Midlands Business Journal March 1, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 9 issue by Midlands Business Journal

Higher Education • MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

March 1, 2019

Access, workforce readiness at heart of multi-faceted priorities, investments by Michelle Leach

Access, affordability and adaptation to workforce needs remain central to institutions’ priorities and investments. “Most of the colleges have advisory boards that represent business and industry,” said B.J. Reed, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “They tell us the skills and competencies that they need, and we tailor curriculum to reflect that.” Informatics, cybersecurity, emergency management, unmanned aircraft (tied Reed to aviation programs), biomechanics and supply chain management represent programming additions. But changes transcend STEM; for instance, new centers on human rights and medical humanities. Reed said employers seek skilled programmers and coders who also think critically, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, and “well-rounded” students who participate in days of service — what UNO refers to as being “of the community, not just in the community.” Reed also noted how Intercollegiate Ath-

Dr. Sarah Kottich, EVP for operations and planning at the College of Saint Mary’s Clinical Nursing and Simulation Labs. letic Director Trev Alberts refers to athletics as to your institution,” he said. “Then you have the “front door to the campus,” and referenced to make sure they persist and succeed in community support of all student-athletes, not graduating.” just the successes of men’s basketball but also The single most important factor? women’s softball, volleyball and swim teams. “We try to connect with every single stuOverall, successes noted by Reed include dent who comes here through learning comcontinued improvement in student retention. munities and through more intensive advising, “Half the battle is to get students to come and identifying what their barriers are to stay-

Reaanddit

ing or persisting, and knocking those barriers down — it’s the personal touch,” Reed said. College of Saint Mary’s Executive Vice President for Operations and Planning, Sarah Kottich, emphasized ensuring the community understands a college’s/university’s value and impact to individuals and the broader economy; citing Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average individual with a bachelor’s degree earns $24,000 more annually than counterparts with a high school degree (nearly $1 million more over a 40-year career). Even with $1.6 Boyers trillion in U.S. student loan debt across 44.7 million borrowers, Kottich noted financing one’s education “is still one of the best investments you can make.” “Considering that the average monthly earnings of a college graduate are $2,000 higher than a high school graduate, that equates to a five-times return on their investment while in repayment,” she said (based on average $29,800 debt or $393 monthly payments). Kottich referenced the emerging trend of rethinking pricing strategy. “We made three significant changes to our pricing strategy: One, eliminated all fees in 2013; two, reduced tuition by 33 percent in 2017; and, three, increased the amount of donor-funded grants to students with high financial need,” she said. Kottich indicated these efforts have attracted an especially diverse incoming class across a community that includes 141 single parents, 325 first-generation students and 357 students with “high financial need” (of 1,168-total enrollment). Known for health occupation degree offerings, Kottich said CSM students can earn a high salary right out of college. She referred to diverse investments, including in its Athletic and Wellness Center to house 10 athletic teams and a new track and field team. “We’ve established partnerships with Omaha Public Schools and area Catholic schools, as well as community groups such as Ironhawk Fitness, Girls Inc. and several other organizations,” she said. “They, too, will benefit from this new facility.” Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Simulation, Pamela J. Boyers indicated more faculty and hospital staff are adopting Continued on page 6.

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Higher Education — inside MARCH 1, 2019

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 45 NO. 9

Forensic expertise boosts opportunities for KPE engineering by Richard D. Brown

Home Run Pediatrics offers convenience of medical house calls. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Aviture’s Doler leverages personal struggles to help others. – Page 4

in ion ds iat idlan v A M the

Aviation activity in the Midlands continues to see boost. – Page 33

Omaha-based KPE, an engineering and architectural firm in its 19th year, is far better known for its forensic expertise and the testimony its professionals give regarding troubled projects across much of the country. However, the leaders of the 18-employee firm are aiming to increase their architectural and engineering billings by at least 20 percent this year as they plan and design a variety of projects. Education sector projects such as the initial $8 million phase-one of renovations to Burke High School, varied commercial endeavors such as the renovation of a former skating/ entertainment building for use by Midwest Labs, work for Greenbelly — a restaurant that serves environmentally-responsible food — and Craft Axe, a recreational firm that offers customers an opportunity to throw axes at a giant dartboard-like target, are positioning KPE for continued Continued on page 27.

Associate Principal Brad Lauritsen … Emphasis on forensic projects is opening doors for an increase (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) in engineering and architectural work.

Plastilite Corp. innovates biodegradable shipping material to meet recycling needs by Michelle Leach

Off of its 60th year, Omaha-based Plastilite Corp. is meeting demand for biodegradable packaging products with the rollout of REFOAM, and multifaceted partnerships are meeting demand for recycling by addressing barriers to the responsible disposal of containers that, while featherweight, fill up bins and trucks in no time.

“ E v e r y b o d y i n t h e m a rketspace is looking for something that is more eco-friendly,” said CEO Jon Ehly. “The big issue with EPS [Expanded Polystyrene] is how do you get the product to go away? I don’t think anybody has lived long enough that it goes away. It takes hundreds of years.” Headquartered at 4930 Battlefield Dr., Plastilite’s REFOAM Continued on page 26. PACE CEO Danna Kehm in the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center’s future performing arts space … Uplifting local nonprofits and the community by building a new arts and culture district in Council Bluffs.

PACE revitalizing historic Council Bluffs district to create new arts, culture hub by Becky McCarville

President and CEO John Ehly … Company rolls out biodegradable, recyclable products to better serve industries from fishing to food service.

Created in 2015 from an Iowa West Foundation initiative and what was previously the 35-yearold Bluffs Arts Council, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) will help local nonprofit arts and culture organizations by providing a hub with administrative support, facilities and maintenance, financial and fundraising support, venue space

and archival storage. PACE was formed after a series of arts studies, initiated in 2013 by the Iowa West Foundation with input from 30 organizations in Pottawattamie County, concluded that Council Bluffs and the surrounding area needed an umbrella organization to help smaller arts nonprofits as well as an arts and culture center that offers arts Continued on page 28.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Home Run Pediatrics offers convenience of medical house calls by Gabby Christensen

When first launching Home Run Pediatrics, a business model providing inhome medical appointments to families throughout the Nebraska and Iowa region, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner Robyn Thiede had one ultimate goal in mind — to offer reliable, affordable and convenient health care services to patients.

Home Run Pediatrics Feature Founded: December 2018 Service: in-home medical appointments by board-certified family nurse practitioner who assesses, diagnoses and treats common childhood illnesses Goal: To take on more providers in order to expand coverage and increase availability. Website: www.homerunpediatrics.com

As a mother of three who has worked in the medical field for over 20 years, Thiede hoped that by opening her business she would help ease the stress that parents often face when dealing with a sick child. “Home Run Pediatrics is an obvious solution for busy families,” she said. “When a child becomes ill, a doctor’s visit can be a big hassle. With Home Run Pediatrics, parents don’t have to drag their sick child out of bed and then console them while waiting in a medical office that may be filled with additional germs. Our goal is to make the experience better by offering care in the comfort and ease of our patients’

Owner Robyn Thiede at Two Springs Elementary in Bellevue, where she is partnering with the PTA ... Serving as an in-home pediatrics medical provider as a convenience to parents. own homes.” operating in a clinic setting to an in-home For Thiede, the biggest learning curve setting has gone extremely well. so far has been the logistics and adminDuring a typical visit, she assesses, istrative tasks that come with being a diagnoses and treats common childhood business owner. illnesses, such as strep throat, ear infecOtherwise, she said the transition from tions or the flu.

The Midlands Business Journal's

Business Minute Name: Jana Habrock. Age: 51. Title: Director of prevention services. Place of employment: Child Saving Institute (CSI). Associations/ Titles: Treasurer of Omaha Chapter of the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children. Hometown: Jana Habrock, Emerson, Nebraska. director of Education: Bachelor of Science prevention service, Child Saving in Child and FamiInstitute ly Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Master’s Certificate in Infant-Toddler Mental Health from Portland State University. How I got into the business: My first job out of college was working with adolescents in a group home setting. I did that job for about four years and the entire time I wondered, “What would be the impact if I worked with struggling families and children earlier.” This led me to CSI where I have had the opportunity to work with young children and families for 25 years. Accomplishments or milestones: I am a cancer survivor! First job: Newspaper delivery girl in

Jana Habrock, director of prevention service, Child Saving Institute

3rd grade. The toughest part of the job: While children are amazingly resilient, the toughest part of the job is hearing about the adversity they have had to overcome. The best advice I have received: The work I do is rewarding but also challenging. It can be heart-wrenchingly sad. The best advice I ever received is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup, make self-care a priority.” About my family: I have nine nieces and nephews and they are my favorite people on earth. Something else I’d like to accomplish: I would like to become a writer and illustrator of books for young children. Book I finished reading recently: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. How my business will change in the next decade: The science around early childhood mental health continues to grow. We know more about brain development, self-regulation, resilience and family functioning than ever before and have better models for supporting young children and families. It is an exciting time to be in this field; however, it does nothing to diminish the stressors and adversity that continue to affect young families. In the next decade, I anticipate the human service workforce will

be more diverse to meet the growing diversity of the families we serve. I anticipate the stressors such as social media, technology, financial instability and access to quality resources will to continue to influence the wellbeing of young children and their families creating even more need for the services provided by CSI and other human service organizations. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Along my life path, there have been numerous mentors. I feel lucky to have a village of mentors, supporters and cheerleaders in my life. I believe everyone has something to teach you and if you are willing to sit still to observe, reflect and listen — the lessons will be countless. Outside interests: Gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends. Pet peeves: People that park so close that you cannot get in your car when you return. Favorite vacation spot: Boot Lake, Minnesota. Other careers I would like to try: House flipper. Favorite movie: Sense and Sensibility. Favorite cause or charity: CSI . Favorite app: Spotify. (Editor’s note: To nominate an interesting businessman or woman for the Business Minute, please e-mail information about the person to news@mbj.com.)

If a prescription is needed, Thiede is able to call it in for a patient. To ensure a more personalized approach, Thiede dedicates 45 minutes to each appointment. After each house call, she also sends a letter to each patient’s primary care doctor to provide continuity of care. For the most part, she sees sick children, but she’s certified to treat any age of patient. When it comes to cost, she is currently working to ensure that her services are covered by major insurance companies. “It’s definitely an affordable option,” she said. “Plus, patients are saving on gas and of course their time when they choose Home Run Pediatrics.” Since founding the business in December 2018, Thiede said the operation has seen steady growth. Although she is the sole medical provider for the time being, she hopes to hire more providers in the future in order to extend coverage and increase availability. “I hope to continue to grow my business because I love taking care of kids,” she said. “It’s extremely rewarding to diagnose and create a treatment plan to help my patients feel better. I also thoroughly enjoy listening and talking with parents.” Overall, Thiede said one of the best aspects of her job is being able to offer education and advice. “My job is to give parents more tools, while also reassuring them,” she said. “My clients aren’t just another number. I love spending time with my patients and giving them the education and attention that they need and deserve.”

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Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Aviture’s Doler leverages personal struggles to help others 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

When Arthur Doler talks about his struggles with mental health, he does so in a self-deprecating manner that makes the listener forget the gravity of the subject matter. “[Mental health is] something I’ve dealt with for as long as I can remember,” he said. A senior software designer for Aviture, Doler’s ability to talk candidly and easily about difficult aspects of his life have made him an effective advocate for his fellow IT professionals when it comes to issues of mental health and substance abuse. As such, he’s a sought-after speaker on the subject, and has delivered numerous talks throughout the U.S. and abroad. “There are more people in the [tech] industry who have mental health challenges than a lot of other industries,” he said. “You can’t say one reason or another, especially because we don’t have study data to say this type of work attracts that type of person or this causes mental health challenges. It’s tough to gauge a real reason. “I have a pet theory; I tend to believe that software is a field that offers a degree of control for people. You can control the software, you can write these things and the computer does exactly what you tell it to.

And the initial collection of people gravitated toward [the industry] because they didn’t have a lot of control in their daily lives.” Building on his own story, Doler has become an outspoken advocate for better acknowledgement of mental health and psychology in the technical world as a whole. He’s also a thought leader on steps companies can take to help individuals manage their work and personal issues more effectively. “I’ll take my case for example; I was going through a period where I was letting a bunch of other things distract me and my work kind of suffered,” he said. “Rather than having a moment where they called me in and had an official reprimand and did an official warning and put me on an improvement plan, the tech lead at the time had the capacity and the capability to sit me down and say, ‘Hey, you’re usually a really good software developer. What’s going on? What’s happening with you right now?’ “We have a tendency to sit there and think, ‘I’m the only person who feels like I do, I’m the only person who can understand what’s going on in my head.’ The reality is, there’s several billion people on this planet and the odds are, somebody else is going through exactly what you’re going through at that moment, feeling exactly like you do. When you have that realization, it makes you feel somebody out there understands what you’re going through.” As with other industries, tech workers

Senior Software Designer Arthur Doler … Advocating for mental health services in the IT field. often don’t have anyone to talk to about founded the Omaha Mental Health User their problems, or if they do, they may Group (OMHUG) as a support group for Continued on page 29. not be able to express themselves. Doler

Proud Sponsors of the 2018 40 Under 40:

Higher Education • MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

March 1, 2019

Access, workforce readiness at heart of multi-faceted priorities, investments by Michelle Leach

Higher Education •

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Higher Education

Access, workforce

Continued from page 4. University of Nebraska Medical Center iEXCEL (Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning) simulation technology to teach and improve patient care outcomes. Its interactive digital iWall with collaboration software is arguably the fastest growing of its disruptive technology, according to Boyers. “Health professionals find this technology exciting and extremely intuitive to utilize because it is highly visual and lends itself to true experiential learning,” she said. A nod to UNMC’s remote and rural nursing, dental and allied health training programs, Boyers referred to iWalls deployed at sites in Scottsbluff and Kearney, two in Lincoln and a fifth to be installed in Norfolk this spring. She noted iEXCEL represents the hub through which sites collaborate and innovate — as iWalls interconnect in “real time” across distance, and can also be used to create content featured in head-mounted displays, on 3D CAD walls and within immersive environments (CAVE). Its 11-month EON Virtual Reality program to prepare students to work as VR content developers is “well underway,” with students receiving industry certificates at the end of May, and the Davis Global for Advanced Interprofessional Learning is poised to serve as iEXCEL’s new headquarters with a grand opening in September. “At this time, we are preparing for the installation of the first five-sided, laser CAVE in the world to be installed,” she said. “This includes the very careful positioning of a glass floor that weighs two tons.”

Online learning offers flexibility, more options to students by Gabby Christensen

In today’s digital world, online learning has become more widespread than most might imagine, area educators said. According to Sherry Douglas, associate vice president of student services at Chadron State College, there are various advantages to online learning. “The benefits of online courses include flexibility for students to balance a full schedule of responsibilities such as work, family and school,” Douglas said. “Online courses allow students to work toward a degree while not having to uproot Preuss their lives. Courses begin several times a year and students can interact with their classmates and faculty members in a virtual classroom at their convenience.” At Chadron State College, there are undergraduate online bachelor’s degree programs for applied science in technical occupations, business, education, family and consumer science, geoscience, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics and psychological studies. Some of these programs are fully online, while others are partially online. The college also offers various options for master’s degrees programs, Douglas said. Dr. Deb Carlson, president and CEO of Nebraska Methodist College, said a key trend among institutions of higher learning is to

Dr. Deb Carlson, president and CEO of Nebraska Methodist College. make online learning more personalized and system we have piloted and are now impleadaptive to the individual learning styles and menting to increase opportunities for active backgrounds of students. learning as well as faculty feedback and as“At NMC, we integrate high-tech apps sessment of student work — in this case, for and interactive software into online learn- both online and on-campus students.” ing,” Carlson said. “One example is Shadow As far as online programs are concerned, Health’s ‘Tina,’ a virtual patient our students Carlson said the selection of nursing and allied interact with for clinical practice and assess- health online courses, certificate and degree Continued on page 8. ment. Another is Digication, an ePortfolio

Higher Education •

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Higher Education

MBA programs adopting options for online learning by David Kubicek

Nationwide, Master of Business Administration programs are moving toward a part-time model, spurred on by the advent of online learning. The return on investment for MBA programs is good for individuals seeking career advancement, according to Jennifer Ziegler, dean of graduate programs at Nebraska Wesleyan. “In a survey of our alumni, we found that about half of our MBA alumni have grown their salaries by more than 10 percent since graduation, nearly two-thirds have been either promoted or landed new jobs, and more than 95 percent credit Nebraska Wesleyan’s MBA

program for their advancement,” she said. In addition to its MBA program, Nebraska Wesleyan offers an MSN/MBA, a combination of a Master of Science in Nursing and an MBA. The MSN/MBA’s enrollment has grown steadily since it began Ziegler in 2015 and currently has between 55 and 60 students enrolled. “The MSN/MBA is for nurses who want an advanced degree in nursing but who are

Online learning offers flexibility, more options for students Continued from page 6. programs available at Nebraska Methodist College have exploded in recent years, particularly at the graduate level. “One of our newest and most popular online programs is the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree focusing on education and leadership in health care,” Carlson said. “Another popular program is NMC’s MBA in Healthcare.” Starting this fall, Carlson said NMC’s Master of Science in Wellness and Health Promotion Management will offer four levels of wellness certification built into the program. “Online learning has broadened the opportunities for students to choose the program that best fits their educational needs,” Carlson said. “Students are no longer limited to programs within their geographic location.”

Dr. Tim Preuss, university provost at Concordia University, said the single overriding trend is that online learning is becoming ubiquitous. “Students who are in grades K-12 have never experienced life without ‘connectedness,’” Preuss said. “As the learning management systems that support the delivery of educational programs online have improved, so have the applications for online learning.” Preuss said Concordia offers online coursework to traditional undergraduates during the regular terms and during summer school. He said Concordia also offers fully online master’s degree programs including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health and Master of Health Care Administration.

Murdock Lynch moving into more administrative work and need the skills the MBA program can supply,” she said. In the education field, Preuss said the University offers master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, administration, early childhood and literacy to name a few. Beginning in August 2019, Concordia will offer a fully online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology for adult learners. “With online learning, some programs are delivered in an asynchronous manner while others require students to meet together virtually on a regular basis,” Preuss said. “So, from a learner standpoint, access and flexibility are huge benefits. From an instructional standpoint, a faculty member can use the online modality to deliver meaningful content to students to interact with in a variety of ways while using face to face time to engage the learners regarding the content and its applications. This can allow for richer and fuller inquiry.”

About 100 students are enrolled in Nebraska Wesleyan’s MBA program, which is offered at both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Bellevue University offers 19 MBA degree concentration areas and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management, according to Rebecca Murdock, dean of the College of Business. “Graduate enrollments are up overall and total MBA program student population increased nearly 9 percent over the last year,” she said. Three main factors that impact enrollment at all levels: the students’ career and life changes, the general business cycle, and global economic trends. “Graduate degrees in general help students advance their careers, but around the globe MBA’s are still viewed as career accelerators,” Murdock said. General business cycles impact overall business performance, so some individuals will turn to educational opportunities during economic downturns to better position themselves for opportunities when the business cycle starts back up. Also, conditions and opportunities in the global economy have an impact on graduate enrollments and specifically on the MBA degree enrollment patterns. “Countries with emerging markets are creating new economic opportunities for their citizens, who in turn want and need to be educated to participate more fully as those markets mature,” Murdock said. “Students are opting for specialized degrees and certifications, and are expecting to have innovative, career-advancing experiences as part of their graduate school enrollment.” University of Nebraska at Omaha has Continued on page 10.

Higher Education •

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Higher Education

Growing of self-directed learning in higher education by Lee Nelson

Self-directed learning is more of a trend now because of the long standing knowledge that students learn better by doing, said Tom McDonnell, vice president of academic affairs at Metropolitan Community College. “Similarly, our accreditors and other external stakeholders are more interested in what our students can actually do,” he said. “MCC is embracing a flipped classroom approach. Essentially, what was typically taught in the classroom is now accessible in an online platform outside of the classroom.” Self-directed learning is happening across the curriculum, he said. “Our social science classes have components of civic engagement and service learning to provide real-world experiences,” he said. “Our criminal justice classes work in our 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, and our skilled trades’ students have always been somewhat self-directed.” Advising is a key consideration, because student motivation is an important issue, he said. Kelsi Anderson, provost at Bryan College of Health Sciences, said students are turning to online learning to free up their time during the day to work. “With that said, students have to self-direct their learning in these classes. They are not seeing their teachers face to face to

remind them to do their homework or study he said. for their exams,” she said. However, UNMC has seen an increase Bryan College embeds online learning in across other programs out of necessity, its undergraduate majors to provide self-di- pivoting from traditional pedagogy, which rected learning, she said. emphasized knowledge transfer “We are currently working from the teacher to the learner to to increase the number of online that of flexible learning. undergraduate degree options we At UNMC, that shift is hapoffer to reach non-traditional stupening in some programs, too, he dents such as a degree completion said, such as a program objective program for respiratory therapists for the M.D. program, a core tenet and for RNs who want to complete in the College of Nursing’s registheir BSN,” Anderson said. tered nurse to Bachelor of Science Bryan College’s graduate in Nursing program and others. programs in nursing are largely “Given the length of our health self-directed as students particprofessions training programs, we Larson ipate in hybrid courses where cannot depend on the traditional they meet with their instructors off and on, lecture to produce the outcomes necessary she said. for our graduates to lead the world,” Cov“Ultimately students have to remember ington said. to engage with their classes on their own,” Now more than ever, it seems people tend Anderson said. to be more involved in their communities, Self-directed learning is an umbrella term that can encompass many various methodologies, ranging from blended classroom by Aneri Pattani structure to complete autonomous experiAfter three years at the University of ential learning, said Philip D. Covington, assistant vice chancellor for student success Pennsylvania, Brielle Weiner has perfected at University of Nebraska Medical Center/ the one-sentence introduction she gives in every new class: a 21-year-old senior majorUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha. “Given this understanding, self-directed ing in chemical and biomolecular engineering learning is not new to higher education,” from Wellesley, Mass. Education But this semester in a course called The Pursuit of Happiness, she was forced to try something new: an introductory anecdote that showed ment in the Omaha-area is yet to be seen.” In an intensely competitive marketplace, her at her best. Weiner spoke about how caring for her MBA programs are trying to become more student-centered. Online education remains 95-year-old grandmother, who came to live a hot topic and most programs are moving to with their family eight years ago, forced her some type of online offering, either a complete to grow as a person. “It’s not often that I go into details about online program or hybrid options. Programs also are offering more customized curriculum, this story to anyone,” she said, “let alone a so students aren’t necessarily locked in to a complete stranger.” That’s the point of the assignment, said specific set of courses. “At UNO, we offer 10 concentrations James Pawelski, professor of the course. It that allow students to customize their MBA forces students to build deeper connections program for a specific career-focus,” Lynch with each other, he said. The course is the first large-scale class said. “For example, our business analytics concentration offers more elective courses at Penn to focus on the practice of positive focused on data science and waives students psychology, the scientific study of what goes well in life and how to cultivate more of it. out of some traditional MBA coursework.”

MBA programs adopting options for online learning Continued from page 8. had a continuous increase of the number of students taking classes in its MBA program over the past five years, according to MBA Program Director Kristi Lynch. Admission numbers are also up this year. “It’s not always readily apparent what is impacting a student’s decision to apply for a program or to take classes in a particular semester, but the job market can have a very big impact,” Lynch said. “Recent announcements by Union Pacific and First Data likely will have some impact on employees seeking graduate education, either because they are losing their current job, moving, or considering a career change. Whether or not these factors cause an increase or decrease in MBA enroll-

have irregular work hours or have complex family schedules, said Richard Larson, coordinator for the graduate recruitment & marketing office of graduate studies at UNO. “Self-directed learning, such as taking courses online or in a hybrid format to fit hectic schedules, just makes more sense in terms of flexibility and meeting timing expectations,” he said. For those looking to complete graduate education through a more self-directed approach, strong time management and prioritization skills are critical, Larson said. Self-directed learners should be realistic about the amount of coursework their schedule allows for. “I typically advise students to begin with a lighter course load during their first semester to understand the effort required to be successful,” he said. “Students should also be highly resourceful. There is an abundance of resources available and staff members eager to assist all students, but self-directed learners should know how and when to ask for help.”

Can you teach students to be happy? Colleges are trying Nearly 200 students are enrolled — double a typical lecture course. It comes at a time when universities across the country are desperate for new ways to improve mental health on campus. A 2018 study found college students are reporting increasing levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for the eighth year in a row. While many colleges, including Penn, have hired more counselors and increased counseling center hours, some are wondering if there’s more to be done. Can they stop the problem before it begins? Teach students to be more resilient, mentally healthier, maybe even happier? “Happiness isn’t one size fits all. We can’t just dole it out to everybody,” Pawelski said. “Our goal in class is to explore the pursuit of happiness together.” The course encourages students to try meditation or journaling, and teaches them to build stronger relationships, which are known to boost happiness. The introduction that Weiner practiced with her classmates embodied two core concepts of positive psychology: emphasizing individual strengths and building human connections. “It made me think, ‘I know who you are. I know something important to you,’” Weiner said. “Now if I pass you on campus, I’m definitely going to say hi.” More than a decade of research has shown that teaching youth resilience and positive psychology can reduce and prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety, lower stress, and promote wellbeing. It can also improve grades. Similar courses at Harvard and Yale drew more than 1,000 students each, becoming the most popular courses in each university’s history. Other schools are trying similar initiatives, though on a smaller scale. Pennsylvania State University and Villanova University have been offering courses on positive psychology for more than 10 years, but they are focused more on the field than application, and are often aimed at psychology majors. Temple University has created a Resiliency Resource Center with tools for students to use their own strengths to address depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict. Saint JoContinued on page 12.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Top 25: What corporate America is reading — January 2019 800-CEO-READ, a leading direct supplier of book-based resources compiles a monthly list of best-selling business books based on purchases by its corporate customers nationwide. Here are the best sellers for January 2019, plus descripTrends tions of the Top 10. 1. “Master Your Mind: Counterintuitive Strategies to Refocus and Re-Energize Your Runaway Brain” by Roger Seip and Robb Zbierski, Wiley 2. “Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most” by Steven SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

Johnson, Riverhead Books 3. “You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt and Living the Life You Want” by Jesse Mecham, HarperBusiness 4. “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness” by Ingrid Fetell Lee, Little, Brown Spark 5. “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brene Brown, Random House

DELICACY BENEATH THE SURFACE

6. “Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujani, Viking Books for Young Readers 7. “Ninja Future: Secrets to Success in the New World of Innovation” by Gary Shapiro, William Morrow & Company 8. “S.M.I.L.E: How a People-First Philosophy Creates Extraordinary Sales” by Steve M. Rigby, Greenleaf Book Group Press 9. “What to Do When Machines Do Everything: How to Get Ahead in a World of AI, Algorithms, Bots and Big Data” by Malcolm Frank, Ben Pring and Paul Roehrig, Wiley 10. “Growth IQ: Get Smarter About the Choices That Will Make or Break Your Business” by Tiffani Bova, Portfolio 11. “Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World” by Rand Fishkin, Portfolio 12. “Go Long: Why Long-Term Thinking Is Your Best Short-Term Strategy” by Dennis Carey, Brian Dumaine, Michael Useem and Rodney Zemmel, Wharton Digital Press 13. “Buy the Change You Want to See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place” by Jane Mosbacher Morris and Wendy Paris, Tarcherperigee 14. “Political Risk: How Businesses and Organizations Can Anticipate Global Insecurity” by Condoleezza Rice and Amy B. Zegart, Twelve 15. “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy” by Cathy O’Neil, Broadway Books 16. “Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance” by Mike Robbins, Hay House 17. “Conversational Capacity: The Secret to Building Successful Teams That Perform When the Pressure Is On” by Craig Weber, McGraw-Hill Education 18. “Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose” by Jean Case, Simon & Schuster 19. “Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best” by Alan Stein and Jon Sternfeld, Center Street 20. “The Power of a Positive Team: Proven Principles and Practices That Make Great Teams Great” by Jon Gordon, Wiley 21. “Every Monday Matters: How to Kick Your Week Off with Passion, Purpose and Positivity” by Matthew Emerzian, Simple Truths 22. “Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies” by Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh, Currency 23. “The Spark and the Grind: Ignite the Power of Disciplined Creativity” by Erik Wahl, Portfolio 24. “The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences and Transform How You Live, Work and Lead” by Ritu Bhasin, Melanin Made Press 25. “Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling and Feed Your Soul” by Shawn Askinosie and Lawren Askinosie, Tarcherperigee Descriptions of the Top 10 1. “Master Your Mind: Counterintuitive Strategies to Refocus and Re-Energize Your Runaway Brain” by Roger Seip and Robb Zbierski, Wiley You know you’re capable of more, but the stress is eating away at your body, your brain, and your soul. Relax, take a deep

breath, and buckle down. Clear your mind, and then put it to work. Stop juggling and start doing. “Master Your Mind” shows you how to supercharge your trajectory by taking it S-L-O-W. 2. “Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most” by Steven Johnson, Riverhead Books Through compelling stories that reveal surprising insights, Johnson explains how we can most effectively approach the choices that can chart the course of a life, an organization, or a civilization. “Farsighted” will help you imagine your possible futures and appreciate the subtle intelligence of the choices that shaped our broader social history. 3. “You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want” by Jesse Mecham, HarperBusiness A guide based on the tenets of the “You Need a Budget” financial platform argues that a well-planned budget can help to prioritize financial goals, reduce stress through strategic cash flow allocations and meet the challenges of unplanned expenses. 4. “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness” by Ingrid Fetell Lee, Little, Brown Spark Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, the author explains why one setting makes us feel anxious or competitive, while another fosters acceptance and delight — and, most importantly, she reveals how we can harness the power of our surroundings to live fuller, healthier, and truly joyful lives. 5. “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brene Brown, Random House Brene Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead. 6. “Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujani, Viking Books for Young Readers Whether you’re a girl who’s never coded before, a girl who codes, or a parent raising one, this entertaining book, printed in bold two-color and featuring art on every page, will have you itching to create your own apps, games, and robots to make the world a better place. 7. “Ninja Future: Secrets to Success in the New World of Innovation” by Gary Shapiro, William Morrow & Company Drawing on the insights he has gleaned as a martial arts black belt, Shapiro shows how businesses can move to succeed in today’s turbulent environment by adopting the mindset of “ninjas” — adapting to technological change to capitalize on opportunities at lightning speed. 8. “S.M.I.L.E: How a People-First Philosophy Creates Extraordinary Sales” by Steve M. Rigby, Greenleaf Book Group Press In “S.M.I.L.E.,” Steve Rigby, author of “Circle Selling: A Revolutionary Approach to Sales Success” and CEO of New Wings Consulting, LLC, a firm that helps salespeople, sales teams and companies get in the “people” business, redefines success and focuses readers on making a difference, not Continued on page 13.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Are you an employee or a contractor? California carpenters, strippers and dog walkers face that question by Margot Roosevelt

When Kristyn Hansen first worked at Stews Barber Shop, she cut hair nine hours a day, three days a week. She earned no overtime pay, had no mandated breaks, and her Ladera Ranch bosses didn’t cover Social Security taxes, unemployment or disability insurance. That’s because Hansen, 32, was classified as an independent contractor. “I loved it,” she said. The schedule allowed her to take five classes at a local Technology college. The pay — 60 percent of an $18 haircut — made for “a comfortable living” serving about 30 customers a day. Health insurance was covered by her husband’s employer. But in October, the shop switched its seven barbers to employee status. To offset the expense of payroll taxes, sick leave, va-

cation and other benefits for the barbers, pay dropped to $15 an hour, with just a 15 percent share of the haircut price. Now Hansen works four nine-hour days, taking home about $300 less weekly than when she worked just three days. “For some people, there are advantages to being an employee,” she said. “But not for me. I’m stressed for sure.” A California Supreme Court decision last April is upending large and small workplaces across California, making it harder to classify workers as independent contractors. A wide variety of industries are affected — not just app-based companies like Uber and Lyft. Independent contractors are found among construction workers, truckers and warehouse workers, music teachers, software coders, salespeople, farm laborers, janitors, dog walkers, hairdressers, home-care workers, security guards, doctors, insurance agents,

journalists and strippers. Each sector may have workers who want to remain contractors, collecting untaxed wages upfront without deductions for benefits, and having control over their hours. And it may include others who prefer to be employees, with unemployment insurance, more job stability and the right to join unions. But the court set a strict new test: It assumes that anyone is an employee if his or her job is central to a company’s core business or if the bosses direct how the work is done. The decision came in a lawsuit by drivers for Dynamex Operations West, a national package delivery company that reclassified its employees as contractors, forcing them to use their own vehicles and pay gas and other expenses. A stricter standard, the court wrote, should prevent businesses from evading “fundamental responsibilities” and engaging

Can you teach students to be happy? Colleges are trying Continued from page 10. seph’s University offers weekly mindfulness sessions, and Drexel University is planning to add mindfulness training to freshmen orientation. “It’s important that wellness not be thought of as something merely important for mentally ill students,” Pawelski said. A Long Time Coming Martin Seligman, known as “the father of positive psychology,” founded the Penn Positive Psychology Center in 2003. He and Pawelski started the Masters of Positive Psychology program the same year, the first graduate degree in the field. The center also conducts large-scale resilience training for the U.S. Army. Yet Penn was years behind other schools in offering a large-scale positive psychology class for all undergraduates. “Penn is where positive psych began, but in undergrad, at least, no one uses these resources,” said Armghan Ahmad, a senior economics major and currently in the Pursuit of Happiness class. Headed into an investment banking job after graduation, Ahmad knows he will have long hours and lots of stress. “I want to learn the mindset and small habits I can commit myself to in a consistent manner to boost happiness,” he said. Penn previously offered a smaller positive psychology course focused on theory, but the new course has a greater emphasis on application. On the first day of class, students were asked to pretend they were meeting people while walking around New York City. First they introduced themselves to people who were not interested in meeting them. Then to powerful individuals, like CEOs. And finally to a friend they hadn’t seen in five years. “Each time it got progressively more enjoyable to introduce yourself,” said Jake Singer, a sophomore business major. The realization has prompted him to change his daily interactions. At a recent visit to the Apple Store, he made sure to look the salesperson in the eye and smile. He asked how their day was going. “That felt nice instead of just going there for the purpose of getting my phone fixed and leaving,” Singer said. Building On Student Strengths

Down the hall from Temple University’s counseling center is a room with dim lighting and soothing music. Colored mandalas and other art projects called “zen doodles” decorate the wall. iPods loaded with meditation apps are placed near massage chairs. This is the Resiliency Resource Center (RRC), established seven years ago to complement individual and group therapy provided in the counseling center. It’s meant to help students take charge of their own mental health. While it’s run through the counseling center, it’s not limited to students with mental illness. “It can be as severe as PTSD and bipolar or just someone wanting to communicate better with their roommate,” said Brandon LaBarge, assistant coordinator of the RRC. Up to 20 students come through on a given day, with nearly 800 students using the center last semester, LaBarge said. Ilana Stern, a senior psychology major, first came to the RRC a few weeks into seeing a therapist for anxiety. She used the Muse meditation headband, one of the most popular items the center offers. It measures brain waves and signals to students when their minds are calm, neutral, or active. The longer they stay calm, the app rewards them with points. Stern found the experience empowering. “Of course I do things my therapist tells me to,” she said, “But it was fulfilling and rewarding to know I can help myself too.” That’s the idea behind a group LaBarge runs in the RRC. It’s called mindfulness-based strengths practice. Up to 10 students come together for eight weekly sessions to learn how they can use their own character strengths to cope with problems and increase happiness. The program began in fall 2017, and has since grown to two eight-week sessions per semester to accommodate the demand. Students take a character strength survey, which ranks them on 24 inner strengths that positive psychology says every individual possesses in varying degrees. The strengths range from creativity and honesty to gratitude and humor. The sessions are then spent helping students find ways to use those strengths to improve their lives. Zainab Nyazie, a senior psychology ma-

jor who participated in a drop-in version of the group, was initially upset to learn one of her top character strengths was forgiveness. “Does that mean I’m a pushover?” she said. But through the program, Nyazie learned to use the strength to resolve roommate conflicts and also forgive herself. “They start to learn they’re not their depression, they’re not their anxiety, they’re not their chemistry homework,” LaBarge said. “It brings perspective back to who the person is and how their character can help them deal with this.” ©2019 Philly.com Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

in a “‘race to the bottom’ … result(ing) in substandard wages and unhealthy conditions for workers.” In the California Legislature, the issue is shaping up as one of the most divisive of the year. The California Labor Federation and worker advocates are seeking to write the court’s decision into permanent law, arguing that workers are often exploited when classified as contractors. The California Chamber of Commerce, business groups and Silicon Valley giants, seeking flexibility in how they hire, want the Dynamex ruling to be suspended, they wrote the Legislature, “before work opportunities are destroyed, and before the trial lawyers start crushing businesses with an onslaught of litigation.” Among businesses, “there’s a lot of fear,” said Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, who is writing a bill to codify the court’s new standard. “Everybody is lobbying for an exemption.” Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has strong ties to both labor and the technology industry, suggests a need for compromise. “Workers are too often displaced, devalued and disconnected from the social safety net,” he said in his State of the State address this month. “It’s time to develop a new modern compact for California’s changing workforce. This is much bigger than Dynamex.” The court’s new test, modeled on a Massachusetts law, strikes at the heart of a fundamental transformation in the U.S. labor force over the past half-century. Many companies have shifted much of their workforces to independent contractor status or to staffing Continued on next page.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Are you an employee or a contractor? California carpenters, strippers and dog walkers face that question Continued from preceding page. agencies, which offer no job security. The trend cuts labor costs. This “fissured workplace,” as experts call it, has driven down union membership — by law, independent contractors cannot bargain collectively — and contributed to a loss of middle-wage jobs and wider inequality between workers and bosses. By 2016, full-time independent contractors constituted 8.5 percent of California’s workforce, according to estimates in the University of California, Berkeley Labor Center’s survey of available data. A somewhat higher percentage uses independent contracting for supplemental income, the study suggested. Companies built around smartphone apps have embraced the independent contractor model, fueling a multibillion-dollar “gig economy.” But Uber, Lyft, Amazon, Doordash, Grubhub and others have been sued by thousands of workers who say they are misclassified as independent contractors — angry to be exempt from laws governing wages and hours, discrimination, sexual harassment, disability pay and other labor protections. Wag Labs, a Los Angeles company that offers dog walking through a mobile app, agreed to pay $1.05 million last November to settle a class-action suit on behalf of 38,000 independent contractors who said they were misclassified and forced to work off the clock. Last month, more than 60 Uber and Lyft drivers marched in front of Newsom’s Los Angeles office hoisting hand-lettered signs decrying “Big Tech” and “corporate greed.” The protesters, members of Rideshare Drivers United-LA, a group of 2,500 local drivers, complained about reduced pay, arbitrary terminations known as “deactivations,” and a lack of influence over working conditions. “We are disposable people,” said Francine Ayala, a driver carrying a sign reading, “We want rights and protections.” She said she can’t make ends meet after car payments, gas and insurance — business expenses she wouldn’t have to pay if she were an employ-

What America is reading Continued from page 11. just a dollar. 9. “What to Do When Machines Do Everything: How to Get Ahead in a World of AI, Algorithms, Bots and Big Data” by Malcolm Frank, Ben Pring and Paul Roehrig, Wiley The digital world is already transforming how we work, live, and shop, how we are governed and entertained, and how we manage our money, health, security, and relationships. Don’t let your business — or your career — get left behind. “What To Do When Machines Do Everything” is your strategic roadmap to a future full of possibility and success. Or peril. 10. “Growth IQ: Get Smarter About the Choices That Will Make or Break Your Business” by Tiffani Bova, Portfolio Through Bova’s insightful analyses of these and many other case studies, you’ll see why it can be a mistake to imitate strategies that worked for your competitors, or rely on strategies that worked for you in the past. To grow your company with confidence, you first need to grow your Growth IQ. ©2019 800-CEO-READ Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ee. “If they’re not going to pay us well, they should give us benefits and protection.” Uber spokesman Davis White declined to comment on lawsuits by drivers. In the past, the company has asserted that it is not in the transportation business — a definition that could make it vulnerable to the Dynamex test — but is merely a technology firm that connects riders to drivers. Other app-based businesses offer similar rationales. Despite the Dynamex decision, “we believe drivers are independent contractors,” White wrote in an email. “We will continue to support efforts to modernize labor laws in ways that preserve the flexibility drivers tell us they value while improving the quality and security of independent work.” But disputes over employee classification are not new. The state Supreme Court’s strict test replaces a looser standard that had been used to challenge companies’ independent contractor status since 1989. Trucking companies, for example, have been sued over the years for relying on independent contractors. The California Trucking Association and the Western States Trucking Association have filed suits to overturn Dynamex. Like the Dynamex drivers found to be illegally classified, truckers often must pay for their own vehicles, gas and expenses. In Southern California, drivers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have filed multiple class-action suits. And since 2011, the California labor commissioner has ordered port companies to pay more than $50 million in back wages and damages to drivers misclassified as independent contractors. As the Legislature gears up for a fight, companies are enlisting workers to oppose codifying Dynamex. Already, businesses have unleashed more than 6,000 emails and held dozens of meetings with elected officials and their staffs, although the precise language of the bill is not expected to be unveiled until next month. A Chamber of Commerce sponsored website, the I’m Independent Coalition, offers contractors a form letter urging elected officials to “help protect my freedom.” DoorDash, the food delivery giant, emailed all its “dashers” to write legislators to “suspend the court decision and embrace the modern workforce.” But Gonzalez, who is writing the Dyna-

mex bill, countered: “If employers don’t pay their fair share, the cost falls on taxpayers. People without unemployment insurance often rely on food stamps or (welfare). People without health insurance go to emergency rooms.” Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, companies with more than 50 full-time employees must provide health benefits or pay a penalty. Small businesses are exempt, though some do offer health insurance; Stews Barber Shop now has an “opt-in” plan. Deja Vu Services, a national strip club chain, hired Stormy Daniels, the stripper who was paid off by President Donald Trump’s lawyer over an alleged sexual encounter, to promote independent contracting. “Sadly, independent contractor status for exotic dancers in California is now threatened,” Daniels wrote in a Los Angeles Times op-ed piece. If they are classified as employees, she suggested, “employers might require us to give free nude performances for customers we don’t feel comfortable with.” Deja Vu is battling class-action suits involving more than 5,800 dancers at 25 California clubs who say they were misclassified as independent contractors. In November, the company switched its California strippers to employee status, posting a sign in the clubs blaming the lawsuits and “a court order.” The company is now paying them minimum wage, setting quotas for selling drinks and dances, and slashing their cash commissions to offset the cost of payroll taxes. About 1,500 strippers have quit to work out of state or “under the table” at noncompliant competitors, according to operations director Ryan Carlson. “The clubs are punishing us for exercising our rights,” said a former Deja Vu stripper who goes by the stage name Domino Rey. She and several fellow workers have formed an advocacy group, Soldiers of Pole, to “help us unionize to protect the most vulnerable in the industry and do away with rampant wage theft.” In the technology industry, large companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook hire hundreds of contractors. Their trade group, the Internet Association, and TechNet, a network of top executives, and companies such as Postmates, Lyft and Instacart are

among the most active opponents of curbing the use of contractors. But small tech companies, less able to weather the change, are likely to be vocal too. “Switching my independent contractors to salaried employees would be crippling,” said Dave Krause, founder of Rise-Up Technologies, a Studio City IT services company with just three employees. Rise-Up helps small and medium-size businesses with networks and infrastructure, using dozens of outside engineers on projects that may last just a week, or even a single day. “Everyone is a specialist,” Krause said. “Some in certain software applications; some in distributed databases; others in certain types of hardware; some do security on certain networks. They make between $30 and $150 an hour. I can’t pay taxes and benefits on top of that. Some work for multiple companies. It makes no sense for them to be my employees.” In Sacramento, “a lot of businesses are waiting to see what happens legislatively,” Gonzalez said. The Dynamex decision explicitly allowed for independent contractors, such as electricians or plumbers who run their own businesses, to be hired by unrelated companies. And Gonzalez said other exemptions may make sense—for emergency room doctors, for example. “There are workers out there who operate as individual businesses — and we are not trying to make them employees,” she said. “But we’ve created an economy where people have to have multiple side hustles. It is not sustainable.” A strong law is needed “to rid our state of the underground economy, which goes hand in hand with misclassification,” she said. “Workers need access to a minimum wage and overtime, to sick leave and paid family leave, to unemployment insurance and workers’ comp, to Social Security when they retire.” Mark Hylkema, co-owner of Stews Barber Shop, is unconvinced. “Small businesses are scared,” he said. “My operating costs rose 30 percent and I had to raise my prices. We need to hit ‘pause’ in Sacramento.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Late car payments? 7 steps to help keep a repossession at bay by Frank Witsil

Millions of Americans are at least three months behind on their car payments, the benchmark for many lenders to trigger a repossession and a warning light for the economy. In fact, according to a Federal Reserve Bank report, the number of these troubled borrowers is 7 million, Financial 1 million more than it was in 2010 following the global financial crisis that required an auto industry bailout. If you are one of these borrowers, or afraid you might get behind, here are some things the experts say you can do: Familiarize yourself with the loan Before you buy a vehicle, shop around for the best financing deals. Consider the interest rate and the length of the loan, not just the amount of the monthly payment. Know what you can afford

The car buying process can be exhausting and an auto seller may convince you that, yes, you can buy a car that you may not have the money for a few months later. So before you pick out the car you want — the right color and and all the options — set a budget. Prioritize your bills and costs Can you cut some expenses to save money? Can you pay your car loan — which is secured with the car — before you pay other debts, like a doctor’s bill, which won’t trigger a repossession. Consider using emergency savings If you’ve saved for a rainy day and you are now behind, this might be the time to tap into that account. In addition, a tax refund also might help you getting caught up. Inform the lender If you are late, or think you probably will be late, let your lender know. If you

are having a hardship, such as a medical problem or job loss, the bank often is understanding and may be able to offer some leniency. Ask for consideration If you miss payment, as the lender to take your situation into account until you can get back on track. You may be able to work out a deal. The bottom line is the creditor doesn’t want your car, but it will take it if it thinks you aren’t going to make good on what you owe. Seek help If you are overwhelmed, contact a reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization. There may be a fee for the service, but the organization can help organize your finances, negotiate with creditors and help you get caught up. ©2019 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

The Supreme Court has a chance to clear up decades of confusion In 1994, the Clinton administration decreed a bright shining future for education. Its Goals 2000 legislation proclaimed that, by that year, the United States’ high school graduation rate would be 90 percent and American students would lead the world eorge in math and science achievements. Sen. Daniel Patrick ill Moynihan (D-N.Y.) was unimpressed: “That will not happen.” It didn’t, to the surprise of no one with an inkling of reality’s viscosity. President Bill Clinton’s (then Congress’s) goals, which Moynihan compared to the Soviet Union’s penchant for delusional grain quotas, illustrated what the senator called the “leakage of reality from American life.” Speaking of which: Democrats, including many presidential candidates, have endorsed something that makes Goals 2000 look like the soul of sobriety. The Green New Deal’s FAQ sheet says: In 10 years, America will have only non-carbon renewable energy. (ExxonMobil plans to produce 25 percent more oil and gas in 2025 than in 2017.) By then, “every building in America” will be environmentally retrofitted, “farting cows” (methane gas; say goodbye to hamburgers) will be on the way out, fast electric trains will make airplanes unnecessary, “every comOpinion bustion-engine vehicle” will be gone. (But relax: Charging stations will be “everywhere.”) In 1994, the Clinton administration decreed a bright shining future for education. Its Goals 2000 legislation proclaimed that, by that year, the United States’ high school graduation rate would be 90 percent and American students would lead the world in math and science achievements. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) was unimpressed: “That will not happen.” It didn’t, to the surprise of no one with an inkling of reality’s viscosity. President Bill Clinton’s (then Congress’s) goals, which Moynihan compared to the Soviet Union’s penchant for delusional grain quotas, illustrated what the senator called the “leakage of reality from American life.” Speaking of which: Democrats, including many presidential candidates, have endorsed something that makes Goals 2000 look like the soul of sobriety. The Green New Deal’s FAQ sheet says: In 10 years, America will have only non-carbon renewable energy. (ExxonMobil plans to produce 25 percent more oil and gas in 2025 than in 2017.) By then, “every building in America” will be environmentally retrofitted, “farting cows” (methane gas; say goodbye to hamburgers) will be on the way out, fast electric trains will make airplanes unnecessary, “every combustion-engine vehicle” will be gone. (But relax: Charging stations will be “everywhere.”) The GND has no practical importance but much significance. First, it underscores the rise of the politics of gestures that are as flamboyant as they are empty: President Trump has his wall, the left has its GND. Second, it reprises the progressive desire to militarize everything but the military, to conscript everyone into vast collective undertakings that supposedly justify vast excisions from personal liberty and the setting aside of pesky constitutional impediments. See President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call in his first inaugural address for power “as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.” Third, the GND reveals progressives’ embrace of Trump’s political style, a stew of frivolity and mendacity. Remember his campaign boast that he would erase the national debt — not just the budget deficit, the then$19 trillion debt — in eight years, meaning by more than $2 trillion a year? This was ludicrous, but not more so than

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Why racial hoaxes are so dangerous Jussie Smollett has now been charged with filing a false police report in an alleged hate crime incident that it appears Smollett orchestrated on himself. The actor, according to the head of the Chicago Poinda lice Department, was apparently trying to gain publicity by porhavez traying himself as a victim of bigotry, which he thought would help him in salary negotiations with the Fox show “Empire,” on which he plays musician Jamal Lyon. The finale to this episode of celebrity misbehavior has shocked many in the African-American community, as well it should. “Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?” Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson asked. “How could someone look at the hatred and suffering associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to manipulate that symbol to further his own public profile?” But it should concern all of us, not just African-Americans, when vic-

timization is perceived to be a route to greater fame and fortune. And the timing of this egregious hoax couldn’t be worse, as it played out against the arrest of a white nationalist who officials say really did intend to kill and maim in the name of racial hatred. On Tuesday, federal officials filed a motion to detain Christopher Paul Hasson, who was charged with plotting domestic terrorism, among other offenses. Hasson is a lieutenant in the Coast Guard, stationed in Washington, D.C., and spent five years in the Marines and two years in the Army National Guard. Offered in evidence at the hearing seeking Hasson’s detention was a letter he had allegedly written to friends laying out his intent: Opinion “Much blood will have to be spilled to get whitey off the couch. For some no amount of blood will be enough. They will die as will the traitors who actively work toward our demise. Looking to Russia with hopeful eyes or any land that despises the west’s liberalism. Excluding of course the muslim scum.” Continued on next page.

the GND, which is not the only example of the Trumpification of the left. The Wall Street Journal’s James Freeman notes that, last year, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said this on NBC: “My mother and daddy were born and raised in Oklahoma. My daddy first saw my mother when they were both teenagers. He fell in love with this tall, quiet girl who played the piano. Head over heels. But his family was bitterly opposed to their relationship because she was part Native American. They eventually eloped.” “Bitterly”? Because of the mother’s Native American “part”? Which could not have been much more than Warren’s still-hypothetical minuscule part? As Freeman writes: “If Native American ancestry was so distant on

her mother’s side that the senator has never been able to name any native relatives — and even now her own DNA expert cannot rule out the possibility that she has no such relatives at all — how would her father’s family have known enough to object?” What a tangled web we weave. It is now reasonable to conclude that Warren has made “birther” claims for self-serving reasons that remain opaque, claims that are no more factual or unimportant than the birther fabrications Trump concocted for use against Barack Obama. What explains Trump and his progressive emulators? No doubt many things, but begin with the leakage of reality from American life. The Washington Post

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Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Debate over Isis bride’s citizenship not about Trump

In 2014, Hoda Muthana, then 20 years old, left Alabama to become an ISIS bride in Syria. When she left the United States, she posted her passport on her Twitter account and implied she was about to burn it. Now Muthana wants to return to the U.S. with her 18-month-old son, but President Debra Donald Trump doesn’t want to Saunders let her back in the country. Here’s the TV news take on her case as laid out by the “Today” show’s Craig Melvin: “This is the Alabama woman who left four years ago to join ISIS. She has a son. She said that she wants to come home now; she was radicalized, she made a big mistake.” “Alabama mother begs to return to the US,” reads an online ABC News headline. Considering that Muthana left Alabama four years ago to renounce the United States and join ISIS, “Alabama mother” is not the way most people would describe her. Problem: Muthana doesn’t seem really sorry. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Muthana was asked what she thought would be proper punOpinion ishment for joining ISIS. She replied: “Maybe therapy lessons. Maybe a process that will insure us that we’ll never do this again.” Muthana also described herself as “just a normal human being who’s been manipulated once and hopefully never again.” The “Manson girls”—young women who trolled and killed for cult leader and mass murderer Charles Manson in 1969 -- come to mind. But at least the creepy young women who fell for Manson didn’t know what they were getting into when they joined his so-called family.

Why racial hoaxes are so dangerous Continued from preceding page. Hasson had accumulated an arsenal of weapons and drugs, the latter of which he used in emulating his hero, Anders Behring Breivik, a far-right Norwegian terrorist who killed 77 people in two attacks in Norway in 2011, including shooting 69 participants at a left-wing youth camp. Breivik’s manifesto encouraged those who would engage in terrorist acts to fortify themselves with steroids and narcotics to give them the necessary physical strength and will to carry out their acts. Hate crimes are up nationally, with the FBI reporting in 2017, the last year for which there are data, that hate crimes had increased by 17 percent over the previous year, with more than 7,000 incidents, including 60 percent against individuals. But Smollett just gave those who would diminish such statistics a perfect excuse for doing so. False allegations—such as the allegation that racially motivated lacrosse players at Duke University sexually assaulted a woman in 2006 and the rape hoax aimed at a fraternity at the University of Virginia in 2014, made famous in a Rolling Stone article—create an atmosphere where skepticism about real hate crimes thrives. But the perpetrators of these hoaxes rarely face justice. The woman who accused the Duke lacrosse players was never charged; she went on to be found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend in 2013. The woman who made up the story about being raped at UVA never faced the consequences of her actions, either, though Rolling Stone settled multimillion-dollar lawsuits filed by those defamed by its false reporting. Smollett should not get off easy. He should face jail time for concocting this horrible story; wasting resources, time and money of the Chicago Police Department; and abusing the trust of those who believed him. Meanwhile, Smollett’s story should not deflect attention from a real problem that exists: white nationalists who seek to sow racial hatred and kill in the name of a hateful ideology. There are real monsters out there, but making up fictitious ones to gain attention makes it harder to convince people they exist. Copyright 2019 Creators.com

Muthana was radicalized over the internet. Months before she flew to Istanbul on the road to Raqqa, Syria, ISIS posted a gruesome video of one of its masked thugs beheading journalist James Foley. ISIS forces had beheaded Syrian troops, humanitarian workers, civilians and western hostages. A normal person does not see videos of people being beheaded and want to marry the executioner. But Muthana did. She married three ISIS fighters as her contribution to the caliphate. Muthana also had a Twitter account on which she urged others to drive trucks to kill people at American parades. And she urged her followers to look up President Barack Obama’s schedule so they could “take down that treacherous tyrant.” Muthana now is being used as another example of what is wrong with Trump. After all, The president, tweeted, “I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!” As Pompeo told Melvin, the U.S. does not believe Muthana is a U.S. citizen, as her father served as a Yemeni diplomat for the United States shortly before her birth. The government asserts that the fact that Muthana had a U.S. passport did not establish her bona fides as a citizen. Muthana’s family is suing to prompt Washington to get her out of a Syrian refugee camp and back into the United States. “This shows us to be a nation of laws,” attorney Charles Swift argued on CNN Friday. Swift also said

that Muthana “understands that she’s going to be prosecuted.” I’m not so sure she does understand, given her assertion that jail time is less likely to help her when she really needs help to recover from the trauma she experienced. Muthana family attorney Hassan Shibly told the Daily Mail that Trump would use the case to undermine birthright citizenship in a way that affects “mostly Latino Americans.” There is one little problem with that argument. According to Swift’s petition to establish Muthana’s citizenship, as well as that of her son, the U.S. government sent a letter to her in care of her parents’ address on Jan. 15, 2016 informing Muthana she was not a citizen. January 2016 -- that’s before Trump was elected. It was the Obama administration that determined Muthana was not a citizen.According to Swift’s brief, the United Nations did not notify the U.S. government about the father’s diplomatic status until months after the daughter was born. And if there is one thing President Obama was not known for, it was working to end birthright citizenship. Swift may well be right on the citizenship issue at hand. And if he is, may Muthana be greeted with a quick embrace from a legal system ready to let her take responsibility --real responsibility—for joining a terrorist organization. Or maybe the courts will rule that Muthana is not an American, and if that happens, for once, it won’t be because of Trump. Copyright 2019 Creators.com

Low taxes are the best sweetheart deal Ever since Amazon’s breakup with New York on Valentine’s Day, dejected Mayor Bill De Blasio is complaining that corporations shouldn’t be able to play off one local government against others for tax breaks. “I don’t think it’s really fair to pit city against city and state against state,” De BlaBetsy sio whined like a jilted suitor. McCaughey Grow up, Mr. Mayor. Localities will always vie to woo companies. The real problem is that New York is pursuing a losing strategy. Winning requires low taxes and deregulation that benefit every company—whether it’s big or small, new to the state or homegrown. Instead, New York pols keep taxes at intolerable heights. Then they boast about negotiating tax breaks with a few big companies like Amazon. These pols aren’t job creators. They’re job buyers, willing to bid whatever it takes (with our money) so they can brag about luring in a plum employer. Opinion The whole strategy is unfair both to smaller companies that have to do business absent these tax breaks and to the state’s taxpayers, who have to pay more in taxes to make up for the lost revenue from these deals. We’re footing the bill for these pols’ phony job-creation theatrics. Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor De Blasio did a victory dance in November, when Amazon said it would build a second headquarters in Long Island City. Give the two credit. At least they were willing to deal with Amazon. The same cannot be said for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her anti-capitalist ilk, whose vocal opposition may have been what drove Amazon out. The Amazon deal aside, New York lost the overall competition for job growth in 2018, coming in below national average. Which states won? Nevada, Texas, Washington and Florida, which have no income tax, as well as Colorado, Arizona and Utah. Cuomo blames bad weather for New York’s mediocre showing and the exodus of New Yorkers to other states. That’s laughable. Utah, hardly tropical, has a booming economy. Cuomo’s tailor-made tax breaks are an abysmal

failure. Since taking office in 2011, he’s doled out more than $10 billion in costly giveaways. Failures include the $90 million factory in upstate Syracuse for Soraa LED lighting company, which walked away from the deal. New York’s taxpayer-funded corporate handouts are the most expensive in the U.S. and among the least effective, according to the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. In New York and nationwide, the strategy is a flop. Since 1990, states have tripled the amount of tax credits they’re offering companies to set up shop. But the states winning economically are pursuing a wiser strategy: across-the-board tax cuts and regulatory relief instead. States that woo big companies with special packages are getting slapped in the face. Three years ago, General Electric moved its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to Massachusetts, sweetened with a $25 million tax break package. Thursday, General Electric canceled plans for an office tower on the Boston waterfront and pared its staffing plan from 800 jobs down to 250. Lawmakers in several states, including Massachusetts and New York, are acting like embittered suitors. They’re proposing interstate compacts to prevent any future bidding wars. De Blasio says he wants to end “economic warfare.” New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim insists that states “can’t be pitted against each other like this.” Stopping state politicians from competing for jobs? When pigs fly. Just minutes after Amazon spurned New York, officials from New Jersey sent the company heart balloons, cupcakes and a message saying, “NJ & Newark Still Love U, Amazon.” Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., celebrating Amazon’s pull out, suggests that companies shouldn’t be allowed to shop for relocation deals. “How long will we allow giant corporations to hold our democracy hostage?” Sorry, senator, but competition is inevitable—and a good thing. It’s part of our capitalist system. New York and other high-tax states just need to compete intelligently. That means lowering taxes for all companies and putting out a sign that says, “Business Welcome.” So far extreme leftists would rather bash the system as “rigged” and continue to lose. Copyright 2019 Creators.com

• MARCH 1, 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.

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF NETWAR NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NETWAR has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The principal office of the nonprofit public benefit corporation is 17119 Sherwood Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent and office is Travis Kreikemeier, 17119 Sherwood Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The effective date of the incorporation was October 8, 2018 for the perpetual duration and the organization is managed by its board of directors. The purpose of the nonprofit corporation is to organize video gaming events with the proceeds benefiting various charitable organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HG HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HG Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 16636 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Yongmin Gui, her office is located at 16636 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Make Ready Cleaning LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 4811 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is Michael A Pekas, 4811 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68132. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JILL CARSON PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC Notice is hereby given that Jill Carson Photography, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Its initial agent and designated office is Jillian Carson, 17319 Sharp Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The LLC was organized on January 16, 2019. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HEARTWOOD PRESERVE MASTER PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Heartwood Preserve Master Property Owners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Heartwood Preserve Master Property Owners Association. 2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. 3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 4. The name and street address of the incorporator is: John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 5. The Corporation will have members. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF MARISSA FRICKE, 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 Marissa Fricke, 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 February 19, 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 February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Jenkintown, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Jenkintown, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Maple Grove, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Maple Grove, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Newtown, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Newtown, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser King of Prussia, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser King of Prussia, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Edina, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Edina, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Woodbury, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Woodbury, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RAMIKINS, 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 Ramikins, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Park-way Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all law-ful business. The company commenced existence on January 16, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR AMBERWOOD HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Amberwood HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on October 12, 2018. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR ARBOR CREEK HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Arbor Creek HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on December 28, 2018. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR CAMBRIDGE HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Cambridge HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on May 14, 2018. The addressof the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR COTTONWOOD HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Cottonwood HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on May 14, 2018. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR NORTHWOOD HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Northwood HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on May 14, 2018. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR WESTBROOK HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Westbrook HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on August 15, 2018. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PAROD FAMILY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Parod Family, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is KGL, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 17323 South Creek Circle, Omaha, NE 68136. 3. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 4. The company commenced its existence on February 27, 2018, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 5. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. Ross M. Berg Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 • 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 BRIDGE HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bridge Healthcare Solutions, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4841 South 165th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on February 5, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF LAMP RYNEARSON, INC. F/K/A LAMP, RYNEARSON & ASSOCIATES, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Lamp, Rynearson & Associates, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation as Lamp Rynearson, Inc. Article 2 states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 14710 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the Registered Agent as Brett J. Wawers. Article 3 states the purpose. Article 4 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue as 100,000 shares having a par value of $1.00 per share. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles. Article 7 states that provisions relating to director liability. Article 8 states the shareholders shall not have a preemptive right to acquire the unissued shares. The Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 31, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fulcrum I Carry, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 11, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Member. Teri Mercer will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against Fulcrum I Carry, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3800, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. A claim against Fulcrum I Carry, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 DKH CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DKH Consulting, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 12015 Jefferson Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on February 11, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 THE SPORTS HALL, LLC The name of the Company is The Sports Hall, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 108 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 7, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 NINETY-SIXTH MERIDIAN II, LLC The name of the Company is Ninety-Sixth Meridian II, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 8, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MVL Enterprises, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as of January 24, 2019, with its registered office at 3948 V Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107, and with Tiffany E. Thompson as its initial agent for service of process at 4611 S. 96th Street, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68127. The general nature of its business is to engage in and to do any lawful act and any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION On 02/06/2019, GREAT PLAINS ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC filed an AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION changing its name to : GREAT PLAINS SEED CO., LLC First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DAHL FAMILY FARM LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF R & J HOLDINGS, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PAULLY SK8, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HEMP WHOLESALERS DIRECT, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR INCONTRO HOLDINGS, L.L.C. Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is INCONTRO HOLDINGS, L.L.C. The address of the registered office is 16325 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is CYNTHIA INCONTRO. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced busi-ness on February 12, 2019, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GBR ADVISORS, LLC Notice is hereby given that GBR Advisors, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 640 N 156th Ave, Omaha, NE 68118. 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 November 29, 2018. Its affairs are to be conducted by Brian Christensen. Its registered agent is Brian Christensen and his office is located at 640 N 156th Ave, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRANDED PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Branded Properties, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 15605 Parker Circle, Omaha, NE 68118. Trevor Brandenburgh, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BRANDED HOLDING, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is BRANDED HOLDING, INC. The corporation is authorizied to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128, and its incorporator is Trevor Brandenburgh, 15605 Parker Circle, Lincoln, NE 68037. Trevor Brandenburgh, Incorporator First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF YGG, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is YGG, 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 17117 Burt Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. Yelena Ginzburg, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHELTON HOME SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is SHELTON HOME SERVICES, 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 2514 S. 119 Street, Omaha, NE 68144. Mackenzie Shelton, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FANTASY DRIVE, INC. Registered Office: 7914 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114 The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Authorized capital stock is $10,000 to be fully paid and non-assessable on issue. Perpetual existence commenced January 3, 2018, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Alvin C. Okereke, Incorporator First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAGNI STONE, 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 Magni Stone, 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 13353 A Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Brandon Magni, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PALMER SCHOOL OF MASSAGE, 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 Palmer School of Massage, 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 15555 Walnut Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. Deborah J. Palmer, Members First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JEN CONGER MARKETING, 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 Jen Conger Marketing, 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 19905 Blondo Parkway, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Jennifer Conger, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Virtual Tour Omaha, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, as of November 19, 2018, and filed a Statement of Correction to note the name as Virtual Tours Omaha, LLC on January 8, 2019. The company’s registered office is located at 14714 Girard Street, Bennington, NE 68007, and Tiffany E. Thompson will serve as its initial agent for service of process at 4611 South 96th Street, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68127. The general nature of its business is to engage in and to do any lawful act and any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WOODCHUCKERS TREE SERVICE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Woodchuckers Tree Service, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 912 Lakeview Drive, Eagle, Nebraska 68347. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOWER FARM MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sower Farm Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 S 72nd Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 ORGANIZATION OF CROWN ROOFING, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Crown Roofing, LLC.The address of the initial designated office is 5050 South 162nd Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. By: Steven G. Ranum First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FRISKOPP HOLDINGS, 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 Friskopp Holdings, 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 February 8, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SARA OMARA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/08/2018 on Case Number CI18-24204, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,741.44, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 04/01/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 ORGANIZATION OF BUTLER COUNTY SOLAR, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Butler County Solar, 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 A. DeWitt, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. By: Richard A. DeWitt First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COLLABORATIVE NP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Collaborative NP, 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. 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 members. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT The Articles of Incorporation of Nebraska-Iowa Wireless Association, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, have been amended and restated in their entirety to clarify (1) the purpose of the corporation, which is a business league within the meaning of Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, of individuals and businesses involved in the wireless telecommunications industry devoted to improving business conditions and promoting the general advancement of the wireless telecommunications industry in Nebraska and Iowa and (2) the role of its members. The corporation is a public benefit corporation. The street address of the corporation’s registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114-3419; and the name of the registered agent of the corporation at that office is Harvey B. Cooper. The corporation does not have members as such term is defined in the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is CHERNICH, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 17323 South Creek Circle, Omaha, NE 68136. 3. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 4. The company commenced its existence on March 5, 2018, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 5. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. Ross M. Berg Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is EASE PET SITTING, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 18974 Pratt Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 3. The name of the initial agent for service of the Company at such address is Robert P. Fritz. The initial mailing address of the initial agent for service is 18974 Pratt Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 5. The company commenced its existence on February 4, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. Ross M. Berg Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-100 Estate of Robert J. Wolff, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on January 30, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased and that James L. Wolff, whose address is 1234 Daytona Avenue, Holly Hill, Florida 32117, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 22, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NKC CAFFEINE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NKC Caffeine, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrew A. Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EHG COMPANIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that EHG Companies, 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 February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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: BRYAN P O'NEILL, 2419 Pierce St, Omaha NE 68105, you are hereby notified that on De-cember 26, 2018, DWORAK FAMILY PROPERTIES filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI18-26888, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,290.00, 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 8th day of April, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 8, 2019 JAMES R. SACOMAN, Attorney 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124-2092 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-152 Estate of Violet Cunnignham Duree, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 8, 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 MARGARET M. CUNNINGHAM, whose address is 8767 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68134, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 15, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1046 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-166 Estate of Richard Edward Postert, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 11, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased person, and that Paul T Marron, whose address is 11206 Smithfield Road, Manassas, Virginia 20112 has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 15, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 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 1026 N 33rd, LLC The name of the Company is 1026 N 33rd, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on February 8, 2019. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION All Access Brokerage, 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 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Gregory P. Bolton, 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DONN RAYMOND CONSULTING L.L.C. 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 Donn Raymond Consulting L.L.C. The name and address of the registered agent is Donn Raymond, 19105 Frances Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 7, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Managers as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION CHANGE OF NAME The Certificate of Organization of Mitchell Masker Landscape Management, LLC has been amended, changing the name of the company from Mitchell Masker Landscape Management, LLC to ENLIGHTEN LAWN AND LANDSCAPING, LLC, effective February 12, 2019. All other provisions of the Certificate of Organization remain unchanged. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 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 SNOWMASS AIR LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Snowmass Air LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 15750 West Dodge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The limited liability company commenced business on February 13, 2019. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 CHARLES E. DORWART, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that be Epictetus Cato, L.L.C. has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office located at 1805 North 18th Street, Apt 101, Omaha, NE 68110. The general nature of the business is to transact all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Nebraska law. The company was organized on December 27, 2018 and shall have a perpetual existence. Its purpose is to provide services to the elderly. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by Member Managers as designated in the operating agreement. Autumn Golonka, Member Manager First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 CHARLES E. DORWART, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that be Neil & Steve Real Estate L.L.C. has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office located at 12116 South 214th Street, Gretna, NE 68028. The general nature of the business is to transact all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Nebraska law. The company was organized on January 24, 2019 and shall have a perpetual existence. Its purpose is to own, manage, and invest in real estate. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by Member Managers as designated in the operating agreement. Neil Hoebelheinrich, Member Manager First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 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 ORGANIZATION OF VERNON INDUSTRIES, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Vernon Industries, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 23612 Berry Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Timothy J. Vernon, 23612 Berry Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. By: Steven G. Ranum First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF KYLE D. ROSE, D.O., P.C. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of KYLE D. ROSE, D.O., P.C. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the professional corporation is KYLE D. ROSE, D.O., P.C. 2. The number of shares that the professional corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 shares of voting common stock. 3. The name of the initial registered agent is Thomas Waldron, and the address of the initial registered office is 8901 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 4. The name and address of the incorporator is KYLE D. ROSE, D.O., 19920 Dewey Ave, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 5. The general nature of the profession to be practiced by the Corporation is medicine and surgery. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Phase 3 Ag, LLC has been amended to change the name of the limited liability company to Phase3 Ag, LLC. First publication February 15, 2019, final March 1, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), NATHAN C WEISE You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 10/31/2018 on Case Number CI18-22703, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $140.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 04/15/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), LYNN R NELSON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/05/2018 on Case Number CI18-24207, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $428.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 04/15/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), MICHELLE L NORMAN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 110/30/2018 on Case Number CI18-22699, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $208.82, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 04/15/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), LIINDSAY S ARENAS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/05/2018 on Case Number CI18-21923, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $280.76, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 04/15/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 1 CHOICE HOME CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 1 Choice Home Care, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11310 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Buddha Maitreya Soul Therapy Center Name of Applicant: Church of Shambhala Vajradhara Maitreya Sangha Address: 9977 Bottle Rock Rd Kelseyville CA 95451 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: CA Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 12/17/2018 General nature of business: Meditation Healing Center SANAT MAITREYA KUMARA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 1, 2019 KATHRYN M. HEMENWAY, Attorney 5310 S. 139th Plaza, Suite 301 Omaha, Nebraska 68137 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: LEILAH'S LEARNING CENTER Name of Applicant: MUYA'S FAMILY DAYCARE INC Address: 5523 S. 173rd Avenue, 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: January 1, 2019 General nature of business: Daycare ABDI MUYA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 1, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney 17007 March Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Theta Community Name of Applicant: Hummingbird Holdings LLC Address: 12705 Marinda Street Omaha NE 68144 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 2/3/2019 General nature of business: Massage and other related therapeutic services KELLY LANGFELDT Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 1, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney 17007 March Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry Name of Applicant: Wilkinson Dentistry LLC Address: 806 North Adams Street Papillion NE 68046 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: 2/15/2019 General nature of business: Dental Professional CORY WILKINSON Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 1, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: EDWIN TAYE You are hereby notified that on 09/20/18, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI18 19421. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 590.29, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 04/14/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, COUNTY Nebraska. Megan L. Bischoff #25206 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: HAWTHORNE FINISHED BASEMENTS Name of Applicant: HAWTHORNE BASEMENTS, LLC Address: 19201 SAHLER STREET, ELKHORN, NE 68022 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA Date of first use of name in Nebraska: FEBRUARY 15, 2019 General nature of business: PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES JENNIFER L. RATTNER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 1, 2019

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARKER FINANCIAL ASSOCIATES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Parker Financial Associates, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14802 Ruggles Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Butterfly Maiden, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 26, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. Rebecca S. Luther will wind up the company’s business and affairs. The Company will have no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 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 DT DELI, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DT Deli, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1417 N. 128th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 22, 2019. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 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 SPRINGHILL DENTAL ASSISTING ACADEMY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SpringHill Dental Assisting Academy, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4327 South 174th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Yu-Ting Christina Chiang, 4327 South 174th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The limited liability company commenced business on February 22, 2019. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TruFit New Mexico, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 25, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. Tony Dahmen will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against TruFit New Mexico, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to TruFit New Mexico, LLC, c/o Dvorak Law Group, LLC, 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114. A claim against TruFit New Mexico, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LEFT-BRAIN GIFTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Left-Brain Gifts, 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 members. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Brandiful Marketing, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 1934 S. 61st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The registered agent of the Company is Britney Hansen, 1934 S. 61st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The Company was formed on February 19, 2019. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Maguire Home Services Incorporated, whose registered agent is Robert E. Maguire and registered office is 2884 Martin Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68112, was formed on February 26, 2019 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock. Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KW LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KW Landscape & Design, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5080 S. 159th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 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 HEARTLAND AG SYSTEMS MANUFACTURING LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Heartland Ag Systems Manufacturing LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The limited liability company commenced business on February 22, 2019. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 JOSEPH J. SKUDLAREK 1055 N 115 Street STE 301 Omaha NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is Revive Innovations LLC. Its designated office is 12110 Windward Avenue, Papillion NE 68046. Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced on February 15, 2019. Its affairs shall be managed by a Member/Manager. Nic Novotny, Organizer First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARETECH NEBRASKA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Caretech Nebraska, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11904 Arbor Street #201, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HAWTHORNE BASEMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hawthorne Basements, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 19201 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SUMMER SOLSTICE PUBLISHING LLC Notice is hereby given that Summer Solstice Publishing LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 3009 N 76th Street, Omaha, NE 68134. 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 February 21, 2019. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Lisa A. Quaites. Its registered agent is Lisa A. Quaites and her office is located at 3009 N 76th Street, Omaha, NE 68134. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EMPOWERED PREVENTION LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Empowered Prevention LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8811 Webster Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is USCA. Inc., 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 MIDTOWN ROWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Nebraska non-profit corporation, Notice is hereby given that Midtown Rows Homeowners Association, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its principle office located at 12040 McDermott Plaza, Suite 200 La Vista, Nebraska, 68128. The name of its initial registered agent is Allen Grimes. The general nature of its business is to provide for the maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the improvements and common areas within the Midtown Rows subdivision, a residential subdivision in Sarpy County, Nebraska. The corporation is a mutual benefit corporation and shall have members. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State on February 15, 2018. The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, a President, Secretary and Treasurer as may be prescribed by the bylaws or appointed by the Board of Directors. The name and address of the initial incorporator is as follows: Allen Grimes, 12040 McDermott Plaza, Suite 200, La Vista, Nebraska 68128. Allen Grimes, Incorporator and Initial Director First publication March 1, 2019, final March 15, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ANGELA J TURNER, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is ANGELA J TURNER, 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 8217 N. 172nd Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. Angela J. Turner, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LYN ECHTER REAL ESTATE, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is LYN ECHTER REAL ESTATE, LLC. The company is organized to render real estate sales services. The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 2541 N. 159th Street, Omaha, NE 68116. Lynn Echter, Member First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CV BUILDING GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CV Building Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 98102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 13625 California Street, Suite 110 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CVC INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CVC Investments, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 98102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 13625 California Street, Suite 110, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019 PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF cozyElegance, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of cozyElegance, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is cozyElegance, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1013 Howard Street, #2, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and the name and street address of the registered agent for service of process is Patrick M. Flood, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. First publication February 22, 2019, final March 8, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Like the dinosaurs, super-jumbo jets were displaced by smaller and more nimble competitors By Samantha Masunaga

With seating for up to 800 passengers between two decks, Airbus’ A380 super-jumbo jet was envisioned in 2000 as a flagship aircraft for the European company, offering a luxurious experience for long-distance flights. But over time, smaller twin-engine planes became more fuel efficient and started handling longer, transoceanTravel ic routes. On Thursday, Airbus said it would wind down production of the double-decked A380 — the largest commercial passenger jet ever — with a final delivery set for 2021. The decision comes about a year after the last Boeing 747 jumbo jet operated by a U.S. airline made its final flight. Once competitors, the A380 and the 747 are now giants in a market no longer dominated by big planes. “These things were born to die,” Richard Aboulafia, aviation analyst at market research firm Teal Group, said of the A380. “By the time

this thing got going, the days of the big planes were clearly the past, fading in the rearview mirror.” Airbus launched the A380 program in 2000 in an attempt to unseat Boeing Co.’s decades-long domination of the large commercial aircraft market. At the time, the 420-seat 747 was the world’s largest airliner and had been on the market for more than 30 years. The two companies were betting on two different visions of air travel. Airbus said airlines would want to ferry more passengers at a time through major “hub” airports — with connections, or “spokes,” to smaller markets — as a way to deal with increased congestion. In contrast, Boeing favored moving to more direct, point-to-point routes using smaller planes and smaller airports. Boeing, in essence, was proven right. Soon after the A380’s launch, Boeing in 2003 announced it would develop what became the 787 Dreamliner. The mid-sized, twin-engine plane used new engines and carbon materials to

offer more fuel efficiency. That was followed by Airbus’ own entrant, the A350, as well as the smaller A330neo and Boeing 737 Max, among others, Scott Hamilton, founder of aviation consulting firm Leeham Co., said on his company blog. “Right after it, all of the other long-range, twin-aisle airplanes launched and totally fragmented the market,” he said in an interview. “It was death by a thousand cuts.” Airlines gravitated toward point-to-point travel, which takes smaller planes, Aboulafia said. Twin-engine planes were also later certified to fly over the ocean. When the A380 made its public debut in 2005, Boeing also tried to counter by announcing plans for an updated version of the 747, though airlines were uninterested in what they saw as an outdated plane. By 2017, Airbus was working through a dwindling backlog of A380 orders. Boeing eventually chose to market the 747 as a cargo plane, emphasizing its carrying capacity and the

How to rebuild your work team’s flagging momentum by Liz Reyer

Q: I lead a cross-functional international team, and we are able to meet in person only two to three times per year. Each time we come back fired up, but then energy fades pretty quickly. It’s happening again after our most recent event. What can I do Workplace right now to rebuild momentum, and how can I prevent this in the future? -Shelly, 50, project lead A: Find ways to benefit from the good parts of having a widely dispersed team, while addressing the challenges. Great things happen when a team comes together. You can share ideas, sit around a table to solve problems, and enjoy meals and social time together. You also learn more about the nuances of your colleagues’ behavior: their body language and nonverbal signals, which can help you interact more effectively when you’re apart. You also get to focus on your purpose for meeting in a way that you can’t when you are all back home and immersed in your normal day-to-day. This is where reality often comes crashing in, leading to the situation you’ve raised. For right now, be transparent about what you are seeing. Send a team note or have a call where you talk about your enthusiasm at your meeting and how hard it can be to maintain those connections. Ask your team for ideas to help carry forward the energy so that they can contribute to the solution. There are a few easy steps that come to mind. Build a culture of explicit appreciation. When someone does something useful, kind or innovative, call it out! This isn’t a top-down activity; it’s something everyone can do to build positive buzz about being part of such a great group. Connect people on tasks in different ways. It’s easy to get into a rut of working with the same people all the time. You can deepen the team’s relationships by assigning projects to people who may not have worked closely together before. Use visuals. If you don’t have pictures on your online work profiles, add them.

If you took pictures at your past events, send them out. This is especially fun as a surprise e-mail about a shared memory. Build on these for future events, adding another layer of intentionality. Recognize the team boost you get from being together, and talk about ways you can get that glow to last longer. Are there steps you can take? Virtual coffees or happy hours? Regional meetings for parts of the group? Include an agenda item about collaborating across time zones and distance. Make sure you understand the frustrations, and also think about what you gain from the variety of perspectives you all bring. Keep in mind that being co-located also

doesn’t mean living happily ever after. You can still get friction, which can be exacerbated by proximity. However, it’s easier to sweep disagreements under the rug if you don’t see each other. If there’s too much of this, it can have a corrosive effect on team cohesion. As the leader, you have a primary responsibility, but not the sole responsibility. If you build agreement that your team has value and is worth nurturing, you can then rely on all members to step up to help support it. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

aircraft’s hinged nose door that could accommodate larger loads. The decisive blow for the A380 was a decision by Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier that described itself in August as the world’s largest operator of A380s. The airline said at the time that it had operated A380s for 10 years and used them to carry more than 105 million passengers. Emirates’ interest in the giant jets was knit into its growth plans. Whenever the airline was able to get a slot at a hub, it wanted to put the largest possible plane there to ferry higher numbers of passengers, Aboulafia said. “They had an opportunity to turn Dubai into the center of the airline universe,” he said. But on Thursday, Emirates said it would reduce its order book of A380 aircraft from 162 planes to 123. In a press release from Airbus, the airline cited a “review of its operations” and “developments in aircraft and engine technologies” as the reasoning behind its decision. Instead, Emirates said it would order 40 A330-900 and 30 A350-900 aircraft. The A330-900 seats about 287 passengers, while the A350-900 has room for 325. “As a result of this decision we have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other airlines in recent years,” Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders said in the statement. “Today’s announcement is painful for us and the A380 communities worldwide.” Airbus builds portions of the A380 in a number of locations, including Germany for major component assembly and France for final assembly. The company said up to 3,500 jobs could be affected over the next three years. ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

American Airlines offers helicopter rides and private lounges for super VIPs by Hugo Martin

American Airlines has just banished two of the most annoying aspects of flying out of Los Angeles International Airport: traffic gridlock and the long security screening line. But it won’t be cheap. In the latest effort by the airline industry to cater to well-heeled travTrends elers, the world’s largest air carrier launched a super VIP package that includes a helicopter ride to LAX and security clearance at a cushy private lounge, with a Cadillac sedan ready to zip you to your plane. American is offering a similar deal in New York. All that pampering can add more than $1,700 to the price of an airline ticket. The package, known as Five Star Service, is part of an arms race among the nation’s biggest carriers to win over business travelers and wealthy leisure jet-setters who generate the lion’s share of airline revenues. “Whatever they can do to get a celebrity or premium business traveler to spend thousands of dollars on a flight, it’s worth doing,” said Seth Kaplan, editor of Airline Weekly, an industry publication. The upscale offerings are becoming more and more elaborate as demand for air travel has surged and consumer confidence has climbed. But such swanky features might not last if the country hits another economic slump, Kaplan said. “These are the kinds of things you do

when times are good,” he said. In May, United Airlines announced a deal that lets passengers get access to Private Suite, the private terminal on the outskirts of LAX where VIPs can check in for a flight, relax in luxury, clear security and get whisked to the plane in a new BMW sedan without having to go into an airport terminal and rub elbows with the common folk. Over the last few years, United Airlines, Delta and American have all started offering premier travelers chauffeured Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Cadillac cars to make connections at LAX. Delta Air Lines, which operates a private curbside entrance for VIP travelers and celebrities at LAX, launched a $1.9-billion renovation in 2017 to its LAX terminals. In 2021, the airline plans to unveil a new swanky Sky Club lounge to serve its premium passengers and top loyalty reward members. Earlier this month, United said it plans to add more than 1,600 United Polaris business class pods — featuring lie-flat seats and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding — and United First seats to nearly 250 international and domestic aircraft. Under American’s Five Star add-on package, fliers can grab a seat on a chartered helicopter that takes off from Van Nuys Airport, Santa Monica Airport or the rooftop of a parking garage near the Los

Angeles Convention Center. Once the helicopter lands at LAX, the passengers will be driven in a Cadillac either to the off-site Private Suite facility for security screening or to the airline’s upscale Flagship First Check-in at Terminal 4, where VIPs can handle all those mundane check-in and screening chores before hanging out in the airline’s premium lounge. The helicopter flight must be booked through a charter service called Blade. Then American picks up the Five Star package customer in a Cadillac for the ride from the helicopter pad at LAX. The helicopter ride to LAX could add up to $1,350 to the price of a flight on American Airlines. In addition, American Airlines charges $350 for the Cadillac ride from the chopper to the carrier’s luxury facilities at Terminal 4. There is a separate charge of $1,200 per couple to have the Cadillac drive the fliers to Private Suite to get access to its private screening. “The No. 1 pain point of traveling from New York City and Los Angeles to the airports is traffic,” Blade Chief Executive Rob Wiesenthal said in a statement. “Our Blade airport transfer product turns an hour-anda-half drive into a helicopter flight that’s five to seven minutes.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

No one wants to hear ‘You’re fired.’ Is there a better way to dismiss a problem worker? by Lauren Zumbach

It’s a sentence no one likes to say or hear: “You’re fired.” But with the focus on preventing violence in the workplace after events like the shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Ill., some companies are considering whether there’s a better way to handle potentially volatile firings. Workplace The goal is to balance respect for the employee being let go with the safety of co-workers. And no one is taking tips from Donald Trump in “The Apprentice.” In Aurora, police said Gary Martin was being fired when he turned a gun on his colleagues, killing five and later wounding five police officers. Workplace shootings like the one at Henry Pratt are extremely rare. According to the FBI, 3 out of 50 shootings in 2016 and 2017 involved former employees at a workplace. Two had been fired in the previous two months. However uncommon, there’s a growing focus on finding ways to reduce risk in cases where an employer believes there’s reason for concern, said Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. Some organizations are moving the place where they conduct terminations closer to exits or security, or moving the entire human resources office, Taylor said. That avoids parading a just-fired worker through the office and makes it easier to control the situation if the worker doesn’t take the news well. “It just adds salt in the wound. What

we’ve learned is to try to do this in a way that is filled with dignity and respect,” he said. But even traditional notions of dignity and respect — like delivering the news in person — can take a back seat to safety. Some companies will consider whether it’s better to fire a particular worker by phone or email. “As inhumane as it’s perceived to be … if there’s any indication in the person’s workplace behavior or background or things that give pause, by all means don’t put more people in danger,” Taylor said. Not all remote firings mean the company considers the employee a potential threat, said Jodi Coplan, president of the Northern Illinois Society for Human Resource Management and a global human resources leader for Cognizant, an information technology services firm. She works virtually and said she had conducted several terminations over the phone. Cognizant does make sure the employees’ access to company facilities and technology is cut before they get the news, she said. Ken Boudreau, CEO of Chicago-based Embassy Security Group, recommends delivering the news in a small interview room away from other employees rather than bringing the person to executive offices, and involving as few people as possible. “I don’t care how nice you’re trying to be. It’s not going to be received well,” he said. For that reason, companies increasingly are planning for the worst. That means establishing crisis teams that can be called in when someone raises concerns about an

employee, experts say. Those teams often include representatives from the legal, human resources and security departments, a manager and potentially a police officer, who can intervene early to prevent violence, said Matthew Doherty, senior vice president of threat and violence risk management at Hillard Heintze, a Chicago-based security risk management firm. Police are “not going to be in human resources in uniform, but if there’s a concerning termination or a bad day with layoffs, they want to know so they can be in close proximity,” he said. In certain cases, companies also want to monitor employees who are a concern after they have been dismissed. That can include keeping an eye on what Doherty calls “open source intelligence,” such as social media activity, for signs that the person is acquiring weapons or stalking someone at their former workplace. In one case, a recently terminated employee posted a selfie taken in front of an executive’s home, Doherty said. “The days of firing someone on a Friday and hoping the problem goes away on Monday (is) not a good approach if you’re concerned about their behavior,” he said. Not all approaches are punitive. Companies may consider offering outplacement services or providing mental health services. Extending benefits to a fired worker who has prompted concerns may seem counterintuitive, but the goal is to ensure a “soft landing,” said Michael Crane, a

Townhouses are increasingly the place to call home by Steve Brown

Weddings

Omaha Business Journal Pages

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include: • • • • • • •

2019 Weddings Overview Venues Catering/Cakes Technology and social media Fashion/bouquet/accessories trend Honeymoons and Destination Weddings Preserving Wedding Memories

Issue Date: March 8 • Ad Deadline: February 28 To advertise your company in this section, 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

Northbrook-based security consultant. Exit packages can also come with strings attached, like requiring the employee not to contact former colleagues or cutting off insurance coverage if they miss appointments, Crane said. But efforts to strengthen security and minimize risks won’t help if employers aren’t aware of any red flags. A spokeswoman for Henry Pratt Co.’s parent, Mueller Water Products, declined to comment on whether the company was aware of Martin’s history of violence, including an aggravated assault conviction that disqualified him from owning a gun. Authorities said that conviction did not show up on two background checks conducted by Illinois State Police, which allowed Martin to purchase a handgun, the Chicago Tribune reported. That’s why experts recommend that companies worried about workplace violence start by reviewing policies meant to encourage employees to come forward when they have concerns about a co-worker and train workers to identify potentially worrisome employees or situations that might increase the risk of violence. Many larger companies are getting better at being proactive with those policies and training, but some smaller and midsize firms “might still have a feeling it’s not going to happen here,” Crane said. “Once somebody has a problem, that mindset changes.” ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The house of tomorrow may be a townhouse. Rising construction prices and higher land costs have more builders and buyers turning to the high-density urban models. Young buyers like the central location of most townhouses, too. Real Estate “If you look at the last four quarters of data of production of townhomes, the single-family attached market is up 24 percent,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders. “It’s growing eight times as fast as the overall single-family market.” With new home prices soaring, builders are hunting ways to produce more affordable houses. But finding land priced right for traditional homes — particularly in urban markets — is a challenge. Townhouses are increasingly an option, Dietz said. “Townhouse construction tends to be a little smaller and more entry-level-market and more dense,” he said. “We see this as a great growth potential for the home building market.” Townhouse starts totaled 14 percent of the total building market in 2018 — tied for the highest rate of construction ever, according to the NAHB. “It’s the way out of some of those supply side headwinds,” he said at the building industry’s annual meeting this week in Las Vegas. “This kind of home is selling. It’s just a question of whether builders can build it.” Builders often have to compete with apartment developers for townhouse land. And cities can lag in providing proper zoning for the product.

There can be pushback from traditional homeowners, too. When a large new home community in Fort Worth, Texas, recently added townhouses to its offering mix, homeowners in the development protested the move. Builders started about 1,459 townhouses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2018, according to Dallas housing analyst Residential Strategies. That was only about a 4 percent share of the market. “This compares to the previous market peak in second quarter 2006, when there were 2,541 annual townhouse starts, representing a 5 percent share of market,” said Residential Strategies principal Ted Wilson. Wilson said townhouses are attracting more D-FW buyers. “Over the past three years, townhouse construction has grown by 126 percent,” he said. “With housing affordability being a significant challenge for many firsttime buyers, townhomes offer an affordable solution. “Incredibly, we have noted that there have even been family buyers for townhouses in some of the preferred school districts.” Empty nesters seeking to downsize are also attracted to the smaller homes. Danushka Nanayakkara of the NAHB’s forecasting and analysis department said the industry is forecasting continued townhouse growth. “This is a very appealing market for the millennials that want to walk to work and restaurants in an urban location,” she said. “It’s a way for builders to have more density.” ©2019 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

INVESTMENTS EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Investments overview/outlook • Financial tips for baby boomers • Diversifying is key Retirement plan trends • Choosing an investment broker/financial adviser • Popular investing sectors Fountain of Youth: Financial advisers seek to connect with younger investors

Employment & Staffing overview • Job market outlook • Employee development Training trends • Attracting, retaining and rewarding • Temporary professionals Technology and social media • Negotiating a job offer/salary

Issue Date: March 8 • Ad Deadline: February 28

Issue Date: March 15 • Ad Deadline: March 7

Conference Tuesday, May 15, 2019, at the CHI Health Center Omaha

Omaha’s Districts A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

2019 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference special supplement

The Midlands Business Journal’s supplement will give conference highlights, profile leaders, award winners and speakers, and spotlight key issues important to women. As a company that markets to women, this section can carry your message. Your company’s advertisement will reach inspiring, professional women in this informative edition.

Topics in this section may include the following: Conference overview • Digital Age Leadership • #StayHuman element National Appeal of the ICAN Conference Grows • The Digital Zone The ICAN Leadership Award

Issue Date: March 15 • Ad Deadline: March 7

Topics may include:

Omaha’s Districts overview • Commercial, office and retail Shopping, dining and attractions • Housing projects • History Issue Date: March 22 • Ad Deadline: March 14

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

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 8

INVESTMENTS

MARCH 15

EMPLOYMENT AND STAFFING

ICAN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE MARCH 22

OMAHA’S DISTRICTS 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…

John Reed, senior vice president/ managing director of NorthMarq Capital’s Omaha regional office, secured the $21 million refinance of Tranquility Pointe Apartments, a 230-unit multifamily property located at 4202 N. 126th Court in Omaha. The transaction was structured with a 10-year term on a 30year amortization schedule. NorthMarq arranged financing for the borrower through its seller/servicer relationship with Freddie Mac. Zaiss & Co. was a finalist in the 2018 Creative Media Awards. The firm was one of three finalists in the “Online Media: Search” category for a strategic regional PPC campaign. The finalists in this year’s awards represent a cross-section of America’s leading advertising firms including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, NBCUniversal and WPP and featured work for nationally recognized brands such as Google, HBO, Kraft Heinz and Lexus. FBG Service Corp., a commercial cleaning and facilities maintenance company, had several changes to its senior leadership team. Wayne Simmonds, FBG’s founder and chairman, becomes chairman emeritus. Terri Gogetap, Simmonds daughter and FBG president, now adds CEO to her title. Tina Heisterkamp, FBG vice president of finance, has been named the board of director’s secretary and treasurer. Andy Peterson, FBG vice president of strategic accounts, was named board director. Riekes Equipment and Bublitz Material Handling have merged. The combined, privately held company will operate under the Riekes Equipment name and to be headquartered in Omaha. In 2018 the companies positioned themselves for growth by launching a new business operations software and a new leadership structure to provide strategic direction and ensure a quality experience for clients and employees. In addition, the combined operations will benefit from the expansion of the rental division. Together, the companies have more than 200 employees and more than 15,000 customers. Dice Communications has been recognized as the North American 2018 Partner of the Year by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise. Dice was recognized in the principality of Monaco at ALE’s 2019 North American partner event — CONNEX19. This is the third time in its 10-year existence that Dice Communications has been recognized by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise as the North American Partner of the Year and this is the company’s second consecutive year of receiving the honor. The award celebrates achievement beyond simply reaching traditional revenue targets. It’s a reflection of growth initiatives, innovation and collaboration opportunities with ALE’s solutions during the previous year. Cobalt Credit Union has begun expansion into Fremont, Nebraska. Construction remodel will begin on the retail space for the Credit Union’s first branch in Fremont. The new branch will feature an ATM as well as a drive-up interactive teller machine. The new Fremont branch will open summer 2019. No More Empty Cups has re-opened under the new name, Cups Café at Little

Italy, located at 1502 S. 10th St. Omaha. This is the first of two Cups Cafés, the second one is planned to open this coming summer in Florence. A program of No More Empty Pots, Cups Café provides an opportunity for local communities to support the mission of creating sustainable and food-secure neighborhoods. The cafés will serve specialty coffee and healthy, seasonal food prepared by local entrepreneurs. The keynote speaker for 2019 AIM Infotec will be Dr. Garrett Reisman. Reisman was selected by NASA in 1998 as a mission specialist astronaut. While at NASA, Reisman completed two space missions, including one in 2008 where he spent 95 days on the International Space Station. After leaving NASA in 2011, Reisman joined SpaceX where he worked for Elon Musk and prepared SpaceX for human spaceflight as the director of space operations. Currently, he is a professor of astronautical engineering at USC and a senior advisor at SpaceX. The conference is on April 1-2 at the Embassy Suites La Vista. The city of Council Bluffs was awarded $2,000,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding and $300,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The city of Council Bluffs will address lead hazards in 100 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. The city will also perform healthy homes assessments. The city of Council Bluffs will be working with Family Housing Advisory Services, Iowa Department of Human Services Pottawattamie County Office, FAMILY, Inc., Human Services Advisory Council and Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Steve Altmaier, Ken Fouts and Kent Pavelka into the NBA Hall of Fame. Altmaier started in 1974 as an announcer at KGFW and KQKY in Kearney and was promoted to sports director for KGFW in 1981. In 2005 he was named KGFW’s associate news director then news director in 2009, a title held until his retirement in 2016. He was recognized as the Nebraska Coaches Association “Media Person of the Year” (2005) followed by his induction to the UNK Athletics Hall of Fame (2006). Fouts employers have included NBC Sports, ABC Sports, ESPN and others. He produced and directed events including Cincinnati Reds baseball, NFL playoffs, the World Series, Orange and Fiesta Bowls, Super Bowl XV and two Olympics. His work earned him seven Emmy Awards after producing and directing over 3,000 TV sporting events in 15 different countries around the world over five decades, before retiring in 2002. Pavelka began in 1972 at KHUB in Fremont as an announcer and sportscaster. In 1974 he joined Omaha’s KFAB and moved up to operations manager before becoming the play-by-play man from 1984 through 1996. Pavelka also took on play-by-play for Husker Men’s Basketball from 1974 through 1996. He later joined Omaha’s KKAR before calling Husker hoops again in 2006 with Husker Sports — a position he still holds.

Health care notes…

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska recognized Nebraska Methodist Hospital with a Blue Distinction Centers+ Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. for Cardiac Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations. To receive the Blue Distinction Centers+ designation, hospitals must demonstrate expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary interventions episodes of care.

Education notes…

Metropolitan Community College has received a $10,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will support the Great Plains Theatre Conference 2019 performances of PlayFest. The NEA funding will support the festival of three community-based plays with emphasis on a play titled “EPIC,” by Omaha play-

wright Ellen Struve. “EPIC” will explore south Omaha’s diverse artistic community through a time-bending journey of the ancient Mayan stories of the Popol Vuh. PlayFest will take place May 26 through June 1. All performance are free and open to the public. For performance dates, locations and times visit gptcplays.com/playfest. Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, announced the 12th annual Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship contest. The program honors two local African-American students in an effort to commemorate the baseball legend that broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. One male and one female student in the Greater Omaha area will be awarded a $1,000 dollar scholarship. Each student will be chosen based upon their work in the classroom, involvement within the community, athletic achievement and other qualities. Interested applicants must submit the application by March 29.

Activities of nonprofits…

Since its inception in 2009, Promise-

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, March 6 Sandler Training is hosting a Prospecting Boot Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This prospecting workshop is an interactive sales workshop that will teach participants the basics of effective cold calling and overcome call reluctance. Participants will learn the no-pressure prospecting call and develop a customized approach geared to their business, how to get past gatekeepers, when and how to leave a voicemail, how to overcome stalls and objections and deal directly with the causes of call reluctance. Registration is available online. Inclusive Communities will be hosting its second Training for Trainers Workshop on Business Programming. Inclusive Communities will provide up to 20 hours of training on ORID method, foundational terms, and basics of identity, language, and bias. It is recommended that attendees participate in at least one Inclusive Communities workshop prior to taking this training. The event runs March 6-7 at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. Registration is available online. LeadingAge Nebraska is hosting it’s two-day 2019 Spring Conference at the Kearney Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Registration includes access to over 20 presenters, continuing education credits and nursing contact hours, two breakfasts, two lunches and food for breaks as well as the Wednesday Night Social. There are three tracks for the conference: administrators, nursing and recreation & social services. Registration is available online. Thursday, March 7 The Meat Packing Safety Alliance of Nebraska and Packers Chemicals are hosting an event on Chemical Management Best Practices led by Yadira Pena from the Department of Labor. She will discuss the DOL Bill of Rights and Jeff Funke with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration will be present to provide more information. The Executive Steering Committee will follow. The workshop and meeting will be held at the Fire Fighters Museum in Kearney and registration is online.

Saturday, March 9 The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands has partnered with Young Black & Influential Omaha to launch a board training program specifically for black influencers. Young Black & Influential Omaha is committed to developing and supporting black influencers and their leadership at all levels and types of roles. This one-day workshop will take attendees through a customized session that touches on the following: Board Governance; Strategic Planning; Power Dynamics; Fundraising; and Boarding While Black. The event will be held at Habitat for Humanity, 1701 N. 24th Street, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is available online.

Ship has helped transform the lives of nearly 28,000 children and families through comprehensive community-based services and a network of almost 50 local agencies. Last year alone, the organization, formerly Nebraska Families Collaborative, served more than 5,000 children and families in Douglas and Sarpy counties. This year, PromiseShip celebrates its 10-year anniversary of a successful public-private partnership with the state of Nebraska. Over 10 years, the organization has launched events including its annual fundraising luncheon, foster and kinship family appreciation events, and bi-monthly open houses to provide information and resources for families working with the organization. Special Olympics Nebraska has voted in two new board members: Brian Schweiger and Lt. Sherie Thomas. Schweiger is a vice president and district manager with U.S. Bank in Lincoln. He has been with U.S. Bank in Lincoln for 23 years and currently leads over 100 employees. Thomas has been a member of the Omaha Police Department for 20 years. She is a member of the Omaha Police Officers Association, Black Police Officers Association of Omaha and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. I Be Black Girl is preparing to open grant applications using funds raised through its giving circle, I Be Black Girl Gives. IBBG was created in the fall of 2017 after founding members Ashlei Spivey and Jay Warren-Teamer realized the group was capable of raising money to support projects and organizations serving black women and girls and striving to change the face of philanthropy in the Omaha metro. IBBGives set an initial goal of $10,000 for its inaugural year, however, the group surpassed this amount, raising more than $49,000 before Dec. 31, 2018.

Arts and Events…

The Set Me Free Project is hosting its annual Comedy for Change- Laugh Your Cash Off fundraiser on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at A View on State. There will be a live and silent auction, featured comedian Stephanie Hiller, dinner and drinks. Tickets are available online. The Set Me Free Project’s mission is to bring prevention education to youth and families to stop trafficking before it starts. The Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals will host the annual YP Summit at the CHI Health Center Omaha on March 15. The event will feature various breakout sessions in three key categories: Professional Development, Personal Development and Community Development. The morning keynote address will be given by Michelle Gielan, bestselling author, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and executive producer of “The Happiness Advantage.” The 2019 YP Summit Change Makers will be announced at lunch. Vinh Giang, entrepreneur, CEO of Luminary Production and owner of 52kards will give the afternoon keynote address. Registration is available online until March 8. The first Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day will take place on March 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nebraska Brewing Company’s brewery and taproom. Pink Boots Society is an international nonprofit and USA tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization that assists, encourages and inspires women beer professionals to advance their careers through education. Fifteen local breweries will come together to make beer with a specialty curated Pink Boots Blend hops, learn about the organization and enjoy events like taproom yoga, industry opportunities panel and a beer education session with a Certified Cicerone.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Plastilite Corp. innovates biodegradable shipping material to meet recycling needs Continued from page 1. is described as environmentally-friendly, oxo-biodegradable and recyclable EPS; readers may best know EPS by Dow-trademarked brand, Styrofoam. In an early December announcement Ehly noted Plastilite division, Integritemp, had been in “R&D mode” with REFOAM

Plastilite Corp. Phone: 402-453-7500 Address: 4930 Battlefield Dr., Omaha 68152 Services: insulating shipping coolers, advanced ice packs and bricks, protective packaging, custom foam molds, insulated box liners and collapsible coolers (Integritemp); picnic coolers, gel ice packs and bricks, foam floats, minnow buckets, bait containers, bobbing for anglers (rebelFIN) Founded: 1958 by Karl Lewis Employees: 75 to 80 (100-plus at peak) Goals: Partly, leveraging partnerships to make the process of recycling products easier for consumers. Industry outlook: Keen demand for innovative, eco-friendly answers to products that take up significant space in the landfills and don’t break down. Website: www.plastilite.com

Erica Banks, ship lead, processes foam buckets. its insulating properties, which is tied to economical as our proven white colors.” “Our whole system … can extend the its light weight. “It’s 98 percent air,” he said, referring life of the shipment for another 25 percent to millions of tiny air pockets that trap longer,” Ehly said. “So stuff doesn’t get to cold and prevent heat transfer. “Everybody customers a little soft or not frozen as hard, we sell a thermal bag that extends the life loves the way it insulates.” On the Integritemp side of business, of [the shipment] – so we have all these for the last few years, working to create clients include Omaha Steaks and The products that we sell.” a material that gives customers “familiar And clients aren’t limited to food Village PieMaker. Omaha’s eCreamery benefits of EPS” with “added environmenservice; for instance, Ehly referenced represents an early adopter of REFOAM. tally friendly end of life options.” “We’ve been supplying containers to another Omaha-based client: Midwest In early February, Ehly said the firm them for a long time, and they wanted to Laboratories. became acquainted with that R&D partner “Everybody is trying to control the know, ‘What can we do that is a little more at a tradeshow. The company manufactures temperature at some level,” he said. eco-friendly?’” Ehly said. an additive that blends with raw materials, Integritemp features niche medical ECreamery’s custom ice cream and starting the biodegradation state within a gelato are available for U.S. domestic ship- and pharma, and animal health solutions “handful of years” (dependent on environment, via EPS coolers packed with dry ice. in addition to solutions for food shipping. mental variables). Ehly said cold chain packaging solu- Regardless of one’s business, Ehly emEhly mentioned how a team member tions, proven in International Safe Transit phasized testing. As Ehly spoke in early conducted his own test, putting REFOAM Association-certified testing labs, are February, a company was running tests product in his garden that has begun to available with the exclusive ControliQ at Plastilite’s onsite lab to determine how break down. shipping design system. ControliQ prod- to ship chocolate outside of the country, The “familiar benefits” include ucts include the EPS foam-insulated including how many pounds of dry ice shelf-stability. shipping coolers, Fast Pack cut foam lin“[Customers] expect it to be shelf-staer sets, corrugated boxes, gel ice packs, ble in the warehouse,” he said. “But if moisture-absorbent gel packs, ice bricks somebody leaves it on the side of the road and Thermalast thermal liner bags. Now, … or it’s exposed to sunlight, air, water by Jack Guttentag its green, environmentally-friendly REand dirt, that will make it degrade faster.” A recent column I wrote on retirement FOAM cooler is dubbed as “reliable and (“What should you look for in a retirement Ehly also noted consumers appreciate plan?”) indicated that in order to assure that a retiree will not run out of money at an advanced age — a primary retirement objective — most plans should contain an annuity. In this column I will discuss a second major objective of retirement plans that is often ignored: not leaving more Retirement or less money in the estate than the retiree would have chosen if she knew in advance the day of her death. To meet this objective, a retirement plan can include a set-aside, which is an amount targeted for the retiree’s estate. Bequests Under the 4 Percent Rule Retirement management is largely a seat-of-the-pants process. The only exception seems to be the 4 percent rule, which says that a retiree can draw 4 percent of her financial assets every year, plus an annual inflation adjustment, without ever running out. The rule in effect ignores objective two in order to meet objective one. The result will often be an estate substantially larger than the retiree would have chosen otherwise. Consider a female retiree of 62 with a nest Ramon Mosley packs corner pads that are used in packaging and shipping.

are needed in the summer to ship within 24 to 72 hours. On the retail side, Plastilite’s rebelFIN division primarily serves anglers with the likes of minnow buckets and bait containers; however, it also offers other recreational products such as picnic coolers. Formerly, recreational products were sold under the R&R Recreation Co. division. For simplicity’s-sake, the R&R brand was eliminated and products are now sold under rebelFIN. “Way back when we were founded, we actually made minnow bobbers,” he said. While the firm is no longer among the biggest bobber manufacturers, it does buy and sell them through a large distributor. Plastilite maintains a workforce of 75 to 80, with peak employment north of 100 employees as production ramps up for the holidays starting in early October. “[Containers] are basically just squares of empty space — they weigh nothing but they fill up a warehouse in a heartbeat,” he said. Partnering with the likes of local Catholic parishes on recycling events are fruitful. But more permanent locations (such as recycling bins that are the size of two refrigerators) can quickly and easily overflow with EPS containers. And they’re so lightweight that winds can result in their being strewn all over the place. While Plastilite has an onsite recycling center and partners with companies that transform recyclable EPS into picture frames and picnic tables, curbside recycling was mentioned as among options consumers may crave but, Ehly said, “if there is no money in it, nobody is going to do it.” Members of the EPS Industry Alliance, Plastilite is also efforting potential solutions with area retailers, and its history of green initiatives has spanned zoo events that feature recycling trucks whereby recyclable EPS foam may be dropped off for responsible disposal.

Another desirable feature of a retirement plan: A set-aside egg of $2 million, half in common stock and half in interest-bearing securities. If her portfolio earns a return of 8.1 percent, her estate will receive $4.9 million if she dies at 82, $8.7 million if she dies at 92, and $16.6 million if she dies at 102. The probability of a return of 8.1 percent or higher is about 50 percent, based on that being the median return over 745 25year periods during 1926-2012. Note that in a worst case where the rate of return falls to 3.6 percent, the 4 percent rule fails both objectives, running dry at age 95. The estimated probability of this occurring, based on the same historical data-base, is 2 percent. Bequests in RIS: The Set-Aside RIS stands for Retirement Income Stabilizer, which is the retirement planning model I have been developing with Allan Redstone. The retiree using RIS allocates a portion of her financial assets to the purchase of a deferred annuity and draws the remainder as spendable funds during the deferment period. At the end of that period, her assets are gone and her spendable funds thereafter come from the annuity. Her estate receives nothing from the plan — unless she includes a set-aside. RIS thus forces the retiree to decide — at Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Forensic expertise boosts opportunities for KPE engineering Continued from page 1. variety of work and a growth goal for 2019 set at 20 percent. Brad Lauritsen, one of four associate principals at KPE, is finding his varied background, which includes a stint as a structural analyst with Boeing in Wichita, and work for the government

KPE Phone: 402-291-1444 Address: 1016 Leavenworth St., Omaha 68102 Services: engineering, architectural, forensic expertise Founded: in 2000 by Kevin C. Power Employees: 18 Goal for 2019: Increase overall billings by 20 percent; hire for seven new positions. Industry outlook: Firms are cautiously optimistic with strong demand for projects in education, commercial and industrial sectors. Website: www.kpe-inc.com

in San Antonio, where he developed an explosive-breaching field manual for law enforcement and the military, gives him unique perspectives as he completes his 11th year as a mechanical and investigative engineer and forensics department manager with KPE. “Our projects at KPE tend to be in the $3 [million] to $20 million range,” he said. With 18 employees at its 1016 Leavenworth St. location, Lauritsen said the firm founded by Professional Engineer Kevin C. Power, expects to fill seven newly-created positions in the coming months. Lauritsen has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well as a Master of Mechanical Engineering. “Our industry is good right now and we remain cautiously optimistic despite talk of a slowdown or recession coming,” he said. “With our additional positions we want experienced employees such as younger engineers and assistants who can address the strong demand for projects in the education, commercial and industrial sectors.”

One of the largest projects KPE is involved in is providing architectural and engineering services to Burke, which is undergoing its most significant renovation since the school was built in the mid1960s. The project involves an addition to the gym, modernization of band and vocal music classrooms, and in the newest phase, a $5 million investment in mechanical and electrical upgrades. Phase I was completed last summer and Phase II is currently in design. KPE, which started solely as an engineering firm, in the mid-2000s did the mechanical, engineering and plumbing design for Bellevue’s new Lewis & Clark Middle School, which was the first educational institution in the state to use a directionally (horizontally) bored geo-exchange well field, which saved the district more than $600,000 compared to the standard vertical well fields being built and leased to own by OPPD at the time, Lauritsen said. Another early project in Bellevue was the Bellevue Public Schools campus, which included the Lied Recreation Center, Offutt Welcome Center, Administrative Center and Transportation Center. Lauritsen said industrial facilities are expected to offer KPE a significant amount of work in upcoming years. Projects being readied involve electrical work in processing plants, structural design and planning, numerous renovations in food processing, as well as work in a concrete plant. “What can differentiate us is that we can respond with a quick turnaround,” he said. In the health care sector, work has included design and engineering on Department of Veterans Affairs’ assisted living, as well as for family dental and chiropractor clinics in Bellevue. KPE has had a long-standing relationship with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has done work on schools at four locations. Lauritsen said another differentiating factor is that compared to other relatively smaller architectural and engineering firms, a larger percentage of the total employees — more than 50 percent — are licensed by

Another desirable feature of a retirement plan: A set-aside Continued from preceding page. the time the plan is adopted — how much of her wealth will be set aside for her estate. The set-aside amount can accumulate interest, and the decision is not irrevocable, as we shall see. If the female retiree of 62 in our example uses RIS to purchase a 10-year deferred annuity with an annual 2 percent inflation adjustment but without a set-aside, and if the rate of return on her financial assets is 8.1 percent, her monthly spendable funds will begin at $8,282 and rise by 2 percent a year until she dies. After 10 years, the source of the funds will change, from asset withdrawals to the annuity. If she dies after 10 years, her estate will receive nothing from the plan. Assuming that the retiree elects to set aside $250,000 for her estate, her monthly draw amount will drop from $8,282 to $7,247, rising by 2 percent a year. The value of the setaside will grow over time — at 8.1 percent it will reach $1 million when she hits 81 and $2 million at 89. She would be free, of course, to draw on some of that herself as it is her money! The Set-Aside in a Worst Case

A retirement plan should always consider how the plan would work — or not work — in a worst case. The worst case used here is a return on assets of 3.6 percent. Only 2 percent of the 745 25-year periods during 1926-2012 had returns of 3.6 percent or less. I continue to assume a set-aside of $250,000. The worst case generates a decline in monthly spendable funds during the 10-year deferment period from $7,247 to $5,506. In month 121, the annuity kicks in at with a starting payment of $8,834. The Set-Aside survives the worst case, though it does not grow as rapidly. At age 73, the set-aside is $359,000 and at 83 it is $509,000. The retiree in a worst case has another option regarding the set-aside. She could use it to offset the decline in spendable funds during the deferment period. If she did that, the setaside would no longer go to her estate. That is a personal decision to be made when and if the worst case happens, which it probably will not. ©2019 Jack Guttentag Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

their respective professional organizations. He said that has been important in the outcome of projects and KPE’s recent American Council of Engineering Companies’-sponsored award of merit, which it received for work done in North Dakota for the Mott-Regent Public Schools, which replaced a 107-year-old building with a state-of-the-art school featuring a variable refrigent flow (VRF) HVAC system with fan coils throughout the facility. Lauritsen said extensive work with the community enabled an $8.6 million bond issue to be passed by more than 60 percent of the voters. The whole project for the new school came in $1.3 million under budget. “In doing the forensic design and engineering work we put an emphasis on lessons learned and use that knowledge to steer clear of what not to do,” Lauritsen said. With the forensic work, KPE sees the work of other firms done throughout the Midwest, as well as any mistakes made. Leaking windows in commercial as well as residential properties are one of the most frequently evaluated problems. Roofs, which have frequently not been installed correctly, are also problematic. Sometimes it is in the quality of their construction or the installers haven’t followed industry standards, which change every few years. Structural collapses of buildings also precipitate investigations by KPE. Lauritsen and three other KPE engineers testify in courtrooms in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. “We’ve looked at designs done in every

state west of the Mississippi,” Lauritsen said. The forensic work — about 30 percent of KPE’s annual billings — is done for 300 to 400 cases per year. The June 2008 tornado in Millard provided much local work as damaged buildings were investigated to determine the cause and origin of the damage and to assess what need repairing or replacement. More recently, a KPE structural engineer was sent to the M’s Pub disaster to help officials determine how to make the Old Market scene safe. Last month Lauritsen, an expert in moisture mitigation in buildings and a certified thermographer, used infrared camera technology to evaluate the drainage problems in two frozen pipes for a client in Des Moines. “I provide investigative engineering expert witness services for insurance claim cases primarily dealing with property loss (roofs, construction defects, fires, floods, wind and hail),” Lauritsen said. “I have experience in engineering design of mechanical (HVAC and plumbing) systems and energy analyses.” Lauritsen is the only civilian to have completed courses at three levels that are typically taken by law enforcement and military personnel. His exploits were included in an episode of National Geographic’s Master of Disaster television program. “For the project I ran a test program where I built explosive charges and blew holes in walls and got to film it with high speed cameras and record pressure data,” he added.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

PACE revitalizing historic Council Bluffs district to create new arts, culture hub Continued from page 1. education for all ages that will appreciate the past and build for the future — with diversified and sustained funding. “It was driven by the community, especially from the 20 different studies,” said PACE CEO Danna Kehm. “I think they saw that there were a lot of great nonprofits in the area, but they had no place to call home. If

plans to build up the district along South Main Street to eventually connect with downtown Council Bluffs. “Once we start building up this South Main district and extend from here all the way down to Bayliss Park and the UP Museum with the intention that we’ll continue to fill in and grow the entire district, whether it be through not only connecting the entire district through the community but also uplifting the entire district financially,” she said. Economic impact projections by the Arts & Economic Prosperity Calculator via the Americans for Arts estimate that 145 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs will be supported by the expenditures made by the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and its audiences and $4.6 million will be spent annually by the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center (partners and tenants) and its audiences. Household income for community residents could get a $3 million boost as well as local and state governments via taxes and other funds, adding $176,000 and $248,000 respectively. PACE is slowly adding to its team with

Pottawattamie Arts Culture Entertainment (PACE) Phone: 712-396-2484 Address: 1228 South Main St. Ste. 115, Council Bluffs 51503 Service: Nonprofit that promotes arts and culture and serves as an umbrella organization to support partner organizations in Pottawattamie County. Founded: PACE, an Iowa West Foundation Initiative, created in 2015 out of Council Bluffs Arts Council. One-year goal: After completion of construction for the arts and culture center, figuring out a sustainable funding structure and building out the district in five to 10 years. Industry outlook: Arts and culture organizations look to diversified revenue streams to augment funding. Website: https://www.paceartsiowa.org

they had a home they were struggling with the infrastructure — literally, ceilings crumbling — and they didn’t have the funding to fix it. This was one solution of many; there’s going to be other things that we’ll be doing throughout the community to further uplift and bring these arts organizations to the next level.” Located in the historic Haymarket District of Council Bluffs, once a bustling hub for farm instruments and implements shipping across the country via railroad, Kehm compared PACE to that of a startup, where innovation, building teams, marketing and financial acumen are must-haves to build a successful future. Renovation is underway at the historic Harvester II building at 10th Avenue and South 6th Street. A new construction addition will feature a 280-seat theater, large stage and a backstage area for building sets. Construction began in the summer of 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in Dec. 2019, with plans for a grand opening in Feb. 2020. The nearly 95,000-square-foot multi-use facility, called the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, will be home to American Midwest Ballet, Kitchen Council, Chanticleer Community Theater and Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, with shared office and storage space available to other nonprofits. PACE will oversee management of the Chanticleer Theater and Kanesville Symphony while American Midwest Ballet and Kitchen Council will co-locate in the space. Creating an arts and culture center is no easy task, she said, and the years-long process assessed what the community needed as well as engaged donors. “We’re not going to try to recreate anything that already exists; we’re filling gaps for our community,” she said. “A $27 million campaign doesn’t just happen overnight. The $27 million includes a $4 million endowment — that’s part of that sustainability picture. The intent is that yes, it’s one thing to build a brand-new building, but it’s a whole other thing to maintain and sustain that building into the future.” The four-story building will have a bar and café area that allows crossover opportunities for

A bird's eye view of the PACE Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center complex. (Rendering courtesy of PACE) the partner organizations. For instance, Kitchen bilitated and opened in 2010 with 36 apartments Council is planning on providing pop-ups with as a live/workspace for artists and their families. food and drinks during peak events. There will “It’s one thing to build an arts and culture be an Iowa West Foundation event venue and center — we want to build a whole entire disan additional space for live music, conferences or art shows. The second floor on the new construction side will feature two large ballet studios, a costume shop, changing rooms and shared office space. Kitchen Council will also be located on the second floor, with enough space for 30 entrepreneurs to build their culinary businesses. The third floor will have multi-use classrooms for educational programming and will feature five artist studios available for rent as well as a pottery and glass studio. The fourth floor will have archival storage space, permanent and traveling exhibit space, including the organization’s Grant Wood colThe PACE Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center marries the historic Harvester II lection, and a local artist gallery. The basement building with new construction. (Rendering courtesy of PACE) will have additional storage space. trict,” Kehm said. “There’s a bigger vision for plans to hire later in the year as the center “We do have historic tax credit that requires the district on a five to 10-year plan after we nears completion. Michael Hollins is the chief us to maintain as much of the original building get the arts center built. We would love to build creative officer and Rachel Tew is the office as possible,” Kehm said. “We’re maintaining some mixed-use space similar to the artist lofts. and marketing manager. the beams, exposed ceilings, exposed bricks. We want to be able to have additional places for Kehm, who is from Council Bluffs, has It’s going to feel very rustic and historic on the people to call home.” served as CEO at PACE for about a year and has Harvester side of the building and will nicely The organization is looking into what other a background in medical technology and prodcomplement the new construction, which will businesses could be included to support the dis- uct innovation. She previously ran a medical be very contemporary and angular. It will be trict, like restaurants and storefronts to sell local startup software company that was purchased beautiful together, they’ll marry well.” artists’ wares. She said the existing businesses in by Welch Allyn out of New York, where she Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture is the district are excited about the development. worked in product innovation for a few years. the architect and Hausmann Construction is South Main Street was designated an Iowa She said her passion is for the arts and the builder. Great Place by the Iowa Department of Cultural Council Bluffs. Before the position at PACE The Harvester Artspace Lofts building, Affairs, and the Harvester II building received she was on the PACE board for about two years adjacent to the Harvester II (known as the a Great Places grant. To bring tourism to the and was active on the Chanticleer Community Harvester I), is a historic building that was reha- South Main Cultural District, the organization Theater’s board.

Here are some handy deduction tips to save you time and headaches filing taxes by Erin Arvedlund

The 2017 tax reform finally takes effect this tax season. Many of us will no longer itemize, but for those who still do, here are some deductions to keep handy. First, maximize your retirement-saving contributions. There’s still time left to contribute before the April 15 tax filing deadline, according to Jeffrey Kim, CPA with McCarthy & Company in Lafayette Hill. Taxes The new contribution limit for employees in 401(k) plans totals $19,000 in 2019, up from $18,500 in 2018. That limit also applies to 403(b), thrift savings and most 457 plans. In 2019, you will be able to save up to $6,000 in your IRA, up from $5,500 in 2018. If you are 50 and over, catch-up contribution limits remain the same. For 401(k)

and other employee plans, you can put in an additional $6,000 in 2019. For IRAs, you can put in an additional $1,000. Self-employed? Retirement saving can be a powerful tax write-off tool for self-employed people. One of the biggest benefits of self-employment is more retirement plan options available than most taxpayers: the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP IRA), the Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE IRA), and the individual 401(k). Contributions to these plans cut taxable income, and investments grow tax-deferred until you withdraw. Wall Street’s delayed 1099s Taxpayers who are investors, be aware: Brokers and mutual fund companies are not required to send your 1099 tax statements until mid-February, and many have received

an “extension” from the IRS to not issue them until March 15, 2019. “This may be a surprise to a lot of people,” said Asset-Map CEO Adam Holt. Online versions of your 1099 were available in February. Charles Schwab and Raymond James, for instance, say investors can download their 1099s online instead of waiting for paper forms in the mail next month, said David Zalles, a CPA based in Blue Bell. Rental income, or Section 199A Tax practitioners asked the U.S. Treasury to clarify whether all real estate rental income would be considered income from a trade or business — a requirement to qualify for the 20 percent business tax rate. Treasury declined to go that far, but issued a proposal (IRS Not. 2019-07) that establishes Continued on page 32.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Entrepreneurs and small business are at the heart of a robust economy by Jasmine Heimgartner

Omaha has a diversified economy that helps it remain relatively stable even during economic downturns. Fueling that stability are the many entrepreneurs, small businesses and startups that have subtly become a cornerstone of the area. “Startups — specifically those that are tech-based and have high-growth potential — may only represent a small share of the region’s total number of businesses, but they have a very large impact,” said Erica Wassinger, co-founder of The Startup Collaborative, a program powered by the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Startups are proven to provide higher wage jobs and offer massive safe-guarding to our local talent base. Startups can recruit talent that otherwise wouldn’t move here.” In addition to bringing talent from the outside, entrepreneurship often leads to partnerships or other involvement that benefits local workers and students. “Omaha is unique because of its access to an amazingly talented labor pool with strong ethics, as well as access to people in general,” said Kris Kluver, owner of Entrepreneurial Advisors. “People here are willing to give their time and help you be successful. The more entrepreneurs you have in a community, the more people you have embracing the possibility of what could be and might be possible.” National companies in the area also benefit from the robust entrepreneurship in the area. Corporations focused on the critical aspects of operations may be less likely to allocate resources to new innovations. “If startups are active in a community, larger corporate entities may look to the startups as labs or incubators of novel ideas/technologies that could impact the larger corporate economic markets,” said Kenneth Moreano, executive director, Scott Technology Center. “A large business might benefit by learning how to deal with and develop business engagements with startups. A benefit that might be realized is unique insight into innovation or a nascent technology that may not have been available if it weren’t for the relationship with a startup.” While some soloprenuers or small startups may seem wary of competing with big business or other small businesses, it can help challenge a business of any size to adhere to the highest standard. “Competition is ultra-positive,” Kluver said. “It is a forcing device that ensures people define what they are great out and where they can maximize their ultimate value. If other people are doing it, how can

40 Under 40: Aviture’s Doler Continued from page 3. digital creatives to help each other explore their issues. “Part of the reason I started the Omaha Mental Health User Group is to have that place to go and just be with somebody who understands what it’s like without having to talk about it, necessarily. Without even having to explain it, they just get it,” he said. “You’re able to look at people who are not as well off as you and go, ‘I’ve come so far since then.’ Then you look at people who are better off than you and go, ‘I can get better. There’s hope for me to get even better still.’”

you do it better? Entrepreneurship ultimately empowers people to be their best selves and find where they fit and can have the maxi-

Wassinger Kluver mum contribution.” While many startups may be innovators of new technologies, there also is a steady stream and need for solopreneurs and small businesses to meet local needs. Whether a plumber, attorney, insurance agent or in

another field that is often a solo or two- or three-person business, these roles are vital within the community, as well as in assisting and promoting other small business. So, what would a world without these people willing to go out on their own and start something new be like? “Lacking startups significantly reduces the chance of highor hyper-growth inMoreano novative companies developing in the area,” Moreano said. “A large portion of the United States has not experienced this in large part because of the lack of innovation, entrepreneurs and startups. An argument can be made that lacking startups and entrepreneurs

could lead to brain drain. Fewer opportunities for creative, innovative thinkers may lead those creative innovators to seek opportunities elsewhere.” Larger companies seem to be taking note of this and investing locally. The Startup Collaborative recently partnered with First National Bank to create more fintech companies and invested $70,000 of preseed funds into the endeavor. More than 150 entrepreneurs participated in four market challenges. In November, 20 founders launched their fintech startups as part of the Fintech Fellows Initiative. “With The Startup Collaborative, our region is poised to align our methodology to core industries so we can avoid out-of-market disruption and ensure viable concepts turn into companies,” Wassinger said. “What we need to do next is ensure that these new companies are funded so they can grow into major employers.”

screening to the community. “We are committed to delivering compassionate, personalized, and cutting edge care in a convenient outpatient community oncology setting,” Horn said. “We are proud to be pioneering the state’s first and largest

pollutants,” Sarcone said. She said obesity and poor nutrition contribute to nearly 20 percent of all cancers. According to Sarcone, one of the most recent changes in prevention was the expansion of the HPV vaccine being approved for men and women ages 27 to 45. “This vaccine is highly effective in preventing nearly all strains that are covered in this vaccine when administered properly,” Sarcone said. Dr. Peter Silberstein, chief of oncology at Creighton University, said immunotherapies for cancer are one of the biggest advancements seen recently. According to Silberstein, this option has been FDA approved and is covered by insurance for numerous cancers including head, neck, lung, stomach, liver, kidney, bladder and cervical. “This isn’t chemotherapy,” Silberstein said. “This is immune cells killing the cancer. There are far less side effects than chemotherapy and in many trials, this has been more effective than chemotherapy.” Silberstein said patients should be aware that immunotherapy does increase inflammatory response, though. In some newer trials, Silberstein said immunotherapies have been combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Although immunotherapy is expensive, Silberstein said the results have been excellent. “I’ve not only seen literature that says immunotherapy is working, I’ve actually witnessed it with our own patients,” Silberstein said. “There’s minimal side effects and treatment is less toxic than chemotherapy. I have seen many patients have increased longevity because of immunotherapy.”

Local hospitals examine cancer prevention and treatment advances by Gabby Christensen

Cancer prevention and treatment advances are hot topics in the medical field and local professionals have been working diligently to bring to light new options. Julie Murray, vice president at Methodist Hospital, said Methodist Health System has launched an initiative with the intent to eliminate any barriers to breast health with its new Methodist Mobile 3D Mammography coach. “The coach will offer 3D digital mammography screening Murray technology on location to the uninsured and underinsured as well as the business community at large,” Murray said. “Digital mammography replaces X-ray film with detectors that capture images in computer code, producing brighter, crisper images of the breast on a computer screen. Digital mammography provides several advantages to film mammography including better resolution, easier to read scans and increased accuracy.” According to Murray, the coach will provide screenings for at least 16 patients a day. Murray said Methodist has also implemented new technologies, such as the digital PET scan technology, which plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Additionally, she said a new linear accelerator at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center will offer more targeted radiation therapies for patients. In the gynecologic oncology arena, Murray said specialists are utilizing sentinel lymph node mapping to aid in the detection and staging of gynecological cancer. When it comes to cancer prevention, Kelly Horn, physician liaison at Nebraska Cancer Specialists, said it’s important that people see a primary care physician annually. Depending on a person’s age, Horn said it may be time to begin preventative screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies or PSA tests. In the spring of every year, Nebraska Cancer Specialists sponsors a free skin

Horn Sarcone dedicated theranostics center.” Horn explained that theranostics is a new field of cancer care, relatively new to the United States, which describes using the combination of one radioactive drug to diagnose and a second to deliver a specific targeted therapy based upon the initial targeted test. According to Horn, Nebraska Cancer Specialists’ research program conducts phase I-IV trials and has enrolled over 200 patients on clinical trials in the past few years. Emily Sarcone, outreach coordinator, oncology at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy, said it’s estimated that approximately half of all cancer deaths are preventable with the knowledge and resources that are available. “Currently, there are five main areas to focus on when talking about cancer prevention: tobacco use, dietary factors/obesity, infections, alcohol use and environmental

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Frigyes

Joyce

Shehan

Mullen

Methodist Physicians Clinic selects four physicians for Cass St. Clinic Methodist Physicians Clinic has opened a centrally located Omaha clinic and has added four internal medicine doctors. Methodist Physicians Clinic Cass Street will host physicians Stuart Frigyes, Karen Joyce, M. Alexander Shehan and Julia Mullen. Frigyes received his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine internship at Loma Linda University’s affiliated hospitals in California and an internal medicine residency at Creighton University’s affiliated hospitals. He received a bachelor’s degree

Montague

Mickeliunas

Deloitte &Touche promotes Montague, Mickeliunas, Paben to leadership roles

Deloitte & Touche LLP has promoted Tricia Montague, Jenny Mickeliunas and Tiffany Paben. Montague was promoted to Omaha and Des Moines office audit leader. She will be responsible for working with the audit professionals to execute on all aspects of the audit and Deloitte’s firm-wide strategy. She has more Paben than 26 years of public accounting experience with Deloitte serving both public and private companies within the U.S. and globally. Mickeliunas has been promoted to audit managing director. She has spent her 15-year career in the Omaha office’s Audit practice, focused primarily on financial statement and internal control audits for public and private clients in the freight transportation, life insurance, and manufacturing industries. Paben has been promoted to audit manager director. She has over 14 years of experience serving both private and public clients in the financial services industries; focusing primarily on insurance and banking. In addition, she is a member of the Audit Transformation Champion Network, which is a group of Deloitte professionals from across the country that promote the transformation of audits through the use of innovation tools and data analytics.

in physiology from the University of California, Davis. He returns to Methodist after practicing internal medicine at Think Whole Person Healthcare in Omaha. Joyce earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center. She received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Notre Dame. She previously practiced at Think Whole Person Healthcare in Omaha, Physicians of Internal Medicine in Omaha and Internal Medicine Associates in Omaha. Shehan received his medical degree from Creighton University Medical School and completed an internal medicine residency at Creighton University’s affiliated hospitals. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Creighton University. He previously practiced at Think Whole Person Healthcare in Omaha and Physicians of Internal Medicine in Omaha. Mullen previously practiced at Physicians of Internal Medicine in Omaha and Think Whole Person Healthcare in Omaha.

The Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus adds Crowley in Omaha

The Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus has hired Diane “Dede” Crowley as regional advancement director for the Omaha region. Crowley will work to strengthen relationships between the Midwest Jesuits, individuals and organizations and seek to raise funds for the organization. She received a bachelor’s Crowley degree from Creighton University and a master’s degree at the University of Iowa. She returned to Creighton and served for more than 25 years in various positions, including assistant vice president for alumni relations, assistant vice president for principal gifts, and executive director of principal gifts stewardship. Most recently she served as principal gifts officer for Creighton Preparatory School.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Wilson & Company, Inc. selects Olson for vice president position

Wilson & Company, Inc. Engineers & Architects promoted Dave Olson to vice president. Olson, PE, has 20 years of engineering experience and is an operations manager in Wilson & Company’s Rail Division. He oversees staff located in Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis and construction Olson management staff in Los Angeles and Hearne, Texas. He can balance numerous tasks on large-scale projects, which he has demonstrated by overseeing all aspects of project design simultaneously on expansive, multi-disciplinary railroad projects.

French

Lighthall

Lamson Dugan & Murray names French, Lighthall, Feeney partners

Lamson Dugan & Murray has named attorneys Catherine E. French, Maria T. Lighthall and Adam R. Feeney as partners of the firm. French’s practice focuses in the areas of estate planning and administration, real estate, guardianships/conservatorships, business succession planning and corporate govFeeney ernance. She helps clients navigate complex issues that can arise during often stressful legal proceedings, and seeks to help them achieve peace of mind by knowing that their family and business is prepared for whatever the future may bring. French graduated from Creighton University School of Law and also received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Creighton University. Lighthall is a member of the firm’s insurance defense, railroad law, torts and product liability, toxic tort, workers’ compensation and litigation practices. She represents and advises clients on a broad range of matters, with expertise defending clients in personal injury, insurance and worker’s compensation matters. Lighthall graduated from Drake University, cum laude, with a degree in journalism and mass communication. After undergraduate school she attended Creighton University School of Law, where she participated in the Civil Law Clinic and interned for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska. Feeney is a member of the firm’s litiga-

Amplify Arts selects Weber for development director position

Gathje

Goodwin

Keenan

Lacy

L u t z O m a h a a d d s G a t h j e, G o o d w i n , Ke e n a n a n d L a c y Lutz added Jill Gathje, Kat Goodwin, Bob Keenan, and Kyle Lacy to its Omaha office. As a staff accountant in the state and local tax department, Gathje is responsible for assisting clients with tax related issues from pursuing tax incentives to managing state tax audits. In addition, she will prepare individual and business income tax returns. Graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Gathje received her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Joining Lutz Tech as a tech support assistant, Goodwin is responsible for providing excellent client support, as well as managing inventory. Goodwin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Bringing over 20 years of experience in operations, Keenan joins the firm as chief information & risk officer. He will focus on risk management, compliance, and security for the firm, and will partner

Gross & Welch promotes Wachal

The Omaha law firm of Gross & Welch has elected Adam J. Wachal to shareholder. Wachal received his law degree from Creighton University in 2010, where he graduated with honors. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska. Wachal’s practice has been primarily focused on civil litigation, insurance defense, insurance Wachal coverage litigation and appellate practice. Wachal is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association and the Omaha Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in Nebraska and Iowa. tion department. He has represented clients in a wide range of disputes in areas including corporate, partnership, breach of contract, creditors’ rights, product liability, RICO, securities fraud, employment and trust and estate. Feeney has tried cases in state and federal court and before arbitral tribunals from a variety of arbitral institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce, American Arbitration Association/International Center for Dispute Resolution and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Prior to joining Lamson Dugan & Murray, he practiced in the litigation, arbitration and employment department of the New York City office of Hogan Lovells.

with the operations team to drive process improvement and operational efficiencies for Lutz. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Drake University. Lacy joins the firm as a senior accountant in the audit department. He is responsible for providing credibility to clients through financial reporting. He specializes in the real estate and investment management industries. Lacy graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a master’s degree in accounting.

Amplify Arts has brought on muralist and community organizer Maggie Weber to help director the nonprofits development. We b e r h a s owned her own small business, Magdalena Murals, for 10 years and is invested in the next generation. She has collaborated with local organizations Weber such as Project Everlast, The Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, and The Montessori Co-Op School to help empower young people pursue their passions. She currently serves as vice president of the Benson Neighborhood Association and is the public art director for Benson First Fridays. Weber received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Art History from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

As Spotify gets into podcasts, industry readies for a new era by Wendy Lee

Some are calling it the second golden age of audio. Podcasting, once viewed as a niche industry that catered to public radio fans, got a major boost this month when Swedish streaming giant Spotify agreed to pay around $230 million for Gimlet Media, the New York producer of such audio dramas as “Homecoming” Trends and the documentary series “Crimetown.” The deal — the largest to date — comes during a period of rapid growth in podcasting and could transform the industry in much the same way that Netflix changed television, analysts and executives said. Spotify’s venture into the business is expected to bolster the value of podcast firms, generate higher licensing fees for producers, and potentially create a more consumer-friendly model built around subscriptions rather than advertising revenue. “It sends a signal that podcasting’s time has come in a big way,” said Kelli Richards, chief executive of All Access Group, a digital music and entertainment consultancy. “You are going to see a frenzy of more podcasters entering the system.” The surge will probably prompt a wave of consolidations in a crowded market that already boasts more than 550,000 podcasts worldwide on Apple’s Podcasts app, one of the most popular ways to discover programs. Newer podcasts will need to work harder to get discovered, said Oren Rosenbaum, head of emerging platforms at United Talent Agency. The agency represents more than 50 podcast creators or companies. “It is getting tougher and more challenging,” Rosenbaum said. BuzzFeed laid off members of its podcast team, while other companies, such as San Antonio-based IHeartMedia Inc. have expanded their footprint, purchasing Atlanta-based Stuff Media, one of the nation’s largest podcast publishers, for $55 million last year. Podcasts are expected to take in $514.5 million in ad dollars this year, up 28 percent

from 2018, according to Interactive Advertising Bureau and PwC. That boost has helped fuel Southern California podcast firms such as Beverly Hills-based PodcastOne, which will take in about $40 million in revenue this year, up 25 percent from 2018, said Executive Chairman Norm Pattiz. “People listen to podcasts from start to finish,” Pattiz said. “If they can’t do it in one sitting, they hit the pause button. They can consume it whenever and wherever they want.” Last year, about 73 million Americans tuned in to podcasts each month, with many concentrated in metropolitan areas such as New York and Los Angeles, according to Edison Research and podcast analytics firm Podtrac. Part of the growth has been fueled by celebrities such as Remi Cruz and Alisha Marie, who last year launched an L.A.-based podcast about their lives called “Pretty Basic,” in which they discuss such topics as dating and fitness. The podcast has helped them gain new fans beyond YouTube, generating more than 5 million downloads. It’s produced by Ramble, a joint venture of New York-based podcast company Cadence13 and United Talent Agency. “It feels very intimate,” said the 24-year-old Cruz. Fans have tweeted saying they felt as if they “were in the room with us,” she said. Southern California hosts more than two dozen podcasting firms. Popular shows recorded locally include “The Dream,” an investigative series on multilevel marketing companies; “Pod Save America,” which features political commentary by aides of former President Obama; and “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” on iHeartRadio, in which comedian Will Ferrell voices his character from the “Anchorman” movies. Hollywood screenwriters can learn about their craft on the weekly podcast Scriptnotes. There’s even an agency for podcasters called Pod People, an L.A.-based firm that launched last year and has more than 330 clients. “We’re going to see a huge jump in 2019” in awareness and audience, said Pod People

founder Rachael King. “It’s a combination of technology getting better and bigger players getting into the game.” Podcasting took off in 2005, when Apple made more than 3,000 podcasts available for free on iTunes. Digital audio files became even more widespread seven years later when Apple launched its Podcasts app. Hollywood took notice in 2014 after the success of “Serial,” a popular podcast that investigates whether convicted murderer Adnan Syed really killed his high school ex-girlfriend. Venture capital firms poured money into start-ups, including Gimlet Media and West Hollywood-based Wondery, that created narrative programs similar to “Serial” that could be licensed for TV shows. Increasingly, podcasts have been an inexpensive way to test stories for possible TV shows or movies. “There is a lot more hunger for stuff that has been proven than for stuff that’s just pitched,” said producer Marc Smerling. He and Zac Stuart-Pontier launched the documentary series “Crimetown” as a podcast through Gimlet. It cost $500,000 for 18 episodes, a fraction of a TV budget, and had 16 million downloads in its first season. FX is now turning the podcast into a cable TV series. “There is a large appetite from television producers for underlying (intellectual property) that comes with a built-in audience,” said Wondery CEO Hernan Lopez. “Books and comic books have been the main sources of IP to be optioned, but podcasts are becoming an increasingly popular form of IP.” Wondery has several nonfiction narrative programs, including popular true crime story “Dirty John” with the L.A. Times and medical investigation “Dr. Death.” “Dirty John” became a hit show on Bravo; Universal Cable Productions is developing a TV series based on “Dr. Death.” Lopez declined to disclose financials but said Wondery’s revenues nearly doubled last year. The company recently expanded its West

Here are some handy deduction tips to save you time and headaches filing taxes Continued from page 28. what’s known as a “safe harbor” for real estate rental income earned by taxpayers who spend 250 hours, directly or indirectly, on their property, according to Brad Molotsky, a partner at Duane Morris law firm in Center City. The IRS has strict rules: You must keep separate books and records to reflect income and expenses for each rental real estate enterprise, showing how you spent 250 hours, and if you use the property personally, it’s not eligible. Check with an accountant or tax preparer to make sure your property rental income qualifies with this new rule. It’s a tricky one. Finally, attach a signed statement with your tax return showing that you satisfied the section 199A deduction or pass-through requirements — otherwise, nasty things happen. Funding education Tax reform made 529 plans more flexible, in that up to $10,000 a year may be spent on primary or secondary education as well as college. The 529 plan is an attractive vehicle for funding education for children and grandchildren because funds grow tax-free and remain tax-free if used for qualified education expenses. In addition, you can bunch up to five years of annual gifts in a single year. In 2018, the annual gift limit is $15,000. So, you could

contribute $75,000 per person. Another option is paying education costs directly to the institution, without gift tax consequences. Then, annual gifts can be made with other money. Child and dependent credits Child tax credits increased to $2,000 per child in 2018, up from $1,000 the prior year. There is a new “other dependent” tax credit of $500 per person starting in 2018, whereas there was none in 2017. Tasting the SALT Among the most painful changes to itemized tax deductions is that state and local tax (SALT) deductions are limited to $10,000 for married and single tax filers. That alone reduces the number of taxpayers itemizing deductions to fewer than 1 in 3 Americans. However, there are ways to reduce the effect going forward. Convert your second residence to a rental property — that can change the character of the real estate taxes from itemized deduction to business expense, which is not subject to the $10,000 limit, according to Abbot Downing, a division of Wells Fargo. However, there are strict rules around personal use of rental property. Before doing this, consider what your goals are for the property. At the expense of minimizing taxes, you may be limiting family time together or putting restrictions on when family stay at the property.

If you are keeping the second home in the family, consider transferring it to a trust. The trust will be subject to the limit on SALT deductions, but this provides an additional $10,000 deduction. This is a temporary provision that is set to expire Jan. 1, 2026. Track your refund Those who have already filed can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool offered by the IRS to track their tax refund. It displays progress in three stages: Return received, refund approved, and refund sent. Alternatively, you can call the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for automated refund information. Free filing Find free services to help you get your taxes filed. Those who do their own taxes can use IRS Free File. Free brand-name software will figure out taxes automatically. IRS volunteer programs offer free tax help at thousands of sites around the country. Visit the IRS website: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or call 800906-9887/888-227-7669. A handy “to-do” list from TD Ameritrade: https://tickertapecdn. tdameritrade.com/assets/files/2018-tax-preparation-to-do-list-jan2019.pdf. ©2019 Philly.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Hollywood offices and expects to grow to 40 employees this year, up from 30, he said. Despite the industry’s growth, making money in podcasting has been a challenge, in part because of a heavy reliance on advertising. Often podcasts must have at least 10,000 downloads per episode to even quality for ads — a tall order for small firms. But Spotify — with its 96 million subscribers — could help matters by making a subscription model for podcasting more popular, as the company attempts to build a robust audio platform that goes beyond streaming music. “The subscription model is a better consumer experience than having an advertising business,” said Michael Montgomery, a lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management. “Netflix has shown that in spades.” The streamer, which charges $9.99 a month for a premium account, plans to spend as much as $500 million this year buying podcast companies (including about $340 million to buy Gimlet Media and New York podcast company Anchor FM Inc.) Already, Spotify has more than 185,000 podcast titles, including 14 exclusives in the fourth quarter. “We have the opportunity to make original content the way Netflix does and to utilize the catalog of content we have in the platform to help bring people to the podcast space,” said Dawn Ostroff, Spotify’s chief content officer, in an interview. Rival Pandora also is heavily investing in the space, building technology that will help users recommend podcasts based on their listening music patterns. The Oakland-based firm, which is owned by SiriusXM, uses algorithms to make recommendations on podcasts based on users’ music listening patterns (Pandora also charges $9.99 for its premium service). “As we learn that about you, we can then serve you content that you care about,” said Chris Phillips, Pandora’s chief product officer. Pandora has snapped up exclusive streaming rights for some podcasts, including Seasons 2 and 3 of “Serial.” Some analysts believe podcasting will continue to evolve beyond a Netflix-style subscription model. For example, in China, apps like Ximalaya FM bundle audio programs allowing users to pay a la carte based on the topic they are interested in, said Connie Chan, a general partner at Menlo Park venture firm Andreessen Horowitz. The podcast industry has “a big future ahead of it, if it can learn to move beyond ads and monthly subscriptions, because that’s the only way that the creators will have more incentive to produce deeper, better content,” Chan said. Some podcasters are trying to leverage their popularity by selling tickets for live events. L.A.based Crooked Media’s political commentary program “Pod Save America” held more than 70 shows across the U.S. and Europe last year, with tens of thousands people attending its shows since 2017. “It’s become a great source of revenue,” said Tommy Vietor, one of the hosts. He declined to disclose figures. For now, local entrepreneurs like Jason Smith, CEO of Burbank-based Starburns Audio, welcome Spotify’s entry into the business. His 10-person company produces such shows as “Dumb People Town,” about people doing asinine things. “It opens it up,” Smith said. “It shows that there is real value in these networks.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

Aviation in the Midlands A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Aviation activity in the Midlands continues to see boost by Dwain Hebda

Whether of the commercial or passenger variety, aviation in Lincoln and Omaha is on a blistering pace of growth. Eppley Airfield enjoyed the busiest year in its history last year, serving more than 5 million passengers, a nearly 10 percent increase over the previous year. Steve McCoy, director of air service and business development with the Omaha Airport Authority, said the bump was attributable to carriers increasing capacity via new routes, more departures and larger Koukol aircraft. “The eight airlines serving Eppley Airfield currently provide nonstop service to 34 destinations on an average of 88 daily departures,” he said. “With just one stop, travelers from Omaha can connect to over 400 destinations around the globe on over 3,400 possible daily itineraries.” McCoy said Omaha Airport Authority is committed not just to handling that increased headcount, but to do so in a manner that enhances the passenger experience. “The Omaha Airport Authority’s mission is to provide premier customer service and airport facilities through operational excellence,” McCoy said. “A piece of how that is accomplished is by enhancing the customer experience with new and improved amenities.” Among the enhancements the airport has or will soon introduce include a new website and smartphone app, live GPSbased shuttle bus tracking and an automated parking guidance system in the parking garage. Increased screening lanes and a forthcoming parking garage also enhance the passenger experience. Commercial flying operations at Eppley also enjoyed growth this past year and the Omaha outfit wasn’t alone. John Geary, director of operations for Silverhawk Aviation in Lincoln, described that company’s growth in traffic as “exponential.” “The demand for charter has led us to develop new charter options,” he said. “Just in the last 12 months, we have added two light jets, one mid-sized jet and a turboprop to our certificate to keep up with these demands.”

Steve McCoy, director of air service and business development for Omaha Airport Authority, with an Alaska Airlines aircraft in the background, one of the most recently added airlines. Significant — and continual — chal- to contain costs. lenge to future growth, Geary said, include “Fuel is our single largest expense. If the economy, pilot shortage and especially prices go up drastically, it either means fuel costs. He said the company works we lose our margins or pass it along to the hard to run as efficiently as possible customer, both of which are bad news,” he

March 1, 2019

said. “We are continually coming up with solutions to decrease the amount of fuel we burn by flying at more optimized altitudes and power settings.” Legal issues are another challenge in aviation, particularly for private pilots. David Koukol, partner with Koukol & Johnson, is a pilot of 20 years who specializes in aviation law. “From a legal enforcement perspective, aviation in general is highly regulated,” he said. “There are lots of rules to follow and I get involved with pilots who have been accused of running afoul of those rules.” Koukol, one of a handful of attorneys in Nebraska who specialize in aviation law, said most clients are being adjudicated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Cases run the gamut of procedural offenses like taking off on a closed runway or not having proper documentation. “As a pilot, you’re schooled in what the rules are and what you have to do,” he said. “I think sometimes, perhaps more often than not, when problems get to my desk it’s a result of complacency, an attitude of, ‘Well I know what the law is, but I’ve done this a thousand times, I can get by with it.’ “A little bit of experience and success sometimes breeds a cavalier attitude. It’s usually not a dangerous situation, although it certainly could be. Most of the time, going by the book is better than getting into a gray area.”

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Aviation in the Midlands

Aviation in the Midlands •

Aviation careers soar to new heights by Jasmine Heimgartner

The aviation industry may have run into a few bumps in its long history, but all signs point to this being one of the best times for establishing a career in this expansive field. A shortage of pilots and maintenance personnel has sent airlines searching to fill much-needed roles. Additionally, the uniqueness of the industry opens the door to a host of other potential careers. “Aviation is really a microcosm of other industries,” said Dave Poole, vice president/ general manager, Oracle Aviation. “Of all the jobs in aviation, Poole only about 10 percent are actually flying. The rest are helping operations run safely and smoothly. Any job that is out there in other industries, there is likely a need in aviation.” For those few who truly want to fly, becoming a pilot is one of few careers that provide potential earnings while training for future career opportunities. “There are steps along the way to support yourself within your field and help you gain the hours you need on your career path,” said Alison Adams, flight instructor, Fremont Aviation. “It’s also something that allows you to do what you love. You can wake up every day and have a job that you love doing.”

As airlines begin to see more tenured pilots reach retirement, as well as adding new routes and flights, they often pluck experienced pilots working as instructors or in other aviation fields to fill their need. “The passenger carrier numbers for both domestic and international are skyrocketing,” said Bill Heckathorn, president/ founder, Performance Aircraft. “That kind of growth is going to put a pilot in demand for a long time. Going forward, we are looking at massive growth worldwide in airline passenger travel.” This has created Heckathorn an exciting time of opportunity for certified pilots locally, nationally and internationally to fill roles beyond airlines, such as in freight, corporate, agriculture and charters. Still, gaining a commercial pilot certificate is an investment both in time and money. Future pilots must complete training to receive a private pilot and instrument rating certificate before they can fly planes for compensation. Most commercial airlines require 1,500 flight hours and may still require some kind of four-year degree. Practical and written tests are also required throughout the process. The investment may seem daunting, but luckily the training can often be suited to fit a person’s needs. While some may choose a

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 1, 2019 •

university’s four-year Bachelor of Science program for pilots, accelerated options are available. “We are unique regionally in that at our school we try to complete everyone in 12 months for all certificate and ratings they will need,” Heckathorn said. “Instead of working another job, you could be instructing throughout your career through accelerated training. The sooner you can get certificates and ratings and build your flight time, the better off you will be.” When time is a factor, becoming a pilot doesn’t have to be a lost dream. Many aviation schools provide training at an individual pace, which is often customized. “The students that fly two or three times a week move through more rapidly because they are staying current and not having to

do too much review,” Adams said. “I really believe in adapting the instruction to the individual student’s learning styling. It’s important that you feel comfortable and mesh well with your instructor.” Aviation training has also taken a step into an emerging realm that allows people to “fly” while staying on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration now requires commercial drone pilot certification, which could open the door for careers in aerial imaging with companies nationwide in a range of industries. “We see it as a technology that is not going anywhere, so we want people to be responsible and safe operators,” Poole said. “We see a big future in that. It’s a whole new aspect of aviation that people can get into at a much lower cost point.”

• MARCH 1, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Aviation in the Midlands