet and shut it off. When the card is found, the customer can turn it back on with a few clicks in the app. The bank, which currently has a loan production office in Omaha, plans to move that facility to a new location to better serve customers as the Omaha and Lincoln markets become more of a metroplex.

Bates Baumgartner “Cornhusker Bank is constantly listening to our customers and evaluating and enhancing products and services,” Bates said. “This means paying attention to the personal touch as well as keeping up with technological changes.” In the past year, West Gate Bank has added an online chat service so customers will be able to reach the bank in more mediums that suit their needs, according to Digital Banking Officer Eric Baumgartner. “We’re also are preparing to roll out a new mobile app, Mobile Mortgage, which will streamline mortgage inquiries and mortgage loan applications for customers,” he said. “We’re constantly reviewing new services that could aid us in helping our customer base or attract new customers.” One major service that received an upgrade was the bank’s Business Online portal, which received a refresh to the software. “We’re also getting ready to release an upgrade to our account alert system to notify customers of account activity and security alerts on their accounts,” Baumgartner said. “We have a number of products and enhancements we’re looking at adding over the next year.”

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Zesto returns to its nostalgic roots; rolls out cakes, catering businesses Continued from page 1. in 2005. “I’ve been with Zesto since 1998 — I was 14 and it was the summer after eighth grade, and my mom knew the owner at the time,” he said. “And then my business partner who is also my cousin, Chris, started in high school and left for a little bit. But then when

Zesto Ice Cream and Grill Phone: 402-451-0581 (Florence); 402884-7106 (Cherry Hills) Address: 8608 North 30th St., Omaha 68112; 7130 North 102nd Circle, Omaha 68122 Founded: 1948 (Florence); 2005 (Cherry Hills) Services: nostalgic ice cream and novelties; hot treats like chili footlong, Philly cheesesteak; cakes; catering Website: omahazesto.com

the opportunity came up to buy the Florence location, the owner gave us the first option.” The journey has been a favorable one as Chris Minturn has been able to apply his accounting degree and nose for the numbers toward the operations of the business. “I’d been through three separate owners before I owed it, and the owners I bought [Florence] from opened the Cherry Hills location and made me general manager of both stores,” Rick Minturn said. Previous ownership also owned the Omaha locations for an ice cream chain and opted to switch Zesto over to this chain’s menu of more affordable products. “But Zesto has a set following,” Minturn recalled. “Both stores needed help, and we turned them back into Zesto. It was a huge struggle that first year, to bring back the nostalgia of what had been going on for 60 years at the time. “We slowly transitioned back into the old flavors, the ice cream with the strawberry and the old toppings and the chili, and we highlighted them.” In fact, Minturn described their staple hot item as the chili footlong. “It’s catching on at Cherry Hills, and at Florence it’s always been a staple,” he said. “I love the recipe and know it from growing

Zesto’s twist cone with sprinkles and chocolate sundae. up, when we were kids, and we brought it look at how the Satellite, an ice cream pop, is made. back to that.” “We don’t have one novelty in the stores He knows the flavors anyway; the recipe that is not handmade,” he said. is safeguarded. Zesto has also started new traditions, with “The owner back then sent it to a spice company and only they can have [the reci- the addition of Ami Dixon. “We didn’t have anyone who knew how pe],” he said. “But only we can buy it; it’s unique to us. We get our spices from them Photos by MBJ / Becky McCarville and make everything by hand.” They have also transitioned to a “partial scratch kitchen.” “We make it all by hand; we use fresh meat for the chicken sandwiches, and bread and fry them, and also our Philly’s are one of the best and underrated sandwiches in town,” he said. “We’re starting to sell the heck out of them.” Its satellite ice cream novelty was introduced by a 40-year Zesto owner, and after sales suffered under other ownership, the Minturns started pushing the product again. “We did a five for five dollars sale, and the novelty business has just skyrocketed,” he said. Its Facebook page features an inside

Oliver takes a bite of a twist cone with sprinkles.

to do the cakes, so we found a girl [Dixon] who was a cake decorator at one of the grocery stores, and she came in to teach us cakes,” he said. She stayed on as a decorator and is now one of Zesto’s managers. Around two and a half years ago, the business launched its ice cream catering as a separate brand. “We have different packages,” he said. “One would be a cone dipping station, another one a sundae bar, or an ice cream shop where we bring concessions and sundaes …” What started as 15 events has now blossomed into events every two or three days during the peak months of May and August. Weddings spell sweet success, too. “We already have four weddings booked for next year,” Minturn said in early July — National Ice Cream Month. “So, we started out with weddings, then it turned into corporate events, and in May we may have graduations.” Minturn indicated they hear time and again, “I’ve never seen anything like this before. What a great idea.” As owners who in many respects quite literally grew up in the business, the Minturns also have operations down to the point where the stores are “self-sustainable,” so they can focus on other ventures such as catering.

Salk Institute scientists get to the root of plant growth by Bradley J. Fikes

Salk Institute researchers say they’ve discovered a gene in plants that controls how deep their roots grow. The discovery advances Salk’s new Harnessing Plants Initiative. The finding also opens Science a new area of research in the complicated web of interactions that plants use to grow, Busch said. This could have practical agricultural implications, such as making crops more resistant to drought. The study was published recently in the journal Cell. It can be found online at http://j.mp/rootgene. Funded with more than $35 million from The Audacious Project Roots naturally make suberin, which can last for decades under ground. Increasing suberin production would enable more carbon to be stored. The initiative’s goal is to modify a wide variety of plants, starting with farmed crops, and potentially later in plants growing in low-value or non-arable regions. For farmers, the benefit would be hardier crops. For the environment, capturing carbon would sequester it so it doesn’t return into the air as carbon dioxide. Climate scientists say this could reduce global warming. Making deeper roots is one of the three objectives in the Harnessing Plants Initiative, Busch said. The other two are making a greater proportion of suberin in the roots, and making more and more massive root systems. “The main benefit that (deeper roots) would have in terms of carbon sequestration is that there will be more carbon deposited at an increased depth in the soil,” Busch said. “And the deeper you go in the soil, the less degradation occurs by microbial activity. “So, in a sense, the deeper rooting alone might lead to to significant carbon sequestration in the sense that carbon present in

the roots is not turned over that fast as in a shallow system.” The concept of using plants as natural carbon sinks gained added attention last week, when the journal Science published a proposal to restore forests on a global scale. The authors of the Science article said they had calculated there’s room for an extra 900 million hectares ( 3.47 million square miles) of forest canopy. Reforesting this area, equal to the size of the United States, would reduce atmospheric carbon by 25 percent, they said. Such an increase in forests would also provide more habitat for forest-dwelling life. In the Salk study, scientists worked with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Busch’s team identified a gene called EXOCYST70A3 that regulates auxin, without interfering with other pathways. This meant that the gene’s effects could be studied in isolation from other factors. They produced a mutant version of the gene causing Arabidopsis roots, which normally grow in a shallow pattern, to grow deeply. This represents a proof of principle, Busch said. Later research will seek to finetune root structure, so it can be adapted for specific plants and purposes. Deeper roots might benefit crops in a climate of periodic rain and drought, Busch said. These roots could access enough water to last until the next rain. Other study authors included Takehiko Ogura and Santosh B. Satbhai of Salk; along with Christian Goeschl, Daniele Filiault, Madalina Mirea, Radka Slovak and Bonnie Wolhrab of the Gregor Mendel Institute in Austria. The study was funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Austrian Science Fund, and the Salk Institute. ©2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Women played crucial roles in the space program. Yet we don’t know much about them. Why? by Megan Burbank

Edith Gustan’s name appears in the fourth paragraph of a Seattle Times article from 1970, a skinny strip of text above a nearly full-page ad for Sears’ Mother’s Day sale that advertises, among other things, “incontestably female … cardigans!” HiStory Gustan was a biologist and longtime Boeing employee who conducted research on subjects at the nexus of biology and space travel. But while many stories from NASA’s Apollo program are common knowledge, hers is nearly nonexistent. Do some digging and you’ll find a 1985 Associated Press article describing her research on the viability of a space-station greenhouse under the headline “And Now, Vegetables in Space.” You might read her name in aerospace and engineering industry journals, on papers examining subjects like closed ecological life-support systems. Addresses place her in Shelton and East Wenatchee. But a Google search turns up only a two-sentence obituary from 2017. We know she worked on collaborations between Boeing and NASA, but we don’t know much about her. This is an all too common outcome for many of the women who played crucial roles in the success of the Apollo 11 mission and, more broadly, the American manned spaceflight program. They wrote code, made complex calculations, and — in Gustan’s case — envisioned a future where astronauts might even grow their own food during space travel. But in many cases, we’re only uncovering their contributions now, half a century after humans first walked on the moon. It’s a pattern of “fits and starts” throughout the history of women in America, and it’s one Margaret Weitekamp knows well. She’s the author of “Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America’s First Women in Space Program,” which explores the rise and disappearance of an early program that envisioned sending women to space. She also curates the National Air and Space Museum’s social and cultural dimensions of spaceflight collection in Washington, D.C. “When we look at the history,” she says, “what we find is that many of what we would now call STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math — were overwhelmingly male, but they were not exclusively male and much of that perception has been shaped in the years since.” Undoing that perception takes work and careful research into the women who were, as Weitekamp puts it, “in some of these rooms.” “Famously, we now have paid more attention to the women computers who had for years been working for NASA,” she says. This group included Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race, who faced the dual barriers of racism and sexism, and whose story was told in Margot Lee Shetterly’s 2016 book “Hidden Figures,” and the film of the same name. In contrast to today’s male-dominated world of computer programming, some technical roles at NASA were considered women’s work. Human computers such as Jackson, Johnson and Vaughn had “a job that was a woman’s job the way being a secretary was a woman’s job,” says Weitekamp. They did the calculations that made spaceflight possible. Women who held these positions at NASA were among the nation’s earliest computer programmers. Though it’s difficult to find exact figures on how many women worked as human computers, thousands of women were involved

in the Apollo program, and given that human computers were primarily women, it’s likely they made up a large part of that workforce. One of the best-known women to work on the Apollo 11 mission was also a programmer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, who in 2016 was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her work on Apollo. Hamilton led the team behind the code that took the spacecraft to the moon, and even if you don’t know who she is, it’s possible you’ve seen an iconic photograph of her taken from her time with the Apollo program. She stands smiling next to the piled volumes of her code; the stack is as tall as she is. (You may even have seen this image on Twitter last April, when many users paired it with the image of Katie Bouman, also an MIT computer scientist, posing with hard drives containing data that made it possible to photograph a black hole.) There were also women like one of NASA’s first women engineers, JoAnn Morgan, who worked in launch control for Apollo 11, and appears in a famous image from that time. She’s the only woman in a sea of men in white dress shirts and ties, and one of the only people in the shot still sitting at a console while the others

stand up to watch the launch. But one place in the Apollo program where women were conspicuously absent was in the spacecraft themselves. That wasn’t because women didn’t aspire to be astronauts. (It’s an impulse so relatable it made it into a well-trod campaign anecdote for Hillary Clinton in 2016.) It also wasn’t because no one had thought about sending women to space. Well before Apollo, William Randolph Lovelace II, the New Mexico physician who oversaw psychological and physical testing for the first corps of would-be astronauts, suspected that women might be good candidates for space travel. But Lovelace’s interest in sending women to space wasn’t rooted in lofty ideas of equity or feminism before its time, but in traditional notions of male and female labor. When Lovelace imagined human societies on space stations, he did it in accordance with the strict gender striations of the ‘50s and ‘60s: He thought that space stations would need workers like “telephone operators and laboratory assistants and nurses and things that were traditionally pink-collar jobs,” says Weitekamp. And that would mean sending women to space. “He is in some ways incredibly visionary and in some ways very much a product of his time,” she says.

Thirteen women pilots did undergo Lovelace’s testing for potential astronauts, including Jerrie Cobb, an accomplished pilot who held world records for flying and who would go on to testify before Congress, arguing that women should be allowed into the astronaut corps. She never got her wish. In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy announced an ambitious timeline for getting a man onto the moon, NASA’s resources were funneled to that goal. The quick turn precluded any slower, more deliberate focus on human spaceflight that might have included women, says Weitekamp. Women were nowhere near the astronaut corps in 1961, and the speed required to reach the moon would mean NASA had to work with the pilots they had — all of them men. “Women didn’t get to participate in large part because NASA by the end of May 1961 is already focused on ‘what do we need to do to get to the moon and back?’ ” Weitekamp says. A lot has changed since then. From the 1970s onward, desegregation and laws like Title IX brought women into medicine, engineering, law and other fields that had been historically male-dominated. “It’s a result of any number of lawsuits to allow women into these professional roles, to get them into the schools that then give Continued on page 10.

She’s leading her family’s wholesale bedding business into ‘scary’ change online by Diane Mastrull

Janet Wischnia has been working in her family’s wholesale bedding and bath linens business, ATD-American, for nearly half of its 88-year history, 10 years as president. About to turn 60 in August, the grandmother of three Small buSineSS was itching for a new challenge within the company. She found it by venturing way out of ATD-American’s comfort zone, launching in January a line of U.S.-made sheets created from 100% organic cotton grown in West Texas for sale direct to consumers online. That’s right, a company started the year that Al Capone was convicted of tax fraud and a dozen eggs cost 18 cents is vying for customers in today’s social-media-driven retail environment, where so-called influencers — those with big online audiences — can make or break a business with a blog post or YouTube video review. “You can’t be afraid to change. It’s scary, but it’s also fun,” Wischnia said recently about her new “baby,” American Blossom Linens, which she’s overseeing from ATD-American’s headquarters in Wyncote. “It’s good to learn new things.” Selling anything but wholesale is not something that ATD-American or its sister company, Thomaston Mills, has done in about 60 years — ever since Wischnia’s father, Jerome Zaslow, and his brothers Arnold and Spencer changed course for a business their parents started in 1931 as Jaffe’s Art Linens, a storefront in what was Philadelphia’s garment district. A couple of years ago, Wischnia decided it was again time for something new. She took her cues, in part, from Donald Trump. “With the political climate, the current president, Made in USA is more out there, people seem to think about it a little bit more than they did before,” Wischnia said. “When we saw that trend and the whole environmental trend, the trend for people wanting products made out of organic fibers, we thought we would give a try at creating a product and doing direct-to-con-

sumer.” In a sense, there was a feeling they had little to lose. “Not a lot of people have gone into American textile manufacturing recently thinking it’s a great new career. We needed to get better at all of these things and change,” Tim Voit, chief marketing officer at ATD-American and Thomaston Mills, said of setting out to make “the greenest, most sustainable product out there when we saw that there was a niche in the retail market.” American Blossom sheets are made from cotton grown in Texas and spun in North Carolina. Weaving is done in South Carolina and cutting and sewing at the Thomaston Mills plant in Georgia, founded in 1899 and a part of what Wischnia said her family bought out of bankruptcy in 2001. Thank you cards tucked into every American Blossom order describe a product that is “100% American — from farm to bed.” Wischnia said no other company is making organic linens in the United States, with most coming from India. Even some of ATD-American’s wholesale products are imported. The idea for American Blossom came from Wischnia trying a heavyweight fabric — as sheets go — that Thomaston Mills had made for a company in Canada and thinking it would be even better made with organic cotton. She came across the documentary The True Cost, which explores the clothes-making industry and its global impacts, which led her to a West Texas co-op of organic farmers and the cotton now being used by American Blossom. “It’s really fun learning new things,” Wischnia said, declining to disclose sales as a privately held company, but acknowledging that American Blossom’s $289 queen set is “a lot more expensive” than cotton/polyester blend alternatives made overseas. She noted the set includes four pillowcases rather than the standard two, and features bigger and deeper sheets with wider-than-usual elastic. Consumers are willing to pay more for products from companies with “ethical business

practices,” said Kathryn Kellogg, the San Francisco author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste. She cited a “new wave of consumerism” that favors ethically sourced and made products that don’t harm the environment. Alexandra Breines, 30, is a Brooklyn-based marketer specializing in new product launches, including American Blossom. While saying “all of Janet’s instincts are correct … people, millennials especially, we want products we can feel proud of,” Breines said the key to success for American Blossom “will be really building a community and engaging with that community.” That’s where influencers are key, such as the Daily Connoisseur blogger Jennifer L. Scott, author of the Madame Chic book series on lifestyle pointers, who also claims 50,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. A Scott follower for five years who has bought products she has recommended, Wischnia reached out to her, asking if she would like to try American Blossom sheets. “I get a lot of those requests — I ignore 95% of them,” Scott said from her Southern California home. She, however, was charmed by Wischnia’s demonstration that she really had been a longtime reader. She was also impressed, she said, that the bedding was organic, American-made, and high quality, and that “there were faces behind the company. It’s like a family and I really like that.” In all, ATD-American and Thomaston Mills employ 150 — 35 locally, the rest in Georgia and South Carolina. Scott said her YouTube video featuring American Blossom got 7,500 views, which led to some sales. To use a bedding term, Wischnia has ambitious dreams for American Blossom, a line she envisions one day expanding to include towels and blankets. “The plan,” she said, “is to grow it big.” ©2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Emilia de la Cruz sews part of the grass catcher unit.

Gricelda Leon sews jump mats for trampolines.

New owners study opportunities for Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing Continued from page 1. readily admit they have a lot to learn about together with a stronger quality,” he said. mation, how profitable each of our products Houlihan said a recent investment has the manufacturing process, they utilized a are and any needed changes we should make been in handling equipment for the product team of four University of Nebraska-Lincoln to the software that does the accounting for engineering students as part of that school’s assembly area. our manufacturing services,” Houlihan said. For example, when Capstone Program. Engineering professor Humboldt Spemaking grass catchers, Herbert Detloff and students Jeremiah Ohlman, cialty Manufacturing Humboldt Specialty two and sometimes Justin Pachl, Cameron Gilinsky and Rupak was founded in 1993 Manufacturing three workers were Dahal worked at Humboldt Specialty Manand hit $3.2 million in Phone: 402-397-1154 needed to lift boxes of ufacturing’s Omaha plant to solve a real-life sales earlier this decade Address: 1810 Read St., Omaha 68112 finished units that fre- issue and how Kool Shield would perform on when employment Services: design and manufacturing of quently weighed 150 the market. peaked at 35. products for niche markets pounds or more. Houlihan and Tim- Founded: 1993 by James H. Keene, III Photos by MBJ / Becky McCarville While Kool Shield merman said many Employees: 26 and lawn care prodof the previous em- One-year goal: Increase sales by 20%. “They took, built and setup Kool Shield ucts might be largployees have stayed. Industry outlook: Manufacturing is on the er, the new owners inside the College of Engineering building to Employment rolls at increase and jobs are coming back from said items run in the learn and demonstrate how it would work,” present total 26. overseas. plant have included Houlihan said. “We took their prototype and They cite General Website: humboldtspecialty.com coasters for bicycle put it in the field in two units for testing for one Manager John Samson, enthusiasts, a painted of our customers and over two months there a 10-year veteran, with helping with the ownmetal portrayal of the city’s skyline, specialty were zero failures.” ership transition. Houlihan and Timmerman said the modifibed sheets for recreational vehicles, sleeper “He’s the glue that kept the employees trucks and college residence halls, patient cations made by the students have been crucial and clients happy during the negotiations,” transport and rehabilitation aids for hospitals to the further development of Kool Shield Houlihan said. or products developed for the equine and pet products, which are relied on by those with Joe Novotny, with 30-years experience, is refrigerated trucks with specific temperatures supply industry. the new engineer. Although Houlihan and Timmerman for the products and cargo. Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing, which operates its 37,000-square-foot plant with one shift, has added about six positions so far this each week. Continued from page 1. year. This approach has enabled The Firm to were going to be W2 employees,” Sells said. “InEnhancements to the plant are constead of working for the first deal I wanted them broker 250 deals, which Sells noted has added tinuing. Many of them are necessitated, in to work for the best deal and not worry about up to 500 lives The Firm has impacted. Currently part, by one of the firm’s largest production the team is working to getting a paycheck.” customers: Kool Shield — a retractable broker deals for 120 To get to that per- The Firm Business Brokerage thermal barrier designed to help food serbusinesses. fect deal The Firm only Phone: 402-998-5288 vice-industry truckers maintain cargo integDeals have come works on deals where it Address: 210 N. 78th Street, Omaha rity while remaining in compliance with the from 18 different inrepresents both the buy- 68114 increased requirements of the Food Safety dustries, but Sells said er and seller. The port- Services: representing both buyer and Modernization Act. The Firm is particularly The Kool Shield line was created by folio division is tasked sellers of privately held companies strong at selling manuwith getting to know Founded: 2010 truckers for truckers. It addresses temperature facturing and IT comloss during waiting times while a trucker is the intimate details of Employees: 18 panies, a tricky industry a company while the Goals: to sell 60 businesses in 2019 waiting at the site of a consignee. The product, for some. deals division is tasked Website: thefirmbusinessbrokerage.com fabricated by Humboldt Specialty Manufactur“If you’re selling with getting to know ing, increases profitability for a trucker and is an IT company … they might have some tables potential buyers. available for the swing door, roll-up door and “We know that this guy’s sticking point is and chairs but there’s nothing to see and yet I’m side door of refrigerated trailers. that he wants his son to remain involved and we asking $10 million for it,” Sells said. Timmerman said the Read Street plant In those instances the confidential valuation know that this guy’s sticking point is that he only has the capacity to produce about 3,500 Kool of the business’s finances is especially important. wants to put down 10%,” Sells said. Shield curtains annually. This helps ensure that both buyer and sell- In recent years The Firm has had to start turning He said investment in a Weld Master er not only receive the best deal, but also the down about one third of potential clients due to system has added speed and quality to the right deal. This strategy has earned the team a the businesses finances or lack of systems or production process. “It cuts each trailer to size and welds (seals) reputation that brings in 200-300 buyer leads personnel.

For example, a truck can be loaded at 20 degrees but when the driver opens up the door, hot air seeps in and can compromise the temperature. “We’re finding it hard to replace Jim’s engineering knowledge,” Houlihan said. Keene was a Cornell-trained engineer and former Kiewit executive who led a Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing team which developed in-house pad printing and heat-sealing processes that are used for production work for a myriad of industries. Keene believed a differentiating factor in Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing’s success was the large amount of engineering and design work done in-house — factors that have made it harder for the production of many products to be outsourced overseas. Both Houlihan and Timmerman remained friends after graduating from Creighton Prep in ‘93. Houlihan spent much of his time with Peerless Wiping Cloth, a business owned by his parents. He started as an order-filler, got into sales and left in February as a vice-president. Timmerman was a financial adviser and futures trader before making the Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing commitment.

The Firm Business Brokerage gains international recognitionmarkets in Iowa All of its business comes from client referrals and in the last three years clients outside of Nebraska have grown to encompass 80% of its business. This includes deals in 30 states, four Canadian provinces and business in some European countries. “I go to Bulgaria next month to close on a PR firm and I have four girls going to different states next week,” Sells said. The biggest challenge for The Firm isn’t competition. Sells said, “If you can’t sell in this market, which is the best time in history to sell a business, then you shouldn’t be in this industry.” The challenge instead is keeping the buyer and seller excited about the deal. In 2010 when she started it took 30 days to close a deal — now the average time is four months, which can lead to “deal fatigue.” “It’s like when you want to buy a house and you just can’t wait for the deal to close,” Sells said. This year the team is aiming to sell 60 businesses and, as an incentive, will be vacationing together in Tahiti if that goal is met.

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Eight things to know about your 401(k) when changing jobs by Dana Dratch

Workplace retirement accounts are designed to be portable. But moving your 401(k) is more challenging than throwing your photos and favorite coffee mug into a box and grabbing your tablet on the way out the door. If you’re changing retirement jobs or have been laid off, chances are that your 401(k) account is the last thing on your mind. But it pays to include that money in your moving plans — even if you don’t deal with it right away. If you’re leaving an employer, here are eight things you need to know about moving your 401(k). 1. Take out a 401(k) loan? It’s due now Did you borrow any money from your 401(k)? If you’re leaving the company, voluntarily or otherwise, it’s now due in full. “I think that many people forget that if they have a loan outstanding, it has to be paid,” says Wayne Bogosian, president of the PFE Group and co-author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to 401(k) Plans.” Fail to repay it and the loan amount will count as income, plus you’ll pay an additional penalty equal to 10% of the sum you borrowed if you’re younger than age 59 1/2, he says. However, sometimes, especially in the case of layoffs, “employers will take it upon themselves to initiate a change in the plan to make available post-employment repayment,” says Bogosian. Here’s how it works. You can keep making regular payments as an ex-employee, just as you were doing as an employee. And since it’s a loan that you’re repaying, it doesn’t trigger any penalties or count toward income, he says.

You haven’t heard about this feature from your former employer? “I would not be at all shy to ask,” says Bogosian. “There is nothing wrong with asking, ‘Can I pay back the loan post-employment?’ Plans can be amended to do this.” 2. IRA rollover isn’t your only option Rolling 401(k) money into an IRA may not be your best choice, according to some experts. In an IRA, you may have to manage the money yourself or build a portfolio, and that can be daunting for employees who are not familiar with the financial markets. When you leave your employer, you have several options with your 401(k): —Leave the account where it is. —Move the money to your new company’s plan. —Roll it into a traditional or Roth IRA. —Take a lump-sum distribution (cash it out). —If you have company stock, move the stock to a brokerage account while putting the rest into another retirement account. The truly smart move for you depends on your own individual circumstances and goals. And employees need to consider many options: The account balance —Whether it’s a traditional 401(k) or a Roth —Whether you have company stock (and want to keep it or buy more) —Whether you fear collection actions, because workplace plans are federally protected from creditors —Whether you want to take a penalty-free withdrawal between ages 55 and 59 ½ —Quality of your new company’s retirement plan

Women played crucial roles in the space program Continued from page 8. them the credentials that allow you to have a story like a Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who’s one of the first women in her law class and who was told repeatedly that she’s taking some man’s spot,” says Weitekamp. This new openness extended to the astronaut corps as well. In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space, emerging from a class of astronauts who were living proof that NASA had recognized the need for a corps that more closely mirrored the nation. The 35-member group included three African American men, an Asian American man and six women. Ride was followed by other women, including Bonnie Dunbar, of Sunnyside, Ya-

Zitkovich draws inspiration Continued from page 3. to really take off and excel.” As he’s transitioned through the ranks — Zitkovich is now vice president operations for the company’s East Region — he’s been given the opportunity to lead other leaders, helping them build successful teams of their own. “It’s important for me coach and share with my staff and my managers that leadership has nothing to do with a title,” he said. “Nobody is a leader because they’re a CEO or because they’re a VP or because they’re a branch manager. A teller can be a leader at a branch. It’s all about what you’re doing as an individual and how you’re standing out as you relate to the team. It doesn’t take a title to do that.”

kima County, and Mae Jemison, who in 1992 became the first African American woman to go to space. To date, 45 women have entered the American astronaut corps. “Those women are not necessarily women like the Lovelace women who identified first as pilots and who are interested in flying the spacecraft,” says Weitekamp. “These are people who have Ph. Ds in physics or oceanography or other kinds of research subjects who are going to be doing experiments in the payload bay of the space shuttle.” But the Lovelace women might’ve seen more of themselves in Eileen Collins, who in 1995 became the first woman space-shuttle pilot, decades after the Lovelace tests, or Spokane’s Lt. Col. Anne McClain, a military test pilot who returned to Earth on June 25 after more than six months in space. It’s unlikely that NASA would have made this connection. “Part of what’s frustrating is when they were greeting the women in the 1970s they did not look back at any of this data from the 1950s and 1960s. They just kind of started over,” says Weitekamp. It’s an omission that reflects the circuitous churn of documenting women’s history: one step forward, two steps back. Even though we know more about women’s contributions to space travel than perhaps ever before, we still must reckon with blind spots, and the stories of lives and scientific achievements — like those of Edith Gustan — that we have yet to fully understand. ©2019 The Seattle Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

“Do your own homework,” says Bogosian. “This is one area where generalizing can get you into trouble.” Too many times, advisers “don’t know what they don’t know,” says Ed Slott, an IRA expert and author of “The Retirement Savings Time Bomb and How to Defuse It.” So get several opinions along with doing your own research. 3. You may be able to leave your 401(k) alone for a bit Changing jobs is stressful, even in the best of circumstances. If you’ve lost a job and are scrambling for re-employment, you’re likely focused on that. But eventually you will need to figure out what to do with your 401(k). Chances are, you probably don’t have to move that money right away. If your balance is $5,000 or more, you can leave the money right where it is, Bogosian says. But be careful if it’s less than that: The company could cash it out and send you a check or roll your balance over to an IRA, he says. Check the rules and, where possible, “don’t do anything for the first six months.” On your first day at the new job, sign up for the company 401(k) plan, even if your new employer has an automatic opt-in, says Bogosian. With many company plans, automatic opt-in doesn’t kick in for one to three months. So if you rely on that, rather than taking the initiative, you can miss 30 to 90 days of contributions and matching funds, he says. After six months, you’ve got a handle on the job, know you’re going to stay and have had experience with your new plan. So you’re now in a strong position to compare your last 401(k) plan with this new one, including the diversity of the investments and the costs. 4. Compare plan costs In the not-so-distant past, comparing the cost you pay for investments through one company’s plan with similar offerings in a brokerage firm’s IRA or another company’s 401(k) was difficult. Now fees and costs have to be disclosed, which means you can compare apples-to-apples. As you compare the plan costs, ask for the participant fee disclosure for each plan, he says. That document will reveal all the fees — both obvious and obscure — associated with each plan. Then look at what you’ve invested in and what you want to invest in, to help evaluate costs. 5. Keep tabs on the old 401(k) If you decide to leave an account with an old company, keep up with both the account and the company. “People change jobs a lot more than they used to,” says Peggy Cabaniss, co-founder of HC Financial Advisors in Lafayette, California, and a past chair of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. “So it’s easy to have this string of accounts out there in never-never land.” Cabaniss recalls one client who left an account behind after a job change. Fifteen years later, the company had gone bankrupt. While the account was protected and the money still intact, getting the required company officials and fund custodians to sign off on moving it was a protracted paperwork nightmare, she says. “When people leave this stuff behind, the biggest problem is that it’s not consolidated or watched,” says Cabaniss. If you do leave an account with a former employer, keep reading your statements,

keep up with the paperwork related to your account and keep an eye on the company’s performance. 6. Follow the money If you decide to move the money, do it carefully. First, if you haven’t already, establish the new accounts where you want to move your money. Next, contact the current account custodian and fill out the required paperwork, says Cabaniss. After that, contact your account’s custodian-to-be and fill out their paperwork, she says. Then keep an eye on the process and make sure the money ends up at its new home, and on time, Cabaniss says. You have 60 days to re-deposit the money into a new retirement account before it’s labeled a “cash out” and you’re hit with tax liabilities and possibly penalties. Cabaniss says she has witnessed a number of possible scenarios: —The check arrives on time to the new custodian. Your job is to make sure it’s deposited into the right account within the required 60-day period. —The check is sent to you — made out to you or the new custodian. Don’t cash it — get it quickly to the new custodian. —The check is sent to the wrong address or your old address. Get it re-routed by the deadline. —Remember to follow up until your money is safely in its new home. Then get — and save — the written proof. 7. HR doesn’t work for you The human resources department at your former, soon-to-be-ex or new employer doesn’t work for you, says Slott. “They work for the company.” And they have to cover a lot of ground on a lot of different issues for a lot of other employees. If you’re not comfortable with following the money yourself, hire an expert to handle it for you. But beware, even experts can get it wrong. “It’s a specialized field,” Slott says. That’s when it can pay to have someone who has a lot of experience and training in this particular aspect of retirement planning, Slott recommends. “Most of the money is lost on the way out of the account,” meaning that if the transfer is not handled correctly, you could lose a chunk of it. Look for an adviser with plenty of experience, training and references in this particular part of the process, he says. 8. Cashing out is popular, but not so smart Intellectually, consumers know that cashing out retirement accounts isn’t a smart move. But plenty of people do it anyway. In 2017, Retirement Clearinghouse reported that more than 30% of workers cashed out their 401(k) plans when they changed jobs. The average amount liquidated was “nearly $16,000,” says one Fidelity Investments survey. And the less you make, the more likely you might be to raid your own retirement fund, another Fidelity study revealed. Half of workers who made $20,000 to $30,000 cashed out their accounts when they changed jobs, as opposed to 43% of those making $30,000 to $40,000 and 36% of those making $40,000 to $50,000, according to the study. By comparison, workers who made $100,000 or more cashed out 13% of the time. But if that $16,000 stays in a retirement account earning 7% annually, in 40 years it Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

‘Shared living’: More people moving in with strangers by David Lyons

For Rob Buscemi, 32, the price was right for living with a total stranger. At $1,340 a month, Buscemi, a mortgage broker, rents his own bedroom but shares the rest of his apartment in trendS downtown Miami with an accountant, a woman who uses a shared work space in the same building for her business. Buscemi moved two months ago to X-Miami, where each apartment unit can house two to three people, with rents starting at $1,300 a month. Residents can rent new apartments furnished or unfurnished. People SUPER CROSSWORD

who want to live alone can expect rents to start at $1,600. “We have a full gym and a pool deck and good transportation nearby,” Buscemi said. “The price and the amenities I get far outweigh living with a roommate.” It also beats the commute from his former home in Boca Raton to Miami-Dade County, which he called “brutal.” But is co-living simply an extension of messy dorm or frat house living? When that sirloin in the fridge mysteriously disappears, who do you call? And if the roommate turns out to be jerk or a thug, are you stuck? Property Markets Group, which operates SCRAPING FOR A MEAL

X Miami and has just topped off a tower like it called X Las Olas in downtown Fort Lauderdale, says clearly written rules of the road are designed to avoid the chaos of unruly behavior. The building environment, it says, attracts people who truly are adults. Between upscale living and attractive pricing, the company is betting that more people like Buscemi will opt for the co-living lifestyle, which is starting to take hold nationally and overseas, developers and brokers say. Besides PMG’s projects in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, others are up and running or planned in New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. PMG also is starting construction on another co-living rental tower near X-Miami, a 49-story, 714-unit building at 400 Biscayne Blvd., and has a second tower on the drawing board next to the one it intends to open next year on Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront. “The early indicators are great, but we need a larger sample size,” said Ryan Shear, managing director of PMG in Miami. Asked what tenants are seeking, he replied, “I think it’s price at the end of the day.” Rents in South Florida seem to prove his point. The average rental price in May was $1,787 in Palm Beach County, $1,914 in Broward County and $1,940 in Miami-Dade County, according to Reinhold P. Wolff Economic Research in Oakland Park. The month before, Broward led the state with an average of $1,900, according to a national survey conducted by Rent Cafe. Evan Snow, co-founder of Art Fort Lauderdale, said he is thinking about leaving a three-bedroom apartment in Flagler Village and moving into X Las Olas when it opens. The shared living space offers better prices than what he is paying now. “I’m a big fan of co-working and have become a fan of co-living from what I’ve seen in New York City,” he said. Single, childless and in his early 30s, Snow said he “can get along with pretty much anybody. I’m on the go. The concept lends

Tailwind E-Bikes

Answers on page 12.

Continued from page 2. individuals to understand the concept. “It’s been an uphill battle, as it can sometimes be hard for people to comprehend and appreciate what a $1,000 bike can do, compared to a $200 bike,” he said. “We are also working on changing the perception that e-bikes sometimes receive. We want people to know that this option is just a different way to cycle compared to the traditional method.” More than anything, Glenn said the overall message of the business has grown since its inception. “Moving forward, there is so much potential for these e-bikes in the community,” he said. “There’s more than just the health aspect, there’s also the green aspect.” The team plans to continue development as they learn more about demographics. For now, he said the focus is on quality and expanding exposure throughout the Midwest. “Ultimately, we hope to see our customers out on the trails,” he said. “That’s what this is all about — we want to broaden the cycling community and expose more people to cycling as a whole.”

itself well with my situation.” PMG says it won’t lease a bedroom to anyone unless they pass standard criminal, income and credit checks. “Everyone signs a code of conduct that outlines basic roommate etiquette,” a spokeswoman said. “We facilitate an introductory drink or coffee before move-in to build familiarity before living together.” Incompatible roommates can get a divorce before their leases run out. Those who are unable to live together can move up to two times with 60 days’ notice. Residents can secure their personal belongings by simply locking their bedroom doors. Only 20% of PMG’s buildings are devoted to its so-called “rent-by-bedroom” program, where everyone has a private bathroom. Most are adjacent to their private bedrooms. Residents share the kitchen and dining space. The other 80% of the units are mostly studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to conference rooms, lounge chairs and a fitness studio. Those renting their own apartments outside the rent-by-bedroom programs can lease the space furnished or unfurnished. All rent-by-bedroom units come fully furnished. Mitash Kripalani, director of investment services for Colliers International, a real estate service firm, said the concept is “growing significantly in popularity.” He said there is demand among people who want to live in downtown areas near their jobs, local transit and points of interest such as museums, sports arenas and local colleges and universities. Colliers is assisting with a project across from the University of Miami in Coral Gables where students are sharing living quarters. There, a developer has renovated a 24-unit building on South Dixie Highway and converted it into co-living space where the tenants rent by the bedroom and share common areas. Prices start at $1,300 a month. And a company called the Collective from London plans a 12-story co-living operation in Miami’s Wynwood section. Company co-founder Reza Merchant told Forbes he’s looking to develop 4,500 co-living apartments in the U.S., United Kingdom and Germany. One of the pioneers in co-working spacContinued on next page.

Eight things to know Continued from page 8. would increase to nearly $240,000. That can mean the difference between eating canned or fresh vegetables in retirement. Bottom line Finally, whether you roll over your 401(k) to an IRA, move it to your new employer’s plan or let it stay with your old employer, the important point is to keep that money set aside for retirement. By keeping it in those specialized retirement accounts, you’ll enjoy a tax advantage and roll up more money for retirement. In addition, while your account balance might not seem like a lot, time can work its magic on all amounts of money. “Regardless of the amount, keep it to its intended purpose,” says Bogosian. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

How to cope with sudden layoff? Readers weigh in with ideas by Liz Reyer

A recent column, “Laid off and need a job fast? Here are some ideas,” from June 10 focused on managing an unexpected layoff. Many readers have generously shared Workplace comments about their experiences. This column is a summary of some of their points of view. First of all, there is no denying that this can be a very difficult situation, both emotionally

and practically. Yet in other cases, it can be almost liberating. One reader has experienced both. “Twice I worked for companies that suddenly went out of business. The first time … it was a relief as it had been a hard company to work for. … The second time was a great deal more painful. It was a bitter pill, the employment had been rather specialized and not easily transferable. It took several years to overcome it.” It can take time to adjust and figure out

next steps. As one reader said, “The first year was tough adjusting and getting reoriented etc.” With this in mind, be patient with yourself, recognizing the challenges and taking care of your health and well-being. Career coach Karen Kodzik from Cultivating Careers notes that “unexpected job loss is especially painful when it’s a job you love or a place where you wholeheartedly believe in the mission. This compounds the transition.” Finding contract and temporary work was

Robocall scammers have a new trick: Targeting victims using their personal data by Christian Hetrick

Scam callers are now using stolen personal information to tailor calls to specific consumers, posing as trusted companies to swindle money, according to a new report that anaSecurity lyzed 40 billion calls made this year. Criminals are leveraging the massive data breaches that have rocked major companies by using the exposed customer information to target consumers directly, according to First Orion, an Arkansas call-management company. In addition, fraudsters are “spoofing” the companies’ main outbound calling numbers to make the scam calls even more convincing. Caller ID spoofing is when callers falsify the information transmitted to a caller ID display to mask their identity. The combination of knowing consumers’ personal information and posing as a trusted company is giving scammers an edge over their victims, First Orion found. Twenty-eight percent of all scam calls targeted victims using personal data, the firm reported. Three-fourths of victims said scammers already had some of their personal information and used that insight to extract more data, leading to a financial loss. First Orion, which works with major phone companies such as T-Mobile and Sprint, analyzed more than 40 billion calls made to customers so far this year and commissioned a blind study of 5,000 U.S. mobile phone subscribers who spoke to scam callers. Last year, First Orion predicted that half of all mobile calls would be fraudulent this year. While scam call volume remains high, so far this year, the firm said such calls constitute about 40% of all calls as scammers

‘Shared living’ Continued from preceding page. es, WeWork, is starting a WeLive co-living concept in 60 to 70 U.S. markets. Kripalani said South Florida is on the company’s expansion list. According to its website, WeLive offers short- to longer-term living options in New York and Washington, D.C. “Whether you’re a modern-day nomad who is just stopping by or dipping your toes in the city before taking the big leap, WeLive offers flexible terms to suit your unique schedule,” the company says. “Our goal is to make sure you feel right at home, no matter how short or long the stay.” “People are open to it,” Kripalani said. “They’re Ubering. They’re co-working. This niche of co-living is here to stay.” ©2019 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

shift to a quality-over-quantity approach for the first time. Nearly four in 10 victims said scammers knew their home address, and 17% said criminals were able to verify all or part of their Social Security numbers, the report said. Nearly one in three people who experienced a loss of at least $1,000 thought they were answering a call from a business they knew. The technique of impersonating a business — dubbed “enterprise spoofing” — comes as consumers stop answering their phones.

“Victims see a number they trust and are presented with personal information that is credible, which equates to a scam designed just for them,” the report said. The report was released ahead of the Federal Communications Commission’s Robocall Summit in Washington. The summit will examine the phone industry’s progress in implementing technology. ©2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Plant-based food sales rose 11% in 2018 by Kristen Leigh Painter

U.S. sales of plant-based foods grew 11% last year as retailers increasingly put them on shelves next to their animal-based counterpart. The annual numbers show trendS where the plant-based market has matured, such as alternative milks, and where it is just getting started, like plant-based eggs. The sales update, published by Good Food Institute (GFI) and Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), two interest groups advancing plant-based foods, offers a yearly glimpse into this burgeoning market that reached $4.5 billion in the last year, ending in April. Plant-based foods are no longer hyper-niche products relegated to small sections of a grocery store aisle. There’s also been an uptick in innovation in the space, leading to new products that are appealing to more than just vegans and vegetarians. “We are seeing these numbers grow as retailers make these merchandising shifts and taking them out of the sad vegetarians corners,” said Caroline Bushnell, GFI’s associate director of corporate engagement. In previous years, the groups commissioned Nielsen to compile the data, but this year switched to SPINS, a Chicago-based research firm that catalogs its data at a more granular details for natural and wellness-focused products. Bushnell said food companies purchasing data with plant-based criteria were often buying their data from SPINS. “This ensures consistently. We are basically talking the same language,” she said. Dairy alternatives are the most popular animal substitutes, accounting for more than two-thirds of the entire plant-based market. The less developed alternative categories, like plant-based ice cream or yogurt, have a lot of ground to make up and are growing the fastest, at 26.5% and 39.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. Meanwhile, the plant-based hero, milk, is moderating at 5.6% growth as more consumers have already incorporated these products, like almond, soy and oat milk, into their daily lives. That’s still a much better rate than tra-

ditional dairy milk with declined more than 3% during the same period. Plant-based milk now accounts for 13% of the entire fluid milk category. The plant-based meat category drew more attention following Beyond Meat Inc.’s meteoric debut on the stock market in May and the anticipation that its prime competitor, Impossible Foods Inc., will soon follow. Both companies have announced retail expansion Continued on page 24.

key for some readers. Such work helped them get their foot in the door or at least helped tide them over financially while they assessed their options. The dominant theme was the power of networking. One reader covered the bases in their comment: “Network, network and then network. While LinkedIn is a good place to be, start with business associates, friends and family. E-mail people in your network around once a week to check in and see if anything has turned up. No response from someone, e-mail them less often but do not drop them as you never know. Get involved in any professional societies or associations in your field and attend meetings.” Regarding networking, Kodzik adds, “It’s professionally prudent to have a network management plan while you’re working and after you land, remembering that you’re called to pay it forward.” There is cause for optimism, as well. -“Never seen this before. Employee’s market. Who isn’t hiring? More jobs available than people looking.” -“44? You’re Gen X. Gen X takes care of its own. Network with everyone you know of that age group.” -“In some professions, age doesn’t seem to matter. I am 58 and had several jobs to choose from after a recent layoff.” The last word goes to a reader with a positive outcome, one that I’ve heard many times over the years: “When I got laid off it was very traumatic. But in the end turned out to be a great opportunity for a new career with better prospects.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Senior COMMERCIAL Living OFFICE SPACE A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

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Senior Issues overview • Independence for seniors • Life After retirement: Dementia/Alzheimer’s • Investing for retirement • Tips for staying fit Need for rehab centers after injury or surgery

Commercial oﬃce space market overview • Re-energizing developments Automated building controls • Financing a business move or expansion Furnishing new oﬃce • Keeping buildings safe and healthy

Issue Date: July 26 • Ad Deadline: July 18

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Career Transitions & Job Search

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Office Design Trends overview • Architects, contractors • Green elements/sustainability Rethinking the open office • Accessories, office furniture and furnishings Technology considerations/integration • Renovating Issue Date: August 2 • Ad Deadline: July 25

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Acosta, the only prosecutor to put Jeffrey Epstein behind bars, loses his job Alex Acosta resigned as labor secretary Friday morning. It was inevitable once he became the target of all virtuous people in Washington for negotiating a 2008 non-prosecution agreement that put super rich sex offender Jeffrey Epstein behind bars for 13 months and required him to register as a sex offender DEBRA and agree to pay restitution to his SAUNDERS many teenage victims. The Senate knew about the deal in April 2017 when 60 senators—including Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto, D-Nev.—voted to confirm Acosta. Three things changed since then. In November, the Miami Herald ran a series, “Perversion of Justice,” about the deal. In February, a federal judge ruled that Acosta’s team had violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act in keeping the deal from Epstein’s underage victims. The last straw came Monday when New York U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman unsealed a two-count indictment against Epstein, 66, of Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, for two counts of sex trafficking of minors. If convicted, Epstein, who pleaded not guilty, could serve 45 years in prison. If a New York prosecutor can press charges that could land Epstein in prison for the rest of his life, cable pundits reasoned, then surely the case, for which Acosta drafted a 53-page indictment, was a “slam dunk.” opinion The optics and the outcome are cringeworthy. A scant 13 months in the Palm Beach County jail was a sweet deal for the serial sex offender who raped and assaulted more than 30 teenage girls and took pleasure in degrading them, scarring them and instilling in them an undeserved sense of self-loathing. Epstein deserved a far harsher sentence. And it doesn’t help that his Palm Beach County jailers broke protocol by allowing him to leave for 12 hours a day six days a week to work at his private office—an arrangement Acosta derided as “complete BS.” Even still, Acosta had reason to broker the crappy deal. As he told reporters during a one-hour press conference Thursday, a trial would be a true “roll of the dice.” Rather than put Epstein’s traumatized victims through a grueling public tribunal, he chose not to risk an acquittal. Epstein had hired a dream team of attorneys that included Alan Dershowitz, who successfully represented O.J. Simpson; Roy Black, who successfully represented Kennedy clan member William Kennedy Smith, who had been charged with rape; and Ken Starr, the special prosecutor whose probe led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. In a 2011 open letter, Acosta described how the Epstein legal team “investigated individual prosecutors and their families, looking for personal peccadilloes that may provide a basis for disqualification” and tried to disqualify at least two prosecutors. Given that kind of ruthlessness directed at career federal prosecutors, you can see why Acosta might fear the Epstein legal team could capitalize on the reluctance of those young witnesses to testify against him. One Jane Doe had called Epstein “an awesome man” and stated she hoped “nothing happens to (him).” So Acosta chose a deal that put Epstein behind bars and “put the world on notice that he was and is a sexual predator.” Horribly, the decision gave Epstein opportunities to victimize other girls as young as 14 after he was released. The only thing worse would be an acquittal after a trial. The deal also did not prevent U.S. attorneys outside the Southern District of Florida from pressing charges—as Berman did in his indictment on two counts of sexual trafficking between 2002 and 2005. Acosta told reporters that over the past decade, he kept reading about investigations of Epstein and he was glad New York “finally” stepped up. The folks who say that a guilty verdict would have been a slam dunk in 2008 also seem to believe that all of New York and Florida knew about Epstein’s abuse of girls all along. They cite Trump’s 2002 quote to New York Magazine about Epstein liking “younger” women as proof.

Michael Bennet might be the Democrats’ best chance to beat Trump With a disgust commensurate with the fact, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) says that during 40 percent of his 10 Senate years, the government has been run on “continuing resolutions.” Congress passes these to spare itself the torture of performing its primary function, EORGE which is to set national priorities. Bennet is too serious a person to ILL be content in today’s Senate, and if Democrats are as serious as they say they are about defeating President Trump, Bennet should be their nominee. The painfully revealing first phase of the Democratic presidential sweepstakes culminated with a remarkably efficient debate. This phase clarified the top four candidates’ propensity for self-inflicted wounds. When replayed in

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Please note that quote was years before Epstein was prosecuted and was included in a glowing profile that most journalists who cited the quote probably never read in entirety. Former campaign adviser Sam Nunberg told the Las Vegas Review-Journal he is certain Trump meant younger women—not girls—as Trump barred Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for inappropriate behavior with young women at the club. On Wednesday, novelist James Patterson talked with Fox News’ Dana Perino about his Palm Beach neighbor, the subject of his nonfiction book “Filthy Rich: The Billionaire’s Sex Scandal.” Patterson said he did not think Epstein’s close neighbors in Palm Beach knew about his pursuit of teenage girls. Ditto Trump. Ditto Bill Clinton, who flew on Epstein’s plane. One other thing: The Miami Herald didn’t think the Epstein deal was so outrageous as to merit a series until Acosta was confirmed. Cortez-Masto, who voted to confirm Acosta, released a statement Tuesday calling for Acosta’s resignation. The former Nevada attorney general told Newsweek she regretted “we didn’t have all of this information at the very beginning.” That’s sort of what Acosta said, too. He wishes he knew in 2007 and 2008 what Berman knows now. Copyright 2019 Creators.com

Trump’s negative ads, what they have already said might be sufficient to reelect him. Bennet checks a requisite number of progressive boxes: He is impeccably (as progressives see such things) alarmed about the requisite things: the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, climate change, Mitch McConnell, etc. And he has endorsed — perfunctorily, one hopes — other candidates’ gesture-legislation to “study” reparations for slavery (Sen. Cory Booker) and for same-sex couples who lived in states where same-sex marriages were legal but who could not file joint tax returns before the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (Sen. Elizabeth Warren). Bennet has, however, refrained from frightening and mystifying voters with plans (Sens. Kamala D. Harris, Warren and Bernie Sanders) to eliminate their private health insurance. Or with nostalgia for forced busing that shuffled children among schools on the basis of race (Harris). opinion Or with enthusiasm for the institutional vandalism of packing the Supreme Court. Or with disdain (expressed by advocating decriminalization of illegal entry) for the principle that control of borders is an essential attribute of national sovereignty. And because Bennet, 54, was 8 when Joe Biden came to the Senate, Bennet has not had to conduct a Bidenesque Grovel Tour to apologize for deviations, decades ago, from today’s progressive catechism. If, as Bennet believes, the Democratic nomination competition has become “more fluid,” it is because Harris, Sanders, Warren and Biden have imprudently spoken their minds. And they probably are not done shooting themselves in their already perforated feet. Unlike them, Bennet has won two Senate races in a swing state that is evenly divided among Democrats, Republicans and independents. He can distinguish between what he calls “the Twitter base of the Democratic Party” and the “actual” version. Bennet’s father, a descendant of a Mayflower passenger , earned a Harvard PhD (medieval Russian history), was an aide to a U.S. ambassador to India and later worked for Democrats Hubert Humphrey, Edward Muskie and Thomas Eagleton. Bennet’s mother, who survived the Holocaust by hiding in Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Vietnam strains to reap the rewards of the U.S.-China trade war by David Pierson

The requests that textile factory manager Huynh Thi Ai Diem receives are almost always the same: A foreign company is desperately trying to relocate production from China to Vietnam. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. have eaten away their profit margin. Can she help? Huynh would like nothing more but is swift to provide a reality check. She only has enough workers, raw materials and factory space to produce one-fifth the volume of bath towels and apparel churned out by her chief competitors in China. Her prices are competitive, she says, but contrary to economy popular belief, they aren’t cheaper than those of her Chinese rivals. “Our prices are reasonable and we can deliver good quality, but we can only take small orders,” said Huynh, a manager at Phong Phu, a 54-year-old manufacturer. Few countries have benefited more than Vietnam from the year-old trade war between the United States and China. Companies, already under pressure from rising production costs in China, have been scrambling to identify factories to work with in the Southeast Asian country to avoid heavy tariffs. In the first five months of 2019, Vietnamese exports to the U.S. have surged 36% compared with the same period last year. With $25 billion in shipped goods through May, Vietnam has become the eighth biggest source of American imports, up from 12th place a year ago. But as Huynh explained, the “Made in Vietnam” label comes with a disclaimer. The country of 97 million has one of the fastest growing economies in the world — punctuated by towering new real estate here in Vietnam’s economic center — but it’s not nearly big or developed enough to absorb the sudden exodus from China. As some Vietnamese factory managers turn down orders because they don’t have the capacity, competition for increasingly expensive labor is forcing low-cost clothing companies to rethink their expansion plans. In addition, ports are struggling to deal with container ship traffic that’s almost doubled in the past year, according to data from MarineTraffic. The strain on resources is helping temper expectations in a country that experts say is being unfairly compared to China, the behemoth to the north which dictated the rules of global trade the

Democrats’ best chance Continued from preceding page. a Warsaw suburb, reached New York — via Stockholm and Mexico City — where her parents opened an art gallery. The city was the center of the postwar art world, and they did well. Bennet says that in second grade he won both ends of the competition to see who had the oldest and newest American family branches. He edited the Yale Law Journal, became an associate at the Washington firm Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, then prospered working for a Denver investment firm before entering public service, which included four years as superintendent of Denver’s public schools, in which 67 percent of the pupils were poor enough to be eligible for free or subsidized lunches. Bennet believes that Trump is more a symptom than a cause of political dysfunction, and he regrets that “the capitalists have lost control of the Republican Party,” which now is controlled by Trump cultists. China’s perfection — and exporting — of the “surveillance state” makes American democracy more important, and, therefore, its current degradation especially alarming. American politics has become a dialectic of “preemptive retributions,” of “do it to them before they do it to us.” Trump’s politics of “I alone can fix it” has, Bennet says, “stripped the American people of their agency.” In his new book (“The Land of Flickering Lights: Restoring America in an Age of Broken Politics”), Bennet quotes Thucydides on the civil war in the city of Corcyra: “With public life confused to the critical point, human nature, always ready to act unjustly even in violation of laws, overthrew the laws themselves and gladly showed itself powerless over passion but stronger than justice and hostile to any kind of superiority.” Such hostility is the essence of populism. Fortunately, the Democratic field includes one person familiar with Thucydides’s warning, and who is unafraid to assert its contemporary pertinence. The Washington Post

last two decades. For one thing, Vietnamese producers, unlike those in China, have to import much of their raw materials such as steel, fabric and chemicals. “If it can be made, it’s probably being made in China. That’s not true of Vietnam,” said Jim Kennemer, founder and managing director of Cosmo Sourcing, a U.S. company with business across Asia. “Vietnam is taking over cheap and easy production, but it hasn’t done the same with more complex manufacturing yet.” Still, Vietnam has made massive strides this decade diversifying beyond shoes and apparel to higher value products by attracting companies such as Samsung, Intel and Canon. Samsung alone employs over 150,000 workers in Vietnam producing smartphones that accounted for nearly a quarter of Vietnam’s exports last year. The world’s biggest smartphone manufacturer started shifting production to Vietnam from China in 2011 to chase lower labor costs. The South Korean giant could serve as a model for its biggest rival Apple, which is looking to move some production out of China. A key to attracting more multinational firms to Vietnam is infrastructure improvements, experts say. In addition to crowded ports, roads remain spotty across the country. And a first-of-itskind metro rail project in Ho Chi Minh City has been plagued by major delays and cost overruns. Vietnam’s Communist leaders hope some of those problems can be alleviated by foreign direct investment, which is on pace to grow in 2019 for the eighth consecutive year. Like China, the ruling party introduced major market reforms, which have attracted billions of dollars from abroad. Vietnam is under growing pressure to modernize its logistics network, which the World Bank ranks 39th in the world — 13 and 14 places behind China and South Korea, respectively. “Businesses from China, Europe and the U.S. want to see Vietnam further position itself as a viable alternative for lower-end production,” Pham Hong Hai, chief executive of HSBC Vietnam, said in a statement. “However, to convert its much-touted supply chain potential, the country needs to build more visibility and credibility among international firms, particularly in their ability to handle and deliver production orders.” Logistics networks that do exist are being tested like never before. Much of the increase in exports here is believed to be the result of companies in China rerouting finished goods through Vietnam to parry American tariffs — a practice that has drawn the ire of President Trump, who last month said Vietnam was “the single worst abuser” on trade with the U.S. Hanoi has since pledged to purchase more U.S. goods to reduce a trade deficit with Vietnam that hit a record $39.4 bil-

lion last year (Hanoi and Washington have grown closer over a mutual distrust for Beijing, underscored by Vietnam’s resistance to Huawei in future 5G networks.) The clamor for factories in Vietnam could subside if Washington and Beijing strike a long-term trade deal. But optimism remains high that the country that launched market reforms in 1986 is on a steady economic ascent. More than two-thirds of Vietnam’s population is under 35 years old, meaning favorable demographics to fuel its rise. Free trade agreements, including one struck with the European Union at the end of June, could further bolster the economy. “There’s so much opportunity here,” said Tia Nguyen, who is among a growing number of overseas Vietnamese, known here as Viet Kieu, who have returned to their native country. Nguyen, 28, left Australia in February after living in Melbourne for five years. Her boyfriend, an automotive engineer, will join her this month and was offered a lucrative job at VinFast, Vietnam’s first domestic carmaker. Nguyen now works at Sourcify, a San Diego-based start-up that links clients with factories and has offices in Vietnam, China, India and Cambodia. Its founder, Nathan Resnick, said about a quarter of his customers are moving production from China to Vietnam. “My inbox was flooded,” Resnick said of the days following U.S. tariff announcements against China in May and last July. Inquires to Sourcify have doubled in recent months, he said, because foreign companies can’t easily find factories in Vietnam like they can in China by searching Alibaba. One of those factories is Tellbe Vietnam, a metal fabrication plant located in an industrial suburb of Ho Chi Minh City on land that used to be a snake-infested lemon grove. For more than two decades, the factory has seen growth in its business making stainless steel racks, metal dolly carts and display signs, including ones for Volvo (the company has Swedish investment). But general director Lam Trong Nhan laments the factory could become more profitable with more government support such as tax relief and a reduced reliance on Chinese steel imports. “My costs go up every year,” said Lam, who is currently able to match the prices of competitors in China. “But I can’t increase my prices, or I risk losing customers.” His wife, Che Lam, Tellbe’s art director and product development manager, said the factory has room to add more orders and hopes to win new U.S. customers as a result of the trade war — one of the reasons why it responded to an inquiry from Sourcify. “The world is turning its eyes to Vietnam,” she said. “It’s still the Wild Wild West here, but you get the sense anything is possible. We’re trying to ride the wave.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Climate change helping grow more corn and soybeans in the Upper Midwest by Adam Belz

The uneven impact of climate change is actually helping corn and soybean farmers in the Upper Midwest. Higher temperatures and heavier precipitation have increased yields for corn and soybeans in much of Minnesota, Iowa and the Dakotas, according to a statistical analysis conducted at the University of Minnesota. The study highlights the disparate effects of climate change, even within agriculture a region. Soybean yields have improved in the Western Hemisphere and North Africa thanks to the changing climate, but have suffered in Eastern Europe. Even as corn harvests have benefited in Minnesota, they have suffered in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Corn yields in Minnesota are up 2.8% and soybean yields are up 8% based on the study’s models, said Deepak Ray, a researcher at the Institute on the Environment at the U and lead author of the study. “It was totally a surprise,” Ray said. “I was expecting there would be winners and losers, but I was expecting the Upper Midwest to be a loser.” The study’s authors, who controlled for improved farm technology and management, built a data set of yields for 10 major crops and weather over decades across the globe to figure out what effect the changing climate has had. In much of the world, the effect has been negative. Global palm oil, barley, rice and wheat yields have fallen. Soybean yields in Western Europe have dropped 22% and corn yields in

Eastern and Northern Europe have dropped by 25% as a result of climate change, according to the study. Global corn yields have held steady despite the declines in Europe, thanks to improving conditions in South America, but soybeans have been a big winner across the world. Global soybean yields are up 3.5% as a result of a climate change, the study said. Much of that benefit falls to farmers in the Upper Midwest. Sorghum, which in the U.S. is mostly grown in Great Plains states, has also enjoyed increased yields thanks to climate change, the study said. Wheat yields have suffered in the Upper Midwest compared to a hypothetically cooler climate, but the crop has been overtaken by corn and soybeans in much of Minnesota, so the negative effects aren’t widely felt. “If you look at wheat for Minnesota, you see a negative effect, but wheat is not as important,” Ray said. “For corn and soybeans it has been great.” Whether the changes to the climate will continue to benefit farmers in Minnesota and Iowa is another question, Ray said. “At present we are sitting in a very nice climatic condition,” he said. “I don’t know if that will change.” Adam Belz is the agriculture reporter for the Star Tribune. He previously spent one-and-a-half years reporting at Minneapolis City Hall and four years covering economics. Before that, he reported for the Des Moines Register and Cedar Rapids Gazette. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week). 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday. 4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts. 5. You will receive a paid invoice copy and a courtesy proof of the notice the first week it runs and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week.

PHILLIP G. WRIGHT, Attorney 103 East 4th Street Papillion, Nebraska 68406 NOTICE OF FILING OF LEGAL SEPARATION TO: RANDY KITCHEN whose exact whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby notified that your wife, Cheryl Ann Kitchen, has sued you and has filed papers with the Clerk of the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, found at Case ID: CI 19-915 requesting a legal separation from you. In order to defend this lawsuit, you must file an answer to the Complaint within 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice or a judgment will be obtained against you. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JLC Enterprises, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 5605 S. 126th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on July 5, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company. Johnathan L. Colling, Organizer First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HERITAGE PINNACLE HOLDINGS LP Notice is hereby given that HERITAGE PINNACLE HOLDINGS LP has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 16934 Frances Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019

DAVID M. HOHMAN, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION i40 LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 3204 S. 184th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. The name, street address and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are Sommer Hahn, 3204 S. 184th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130. Dated this 1st day of July, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BLAHA & SON ROOFING, 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 Blaha & Son Roofing, 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 June 26, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JOINT FINANCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Joint Financial, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 2111 S. 67th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106 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 July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JOINT FINANCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Joint Financial, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 2111 S. 67th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106 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 July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STITCH POWERSPORTS, LLC Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Stitch Powersports, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Stitch Powersports, LLC. Registered agent and office of Stephanie N Irvin of 1243 Limerick Road, Papillion, NE 68046. Initial members: Stephanie N Irvin. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on June 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), NORMA GUTIERREZ & FRANCISCO J GUTIERREZ You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 03/27/2019 on Case Number CI19-6473, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $379.18, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/19/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T IC E O F O R G A N IZ AT IO N O F S C M LON GV I EW I MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SCM Longview I Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72 Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SIEBRANDT COMMERCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SIEBRANDT COMMERCIAL, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 712 N POLK ST PAPILLION, NE 68046. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kristina Siebrandt 712 N Polk St Papillion, NE 68046. General nature of the business is develop commercial real estate. The limited liability company commenced business on May 3rd, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCM LONGVIEW I GP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SCM Longview I GP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72 Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HUDSON HOUNDS LLC Hudson Hounds LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 3570 S 203rd Cir, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The name, street and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Amen Business Law, L.L.C., 3420 Cape Charles Rd W, Lincoln, NE 68516. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Titan Comic Pressing, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 5, 2019, Titan Comic Pressing, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 12805 Westwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68144. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Patrick Cavanaugh, whose address is 12805 Westwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68144. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: GARY R. SAUL, 3612 Gayle Ave Apt 5, Bellevue NE 68125, you are hereby notified that on March 26, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6807, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $10,099.20, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 19th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 28, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: ANDREW M. WARD, 5907 N 33rd Ave, Omaha NE 68111, you are hereby notified that on May 29, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-11753, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,147.23, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 19th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 28, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: SUSAN HANSEN, 5506 S 94th ST, Omaha NE 68127, you are hereby notified that on March 27, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6964, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $6,159.70, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 19th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 28, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: ROBERT BLAKE HILLARD, 2226 R Street, Lincoln NE 68503, you are hereby notified that on January 16, 2019, State Farm Fire & Casualty filed a suit against you in the Lancaster District Court at docket CI19-175, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $155,481.26, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Lancaster County Court on or before the the 19th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 28, 2019, final July 19, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Redding Financial, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Andrew P. Deaver and Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DEYZA ORDUNA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/16/2019 on Case Number CI19-9482, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $235.68, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/19/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), NIKITTA MOORE You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 03/13/2019 on Case Number CI19-6465, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $536.56, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/19/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DESTINY BEST You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 03/26/2019 on Case Number CI19-7162, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $271.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/19/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Joan Getscher, Realtor, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 3220 S. 185th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on July 16, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company. Joan Getscher, Organizer First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: RYAN MERRILL DAVIS, 8206 Wilson Dr #2, Omaha NE 68127, you are hereby notified that on May 29, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-11749, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $42,010.00, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 26th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 26, 2019 CHARLES E. DORWART, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-947 Estate of Gary V. Wells, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on June 27, 2019, 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 Mary Leanne Wells Kendall, of 9938 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, NE 68114 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 September 5, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

RICHARD L. ANDERSON, 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 DRLB 34, LLC The name of the limited liability company is DRLB 34, 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 Richard L. Anderson, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 RICHARD L. ANDERSON, 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 DRLB 12, LLC The name of the limited liability company is DRLB 12, 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 Richard L. Anderson, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 RICHARD L. ANDERSON, 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 DRLB 56, LLC The name of the limited liability company is DRLB 56, 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 Richard L. Anderson, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC 2. The period of duration for OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC is perpetual. 3. OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC in Nebraska is 8974 J Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. 5. The name and address of the registered agent for OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC in Nebraska is David Baratta, 8974 J Street, Omaha NE 68127. 6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement. 7. Paul Taylor and Old World Inc, organizer(s) of OLD WORLD ROOFING LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 3th of June, 2019. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JOSHUA RAUMAKER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 03/26/2019 on Case Number CI19-7159, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $160.83, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/26/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF FOR ELEPHANTS, INC. INTO FOR ELEPHANTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that For Elephants, Inc. has been converted into For Elephants, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska. 1. The name of the nonprofit Corporation is For Elephants. 2. The nonprofit Corporation is a public benefit corporation. 3. The Registered Office of the nonprofit Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The name and address of the Incorporator is as follows: Justina A. Piatek, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 5. The Corporation shall have no members. 6. The Articles of Conversion and Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 3, 2019. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CHEWLER, 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 Chewler, 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 June 13, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF E & A CONSULTING GROUP, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of E & A Consulting Group, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation as E & A Consulting Group, Inc. Article 2 states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent as Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. Article 3 states the purpose. Article 4 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue as 50,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 per share, which may be designated as either Class A voting common stock or Class B nonvoting common stock. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws. Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability. Article 8 states that the shareholders shall not a have a preemptive right to acquire the unissued shares of the Corporation. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 25, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LK HOLDINGS LLC Notice is hereby given that LK Holdings LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office, and the street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process, is 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Robert J. Likes. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 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 FIT FOOD VENDING OMAHA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fit Food Vending Omaha, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 110 South 184th Court #309, 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 June 28, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 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 ADARA HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Adara Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 555 Riverfront Plaza, #303, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Katherine G. Lichtas, 555 Riverfront Plaza, #303, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. This limited liability company commenced business on June 28, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF READY DELICES, LLC Notice is hereby given that Ready Delices, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2214 Alexandra Rd, Papillion, Ne 68133. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from May 30, 2019. Its affairs are to be conducted by the managers Ines Akouyovi N Dagnon and Komlan M Dagnon . Its registered agent is Eya Assignon, 1941 S 42nd street, suite 514, Omaha, Ne 68105. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF KAZ CHRISTOPHER LONG, P.C., L.L.O. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KAZ CHRISTOPHER LONG, P.C., L.L.O., has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Registered Office of the Company is 209 South 19th Street, #525, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and its initial Registered Agent is KAZ LONG. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in the Profession of Law. The Corporation is a Professional Corporation within the meaning of Section 21-2205 of the Nebraska Corporations Code. The total number of shares which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The Incorporators are: Kaz Long, 209 South 19th Street, #525, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Professional Corporation commenced its existence on January 1, 2019, and its Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State and its duration is perpetual. KAZ LONG, Incorporator First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF AESTHETIC WELLNESS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AESTHETIC WELLNESS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 2011 South 189th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent is VALERIA KETTLEHUT. The general nature of the business is to operate a general spa 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 spa 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 June 3, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NICK R. TAYLOR, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1036 Estate of Bryan Lynne Klopping, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on July 12th, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Sarah E, Mann Strong, whose address is 6936 North 86th Lane, Glendale, Arizona 85305, 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 September 19, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 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 STEPHEN L. BARTLETT LLC The name of the Company is Stephen L. Bartlett LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 8008 North 124th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. 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 July 5, 2019. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 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 OEC REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that OEC Real Estate Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 16353 Webster Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. 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 June 11, 2019. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Buldyk, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 7402 Blondo St, Apt 3, Omaha, NE 68134, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Anton Buldyk. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 6/30/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Anton Buldyk, Member First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF DAOUDIS SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DAOUDIS SUPPORT SERVICES, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 15902 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1137, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent is MOHAMAD JAMAL DAOUDI. The general nature of the business is to operate a general counseling 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 counseling 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 June 5, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the ByLaws, and the offi¬cers 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 July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TRISTAN & HEATHER, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRISTAN & HEATHER, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general sales 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 sales 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 June 5, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HAJ SERVICES, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HAJ SERVICES, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 7113 North 154th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The registered agent is JO ANN HAJEK. The general nature of the business is to operate a general computer software services 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 computer software services 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 June 6, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MARTIN FIREWORK GROUP, 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 Martin Firework Group, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 1015 N. 98th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68137. Jim Prchal, Member First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DARNER GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Darner Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11225 Davenport Street, Suite 108, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ALO, LLC has been organized as a NE professional limited liability company, under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 18416 Dewey Ave Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrea L Oster 18416 Dewey Ave Elkhorn, NE 68022. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019

IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY NEBRASKA NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS TO CROSS-CLAIM TO: All Persons Having or Claiming Any Interest in the Following Described Property: A parcel of land located in the Northeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 9, Township 16 North, Range 33 East of the 6th P.M. in Douglas County, Nebraska, described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of Section 9, Township 16 North, 13 East of the 6th P.M. in Douglas County, Nebraska; thence South 869.2 feet , which line is also 24.6 feet East of the center of the fire hydrant at road intersection ½ mile south; thence turning an angle 83°50’ to the left and proceeding south 83°50’ East along the center of existing County Road Macadem a distance of 115.1 feet; thence South 80°40’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 1047.3 feet; thence South 82°55’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 491.7 feet; thence South 88°33’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 178.3 feet; thence North 75°05’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance 275.6 feet; thence North 69°00’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 253.2 feet to the Southwest corner of Tract, to be conveyed; and point of beginning; thence North 0°55’ West along the West edge of said Tract a distance of 236.7 feet; thence North 89°05 East along said North edge of Tract a distance 92.0 feet; thence South 0°55’ East along the East edge of said Tract a distance of 197.6 feet to the Southeast corner of Tract to be conveyed and centerline of existing County Road Macadem pavement; thence South 69°00’ West along the centerline of County Road Macadem a distance of 100.0 feet to the point of beginning, Real Names Unknown. You are hereby notified that on the 11th day of June, 2019, CrossClaimant Matthew J. McGowan filed a Cross-Claim in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska against you and each of you in Case No. CI191053, the object and prayer of said Cross-Claim being to obtain a decree of the Court quieting the title of said Plaintiffs and Cross-Claimant in and to: A parcel of land located in the Northeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 9, Township 16 North, Range 33 East of the 6th P.M. in Douglas County, Nebraska, described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of Section 9, Township 16 North, 13 East of the 6th P.M. in Douglas County, Nebraska; thence South 869.2 feet , which line is also 24.6 feet East of the center of the fire hydrant at road intersection ½ mile south; thence turning an angle 83°50’ to the left and proceeding south 83°50’ East along the center of existing County Road Macadem a distance of 115.1 feet; thence South 80°40’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 1047.3 feet; thence South 82°55’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 491.7 feet; thence South 88°33’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 178.3 feet; thence North 75°05’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance 275.6 feet; thence North 69°00’ East along the center of County Road Macadem a distance of 253.2 feet to the Southwest corner of Tract, to be conveyed; and point of beginning; thence North 0°55’ West along the West edge of said Tract a distance of 236.7 feet; thence North 89°05 East along said North edge of Tract a distance 92.0 feet; thence South 0°55’ East along the East edge of said Tract a distance of 197.6 feet to the Southeast corner of Tract to be conveyed and centerline of existing County Road Macadem pavement; thence South 69°00’ West along the centerline of County Road Macadem a distance of 100.0 feet to the point of beginning, The Cross-Claim further prays that you and each of you be forever barred from having or claiming any right, title, interest or ownership in and to said real estate or any part thereof, and for such other and further relief as equity requires. You and each of you are hereby notified that you are required to answer said Cross-Claim on or before the 2nd day of September, 2019. MATTHEW J. McGOWAN, Cross-Claimant, By: Mark S. Dickhute #17586, 955 No. Adams St., Suite 1, Papillion, Nebraska 68046 Email:dickhutelaw@gmail.com Tel: 402/614-4060 First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMOCK PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Smock Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, 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. The Company was organized for the purpose of engaging in the transaction of any lawful business and the performance of any lawful activities that a limited liability company may engage in under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company shall have perpetual existence unless dissolved in accordance with its Certificate of Organization, its Operating Agreement or the Limited Liability Company Act. Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s Operating Agreement, the affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managing member. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE RUDE SHRIMP CO.SHRIMP DECK, 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 The Rude Shrimp Co.- Shrimp Deck, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 801 N. Front Street, Suite 9, Waterloo, Nebraska 68069. Lisa Lahners, Member First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-906 Estate of TIMOTHY C. TOREK, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on June 26, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, CINDY L. O'NEILL, whose address is 102 Sam Houston Circle NW, Madison, Alabama 35757, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before September 5, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DEAN F. SUING, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-949 Estate of Sanford W. Crampton, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on June 27, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Stephen G. Crampton, whose address is 2236 South 163rd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, 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 September 5, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

FREDERICK D. STEHLIK, Attorney GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O. 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that AE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office located at 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 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 June25, 2019, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member. Frederick D. Stehlik, Organizer First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF SCM LONGVIEW OMAHA 3003, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of SCM Longview Omaha 3003, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the company to SCM FFA 3003, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 28, 2019. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NABITY BUSINESS ADVISORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nabity Business Advisors, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 105, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., whose mailing address is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION DAVID ECKLEY INSURANCE AGENCY LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that David Eckley Insurance Agency LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5356 S 72nd ST Ralston NE 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is David Eckley with his office at 5356 S72nd ST Omaha NE 68127 First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF THE PLAZA 133 OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. The Plaza 133 Owners Association, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act on July 10, 2019. The corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. The street address of the corporation's registered office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is Martin P. Pelster. The corporation will have members. Steven G. Ranum, Incorporator First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Tri-Cities, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Tri Cities, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Abe Schumacher. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Buldyk’s Custom Services, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 7402 Blondo St, Apt 3, Omaha, NE 68134, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Anton Buldyk. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 6/30/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Anton Buldyk, Member First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Kyzer Construction, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 11316 Burdette Cir. Omaha, NE 68164, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Michael Sanford. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 6/17/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Michael Sanford, Member First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ANA C CASTRO SANDOVAL You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/18/2019 on Case Number CI19-9480, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $413.99, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 09/02/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF RUSS HOVALDT, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is Russ Hovaldt, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 Shares having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on July 11, 2019, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Taylor C. Dieckman, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 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 FKLJ VENTURES, LLC The name of the Company is FKLJ Ventures, 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 July 15, 2019. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Loewe Creations LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 26, 2018, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. Derek V. Loewe will wind up the company’s business and affairs. The Company will have no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF MERGER Notice is hereby given, that Harvey Oaks Baptist Church (d/b/a Converge Church), with a registered office at 14515 Harvey Oaks Ave, Omaha, NE, 68144, filed articles of merger with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 18, 2019, to merge with Eagle Heights Church, 17111 L St, Omaha, NE, 68135. Harvey Oaks Baptist Church will be the surviving corporation. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 PHILIP S. MURANTE, Attorney Murante Law, LLC 1125 S. 119th Street Omaha, NE 68144 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State forming Boardwalk Commons, Inc. (“Boardwalk”) on June 25, 2019. Boardwalk is a mutual benefit nonprofit corporation with its principal office located at 13340 California Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68154. Boardwalk’s registered agent and Incorporator is Philip S. Murante, addressed at 1125 S. 119th, Omaha, NE 68144. Boardwalk shall be comprised of members. Boardwalk shall exist perpetually until dissolved by its Board or Directors or operation of law. Upon dissolution, after winding up all affairs, Boardwalk shall dispose of its assets to one or more exempt entities, within the meaning of IRC § 501(c)(3). First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 PHILIP S. MURANTE, Attorney MURANTE LAW, LLC 1125 S. 119th Street Omaha, NE 68144 NOTICE OF SUIT TO MATT AMOURA A/K/A MAHER AMOURA D/B/A DAYSPRING PRINTING Benzo-81, LLC filed a complaint in the County Court of Douglas County on February 6, 2019, docketed as case CI 19-3041. The Complaint brought a claim for breach of contract under which the plaintiff seeks $8,456.86, plus additional rent, late charges, and other amounts that continue to accrue under the contract, costs of the suit, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and other relief as the Court may grant. You are required to answer the Plaintiff’s complaint on or before August 19, 2019 or the Plaintiff may be entitled to a judgment accepting all allegations in the complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF DOMESTICATION/INCORPORATION OF BENNING FARM AND TRUCK, INC. You are hereby notified that the below applicant has filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State Articles of Domestication and Articles of Incorporation, including the following information: Domestication/Corporation Name: BENNING FARM AND TRUCK, INC. Address of Initial Designated Office: 10828 Old Mill Rd., Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154 Registered Agent: Jeffrey T. Palzer Shares: The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have the authority to issue is 10,000 shares of common stock and the par value of each of said shares shall be $1.00. The entity was originally incorporated in Iowa on December 22, 2008, and date of first use in Nebraska June 18, 2019. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLAND ANALYTICS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bland Analytics, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 450 Regency Parkway, Suite 340, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KRISTINE MATTHEIS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 03/12/2019 on Case Number CI19-6476, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $262.50, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 08/19/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019

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JULY 19, 2019 • 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 QOZ CAPITAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that QOZ Capital, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9735 Fieldcrest Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Jeffrey D. Sharp, 9735 Fieldcrest Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on July 15, 2019. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 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 P39, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that P39, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9735 Fieldcrest Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Jeffrey D. Sharp, 9735 Fieldcrest Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on July 15, 2019. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF NAVIGATE OMAHA REAL ESTATE, P.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NAVIGATE OMAHA REAL ESTATE, P.C., has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Registered Office of the Company is 14901 Bodmer Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007, and its initial Registered Agent is BRIGETTE MARTINEZ. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in the Profession of Real Estate. The Corporation is a Professional Corporation within the meaning of Section 21-2205 of the Nebraska Corporations Code. The total number of shares which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The Incorporators are: Brigette Martinez, 14901 Bodmer Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Professional Corporation commenced its existence on January 17, 2019, and its Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State and its duration is perpetual. BRIGETTE MARTINEZ, Incorporator First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Zianya Properties, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Zianya Properties, LLC. Registered agent and office of Zianya Properties, LLC at 4104 S 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Armando Salgado. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on July 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 JAMES R. SACOMAN, Attorney 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124-2092 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1048 Estate of JERALD CHILDERS, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on July 15, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Clerk-Magistrate issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased and that KIRK A. CHILDERS., whose address is 7111 North 57th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68152 has been informally appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before September 19, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), GENE S MARR You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/25/2019 on Case Number CI19-9761, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $206.12, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 09/02/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of POC Collaborative, LLC Notice of organization is hereby given that POC Collaborative, LLC has been organized in accordance with the laws of the state of Nebraska, commencing 5/1/19. The designated office address is 3105 N 24th St, Omaha, NE 68110. The registered agent is Blair Freeman Group, 4616 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68132. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019

JAMES R. SACOMAN, Attorney 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124-2092 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-933 Estate of TODD R. RAY, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on June 25, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Clerk-Magistrate issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased and that ROBERT B. SLECHTA, whose address is 112736 Marth Street, Omaha, NE 68144 has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before September 19, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 Notice of Organization Platinum Interiors & Design, LLC Notice is hereby given that Platinum Interiors & Design, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as John Diamantis, and with its initial designated office at 8213 N 127th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68142. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PLATTE INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Platte Investments, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11225 Davenport Street, Suite 108, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CERES GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ceres Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11225 Davenport St., Suite 108, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication July 5, 2019, final July 19, 2019 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 CROWD PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Crowd Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9818 Fieldcrest Drive, 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 July 11, 2019. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Glow Solutions, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Glow Solutions, LLC. Registered agent and office of Glow Solutions, LLC at 14022 Manderson Plaza Apt.301, Omaha, NE 68164. Initial members: Gloria Reyes Fermin and Quincy Lee Atwater. General nature of the business is the commercial and residential cleaning and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on June 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: DARNEX Name of Applicant: DARNER GROUP, LLC Address: 11225 DAVENPORT STREET, SUITE 108, OMAHA, NE 68154 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: JUNE 19, 2019 General nature of business: HEAVY EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE TOM LANGAN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Jaxon's Catering Name of Applicant: Jeff Matthews Address:, 1001 N. 184th St Elkhorn NE 68022 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Upon Filing General nature of business: Catering JEFFREY MATTHEWS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: In8 Motion Name of Applicant: Tvrdy 8 LLC Address: 621 So 37th St Omaha NE 68105s 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: 7/4/19 General nature of business: Retail Sales Industrial Products KELLY TVRDY BENES Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Primary Spine Care of Nebraska Name of Applicant: Clocktower Chiropractic, Inc Address: 1528 S 195th Circle Omaha NE 68130 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: August 2019 General nature of business: Health Care RYAN GOSS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: GITT CABINETS Name of Applicant: GITT CONSTRUCTION, INC. Address: 6610 S. 168TH STREET, #4, OMAHA, NE 68135 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA Date of first use of name in Nebraska: JULY 1, 2019 General nature of business: CABINETRY MICHAEL GITT Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: More Space Storage Name of Applicant: 120 Valley Ridge Road, LLC Address: 5710 South 172nd Avenue, Omaha NE 68135 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: July 2019 General nature of business: Storage Facility DANIELLE DRING Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative July 19, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF SITE DEVELOPMENT LEASE SIX OZ FUND, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Site Development Lease Six OZ Fund, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the company to NIC OZ Fund, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 27, 2019. First publication July 12, 2019, final July 26, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION A NON PROFIT. Registered Office 1322 S 163 AVE Omaha 68130. Registered agent Leigh Gudeman at above address. First publication July 19, 2019, final August 2, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

What can an appliance-seller teach hospitals about keeping patients happy? by Lisa Schencker

On a recent day, a small group of hospital leaders gathered in an unlikely place to learn more about keeping patients happy: suburban Chicago megastore Abt Electronics. They sank into cushy recliners in Abt’s model home movie HealtH care theater — a space tricked out with nearly $500,000 of equipment — to learn about the importance of options and customization. They strolled into the store’s cavernous warehouse where the flags of more than 40 countries were hung, representing the backgrounds of Abt’s more than 1,500 employees — reminding the medical execs of the benefits of valuing workers. And they saw signs bearing a company motto, “The answer is always ‘yes’ to any reasonable request.” “We’re all consumers, it doesn’t matter if we’re a consumer of health care or buying a car or appliance,” said Susan Okuno-Jones, chief nursing officer at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., who was on the tour. “How we treat our consumers and recognize our consumers is important.” Traditional retail businesses have long understood that they need to give customers good experiences to win their dollars. But hospitals have been somewhat slower to realize that it’s not enough just to heal patients. Everything — from the way doctors talk to patients, to discharge, to billing — must go smoothly. That’s especially true in the Chicago area, where patients have many choices and fierce competition has even helped drive some smaller hospitals out of business. Another reason for hospitals to up their game: Under the Affordable Care Act, they can gain or lose federal money based partly on patient experience scores. Local hospitals are trying a number of initiatives to improve their patients’ satisfaction. Some are hiring chief patient experience officers, who work across hospital departments to boost patients’ perceptions. Others are sending their executives to specialized training sessions. Still others have put together patient advisory councils that meet regularly to give feedback about how to better communicate with patients. “Health care is changing to a consumer focus,” said Jason Wolf, president and CEO of The Beryl Institute, an organization that brings together hospitals and others to improve patient experience. “If we don’t focus on the experience and the kind of care we provide, you’re not going to be able to … compete in the marketplace today.” Patients will go out of their way to visit hospitals that treat them well and avoid those that don’t. Karen Stillwell, of Marseilles, said she and her husband had a “nightmare” experience at one Chicago-area hospital after her husband’s heart transplant in 2012. Eventually, they switched hospitals, heading to Northwestern Memorial. Stillwell’s husband has visited Northwestern three times this year. When he had an issue, she said, multiple levels of Northwestern management contacted her to see how they could help. “That’s huge in a hospital,” said Stillwell, 64, of the communication. Hospital leaders hope all their patients leave with such positive feelings, so they’re taking actions to try to inspire loyalty. About a year ago, NorthShore University

HealthSystem, for example, started a patient advisory council, made up of patients who volunteer their time to give the hospital system feedback. The system also named a chief experience officer, for the first time, in the fall. And NorthShore doctors are encouraged to attend special workshops to learn how to build rapport with patients and express empathy. “You’re meeting people at their most fragile. Often, it’s their most challenging time in their life, but if you can make a difference for them, show that humanity and personalization, it not only helps them, but it helps you,” said Cheryl Singer, NorthShore’s vice president for patient experience. “It helps you go into the next patient room and take on the next challenge because you know you made a difference.” Other area hospitals systems have similar strategies. At Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, employees and doctors are expected to escort people who ask for directions to their destinations (as opposed to pointing and walking away). It’s one of seven key behaviors employees and doctors are instructed to practice daily. Rush hospital system nurses focus on communication and care coordination, often sharing details about patients in front of those patients and their families when changing shifts, so they can be part of the process, said Angelique Richards, Rush’s chief nurse executive. Advocate Good Samaritan aims to have nurse leaders make rounds every day, so they can talk directly to patients, fixing problems quickly or hearing what a great job their staff are doing.

“We are in a very competitive market. There’s a great hospital or surgery center on every corner here,” Okuno-Jones said. “How we treat patients and the experience they have with us is a differentiator.” Competition, however, isn’t hospitals’ only incentive to make patients’ stays as pleasant as possible. The federal government deducts 2% of certain Medicare payments to many hospitals each year — and hospitals can earn none, some or all of that money back based on performance in four areas, including patient experience. Hospitals that perform particularly well can earn more than the 2% back. Hospitals get data about patient experience by sending surveys to patients after they leave the hospital. The standardized surveys ask patients to respond to 32 questions — about care from nurses and doctors; the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital; responsiveness of staff; and discharge, among other things. The surveys had a response rate of 26% in Illinois from July 2017 to June 2018. Hospitals in the Chicago area that got the highest patient experience scores in 2017 (the most recent data available from the federal government) included Advocate Good Samaritan, Silver Cross and Rush University Medical Center, among others. The scores are important to many hospital leaders. Silver Cross President and CEO Ruth Colby said she looks at the survey responses each day as they roll in, taking special note of any comments added by patients.

She said the hospital typically gets a couple of hundred thousand dollars back from the federal government as part of the performance program — a nice bonus but not a make-orbreak amount of cash. Many hospital leaders say the money is not the main driver behind efforts to improve patients’ experiences. Competition and a sense of doing the right thing for patients are bigger factors, said Wolf with The Beryl Institute. “I think what’s really churned the seas of health care is this realization that health care is a consumer market,” Wolf said. “You have choice.” It was a message driven home to the hospital leaders who visited Abt recently. They reflected on it as they stood before Abt’s indoor dancing fountain, flanked by a candy store, giant bubble maker for kids and internal Apple store. “That’s what has to happen in the hospital,” said Lisa Petrilli, senior director of strategic marketing at Northfield-based medical supply and distribution company Medline Industries, which arranged the visit as part of its new Patient Experience and Innovation Institute, which trains hospital leaders from across the country. “It’s not just the care, it’s everything that goes into that care and making the patient feel loved. “If you can do that with appliances, you can absolutely do that with health care.” ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Philly CEOs crow about their employees’ fave workplace benefits by Erin Arvedlund

What’s a cool place to work in Philadelphia? Consider finance company FS Investments in the Navy Yard. The firm provides access to an on-site fitness facility offering group fitness classes Workplace and one-on-one coaching with one of three full-time trainers. In addition, the cafeteria serves up customized portion sizes based on each employee’s activity levels and individual goals, along with advice from an on-site dietitian, if desired. “The result is that 86% of our colleagues in our Philadelphia headquarters participate in at least one of our many fitness offerings, and all have access to our mind-set, nutrition, and recovery resources,” said CEO Michael Forman. FS Investments, which is an investment firm, wants to make its workplace more family-friendly, offering mothers’ rooms on every floor and three paid days off annually for volunteer work, plus $500 per year per employee in charitable matching. Finally, there are the “convenience” perks, although employees pay the costs: medical concierge services, dry cleaning, shoe shine valet, and on-site car cleaning. FS Investments posted 2018 revenues of about $270 million. It manages or co-manages $24 billion in assets and employs about 370 people. Benefits can ebb and flow with the economy. And although the economy is strong currently, employers are offering perks and benefits that can easily be cut back in a recession, noted Tim Leudtke, assistant professor at Temple University’s department of

risk, insurance and health-care management. “There’s not a general interest in committing to something that’s immobile or can’t be changed, such as retiree health plans,” said Leudtke, who also is managing director of Navigator Benefit Solutions. “Student debt assistance is measurable and generally it ends. It’s a benefit that has a short tail on it, and in a recession, that could go away easily.” More frequently, hiring older workers has become popular in a growing economy, while perks for younger workers such as onsite concierge, dry cleaning, and shoe shines are “a throwback to the big corporations of the 1950s.” Another trend: Millennials and other younger workers want portable benefits, such as a retirement plan that follows them from job to job. “How do companies deal with the gig economy, the Uberization of work, from a benefits perspective?” Leudtke said. “The younger generations aren’t seeing themselves as working for one company forever. That’s not new. But they’re increasingly moving toward short-term engagements, such as project work.” What about other Philadelphia employers? Sagefrog this year took the notion of work-life “balance” up a notch, with meditation classes designed to improve the marketing agency employees’ mental health, clarity, and stress levels. Big retailer Urban Outfitters encourages employees to “bring your dog to work” as a benefit, and offers discounted pet insurance. The company also gives employees who bicycle to work a free bike light and helmet.

PwC, the accounting firm formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, pays part of workers’ student loans as a benefit, offering $100 a month in payments for up to six years. That can cut loan principal and interest by as much as $10,000 and shorten employees’ debt-payoff period. We asked workers and their CEOs to crow a little about their best benefits in the workplace, the ones that are most popular among employees. Did the on-site nutritionist or chef help you retain your execs? Or did helping millennial workers pay off their student loans earn their undying loyalty? -Joe Giannone, Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning: “We provide a paid day off for every employee’s birthday.” -Anthony Magaraci, Trinity Packaging Supply: “Besides the usual health insurance, a 401(k) with profit sharing and paid time off, we offer free gym memberships to LA Fitness, each employee gets their own personal financial adviser, but my favorite one is we have a former world champion PingPong player come train our employees every Friday for three hours. The thing that helps me retain my employees is I empower them to make their own decisions and oftentimes they’re very important ones. I encourage them to view their day-to-day jobs as a craft they want to master, then move on to the next level, which develops into an incredible career. The other things help make it fun around the office and it makes the little stressful things seem like no big deal.” -Claudia Timbo, CompanyVoice: “A new perk we offer is Uber transportation for weekend or late-night shifts when Continued on page 24.

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JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 26

SENIOR LIVING

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE DIRECTORY AUGUST 2

OFFICE DESIGN TRENDS

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

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Omaha-based Verdis Group’s survey examined commuter transportation preferences in downtown and midtown Omaha. The survey of 8,500 people who live, work or go to school in an area spanning from 42nd Street to the Missouri River, between Cuming and Leavenworth streets, revealed significant interest in using multiple modes of active transportation. The survey shows that the area is 22% active commuting mode split today, with the potential to increase by at least 17 points. The conservative analysis suggests the area’s active commuting mode split could increase to 39% if employers and residential unit owners were to implement an active commuting program. Access Systems was named a 2019 Toshiba ProMasters Elite Certified Dealer. To achieve this recognition, dealers provide their technicians with continuous training and their customers with elite service. This provides their customers with the best service possible leading to limited device downtime. Within the first 12 months of servicing and selling Toshiba copiers and printers, Access Systems has been recognized by Toshiba as an elite dealer. First Nebraska Credit Union broke ground on a new building at 20241 Manderson St. in Elkhorn. First Nebraska currently has five locations, with three locations in Omaha and two in Lincoln. The new building will include an Interactive Teller Machine. During business hours, customers will have the option to speak with a FNCU representative via video conferencing. The new building will include the latest in banking technology, including teller pods instead of traditional teller lines. Werner Enterprises has been named a 2019 Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics. This annual list recognizes 75 companies that go above and beyond to ensure their global supply chains are sustainable and their operations are environmentally friendly. Since 2007, Werner has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 2.8 million tons and saved more than 249 million gallons of fuel. In 2018, Werner was named a SmartWay High Performer and SmartWay Excellence Award winner for its efforts to produce more efficient and sustainable supply chain transportation solutions. Callahan Financial Planning Company, a personal financial planning and investment management company based in Omaha, has expanded into the San Francisco Bay area in Marin County with the acquisition of Gary A. Dossick & Associates, Inc. in San Rafael, California. Gary A. Dossick & Associates, Inc. clients will be served under an agreement between the two firms to ensure collaboration, continuity and a seamless transition of investment management and tax preparation services to Callahan Financial Planning. Lindsay Corporation President & CEO Tim Hassinger has accepted an appointment by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade. As a member of the committee, Hassinger will advise, consult with and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative concerning U.S. trade policy and matters arising in the administration of such policy. Hassinger will serve on the committee until June 15, 2023. Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s Assistant Secretary Cindi Allen has been reappointed

to the U.S. Agriculture Policy Advisory Committee. The USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington D.C. jointly manage the committee. Allen will serve in an advisory position along with 29 other appointees from across the U.S. The committee meets with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to provide advice and information concerning the administration of trade policy, including enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade agreements. The Junction LLC’s John Shada is now a Certified Transportation Broker. This certification is the highest broker certification that exists in the industry and is the most widely recognized designation among 3PLs. Shada had to complete a course and written test designed to increase business acumen, improve operational and sales skills and better manage risk. Jet Linx dedicated an entire day to advancing the private aviation industry’s most rigorous safety standards during its annual Safety Summit. This is the third consecutive year for the summit and Jet Linx remains the only air carrier in the United States to implement a summitt. The focus of Jet Linx’s third annual Safety Summit is safety culture, safety management, and how to identify potential hazards. The day includes a special keynote session from former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman John Hall on organizational contributing factors in aviation safety. For the sixth consecutive quarter, Veridian Credit Union is ranked first in a national index for returning value to members. Callahan & Associates, a credit union research and consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., publishes The Return of the Member Report quarterly. The report ranks all 5,451 U.S. credit unions according to a comprehensive scoring of value provided in three areas, including savings, lending and product usage. The credit union is self-governed by a 15-seat board of unpaid, volunteer directors who are democratically elected by Veridian members. The U.S. Department of Labor increased funds available to fidelity bonds, through the Federal Bonding Program, to secure employment opportunities for workers recovering from the misuse of opioids. The department is committed to helping those recovering from opioid use find family-sustaining jobs, informing employers about opportunities to provide second chances, and advancing strategies to address barriers to employment that may exist. The FBP provides fidelity bond insurance, issued free-of-charge to employers, as a unique job placement tool that assists hard-to-place job applicants in obtaining employment. Dice Communications is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Having recently gone through a rebranding effort and a substantial round of hiring, the privately held company is working towards its vision of becoming the most sought after and admired communications systems company in North America. The company delivers a suite of voice, data, wireless, and security products from a growing number of equipment solution partners using a proprietary process to assess, design and deliver the most appropriate solutions for clients’ needs and budgets. Primary targets for Dice Communications include education, health care, state and local government and transContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. portation, in addition to SMB and enterprise. Matt Cosgriff was selected as a member of the 2019 class of 40 under 40 by InvestmentNews, a national publication geared toward financial advisers. Cosgriff leads the BerganKDV Wealth Management solutions team out of the Bloomington, Minnesota office. The InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 award aims to uncover the young talent in the finance industry doing notable work. In 2019, there were just under 1,000 nominations for the award and about 4% of candidates were selected. InvestmentNews reporters, editors and other representatives reviewed individual accomplishments, contributions, leadership and future promise of nominees to select the most deserving candidates. Signature Electric LLC was ranked No. 23 on the Associated Builders and Contractors 2019 Top 50 Performers with Special Designations list, which recognized ABC member contractors’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity and project excellence ranked by work hours. Werner Enterprises has been named to the 2019 Top Green Providers list by Food Logistics for the seventh consecutive year. This annual award recognizes companies whose products, services or exemplary environmental stewardship promote sustainability within the food and beverage industry. The Food Logistics staff evaluates candidates based on a company’s participation in recognized sustainability programs like the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program. AARP Nebraska, in collaboration with the AARP Foundation, is donating $20,000 to relief efforts in Nebraska. The donation has been allocated to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation to provide emergency aid to Nebraska farmers, ranchers and rural communities affected by recent storms and flooding. Priority will be given to efforts to restore health and safety in rural communities and to farm and ranch households that have been damaged or displaced by the natural disaster. People may donate or apply for aid online.

Health care notes…

The nt r for S i ntifi i w through the National Institutes of Health has appointed University of Nebraska Medical Center faculty member Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D., to serve a four-year term on the Diseases and Pathophysiology of the Visual System Study Section. Ahmad is professor, ophthalmology and visual sciences, and associate dean for postdoctoral affairs, graduate studies. Study sections review grant applications submitted to the NIH, make recommendations on these applications to the appropriate NIH national advisory council or board, and survey the status of research in their fields of science. Nebraska Health Network awarded its first Innovator Award to Edward Taylor, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician at Methodist Physicians Clinic Indian Hills. In addition to the 2019 Innovator Award, NHN recognized top performing providers and clinics for their work on Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. Highest performers, providers include: M. Suzan Crabb, Methodist Physicians Clinic Healthwest; and Quinn Schulte, Methodist Physicians Clinic Ridge. Highest Performers, clinics: Methodist Physicians Clinic Healthwest, Internal Medicine and Nebraska Medicine Elkhorn, Family Medicine. Most Improved, providers: Andrew Vasey, Nebraska Medicine Durham Outpatient Center;

and Emily Hill, Nebraska Eagle Run. Most Improved, clinics: Midwest Regional Health Services and Holmes and Munyon, PC. In a collaborative effort, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University have, for the first time, eliminated replication-competent HIV-1 DNA — the virus responsible for AIDS — from the genomes of living animals. Drs. Howard Gendelman (UNMC) and Kamel Khalili (LKSOM) were senior investigators on the new study. Current HIV treatment centers on the use of antiretroviral therapy. ART suppresses HIV replication but does not eliminate the virus from the body. For the present study, Gendelman and his team led by Prasanta Dash, Ph.D., combined its long-acting slow-effective release antiretroviral therapy strategy with the gene editing system. Analyses revealed complete elimination of HIV DNA in about one-third of HIV-infected mice. A clinical research study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is trying to improve survival for adults over age 60 who have acute myeloid leukemia. The goal of the study is to find a systematic way to determine who may or may not tolerate intensive chemotherapy. In the last two years, the Food and Drug Administration has approved eight new medications to treat AML. Researchers plan to create an algorithm to tailor treatments, evaluate participants’ quality of life, how much toxic effect they experienced, and survival. UNMC will enroll up to 75 patients in the five-year study.

Education notes…

Metropolitan Community College and the PMI Heartland Nebraska/Iowa Chapter Heartland Chapter have partnered to provide students of the MCC Project Management Academy mentorship and professional development opportunities. Through free memberships, students can take advantage of PMI Heartland Chapter events, meeting face-to-face with professionals from local businesses, universities and organizations. Beginning in September, the MCC Project Management Academy will offer a diverse curriculum of project management principles, tools and techniques. Students will learn best practices through group exercises, case studies and real-world simulation to prepare them for certification exams. The Greater Omaha Chamber and The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development announced a joint initiative designed to connect skilled workers with regional tech positions. “OPTiN: Opportunities in tech” is a digital solution connecting global and local tech employers from across the region with job seekers looking to accelerate their tech careers. The initiative encompasses a newly developed brand and messaging, a digital tech jobs portal and a targeted marketing campaign in select markets. The College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has established the School of Accounting. UNO is the only university in Nebraska to earn an endorsement from the Institute of Management Accountants for its BSBA accounting concentration and Master of Accounting degree programs. The school will be home to UNO’s undergraduate accounting concentration courses as well as the Master of Accounting graduate degree program. It will be housed within Mammel Hall but will later relocate to a new addition of the building once construction is complete in April 2021. Amanda Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., has been chosen as one of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foun-

dation’s 2019 Macy Faculty Scholars. The program, open to educators in medicine and nursing nationwide, selects up to five scholars annually to receive salary support and extensive career development training. The program aims to identify innovators in medicine and nursing education and give them the resources to establish new programs at their respective institutions. Kirkpatrick’s goal is to expand and improve Creighton’s palliative care education, making it more comprehensive and applicable to distance learning students.

Activities on nonprofits…

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center awarded 10 regional nonprofit organizations with a Preventing Childhood Obesity Community Grant of $25,000. Grant recipients include: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Get Fit Initiative; CEDARS Youth Services, Growing Healthy Kids - Bodies and Minds; Families in Action, Healthy Living Resource Guide/La Guía de Familias en Acción para La Vida Sana; Family Service, Raising Healthy Children: It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint; Harrison County Home and Public Health, Increasing Peer and Professional Support for Breastfeeding Mothers in Harrison County; Latino Center of the Midlands, Club de Niños Saludables; Nebraska Appleseed, Fighting Child Hunger in Nebraska: Summer Meals Toolkit and Advocacy; OneWorld Community Health Centers, Early Childhood Help for Overweight/ Obesity; Sarpy/Cass Health Department, Improving Community Breastfeeding Support in Sarpy and Cass Counties; and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Dodge County, Are You In? The Women’s Center for Advancement was awarded a $216,200 grant from United Way of the Midlands. The WCA helps any person experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault continue to have access to critical safety services and long-term self-sufficiency services. Self-sufficiency services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault focus on the unique needs of WCA clients. Career coaching, workshops and financial literacy classes are a few of the special programs available. The Omaha Home for Boys Back to School Supply Drive is taking place July 22 through Aug. 5. The drive is aimed at collecting school supplies and college essentials for the young men and women at the home. The most highly needed items include backpacks, twin XL bedding and dorm life essentials. Donations can be dropped off at Omaha Home for Boys, Smith Administration Building, 4343 N. 52nd St.

Arts and Events…

The Fair Deal Golf Open 2019, a charity tournament in honor of Edward Young, is slated for July 22 at Oak Hills Country Club. Registration includes golf, lunch, raffle and an awards reception with a filet dinner. Proceeds from the four-person scramble tournament will benefit the youth, young adults and families served by Omaha Home for Boys. Registration is available at TheFairDealOpen.com. Volunteers at the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Trails Have Our Respect hope to advance the region’s first mountain bike park and fund other trail projects aimed at elevating the region into a destination for cyclists. The group’s flagship project, a mountain bike park in Sarpy County, received a Trail Accelerator grant. It will finance the critical planning phase of a multi-acre skills area in Bellevue’s Swanson Park, aimed to draw more children and families to the sport of mountain biking. On July 24-26, park designers

from Trail Solutions will visit the site of the new bike park. J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood is hosting its July tasting on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. The four course tasting includes a variety of Frank Family Wins paired with J. Gilbert’s barbecue. The cost is $89 per person, but registration is limited. Soundry Institute is hosting a five-day summer intensive for anyone interested in exploring trends in modern classical music on July 22 through July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included are sessions on composition, improvisation, and professional development given by Omaha Under the Radar Festival artists and guests. Participants also have the option to create original compositions that will be performed as part of the Omaha Under the Radar Festival. Registration required. The 6th annual Omaha Under the Radar Festival will run from July 24 through July 27. The event is four days of experimental music, opera, dance, theater, poetry, performance art, and installation work. The lineup includes: Courtney Bryan, Leanna Keith, Nathan Brumaugh, Developing Crisp, Elliot Lupp, Liz Gre, Alexandria Smith, Pushback, Dereck Higgins, The Machine is Neither, The Wires, James Falzone, Edem Soul Music, Jordan Sand, Megan Grace Beugger, Anthony Green and more. Venues include the Holland Center for the Arts, Kaneko, The Slowdown and others. Schedule and tickets are available online.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, July 24 The onprofit sso iation of th i lands is hosting a workshop on Digital Funa ntals hat onprofits to now About Maximizing Their Digital Presence. In this session, participants will learn the fundamentals of digital presence — key digital assets (local/identity like Google My Business, social media, website and email lists), the importance of Google and Facebook and how to take a holistic view of measuring that presence and its progress. The presenter will be John Heaston, publisher and editor of a group of media, including The Reader, El Perico and OmahaJobs.com. Registration is available online. Thursday, July 25 Iowa Western Small Business Development Center is hosting Smart Start from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Port. This a two-hour rapid-fire course provides information on important steps to ensure a business’s success. Participants learn about licensing, business legal structure, financing, business planning, business resources and more. Handouts include a comprehensive workbook with resource links, business planning tools and more. Registration is available online. Saturday, July 27 Buildertrend is hosting its second annual employee-run hackathon at its Omaha headquarters June 27-28. The company-sponsored employee event will run for 24 hours. Fifteen teams of four employees each will take over the Buildertrend office space, bringing together their ideas to improve the Buildertrend customer experience and internal processes. Company executives will listen to each team pitch their continuous improvement initiatives, with the goal to implement the winning ideas into the Buildertrend platform and/or company. Employee participants will compete for over $6,000 in cash prizes and raffles.

24 •

JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Philly CEOs crow about their employees’ fave workplace benefits Continued from page 21. public transportation is unavailable.” CompanyVoice operates call centers. -Eric Griffin, Mobile Outfitters, accessories for cell phones: “We implemented health care in an innovative way at our 27-person company: All employees get a ‘gold’ plan for a flat $30 a month. All employees get $140 a year back in to their account to cover co-pays and promote making healthy choices, like going to the doctor when you feel sick. This $30 a month includes short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program. We had nearly every employee enroll in the program when we

Plant-based food sales Continued from page 12. plans that should bolster the category’s sales numbers in coming years. Plant-based meat grew less than 10% last year, which outpaced traditional meat’s 2.2% growth, but was far below the previous year’s growth rate of 25%. “With plant-based meat, 10% is really healthy growth, but we expect to see that really grow over the next few years as several other plant-based meats, specifically burgers, launch in retail over the coming year — some with a lot of fanfare already,” Bushnell said. By placing Beyond Meat’s or Impossible Foods’ refrigerated burger patties in the meat case, people who aren’t vegans or vegetarians are more likely to give these alternatives a try. Overall U.S. retail food dollar sales grew 2% last year, including both animal- and plant-based segments. Kristen Leigh Painter — 612-673-4767 ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

launched. Our goal was to offer health care that everyone wants to take, can afford, and is willing to use. For example, many companies offer health insurance that hourly or frontline employees can’t afford, and even if they do sign up, they refrain from using it because of the cost of co-pays.” -Russ Starke, Think Co., IT professional services: “One of the newest employee benefits that means a lot to all of us is our Thinkiversary donations. Each year on a team member’s work anniversary, Think Co. celebrates that person by donating $100 per year of service to a charity of their choice. This is a way for folks to support causes that are important to them, and their ability to give larger sums only increases over time as they grow with the team. Think Co. has also recently started giving employees who reach their five-year anniversary a $5,000 all-expenses-paid trip to a vacation spot of their choice so that they can take some wellearned time to rest and recharge.” -David Stewart, Tembo, education software: “We do a few things that are fairly standard — paying 100% of employee health care, Friday lunches, a 4% 401(k) match, and a strong paid time off and maternity/paternity leave policy. But the most fun thing we did this year was take everyone in the company on a four-day trip to Zion National Park for some good old-fashioned team building. Significant others were included, as well; they just had to pay for their own flights. We tend to go on these types of retreats once every two years and this was our third retreat in the past six years. For previous retreats, we’ve gone to the Dominican Republic and northern California.” ©2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Metropolitan Community College. He will serve on a civil engineering team using his experience in AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Architectural Revit. Rockwell graduated this year from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He will oversee the construction observation on various roadway and highway projects throughout Iowa. He will perform onsite material testing and field observation.

Northwest Bank promotes Conover to president role

Northwest Bank has named Joe Conover as Northwest Bank’s president. Conover recently served as the company’s digital strategies director; he will succeed Greg Post as president. Post will continue to serve as chief executive officer and increase his responsibilities as president of Northwest Financial Corp. Conover Conover has 16 years of experience with Northwest Bank.

Omaha’s Burns & McDonnell adds Williamson to lead marketing team

Burns & McDonnell has hired Jeff Williamson to oversee sales and marketing efforts to drive environmental services growth for federal clients in the Midwest. Williamson has nearly 40 years of operations and busiWilliamson ness development experience in environmental compliance and remediation engineering, design and construction. He has directly managed more than $125 million in federal projects, completing more than 100 task orders at more than 50 sites and installations.

Potthoff

Peterson

Colliers’ Omaha promotes Potthoff to president, Peterson to chairman, CEO

The Omaha office of Colliers International has promoted Mike Potthoff to president. Additionally, Kyle Peterson has been appointed as chairman and CEO. Potthoff joined Colliers | Omaha in 2015 as vice president, director of brokerage services. In the past four years he has significantly grown the brokerage services team as well as prioritized the operational efficiencies of the entire company. In Potthoff’s new role at Colliers | Omaha, he will focus on the strategic operation and administration of the company, while also contributing to the company’s brokerage activities. Peterson has served in many roles during his tenure with Colliers | Omaha, initially serving as the director of brokerage services to his most recent position as the firm’s president and CEO. In his new role as chairman and CEO, Peterson will take his administrative knowledge of the firm and its established history to champion the company's overall success.

Maguire

Field

Prochaska & Associates promotes Maguire to COO, adds Field to team

Prochaska & Associates has promoted David Maguire to chief operating officer and added Curtis Field to principal of the 36-year-old architecture firm. Maguire will be overseeing the fiscal operations, human resources and accounting. This includes the operations of other corporate entities. Maguire attended Southeast Community College and Peru State College for business management. He has been with the firm for over three years starting as a business manager. As part of his new role he will be a significant part of the leadership team where he will be actively participating in the future of the firm. Field is a graduate from University of Minnesota Architecture program, returning to Omaha to begin his career in 1983. Field began his career with Prochaska & Associates over 18 years ago where he was responsible for all phases of planning, design and construction administration while coordinating activities of architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical design disciplines. Field has experience with building systems, the construction industry and with fast track and conventional construction techniques while bringing sensitivity and assurance to clients and their projects.

McClaren

Rockwell

HGM Associates Inc. selects McClaren, Rockwell for team

HGM Associates Inc. has hired Joe McClaren and Kyle Rockwell. McClaren received an associate of applied science in civil engineering technology from

26 •

JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

EVENT

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

July 19, 2019

Promotional, corporate events alike get a client- and employee-engaging boost by Michelle Leach

From flowers to nostalgic board games, even seemingly simple, personal touches are transforming the predictable and formal into memorable events that inspire comfort and trust. “One of my favorite events was incorporating childhood favorite boardgames as centerpieces for a cocktail reception activity,” said Amanda Glazebrook, sales director at the Scott Conference Center. “There was even a tournament for the Hungry Hungry Hippos game with a small trophy for the winner.” Glazebrook During a 450-person awards luncheon, Glazebrook said 1970s episodes of the Price is Right were featured while guests went through the buffet line and ate. “It was fun background and conversation-starter for the guests,” she said. “Another event, we had coloring books, crayons, markers and colored pencils on the tables for guests to use during breaks and meals.” As it relates to showcasing food trends,

Rose McCormick, owner, Beyond the Vine. selections range from comfort items (pot for dinner, and we kicked it up a notch by roast), to unique-flavored mashed pota- setting up a chef-attended breakfast meat toes, or breakfast for dinner, she said. station, carving fresh bacon and a variety “We’ve had two weddings do breakfast of sausage for guests,” Glazebrook said.

Beyond the Vine owner Rose McCormick recalled how car dealerships are wooing loyal clients — providing food and flowers at signature events to launch new season vehicles. “We are providing rented plants for stages as they hold corporate meetings to soften their stories while they present materials,” she said. “We also provide interior holiday scapes at Christmastime for many businesses, and summer is the time to plan executions for installs in November. “We are turning from one-time events at some companies, to weekly flower designs at their corporate offices that benefit employees and clients alike.” She noted how employers are realizing the power of flowers in enriching employees’ lives, and in showing appreciation of dedicated associates at corporate events. “Studies have shown flowers and plants in the workplace make for healthier and happier people overall,” she said. Of that large body of research, Texas A&M Behavioral Scientist Dr. Roger Ulrich and his team found that fresh flowers and plants in offices “substantially” improved idea generation, creative performance and problem-solving skills. According to the Society of American Florists, participants in the eight-month study performed a series of tasks in three different environmental office conditions: a setting that featured plants and floral décor, one that included abstract sculptures, and another that had no decorative embellishments whatsoever. Subjects self-reported their moods at four times throughout each session, and executed different tasks. Researchers then measured elements like the number and originality of ideas generated from data extracted from the tests. Men generated 30% more ideas in the floral/plants setting, while women generated more creative and flexible solutions to problems. Leadership with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium highlighted a setting that features design details representative of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; Fisherman’s Landing at Stinson Pier opened in April, and is the newest rental space at the zoo. According to Chief Operating Officer Dennis Schnurbusch, reference photos from towns in the last frontier and Cascadia region helped to tie its public-private Continued on next page.

Event Planning •

Midlands Business Journal • JULY 19, 2019 •

Event planning industry sees increase in sustainable practices by Gabby Christensen

Sustainability has become a major focal point in the event planning industry as of late. Laramy Pieper, event producer at planitomaha, said some key ways to incorporate sustainability into concepts pitched to clients focuses quite a bit around the reusable aspect. “Whether this is incorporating reusable drinkware that attendees can use throughout the week at drink stations, signage pieces that can be reused day to day for a weeklong conference, or even branded products that attendees can reuse such as a name badge lanyard that also serves as a phone charger,” Pieper said. “We’ve also seen a large shift in paper collateral pieces at conferences and implementing apps in place of printed agenda books or break out collateral pieces.” Now more than ever before, Pieper said sustainability is a standard practice by planitomaha and an expectation of industry partners. “The positive impact to the bottom line

Pieper

Hopley

is immediate and the impact to our environment will be felt long term,” Pieper said. Sally Hopley, coordinator of sustainable practices at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), said event planners can focus on sustainability to save money and gain a competitive advantage. “Reducing the amount of materials sent to landfills and making decisions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution is not only good for individual companies, it provides a benefit to local and regional communities, as

well,” Hopley said. “Sustainable event planning could take many different forms, but would generally focus on using reusable materials, purchasing food items from sustainable sources and providing options for composting and McIntosh other waste diversion. Event planners could also help choosing a venue that is accessible by bus or bike or powered by renewable energy.” Hopley said individuals are becoming much more aware of sustainability issues and generally want to limit their impact on the environment. “MCC is offering a continuing education course on incorporating sustainability into events this fall,” Hopley said. “The class will help students understand the regional trends in designing events and the benefits of eco-friendly events.” Brenda McIntosh, sales manager at Lied Lodge & Conference Center, said event planners often look for a venue that practices sustainability and that will help clients with their goals for giving back to the environment. McIntosh said some of the groups at Lied Lodge & Conference Center have recycled their biodegradable items from their meetings and turned it into compost. “We also offer carbon offset to all of our groups and guests, as well as tree

planting,” McIntosh said. “Tree planting is a very desirable program and a great team-building activity.” According to McIntosh, organizations and businesses are becoming more focused on sustainability and are looking for ways to help protect and preserve natural resources and reduce impact on the environment. “As a program of the Arbor Day Foundation, we inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees,” McIntosh said. “These efforts will help solve global issues affecting the environment and provide life-sustaining benefits for future generations.”

Corporate events Continued from preceding page. event facility into the Alaskan Adventure Splash Park and new sea lion exhibit (slated for a 2020 opening). Group picnic options are popular, Schnurbusch said, and evening packages include access to the children’s adventure trails, Meadowlark Theater, the Asian Highlands exhibit and other areas. “I don’t know that there is a more atypical function space in Omaha,” he said, emphasizing “built-in entertainment options” and the opportunity for clients to support the zoo’s mission. To “upgrade our guest experience,” Schnurbusch further referred to its outdoor kitchen as well as dedicated catering space within Glacier Bay Landing — to serve guests at Stinson Pier easily.

28 •

JULY 19, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Event Planning

The Lincoln

JULY 2019

BUSINESS Vol. 22 No. 7 $2.00

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Small Business ............Pages 4-8 Architecture ............Pages 12-14

Helping small businesses leverage social media boosts GenR8 Marketing. Page 2

Sapahn gains following by putting Thai artisans, artistry first.

Page 3

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Helping small businesses leverage social media boosts GenR8 Marketing by David Kubicek

GenR8 Marketing, celebrating its ninth anniversary, is thriving by helping smalland mid-sized companies use social media to boost their brands. Many of the firm’s clients know they need to use social media in their marketing, but don’t know how or where to leverage it, according to Strategy and Media Specialist Holly Petersen.

GenR8 Marketing Phone: 402-817-1224 Address: 2120 S. 56th St., Suite 204, Lincoln 68506 Service: Web-based and social media marketing Founded: 2010 Employees: 8 Goal: Educating clients about using social media to generate leads. Website: www.genr8marketing.com

“They have a limited budget, usually no marketing person, and they’re concerned about what it will cost,” she said. “We weigh out what makes sense for each company because they don’t need to be on every social media platform.” The firm, formerly Turbine Interactive, changed its name to GenR8 Marketing three years ago to be more descriptive of its services. “We’ve seen our most growth in the past five or six years,” CEO Jason Petersen said. “When we were Turbine Interactive, people were often confused about our business — they thought we made turbines. They understand what we do now; we generate leads. Once we changed our name, it changed everything. People knew what we did.” The firm’s clients range from startups to companies that have been in business for 50 years. “Consumers have gotten older,” Jason Petersen said. “Baby boomers have become the largest adopters of social media. They’re on Facebook so they can communicate with their grandkids. They research things online.” “The biggest aspect of what we do is educating them, getting them to feel comfortable,” Holly Petersen said. “Everything we do leaves a digital footprint, so we can see what’s working and what isn’t.” “We do so much video production now, and it has everything to do with telling stories and being more personal,” Jason Petersen said. “It’s the same with social media. It’s not the technology that makes it work, it’s the mindset of the relationships.” The firm has clients across a wide range of industries from real estate to

Small Business .... Pages 4-8 Architecture ........ Pages 12-14

Owners Holly and Jason Petersen … Growing through helping clients navigage ever-changing social media world. other week for tech talk. as an employee for a couple of years. carpet cleaning to massage therapy and “There’s a whole new wave of younger But that didn’t last. Social media was many others. “Holly got involved early on when our owners because lots of older owners are changing the market. Friends and acquainkids were little because I needed someone retiring,” he said. “People under 35 haven’t tances were asking him for advice, so he to complement my skillset,” Jason Petersen been exposed to some of the older methods. launched Turbine Interactive. Jason and Holly’s two children — said. “The cool thing about working with We have many clients where we’re helping your spouse is that if you have some de- to bridge the gap between the older and Trevor, 7, and Lydia, 9 — sometimes lineation in your roles, you can do some the younger so there’s continuity when the accompany their parents to the office. “We developed our business around amazing things together. Holly’s skillset is business transitions.” The firm currently has eight employees our family, not our family around our something I’ve been looking for my entire business,” Jason Petersen said. career. I’m more of a risk taker, and she’s and is planning to hire two more. “A couple of people are transitioning,” more risk adverse.” At the beginning of this year, Jason, Holly Petersen said. “Diedra [Stevens] is The Lincoln Business Journal Holly and Strategy and Media Specialist looking to get more into sales.” Established in 1996 PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig In 1998, while still in college, Jason, Deidre Stevens started an educational podADMINISTRATION cast called Marketing Evolved, focusing an art and graphic design major and techon helping listeners understand what’s nology junkie, started a website/graphic VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig happening in marketing today. Jason also design company. A decade later he sold the EDITORIAL is on KLIN radio with Jack Mitchell every company, married Holly and tried working

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The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Sapahn gains following by putting Thai artisans, artistry first by Michelle Leach

It’s been said purpose-driven companies are driving today’s economy — and putting 300-plus artisans first, hailing from across 20 villages some 8,500 miles away from Sapahn’s home base of Lincoln — is driving the fashion-forward, ethically-con-

Sapahn Services: ethically-conscious, fashion-forward backpacks, crossbody bags, wristlets, clutches, wallets and accessories, handmade by artisans in rural Thailand Founded: April 2010 by Brooke Mullen Industry outlook: Opportunities abound for fashion companies that balance aesthetics and quality materials with human rights first principles and sustainable sourcing. Website: sapahn.com

scious company. “People are buying without the story; they fall in love with the design and the quality,” said founder, CEO and Designer Brooke Mullen. “But when you tell them that they’re the ‘bridge’ making things happen, that’s when their faces light up.” Thai for “bridge,” Sapahn connects makers of bags and accessories in rural areas of the southeast Asia country with markets that would otherwise be un-reachable, providing women and their families with choice — breaking a cycle of poverty as an alternative to work merely to survive, made under duress, and that celebrates Thailand’s rich craftsmanship. “It’s an amazing way to support a vil-

Founder, CEO and Designer Brooke Mullen … Mission to support one woman’s education evolves into handmade goods business supporting hundreds of artisans and their families. (photo courtesy of Sapahn) lage, to know with what you just bought, tally-challenged children in orphanages. they were able to buy a cow — this was “You’ve got to do what you gravitate tangible,” Mullen said, when discussing toward and what puts a fire in your belly,” the journeys that ultimately led to Sapahn. she said. Mullen, whose family moved to LinShe and her husband ended up macoln when she was six, was first exposed joring in international studies and human to the world in a big way as a foreign rights — work that would eventually exchange student in Romania, getting lead them to border country, Burma (or to know Peace Corps volunteers and Myanmar), and Mullen’s aforementioned non-governmental organizations assisting purchase that made such a difference. drug-addicted street kids and developmen“We were trekking in a remote village

and I fell in love with these women’s headscarves,” she said. She met a woman during this journey, and efforts to support this woman’s education by selling handbags made by rural artisans would evolve into more than proceeds to pay for tuition; it would become Sapahn. “She lived a very different life, she had to be working at all times,” Mullen said. “These women had to make different decisions than I had to … I wondered, ‘How do you create tangible change and instill dignity?’ These women are strong, resilient, and their craft is so powerful.” With the profits from the first two-anda-half years of Sapahn, the woman paid for a good portion of her schooling. She now serves as a liaison for Myanmar Parliament, and owns a therapeutic massage business to employ local women. In the past nine years since Mullen officially organized the business during a trip home she has worked to overcome the barriers oft-cited by craftswomen in rural villages: supply chain issues, capital and raw materials, and design. While not formally trained as a designer, Mullen has an eye for design and “what other women are after.” “I wondered, ‘how do we make this more timeless and more functional?’” she said. “When I’m designing, I’m constantly thinking about the dynamic lives that women lead.” Just as the products are handmade by Continued on page 9.

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

A section prepared by the staﬀ of the Lincoln Business Journal

July 2019

Sunny loan values, spin-off ventures meet stormy retail, tax environment by Michelle Leach

Despite weather-related events, Nebraska is bucking national Small Business Administration loan dollar trends, while tax rates and the Amazon effect represent ongoing headwinds. “The current climate, based on the loan activity of SBA’s top lenders, is softened — off 10% year-over-year for Lincoln and Nebraska’s activity is flat year-over-year — the bright spot is the dollar amount of loans,” said Nebraska District Office Director Leon J. Milobar. “For the Lincoln areas, it’s up significantly at 31.5%.” Loan dollar activity statewide is up 39% year-over-year, while Milobar said national numbers are down 6.5% YoY (loan volume nationally is also down 12.3%). “Lincoln consistently has a significant number of our top lenders in the state headquartered there, or they may have offices in

the community,” he said. “Lincoln’s loan activity among startups continues to track the state, with 50% of the guaranteed loans going to startups.” He credits financial and technical assistance resources, and business growth that stimulate spinoffs. Milobar Milobar also referenced lending-related changes; and increased investment by owners. “Lenders have told us they are requiring additional collateral for farm loans,” he said. “This requirement has some impact on the slowing of loan activity.”

Nebraska Economic Development Corp’s Chief Credit Officer and SVP Jason Culver said some people assume going through the SBA adds more work and time “when they just want to get into a new building or get construction started.” Culver “It surprises people when they learn how quickly we can get an SBA loan approved for them,” he said. “We work alongside the bank, sharing the same documents and working together to get the financing approved.” Approval in as little as two weeks, Cul-

ver said, is a fast turnaround considering the benefits: a fixed interest rate (through the 504 program) and a low down payment. “For example, an existing business looking to purchase their building as opposed to renting could buy the building with as little as 10% down and receive a fixed rate for 20 or even 25 years,” he said. “Conventional financing without the SBA would typically require the business to put down 20% or more and interest rates are usually only fixed for five years. This means that if rates increase over the next five years, the business could wind up paying a lot more for the same building.” This was the case when NEDCO worked with Lincoln’s 7 Day Furniture. “This is an established business that was renting a building that didn’t meet its needs and Continued on page 7.

Small Business • The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Small businesses seek financing for real estate, equipment upgrades by David Kubicek

Lincoln banks report financing business purchases, buying owner-occupied real estate and upgrading to new equipment as the most popular loan requests. With new customers, National Bank of Commerce (NBC) looks at the historical financials of the business, according to Bryce Morgan, assistant vice president of commercial banking. “It’s important that the customer understands the business cycle, where they’re positioned financially and where they’re headed,” Morgan said. Individuals must have solid credit scores and show the ability to manage debt. It helps if the owners have saved up some emergency savings that can be used in a cash flow pinch. NBC does internal or third-party valuations on collateral to make sure the bank is fully secured for the loan. “With interest rates being historically low, customers are trying to lock in rates as long as they can on equipment and real

Morgan Biggs estate,” Morgan said. “We’re seeing customers holding on to more cash and financing a portion of their new purchases.” Matthew Biggs, vice president and relationship manager at Cornhusker Bank, said commercial real estate loans, lines of credit and equipment term financing are popular with the bank’s business customers. To begin the loan approval process, lenders analyze the firm’s financial position to assess the risk involved. Many aspects are

Thiesen Bowen reviewed including their cash flow, liquidity, and leverage. Lenders also check the owner’s personal credit and income to determine whether they may need a secondary repayment source. Finally, lenders will determine whether the collateral to be pledged is adequate based on the bank’s internal loan policy. “Small business loan applications have remained fairly steady,” Biggs said. “Loans available through e-commerce sites have gained in popularity; however, many busi-

nesses continue to prefer local, personal interactions with their lenders.” Most of UBT’s customers eye a secure term loan since the rate is more favorable, but the bank can also look at unsecure term loans, according to Business Banker Stacia Thiesen. “The operating line of credit is a great tool for business owners to know about and to utilize,” she said. “This gives the business owner peace of mind knowing they can move funds when needed and pay interest only on the amount borrowed. When a deposit is made they can move the money back to the line.” Every request for a loan has a different scenario and can mean different requirements. With loan requests under $50,000 UBT needs to analyze the company’s cash flow by reviewing two years of tax returns. “Typically for a startup company we review the owner’s individual overall credit portfolio,” Thiesen said. “We would pull a credit report since personal credit history Continued on next page.

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

• Small Business

Guide business down the path of success with a well-thought-out business plan by Jasmine Heimgartner

Every business may be unique and have its own gauge of success, but attaining and sustaining it requires a well-developed business plan. While Hollywood often portrays a business plan as an overexaggerated external tool for gaining massive startup funding — albeit they are a vital component of securing reasonable funds from investors and financial institutions — they internally provide the necessary framework to turn a dream into a viable business. “It is important to have a business plan so that the owner can measure their success and set goals for the future,” said Kevin Rademacher, team accountant, SP Group. “A business plan can help the owner step back from day-to-day operations and see the big picture of where they want the business to go. This plan can help the business owner set both short-term and long-term goals, and help the owner visualize what strengths and weaknesses the business has.” As important as a business plan is for a

new business, it also serves as a road map as a business evolves. “Seasoned businesses benefit from such a road map just as much, if not more, than startups, as certain parts of the assumptions and data underlying the plan can be more readily Rademacher tested and modified as necessary in the mature business context,” said Tim Clare, partner, Rembolt Law Firm. “Moreover, the need for a business plan may arise in the mature business context in the wake of initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory changes, changes in general economic conditions, or breaking into a new market.” While business owners likely have a clear vision of the future of their company, writing it all down to get there isn’t always

easy. “A business owner needs to think about what they want to accomplish and why they started a business. This process can help the owner create a plan that is tailored to help create a successful business,” Clare Rademacher said. “Key aspects of a business plan will include a company description and details on how the business will be successful. Other key items will be organization, market analysis, financial projections and identified revenue streams. These are often items that every business owner will think about, but the key to success is to have them in writing for easy review.” As viable as a business may seem, there are always potential risks. Identifying those

risks is worth considering to include in a plan. “Every business plan will be founded on a set of assumptions — certain of which will relate to presumed risks in starting and/or operating the business,” Clare said. “For mature businesses, these categories may be better supported by empirical data, but businesses at any stage of maturity will benefit from clearly identifying the main reasons why they think they will succeed potential impediments to such success. The risks identified in a mature company’s plan may look very different than in the startup context and, depending upon the breadth of the company’s operations, may be considerably more complex from a financial, legal, political, technical, labor, etc. perspective.” Once a plan is developed, it can only work if it is communicated to the right people. “The owner should communicate the business plan to their advisers and team so that the business can be held accountable to the plan,” Rademacher said. “The advisers can also help the owner achieve success by having a better understanding of how the owner operates the business. It can be easy for a business to lose focus, so having a business plan can help the owner and advisers keep the business moving in the right direction.” As the framework for how a business operates, it should be communicated clearly and in ways easily digested for the team bringing the plan to life. “While a comprehensive document detailing the plan is recommended, the plan should also be placed into an executive summary and even PowerPoint format,” Clare said. “In certain situations, diagrams and charts may also be extremely helpful, and running the plan past impartial third parties can provide an objection assessment of what aspects of the plan require additional work.”

Small businesses Continued from preceding page. plays into the loan decision. Also we would need the individual to provide a business plan.” Existing businesses borrowing over $50,000 must have two years positive cash flow and two years business and personal tax returns and YTD profit and loss statement. The bank would also look at business collateral and the owner’s personal financial statement. For a business to qualify for a loan with First National Bank, the owners must have good credit history and the business must be able to produce a sufficient cash flow to cover the payments, according to Rory Bowen, vice president of commercial banking for the Lincoln market. The bank can work with limited or insufficient collateral due to SBA guarantees, but the business’s ability to generate cash flow is a must. “At First National Bank, we’re seeing a rise in owner carry financing, wherein the owner will sell their company but carry the financing due to limitations that keep the debt from being bankable,” Bowen said. “These could include the buyer having limited cash to inject or special terms to allow the company to start under new ownership with limited debt service requirements.”

Small Business •

Area colleges, universities play a significant role in entrepreneurship by Gabby Christensen

Enlisting help from local universities and colleges can often be the boost needed for entrepreneurs. Sam Nelson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said colleges serve as a hub for the formation of new businesses by training entrepreneurs, assisting in the commercialization of research and helping to recruit international talent. A d d i t i o n a l l y, Nelson said colleges provide a pipeline of college graduates for startups and fast growing companies. “Local colleges also enhance a community’s culture by providing many events Nelson that benefit the entire community and contribute to the creative culture needed within an entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Nelson said. He said UNL offers students multiple programs with an entrepreneurial focus, as well as multiple extracurricular activities designed to enhance students’ understanding of entrepreneurship. For non-students, UNL also offers business consultation services. Steve Bors, director of the Entrepreneurship Center at Southeast Community College, said almost all of the area colleges offer business

courses, which can be very helpful for anyone wanting to own their own business. “Colleges oftentimes conduct business and entrepreneurship workshops or conferences that are open to the public,” Bors said. “This kind of assistance can be incredibly helpful to a young business with limited resources.” According to Bors, the SCC Entrepreneurship Center is a resource hub for anyone inter-

Bors

Trana

ested in starting or growing a business. “Our services are designed to educate, enhance, and empower entrepreneurs through the cycles of business development,” Bors said. Services at the center include business consultation, office space rental, drop-in office space, small business speakers, networking opportunities and small business workshops. Jodie Trana, assistant professor of business at Union College, said a solid business education can really jump-start the business planning process for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Business owners must successfully lead

The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

the marketing, finance and management functions,” Trana said. “A business degree can help reduce the time and money spent learning by trial and error. Beyond a business education, colleges offer many opportunities to learn entrepreneurial skills such as

resiliency, focus, discipline, determination and teamwork.” At Union College, Trana said business classes taught by professors with real-world experience provide a strong foundation of business Continued on next page.

Spin-off ventures meet stormy retail, tax environment Continued from page 4. was restricting their business growth,” Culver said. “We were able to work with them and get them a low fixed interest rate fixed for 20 years, requiring only 10% down. Their new building will be located in north Lincoln and will have more square footage, as well as better designed storage and loading areas, which is very important for this type of business.” Culver said it’s a great time to start anew, expand or buy a building. “For the first time ever, the 20-year fixed rate for SBA 504 loans was below 4%, beating the previous record of 4.01% set back in December 2012,” he said. “Rates appear to be staying low for the time being, but if your business is planning a project that would include renovations or new construction, then you need to keep in mind the amount of time it can take to line up construction with a contractor and with fall and winter coming up fast. “It might be better to get your project started now, to give you time to finalize plans while also taking advantage of the low interest rates.” Tax rates remain top of mind for the Lincoln Independent Business Association; Director of Policy and Research Dustin Antonello cited 2019 Tax Foundation statistics that ranked Nebraska 24th overall on its “State Business Tax Climate Index,” and 26th and 40th on income taxes and property taxes respectively. “High tax rates have a detrimental impact on our economy,” he said. “They reduce the

amount of money our businesses have to pay workers, and the amount of money individuals and families have to spend locally. High taxes also make it difficult for Nebraska to attract and retain businesses and families when neighboring states, comparatively, have much friendlier tax climates.” Antonello indicated LIBA membership is also watching a development not limited to Lincoln: the dramatic impact online retailers have had on brick and mortar stores. “Over the last few years, we have seen several businesses close, chain stores and small businesses alike; leaving empty storefronts throughout Lincoln,” he said. “The Nebraska Legislature’s passage of legislation to extend state taxes to online retailers will help close the gap, but the convenience factor of online shopping will still be difficult to overcome.” As a result, Antonello said local businesses must continue to come up with new and creative ways to retain loyal customers and attract new ones, and local governments must minimize regulations and local taxes “to enable local businesses to compete more effectively with online retailers.” Antonello encourages employers to take time out of their busy schedules to attend public hearings and testify on issues that could impact their businesses. “Taking that extra time often makes all the difference when elected officials make decisions on what policies to pursue,” he said.

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

• Small Business

Startup aims to help car dealerships compete online by Zachery Eanes

When Hunter Gorham was working at the car financing bank Ally Financial earlier this decade, he noticed that many of the car dealerships he worked with were struggling to sell their cars online. StartupS For years, due to a lack of expertise or want, he watched as traditional car dealerships ceded ground to startups that were trying to make online car buying easier, while the dealerships themselves struggled with the simple fact of needing customers to actually show up on a car lot to complete a purchase. So Gorham left the bank and founded Joydrive, a company he set up in Raleigh and then quickly expanded to Seattle, to see if he could change the equation for those dealerships. Now the company has a marketplace of around 30,000 cars and partnerships with dealers in 14 states. Joydrive has also raised $10 million in funding, a number that has grown quickly in just the past six months. A few months ago, the company announced it had brought in a then fresh $3 million, raising its total funding to a little more than $4 million. Most of the investors have been the large-scale dealerships the company works with, a statement of faith, Gorham said, that the Joydrive model can help keep local dealerships competitive in an environment where upstarts like Carvana are expanding and the e-commerce behemoth Amazon

appears to be getting in the game. “There are 17,000 franchise dealerships in the U.S. that need a digital answer and don’t have one,” Gorham, now Joydrive’s CEO, said in a phone interview. “Our view was, let’s unite them together.” How Joydrive works Unlike some of its e-commerce competitors, Joydrive doesn’t own any of the cars it sells. Rather it acts as matchmaker, connecting users with a dealership that has the particular car they are looking for. “Just like Uber and Airbnb doesn’t own their cars (or homes), we shouldn’t own the inventory,” Gorham said of its asset-lite mentality. “Used cars depreciate 2% per month and all these other (competitors) own their assets.” Instead it’s about making it easier for the consumers and the dealerships make deals. After a sale, Joydrive will arrange home delivery — sometimes as fast as one day — and gives buyers five days to return a vehicle after buying it. (The company notes that less than 1% of sales are returned.) Deliveries are free for the first 100 miles; Joydrive charges a fee beyond that. In this way, it provides an outlet for dealerships to sell cars to a much wider audience than, say, just the Seattle area; Gorham noted that a resident of Portland, Oregon, could buy a car from a Washington dealership online and have it delivered the next day. It is also streamlining a process that can

be more confusing in person, Gorham said. “New cars have a massive amount of incentives and rebates,” which can lead to two dealerships offering different prices for the same car, Gorham said. “So we only let (customers) see one price, so you don’t need a decoder ring to figure it all out.” Another advantage to partnering with dealerships, Gorham said, is access to brand new cars. Because of state regulations, new vehicles usually have to be sold through a franchised car dealership, which is why Carvana only sells used cars. But because Joydrive is selling through franchises, its marketplace can sell new, used or leased vehicles. For customers, no fee comes with the purchase. Joydrive brings in money by collecting a monthly subscription fee — which is “in the single-digit thousands,” Gorham said — from the dealerships. The partnerships with dealerships are crucial to Joydrive’s ability to operate. Gorham said Joydrive is very careful about which dealerships it partners with but that it is continuing to add new partners. It now works with dealers in 14 states, but Gorham hopes to have complete coverage across the U.S. in the next year, so that deliveries can become quicker and more efficient. No North Carolina dealerships are currently part of the Joydrive network — so if you bought a car on Joydrive it would be delivered from another state, like Virginia — but it could be part of the company’s expansion in the coming months. Raleigh roots The Joydrive team has 20 employees — a number it says is growing — split between Raleigh, Seattle and those who work remotely. About half of those employees work in the company’s office on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, Gorham said. Gorham, who worked at Ally for 14 years before leaving in 2016, said choosing to start in Raleigh was a “key decision” for the company and that the expansion to Seattle was the result of an important relationship with some large dealerships in the Pacific Northwest. “We can’t just be on one coast,” Gorham, who is originally from New Mexico, said. “But I knew I wanted (to start) on the East Coast. We looked at New York, Boston, Charlotte and Atlanta. “But when I came to Raleigh and walked around downtown for the first time,” he continued, “I saw that this was a growing tech scene and it felt special to me. I think it is in a sweet spot … where we are getting here still early in the game. It’s not like Seattle, where it is baked out now.” An added bonus was that Raleigh had a strong contingent of developers who specialized in the coding language Elixir, which is critical to the company’s marketplace. Early days Gorham contends it is still early days for the online car sales market — and that the room for growth is tremendous. There is little data available for how many cars are sold online or even how

many dealers offer the option, The Wall Street Journal reported last year, in part because the definition of an online sale sometimes includes shoppers who processed just a portion of the sale online. But it’s a market that is clearly growing fast. Carvana said it sold around 94,000 cars last year, a 113% increase from the year prior. Amazon is also starting to get into the game, launching Amazon Vehicles, where it currently sells parts and accessories, though many think it will one day try to sell cars, too. Research from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that car dealerships are becoming less important because their online presences are lacking. BCG noted that while 95% of people spend more than four hours doing research online before they visit a dealer, overall visits to dealerships are dropping. “Over the past decade or so, total dealer visits per sale have dropped from about four to 1.4,” the BCG report says. “Our view is that the customer is screaming that they want to buy from home,” Gorham said. But “the reality is that we are not selling deodorant, and a vehicle for most Americans is their second largest purchase. So you have to get trust and legitimacy right for the customer to buy into this.” For that reason, the company is upping its marketing on the West Coast, where most of its current customers live, to increase its name recognition. To bring in more revenue, Gorham sees the company taking a few different approaches in the next few years. First, it believes it can continue to grow its subscription revenue by bringing in more dealers and slowly raising prices as online sales grow. And second, it plans to branch into more services for customers. It recently launched the ability to sell your car to a dealership through its online marketplace. And Gorham said the company is also eyeing the possibility of adding a financing and insurance arm to its network. “That is the goal that we are marching toward now,” he said. “We have been fortunate to make good progress on that.” ©2019 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Area colleges Continued from preceding page. knowledge for entrepreneurs. Trana said there are countless opportunities for experiential learning. “Many students work in leadership positions around campus and all students apply their skills in a practical internship,” Trana said. “Those in the mentor program are linked with local entrepreneur mentors. All students have networking opportunities through semi-monthly Business Awareness seminars with local and national entrepreneurs. Once each year, the Business Division sponsors the Leaders Building Leaders Conference, a one-day event where all business students benefit from seminars with local entrepreneurs, successful alumni, and national business leaders.”

The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Elective supplemental benefits attract the right employees and boost retention by Jasmine Heimgartner

Regardless of industry or size of a company, the success of any business comes down to having the right people. With a tight job market and low unemployment rates, finding the ideal candidate or retaining employees means looking beyond just pay and standard benefit packages. Supplemental benefits can often be the deciding factor for a person. “People are looking for working environments that encourage a happy and healthy work-life balance, and benefits are used as a differentiator to do both,” said Karen Gustin, executive vice president-Group Division, Ameritas. “They also portray traditional employment opportunities in a more attractive, trendier light to a younger workforce.”

Sapahn following Continued from page 3. rural artisans like Sirichai and Kay, Mullen (with the artistic assistance of her husband) draws patterns by hand. “We don’t do CAD or anything like that,” she said, a reference to Computer-Aided Drafting. “That’s the most beautiful thing; being able to preserve these different trades in Thailand, especially when it comes to silk.” In fact, Sapahn was featured in a documentary to coincide with the Thai Queen’s 80th birthday, which explored the royal family’s support of handicraft preservation — from silk- to coffee-making. At the time of this writing, Mullen was finalizing fall and spring collections, and noted Sapahn is encouraging customers to nominate an inspiring woman to be honored with her name on a bag. “All of our bags are named after women I’ve found inspiring,” she said; for instance, the “Amelia” is a small, minimalist leather backpack in bright purple, orange, and yellow hues named after Amelia Earhart, whereas the Nora shopper tote pays homage to a customer’s mother. “We’re trying to go mainstream fashion — so, customers don’t have to sacrifice quality, style or function to do good,” Mullen said. “I wanted to challenge the fashion industry.” As it relates to the supply chain, for the 10 years the family lived in Thailand, wrapping their arms around where hardware, lining, tannery and other elements of products were made was an ongoing challenge. “We spent weeks trying to trace who is dyeing the leather, and to help them create a more environmentally-sound business,” she said. This afforded opportunities to think about how to help entire communities, such as implementing water purification systems. A member of NMotion, Sapahn is further benefiting from mentorship opportunities as part of the spring 2019 cohort of the Lincoln-based startup accelerator, as Mullen navigates scaling the business and human resources. “I’m very excited about the awesome ecosystem,” she said of the Lincoln environment. “And there are other amazing women who are running boutiques, big and small.”

Supplemental benefits may have been around awhile, but there are often more options than people realize.

income protection and supplemental health insurance are popular.” Other factors to consider when choos-

Gustin Lehman “According to Eastbridge Consulting’s 2018 Sales Report, the five most popular employee paid benefits in 2018 were term life, dental, accident, short term disability and critical illness,” said Danielle Lehman, senior product manager, Voluntary Products, The Standard. “You do see identity theft and legal services as new benefits that are gaining traction. Critical illness continues to be on the rise as more employers understand the importance of offering a product that can help cover the unexpected out of pocket expenses an employee may incur due to a serious illness.” With all that is available, consideration needs to go into developing the right package. “When deciding what supplemental benefits to offer, employers will want to look at the demographic of their employees,” said Jay Lechner, benefits advisor, UNICO. “For example, older employees may be more interested in retirement or supplemental health benefits. When considering the financial stressors facing today’s younger population, student loan programs,

Lechner Madsen ing the right package include looking at what competitors are doing and understanding the evolving world of business. With more teleworkers in the workforce, larger cities and coastal companies are attracted to the Midwest’s lower cost workforce. Ultimately, the mutual benefits of providing these programs can’t be overlooked. “As a company, they don’t have to pay any premiums toward these programs. But by offering them, it gives their employees access to better plans and better rates than they could get on their own,” Lechner said. “Supplemental benefits also help relieve financial stress related to an unexpected accident, sickness, disability or premature death. These insurance benefits are typically paid conveniently through payroll deduction and some with pre-tax dollars.” Supplemental benefits aren’t just insurance related. Living a healthy lifestyle may be most people’s goal, but achieving it alone can be difficult. Providing employees an elective wellness support system creates

a caring atmosphere and, ideally, healthier and happier employees. “More people in Nebraska and across the country are gaining access to well-being programs that encourage consumers to adopt healthier lifestyles and, ideally, help curb health care costs,” said Rebecca Madsen, chief consumer officer, UnitedHealthcare. “According to a recent study, 87% of employers are committed to workplace well-being efforts and nearly three-quarters (73%) offer a program. These efforts are already producing results. Among people with access to employer-sponsored well-being programs, 57% said the initiatives had a positive effect on their health. Among those, 82% said they were motivated to pay more attention to their health, 63% said they increased physical activity, 59% improved their diet and 30% reported improved sleep.” These types of programs have a plethora of options that can be tailored to fit any budget. In addition to financial incentives such as a step program or gym discount, establishing an employee-driven wellness committee can boost physical and mental fitness and create a needed social element into well-being. “Employees are looking for a healthy and happy environment in which to work,” Gustin said. “Offer bonding experiences through physical activities and tie that to maintaining health; compensate for attaining healthy goals; and offer individualized benefits — not one size fits all. Also, integrate social media into everything. Home and work environments have been blurred because of technology and social media. That means we must make it fun and effective for our employees and beneficial for the employer.”

How to cope with sudden layoff? Readers weigh in with ideas by Liz Reyer

A recent column, “Laid off and need a job fast? Here are some ideas,” from June 10 focused on managing an unexpected layoff. Many readers have generously shared comments about their experiences. This column is a summary of some of their points of view. First of all, there is no denying that this can be a very difficult situation, Workplace both emotionally and practically. Yet in other cases, it can be almost liberating. One reader has experienced both. “Twice I worked for companies that suddenly went out of business. The first time … it was a relief as it had been a hard company to work for. … The second time was a great deal more painful. It was a bitter pill, the employment had been rather specialized and not easily transferable. It took several years to overcome it.” It can take time to adjust and figure out next steps. As one reader said, “The first year was tough adjusting and getting reoriented etc.” With this in mind, be patient with yourself, recognizing the challenges and taking care of your health and well-being. Career coach Karen Kodzik from Cultivating Careers notes that “unexpected job loss is especially painful when it’s a job you love or a place where you wholeheartedly believe in the mission. This

compounds the transition.” Finding contract and temporary work was key for some readers. Such work helped them get their foot in the door or at least helped tide them over financially while they assessed their options. The dominant theme was the power of networking. One reader covered the bases in their comment: “Network, network and then network. While LinkedIn is a good place to be, start with business associates, friends and family. E-mail people in your network around once a week to check in and see if anything has turned up. No response from someone, e-mail them less often but do not drop them as you never know. Get involved in any professional societies or associations in your field and attend meetings.” Regarding networking, Kodzik adds, “It’s professionally prudent to have a network management plan while you’re working and after you land, remembering that you’re called to pay it forward.” There is cause for optimism, as well. -“Never seen this before. Employee’s market. Who isn’t hiring? More jobs available than people looking.” -“44? You’re Gen X. Gen X takes care of its own. Network with everyone you know of that age group.” -“In some professions, age doesn’t seem to matter. I am 58 and had several

jobs to choose from after a recent layoff.” The last word goes to a reader with a positive outcome, one that I’ve heard many times over the years: “When I got laid off it was very traumatic. But in the end turned out to be a great opportunity for a new career with better prospects.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Walmart Supply Chain has recognized Lincoln-based Crete Carrier Corporation as one of six Walmart Transportation Carriers of the Year. Each of the carriers demonstrated a dedication to customer service and communication while providing improved service levels that enabled Walmart to serve its stores, clubs and customers. Windstream has been awarded approximately $2.2 million in high-cost support by

the Nebraska Public Service Commission to expand access to Kinetic Internet in 13 of its exchanges in the state. Support from the Nebraska Universal Service Fund helps make broadband deployment possible in rural areas that would not otherwise be economically feasible because of the limited customer base. The exchanges are: Ashland, Beatrice, Bennet, Bruno, Cedar Bluffs, Colon, Cortland, Fairbury, Geneva, Hansen, Harvard, Hastings and Hickman.

MOVING FORWARD! UPCOMING SECTIONS IN THE LBJ August

Employee Benefits Office Services Guide Banking To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or visit us at www.mbj.com for more info. Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com Catie Kirby - ads@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.

Leadership Resources announced its new Accelerate Leadership Program, which provides training and business coaching to leaders throughout the country. Designed to help companies achieve their objectives faster, this program provides leadership development opportunities to Nebraska leaders who are want to take on expanded leadership roles. The Accelerate Leadership Program includes one-on-one coaching, peer-driven insights through group participation and coaching, as well as a custom online software system called Accelerate. Although Leadership Resources is based in Nebraska, participants can be located anywhere in the U.S.

Health care notes…

Tabitha connected a group of retired Lincoln pastors, missionaries and their wives at the annual Amazing Grays Luncheon. These guests have made an impact on the community as donors and volunteers of Tabitha Meals on Wheels and Tabitha Chapel. The event celebrated Tabitha’s accomplishments in 2018. Tabitha Home Health and Hospice was honored with the Best of Otoe County award. It was voted Lincoln’s Choice for Senior Living as well as earning Best of Lincoln for In-Home Care. Tabitha’s youngest donor was also spotlighted, 10-year-young Braxton Anderson, who with the help of his parents raised over $16,000 for Tabitha Meals on Wheels. Food Bank of Lincoln and Food Bank for the Heartland released Map the Meal Gap 2019, the latest report by Feeding America on food insecurity and the cost of food. Map the Meal Gap 2019 reveals that food insecurity exists in every county in Nebraska. It also shows that children are more likely to be food insecure, with the child food insecurity rate at 17.4% compared to 11.6% for the overall population for Nebraska. The analysis also finds that 44% of residents in Nebraska who are food insecure are likely ineligible for federal nutrition assistance under current program requirements. The Community Health Endowment approved grants totaling up to $184,981 for year one and $369,981 over three years. New grants were Santee Sioux National Society of Care, $165,000; The Bay, $75,000 over three years; Leadership Lincoln, $45,000 over three years; Lincoln Parks & Recreation, up to $45,120 over one year; University of Nebraska - Lincoln, $28,861 over one year; Nebraska Sports Council, $10,000 over one year; and Junior Achievement of Lincoln, $1,000 over one year.

Education notes…

Beginning this fall, Doane University will be offering a senior undergraduate course that allows eligible students to take two graduate-level courses at no additional cost. The initiative, titled DEGREE+, allows full-time undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences to take one graduate-level business course during each of their final two semesters at Doane University. This will save students roughly $3,000 in graduate business tuition. To be eligible to enroll in a graduate business course at no additional cost, students must have senior standing, have a 3.25 GPA or higher, and be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours. The Nebraska State Colleges Board of Trustees selected Dr. Tracy Nobiling as the 2019 Teaching Excellence Award Recipient for the Nebraska State College System.

Nobiling’s interest in her students’ goals and post-graduation success, innovative teaching methods, dedication to excellence, and cultivation of student opportunities outside of the classroom makes her a deserving recipient of the teaching excellence award. Nobiling received her Ph.D. and master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. Five Nebraska Community College Association colleges and two Nebraska Tribal Colleges agreed to principles and standards for dual and concurrent enrollment credit. Those seven institutions; Southeast Community College, Central Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, Northeast Community College, Western Nebraska Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, and Little Priest Tribal College agreed to five basic principles addressing college standards and rigor, awarding of credit, instructor qualifications, consistency in delivery, and assessment and evaluation. Dual and concurrent enrollment credit gives current high school students an opportunity to complete college coursework while also fulfilling high school graduation requirements. An interdisciplinary team from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has developed precision technology to help livestock producers continuously monitor animals and use the resulting data to improve animal well-being. The system processes video footage from livestock facilities and applies machine learning, which uses statistical algorithms to help computer systems improve without being explicitly programmed. It identifies individual pigs and provides data about their daily activities, such as eating, drinking and movement. Based on this data, the system can also estimate how much each pig weighs and how fast it is growing.

Activities of nonprofits…

Lincoln’s Gateway Sertoma Club and Tabitha joined forces and welcomed golfers to play for a cause. The 17th annual golf event at Lincoln’s NuMark Golf Course raised a record-breaking $76,000 to support Tabitha Meals on Wheels, which has served the Lincoln community for over 50 years. The donations from the outing will help provide 12,000 meals, safety checks and friendly visits to over 500 Lincoln neighbors who rely on this lifeline program to remain independent and safe in the comfort of their homes. Eighty-five percent of meal recipients say a volunteer is often the only face-to-face interaction they have in a day. The Cooper Foundation awarded a grant of $15,000 to the TeamMates Mentoring Program. In addition, the Cooper Foundation’s awarded $147,000 in grants to community improvement, education, humanities, and human services organizations. Grants include: Cause Collective, $7,000; Inclusive Communities, $10,000; Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, $15,000; Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning, $10,000; Stand For Schools, $10,000; Humanities Nebraska, $15,000; Bridges to Hope, $10,000; Center for Legal Immigration Assistance, $15,000; Child Advocacy Center, $20,000; Community CROPS, $10,000; and Family Violence Council, $10,000.

The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Banking Topics may include: Banking & finance overview • Digital banking trends Legislation and regulation • Loan activity • Startups A section prepared by the staﬀ of the Lincoln Business Journal

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• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Architecture A section prepared by the staﬀ of the Lincoln Business Journal

Lincoln architects take on challenges to healthy growth by Michelle Leach

From singular transformative projects to broad transformative principles of energy conservation and historic preservation, architects are positioning Lincoln for healthy future growth. “Much attention had been focused on the ‘Lied Tower,’ which will be the first high-rise constructed within the city in over 50 years,” said Davis Design Senior Associate and Senior Architect Greg Smith. “The project will certainly be a skyline-changer, but is among several in the immediate downtown area. New condo-type multi-unit residential projects are planned in both the West Haymarket and Telegraph District areas.” These projects, he said, are slated to spur structured parking and green space (including a community park). Other larger-scale projects that are shaping surrounding environments include the Lincoln Electric System (LES) operations center at 91st Street and Rockeby Road, the West O Sports Complex, and industrial groups’ Dynex and PCE expansion/renovation work. “As long as tariffs do not drastically affect material costs and labor force remains intact, there should be a good continuum of projects,” he said. Industrial-related projects are largely

among market drivers; LES’s project includes a training center where lineman erect and climb a 45-foot pole in an environmentally-controlled, enclosed space. Several new clinic facilities and correctional projects are underway — and at least one project combines elements of both: Lincoln Correctional Center ’s reception and treatment center addition for inmate health and “refined Smith intake and evaluation.” Schemmer is working on small- to midsized physician office buildings “designed to deal with health issues in a new way,” said Senior Architect and LEED Accredited Professional Peter Hind. “We did a small ambulatory surgical operating room that is basically part of the clinic,” he said. “The types of procedures they can do are much less expensive than in a typical health setting.” The likes of medical offices also represent materials and energy conservation solutions; for instance, geothermal heating and cooling, and solar panels; however,

arguably the biggest market takeaway is summed up with “downtown living.” “The Haymarket has been booming for quite a long time, but when the decision

Badami Hind was made, ‘Let’s put an arena downtown,’ the destination of the Haymarket became much larger and much richer. And the idea of what people could live next to it became a huge deal. Not to mention, the University of Nebraska is such a strong draw and amazing asset to our town.” A member of the selection committee for the arena’s developer and architect, Hind recalled how some suggested putting the arena “out in a cornfield,” starting a destination from scratch. “The arena was put there very strategically by city planning and developers,” he said, while the successes of growing

July 2019 downtown businesses (like Hudl), hotels and restaurants were also highlighted. “It helps with Lincoln in general,” he said. “And I can argue the arena did need P Street. Cities grow by points of interest and the interconnectivity that happens along a river, street, and zone.” He referenced investments, including residential projects like The Stack, on P Street. “People are investing a lot of money, and they’re also investing in lasting things,” Hind said. “It’s not quick, pop-up, temporary ideas. They’re taking historic buildings and preserving them, thinking very strategically so the city doesn’t grow just to grow.” Continued growth of Lincoln Public Schools and hospitality projects are creating opportunities for Lincoln firms, said DLR Group Architect and Principal John Badami, when asked for prominent yearon-year market updates. “Opportunities continue to remain steady,” he said. “With the tariff concerns hopefully behind us, I think material costs will begin to stabilize to give developers reason to look for more investment in projects.” Investments in Lincoln include new retailers and future apartments at the Post and Nickel at 14th and P streets, and a new outdoor play area east of the Lincoln Continued on next page.

Architecture •

The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Despite challenges, older buildings in demand for office space by Dwain Hebda

Despite the various challenges of bringing them up to modern codes, older buildings are still hot commodities for office space, say local architects. “The appeal is the character that historic buildings have and the story behind the building is always super interesting,” said Erin Trofholz, partner with Ally Poynter Architects. “When you find out about the people that inhabited it and what the function of the space was, I think it’s something for clients to grab onto. It makes the building more human and personal.” Trofholz said her firm places a premium on retaining elements of the original structure as the interior is upgraded. “All historic buildings have different styles,” she said. “We do a lot of historic projects in buildings that were warehouses, so it’s a clean slate. But when it’s a historic building that was an office space that has ornate plaster and other things that are in the space, we try to keep those all intact.” One challenge practically every older building faces is getting up to speed on accommodating new technology. “For some companies, a historic building makes things very difficult because they want a raised floor where they can run power easily, for instance,” said Jeffrey Day, professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and principal of Actual Architecture Company. “But there’s a lot of creative things architects can do to make

Lincoln architects Continued from preceding page. Children’s Museum — with the former representing a positive to “keep downtown fresh and exciting,” while the latter is poised to be a new draw downtown. Because of all the opportunities, Badami said the biggest challenge for DLR Group and other local firms is finding staff with five to 10 years’ experience in the field. “We continue to have a labor shortage in our profession due to the 2008 recession and many design professionals leaving the practice,” he said. “It’s tough to fill that gap.” And, while Smith applauds the efforts of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, he said there is concern that the “A” for “architecture” is being left out. Enter “STEAM.” “The core curriculum required is squeezing out the design field electives, which is of major concern in giving a taste of what the architecture field is about to students searching a career path,” he said. Weather-related challenges slowed projects coming out of the ground by several weeks or months, as Smith noted, materials became landlocked at many production facilities, and products from the south are still interrupted by the Interstate 29 wash-out. Hind noted Lincoln is facing a challenge shared by many communities across the country and around the world: options for truly affordable housing. He highlighted NeighborWorks Lincoln and a broader network of organizations’ efforts to activate historic properties, home ownership opportunities, and sustainable, healthy neighborhoods.

these projects work for certain kinds of businesses.” Meanwhile, things like improved ac-

Design Architects. “Older buildings are mostly brick bearing wall construction,” he said. “The

Trofholz Day cess and upgraded elevators are cost centers building owners have to expect when revamping an older space. “One thing, obviously, is ADA upgrades to the building itself and fire codes,” Day said. “There’s a lot of things that need to be upgraded that may not be the tenant’s responsibility. It might be the building owner’s responsibility, but those are certainly costs that have to be addressed.” Other technical challenges stem from the materials used to build antique buildings, said Trenton Reed, principal of Reed

Reed Eagle Bull trend in offices today is to create open office environments. To create openness in a brick bearing wall scenario you’re cutting holes in walls and those aren’t just walls that are there to separate spaces. Those are walls that are doing work. Then you have to go back and make sure that you replace any of the strength that you removed.” In other cases, it’s the type of loads that the building must accommodate that have changed. “A lot of times, [these buildings] were

built as a warehouse,” Reed said. “We have to design for different loads, live loads and things like that. There are some challenges structurally to brace existing footings and existing bearing walls.” The very definition of an antique building is also changing as the inventory of early 20th-century structures is depleted and redevelopment moves into more modern spaces. “Personally, I think the mid-century buildings are very cool,” said Tammy Eagle Bull, president of Encompass Architects. “Mid-century architecture can be very brutal sometimes with the use of concrete form work, but it was also the time when craftsmen-inspired carpentry was used. So there are many really neat buildings from this time that will stand the test of time through reuse.” But as for the long-term future of the trend, Eagle Bull has her doubts. “I do worry about 30 to 50 years in the future and what building stock from our current times will be available for reuse,” she said. “Our building materials and systems are improving so rapidly with technology, I wonder if they will even be relevant in the future.”

New technology boosts efficiency and effectiveness for architects by David Kubicek

Clients today demand that architecture firms deliver products of previously unmatched thoroughness, and this can only be done with smarter technology. One nascent technology is artificial intelligence code reviews, according to Kjersten Tucker, an architect with Sinclair Hille Architects. Architects can upload their models to a web platform that analyzes for potential compliance issues such as a ramp that is too steep, a door that doesn’t have

proper clearance, and a dead-end corridor that is too long. “Naturally, a thorough review must always be performed by the architect responsible for the project, but this could become a great way to identify basic issues,” Tucker said. Already virtual reality (VR) has been a game changer. Architects use VR early in schematic design to get a feel for space, massing and, as the design progresses, to inform decisions and communicate with

clients. “It’s really a lightbulb moment for them when they put the headset on and experience their space,” Tucker said. “Something that may not have made sense on a 2D plan becomes crystal clear. Ultimately the hope is, with all of this technology, that we become more efficient and effective, freeing up time to do the parts of architecture we really love — designing marvelous buildings that enhance human lives and are Continued on next page.

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

• Architecture

Local architects walk through selecting the perfect firm for project

successful to the client’s goals. by Gabby Christensen “This is the same when looking at a Choosing the right architect for a project firm’s project portfolio,” Bull said. “Ask to can seem like a large task, however, professee projects specifically done by the team sionals say with the proper resources and members who will actually be on advice, a business can successfulyour project.” ly hire the right firm for the job. James A. Walbridge, director Tammy Eagle Bull, president of civic architecture at HDR, of Encompass Architecture, said said selecting an architect can when a business or client is consometimes be intimidating if a templating engaging an architect business has never worked with for their project, there are many one before. factors to be considered. He recommended that in“The first big step is realizing dividuals start by reaching out when they need an architect and to the American Institute of what an architect brings to the Architects. project,” Bull said. “UnderstandKay According to Walbridge, ing the architect’s role and knowit’s also important to check the state liing that it goes beyond drawing blueprints censing board to see if firms have had any or getting the building permit, will help the filing done against them for professional client chose an architect who meets their misconduct. needs. While architects can all provide the same services, the way each does it can be very different.” Bull said a business owner should ask prospective architects questions specific to Continued from preceding page. their own project. celebrated by their communities.” “Understanding how the architect will Trevor L. Hull, an associate architect handle potential issues is key,” Bull said. with Erickson Sullivan Architects, said Additionally, Bull said while awards are Building Information Modeling (BIM) has great, they aren’t an accurate measure of a replaced standard two-dimensional drawfirm’s ability to produce projects that are ings with intelligent three-dimensional

After receiving multiple referrals, Walbridge said it’s important that the client set up an interview with multiple architect firms that they are considering. “Prior to the meeting, businesses should also have a general summary, goals, scope of the project, potential timeline and any budget data,” Walbridge said. “During the meeting, you should pay attention to how the architect team communicated with you, as that is one of the most critical components. You should work with a firm that is amicable and you should leave feeling confident and informed.” Walbridge said a client should also inquire about fees. “It’s also good to note that while experience is always a good thing, just because an architect firm might not have specific experience in your project type doesn’t mean they might not be a good fit for you,” Walbridge

said. “Finally, once you receive proposals, put together some questions or concerns and discuss them with the potential architects.” Sara A. Kay, executive director of the American Institute of Architects - Nebraska Chapter, said few people realize how complicated it is to build until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws and contractors. Kay said an architect has the education, training, experience and vision to guide a client through the entire design and construction process. “Architects are trained to solve problems in creative ways,” Kay said. “With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own. The architect’s services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project.”

New technology boosts efficiency and effectiveness for architects models. Contractors can use these digital and even more exciting to think about where models to assist with construction and we will be in the next 10 years.” end-user building managers can use them Zach Soflin, founder and COO of Layer, to ease building maintenance and operations said Technology has changed the way arafter construction is complete. chitects work and communicate Three-dimensional printers with clients. can now be used to create scaled “We can now use video conbuilding models and design deferencing and smart collaboration tailed prototypes, which allow tools to take on projects across architects to create tangible the globe without airline miles,” results from the digital models. he said. “I can see where the virtual Soflin designed Layer, a reality tools will keep evolving multi-platform app architects to the point that maybe we use use to capture, organize, and it exclusively for modeling and share building data, which can building design,” Hull said. “I’ve then be layered onto a BIM Hull seen that 3D printing technology model, which makes it easy for has expanded to a much larger scale where architects, engineers, and building owners to it has been used to ‘print’ concrete to create manage project data, files, notes, and tasks actual buildings. I can only imagine that this from one intuitive workspace that organizes technology will continue to develop and be everything by its building context. used increasingly in the industry.” “I developed Layer to help the architects Design based around means of energy at BVH Architecture document more than conservation and on-site energy production 1,300 rooms at the Nebraska State Capitol,” has also become more important in the Soflin said. “Layer made it possible for the industry, and the technology behind these four-person documentation team to collect means is expanding exponentially every 40,000 photos and 98,000 pieces of data year. without wasting time downloading photos “Technology is all-encompassing, and and sorting spreadsheets. Since Layer inteI feel the AEC industry will continue to grates with BIM, the team was then able to embrace technology as we move into the view the data and information instantly as future,” Hull said. “It’s exciting to think they clicked through their BIM model. Usabout the technological advancements that ing this technology alone more than doubled have been made in the last five to 10 years, the team’s efficiency.”

The Lincoln Business Journal • JULY 2019 •

Swanson Russell elevates seven

Swanson Russell recently promoted seven people in its Lincoln and Omaha offices: Jaylyn Armstrong, Brooke Behrendt, Liz Dorland, Meghann Kennedy, Kimberly Merk, Morgan Nebbia and Ryan Stoner. Armstrong was promoted to associate digital producer. Since her start as a digital production coordinator in 2017, Armstrong has become a go-to resource for multiple processes and platforms such as Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager. The Omaha native received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Behrendt was promoted to public relations counsel. Behrendt joined the agency in 2015 as a public relations associate focusing on the Propane Education and Research Council’s agriculture market. Hailing from Gibbon, Nebraska, Behrendt graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, advertising and public relations from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dorland was promoted to public relations counsel. Since joining the agency as a public relations associate in 2016, Dorland has worked on high-profile brands such as Briggs & Stratton and E-Z-GO. The Aurora, Colorado, native graduated from UNL with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. Kennedy was promoted to associate motion designer. The Huntsville, Alabama, native originally joined the Lincoln office in 2017 as a motion editor. Since then, Kennedy has created video content for clients such as Koch Agronomic Services, the Propane Education & Research Council and SiteOne Landscape Supply. She received a bachelor’s degree in motion graphics from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Merk was promoted to social media community manager. She first joined the Lincoln office in 2015 as the agency’s public relations intern and was subsequently hired full-time as the public relations/social media coordinator in 2017. The San Jose, California, native has served on client accounts such as Blue Star Gas, Oregon Products and the Propane Education and Research Council. Merk graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations. Nebbia was promoted to account manager. Since joining the Omaha office in 2016 as a project manager and subsequently senior project manager, Nebbia has served as the go-

Renard

Farmen

Keiter

Webb

Ameritas names Renard, Farmen, Keiter, Webb, DeLaCastro officers

Ameritas announced the following officer elections. Scott Renard was elected to vice president of actuarial for retirement plans. His previous position was second vice president of actuarial. Renard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has received the professional designation of Fellow, Society of Actuaries and Member, American Academy of Actuaries. Scott Farmen was elected vice president of compliance. His previous position was second vice president — corporate compliance. Farmen earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He holds the professional designations of Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. Larry Keiter was elected second vice president of talent development in human resources. His previous position was director of talent development. Keiter earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with

to lead on accounts such as AMVAC, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association – Beef Quality Assurance, Reinke Manufacturing, Inc. and Northeast Community College. The Lincoln native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from UNL. Stoner was promoted to senior account manager. Since his start in the Lincoln office in 2016 as an account manager, Stoner has led a number of teams for clients including Briggs & Stratton, Greenlee and Gerber Gear. A Lincoln native, he graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies.

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an emphasis in finance from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and an M.B.A. in strategic management from Regis University, Denver, Colorado. He holds the professional designations of Gallup certified strengths coach, a Bates executive presence certification, ACTP certified executive coach and is certified in the KornFerry’s 360 assessment and assessment of leadership potential. John Webb was elected second vice president of compliance in retirement plans. His previous position was director of compliance. Webb received a B.A. in music and a B.S. in business administration from Berea

College, Berea, Kentucky, and an M.B.A. from Montreat College, Montreat, North Carolina. He received the American Retirement Association professional designations of Qualified Pension Administrator, Tax and Governmental Plan Consultant. DeLaCastro Webb serves as president of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries Benefits Council of Greater Cincinnati. Jon DeLaCastro was elected second vice president of information security. He recently joined Ameritas after a career with CVS Health in Colorado where he led security and merger and acquisition activities. Prior to CVS, he served as chief information officer and chief security officer for several organizations. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is a member of LOMA and Financial Services - Information Sharing and Analysis Center and holds multiple certifications from Cisco, Avaya, Microsoft and SANS, among others.

• JULY 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal