Midlands Business Journal March 27, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 13 issue by Midlands Business Journal

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MARCH 27, 2020

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VOL. 46 NO. 13

Midwest Maintenance uses creativity during pandemic challenges by Richard D. Brown

Integrity Architectural Millwork builds on custom offerings. – Page 2

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Even those resistant to remote workforces embrace technology to maintain production. – Page 5

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Omaha’s districts in midst of development throughout city. – Page 25

Midwest Maintenance, a 55-year-old south Omaha-based commercial cleaning firm that’s coming off one of its best years with revenues doubled and contracts in at least seven Midwestern states, is facing adversity as events by several of its customers are being cancelled or significantly curtailed due to the pandemic. One of Midwest Maintenance’s largest clients is MECA, the public agency that oversees TD Ameritrade Park, the CHI Health arena complex, among other entertainment venues. Earlier this month, the NCAA announced that the annual NCAA Men’s College World Series would not be held due to the pandemic. “It’s among the two top challenges I’ve had,” owner/CEO Jamie Gutierrez said. “So many emotions are involved and so many lives are being hurt.” Gutierrez has headed the family cleaning firm since 1995. It has grown to about 1,000 employees Continued on page 9.

Owner and CEO Jamie Gutierrez … Navigating a challenging and essential industry with aims to exceed customer expectations for cleaning services. (file photo)

Access Bank set to add seventh location; rolls out concierge executive banking team by Michelle Leach

Since Access Bank was chartered in 2007, the full-service Omaha-born and -grown financial institution has gone from 56th largest bank in the metro in June 2008 to 10th largest metro-area bank in June 2019, based off of in-market deposit data collected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The bank’s traction is further illustrated with investments

in people, processes and places; notably, marked by the opening of its seventh location in Aksarben Village, which is slated for early 2021. “We have been interested in the Aksarben area for some time,” said CEO Patrick J. Corrigan. “It’s a vibrant and emerging community that is constantly growing with commercial and residential spaces, as Continued on page 10. From left, Eric Perez, full-stack software developer; founder and CEO Taylor Korensky; COO Jade Jensen; Laura Ervin, lead graphic designer; and CTO Spencer Robinson … On a quest to find bigger clients and projects and helping entrepreneurs test ideas and find funding pipelines. (photo courtesy Appsky)

Appsky delves into new technologies to boost opportunities and products by Becky McCarville

From left, President Samantha “Sam” Mosser; Dave Ridgeway, EVP and chief lending officer; and Katie Henry, SVP and retail banking division manager … Bank grows from 56th to 10th largest in Omaha, positioning it well to fuel continued investments.

As Appsky grows and matures from a tech startup that develops mobile and web apps for entrepreneurs, startups and small to medium-sized businesses to a software development company that helps support larger companies with their tech and innovation needs, founder and CEO Taylor Korensky said that the last six months have been a

time of growth and opportunity for the company. In the last couple of months, the company hired two new developers and now offers web app development through both the React and Angular frameworks to seize opportunities. “The industry is fairly divided on the two frameworks,” he Continued on page 11.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Integrity Architectural Millwork builds on custom offerings by Gabby Christensen

When it comes to taking on projects, there is no such thing as ‘too big’ or ‘too small’ for Dustin and Kelly Cox, co-owners of Integrity Architectural Millwork, a specialty manufacturer of wood products for both the commercial and residential building industry. What began as a two-person operation out of a garage over 20 years ago has since expanded to include three buildings, new machinery, and many new customers. The couple, who purchased the pre-existing business in 2018, said they have found that the Omaha market is strong, and they expect the company to see continued growth moving forward. “We were looking for a business to buy that we could grow and eventually hand off to our kids someday,” Dustin Cox said. “After looking at the product and business model, we knew this was a very unique opportunity to be successful.” Roughly 85% of clients are large general commercial contractors. The business also services local cabinet shops and takes on custom home builders.

through any project. While it can sometimes be a struggle to find employees who are able to handle both the mental and physical labor of the job, he said it can also be a very fulfilling role for the right candidates. “The best part of our job is seeing the process,” Cox said. “We watch as the whole package evolves from the blueprint drawing

Integrity Architectural Millwork

Co-owner Dustin Cox … Providing niche custom work for both commercial and residential client bases. “If it's made out of wood, we can make it,” he said. “We can restore or work with brand new construction. We have over 1,000 different profiles in our moulding library and can also replicate mouldings for historical restoration projects using a drawing or sample as a pattern.” The company keeps maple, birch, cherry, red oak, poplar, alder, mahogany, hickory, walnut and ash on hand. Cox said hundreds, if not thousands, of other species can also be ordered. Either way, the materials are prepared to meet customers’ specifications. “There’s still a lot of people who don’t know millwork companies are an option,” he said. “I really want others to realize that there’s alternatives to the big box stores, and that there’s an opportunity to get a high-quality product exactly the way you want it.” With a background in customer service, Cox said he strives to work with customers as closely as possible, providing insight and help

Phone: 402-451-4110 Address: 2503 Taylor St., Omaha 68111 Service: specialty manufacturer of quality, affordable wood products for the commercial and residential building industry Employees: 8 Founded: purchased by current owners in 2018 Goal: Exceed 15% growth in sales, capture more of the marketplace. Website: https://iamillwork.biz

to handing off the finished product. It’s a great feeling when you know the client is happy with their quality product.” Right now, purchasing material can be difficult at times and certain tariffs are causing some hurdles for the business. However, Cox noted building continues to trend upward and wood is coming back into use more often as many architects look for a unique component, such as a standout wall or structure. Within the next 10 years, Cox projects to see substantial growth and surpass the company’s current annual goal of 15% growth in sales. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to make the business better and stronger while capturing more of the marketplace,” Cox said. “Our key takeaway is that we are 100% custom, and 100% about customer service.”

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Terry Davis operates the moulder, a machine that planes all four sides of a board at once.

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Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Burkey connects points of client experience at Midwest Laboratories by Dwain Hebda

Selling clients is one thing, onboarding them smoothly and servicing throughout their life cycle is sometimes quite another. Dana Burkey, client experience officer with Midwest Laboratories, provides the leadership and oversight to help ensure those forces are working in harmony for clients. “Really what it takes is understanding a common goal for all parties,” she said. “So, instead of that push and shove of did you explain this or did you tell them that or did you give them this discount, you really have to take it out of our own mindset and put it into the client’s mindset. You have to walk the journey in their shoes. “We began mapping out what does that day in the life look like for our clients and how can we really give them a wow experience. And, we had to look at some things that we would call a service defect. That was definitely a challenge coming into this role.”

Burkey, a native of Omaha, came to Midwest Laboratories as a sales manager after seven years with Complete Nutrition. She said her approach to sales served as a blueprint to her current, larger role. “I’ve always considered the biggest key to success in sales is to be a good listener,” she said. “Whether it’s in sales or building relationships, what I’ve always done is I’ve always considered myself to be in the people business. I’ve done a lot of different roles and it always was about building a relationship. “That looks a little bit different than thinking about how do you close the sale and just looking at how many deals you do. It’s about how can you make that a fruitful relationship to everyone, how can you be of service to those folks. Whether you’re internal or external, we all have clients, so we can all work on being a good partner, looking at tomorrow and looking to drive value both ways.” Burkey employs this mindset to bring

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together the critical first steps in the cli- During that time, she implemented new ent experience. In addition to overseeing sales initiatives for growing the compathe company’s sales efforts, she leads ny’s current footprint from primarily the account managers who tend to the ongo- Midwest to becoming a player in nationing needs of clients al and international in agriculture, feed/ markets. pet food, fuels, food She is responsiproducers, environble for adding Costmental and consumer co as a new account industries. Finally, and also secured mashe’s responsible for jor clients including the client services Sam’s Club, John department, which Deere and Petco. is the front-line servShe said national ing clients over the and international phone and walk-ins clients are basically in various capacities. looking for the same This multiplicity things as accounts of responsibilities is around the corner. something familiar “It all comes to her, going back to down to the tactical her career at Compiece. Where along plete Nutrition. the steps in that jour“I’ve always ney are those pivotal been in some realm points where we can that’s into the sales help and where we and client side of Client Experience Officer Dana Burkey can we better comthe business, front of … Aiming to provide critical first steps municate,” she said. house operations,” for clients. “Sometimes it’s just she said. “Working us taking a step back at Complete Nutrition headquarters for internally and realizing we all have the seven years, I wore a lot of different hats, same goal. Perception from the client is similar to what I do today.” the reality, so how do we work together Burkey has made the most of her to make sure that we’re reaching that 14-month tenure at Midwest Laboratories. common goal together.”

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

March 27, 2020

Even those resistant to remote workforces embrace technology to maintain production by Michelle Leach

Staffing professionals are leveraging their long histories in the industry to navigate what has become a “perennial” issue (talent shortages amid a low joblessness environment), and the unchartered territory that has characterized recent weeks. “The market remains competitive and challenging for some industries to secure top talent,” said Machael Durham, president of Durham Staffing Solutions. “Omaha has experienced low unemployment over the last few years. This is a true reflection on the quality of our workforce. Job-seekers with niche talent continue to possess the ability to obtain opportunities they Frazey desire.” At the time of this writing, MyStaff Inc. Partner Virginia Kiviranta Frazey noted how the way she viewed the environment for recruiting was completely different less than a week before. “That is how quickly things are moving with COVID-19 initiatives in place,” she said. “We are excited to see companies are continuing to hire, but the process has certainly changed in the past few weeks. Many hiring managers are contemplating the best way to interview at this point. Traditional face-to-face interviews are being replaced by virtual meetings and phone interviews for the safety of current and prospective employees.” And, Frazey said, platforms such as Webex are being used to conduct interviews, eliminating unnecessary social contact. “We are observing companies who

President Machael Durham, left, and Personnel Consultant Kamber Carlson at Durham Staffing Solutions. have decided to place many positions on due to recent shifts in business needs. In hold, waiting for more information about other situations, candidates are telling us the weeks ahead,” she said. “Leading into positions they were in the running for have 2020, candidates had the luxury of owning been placed on a temporary hold.” the market and selectively choosing where Hiring has slowed — not halted they wanted to work and we were observ“Overall, the feedback we are receiving ing unprecedented high salary packages. is definitely a stark contrast to six months The last two weeks have introduced a ago,” she said. whole new set of challenges for job-seekAureus Group Managing Director ers at any level.” Chris Carlson-Dennell described the reReactions are mixed mote workforce as the “new normal,” for “Those who are working have chosen both in-house and contract employees. to put their search on hold due to the cli“As a professional search and staffing mate of uncertainty,” Frazey said. “Those firm, specializing in executive leaders, who are not working have expressed more finance and accounting, and information flexibility in order to generate income. We technology, most of the roles we staff are have witnessed job offers being rescinded conducive to remote work based on our

customers’ protocol,” she said. “That said, manufacturing and construction roles, for example, may not be.” The staffing industry is at the forefront, she said, of unprecedented times. “Many of our customers’ hiring managers have been pulled into contingency planning,” Carlson-Dennell said. The workforce itself is characterized by working parents stepping away to manage households, a talented group that she said multi-tasks with elevated responsibilities beyond the workplace – from new e-learning protocols for their children to assisting senior parents. Carlson-Dennell reminded readers: Carlson-Dennell Every company has a brand. “The decisions and actions made during challenging times is what defines the brand,” she said. The Paragon IT Professionals brand may be defined, partly, by performance working with passive and active candidates, highlighted recently by Account Executive Todd Kirke. “The passive market is a great source of tenured talent and professionals open to new opportunities where they can learn and grow,” he said. “The active market is also a fruitful arena as companies are utilizing new technologies and encountering different challenges that demand people power.” While economic times have impacted needs and availability, Kirke said there has always been a steady demand for tech talent. What’s changed is the type of talent Continued on next page.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Employment & Staffing

Even those resistant to remote workforces embrace technology to maintain production Continued from preceding page. employers need. “The growth in the cloud arena has been impressive over the last three years,” he said. “Almost daily we have needs for .net and java developers; python skills are growing in demand; agile-related positions and quality assurance continue to be a need; and many businesses still have legacy systems that need supported.” Durham further Kirke emphasized how IT is facilitating remote working and playing an increased role in hiring processes. “If layoffs took place, there may be a higher percentage of temporary workers necessary as workflow increases back to how it was prior to COVID-19,” she added. Durham encourages employers to keep abreast of all information; involve employees to ensure they are aware of their options; engage in transparent conversations (for peace of mind); and “collaborate with colleagues and other businesses to share concepts and processes that may assist others.” Frazey noted COVID-19’s effects thus far “feel similar to a recession;” yet, for some sectors, it feels “frankly, quite worse.” “Business restrictions are greatly impacting the hospitality and entertainment industries swiftly and severely,” she said. “Employees at all levels within these industries are forced to accept reduced hours and layoffs with very little notice.” However, in the administrative, accounting, HR and customer service areas

MyStaff supports, Frazey said companies are allowing remote work. Firms that may have been slow to adopt these arrangements are quickly implementing plans to do so. “This isn’t a bad time to plan ahead and proactively recruit for your organization,” she said. “Invest in the future of your business, schedule phone interviews and start conversations with individuals who can positively impact your company.” COVID-19 represents the third “crisis” in Carlson-Dennell’s 25 years in staffing (alongside the 2000 dot-com bubble and 2008 credit meltdown). “Through every challenge, those who

truly care about providing solutions for all stakeholders, and have a solid work ethic and integrity, end up thriving and gaining market share while others fade away,” she said. “Over-communicate” to employees; share information “expeditiously and often.” “Update through the fluid climate and repeat,” Carlson-Dennell said. “Keep it simple and empower employees to use common sense. And, during this fluid pandemic, we need to keep up with the CDC and educate our customers, vendors and employees on the best way to apply new protocols.”

Kirke said companies with talent acquisition processes in place can move quickly and often fare better than those who don’t or who continually ask to “see more resumes.” “Attracting and retaining talent always revolves around providing an opportunity where people can learn, contribute and remain active,” he said. “Most companies that have success in retaining top talent continually invest in their team and have a great grasp on the unique needs/ wants of each individual. Like anything that grows and thrives, the time spent caring for and nurturing talent will not go unrewarded.”

COVID-19 creates uncertainty in the job market by David Kubicek

The Coronavirus pandemic has moved quickly over the past two weeks, resulting in closed schools, cancelled events, reduced hours of operation, and changes in operating procedures. Because these changes will hit many businesses hard, it’s difficult — for now, at least — to make predictions about what the job market will look like in the coming months, but we can look at the state of the market before the crisis. Although the Greater Omaha Chamber was in the process of retooling its operations so employees could work from home, Communications/PR Manager Jill Bruckner provided some information from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Labor Department. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Omaha’s population grew 7% from 2010 to 2016. The population has a median age of 35.2, with more than 40% being 24 years of age or younger.

Over the past 10 years, Omaha has added 31,000 jobs, twice as many as the national average, according to a Department of Labor. The Greater Omaha Chamber’s website attributes this to the education

Sanwick Wilson and qualities employers are looking for in addition to the Midwest work ethic. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that Omaha’s workforce produced $4,000 more goods and services per capita than the average worker.

Tawnia Sanwick, office manager for Sanwick Remodeling Contractors, said that there seems to be a surplus of business in the industry. “Right now, it feels like we are having to turn away more work than we are able to bid,” she said. “I’d assume there are a lot of factors to consider here. The Omaha housing market has been booming for a while, the economy feels steady, and wages are finally rising to keep up with inflation, which encourages people to invest in their homes.” Sanwick said business is similar to last year. In fact, it seems as if the past two or three years have been as busy as this year, which has contributed to significant increases in materials and labor costs. “We are hopeful the busyness will continue into next year,” Sanwick said. “We also hope to find more qualified help to keep up with the demand.” The amount of work available in Omaha has made the gap in skilled labor and labor shortages even more apparent in the remodeling industry. “Labor shortages have also contributed to rising costs as we’re having to increase compensation for guys with experience and even across the board,” Sanwick said. “We’re happy skilled trades are now receiving the higher wages these manual labor jobs deserve, but it has been a struggle explaining the rise in costs to potential customers as it can feel abrupt.” The heavy-highway industry does not currently have a shortage of work, according to Katie O. Wilson, executive director of Nebraska Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). “The reason the highway sector has plenty of work is funding levels are fairly level,” she said. “The 2019 flood has increased the infrastructure needs of the state — because of the 2019 flood, some projects have been pushed back — and Omaha is a growing community, which requires good mobility for the citizens to get around.” The job market is similar to last year, but the construction industry needs to increase its workforce. “The economic outlook was good — at lease prior to COVID-19 — however, we need to recruit more workers to get the job done,” Wilson said. “I’m basing my answers on state and federal funded projects. City of Omaha projects are probably in need of more funding to keep up.”

Employment & Staffing • Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

Talent shortage helping drive continuing education by Dwain Hebda

Whether in-house or through training vendors, up-training and cross-training are increasingly important weapons in many firms’ arsenal to attract talent. “Applicant pools are dwindling; even as recently as three and four years ago, industry was seeing fewer qualified applicants,” said Keith Station, director of business relations with Heartland Workforce Solutions. “We try to abandon the narrative that we just have to live in this, however. We try to turn that on its head and say there’s an opportunity to hire people who need opportunities, it just may be folks with a number of barriers. “As much as we can do to reduce those barriers and encourage industry to find folks and invest in them with workplace learning and on-the-job training investments, the better off we are.” Station said his organization helps companies implement these programs by highlighting and streamlining available educational resources, of which there are many in Omaha. “Metropolitan Community College is at the forefront of optimizing for-credit versus certificate programs and helping individuals filter down into the appropriate types of training,” he said. “The causes and effect have been close to a hundred if not over a hundred short-term training programs that help people go right to work.” Merle Riepe, president of SOLVE, said in today’s corporate environment training and continuing education programs aren’t just nice features, they are considered standard for attracting and retaining talent. “[Continuing education is] as common as health care benefits, and employees most certain-

ly expect them,” Riepe said. “In this labor market, employees have tremendous leverage. For high performers, it is exponential leverage.” “Employees look to the organization to help them develop skills for today and into the future, even if that future is not with the current Station company. The companies who lag in developing employees tend to experience higher levels of disengagement and turnover. If you want to attract strong talent, developing employees is table stakes.” Riepe said leadership training is a particularly popular option and one in which SOLVE specializes. “In leadership development, topics range

from emotional intelligence to providing effective feedback to teamwork,” he said. “Recently, we've seen an increase in resiliency training, helping leaders manage successfully through stress, as well as inclusion training, helping others respect and leverage the diverRiepe sity of teammates to accomplish higher levels of performance.” In some industries, the body of knowledge changes so quickly training is virtually nonstop, said Sarah Schimpf, human resource specialist with OneWorld Community Health Centers. “In the health industry, continuing education and training are ongoing,” she said. “All credentialed personnel must participate in training to

keep their licenses and certifications. That being said, as an employer with over 500 staff members in a wide variety of positions, we must create and provide on-going training so employees are equipped to handle the evolving world in which we now find ourselves.” Schimpf said in addition to adapting to changing information, the company has had to adopt different delivery methods for its curriculum. “Twenty years ago, the idea of online training was just starting to take hold; now, OneWorld has the capability to produce its own classes online,” she said, adding such courses are just one part of the picture. “People learn in different ways, sitting in front of a computer might not have the impact of sitting with a group of like-minded individuals, and we want to be able to utilize all methods of learning to enhance the outcomes. “The employee knowledge base must expand to ensure our staff has the skills, qualifications and knowledge to be vital in this community. It’s good for business and it’s essential for our community.”

Many options available to employers to expand talent pool by Gabby Christensen

Gaining new talent can be a real need for many local employers, which is why experts say there are various programs in place for businesses to hire immigrants, people with disabilities and the formerly incarcerated. Amy Peck, attorney/principal at Jackson Lewis, said hiring foreign nationals for jobs can be a great benefit for employers when U.S. workers are not available or do not qualify for the positions. “While there are expenses involved in

obtaining the proper visas and retaining these employees, the financial benefits for the employers and the economy, including increased business leading to more profits and even the employment of more U.S. workers, exceeds the costs,” Peck said. Peck said there are more than 50 different types of visas, and a few that are used most frequently include H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and Trade USMCA visas. When individuals enter the U.S. in one of these statuses, Peck said their spouses and children may accompany them but, as

dependent visa holders, they usually are unable to work in the U.S. Subject to an annual cap of 85,000, Peck said the H-1B visa allows individuals who work in a specialty occupation to work in the U.S. for a maximum of six years, while the Trade NAFTA Status is a treaty-based status for professional workers who are citizens of Canada or Mexico. Additionally, Peck said H-2A visas are temporary, seasonal visas used by agricultural employers who anticipate shortages Continued on next page.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Employment & Staffing

Many options available to employers to expand talent pool Continued from preceding page. of domestic ag workers. “Employers must prove that there are no U.S. workers available and qualified to perform the work and that the employment of immigrants will not adversely affect the wages of U.S. workers in similar jobs,” Peck said. “H-2B visas are also temporary, seasonal visas for workers used by the hospitality, construction and landscaping industries among others.”

they need to operate and meet their production and customer demands. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nebraska sits at 3.1%, the 14th lowest state unemployment rate in the U.S.,” Bouman said. “We’re seeing more Nebraska businesses considering reentry hiring for the first time out of necessity.” Bouman said RISE provides pre-release

From 50-year low to fears of 20%? How coronavirus is fast changing U.S. jobless rate by Don Lee

Peck Hadley Natalie Hadley, vice president of Outlook Business Solutions, said nearly 70% of blind Americans are unemployed, although they are more than capable. “Outlook Business Solutions provides outsourcing solutions to local businesses and employment opportunities to individuals with vision conditions by offering a variety of freelance opportunities,” Hadley said. “These roles, ranging from writing to graphic design and accessibility testing, help organizations manage project-specific needs by tapping into our talent pool of visually impaired professionals throughout the country.” According to Hadley, technology levels the playing field for people with vision loss. “Our freelancers are qualified professionals who just need an opportunity to show what they can do,” Hadley said. “As we grow, we will add full-time positions while maintaining these freelance opportunities.” Jeremy Bouman, CEO of RISE, said a job isn’t a silver bullet, but it can be the difference between reentry stability and re-incarceration. “Much of recidivism can be traced to returning citizens reoffending during their first 100 days out because they can’t get a job, they lose confidence and hope, and often return to illegal means to earn money and survive,” Bouman said. Bouman said Nebraska businesses are struggling to recruit and retain the workforce

programming including pre-employment training, job readiness skills, mock interviewing practice, resume review, case management and employment support. “We need more employers willing to give people returning from incarceration the path to economic stability,” Bouman said. Bouman said RISE works closely with the Nebraska Department of Labor to help business-

es access federal incentive programs available for “second-chance” hiring, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Federal Bonding Program and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. “RISE employer partners are benefitting from high employee engagement, loyalty and lower turnover rates than their peers,” Bouman said. “Second chance hiring lowers recidivism, improves public safety, helps companies meet workforce needs and enriches workplace culture. Everybody wins.”

New government data Thursday on layoffs underscored both the severity of the looming unemployment crisis and the challenge Congress and the White House face in deploying effective responses to the coronavirus. After years of steady economic growth that drove unemployment to a 50-year low, the pandemic has suddenly raised the specter of joblessness on a scale not seen since the onset of the Great Depression. And it has challenged policy makers and Congress to recogEmployment nize that the current medical emergency is crippling the economy in ways that are fundamentally different from past financial crises — and may require strategies that are closer to those adopted in wartime than to conventional emergencies. Bailouts for hard-hit industries and small businesses, for example, could help them survive long-term. But such policies do little to help the millions of workers who are losing all or much of their ability to meet day-to-day living expenses. Similarly, traditional financial relief packages may not be effective against the kind of panic buying and hoarding that have emptied supermarket and drugstore shelves. On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin warned lawmakers that unemployment could rocket to 20%. While Mnuchin’s warning may have been a worst-case scenario aimed at goading Congress for quick approval of President Trump’s $1-trillion economic stimulus plan, it was nonetheless far more pessimistic than the administration has ever been, and it spoke to the near certainty of an imminent recession. The Labor Department’s report Thursday on applications for unemployment insurance during the week ending last Saturday showed

a jump of 33% as 70,000 more people filed for jobless benefits compared with the prior week, led by California, Washington state and Nevada. And it wasn’t until this week that many employers began to send workers home in response to widespread lockdown orders for restaurants, bars and other venues where people congregate in large numbers, and millions of Americans began to shelter in place. “Today’s jobless claims statistics provide the confirmation, if it was needed, that the economy has just fallen over the cliff and is turning down into a recession,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Bank in New York. In the post-World War II era, the jobless rate has only breached 10% twice: during the downturn in the early 1980s and in the wake of the Great Recession, hitting a peak of 10% in October 2010. Since 2010, the unemployment rate has declined slowly but steadily, and was down to 3.5% last month, matching a figure previously recorded in late 1969. For Trump, the new layoff statistics could be an ominous sign politically, as he has banked his reelection hopes on the strength of the economy and particularly the stock market and the very low unemployment in the nation. Since the virus outbreak in the U.S., stocks have lost almost all the gains since Trump took office, with the Dow falling more than 30% in the last month. And the labor market, which just a month ago had generated 273,000 new jobs, is likely to see rapid deterioration. “We expect the coronavirus to produce significant job losses and lead to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate in the coming months,” Oxford Economics said. Trump has rued the sudden turn of events. “Now the whole world almost is inflicted with this horrible virus, and it’s too bad,” he said Thursday at a daily briefing with the coronavirus task force. “But we’ll be back and I actually think we’ll be back stronger than ever before.” That may depend in good part on whether he can get his $1-trillion stimulus plan through Congress — and quickly. The administration has proposed a package that includes $500 billion in direct cash payments to most taxpayers and $300 billion to help small businesses, which could forestall some layoffs and keep the unemployment rate from ballooning. Experts say direct payments to taxpayers could help by giving people more money to buy food and other goods, which in turn would provide much-needed revenues to businesses. And emergency loans to businesses also could help them weather the downturn and keep more people employed. Even so, Harry Holzer, who served as chief economist for the Labor Department in the Clinton administration, said he could see the jobless rate rising to somewhere between 10% and 20% given economists’ forecast for a sharp contraction in the economy in coming months. “It very much depends on how good the stimulus is,” said Holzer, a professor at Georgetown University. “Nobody’s talking

about deficits or worried about debts. They are probably going to spend a couple trillion dollars on stimulus. That will help cushion the blow somewhat.” The jolt to the U.S. labor market has been stunning, especially across the services economy. Moody’s Analytics estimated that 27 million workers, or about 18% of the U.S. workforce, are at most risk, including leisure and hospitality, transportation and mining and energy. Some of the largest companies in these sectors already have started to cut payrolls. Marriott said it was furloughing tens of thousands of employees around the world. Tens of thousands of jobs in the film industry also are thought to have been shed since the virus outbreak. There have been cuts at airports, warehouses and other job centers as well as those at entertainment venues, professional sports parks and arenas. The restaurant industry alone warned that 5 million to 7 million workers will lose jobs in coming months. “The numbers we appear to be learning about are absolutely overwhelming,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), who chairs the House Financial Services Committee. Waters has proposed that the government provide at least $2,000 to every adult and $1,000 for every child for every month while the crisis lasts. Companies have had to react so quickly to the abrupt stoppage of business that they haven’t had time to report them to state or local governments under the layoff-notification regulations. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant chain, was one that did. On Monday it sent a layoff notice to authorities in Ohio that it had already furloughed 410 of its 450 employees because of the state’s prohibition on in-dining service. “The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and related unprecedented federal guidance and state orders closing restaurants has caused a significant economic impact on the business,” the letter said. The company operates 51 restaurants in 19 states, and most of those jobs are imperiled by the pandemic, said Stephen Loftis, Firebirds’ vice president of marketing. Like other restaurants, Firebirds is trying to survive and keep some employees on by offering to-go, delivery and curbside services. But Loftis said it would be hard for the company to weather a shutdown lasting more than a couple of months. He has been following the government’s response and said it would be helpful to have business interruption insurance as part of the package, which would replace income lost as if in a disaster. Loftis also said he would welcome “any pertinent stimulus to help our team members, to make sure they’re fed, can pay their rent and continue their healthcare.” He said the company eventually planned to call every worker back to their jobs. ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

Midwest Maintenance uses creativity during pandemic challenges

Continued from page 1. cleaning ash trays and picking up paper after working on any given day throughout Omaha league bowlers exited Papio Bowl — one of and Lincoln and for the past six years, and in her dad’s initial clients. Houston where the firm has added its third The firm she now heads has done work in branch office. nine states via affiliation with industry groups Midwest Maintenance continues to op- such as the Building Services Contractors erate out of a 12,000-square-foot building Association International and National Ser— remodeled and oft-added onto since her vice Alliance. parents Paul & Alice Gutierrez founded the Leadership in the industry, Gutierrez said, company with $2,000 of the family’s savings has been a differentiating factor in the growth in 1965. of Midwest Maintenance. On the planning table — and perhaps in “We want to tell the client what’s going danger of being pushed back a year or two on — rather than they telling us,” she said. — is the construcOften that can tion of a multi-use Midwest Maintenance mean seeking Midbuilding near Mid- Phone: 402-733-1114 west Maintenance’s west Maintenance’s Address: 2901 Q St., Omaha 68107 expertise when a new current headquarters. Services: regional commercial cleanstructure is being The planned structure ing, environmental services and staffing planned. will better enable the agency Gutierrez said firm to house its grow- Founded: 1965 by Paul & Alice Gutierthose who manage ing managerial staff, rez cleaning projects as warehousing needs Employees: about 1,000 working on well as those who do and many initiatives any given day over a seven state service the cleaning know aimed at south Oma- area what the likely upha’s burgeoning Lati- One-year goal: Weather current pankeep is going to cost no community. in terms of materials demic storm while keeping employees G u t i e r r e z s a i d healthy and focused on using latest used and time devoted the coronavirus pan- technology to exceed expectations of to the project. demic needs to be ap- health-conscious customers. “Whether it’s a proached by Midwest Industry outlook: The cleaning industry, personal owner or a Maintenance and the which has often been taken for granted corporate investment, growing number of by clients, now has been elevated in a stainless steel patplayers in the national importance. tern on a partition in professional cleaning Website: www.midwestinc.net a restroom is going to industry with cogent attract a lot of finger analysis. prints and overall is going to be hard to “While significantly impacting revenues, clean,” she said. our industry, which often has been taken for She remembers a military client who used granted by clients, now has been elevated in carpet squares thinking that severe damage importance,” she said. to one piece could easily be replaced by Big issues on the debate table include installing another square. It didn’t work out effectively cleaning to prevent viruses, the because the new piece often didn’t match the concept of “clean” air, the use of robotics older carpet surrounding it. and sensors — among others. Not all fabric used on office cubicles or Midwest Maintenance has three branch- guest chairs can be easily cleaned with the es: janitorial and commercial cleaning, same approach. Incidents ranging from coffee hospital housekeeping and a staffing agency. spills to vomit need different plans of attack; Commercial and industrial work has been on the latter requires a bio-hazard protocol. a steady increase. Specific categories such as More of the facilities Midwest Maintehealth care and the entertainment industry nance cleans under contract are used on a have seen the largest increases. 24/7 basis, requiring day porters and manBranch offices have been added in agers to assiduously communicate with repLincoln at 301 Centennial Mall South and resentatives of the client as to special needs contracts in Missouri and South Dakota like specialized cleaning after a reception or demonstrate a strong demand for cleaning party concludes in a room. services, especially in the health care and Just over two months ago as talk of the arena sectors. international coronavirus pandemic started Gone are the days when many of Midwest to receive attention in the industry, Midwest Maintenance’s employees were assigned to Maintenance started to inventory its wareone large client’s headquarters. house supply of disinfecting chemicals. One “Now large health care clients might have example is a Clorox-based chemical that can 11 or 15 facilities that need our attention,” be applied with a sprayer to disinfect a large said Gutierrez, who remembers at age 9 area. Air-cleaning systems for offices and special meeting rooms were readied. Equipment available at Midwest Maintenance includes a new T-360 system that electronically can change chemicals being sprayed onto particular surfaces to attack germs. An air-scrubbing system, used in conjunction with another machine, purifies air circulating in a room. Although often used after fires, the equipment can also be used for virus suppression. President Mark Oldaker, a 30-year veteran of the corporate accounting world, joined Midwest Maintenance and among other responsibilities, meets with the firm’s top clients, sometimes on a daily basis.

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Gutierrez said the “personal touch” she, Oldaker and other key employees of the family-owned firm can bring to a crisis situation is priceless. One such incident came in Houston a few years ago during the challenges of managing the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. “We were at the convention center there that served as a rescue site for 10,000 homeless people and pallets of donations,” she said. “Luckily FEMA stepped in to help out too.” While smaller jobs might need a small cleaning crew for eight hours five days a week, larger events such as the NCAA College World Series or Olympic Swim Trials hosted in Omaha can require 100 or more Midwest Maintenance employees to be onsite 24/7. Gutierrez credits two important decisions that have enabled Midwest Maintenance to find and develop the large number of full and part-time employees it has needed during its growth trajectory. One is a partnership with Metropolitan Community College for a non-credit course open to the public that covers instruction and certification in cus-

tomer concierge service, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety issues and an introduction to chemicals and cleaning equipment. The second factor is an attractive benefits package in an industry that traditionally has not had such options. Paul & Alice Gutierrez have retired and now live in Northern California. Jamie, 53, remembers their tutelage that honesty and hard work are the key ingredients in building a business. Since 1994, she has placed an emphasis on taking Midwest Maintenance’s name from its former stronghold in downtown and south Omaha into west Omaha, Lincoln, and into contiguous states. Clients can select from a menu of 20 services, including biohazard and blood borne pathogens, waste management, touchpoint cleaning, and emergency cleanup, among others. From each challenge, she said, what emerges is a stronger, more creative and confident woman. Last year, Jamie Gutierrez became the first Latino to serve as a governor on the Knights of Aksarben Board.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Access Bank set to add seventh location; rolls out concierge executive banking team Continued from page 1. well as the expansion of both UNO and the College of Saint Mary.” The Aksarben Village location, which will sit at the former site of the legendary Amato’s Café at 64th and Center streets, joins locations in Midtown, La Vista, Village Pointe, Shadow Lake, Oakview and Center Mall (42nd and Center streets). In a December announcement, it was reported

Access Bank Phone: 402-673-6000 (Midtown) Address: 8712 West Dodge Road, Omaha 68114 (Midtown) Services: full range of banking services and products Year chartered: 2007 Employees: at least 110 Website: www.accessbank.com

that the facility will be in a new, two-story structure, featuring a main floor with “open and collaborative full-service banking with the latest in technology and convenience for client/employee engagement,” while the second floor will reportedly feature the bank’s newly-formed executive banking team. “The Aksarben location will feature a large, open branch concept that eliminates the traditional teller line and welcomes the client to an open workspace in which the employee and customer can more closely interact,” Corrigan said, when asked for more details on these features. “This new design gives the employee the ability to easily access all areas of the branch, greet our clients as they enter, and assist them

in getting to the right area to meet their needs.” He referred to its “always popular” beverage and snack areas — collaborative seating for both employees and clients to have conversations. “We are continuing to look at evolving ‘bank anywhere’ technology that will allow our employees to assist the clients in a space that is the most comfortable for them,” Corrigan said. He further expanded upon the aforementioned executive banking team; reportedly, the new group supports the “busy lifestyles of Omaha’s community leaders, executives and professionals.” “This concierge service was created to serve our clients’ vast needs — from practice buy-ins, to physician home loans, to everyday checking and savings accounts,” Corrigan said. “Our experienced team is a ‘one-stop’ resource for customized banking and financing needs.” Overall, Access Bank employs more than 110 people; to put this in perspective, in 2015, the Midlands Business Journal reported that the bank had 55 employees. “We plan on adding to our team in 2020 with 15 positions presently identified in various departments of the bank,” said Samantha “Sam” Mosser, who joined the bank as president early this year. “We’re always looking for top talent dedicated to team collaboration and delivering exceptional customer service. Each of our locations have varied staff sizes to meet the demand of its client base.” Mosser referred to an additional investment of more than $200,000 in learning and

development opportunities for employees over the past three years. “The budget for leadership and training has grown by more than 15% each year,” she said. “In 2019 alone, over 63 internal courses were offered to the team. On a monthly basis, our training and development manager offers five to seven workshops or webinars for employees to participate in.” Topics range from professional presence and effective leadership, to work/ life balance and critical conversations. “Employees also attended close to 100 conferences and/or learning opportunities,” she said. “Due to our increased focus on education and training, we internally promoted 21 employees to new roles in 2019 — 19% of our average employee size.” Along the lines of the internal development focus, Mosser emphasized that the bank sees its biggest opportunities in the “tried and true need for personal relationships.” “While digital enhancements are critical in banking, the customer still wants their banker to know them,” she added. “We encourage our team to have personal interactions with clients and deliver customer service that people no longer receive. We believe banks are getting so wrapped up in the digital process, they are forgetting about the actual person behind the screen.” At the same time, Mosser and Corrigan acknowledged that financial consumer habits are changing dramatically. “It’s extremely important for communi-

ty banks to adopt and develop technology that works for their business model, so they can compete with regional and large banks,” Corrigan said. Mosser also noted how analytics and artificial intelligence are “core differentiators:” “Community banks must be knowledgeable about the latest technology trends and seek opportunities to create internal and external efficiencies.” As a “true” community bank, leadership further noted how “serving the community” is among employee expectations. “We believe so strongly in giving back to the Greater Omaha community, we implemented volunteer time off (VTO) in 2020 to allow each of our team members paid time off to volunteer with the organizations they’re passionate about,” Corrigan said. A few of the “favorites” isolated by Corrigan and Mosser include the Food Bank for the Heartland, whereby employees donated 16,748 meals (around 148 per employee) and filled 55 volunteer shifts, adding up to more than 137 hours. Additionally, as the presenting sponsor of Giving Tuesday, Access Bank played a vital role in the $508,203 raised for local nonprofits. Leadership also highlighted its two separate American Red Cross blood drives in 2019, and the team’s 92% participation in the United Way campaign. Via FDIC data gathered as of June 30, Access Bank boasted almost $494 million in deposits; in 2008, deposits reportedly totaled around $18.4 million.

Ecolab seeing sharp rise in sales of disinfectants that can neutralize coronavirus by Jim Spencer

Sales have risen 10-fold for some Ecolab disinfectants that neutralize the novel coronavirus causing a worldwide pandemic. St. Paul, Manufacturing Minn.-based Ecolab already has 13 separate products on a list that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says can control SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Application times for effective treatment on hard surfaces range from one to 10 minutes. “We have several hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants that can be used against the novel coronavirus,” spokesman Roman Blahoski said. “Demand for these products has increased three to 10 times over normal volumes, both in the U.S. and globally, and our manufacturing plants throughout the world are running at full capacity to help meet customer needs.” Along with Ecolab, St. Paul-based 3M also has products that meet the criteria of the EPA’s Emerging Pathogen Policy specific to COVID-19, said spokeswoman Jennifer Ehrlich. “In response to COVID-19, 3M has increased production at manufacturing facilities around the world, including those that make disinfecting products to help meet demand,” she said. 3M has yet to seek permission to relabel its products. But the company has a web page dedicated to products it says meet the EPA standard for controlling COVID-19. “As we learn more about COVID-19 and

official test methods and claims are made available, we will pursue applicable label changes,” Ehrlich said. Demand for disinfectants to clean surfaces from homes to hospitals and buses to businesses has grown large enough that EPA recently allowed companies to quickly relabel disinfectants with something called an “emerging viral pathogen claim” if research suggests that those companies’ brands can neutralize SARS-CoV2 and avoid COVID-19. The latest EPA list of presumptive SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 killers emerged last week. It included nearly 300 disinfectants, EPA said, including 40 new ones fast-tracked through a novel regulatory review process. The list came as EPA chief Andrew Wheeler held a series of conference calls with disinfectant makers. In a statement released by EPA, Steve Caldeira, CEO of the Household and Commercial Products Association, encouraged people and businesses “to check [disinfectants] against EPA’s list by finding the registration number on the product label. Read the label, follow the directions and pay attention to how long the product should stay on the surface you’re cleaning.” More products are in the pipeline. The EPA is working to expedite about 70 requests from businesses to update labels on products, a spokesperson said. The process for proving a disinfectant’s ability to control coronavirus is someContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

Appsky delves into new technologies to boost opportunities and products Continued from page 1. said. “People have pretty strong opinions about one or the other, usually. Some companies pick Angular for some reasons and some pick React. “Larger companies are making these decisions now and they’re very similar at the end of the day — from a high-level technical view they offer the same types of things. It comes down to structure and use cases; it depends on what fits for your organization. As a service-based company SUPER CROSSWORD

working with those types of companies in Omaha, we wanted to be able to offer both as an option.” Another driver to adding React capabilities is that it’s easier to find mid-tier developers who use React; however, now local code schools like Midland Code Academy and Metropolitan Community College Code School are training people on Angular, he said. Since its founding, the company has had its share of startup pains and growth, OUT OF THE ORDINARY

but with a solid team of seven, including we’re doing things now, because projects four developers, Korensky has been able to are bigger and longer term, we can work step away from development and focus on on [fewer] projects at a time, which is ultigrowing and running the company. mately better for everybody.” “Having the additional developer supAppsky’s involvement in organizations port on the team side has been awesome,” like 1 Million Cups, Tech Omaha and Cofhe said. “We’ve [been able] to implement fee and Code has raised its profile in the better operational procedures, better Agile community. project management strategies and actually “Community involvement is huge for getting to follow through on those instead of our business and it’s been a massive driver being pulled in a million directions.” of referrals for us, but it’s taking the long Along with seeking work with bigger game approach,” he said. “It’s taken a clients, Appsky startcouple years to get ed offering a new Appsky there.” service, the “Discov- Phone: 402-999-4965 With its entrepreery Package,” an ini- Address: 356 N. 76th St., Omaha 68114 neurial roots in the tial package geared Services: design, software and consultstartup community, toward startups and ing the company is workentrepreneurs. With Employees: 7 ing on an upcoming this month-long ser- Founded: Nov. 2016 spin-off product that vice, for a fee, entre- Industry outlook: Opportunities abound taps into community preneurs-to-be can as software and physical technology partnerships. work with Appsky’s grow and become more integrated into “We hope to work designers to vet their people’s everyday lives through internet on some more grantideas before they in- of things, context aware applications and based projects for vest money to create augmented reality, for example. the government this an app or design soft- Website: appsky.io year, help entrepreware. neurs get launched by “We really want to help people validate hooking them up with appropriate mentors or invalidate their ideas,” he said. “We’re or funding sources or whatever it may be,” hopefully that middle piece that allows peo- he said. “We’re also exploring a couple ple to understand — without a huge commit- of our own ideas we want to launch for ment, without being tied to us — what this products that we’ve been introduced to or can look like, what are the possibilities, what opportunities that we’ve discovered. We is the technology, how can I even go about are all entrepreneurs, so we have always getting money and all that kind of stuff.” wanted to build up a team that allows us to Appsky also uses its knowledge and ex- spin out products.” periences to help entrepreneurs find funding sources, whether through grants or the steps required to pitch to investors. Korensky said that he likes to work Continued from preceding page. on “impact projects” — building software what indirect because SARS-CoV-2 and that gets used and that impacts businesses, COVID-19 are new. The EPA relies on the assumption that products which can kill viral clients and even the world. Developing the TransplantU app with strains stronger than the one causing the the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s current pandemic will also control weaker pediatric transplant center and the Child Life strains. “While disinfectant products on this list department was one such project. The app have not been tested specifically against is available on IOS and Android devices. TransplantU started in the 1980s and SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, they 1990s as a storybook that explained the are expected to be effective against SARStransplant process to children in a friendly CoV-2 because they have been tested and way. After receiving a grant a couple of proven effective on either a harder-to-kill years ago, UNMC worked with Appsky to virus or against another human coronavirus develop it into a digital storybook. Appsky similar to SARS-CoV-2,” the EPA said. Craig Hedberg, a professor in the developed the art and animation and UNMC developed the content, script and voice- University of Minnesota School of Public over. The interactive app allows kids to Health, said the approach is reasonable. Tests show the virus causing the panchoose a character and type of transplant, walking them through the process step demic “can persist on hard surfaces for days,” Hedberg said. Getting access to and by step. Creating the app was a discovery process permission to test this unique virus “crein itself, he said, noting that the art and ani- ates hurdles that delay testing,” he added. mation took longer than anticipated because “In terms of providing a wider range of they wanted to ensure accuracy in represen- products, using surrogates that are well tation of the details, which meant a lot of characterized and at least as hearty as the communication with medical professionals. coronavirus is a way to move forward.” While the number of disinfectants to Another impact project was creating the Give Sight app for local nonprofit Give deal with the pandemic swells, Hedberg, Sight Global. People can sync workout the public health professor, stressed that calories with the app via health trackers that airborne molecules remain the major source work with Apple Health or Google Fit. For of infection. “A broad range of disinfectants is every 120 calories burned, $1 is donated to help underserved people around the world good backup protection,” he said. “But get eye care, whether they need cataract respiration if the main way of transmitting coronavirus.” surgery or glasses. ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) “We’ve done over 100 projects and Distributed by worked with 70-some clients in the last three Tribune Content Agency, LLC. years,” he said. “What’s nice about how

Ecolab seeing sharp rise

Answers on page 12.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Struggling to find tech workers? You might need to train them yourself by Zachery Eanes

Tony Byrd was growing increasingly discontented with his job running the coffee shop in the lobby of IBM’s main building in Research Triangle Park. He had been working there since he graduated from South Granville High School nearly a decade ago, and with two young kids to provide for at home, Byrd, 27, was itching for a new start. Now you can find him buying coffee from the same bar he used to run, Hiring except this time as a full-time IBM employee. Byrd’s transition from barista to IT worker is part of what has become increasingly necessary in today’s technology industry: companies looking to nontraditional places to fill a growing talent gap. Byrd is a recent graduate of IBM’s apprenticeship program — a 12-monthlong training program for workers without advanced degrees, where he learned coding languages like JavaScript, Python and C#. It’s a win-win for Byrd and IBM. He has the chance to start a career in the tech industry and receive a big raise from his barista days. And IBM has gained an employee who says he’s in no hurry to leave Big Blue. “It meant a lot and took a weight off my shoulders,” Byrd said of being hired fulltime. When asked whether it made him feel a sense of loyalty to the company, he said it did. IBM’s apprenticeship program was pioneered at its RTP office in 2017. Since then, the program has spread to several IBM offices. In two years, it has led to nearly 200 employees being taught how to code, run cybersecurity and a host of other skills. Around 90% of people in the program have become full-time IBM employees, the company said. A NUMBERS GAME Kelli Jordan, director of career and skills at IBM, said the program was born of necessity, with hundreds of thousands of IT job openings around the country going unfilled. “Every company is becoming a tech company in some sort of way. … It is a bit of a numbers game,” she said. “There’s over

700,000 (unfilled) tech jobs, and when you look at candidates that are coming out of the traditional pipeline, there are only about 70,000 with a computer science degree. Those numbers don’t match up.” So IBM came to the realization it had to recruit differently. “That meant looking at community colleges and coding boot camps,” she said, rather than just depending on the universities producing enough computer science graduates. The apprenticeship model — where potential workers get paid while they learn new skills — has been around for a long time, mainly in the trades. IBM says it’s one of the first tech companies to try the model. In the IBM program, apprentices receive 200 hours of learning on average, both in the classroom and in real-life projects, applying new skills and getting real-time feedback. Jordan said she has received loads of calls from other companies about how to set up a similar program. THOUSANDS OF JOB OPENINGS UNFILLED IBM isn’t the only local tech company looking for ways to recruit employees from nontraditional places. And with more than 28,000 IT job postings in North Carolina in December — a 10.8% increase from the year prior, according to the N.C. Tech Association — there are plenty of options for the most qualified workers, forcing companies to focus on retention and mining new talent. A survey of Raleigh-area chief information officers by the recruitment firm Robert Half found that 46% of them were willing to be more flexible on skills requirements and provide training to new hires. Companies like Lenovo have created internship pipelines at local community collegesb giving opportunities to dozens of students every year. Fidelity is now funding a scholarship at Wake Technical Community College for students studying cloud storage and cybersecurity to chip away at the local talent gap in those fields. In the past year, SAS Institute has made it easier for autistic work-

ers to find opportunities at its company. And Credit Suisse has launched an initiative at its RTP office to help train workers — many of them women — who have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time. “It was created to target an overlooked talent pool of qualified candidates,” Sophia Wajnert, head of Credit Suisse Raleigh, said of the program in an interview with The News & Observer last year. “We realized there were talented individuals who struggle to return to work after a career break.” IMPROVING REPRESENTATION As an added benefit, tech companies could also increase their workforce diversity by hiring from nontraditional sources of talent. North Carolina, as a state, lags behind much of the country when it comes to diversity in the tech industry, despite it being one of the more diverse states. “For us, it definitely has helped with diversity,” IBM’s Jordan said. “We do see candidates who may have not been able to go to a traditional college but have been able to build skills.” Dan Rearick, executive director of Code the Dream, a nonprofit that focuses on teaching immigrant youths how to code, said his coding boot camp was founded on the premise that tech companies would be willing to hire workers without bachelor’s degrees. A lot of the organization’s students did well in school, he said, but because they were Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA, or “Dreamers”) many skipped college because they didn’t qualify for in-state tuition. “Employers are, for the most part, very willing to consider people who don’t have a

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Home-sewn clothes are making a comeback. But is it too late for dying fabric stores? by Brittany Meiling

Fabric stores that sell threads, buttons and materials for making clothes are dwindling in San Diego, with owners shuttering their shops citing waning interest from customers. The disappearance of fabric stores is probably not a shock to outsiders — in the age of fast fashion, who still makes their own clothes? But sewing garments at home is — surprisingly — not dead. Trends While fabric stores of yesteryear are falling off the map, a new industry is rising up to meet the modern demands of young “sewists” — a relatively new term that describes anyone who sews. And these businesses look quite different than your grandma’s fabric shop. But you wouldn’t know of sewing’s resurgence by looking at San Diego’s retail scene. Last month, news broke that family-owned Yardage Town would close its four remaining stores in San Diego County, leaving the region with a dearth of stores selling apparel-grade fabrics. Besides a smattering of chain hobby stores whose selection of apparel-worthy fashion fabrics is slim at best, there

are few remaining brick-and-mortar shops to buy fabric for making clothes. Before Yardage Town announced its upcoming closures, a slew of predecessors had already closed down. Jane’s Fabrique, a fashion fabric shop in La Jolla, shuttered 10 years ago. National City-based Yardage City, not to be confused with Yardage Town, closed its stores a few years later. “When we lose Yardage Town, the choices here will be next to nothing,” said Gwen Edwards, a longtime dressmaker and owner of Gwen Couture in South Park. In a city of 1.4 million people, why is it so hard to find one good fabric store? The new “sewist” emerges Sewing clothes was once considered a basic, practical skill, but it began to fall out of fashion with the baby boomer generation. Mothers were working and had less time for such tasks, and the price of clothing was plummeting. By the time boomers had their own children, their memories of such skills were faint and increasingly unnecessary. With home economics disappearing from Continued on page 22.

traditional background, or a computer science degree,” Rearick said. But he has found that most need to land a long-term internship at a company before they will be hired. Fernando Osorto, 25, who immigrated to North Carolina from Honduras, worked in carpentry before he enrolled at Code the Dream, learning coding languages like Ruby on Rails. He now works at Duke University as a web application developer. In his view, more companies should take a chance on coding boot camp graduates because they spend as much time learning code as many students in traditional schools. Yet, when he was applying for jobs after graduating, he thinks his resume was often passed over because he didn’t have a four-year degree. It wasn’t until he proved his capabilities in an internship at Duke that he got a fulltime gig. “A lot of the jobs I applied to in their qualifications they would say you need a bachelor’s in computer science,” he said. “So even though I had the experience … . I think that was the reason I didn’t get a call back.” If more companies looked beyond people with four-year computer science degrees, Osorto said, “I think it would greatly impact the outcome of the diversity in the tech world.” This story was produced with financial support from a coalition of partners led by Innovate Raleigh as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Learn more by going to bit.ly/newsinnovate ©2020 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

‘What are we supposed to do?’ Service workers hardest hit by coronavirus closures by Jacob Barker

Last Wednesday, Monica Hendrix found out she didn’t have a job. The 24-year-old waitress at Red Robin in Chesterfield, Mo., was making just enough to cover her bills. Her hours had already been cut this month as concern mounted over the coronavirus and business began dropping off at the restaurant. When state and local leaders began announcing ever stricter measures forcing restaurants to curtail Economy dining, Hendrix, like so many others in the service industry, found herself suddenly faced with the terrifying prospect of unemployment. It all happened so fast. Hendrix’s sister, Paula, and Paula’s two children — 2-year-old Lian and 9-month-old Lincoln — live with her in the small north St. Louis County house she rents with two other roommates. Hendrix has a car bill due April 15. Her sister’s job at a Qdoba Mexican Eats is in jeopardy as the restaurant moves to curbside pickup only. “They only had about 12 customers yesterday — it isn’t enough to keep everyone on or keep your business open,” Paula Hendrix, 22, said as she played with her kids before her Thursday shift, maybe one of her last. “I don’t think they’ll stay open more than a week.” The sisters, originally from Steelville in rural Missouri, hope that together, along with their roommates, they can scrape up enough for rent. Their parents aren’t really in the picture. They don’t have a family to fall back on. “I’m kind of their fallback,” Monica Hendrix said of her sister and the two children. There’s just no more work. Hotels are slashing housekeeping, along with everyone else, as rooms sit empty. Convention center workers have no events to work. Bartenders and servers are being laid off by the thousands. Vendors who work St. Louis Blues games and XFL games aren’t getting paid. The now-canceled BattleHawks games — one would have been Saturday, and two more were scheduled at the Dome at America’s Center for the season — were especially good money for server and bartender Mary Williams of Wellston. “We just got the BattleHawks season back here and everything. And it just went dead,” she said. “If it does go into next month, what are we gonna do?” St. Louis mirrors the broader U.S. economy, with about 10% of the workforce in leisure and hospitality. Across the U.S., over half of the workforce is hourly rather than salaried, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “If this goes on for a long time, everyone’s going to suffer because of all the kinds of reverberations that will start hitting industry after industry,” said Jake Rosenfeld, a Washington University sociology professor who studies inequality. “But for the short term, the full brunt of it’s going to be borne on hourly workers who have to show up for work each day. And it won’t take long for us to start to see that in the data.” Already, unemployment claims in Illinois jumped to 10,870 for the week ended March 14, up 25% from the week before and 36% higher than a year ago. In Missouri, claims rose to 3,976, up 34% from the week before and about 23% from the corresponding week last year. Economists expect they will skyrocket next week. “The fraction of American households who have $1,000 cushion for an emergency on hand is something like less than half,” Rosenfeld said.

“There is just not a lot of cushion there in the broader U.S. economy to weather this type of shock to the system, and that’s especially true for hourly workers.” With the closure of schools and day cares, workers now have the added anxiety of juggling child care amid going to work, if they’re lucky, said Anne Winkler, a University of Missouri-St. Louis economics professor. In a move that would have seemed unthinkable a month ago, Congress is trying to pass a stimulus bill that would send billions of dollars in direct checks of over $1,000 to many Americans. Even that, some worry, may not be enough to blunt the economic hit. Deshawn Johnson, 19, lost his shifts at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown St. Louis. He lives with his parents in the city and has some savings to fall back on. “But it won’t last me two weeks,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to start closing down so soon.” Tony LaRue, a building engineer at the Red Lion, said two other engineers had been laid off. He had been working about 50 hours a week, earning overtime. By Tuesday, he was down to 20 hours. He figures 30 to 45 people were laid off Monday. “The only reason the building’s still open is we have condos at the top,” LaRue said. He’s a single dad with four kids. He has a little money saved up — money he was planning to use to buy a building to house his nonprofit, Operation Opp-side 21, that works to combat

gun violence among youths. “Every day I go home, I don’t know if I’m gonna go to work the next day,” he said. “What are we supposed to do?” ‘Nothing we can do’ Hotel owners have had little choice. “We had a great outlook,” said Mike Mullenix, chairman and chief executive officer of Brentwood, Mo.-based Equis Hotels, which last month opened a new Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott on Market Street downtown. “And then, in the last 10 days, I’ve never seen anything like it. We went from 100 mph to 0.” Mullenix, a 33-year veteran of the industry, has opened 19 hotels over his career. He worked through the fear of 9/11 and the cratering demand after the 2008 financial crisis. This, he said, is like both at once. Occupancy is between 10% and 45% at the seven hotels — six in the St. Louis area — that Equis, a franchisee, manages, off from the 65%85% that’s normal for this time of year. Each was staffed by 40 or 50 people. In the last few days, Mullenix has had to lay off more than half of his employees. “You have to look at people that have worked for you for a very long time and tell them there’s nothing we can do,” Mullenix said. Kevin McNatt, president of Unite Here Local 74, guesses about three-quarters of the 400 or so workers his union represents were laid off from the Marriott St. Louis Grand last week. The Casino Queen, another business

he represents, was forced to close along with other Illinois casinos and isn’t paying laid-off workers, McNatt said. The union is trying to get what it can for hundreds of members who worked events at Enterprise Center, Busch Stadium and America’s Center. Maybe, he hopes, this will pass in time for baseball season. But it’s too late for the NCAA Tournament games — originally scheduled for this weekend — at Enterprise Center. “That work won’t come back,” McNatt said. Ella Fritts figures she’s one of the “lucky ones” in the service industry. She works in the kitchen at The Improv Shop, on the edge of The Grove, which is moving to curbside pickup. And though she has lost shifts, she has been promised at least a full month’s pay for March. When she found out, her boss immediately texted her to say that, if she needed help with groceries, “I got you.” She’s already paid next month’s rent, and her boyfriend is a delivery driver, hopefully relatively stable employment as people hole up inside. “If something happens with his job, then I’ll freak out,” Fritts said. More pain is certainly on the way, though. Washington University economist Steven Fazzari was stunned when he ran the numbers. Assuming portions of the economy such as retail and restaurants are essentially shutting down, the wallop to gross domestic product Continued on page 22.

What a Nobel Prize-winning economist advises to ease the economic fallout of the coronavirus by Abraham Gutman

As coronavirus in the United States spreads, the magnitude of the economic impact is starting to appear. The number of unemployment claims is skyrocketing — Goldman Sachs predicts an eightfold increase in a week, the highest ever recorded — and the stock market is setting record-breaking low days. A recent study from Imperial College of London predicts that COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. could range, depending on the response, Economy between 1 and 2 million — at least double the number of American casualties in both World Wars combined. The economic devastation of such loss is hard to imagine. Columbia University economist Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize laureate and former chief economist of the World Bank, has been critical of the way that the U.S. responded to the last recession. He spoke to The Inquirer about what should be done now to ease the crisis. Responses were edited for length and clarity. Q: In your latest book, “People, Power and Profits,” you talk about an imbalance between the duties of government and its ability to deliver. How does that apply in this pandemic? A: Right now, there’s a degree of confidence we’ll be able to develop a vaccine — though it may take a year — and develop antiviral drugs. If we were 300 years ago, (COVID-19) would be just a plague on the whole world. It highlights the role of government both in social protection and in research. The irony is that President Trump has been defunding the CDC, which is part of our system of health protection, and defunding science research. Trump says he wants checks out there in two weeks. We don’t have the capacity to write

checks that quickly, just like we don’t have the capacity to produce tests and ventilators. As a nation, we have the capacity, but the Trump administration has defenestrated the capacity of government. Q: How adequate is comparing the current economic downturn to the 2008 recession? A: This is a situation that we’ve never had before. That’s why some of the vocabulary that you’ve seen discussing the response is not on target. A lot of people talk about a stimulus. It’s not like 2008 or the Great Depression or other downturns where there was lack of demand. Giving people more money isn’t going to lead them to fly more on airplanes. The problem is the hunkering down in response to the virus. And that’s why the policies appropriate in 2008 need to be changed. Q: What is the appropriate response to this crisis? A: Getting a couple of thousand dollars to everybody right now is absolutely essential. We have to make sure that the consequences of not having the money, the worst consequences, are mitigated. And that means no evictions, no foreclosures, no compounding of usury as interest rates, forbearance on student loans, and more. Q: What is the best way to get that money to people? A: One suggestion is just to tell employers to pay people whether they’re working or not. And if they’re not working, we’ll reimburse you. Ideally, have the employers give them the $2,000 check and have other people apply for it. So that reduces the burden on the government and shares it in a broader way. If you put the burden more on employers, that would leave maybe 10% of the population that would be uncovered. And getting checks out for 10% of

the population rather than 100% is something that we could manage. Q: How is doing cash transfer through employers and then reimbursing them different from the industry bailouts after 2008? A: It’s the difference between top-down trickle down economics and a bottoms-up approach. What we did in 2008 was trickle-down economics where we gave a lot of money to the banks, and we assumed that somehow everybody would benefit. We got an important lesson in the first three years of the recovery: 91% of the increase in income went to the top 1%. It didn’t trickle down and millions lost their homes, their jobs, and [endured] an enormous amount of suffering. I distinguish very carefully, both in 2008 and now again, between saving the corporations, and their jobs. We might need to lend money to these companies [as] warrants or convertible bonds so that we participate in the upside as well as the downside and get compensated for the risk. What the airline industry wants is an outright gift and that makes absolutely no sense. Q: “How are you going to pay for it?” Suddenly, there is bipartisan support to increase spending dramatically. A: It’s always a question of prioritization. A lot of people said we didn’t have money in 2009 to re-stimulate the economy. And then suddenly, in 2017, they found a couple trillion dollars to give tax cuts to corporations, and billionaires. So always hidden behind the scenes is a statement about prioritization. It’s very clear if we were attacked in a war, we would find the money. This is a kind of war. ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: JOSE RODRIGUEZ, 2007 Castelar St., Omaha NE 68108, you are hereby notified that on December 19, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-27702, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,200.00, 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 27th day of April, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication March 6, 2020, final March 27, 2020 DAVID J. SKALKA, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KC UPHOLSTERY, LLC The name of the limited liability company is KC Upholstery, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5818 Girard Street, Omaha, NE 68152. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is David J. Skalka, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5902 WEIR STREET, LLC The name of the limited liability company is 5902 Weir Street, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5936 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68117. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 1211 O STREET, LLC The name of the limited liability company is 1211 O Street, 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 Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF SPECIAL TACTICS AND RESCUE SERVICES, 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 Special Tactics and Rescue Services, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 19942 Chicago Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. 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 is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on March 9, 2020 and shall 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 March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MT ESTATE, LLC Notice is hereby given that MT ESTATE, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 5430 Florence Boulevard, Omaha, NE 68110. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3122. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5013 LAFAYETTE AVE., LLC Notice is hereby given that 5013 LAFAYETTE AVE., LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 9779 Westchester Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 TICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCB PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that MCB Properties, LLC has amended its Certificate of Organization as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The amended notice of organization reflects the name change from MCB Properties, LLC to 602 W. 23rd Ave., LLC. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF OTT STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that OTT Strategic Partners, LLC has amended its Certificate of Organization as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The amended notice of Certificate of Organization reflects the change of designated address to: 1613 Washington St., Blair, NE 68006. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCB PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that MCB PROPERTIES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 9779 Westchester Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BOILER REPAIR & SERVICES, 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 Boiler Repair & Service, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 8720 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127. 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 is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on March 4, 2020 and shall 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 March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF NHH, Inc. NHH, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The corporation has collected its assets, disposed of its properties which were not distributed in kind to its shareholders, discharged or made provision for the discharge of its liabilities, distributed its remaining property among its shareholders according to their interests, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. Neal H. Hawks, President of the corporation, was the person who was responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the corporation. The corporation has no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OESTMANN & ALBERTSEN LAW, P.C. L.L.O. Notice is hereby given that OESTMANN & ALBERTSEN LAW, P.C., L.L.O. a Nebraska Professional Corporation, has been incorporated under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 3406 Blackhawk Drive, Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Melissa Oestmann at 3406 Blackhawk Drive, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123. The general nature of its business is to engage in the practice of law. The Articles of Incorporation were filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on January 9, 2020. Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its officers. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A FOREIGN TASTE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that A Foreign Taste, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 5052 North 155th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PARKERA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Parkera, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on March 6, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DMSI REALTY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DMSi Realty, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 6, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MYRON J. KAPLAN, Attorney McGILL, GOTSDINER, WORKMAN & LEPP, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, First National Plaza Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2584 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF BELGRADE L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Belgrade L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed an Amendment to its Certificate of Organization effective as of March 10, 2020, amending paragraph 2 of the Certificate of Organization as follows: 2. Duration. The period of duration of the Company is perpetual from the date of the filing of the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. Robert L. Belgrade, Manager First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 SCUDDER LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 411 S. 13th Street, Second Floor Lincoln, NE 68508 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Scout Enterprises, LLC, with its registered office at 411 S. 13th Street #200, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. The registered agent and address for service of process is: Heidi Hornung-Scherr, 411 S. 13th Street #200, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: JUSTIN J. JOHNSON, 2723 Q Street, Omaha NE 68107, you are hereby notified that on January 30, 2020, American Family Insurance Company filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-2253, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,624.48, 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 27th day of April, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication March 6, 2020, final March 27, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DEEZY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Deezy, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 614 S. 123rd Street, Omaha, NE 68154, and designating its registered agent as Dale T. Eesley with its registered office at 614 S. 123rd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. 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) (managing member). First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Gill Contracting, LLC Notice is hereby given that Gill Contracting, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at of 13621 Birchwood Ave Omaha, NE 68137. 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 6, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Melissa S Gill. Its registered agent is Melissa S Gill and her office is located at 13621 Birchwood Ave Omaha, NE 68137. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that CarMel Chic, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 9002 N. 169th Ave, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The registered agent of the Company is Carissa Helton, 9002 N. 169th Ave, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Company was formed on March 5, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 ROBERT J. LIKES, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JEREMY WARREN CPA, LLC Notice is hereby given that JEREMY WARREN CPA, LLC, a Nebraska professional limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 1803 North 173rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Jeremy Warren. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Velasquez Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Velasquez Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Velasquez Construction, LLC is Juan Roberto Rafael Velasquez at 2314 Drexel Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2314 Drexel Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Juan Roberto Rafael Velasquez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Analeah Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Analeah Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Analeah Construction, LLC is Ana Luisa Hernandez Hernandez at 12418 Martha Street, Omaha, NE 68144. The designated address is 12418 Martha Street, Omaha, NE 68144. Initial members: Ana Luisa Hernandez Hernandez and Emerson Eduardo Sanchez Oliveros. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 THOMAS C. DORWART, Attorney TELPNER PETERSON LAW FIRM, LLP 25 Main Place, Suite 200 Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Njord Transportation, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares authorized to be issued by the Corporation is 10,000. The street address of the initial Registered Office is: 13504 So. 33rd Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123. The name of the Registered Agent at such address is Zachary Mathias. The name and address of the Incorporator is as follows: Zachary Mathias, 13504 S. 33rd Street, Bellevue, Ne. 68123. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHEESEBURGER’S OMAHA, LLC The name of the Company is Cheeseburger’s Omaha, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1108 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on March 6, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Kris of All Trades, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 2507 S 148th Ave Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. Its initial agent for service of process of the Company is Kristopher Norman, 2507 S 148th Ave Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MAUL & BODLAK, L.L.P. P.O. Box 490 Pender, NE 68047 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CRDP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CRDP, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 6021 No. 163st, Omaha, Nebraska 68116, and registered agent, Charles C. Plummer, 6021 No. 163st, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The general nature of its business is to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the same extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on February 24th, 2020, and its existence shall be perpetual. Its affairs shall be conducted by the member pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the Company. CRDP, LLC By: Charles C. Plummer, Member First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION 134EC, LLC (the “Company”), a Nebraska limited liability company, has been dissolved. Persons having claims against the Company shall present them in writing, with the details of any such claim, to NHH Air, LLC, at 2201 Long Prairie Road, Suite 107-351, Flower Mound, TX 75022. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this notice. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 BENJAMIN E. MAXELL, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ICON HOMES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is Icon Homes, LLC. The address of the designated office is 2112 S. 212th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska, 68022 and the initial registered agent is Benjamin E. Maxell, 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State on February 28, 2020, and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in an initial board of two managers who shall serve until successors are appointed or elected. Benjamin E. Maxell, Registered Agent First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 STEVEN W. DOWDING, Attorney DOWDING, DOWDING, DOWDING & URBOM 2121 N. Webb Rd., Suite 210 P.O. Box 5315 Grand Island, NE 68802-5315 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice is hereby given of the organization of E.B. SHADOW LAKE, LLC. The registered office of the limited liability company is 14514 Nelsons Creek Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The name and address of the limited liability company’s registered agent is Andrew Meier, 3536 South Locust, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801. The limited liability company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced business on February 19, 2020 and shall have perpetual existence. The business of the limited liability company is conducted by its members, Andrew Meier and James A. Burrow, III. Dated March 3, 2020 First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020

NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF Impact Construction Group, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Impact Construction Group, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the company in the state of Nebraska is 1209 Harney Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68102. The name and address of the registered agent is AF Bookkeeping Services, Inc, 11811 I Street, STE 204, Omaha, NE 68137. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the State of Nebraska on March 10, 2020. James Bracker, Organizer First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Forever Yesterday Exchange, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 14736 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent of the Company is Patrick Kinchler, 14736 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on February 27, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Bluebird Affordable Living, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 13906 Gold Circle, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered agent of the Company is Angela Driscoll, 13906 Gold Circle, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on March 6, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 5408 S. 80TH ST., LLC Notice is hereby given that 5408 S. 80TH ST., LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 11240 Davenport Street, PO Box 540125, Omaha, NE 68154-0125. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CRZ HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CRZ Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President of the Corporation will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF OELS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of OELS, LLC has been amended and restated. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9845 South 142nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. 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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 4, 2020. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: CHERE A. RICE, 3912 North 110th Plaza #1, Omaha NE 68164, you are hereby notified that on January 22, 2020, Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-1534, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $5,169.09, 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 27th day of April, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication March 6, 2020, final March 27, 2020

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fill My Books, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is 3930 Ponca Road, Omaha, NE 68112. The initial registered office of the Company is 3930 Ponca Road, Omaha, NE 68112, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Lyndsey Golden. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was executed on the 5th day of March 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RAVARA Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RAVARA Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rambabu Kallepalli, 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135 First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF KATE AND KYLE INVESTMENTS, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is Kate and Kyle Investments, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock, having a par value of $1.00 each. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on March 10, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the incorporator are Matthew J. Speiker, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LAYIN’ LOW, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Layin’ Low, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1725 South 94th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF KUBAT PHARMACY, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT PHARMACY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Pharmacy, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Pharmacy, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Custom Health Care, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Custom Health Care, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Sukkasem, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 9731 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent of the Company is Max Lau, 10685 Bedford Ave, #120, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Company was formed on March 13, 2020. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is ZUYA CIKALA WICOYE, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 38293 U.S. Highway 6, McCook, NE 69001. 3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas Watkins at 38293 U.S. Highway 6, McCook, NE 69001. 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 March 2, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Ihle Psychological Services, P.C., with its registered office at 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and its principal place of business at 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, was formed on March 10, 2020, for the purpose of providing mental health counseling. The corporation has authorized capital stock of $10,000.00. The affairs of the corporation, which shall have perpetual existence, shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such officers as it shall appoint. Christopher Ihle, MA, LMHP, Incorporator First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is MY FLEX MOM, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 8725 South 99th Street, LaVista, NE, 68128. The registered agent is Whitley Red and the Registered Agent's address is 8725 South 99th Street, LaVista, NE, 68128. 3. The general nature of the Company is residential house cleaning, cooking, and chore services. 4. The Company commenced on March 10, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AREWA COSMATIC, LLC Notice is hereby given that Arewa Cosmatic, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 10154 Maple 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 10, 2020 . Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Teniola Bachirou. Its registered agent is Kekeli Oklouvi , 6910 S 74th Street, La Vista, Ne 68128. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE LIGHT HAIR BRAIDING, LLC Notice is hereby given that The Light Hair Braiding , LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 10154 Maple 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 10, 2020 . Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kekeli Oklouvi. Its registered agent is Teniola Bachirou , 3903 N 17th street Omaha, Ne 68110. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 MARTIN P. PELSTER, Incorporator and Attorney With CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DeWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LAKEVIEW HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Lakeview Homeowners Association has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act on March 13, 2020. The corporation is a mutual benefit corporation. The street address of the corporation's registered office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent at that office is Martin P. Pelster. The corporation will have members. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NHH Air, LLC (the “Company”), a Nebraska limited liability company, has been dissolved. Persons having claims against the Company shall present them in writing, with the details of any such claim, to NHH, Inc., at 2201 Long Prairie Road, Suite 107-351, Flower Mound, TX 75022. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this notice. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 SUSAN J. SPAHN, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-353 Estate of Robert R. Terrell, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 10, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Rachel Terrell, whose address is 6551 A Pinehurst Drive, Fort Drum, NY 13603, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 13, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MILLWORK PARCEL 8 APARTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Millwork Parcel 8 Apartments, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5110 Mayberry Street, Suite 122, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The Registered Agent of the Company is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF BIG “O” OUTDOORS & LIVING, LLC A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that BIG “O” OUTDOORS & LIVING, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the company in the state of Nebraska is 2518 Gindy Drive Bellevue NE 68147. The name and address of the registered agent is AF Bookkeeping Services, Inc, 11811 I Street, STE 204, Omaha, NE 68137. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the State of Nebraska on March 5, 2020. Tanner C. Fiedler Organizer First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EVOLUTION DATING, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Evolution Dating, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Evolution Dating, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BTWM, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BTWM, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 5, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Robert F. Greco, with registered office at 5065 Frances Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company’s initial designated office is at 5065 Frances Street, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NHH Hold, LLC (the “Company”), a Nebraska limited liability company, has been dissolved. Persons having claims against the Company shall present them in writing, with the details of any such claim, to NHH, Inc., at 2201 Long Prairie Road, Suite 107-351, Flower Mound, TX 75022. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this notice. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JJDLZ, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JJDLZ, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 11539 So. 36th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Bud and Toots, LLC Notice is hereby given that Bud and Toots, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, and with its initial designated office at 1434 W 11th Street, Fremont, NE 68025. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF nZANE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of nZANE, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is nZANE, LLC. 2. The address of the limited liability company’s initial designated office is 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of VADA, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is VADA, LLC . Registered agent and office of VADA, LLC is Armando Vargas at 6133 S 191st Street, Omaha, NE 68135. The designated address is 6133 S 191st Street, Omaha, NE 68135 . Initial members: Armando Vargas & April Renae Dahlstrom. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION H Group JPR ST IV, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been dissolved and is winding up its activities in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Persons having claims against the Company must submit them in writing to FRH Management, LLC, at 3402 North 216th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. Any claim submitted to the Company shall contain the following information with respect to such claim: the name of the claimant, a description of the nature of the claim, the amount of the claim, and the date on which the claim arose. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this Notice of Dissolution. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-375 Estate of JOHN W. ALBERS, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 13th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent's estate and that ROBERT M. ALBERS, whose address is 2717 S. 2 St., Omaha, NE 68106, 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 May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARINO HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is CARINO HOLDINGS, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 3622 S. 197th Street, Omaha, NE 68130. Jay Musil, Member First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Stone Cold Security, 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 Stone Cold Security, 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 16825 Browne Circle, Omaha, NE 68116. Justin Lane, Member First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RED BRICK RENTALS, 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 Red Brick Rentals, 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 13520 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68164. Charles Richardson, Members First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MECA 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 MECA 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 2616 N. 161st Terrace, Omaha, NE 68116. Aaron Hochstein, Members First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 BARRY S. GROSSMAN, Attorney 1905 Harney Street Suite 600 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska In the Matter of the Complaint of Amy L. Page on behalf of Greyson Tyler Wise for Change of Name: Notice is hereby given that on the 11th day of March, 2020, Amy L. Page on behalf of minor Greyson Tyler Wise filed a Complaint in the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, at Case: CI 20-424, the object and prayer of which is for the change of the minor’s name from Greyson Tyler Wise to Greyson Tyler Page; that a hearing will be held on said Complaint before the Honorable Judge Stefanie Martinez of the District Court, in Courtroom No. 5 of the Sarpy County Courthouse, 1210 Golden Gate Dr., Papillion, Nebraska on the 23rd day of April, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as will be convenient for the Court and that unless sufficient cause is shown to the contrary, the minor child’s name will be changed from that of Greyson Tyler Wise to Greyson Tyler Page. First publication March 20, 2020, final March 27, 2020 SUSAN J. SPAHN, Attorney Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-389 Estate of Cecile Marie Zielinski, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 16, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Christy Musgrave, whose address is 9228 North 52nd Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68152, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 SAM R. BROWER, Attorney ANDERSEN, LAURITSEN & BROWER 1005 South 107th Avenue, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-355 Estate of Donald R. Benning, Jr., Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 10th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Marcidene "Dee" O. Benning, whose address is 9629 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68134, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

BREASCH ACCOUNTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC 2. The period of duration for BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC is perpetual. 3. BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC in Nebraska is 2404 S 60th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. 5. The name and address of the registered agent for BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC in Nebraska is Cindy Breasch, 4879 S 132nd Ave, Omaha NE 68137. 6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement. 7. Geoffrey Harrison, organizer(s) of BILLY GLAZE ENTERPRISES LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 21st day of February 2020. First publication March 6, 2020, final March 20, 2020 NICK R. TAYLOR, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-425 Estate of Kathleen W. Smith, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 23rd, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Christine M. Shudak, whose address is 4419 N. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68116 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 27th, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GOOSE ISLAND LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Goose Island Landowners Association, Inc. has been organized as a nonprofit public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on February 7, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, with registered office at 233 South 13th Street, Suite 1900, Lincoln, NE 68508. The incorporator is Colleen Tieman with address at Husch Blackwell LLP, 13330 California Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company will have members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-382 Estate of JEAN A. O'DOHERTY, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of March, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Intestacy of the Estate of Jean A. O'Doherty and that the following surviving daughter was appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. Corinne K. Spracklin, 4307 County Road P 38, Omaha, NE 68152 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 May 20, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Non-PC Management, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Non PC Management, 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, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TRAVISHA DEVERS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/12/2019 on Case Number CI19-25573, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,715.97, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/03/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that Citylight Benson Church of The MidAmerica District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, has amended its legal name to Citylight Benson Church of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. It is a Nebraska Non-Profit Religious Corporation and has been organized under the Laws of the State of Nebraska. The name change was effective February 25, 2020. The registered agent and office: Tyler Zach, 5612 Corby St, Omaha, NE, 68104, is the sole incorporator of the corporation. The corporation has members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kobi, LLC (“the Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8817 Weir Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is Michael D. Young at 8817 Weir Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION for deMayo Web Development LLC Notice is hereby given that deMayo Web Development LLC has been organized under Nebraska state laws as a Limited Liability Company. The company's designated address is 3135 Armbrust Drive, Omaha, Nebrakska, 68124-2724, and is managed by Augustin Reagan deMayo. The registered agent for the company is Registered Agents Inc, 530 S. 13th St., STE 100, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF OMAHA ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Omaha Electric Service, Inc. have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation as Omaha Electric Service, Inc. Article 2 states the purpose. Article 3 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue as as 1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $10.00 per share. Article 4 states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 8506 Madison Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127, and the Registered Agent as John Lepak. Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence. Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws. Article 7 states the provisions relating to director liability. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 17, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MY WAY PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that My Way Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4010 Dahlman Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. 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 Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 19, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), MICHAEL J RILKO You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/17/2019 on Case Number CI19-27587, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $624.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/03/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of DogWatch, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to JBS Hidden Fence, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 17, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PJMD58, P.C. Notice is hereby given that a professional corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is PJMD58, P.C. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The street address of the corporation is 1301 North 190th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is Dr. Paul Joseph Schenarts, MD, 1301 North 190th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Dr. Paul Joseph Schenarts, MD, Incorporator First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 ELIZABETH A. SEVCIK, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ELEMENT PRIMARY CARE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Element Primary Care, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10020 Nicholas Street, Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Martin P. Pelster, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication March 20, 2020, final April 3, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser PC Management, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser PC Management, 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, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION KH Sub, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Hershel A. Kleinberg, 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is MAINELLI ENTERPRISES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 207 N. 118th St., Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent is James Mainelli and the Registered Agent's address is 207 N. 118th St., Omaha, NE 68154. 3. The general nature of the Company is property and construction management. 4. The Company commenced on March 18, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ECHOBAY LLC The name of the Company is EchoBay LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9516 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Shirley L. Huerter, 9516 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. This limited liability company commenced business on March 20, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CITYLIGHT MOSAIC CHURCH NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Citylight Mosaic Church has been incorporated as a nonprofit religious corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 16, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Alejandro Duran, with registered office at 3401 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. The incorporator is Alejandro Duran with address at 3401 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. The Company will have members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ASHTON BUILDING MT MANAGER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ashton Building MT Manager, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 12, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Kendra J. Ringenberg, with registered office at Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68154. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1536 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OCERG, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ocerg, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 20, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Joseph Greco, with registered office at 6123 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company’s initial designated office is at 6123 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VG DESIGNS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that VG DESIGNS, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 20, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Ryan Bunkowski, with registered office at 1220 N. 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The Company’s initial designated office is at 1220 N. 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FSS SOLUTIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of FSS Solutions, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is FSS Solutions, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Evan Meester, 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF HRICJT, INC. Notice is hereby given that HRICJT, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was dissolved effective as of March 24, 2020 (the “Dissolution”). The terms and conditions of the Dissolution are that all outstanding liabilities have been paid or otherwise adequately provided for, and the assets of the Corporation have been distributed to the persons and/or entities entitled thereto, leaving no liabilities or assets in the Corporation. The person who is to wind up and liquidate the business and affairs of the Corporation is Carl J. Troia, Jr., Secretary of the Corporation. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JTV FAMILY PROPERTIES, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on December 12, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: JAYDEN HARGAN AKA JAYDEN DOUGHERTY You are hereby notified that on 10/17/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 22946. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 250.00, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 05/10/20 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Steven J Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: LAKEDA DUNNING AKA LAKEDA SANDERS You are hereby notified that on 10/17/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 22926. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 451.50, 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 05/10/20 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Steven J Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-400 Estate of Stephen F. Shudak, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on March 18th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Christine M. Shudak, whose address is 4419 N. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68116 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before May 27th, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of JECE HP Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is JECE HP Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of JECE HP Construction, LLC is Emilio Hernandez at 2506 Adams Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2506 Adams Street, Omaha, NE 68107 . Initial members: Emilio Hernandez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on March 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Kleinberg Holdings, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is authorized to issue 5,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the sole incorporator of the corporation are Hershel A. Kleinberg, 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Bar 80 Name of Applicant: Elvan, Inc. Address: 7572 Charles St. Omaha, NE 68114 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 12/31/2019 General nature of business: Tavern MICHAEL LITWIN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 27, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that thriftshoppin.com, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 8534 L Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent of the Company is Patrick Kinchler, 14736 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Company was formed on January 31, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), FRANKLIN L SUTTON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 11/12/2019 on Case Number CI19-25569, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $720.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/17/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CORDES PARTNERS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Cordes Partners, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Cordes Partners, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Cr. Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Shoup, Inc., with its registered office address at 222 South 15th Street, Suite 316, Omaha, Nebraska 68012 and the registered agent at such address is Joseph P. Naatz. The principal office location of the Corporation is at 2222 North Main Street, #3104, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The purpose or purposes for which this corporation is formed is to own, conduct, operate, maintain and carry on the business of a retail lounge and to prepare and serve alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages, and to conduct all things incidental to and necessary to said activities and all related matters, including by not specifically limited to, sales and promotions thereof and including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The initial authorized number of shares of the corporation is 10,000 and such shares shall be issued at such time and under such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine. The Corporation commenced doing business on January 24, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such officers as may be provided in the bylaws of the Corporation. The incorporator is Brian Shoup, 2222 North Main Street, #3104, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. DATED the 29th day of January, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF MACALLAN HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Macallan Holdings, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 4, 2020, effective March 5, 2020, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. Colin Bishop, President of the Corporation, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication March 13, 2020, final March 27, 2020 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Scholastic Photography Name of Applicant: Move Up Images, LLC Address: 701 S; 15th Sgtreet #101 Omaha, NE 68102 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 3, 2020 General nature of business: School and Sports photography for clubs and schools. MEGAN E. SOCKEL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative March 27, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KOFFI D ABOKI You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/22/2019 on Case Number CI19-28254, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $435.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 05/17/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 ROBERT L. FREEMAN, ATTORNEY FRASER STRYKER P.C. L.L.O. 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street Omaha, NE 68102-2663 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE POINTE MED, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Village Pointe Med, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 20, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663. The Registered Agent of the Company is Robert L. Freeman 500 Energy Plaza, 409 South 17th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2663 First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser New York, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser New York, 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, Ste. 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 PHILLIP A. BELIN, Attorney BELIN LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O. 12341 Westover Road Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that TAP Church, Inc. has been organized as a non-profit corporation in the state of Nebraska. The address of the registered office of the corporation is 1305 South 95th Street, Omaha, NE 68124. The agent at such office is Jonathan C. Cook. The corporation is a religious corporation and has no members. The corporation commenced on December 10, 2019, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by its board of directors. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3500 FAMILY LLC The name of the Company is 3500 Family LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1120 South 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Clarence L. Landen, III, 1120 South 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on March 19, 2020. First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF I LOVE PAD THAI, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of I LOVE PAD THAI, INC. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock. The name and address of the incorporator and the initial registered agent is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced December 20, 2019, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Rodney G. Gnuse, Incorporator First publication March 27, 2020, final April 10, 2020

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 Business Update…

The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) is launching a virtual visitor system to keep veterans’ home members and their families connected while the facilities are limiting entry. Access to the four state veterans’ homes is currently limited to NDVA teammates and medical professionals only as a precaution against coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure. Members will have access to computers, tablets, and other devices loaded with video messaging software, such as Skype and FaceTime. Teammates will be available to assist members and their families in connecting. To minimize the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) many colleges and universities have taken precautions and are encouraging students living on campus to return to their permanent residence. If you, or a student you know, is in this situation and could use some help, Two Men and a Truck of Omaha is offering local students in need 30 days of free storage service in an attempt to simplify the process. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, and with the goal of slowing community spread as encouraged by our local, state and federal government leaders, the YMCA of Greater Omaha has closed all 10 metro-area branch locations. In an effort to support those health care workers on the frontlines of this pandemic situation, Y Early Learning Centers located at CHI Lakeside, Immanuel and Bergan hospitals will remain open on normal, business-as-usual operation schedules, continuing to operate uninterrupted for child care service. For members, to help manage stress and to stay fit at home, the YMCA will be providing free online exercise options, which you can find online. In an effort to assist families in their

community during this difficult time, Emery’s Café and partners handed out approximately 3,000 sack lunches curbside in front of the restaurant on Friday, March 20. Like others, restaurant owner Diamond Lariel has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely, concerned not just about her own business and the impact this situation could have, but also the community in general. Hy-Vee, Inc. will be reserving one hour of shopping time prior to its new opening time each day for customers considered “high-risk.” The reserved hour will be from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week, and is designed for these customers: Ages 60 and older; expectant mothers; and anyone with an underlying health condition(s) that makes him/her more susceptible to serious illness. Pharmacies in most Hy-Vee locations will also be extending their hours so they can serve this group of customers from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. These locations include pharmacies inside our grocery stores, Mainstreet locations, Dollar Fresh stores and Hy-Vee Drugstores. SpartanNash and its family of retail stores will set aside time twice per week for store guests most at risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19), including older adults, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Reserved hours will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. SpartanNash operates more than 150 stores in nine states. SpartanNash retail locations have instituted even greater cleaning and sanitation measures. In addition to daily cleaning procedures, high-touch surfaces — such as food service counters, checkout lanes, conveyor belts, fuel pump handles, pin pads and touch screens — are being cleaned and sanitized at least every 30 minutes. The Metropolitan Community Col-

lege Prototype Design Lab is now producing masks for Nebraska Medicine amid a supply shortage in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). It began with a call for assistance from Nebraska Medicine. Once Ken Heinze, lab coordinator, was forwarded the message, he connected with Nebraska Medicine, letting them know the college’s lab could answer the call for more medical supplies. Volunteers from the lab and other areas of the college are lending a helping hand, assembling the masks from supplies Heinze has collected from Omaha area stores. Heinze has collected enough material to assemble 1,000 face shield masks. The Durham Museum is extending the date that it will be closed to the public through April 30, 2020. At this time, all museum programs are postponed or cancelled through the end of April. The Durham Museum will continue to host a series of free, digital learning programs. Taught by educators and historians, these interactive classes follow National and State Social Studies Standards and include primary sources featuring artifacts, videos and photographs along with pre- and post-visit activities. These free exchanges can be accessed by Zoom on a laptop or mobile. The Omaha-based Salvation Army Western Division is working hard to support the metro community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The division has already stepped up local food pantry operations, entered into a collaboration with community partners on mobile food distribution to serve food-insecure children, and enhanced its material-services assistance efforts. It’s created a new relief fund dedicated specifically to supporting The Salvation Army’s efforts to assist the metro community as it deals with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributions to

this fund can be made either online. Do Space has gone completely digital and is rolling out a host of digital services to help the Omaha community learn during the coronavirus outbreak. These include instructional webinars, blogs, videos, live streams and more — all accessible from home, office or anywhere. Community members have the opportunity to enjoy new webinars of signature programs like Tech Help, Kid Coders, Junior Makers, and Little’s Lab, and also learn about new topics like Twitch streaming, Augmented Reality, Stencyl game design, the Census, and more. Visit the Do Space Facebook Page for upcoming webinar links, educational blogs, live streaming events and more resources. Hy-Vee, Inc. is seeking temporary, part-time hourly employees to help fill multiple positions in stores across its eight-state region as well as its distribution centers located in Chariton, Iowa, and Cherokee, Iowa. With the recent surge in demand for groceries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hy-Vee is looking to hire individuals for temporary, part-time positions to help with restocking as well as cleaning and sanitizing. Interested applicants can visit www.hy-vee.com/careers to view available positions in their area or text SMILES to 97211. Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin is encouraging workers and businesses to utilize resources available through the Nebraska Department of Labor as they respond to COVID-19. Any workers in a non-paid status due to COVID-19 may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Unemployment claims in Nebraska are filed online. The NEworks mobile app is available to download for free. From March 22 through May 2, NDOL will be waiving the requirement to search for work, as well as the requirement to serve an unpaid waiting week once eligibility is determined. Goodcents is looking to help guests stay home and stock their fridges by delivering some essentials, in addition to providing fully-cooked meals to go. Goodcents is offering its freshly-sliced deli meats for $5 per pound, sliced cheese for $5 per pound and loaves of freshly-baked bread for 75 cents a loaf (limit five per guest). Items are available for delivery, curbside or pick up, and can be purchased online, over the phone or on the app. Available by-the-pound meats include turkey, ham, oven-roasted chicken, salami, bologna, pepperoni and capicola. Iowa and Nebraska small businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. SBA Economic Injury Loans are working capital loans to help small business, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Details on SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program are online. Hy-Vee will launch a campaign to raise money and awareness for food banks across its eight-state region. When customers check out, they will be asked if they Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 • REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. would like to donate $1 or more to assist local food banks. For every dollar raised, Hy-Vee will match it dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. Customers can also make a donation in a pre-set increment during their Hy-Vee Aisles Online purchase. All funds will then be collected at the store level on a weekly basis and provided to local food banks to help replenish their stock every week. Donations at the checkout will be accepted March 23 through April 30. Food Bank for the Heartland is committed to helping those in need and is partnering with the Council Bluffs Community School District to host a free drive-up mobile pantry to assist individuals and families in Pottawattamie County and the surrounding communities. There are no requirements to attend. Community packs will be available, which are 28-pound prepackaged boxes filled with various nonperishable staple items. The packs are assembled by Food Bank volunteers. Fresh produce and bakery items will also be offered. Individuals and families coming to the mobile pantry should stay in their vehicles. Volunteers will help direct traffic and load the food for them. Mosaic is urgently hiring direct support professionals. DSP’s assist clients with various daily activities and helping them achieve their goals. In response to COVID-19, the organization has intensified its efforts with a comprehensive plan looking at how to keep people safe while still maintaining the vital services Mosaic provides. The plan considers everything from staffing to protective equipment to daily operations. Interested candidates can apply online at mosaicinfo.org/immediate-openings. Mosaic is now conducting virtual interviews. During the evolving COVID-19 crisis, Learning Express Toys & Gifts of Omaha, has launched services to help arm parents with the tools that they need to keep their children entertained and learning while at home. The store is currently welcoming customers to shop over the phone with a professional toy expert that can help select appropriate and engaging toys based on your child’s age and interests. Additionally, the store is also offering complimentary curbside pick-up.

Briefs…

Brad Davis, chairman of the board and president of Ag Processing Inc., was named recipient of the award for Farmer Cooperative Director of the Year at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the National Council for Farmer Cooperatives. Davis has served on the AGP board of directors for over 26 years and as AGP chairman since 2002. During that time, Davis also served as general manager of Gold-Eagle Cooperative in Goldfield, Iowa, for over 36 years. Humanities Nebraska has added seven board members for its council and foundation boards of directors. New members elected to the council are: Edgar Hicks, director of CFO Systems; Sara Rowe, artist; and Beth Whited, executive vice president and chief human resource officer at Union Pacific. New members to the foundation are: Linda Graff, registered radiological technologist at Community Hospital; Mike Homa, president of R&R

Realty Group Nebraska; Laura Troshynski, First National Bank of Omaha; and Jen Rae Wang, head of government and regulatory affairs at Cox Communications. The Council also re-elected Amy Sandeen, chair; Connie Duncan, chair; Mike Lender, treasurer; Nicholas Baxter, president; Tami Hellman, vice president; and Kent Warneke, treasurer.

Health care notes…

Rakesh Srivastava has been named as the 2020 SBA Nebraska Small Business Person of the Year. Srivastava started his Hastings-based business, Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, in 2006 and has since expanded operations into Omaha and Grand Island. The company provides comprehensive prosthetics, orthotics and durable medical equipment services. A prosthetics user himself due to a childhood incident, Srivastava began his career in a rehabilitation center in New Delhi, India. He has since relocated to the U.S. and received his M.A. from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is currently certified by the American Board of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Education notes…

An agreement between Creighton University, a Jesuit, Catholic university located in Omaha, and Arizona State University, a public metropolitan research university, will boost health education opportunities available to ASU students while establishing a student pipeline to Creighton’s $100 million Phoenix campus currently under construction at Park Central in midtown Phoenix. Under the terms of the agreement, ASU students will receive priority consideration for enrollment in three Creighton health sciences doctoral programs, while ASU will welcome Creighton students to on-campus research projects and supplement instruction at Creighton’s health sciences campus in Phoenix. New research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has led to the discovery of a novel gene that improves drought adaptation in wheat — a breakthrough that could contribute to increased world food security. In new research published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, Harkamal Walia, associate professor and Heuermann Chair of Agronomy and Horticulture at Nebraska, and colleagues describe a novel form of a gene obtained from wild wheat that has the potential to improve drought tolerance in cultivated wheat. Introducing this gene into cultivated wheat improved the plant root structure so that it continued to grow in search of water under dry soil conditions.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s second annual Students of the Year campaign exceeded all expectations, with six candidate teams, comprised of six high school students, raising $92,916 to help find cancer cures. Team Dream Team, led by Brad Agostino from Skutt Catholic High School, was named Student of the Year with more than $60,000 raised. Team Hope Happens, led by Carly Kendeigh of Burke High School, was named First Runner-Up as well as the recipient of this year’s Citizenship Award. Special recognition was also given to Dream Team for surpassing $50,000 and earning the Top Fundraiser Recognition Award.

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Home-sewn clothes are making a comeback. But is it too late for dying fabric stores? Continued from page 12. classrooms, millennial-aged Americans (and younger) never learned the skill at all. But in the past 10 years, sewing clothing is experiencing a surge of popularity among these generations. The sudden interest is spurred, in part, by recent and widespread criticism of fast fashion. Awareness of the fashion industry’s uglier side dawned in 2013, when a garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 people. Since then, documentaries such as The True Cost sparked nationwide concern over ethics in the fashion industry. More recently, popular comedian Hasan Minhaj aired an episode titled “The Ugly Truth of Fast Fashion” on his hit Netflix series, “Patriot Act,” in November, shedding light on the environmental concerns tied to fast fashion. “There’s a huge interest in slow fashion,” said Sarai Mitnick, owner of Collete Patterns and Seamwork Magazine in Portland. “People are asking more questions about where their clothes come from.” These new sewists are coalescing on social media, learning new skills through videos, taking part in online sewing challenges on Instagram, and creating podcasts to share tips with one another. “We believe the increase in social media and online learning has massively accelerated the renewed interest in sewing,” wrote Helen Wilkinson and Caroline Somos, hosts of popular sewing podcast Love to Sew, in an email to the Union-Tribune. The podcasters were shocked by their own quick success. Since the Love to Sew podcast launched in August 2017, the show has accumulated over 2.7 million downloads, with a current rate of 30,000 downloads per week. “We had no idea the podcast would be such a big hit with the community,” the hosts wrote. “It immediately took off and is now the No. 1 garment sewing podcast out there. The spike in the public’s interest in sewing is reflected in Google’s search trends, where the

Service workers hardest hit Continued from page 13. could be as high as 8%, even without considering any multiplier effects. Cut that in half to be conservative and it’s still 4% — the total loss of output the economy suffered during the Great Recession between late 2007 and mid-2009. But that happened over 18 months. Fazzari, a scholar of that recession, hopes he’s wrong. “The speed with which this is playing out, there’s nothing like it,” he said. “The Great Recession, there was pretty nasty stuff happening. People stopped spending as much. They stopped buying cars as much. They didn’t go to restaurants as much. But it didn’t go to zero. It didn’t even go to half. … You kind of feel a little bit like you’re looking into the abyss here.” In the Hendrix household, there was a speck of good news this week, all things considered. Monica Hendrix, after sensing what was coming a week ago, began calling temp agencies. She learned Thursday she had been hired at a freezer warehouse in Troy, Illinois. Wear warm clothes, they told her. Her first shift starts Monday, at 5:15 a.m. “It doesn’t pay a lot and it’s kind of a drive,” she said. “But it’s better than nothing.” ©2020 St. Louis Post-Dispatch Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Soline Gauthier chooses fabrics to use for a school project at Mood Fabrics on January 29, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. In a time when apparel fabric stores are dwindling, Mood Fabrics in Los Angeles is going strong. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times/TNS) phrase “sewing classes near me” has steadily of colorful prints, seasonal holiday fabrics, and climbed over the past five years. material better suited to quilting than apparel. Modernizing an old-fashioned industry Some beginner or hobby sewists in San The online community has stirred a steady Diego will hunt for fabrics at the National City stream of millennial-friendly sewing businesses, Swap Meet, where sellers unload swaths of who are joining the $36 billion craft and hobby discount, stretchy knits and colorful prints for industry. as little as $1 a yard. Edwards, the dressmaker Sewing patterns, the paper blueprints home in South Park who also teaches sewing classes, sewers use to create clothing, have changed said her students sometimes even resort to dramatically in the past decade. Once dominated scouring thrift stores for garments they can by brands birthed in the 1800s such as Vogue deconstruct. and McCalls, the sewing pattern business has “Once you get past making pajama pants, ballooned to include countless online-only it’s really hard to find good fabric,” said Marstartups, such as Friday Pattern Company and del Backes, a retired middle-school teacher in Grainline Studio. Poway. “There’s almost nothing in San Diego.” These newcomers are often led by young The lack of fabric stores is likely driven women who are drafting modern, easy-to-un- by two trends: the slow erosion of brick-andderstand patterns that can be downloaded and mortar retail, and the changing preferences of printed at home. home sewists. Mitnick, a former Google and YouTube Many people aren’t sewing to save money staffer in Silicon Valley, founded her pattern — and that’s new startup Collete Media nine years ago. The Backes, for example, didn’t grow up sewcompany was unique at the time for offering ing, but taught herself the skill in adulthood. inclusive sizing, downloadable patterns and Today, she likes making high-quality clothing modern technology to reach customers. The with fabric that will stand up to time and wear. company links all of its patterns with hashtags This winter, she made a fashionably oversized on Instagram, allowing shoppers to share pic- camel hair coat, lined with warm sienna silk. tures of their completed projects. She regularly makes trips to Los Angeles, where “A lot of people were interested in sewing, she spends hours perusing shops for things like but not a lot of companies were serving them rich-feeling silk charmeuse, lace or boiled wool. 10 years ago,” Mitnick said. “Since then, tons Backes most prized creation is an embroiof other small businesses have popped up and dered silk dress designed with a chiffon yoke. gained quite a following.” “The fabric was so beautiful,” Backes said. Closet Case Patterns is one such example. “I had no idea what I was going to do with it The Montreal-based startup has capitalized on when I bought it, but I had to buy it. “ the generations who were never taught to sew Such inspiration is not easily available in at home. The company churns out beautifully San Diego. The fabric stock at chains like Joann, produced videos with professional instructors she says, are often cheesy and cheap-looking. who teach viewers how to make garments step “The reason we sew clothing for ourselves by step. Intimidated by tailoring? You can buy is to make a quality project you can’t get in their series on how to sew a classic blazer for stores,” Backes said. $59, pattern included. This sentiment is shared among many These new startups saw what the industry’s new sewists, said Bernadette Banner, a fashion relics didn’t: younger generations needed differ- YouTuber who specializes in making historic ent tools than their grandparents did. More help, costumes and “historically inspired” modern less tissue paper, and a community to share their clothing. Banner saw a huge spike in her online progress with. following over the past two years after she made The problem of fabric a series of viral videos criticizing the lack of While this community of sewists bubbles quality in fast fashion. to life online, they’re experiencing a unique In 2018, Banner only had 1,000 subscribers. problem. There’s nowhere in town to buy fabric. Little more than a year later, she’s amassed over From rural communities to high-fashion 550,000 subscribers. Her video comparing her cities with garment districts, independent fabric handmade clothes to a fast fashion knock-off has stores are dropping like flies. been viewed over 3.3 million times. If aspiring sewists want to peruse fabric “I think people are inspired by the craftsin-person, they are often limited to chains like manship, quality and thought that used to go Joann Fabrics or Walmart, which stock loads into clothing back in the day,” Banner said.

“Especially now, when we are saturated with overconsumption. There’s something charming in seeing something that has taken time to be crafted beautifully. It’s novel nowadays.” In the comments on Banner’s videos, her fans marvel over the detail, sturdiness and quality of her hand-stitched clothing. Turned inside out, Banner’s clothing is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the exterior. Hand-felled seams hide all raw edges, and acute attention to detail leaves no thread out of place. But creative craftsmanship isn’t necessarily why older generations would sew their clothes at home. Before the days of fast fashion and cheap, synthetic materials, it was expensive to buy clothes. It wasn’t that long ago when sewing was the most economical choice, and price was the priority of home sewers. “My mother-in-law had nine children, and she would sew all their clothes because it was the most cost-effective way to do it,” Backes said. Today, home sewists often spend far more money constructing a custom dress at home than they would spend buying an off-the-rack item at Forever 21. Backes forked over $100 for the quality fabrics she used to create her camel hair coat. Granted, it was probably less than she’d spend on a new designer coat, but it also wasn’t a thrifty project. An opportunity in the fabric industry Stores like Yardage Town, Joann, or Walmart — with their discount fabrics and affordable synthetics — are behind. They aren’t targeting a generation that values craft and quality. This is why Backes and her small group of sewing classmates travel up to Los Angeles to buy their materials from Mood Fabrics. Founded in 1991 in the New York City fashion district, Mood specializes in designer brands and premium fashion fabrics. It also has a massive online presence, which shores up its brick-and-mortar spots in Los Angeles and New York. (Yes — it’s the same Mood Fabrics from Bravo’s TV series Project Runway). Like all retail these days, fabric stores likely can’t survive without an online presence. Giants like Amazon-owned Fabric.com dominate the Internet scene, but independent sellers are getting into the game, too. And with fabric stores dying off, the Internet is where most young sewers are buying their material. According to Banner, that’s a travesty. “One of the most common questions I get is where to shop online for fabric,” Banner said. “But online is not the way to go for fabric shopping. There’s no way to see how fabric behaves — you need to touch it; see how it moves. If you’re a beginner, you’ll learn a lot slower by shopping online.” Edwards, who gets commissions to make dresses for clients, said it takes the spontaneity out of sewing. “As a dressmaker, I can’t do anything on a short timeline anymore,” Edwards said. “I have to order swatches online first, and then the whole process is weeks added to the time of making the garment.” For Backes, she thinks the death of old-fashioned fabric stores — and the surge in creative sewing — creates an opening in the market for a new player to be successful. “Maybe within five years or so a high-quality fabric store will open in San Diego,” Backes said. “I think it would do quite well. Sewing used to be a dying art. But it’s not dying anymore.” ©2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

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

Ag Trends in the Midlands

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include the following: Banking overview • Rate environment • Changing demographics Emerging tech • Retail banking • Investment banking Banking regulations • Banking industry job market • Best practices in cybersecurity Issue Date: April 3 • Ad Deadline: March 26

Office Services Guide

Topics may include the following: Ag economy in Nebraska • Agricultural banking & finance Technology disruption in farming • Agri-real estate Conservation agriculture • The science of ag Issue Date: April 3 • Ad Deadline: March 26

Technology

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Office Services Guide overview • Trends in Office Design Office supplies/vendors • ADA compliant Co-working spaces • Streamlining administrative processes

Technology overview • Digital twinning • Alternative data Mobile-friendly • Ethical technology • Finance and IT Trends

Issue Date: April 10 • Ad Deadline: April 2

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below. Julie Whitehead - julie@mbj.com • Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

2020

We are now accepting nominations! Deadline to submit: July 31, 2020

The 19th annual 40 Under 40 Awards will take place Nov. 20 at Embassy Suites La-Vista. Midlands Business Journal is currently seeking nominations for professionals in the Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and career accomplishments. Our judges will seek out individuals that have made impacts within their organizations and our community. We want to hear about the entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners in your lives. Involvement in nonprofits and community organizations will show judges how much candidates care about the Greater Omaha area. Nominees must be under the age of 40 as of Dec. 31, 2020 for consideration and cannot nominate themselves. Bottom line, we want to honor young professionals that are making a difference. Visit MBJ.com to fill out the nomination form now!

Key information to include in the nomination: • • • • • • • •

Current company Current position Age Company address Company phone Email address Degrees earned Business accomplishments (promotions, projects, company initiatives) • Community involvement (volunteer work, seats on boards, local and national organizations) • Achievements (awards, recognitions, accreditations) • Supplemental materials such as articles on the nominee, written works, videos, photos, etc.

Sponsorship opportunities are available today!

What better way to get your company’s name in front of some of the most influential business leaders in the Greater Omaha area than sponsoring the 40 Under 40 Awards. Your company will receive recognition in the popular 40 Under 40 special section and at the award banquet that is anticipated to draw 600 attendees. Contact us at karla@mbj.com or call 402-330-1760 to learn more.

Breanne Acio, left, CEO of The Vanlife App and Jessica Shisler, COO The Vanlife App, relax in Acio's converted van after a business meeting. The two co-founded, The Vanlife App, which aims to connect travelers with free camping spots and the not-sowell-known locations. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

Would you live in a van? Two San Diego women launch startup for boho traveler movement by Brittany Meiling

Two San Diego women have created an app for travelers that’s gaining a sizable following of nomadic young people living out of vans. Inspired by a social media phenomenon, Breanne Acio, a former San Diego State University lecturer, and public relations worker Jessica Shisler teamed up in 2018 to pave the way for the drifter movement known online as “vanlife.” They Entrepreneurs created a mobile application, aptly called The Vanlife App, that’s just secured the two women spots in a competitive Techstars accelerator program for promising startups. The app currently connects long-term travelers with one another while on the road, solving the problem of loneliness that weighs on this group of individuals. The downside of a nomadic lifestyle is that you have no community, Shisler said. “You’re constantly in places you don’t know and around people you don’t know,” Shisler said. “You’re never a local.” For those who haven’t heard of it, “vanlife” refers to a recent bohemian trend of people buying cargo vans, old ambulances, school buses and other boxy vehicles, and converting them into livable apartments on wheels (think of it as a do-it-yourself RV). Many vanlifers are also “digital nomads” who work remotely online, such as freelance writers, software developers, or content creators. With no strings tying them to specific cities or towns, they wander from destination to destination for months on end. What is “vanlife?”The vanlife movement began to catch fire on social media about five years ago when countless twenty-somethings shared videos and pictures of their life on the road — catching the imagination of many aspiring travelers. Today, a search for #vanlife on Instagram returns 6.6 million posts. Acio and Shisler were early participants in the trend. Shisler and her boyfriend bought and converted a Mercedes Sprinter van in 2016, and have been traveling periodically ever since. To this day, the van is their only residence, although they spend more time in San Diego these days thanks to Shisler’s

budding business. Acio and her life partner, Lacey Mayer, live in their van — a Ford Transit — for months-long stretches while traveling, subletting their apartment in San Diego during the trips. Acio and Shisler met each other online, as they were both sharing photos and videos of their vanlife lifestyles on Instagram. Each had independently risen to “influencer” status, gaining tens of thousands of followers before they ever met in real life. Today, the duo has 80,000 followers combined, and an additional 67,000 followers through The Vanlife’s social account. Why Techstars is interested in The Vanlife App Their social media stardom has helped catapult their startup into a competitive startup program called Techstars Anywhere. “They had already built a massive social media following, had demonstrated the ability to be leaders in this community, and also built an app that was getting a lot of pull from the marketplace,” said Ryan Kuder, managing director of Techstars Anywhere. Techstars, which was co-founded in 2006 by popular venture capitalist Brad Feld, has dozens of accelerator programs worldwide and is one of the most active startup investors in San Diego (and in other startup cities). The virtual program, Techstars Anywhere, is meant to widen the geographical scope of candidates. Entrepreneurs who are admitted to the program don’t have to travel to a new city for months to participate, as in other Techstars programs in major tech hubs. In the 13-week program, Acio and Shisler will fine-tune their business strategy, capitalizing on the training and mentorship available through the Techstars network. “Businesses that come out of Techstars will look different than when they came into it,” Kuder said. The business pitch. How will they make money? Sekr, the business that Acio and Shisler formed around The Vanlife App, is still in its infancy, but the entrepreneurs have a following at their heels. The duo launched a traveling event series at the start of the year Continued on page 26.

Midlands Business Journal • MARCH 27, 2020 •

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Omaha’s districts in midst of development throughout city by Gabby Christensen

Omaha’s districts are evolving and expanding at full tilt, which experts say illustrates a bright future for the city as a whole. Jay Lund, principal at GreenSlate Development, said the Blackstone District continues to grow at a very rapid pace. “2020 will most likely be the largest growth year on record for this particular revitalization effort,” Lund said. “We will see the opening of five new retail businesses, a new food hall, 232 new apartments and, most significantly, the Lund opening of the Cottonwood Hotel.” He noted more districts beginning to emerge in the urban core is exciting for Omaha. “Bringing these areas back to life, many of which are historical streetcar nodes, is absolutely critical to the future of Omaha,” he said. “Re-populating the core and retaining and attracting a talented workforce is directly tied to this type of development.” For more urban districts to be revitalized, there needs to be appropriate infrastructure. “This means designing our city around people, not automobiles,” Lund said. “If Omaha wants to compete with other growing Midwestern cities, we need dramatic improvements in mass transit and other alternative modes of transportation.” Thomas McLeay, president at Clarity Development, agreed that momentum for the Blackstone District continues. “I’m excited to see growth in the urban areas of Omaha,” McLeay said. “I believe that this growth will draw more young people to our city.” He referenced another up and coming area, Little Bohemia. McLeay said the expansion plans for Nebraska Medicine are not only great for the Blackstone District, but all of Omaha. “Recent events have only highlighted the incredible work they do,” he said. “It’s a great asset to Omaha, and I’m excited for the future.” For now, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, he urged the importance of areas pulling together and staying optimistic. “The nature, resilience and grit that Omaha has will ensure that we come out of this swinging,” McLeay said. Abby McLeay, owner of Zen Coffee Co., currently heads the Farnam Hill District Neighborhood Committee.

Tyler Curnes, president of the Olde Towne Elkhorn Business Association, in downtown Elkhorn. Recently, the district has welcomed The different types of businesses to help bring atGrove Juicery and Wellness Cafe, Voodoo tention to our growing neighborhood,” Abby Taco, Populus co-working space, Holiday Inn McLeay said. “It’s exciting to see people walkExpress, the Hupmobile, Farnam Hill Lofts and ing among our many stores and to see so much Next Chapter Bookstore. activity being added to it. We hope to create a Additionally, she said Farnam Hill Tavern community central neighborhood for all of the will be opening in the coming year below the city to come and enjoy.” Holiday Inn Express, and Launch Brewing will Also in the near future, Farnam Hill will pararrive in the old Barnhart Building. ticipate in the city’s decisions regarding creating “It has been a great collaboration between Farnam a two-way street, street car discussions

March 27, 2020

and new bike routes. Tyler Curnes, president of the Olde Towne Elkhorn Business Association, said the district currently has 35 businesses, including retail, IT companies and restaurants. Recently, the downtown area implemented brand new sidewalks and a new town sign, which he said has helped to further beautify the district.

Thomas McLeay Abby McLeay Looking ahead, Curnes noted three new businesses slated to open very soon. The community also has plans for an $11 million development that would include 90 apartments, 180 parking spots and 10,000 square feet of retail. “I’m really enthusiastic about the area having the opportunity to be the next Benson, Blackstone or downtown Omaha,” he said. “With the increase of businesses and infrastructure moving out west, I see a really big increase in the traffic we will get in Elkhorn. In the coming years, I especially feel we will be very well received for arts and our historical significance.”

• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Would you live in a van?

Continued from page 24. called Baja to Alaska 2020, in which vanlifers are invited to congregate at specific locations along a long roadtrip path. The kick-off event in San Diego had staggering participation, with 800 vanlifers showing up from Canada to Alabama to meet up on Fiesta Island for the event. “We started this with community first, and it became an app later — to solve problems for the community,” Acio said. “A lot of businesses struggle with having an awesome product that they need to find users for. We have the opposite problem. We have the community, but the product needs to be better.” For now, the company’s app has a few main features, including allowing users to find and connect with travelers who are nearby. If they choose, users can share their locations, message each other through the app, or make arrangements to meet up in person. The app also allows users to find public parks, toilets, showers, laundry, or propane refill sites. But the startup has plans to expand its functionality to include a whole slew of tools for campers and travelers, including an easy way to find safe places to camp overnight — one of the biggest concerns for vanlifers. One thing Shisler would like to include is the ability for campers to know more about a campsite’s connectedness before they arrive. Many travelers (like herself) are tied to an Internet connection to get work done remotely, so knowing if a campsite is within cell service is a must. While there are existing directories online of public and government-owned campsites, the databases are disparate, often poorly marketed, and … technologically primitive. Acio and Shisler are relying on users to flag sites for them now, but plan to integrate with government data sets in the future. These features would widen the free app’s audience to a lot more people than vanlifers, opening the customer base to families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for camping spots. Once the user base is built up, Shisler and Acio have a few ideas on how to monetize the app. They might build out a marketplace, where users can buy pre-planned roadtrip packages. Or they might work with advertisers. “We’re early on figuring out the revenue streams,” Shisler said. “We’re still validating our assumptions on what our users really want.” The company’s next step is to improve its app’s features and functionality. Although the app has been downloaded 15,000 times (without any advertising budget to push it forward), it’s still in early stages. In tech startup language, they call the software an MVP — minimum viable product. The app is slow, buggy, and poorly rated by users as a result. By April, Sekr plans to overhaul the app’s user-facing design, smooth out some bugs, and add features. The company has recruited a team of six people to build the tech out. For Acio, a former communications lecturer, she’s excited about delivering a better tool to connect travelers like her. “I never wanted to be a founder of a tech company,” Acio said, laughing. “But it is the way I can solve problems most efficiently, and empower people to engage with others. That’s why we started. I’m passionate about this community of people who have left their social support behind. It made me want to create this app.” ©2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Companies scramble to put coronavirus plans in place by Jorie Goins

Business as usual is anything but. As coronavirus cases grow around the world, companies are scrambling to put plans of action in place to contain the spread and to reassure their employees and customers. Across the country — especially in areas that have had several cases of coronavirus, including the Washington D.C. area, California and Washington state — companies are implementing official policies to address employee concerns about exposure and offer contingencies in case the crisis worsens. Economy The number of cases in the U.S. topped 700 recently. “This is probably … proving to be the biggest experiment in work from home in history,” said Ronni Zehavi, the founder and CEO of HR technology platform Hibob. San Francisco-based cryptocurrency startup Coinbase, for example, released a comprehensive response plan to its blog on Medium. The plan urged all employees to work from home (though it remains optional) and restricted all non-essential business travel. The company also banned travel to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Italy and South Korea, and encouraged employees to limit other in-person visits and interviews. “Our philosophy is that crises do not need to be emergencies,” a Coinbase spokesperson said via email. “Stress and overreactions can be avoided if we take a calm and rational approach and plan ahead. Employees have been very receptive to our communications and planning, and they appreciate this level of detail so they can better plan for themselves and their families.” IBM also has made changes to its business practices by limiting business travel and urging virtual meetings and conferences. This included moving its Think 2020 developer conference to a “digital-first” model although some in-person components will still take place in early May. “IBM has a management structure and emergency planning process to deal with events that potentially impact our business or our clients, and we closely monitor the evolving global status of COVID-19 with the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations,” said Edward Barbini, an IBM spokesman. Barbini added that the company would re-evaluate its policy at the end of March. The coronavirus cases come on top of an

intense flu season, in which the CDC estimates that 20,000 to 52,000 have died in the U.S., and are testing companies’ ability to maintain existing marketing and customer practices. Starbucks recently announced it was ceasing the use of customers’ reusable and “for-here” cups due to the outbreak, although the coffee franchise says it will still honor the discounts associated with bringing those cups in. According to a Starbucks spokesperson, “The policy applies to U.S. and Canada stores, and we will continue to stay close to our partners and local health officials and are optimistic this will be a temporary situation.” Southwest Airlines sent an email to customers letting them know that its aircraft-cleaning procedures are being enhanced with hospital-grade disinfectant throughout its planes and that customers always can change or cancel flights without incurring a fee. Airfare can be used for future travel if the reservation is canceled at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Nordstrom also sent an email to customers that outlined its procedures for thoroughly cleaning its 380 stores each night and said it is providing hand sanitizer throughout its stores. Costco, which has seen hordes of shoppers stocking up on supplies amid coronavirus fears, has halted food samples at its location in China and many locations in the U.S. due to health concerns, Business Insider reports. Zehavi said companies across the board should use this time, while the infection numbers are still relatively low, to test out their emergency practices for working from home, social events and office visits, as well as international travel and meetings. “They need to be very clear on those policies and make sure that when they get the policy it is well-communicated to the employees in different sites, not only in their headquarters,” he said. For companies that implement a work-fromhome policy, Zehavi said C-suite leaders and HR teams need to be certain that the equipment, communication and accountability measures are in place to ensure that employees remain productive, even when they aren’t in-office. “Everything is doable. It’s just a matter of paying attention and being ready. … We strongly recommend (that) companies do kind of a dry run, make a day … (and) say, ‘People, this day, everybody’s working from home,’ and just try and make sure that you iron out any problems

that occur in this dry run,” he said. Zehavi also said that during this time in which securing the health and safety of all employees is a priority, companies should be more generous with policies around paid time off vs. sick time. “It’s a force majeure and you cannot throw it on the backs of the employees,” he said. Beyond company policies making it easier for employees to take care of their health, workers should also make sure they’re doing all they can to avoid illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website notes that people should avoid close contact with those who are ill and exercise common sense hygiene practices, including hand washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, wiping down frequently used surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if they’re sick. The CDC also says that face masks are only necessary for people who are ill or those who work in close proximity with sick individuals. Another way to help stave off illness and possibly bounce back faster? Hydration. “You can drink just about anything except alcohol and it’s going to hydrate you,” said Jennifer Williams, a research scientist at Abbott Nutrition in Chicago. Williams said that in addition to flushing out your system, proper hydration helps your body regulate functions like temperature, blood flow and even the ability of immune cells to fight disease in the body. “If you don’t rehydrate, you’re going to feel worse; you’re not going to feel better as quickly as you want, and nobody wants to be laid up sick,” Williams said. As companies test their ability to remain productive while acknowledging and managing employee anxieties around illness, another question remains. What happens once the coronavirus threat ends and companies return to normal? “If I was (away from the office) for three weeks … or two months … who will give me the green light to get back to the office? Do I need to get a health certificate that I have no viruses? All of those unclear situations have to be addressed by companies, specifically by HR leaders,” Zehavi said. “We’re only seeing the first chapter.” Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Congratulations on realizing you’re a control freak. Here’s what to do about it by Liz Reyer

Q: I’ve gotten feedback that I withhold information, second-guess people, and don’t delegate enough. I’ve figured out that it’s driven by lack of trust, but I don’t know what to do about it. Incidentally, this only is happening at work; I’m fine with friends and family. -Phillip, 50, vice president, operations A: Your first step into self-awareness will serve you well as you seek to address your lack of trust. Let’s take it a bit further. Is this a new issue? Workplace If you’ve been more trusting with co-workers in the past, consider what has changed. One likely scenario is that your confidence in others has diminished as you’ve moved up in the organization. It makes sense; your success has been founded on your individual contributions. You may well have internalized the messages that your way is the best way and that others won’t do things as well as you. Since this is not a conscious belief, it’ll be challenging to uproot. Take time to reflect on your career and the steps that have led you to your current role.

In particular, consider your interactions with peers and those up and down the hierarchy each step of the way. Have they changed? You won’t take action unless you really believe that change is needed. Look at the costs of your lack of trust. You’ve been successful, but could you have had even better outcomes? What about now? You may have hit a wall created by your own behavior. Be hard on yourself here, at least for a moment, as this is a decisive point in making the changes you say you desire. Another possibility is that you’ve been burned by misplaced trust (haven’t we all?). Perhaps you’ve shared information and had your confidence betrayed. Maybe others have missed important deadlines or you’ve had to fix poorly done work. Remember to consider all the times that it has worked out well to depend on others. The weight will clearly be on that side of the scale. In order to build trust in others, start by trusting yourself and your ability to make good choices. In the case of information-sharing, discern what people need to know and share at the

appropriate level of detail. There will be things that, at your level, will need to be confidential. Put yourself in others’ shoes and think about what they need in order to be effective. If you’re second-guessing or failing to delegate, get humble. Focus on seeing the brilliance of the people around you. After all, you likely hired many of them. With any luck, you’ve chosen to surround yourself with strength, so let these people shine. This is also a chance for you to grow in your leadership skills. Ask instead of telling. Use questions to elicit their ideas instead of imposing your own. Be transparent, letting people know that you’re trying to change some unproductive behavior. Make it safe for them to step up. In closing, one gentle question: Are you sure this hasn’t carried over into your personal life? Use your work on trust to enrich all aspects of your life. ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 27, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

In the Spotlight Paid Content LEGAL ASSOCIATION

BANKING

BRANDING & MARKETING

Named

Added

Promoted

Steven D. Davidson

Aaron C. Gilson

Lindsay Meyer Marketing Consultant

Nick Christensen

Fellow

Vice President, Business Development Officer, Treasury Management Consultant

UNANIMOUS

Senior Web Developer

American College of Trial Lawyers

Congratulations to Baird Holm Partner Steven D. Davidson who has been named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The special induction ceremony at which Steve became a Fellow took place during the recent Induction Ceremony at the 2020 Spring Meeting of the College in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We congratulate Steve on becoming a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers,â&#x20AC;? said Baird Holm LLP Managing Partner, Richard E. Putnam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great honor for Steve and our firm.â&#x20AC;?

First Westroads Bank

Chris J. Murphy, Chairman and CEO of First Westroads Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Aaron C. Gilson as a Vice President, Business Development Officer and Treasury Management Consultant. Gilson comes to First Westroads Bank with over 23 years of commercial and corporate banking experience, primarily in treasury management, portfolio management, business development, and consulting. His responsibilities will include generating new business for the bank and assisting customers and prospects with their treasury needs. Gilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education includes a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and a MBA from Bellevue University. First Westroads Bank is a locally owned and managed, financially strong, community bank committed to exceeding customer expectations. Our promise is to help you and your business succeed with professional, knowledgeable, and experienced bankers.

UNANIMOUS

Lindsay joined the UNANIMOUS team in February of 2019 as a copywriter and content specialist, working with the marketing team on social media, content marketing, press releases, and all things copy. In her new role, Lindsay works directly with clients on social media content and advertising, Google search and display advertising, email marketing, and communication strategies. She also continues to lead the team in content creation with her copywriting expertise. Rachel Schwindt, Marketing Director, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lindsay has been an incredible asset to UNANIMOUS since day one. She quickly translated her copywriting skills into other strategic areas of marketing such as social media and digital advertising. Lindsay is one of four at UNANIMOUS to earn Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s search and display certification, and is now working towards her certification in Facebook.â&#x20AC;?

Nick joined the UNANIMOUS team in January of 2017 as a web developer, assisting the web team in the creation of websites and support after launch. In his new role, Nick will work closely with clients in website architecture planning, training, technical support, and take a leadership role in complex web development projects. Matt Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gorman, Vice President of UNANIMOUS, said â&#x20AC;?Nick has done an outstanding job for UNANIMOUS, and has shown his ability to produce high-quality websites, show a high level of attention to detail, and help keep our team on the cutting edge. We are excited about the contributions he will continue to bring to the company.â&#x20AC;?

Subscribe and pay online today at MBJ.com The Lincoln

BUSINESS

APRIL 2018 4

Journal A section prepared

by the staff of

by Michelle Leach

Lanoha Real Estate by Richard D. Brown

WINDOW & DOORS

INSURANCE

Promotion

Appointed

y log no Tech

Curt Pospisil

Pam Mortenson

General Manager

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives

Midwest Door & Hardware

Join us in congratulating Curt Pospisil â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who has spent more than a decade in sales and project manager roles at Midwest Door and Hardware â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on his promotion to General Manager. In his new role, Pospisil will use his experience as a trusted project consultant and vendor liaison to continue to put our customers first and anticipate their commercial opening needs.

ready market for

Submit your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employee announcements to Spotlight@mbj.com

technology, equipment

its Foodlines services.

and innovation. Page 3

said Executive Director Dave Sommers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We coordinate over 100 volunteers from the legal community, over the course of a month, with the intention of celebrating the role of law in the United States.

Lincoln Real Estate . Page 5 Insurance........... Pages 6 - 7 Banking .............Pages 17-19

Cooper & Co. creates shopping services. experience, expands

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THIS VOL. 45 NO. 41

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April 27, 2018

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WoodmenLife has appointed Pam Mortenson to oversee large-scale initiatives and help shape the strategies that will best serve members and continue its legacy of success. As Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Mortenson is in an exciting senior leadership role where sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll guide the teams that transform how work is done and support operations for the organization. Visit WoodmenLife.org to learn more.

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Vol. 21 No. 4 $2.00

Erickson Sullivan

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in the future,â&#x20AC;? said With each firm boasting a Agency Prinreported 60-plus cipal Carly Thomas, year formerly a the metro, NP Dodge heritage in Peterson Bros. Insurance princiInsurance Agency Inc. and Peterson Bros. pal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ultimately, we decided we Insurance Inc. have were stronger together.â&#x20AC;? joined their complementary Over the past year, clientele, carriers and cultures indicated the companies Thomas to worked Partners Insurancecreate Dodge together to align LLC. which are now basedtheir teams, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We both were at the point of out of 8701 deciding where West Dodge Road in we wanted to be Omaha Continued on page â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 24.

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the renovation. The Scott Conference e Center, located in The additional Aksarben on the University the conference space allows of center to host Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scott Nebraska at larger events and groups â&#x20AC;&#x201D; triCampus, has received a facelift pling the usable after 18 years with a new faĂ§ade space with room pre-function bigger entrance and artwork, mingle and check for guests to and in. The main areas, new carpet, reception entrance was moved and posibathrooms and upgrades to its audio/visual tioned to line up with the crosssystems and lighting. walk Holland street and parking lot across the Basham Architects and allows for easier navimann Construction and Haus- gation for attendees worked on of the Scott Continued on page 25.

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• MARCH 27, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal