Midlands Business Journal May 1, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 18 issue by Midlands Business Journal

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Council Bluffs

Growth Report

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 1, 2020

Council Bluffs community organizations, leadership prep for other side of COVID-19 crisis by Michelle Leach

While it may not be “business as usual” for city and county organizations, leadership has arguably never been busier. “Our small department is always very busy,” said Brandon M. Garrett, director of the city of Council Bluffs’ community development department. “We continue to coordinate development at River’s Edge on the riverfront by Tom Hanafan Park.” He referenced the First Avenue corridor multi-use trail linking downtown to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, two Walsh multi-family developments along the trail (valued at $50 million-plus), and promotion of its lead abatement program. “We have not seen much of a reduction in our workload overall; however, we have been investing time (when available) to train and retrain our staff by utilizing online webinars,” Garrett said. “When appropriate, we are also doing some cross-training between different inspectors. Some folks are pursuing new certifications. We are using this crisis as an opportunity to emerge as improved professionals in our respective fields.” In February, the planning, housing and economic development divisions moved to city hall, efforts more than a year in the making to enhance convenience and access including Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Filling downtime with training and certifications has retained positivity, versus fear and panic circling disease spread, Garrett said. “The Communications Director, Ashley Kruse, has hosted ‘Minute with the Mayor’ episodes every weekday with Mayor Walsh to give the public updates specific to COVID-19, impacts in Council Bluffs, best practices such as social distancing, and updates on continuity of city services,” he added. Mayor Matt Walsh provided updates on YouTube exploring serology testing, the food supply chain, and specific impacts on hotel occupancy and taxes. “My former employment was as a commercial banker, and we budget conservatively,” he said. “We establish a reserve and, frankly, our reserve has been a little high.” Walsh indicated this allows for some cushion with regard to spending down excess

Brandon M. Garrett, director of the community development department for the city of Council Bluffs. reserves, and avoidance of property tax hikes. had requests in excess of $3 million.” In partnership with the likes of the Iowa As the effects of the pandemic persist, he West Foundation, PCCF is focused on fulfillreferred to reevaluation on this front. “One thing I don’t have a good feel for is ing basic needs, and amplifying those dollars sales tax,” he said, noting Iowa’s flood miti- so they can have the greatest impact in the gation fund to fix the levy system is based on sales tax growth. There are big implications; if the sales tax falls below the base year figure (2013), the city doesn’t get any money. “Over 20 years, it would generate about $60 million to fix the levy,” Walsh said. To federal relief funds, he indicated efforts such as the Payroll Protection Program are “well-intentioned;” “If you keep your staff employed, they’ll forgive the federal dollars that you’ve received, but you’ve got to spend the money in eight weeks,” he said. “The government has shut down certain sectors. So, you can’t open the business up.” In that case, the business is saddled with significant debt. Generally, Walsh noted the virus “peak” in Iowa has consistently been delayed. “The intent is to elongate the time it takes to get it, so you can alleviate the pressure on the hospitals,” he said. The 12-year-old Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is the vehicle behind around $2 million in annual grants. “The need is tremendous,” said President and CEO Donna Dostal in late April. “We’ve

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community. “You hear it anecdotally; people are usually one paycheck away form a serious issue, and that’s what we’re experiencing now,” she said. “We’re seeing lines of folks a mile long trying to get free food. We’re also trying to figure out how we can make sure our homeless population has a place to be safe, and that any health risks they may have are taken care of … those are the primary concerns right now — having the money and resources to pay their heat, electricity and rent.” Dostal said Dostal they’re also looking down the road, assuring that child care centers are able to “ramp up” once businesses reopen. More information on its funds to provide free child care to emergency responders, and to support front-line nonprofit partners, as well as on CARES Act-related resources, are available at www.OurPCCF.org. Dostal further encourages readers to consider Donor-Advised Funds. “You can be agile with that money,” she said; such funds, partly, allow for active involvement in suggested uses for gifts.

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Council Bluffs Growth Report — inside MAY 1, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

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VOL. 46 NO. 18

Lincoln’s Infogressive expands with national remote employee environment by Richard D. Brown

OpsCompass, House of Brick Technologies join forces to grow globally. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40

Lockwood Development’s O’Connor helps build better future for women in real estate. – Page 4

g tin rke cies a M gen A

As storefronts remain closed, businesses turn to marketing agencies to restructure advertising. – Page 25

Infogressive, a Lincoln-based cybersecurity firm that employs 35, has targeted managed services offerings — which have been developed and enhanced over the past five years — as a revenue source to offer a more consistent revenue source on which to build growth. Last year such billings accounted for 58% of the firm’s overall business. For the first quarter of this year, the firm’s overall revenues are up 68%. The privately-owned company founded 14 years ago by information technology entrepreneur Justin Kallhoff has grown to serve more than 800 small business clients in 45 states and is expanding in Florida where a second security operations office is being opened. Infogressive’s headquarters is located at 1560 S. 70th St. The firm’s workforce could increase to 45 by year’s end as additional territorial sales, marketing, operations and engineering positions are created. “With movements in many industries toward using more employees Continued on page 9.

Chief Operations Officer Heather Lantz … Boosting workforce as cybersecurity issues come front and center as more workers go remote.

From the live stage to virtual workshops, Bravium pivots to online coaching groups by Becky McCarville

As businesses face an uncertain return to the workplace, Bravium Human Development Partners Nicole Bianchi and Jeff Shannon said that now is the time to embrace the unknown and to try new things; for instance, implementing a daily team huddle on a video conferencing platform like Zoom during quarantine to align goals and then bringing that practice into the office when employees return. “We can’t control everything around us, but we can control different ideas and things that we’re bringing to the table or

willingness to try new things,” Bianchi said. By launching Coaching Circles, a new small group coaching platform that has national potential, the facilitation and coaching firm is innovating to meet clients’ needs as many companies shift to a workfrom-home model. “It feels like we’re in startup mode,” she said. “When you’re in that mode you just do whatever it takes to make that shift to figure out — how can we add value to clients and customers and how are we going to show up and be out in front of as much as we can while still managing everyContinued on page 9.

Bre Phelan, founder and president of Felius Cat Café.

High-touch organizations learn to evolve with focus on tech by Michelle Leach

Partners Jeff Shannon and Nicole Bianchi host a Zoom meeting … Innovating by using digital tools and offering new products to meet people where they’re at. (Photo courtesy of Bravium)

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series sharing firsthand experiences from local organizations on how their respective industries are adapting to COVID-19. Replicating the in-person experience and trust many organizations are built on via video and other technological tools is a seemingly universal challenge; regardless of if that line of work matches cats to loving homes,

entrepreneurs to dynamic work environments, or investors to tailored financial plans. “Since coronavirus, requests to join our foster program have increased by 20%,” said Felius Cat Café founder and President Bre Phelan. “Opening your home to a rescue animal in need is an amazing way to give back during this crisis. Not only does it save cats’ lives, it also gives the fosterer something positive Continued on page 3.

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

OpsCompass, House of Brick Technologies join forces to grow globally by Michelle Leach

In this environment of constant change and technological reliance, longtime partners, Omaha’s OpsCompass and House of Brick Technologies, have recently and officially joined forces and, with funding from growth-stage

OpsCompass

Address: 9300 Underwood Ave., suite 300, Omaha 68114 Services: Cloud Security Posture Management offering SaaS products across cloud platforms; optimization of business-critical systems via the likes of disaster recovery and license compliance consulting Employees: 43 Website: www.opscompass.com

investment firm Elsewhere Partners and several other Nebraska organizations, the merged firm is building upon its global presence and product lineup. “We are now nationwide and placed our first office in western Europe last month,” said OpsCompass CEO Manny Quevedo in April. “The cloud is everywhere and the expertise is universal, we just needed the fuel to take it to

From left, Senior Vice President Nathan Biggs and CEO Manny Quevedo … Expertise in cloud solutions gets exponential boost with funding support, official integration teams that have long partnered together on complex client projects. the next level. This was underscored recently ment (CSPM), OpsCompass drives operational when Microsoft purchased our latest product control, visibility and security via enterprise to install in all 43 of their technology centers in software-as-a-service product across cloud the U.S. and Europe.” platforms. Just 14 days after announcing its A leader in Cloud Security Posture Manage- $6.78 million Series A, Elsewhere Partners-led

Business Minute

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Alicia Elson

Vice President of Human Resources, QLI Associations/Titles: Vice President of Lift Up Sarpy County; Board Member of Midwest YouCan; Executive HR Roundtable; St. Patrick’s Church Committee, Better Business Bureau Integrity award judge; Avenue Scholars Program Instructor; and Goodwill Business Advisory Committee. Hometown: Denison, Iowa; currently Gretna, Nebraska. Education: Bachelor’s in social work from Creighton University, Master’s of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

funding, the company on March 17 announced its acquisition of House of Brick Technologies. “Our teams have actually worked together on complex client issues for over 15 years,” Quevedo said. “The House of Brick team has built a long-term reputation for excellence in enterprise systems. As a software solutions builder, OpsCompass has regularly explored automating that unique expertise and making it more accessible to end users.” The “immense success” of cloud technology was a catalyst; bringing business solution to more clients via less expensive software. Multiple new products, including CSPM and license productivity monitoring, are on the horizon. When Senior Vice President Nathan Biggs joined the House of Brick team 12 years ago, he became acquainted with Quevedo, a fellow Arizona native. Biggs was formerly CEO of the 22-year-old business-critical systems leader. “We’re definitely focused on product security, saving [clients’] money and reducing their organizational risk,” said Biggs, OpsCompass board member. “Now, with the new normal with the coronavirus and everybody working remotely and separately, cloud usage is going up. It’s important to keep a handle on risk.” House of Brick’s expertise aims to reduce vendor licensing-related risks, which Biggs said can result in tens of millions of dollars in fees when firms aren’t in compliance in the cloud or on-premises. “Most organizations that have to pay $10 million today would be put out of business,” he said. Quevedo described the merger with House of Brick as “inevitable.” “We were both solving the clients’ problems, from different perspectives,” he said. “Now, technology and the unique expertise can be combined in these elegant, affordable packages.” Leadership indicated the integration of 15 OpsCompass employees with HOB’s 28 Continued on page 22.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

Founded by Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

How I got into the business: I lived in the neighborhood when QLI was being built. I had a relative that sustained a brain injury at a young age and saw how the lack of services available impacted my family. I became excited about being part of that solution. Accomplishments or milestones: I used to think an accomplishment meant a bigger paycheck or a “better” title. Today I know it is looking at myself in the mirror at night and being able to say, “I contributed to the success of my company, coworkers, friends or family members.” It is, by far, more rewarding. First job: Babysitting and detassling corn in Iowa. Biggest career break: Getting in at QLI 30 years ago at its inception and watching it develop into the national center of excellence it is today. It has been an educational

and inspiring ride. The toughest part of the job: Staying current on and managing ever-changing regulations. The best advice I have received: If you have the ability to help someone, you should. Every time. About my family: I have a loving husband, three successful sons, one great daughter-in-law and the cutest grandson. But, I wouldn’t be where I was today if it hadn’t been for the values my parents instilled in me. They are still together after 57 blissful years. Something else I’d like to accomplish: I’ve had so many great mentors. I’d like to pay that forward to other young people so they can have the opportunities that I did. Book I finished reading recently: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. Something about me not everyone knows: In my sophomore year at Creighton, I was part of a program that built homes for people in Appalachia. How my business will change in the next decade: So much has happened in the

field of spinal cord injury research and development. It will be exciting to see what the next 10 years brings. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: I am fortunate to have too many to name. It really did take a village and I am grateful to so many for helping me develop as a leader. Outside interests: Traveling, antiquing, shopping, and recently hiking! Pet peeves: People who don’t pick up or clean up after themselves. Favorite vacation spot: Scotland. The Isle of Skye is a place of raw, untouched beauty. Other careers I would like to try: After I retire I would love to work at my favorite retail store – Borsheims. Favorite movie: Life is Beautiful. Favorite cause or charity: This may be predictable but I’m incredibly proud to support QLI because I see every day the impact QLI has on individuals and families with brain or spinal cord injury. Favorite app: TED Talks Daily.

Interested in being featured in the Business Minute? Email news@mbj.com for more information.

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Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

High-touch organizations learn to evolve with focus on tech Continued from page 1. to focus on while social distancing.” Likewise, on April 16, Phelan noted over the prior four weeks owner-surrender requests increased from one to more than three per week. “We are in the process of launching a program that would provide free pet food and litter to Omaha community members who simply can’t afford those necessities as a result of losing their job,” she said. “Our hope is that this program will reduce the number of owner surrenders and keep cats in their homes and off the streets.” To add yet another layer, elective procedures (spaying, neutering) have been halted by many local clinics due to lack of personal protective equipment, which Phelan said means animals are in care longer than normal as Felius waits to get them properly vetted pre-adoption. One can “paw-it-forward,” she said, by paying for a cat’s vetting/adoption costs, or supporting its cat food and litter delivery program. Felius is also seeking funding for a firstof-its-kind mobile cat café and community engagement bus. “The goal of this project is to provide underserved community members — in places like

retirement facilities, VA hospitals and low-income schools — with free, convenient animal therapy,” she said, adding 15 minutes of animal interaction produces mental and physical health benefits. Micah Yost was excited about the rapid growth Populus Coworking had experienced in seven months — then COVID-19 hit. “It’s really taken a toll on our business, just like many others,” the founder said. “The way we work is definitely Yost changing.” Partly, Yost said, remote work will stick around and become a huge part of every business that can use it (approximately, 30% of U.S. companies). “Office space has always been a very inefficient asset,” he said. “At night, everyone is home and a giant building sits completely empty. During the day, large training rooms and conference rooms are unoccupied.”

Originally, coworking businesses aimed to fit more people into spaces, making them cost-efficient. “That idea of coworking disappeared almost overnight,” he said. “It’s gone and probably will never come back.” Coworking has adapted to provide flexible workspace options; for instance, Yost referred to companies needing five seats one day and 22 the next day — an arrangement that he anticipates will Vossen thrive on the “other side” of COVID-19. Amid COVID-19, Populus hosted a seven-hour livestreamed “Living Room Conference” on April 10. “The greatest mistake I see people making right now is attempting to take what they’ve done offline and just put it online,” Yost said. “There is a huge disconnect when people are asked to participate in a virtual event from home,

but the presenters are in an office or on stage … In a virtual event, you don’t have a captive audience and people are unlikely to watch 30- or 45-minute lectures. So, we made the structure 15-minute conversations, and that seemed to keep the engagement a lot higher.” While Lutz Financial Investment Advisor and Principal Justin Vossen has been most surprised by how well plans supported continuity and business function, human interaction with clients and coworkers “is the most difficult part.” “Financial planning is very personal for clients and, most times, a relationship is created based on trust and a human connection,” he said. “The biggest problem meeting virtually with a client is that there is less connectivity and personal interaction. In an emotional and uncertain time, that is something that is missing that is hard to replicate over a call or virtual meeting.” And, while Vossen said the national reaction is to believe things will change dramatically, in reality: “There will probably be some minor operational and technological changes. I’d like to think it will help people appreciate the little things more about their job and who they are working with.”

• MAY 1, 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.

Vice President Emily O’Connor … Instrumental in the growth of the company with prominent projects.

Lockwood Development’s O’Connor helps build better future for women in real estate by Dwain Hebda

When Emily O’Connor was working on her degree at University of Nebraska at Omaha, she discovered her passion for commercial real estate through a summer internship with Lockwood Development. Little did she know, that passion would be fueled by the launch of a multi-million dollar company and make her a leading role model for women in the industry, all before age 40. O’Connor, who joined Lockwood after graduation, formed and launched Bloomfield Custom Homes in 2011, a sister company that to date has built or remodeled roughly $30 million worth of new and custom homes priced $700,000 and above and that today completes six to 10 projects a year. “We had been building highend homes with Lockwood Construction over many years,” she said. “We purchased the former Ironwood golf course on 132nd and Pacific in 2010 and redeveloping that project would consist of about 50 lots. We felt it might make some sense for us to create a true custom homebuilding division that really focused on the residential aspect of the business.” O’Connor said the move helped turn Sterling Ridge into a headliner development for the new company. “For us it was really an opportunity that was part of the development of Sterling Ridge to have that residential component,” she said. “It gave us an opportunity to build quality homes in a great neighborhood in the middle of Omaha. We were known for our reputation that any project we do is of highend quality and done right and done well. That translates on the commercial side as well as the residential side.” O’Connor’s rapid rise in the company — she made vice president within 10 years — is all the more impressive given the industry’s overwhelming male dominance. Happily, she

said, things are changing. “For a long time in my career, I would sit in a room and people would think I was the secretary or the assistant taking notes. It took a long time to prove my worth to be sitting at the table, being the only female in the room,” she said. “From when I entered [the industry], I think we’ve made strides. There are more and more women entering the industry every day. It certainly has room for improvement, but we’re headed in the right direction.” O’Connor plays an active role in that evolution both inside her company and in the marketplace. She’s a board member with the local Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) chapter comprised of nearly 200 women affiliated in some way with real estate. “What’s really special about CREW Omaha is the mentality of all the women there is very supportive and it is all about ‘How do we pave the way for the girls that are following behind us? How do we make it easier for them to enter this world?’” she said. “We all have our stories and our struggles, but how do we make it easier for the people that are going to come behind us? “And how do we, with this network, think CREW first? Let’s network amongst ourselves. If I’m looking for an attorney out of town and I have no connections, I’m going to pull up my CREW network and say ‘OK, who is the attorney in this state?’ and go there first. And that’s happening in Omaha; if I need some assistance on a project, I look to CREW and help support women in this industry.” O’Connor also takes on fundraising efforts with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She received the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Nebraska’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2012 Arbor Day Award, denoting Lockwood Development’s Employee of the Year.

2019

Proud Sponsors of the 2019 40 Under 40:

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Council Bluffs

Growth Report

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 1, 2020

Council Bluffs community organizations, leadership prep for other side of COVID-19 crisis by Michelle Leach

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Council Bluffs Growth Report

Construction industry powers on through COVID-19 pandemic by Dwain Hebda ager with Morris Excavating Company Inc., While most retail and hospitality business- said worker safety was of the highest priority es have been forced to sit out the coronavirus during this time. — or at least operate at greatly diminished ca“Our employees have been instructed to pacity — Council Bluffs’ construction industry distance themselves from others during the has soldiered on almost unabated. workday when possible, something “The construction market has that’s easier to do when you work been strong,” said John Dresher of outside than it is in other indusHall Insurance Agency and Hearttries,” he said. “We provide them land Properties, a past president with sanitizer wipes to clean areas and board member of the Council where they have been or will be Bluffs Building and Trades Assoworking, along with hand sanitizer ciation. that has greater than 70% alcohol.” “Currently, the majority of the Morris said the company has members are business as usual. seen some jobs get put on hold, but Home builders in particular are the firm has had no issues staying trying to keep up with buyers for busy. Morris new builds.” “We have had to adjust some Dresher said construction companies have business strategy to stay busy. So far that is done a good job taking steps to keep their em- working for us,” he said. “I think if construcployees safe, but like other segments of society tion companies can adapt to different demands are finding personal protective equipment hard of the marketplace, they will be just fine. Many to come by. businesses and homeowners are taking this Andrew “Buck” Morris, operations man- time to do projects they otherwise wouldn’t

have had time to do pre-COVID-19.” As for challenges post-pandemic, Morris said the future was as-yet unclear. “I would say a stagnant marketplace would be the biggest challenge if the economy were to take a turn for the worse,” he said. “Other companies in other industries are already dealing with this issue, unfortunately. Luckily for construction I don’t believe it has hit as hard.” Chris Rochleau, president and owner of Cherry Ridge Construction, said one thing that has kept business running high has been the continued fallout from the flooding that decimated nearby areas in 2019. “There are people that lost their home down in Pacific Junction. It took time to settle up with FEMA and go through that, find a piece of land and get what they want,” he said. “We haven’t seen [demand] really flatten out, drop or back off and quite honestly, I think there’s still a lot of pent up demand.” Rochleau said residential construction, which makes up 60 to 70% of Cherry Ridge’s business, was already brisk due to Council

Bluffs’ continuing attraction to homeowners. He said COVID-19 has done nothing to deter that, in fact, if anything it’s made people even more restless to get projects rolling. “We’re in a perfect situation in Council Bluffs. You’ve got Omaha across the river and Council Bluffs is still a small town,” he said. “I’m two turns away from a gravel road or a cornfield and I love that. [Due to] COVID-19, for two weeks we didn’t get any phone calls. The phones were dead for two to three weeks, but the impact was one contract put off for 30 to 40 days. “We’ve gotten a lot of calls just this week from people that want to meet and what’s going to happen, okay we’re ready to go, we want to do something now. People are home and having cabin fever. They’re ready to get out and buy and be active and have their lives back.”

Arts and entertainment industry feeling impact by Gabby Christensen

With social gatherings put on hold, the arts and entertainment world has had to adjust events while continuing to focus on the future of the industry, according to local organizations. Recently, Danna Kehm, CEO at PACE (Pottawattamie Arts Culture Entertainment), said the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, which is the new home for PACE, Chanticleer Community Theater, American Midwest Ballet, Kanesville Symphony Orchestra and Kitchen Council, opened its doors. However, since the pandemic, Kehm estimates turning away over 15,000 Kehm visitors, canceling 12 main stage productions by the Chanticleer Community Theater and American Midwest Ballet and Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, as well as canceling multiple art classes and camps. “We are using this time to work with local artists and teachers to create content to share via social media,” Kehm said. “We are also using this time to create an even stronger programming calendar for when we reopen our doors.” Like many, she said PACE’s highest priority is the health and well-being of all patrons, partners, performers, artists, staff and volunteers. Kehm said the arts industry will be hit hard by the pandemic so it’s vital to buy a membership, buy local art and make a donation. “It’s interesting to me how we have found comfort in the arts during this trying time,” she said. “I think we will all be interested in seeing how the artists expressed themselves during this period of isolation and reflection, and what they have created. I am ready to be amazed.” Mark Eckman, executive director of the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the Iowa West Sports Plex is currently under construction and expected Continued on page 8.

Council Bluffs Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Pandemic highlights need to rethink some health care system processes by David Kubicek

The novel coronavirus pandemic has stretched the health care system, not only creating an enormous demand for medical supplies, beds, and medical personnel, but also hitting physicians’ compensation. “The only way an ordinary primary care doctor makes money is to see patients in clinics then bill their insurance, but it’s hard to see patients in clinics right now when everyone’s supposed to stay home,” said Strada Health Care Director of Growth Bessmer Ry n e B e s s m e r. “There’s [pending] legislation to pay doctors for telemedicine visits, but the pandemic has shed light on how the system is broken.” Strada has long embraced telemedicine as a core element of its business model, so adjusting to the pandemic wasn’t as difficult as for many doctors. The firm’s patients pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to their doctors — they can call, text, or video chat 24/7. “We’re doing a lot more proactive reachout to our patients so they’ll know what symptoms they should be looking for,” Bessmer said. “Since the pandemic’s outbreak, we’ve seen an 1100% increase in the use of the HIPAA-compliant secure messaging app our doctors use to connect with our patients.” Before COVID-19, health care was in a “stable state,” but the pandemic required

hospitals and health care providers to temporarily discontinue providing non-urgent procedures and visits to plan for the potential of a COVID-19 surge of patients, according to Jeanette Wojtalewicz, Chief Financial Officer for CHI Health. “ S u rg i c a l v o l umes have dropped, and most area health systems have reported 30% or greater reductions in daily patient census,” she said. “We have transitioned a significant amount of care to virtual through telephone and video technology.” Baumert Health care system revenues have dropped dramatically, and everyone is looking for ways to reduce costs. Since labor is a health care provider’s greatest expense, it has been necessary to reduce working hours. “It’s been extremely challenging but has helped us move more quickly into alternate methods to care for patients,” Wojtalewicz said. CHI recently opened a new Regional Cancer Center in Grand Island, is expanding the development of its Family Health Centers across the Nebraska, and is expanding its virtual health platforms. “Our focus is to increase access to primary care, to keep our community healthy and find ways to reduce the cost of care for our community,” Wojtalewicz said. “While

we all have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been an opportunity for us to transform and improve our delivery of health care for the Midwest.” Community partnerships have been extremely important. “I am proud of the work that has been done not only by our team but also by our community partners to prepare for COVID-19,” said Steve Baumert, president and CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. “We have leaned on the expertise of many agencies as a part of our preparation process. In addition, being a part of Methodist Health System has allowed us to work across the organization to establish best practices for patient care and access to much needed personal protective equipment.” This summer the Methodist Jennie Ed-

mundson Medical Plaza will open on the Jennie Edmundson campus. The first floor of the three-story, $16 million medical office building will house approximately 15 Methodist Physicians Clinic primary care providers. It will have an imaging suite, including mammography services, and a new Urgent Care with easy access and extended hours. Upon its completion in late 2020, the 18,000-square-foot fifth-floor expansion at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital will further enhance the hospital’s women’s services in the community. “We are excited about what these projects mean to the staff at Jennie Edmundson and more importantly the community,” Baumert said. “We want to be known as the eastern edge of women’s services for Methodist, and these projects will allow us to do so.”

by Jasmine Heimgartner

developed and used. “The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the importance of a school district’s resilience to face threats such as this pandemic, and the rapid technological shift we had to make,” said Dr. Vickie Murillo, superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District. “The pandemic has also provided an opportunity for our educators to remind ourselves of the skills students need in these unpredictable times. Life skills, such as informed decision making, creative problem solving, and perhaps Continued on next page.

Educators, trainers tap into online learning opportunities, focus on resilience to thrive As schools and businesses closed their doors to limit the spread of COVID-19, community educators at all levels of learning have stepped up to the plate to keep educational opportunities alive. While some that require hands-on training — such as Council Bluffs Community School District’s TradeWorks Academy, which provides high-school students foundational, exploratory experiences in trade skills, including automotive technology, construction, electrical technology, heating and welding — must pause, other innovative hands-off resources are being

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Council Bluffs Growth Report

Educators, trainers tap into online learning opportunities, focus on resilience to thrive Continued from preceding page. above all, adaptability. To ensure those skills remain a priority for all students, resilience must be built into our methods of teaching as we prepare our students for the real world experiences they are living in.” While, ideally, the community wouldn’t have to deal with such a trying and unknown time, existing technological advances were already allowing for new ways to learn to be available. Many schools and training specialists had begun to develop online and tele-learning opportunities to offer a more one-on-approach to teaching. “Over the past 12 or more years, GHAEA has been developing a telepractice approach to service delivery,” said Stephanie Lane, digital learning specialist/authentic learning at Green Hills Area Education Agency. “This approach started with the delivery of speech-language services over a video conferencing platform. Prior to the onset of the pandemic closures, the agency had begun moving telepractice service delivery to other areas, including physical therapy, teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, and others. We were experiencing success with this approach and it began paying dividends in that it allowed staff to have more time available for service provision and less time to drive between schools.” With innovative methods already in place, many learning institutions quickly focused on ways to enhance and elevate them to address the ongoing crisis. “As a service agency, one of our roles

is to prepare educators and support them in their classrooms to deliver high-quality instruction to all students, even those with the most significant of needs,” Lane said. “Knowing we would have varying comfort

Continued from page 6. to be completed in May. Eckman said the 75,000-square-foot indoor turf facility will accommodate a number of sports, including soccer, baseball, softball, rugby, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee. Additionally, he said the CBCVB moved into a new space in June of 2019, serving as a new office and as a visitor center for travelers to the metro. This past month, the CBCVB conducted a survey of Council Bluffs hotels regarding COVID-19.

“The hoteliers reported losing more than $3.5 million in business,” Eckman said. “All of the hotels indicated that staffing has been reduced. Ninety-three full-time and 73 part-time positions have been reduced. Five hoteliers believe it will be likely or very likely that additional layoffs will be required. Five more don’t know if staff reductions will be necessary. Two hotels have temporarily closed. The number of staff laid-off was not reported for these properties.” He said the CBCVB has recently put a greater emphasis on the recruitment of con-

Murillo Lane levels in regard to technology, our digital learning team designed one-hour Zoom sessions to deliver tips, tricks and how-to's on a variety of digital tools. Our initial goal was to help educators get connected digitally with their students. The next steps were to help them design opportunities that fit a variety of needs.” These types of opportunities aren’t just for young students. These unprecedent times have greatly affected businesses and their leadership, which has meant rethinking many aspects of operations and leading a remote team. “Times of crisis or major changes bring out the best and the worst in people, and leaders are human beings too,” said Lona Smart, facilitator at Revela. “Some are strug-

gling with their own stuff while at the same time trying to be supportive of their team. Revela wants to help leaders’ focus on what’s important, prioritize those things and lead with compassion. Sometimes we just need reminders of how to do this. Professional development causes us to pause long enough to reflect on what things we are doing really well and what things we need to get better at.” From virtual oneon-one leadership development via Zoom to webinars to help Smart companies rethink their strategies and discover ways to thrive and not just survive, taking a step back to refocus can have long-lasting effects.

“Every organization is rethinking ‘how’ they do business,” Smart said. “I think if we remind ourselves ‘why’ we do what we do, it helps ground us during difficult times. How we do business has changed and is going to continue to change. We should take time to reflect on what we have learned during the past few months. In what ways are we actually better today than we were three months ago. We want to hang onto those new norms and carry those things forward.” Although it can be hard to see any positives during a pandemic, incorporating the lessons learned from it can boost adaptability, resilience and preparedness for future generations. “The silver lining to this is that educators have had the opportunity to explore virtual ways to connect with their colleagues and students,” Lane said. “Should we be placed in a situation like this in the future, our hope is that educators will feel more prepared.”

by Gabby Christensen

Although he said the pandemic has had some effect on the market, as some buyers are not wanting to look at homes and some sellers are not wanting people in their homes. “Right now, most sellers have ‘stations’ with wipes and hand sanitizers set up when buyers do come,” Van Houten said. “Some agents carry it with them. I tell sellers to turn every light on in the house and have every door open so buyers aren't touching handles and switches. We have a procedure for sellers, buyers and agents to follow.” Looking to the future, he said technology will continue to play an even bigger role in the marketing and selling of real estate. “Photos, videos and virtual tours are becoming more and Van Houten more the norm,” Van Houten said. “We can even do a complete real estate transaction electronically.” According to Van Houten, Council Bluffs will continue to expand with new opportunities. Sara Porter, sales manager for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, said that data from the first quarter indicates the market is stronger than last year. Right now, Porter said interest rates are low, also giving buyers more buying power. “In March 2019, we were battling unprecedented flooding and in March 2020 we are battling a pandemic, but real estate is going strong,” Porter said. “April's new listings are down from last year but based on the data, homes are still selling very quickly and with multiple offers.” During the pandemic, she said many agents have adopted a virtual business model. “At Berkshire we are 100% paperless and have an expansive resource center which has helped prepare for something like this,” Porter said. “Our agents are doing more videos, more Facebook live and even venturing out into TikTok for some comic relief.” For older agents or those at risk, she said an app is available that allows other Realtors to assist with showings. Additionally, Porter said title companies like ATS are doing drive-thru closings. “I would assume large meetings and trainings will be held online until we obtain a sense Continued on page 10.

Real estate industry remains active in Council Bluffs Despite the pandemic, the real estate industry has managed to adapt to the changes and continue to operate accordingly. In fact, Daniel Van Houten, managing broker for NP Dodge Real Estate, said the Council Bluffs area has a very strong real estate market currently. “Like the rest of the country is experiencing, we are lacking inventory in certain price points, but overall we are doing very well,” Van Houten said.

Arts and entertainment industry feeling impact

ferences and tournaments by working with area residents. Sheryl Garst, CEO of 712 Initiative, said the organization has had to modify and cancel some events. However, Garst said individuals, couples and families still want to impact their community and are signing up for a volunteer shift to work on their own. “The way we Eckman socialize has also changed with our quarterly 712 neighborhood socials,” she said. “We’ve combined our events and neighborhood network needs into a new Saturday virtual series on Facebook called ‘Building a Better Bluffs.’ It’s a Q&A format with local experts on anything from getting advice from our local master gardener to talking to a local community lender on how to take advantage of new low rates to refinance your home.” Garst said 712 has also started a 5K Friday initiative. “So many forget that although we are sheltering in place, we still desperately need to take care of our physical health,” she said. “This is a different world we live in and expect this may be the new normal for the remainder of 2020 but with adversity sometimes comes incredible creativity in any industry. We at the 712 really feel we have a good work plan for this chapter to keep the public engaged in our community impact activities while looking out for their emotional and physical well-being.”

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Lincoln’s Infogressive expands with national remote employee environment Continued from page 1. working remotely due to the pandemic it is important that they don’t go backward in the planning for security,” said Chief Operations Officer Heather Lantz. “Ours is a holistic approach and we’ve gotten really good at planning for that bad day.” Clients with employees working from

Infogressive, Inc. Phone: 402-261-0123 Address: 1560 S. 70th St., Lincoln 68506 Service: cybersecurity Founded: 2006 by Justin Kallhoff Employees: 35 One-year goal: Increasing employee numbers to 42-45 range while moving to a fully-staffed 24/7 security operations center with 24/7 365 operation. Industry outlook: The pandemic and workers operating from multiple locations need to be addressed for cybersecurity vulnerability. Website: www.infogressive.com

remote locations such as homes are using technology that include home computers, cell phones and many other devices that can be breached. Often computers in residences in addition to company use are being used by children for virtual classroom instruction. Lantz said of Infogressive’s three core lines of business — value-added reseller, professional services and managed services — the latter has been the most instrumental in the firm’s growth, and as services in the bundle have increased so has more of a month to month stable foundation for revenues. Kallhoff and Lantz have found clients prefer having their complete platform designed and managed by a single company with a focus on delivering cybersecurity peace of mind. Threat hunters, engineers and ethical hackers offer 24/7 protection to spot cyberattackers. Using a layer approach, Infrogressive has six categories including perimeter security, email security, vulnerability management, endpoint security and detention and response services. “A one-stop shop for clients,” Lantz said. Lantz, a Central City native with a business degree from Peru State College and a master’s degree in human resources management from Bellevue University, said in the past year Infogressive has made industry-noteworthy enhancements within its managed detection and response category. “So many security companies are focused on the prevention aspect of security, which we are too and that should always be the top priority in cybersecurity,” she said. “If a company can prevent the bad guys from entering their environment, they absolutely should. “That is where detection and response comes into play and without it companies are virtually blind to seeing what is occurring within their network.” Infogressive’s newest managed service is Endpoint Detection and Response, the collection and analyzing of behavioral data at the workstation or server level. The technology’s value is greatest for those attacks that do not include a file with them. Lantz said stats show that 77% of successful attacks in 2019 utilized what is called a file-less attack technique — one that can’t be detected or prevented by a traditional antivirus solution, so a company needs a way to see

if they have a potential attacker within their environment. Lantz, who came to Infogressive in 2016 after 20 years with Integrated Marketing Solutions, said security information and event management services (SIEM) also have been significantly upgraded in the past year. Multiple Infogressive teams tackled the project that has, since relaunching, become more affordable for every client that wants it. “It isn’t unusual that an environment can produce thousands or millions of logs weekly and SIEM allows our SOC team to sort through the logs that matter and identify threats that are hidden within a company’s environment through log and data analysis,” Lantz said. Both Kallhoff and Lantz credit Infogressive’s employees as being an important factor in the success story. “Every success is a team success and every challenge is a team challenge,” is an important motto. Vice President of Engineering Robert Frickel, a seven year Infogressive veteran, has

developed a team that supports the firm’s entire security stack along with the technology used by customers and partners. Because Infogressive is focused only on security, engineers receive more specific training that is applied to the latest issue. “By staying laser focused on security we truly augment existing customers that lack the resources and personnel to properly secure their environments,” Lantz said. Future challenges for Infogressive include a 0% unemployment rate among dedicated cybersecurity engineers, unforeseen vendor issues, external variables much like the current coronavirus pandemic, and a continuing concern regarding breaches. For the cybersecurity industry, there are numerous reports of Zoom trolling issues where attackers are getting into private meetings and presenting hate speech or pornography to innocent users. Lantz, speaking in broad strokes, said during times of national “events” like pandemics, such incidents can be more prevalent. They essentially show weaknesses in software

coding and application that can include a lack of end-to-end encryption. “Most companies design and develop products that serve a specific purpose,” she added. “Usually that purpose does not always line up with secure coding practices or even designing their products with security in mind.” There will likely always be plenty of work for mitigation work, she said. Kallhoff received his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He worked for Alltel in a variety of technology roles including as a data engineer. He also worked for Information Technology, Inc. — a division of Firserv — where he consulted with financial institutions around the country. Kallhoff is a member of several advisory boards, the FBI’s InfraGard program and the Lincoln Young Professionals Group. He tries to attend as many “geek conferences” as possible. He has 11 information industry certifications.

From the live stage to virtual workshops, Bravium pivots to online coaching groups Continued from page 1. thing else? I feel like we’re very much in startup mode and we’re placing some bets.” Bianchi founded the firm in 2012 and when Shannon joined in 2016, the partners rebranded to Bravium, the name reflecting an element of bravery that they said is often missing in the corporate world, along with

Bravium Human Development Phone: 402-215-2464 Address: 1104 Locust Ave., Papillion 68406 Services: Facilitation and coaching firm Employees: 4 plus two partners Founded: 2012 by Nicole Bianchi, rebranded in 2016 when Jeff Shannon joined as partner. Website: www.braviumhd.com

the logo of a butterfly, symbolizing change. The company has four employees in addition to Bianchi and Shannon. Many of Bravium’s clients are based in the Omaha-Lincoln area as well as in western Nebraska, across the U.S. and even worldwide. Clients include Union Pacific, First National Bank, Home Instead Senior Care, Kiewit, Macy’s, General Electric, Quantum Workplace, RD Industries and Nebraska-based universities — Creighton University and the University of Nebraska system (with the exception of the University of Nebraska-Kearney). “We have been really fortunate,” Shannon said. “We work with a lot of Omaha companies. You name them, we work with them.” The types of firms Bravium works with have some common elements: they are progressive, growth-oriented companies that have a “big investment and trust in their people.” “We definitely do big leadership development programs for some of these firms,” he said. “We do the design and the facilitation of it. We also facilitate strategic planning workshop for leadership teams, innovation workshops and culture building workshops. That’s a big part of our live business. And we also do quite a bit of speaking, especially Nicole — I don’t know if you caught her

‘Bravership’ talk, which is very popular — as well as our executive coaching and now our Coaching Circles, which is what we’re launching.” Since Bravium is known for its live, high-energy events, creating a similar experience virtually has been challenging — and the lessons learned can be applied by all firms. “Don’t try to plan the same meeting,” Shannon said, adding that an in-person meeting doesn’t necessarily translate online. “You’ve got to plan for the situation and the environment because that stuff all really impacts how a meeting will shape and take place.” For example, when planning a recent virtual keynote speech for the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership group, they took into account that Bianchi would be addressing the audience in a “3-foot box” instead of walking 20 feet across a stage. Upcoming online events include Bianchi’s Bravership talk for the EmpowHER Series and a virtual Emergent Leaders national summit that they will both be keynoting. “You have to make sure that you’re designing with the tools you have available and the resources you have available in mind,” he said. What’s more, challenges often lie in people’s hesitancy or resistance to connect via video, using some of the technology, or connectivity issues. “One of the challenges is the doubts that we face — that’s what they face,” Bianchi said. “How do we move past that ourselves and how do we help them move past it to give it a chance?” Companies will face a different set of challenges when employees return to the office and the partners are using the time now to build out offerings for that transition. “Leading change is going to look a lot different on July 1 versus the old way we were thinking about the design, not that it’s not relevant, but we want to look at it from a completely different lens,” she said, noting that the aspirational date is clearly subject to change. “And so, we’re anticipating that and having things ready so that we’re there, ready to go when the clients need it.”

Leadership coaching, one of the company’s core offerings, helps leaders grow and overcome blind spots, providing an objective adviser to confide in. “In the midst of all these changes and everything happening over the last three weeks, we’ve found that there’s a lot of interest in coaching but not everybody can afford having a one-on-one coach or, is that executive coach necessarily the right fit for where they’re at in the journey,” she said. “And we have been playing around with this concept, Coaching Circles, and creating an opportunity for people to get a similar experience, but a teambased approach to coaching.” Coaching Circles will start with topics that people have shown an interest in — they can join a circle with members who have similar objectives. Finding purpose and career transitions are two known topics, as well as a women’s leadership circle led by Bianchi and a men’s leadership circle led by Shannon. “What’s exciting about that is, how often do you get to go with a group of leaders in a similar situation at an elevated level and have some really powerful conversations and be able to work through that together through our coaching circles?” Bianchi said. When coming up with the Coaching Circles concept, Shannon said that they took an “innovation approach.” “Our business prior to this was probably 80, 90% live workshops in front of people,” he said. “For the foreseeable future, the conversation we’re having is, that’s not going to happen for a while, and we don’t know how long it’s going to be. And we really had to think about what have clients been asking for, what are they interested in, what are the kind of questions that they have been asking, and then look at — what are the capabilities and resources that we have available to us, all the virtual tools. The same skillsets that can happen live can still happen virtually. Put those things together and start building prototypes and for us it was, OK, let’s move quickly to address a real need that’s happening right now and get it in front of people as fast as we can.”

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Coronavirus is a new challenge for the ‘recession-proof’ pet industry by Andrew Seidman Animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country are reporting unprecedented surges in pet fostering and adoption, as families suddenly have more time on their hands and the lonely seek companionship Pets amid life in coronavirus quarantine. That’s consistent with trends dating to the Great Recession and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, after which rates of dog ownership increased. The $95 billion pet industry emerged from the 2008 financial crisis in a relatively strong position and strengthened its reputation as recession resistant. But the coronavirus pandemic poses a new challenge. “Many pet service providers are momand-pops whose businesses might not survive the crises,” the market research firm Packaged Facts said in a report last month. Pet owners who are now working from home are less likely to hire dog walkers. Many groomers and dog day care centers have temporarily closed as part of the broad shutdowns of businesses. Pet boarders are losing business from travel restrictions. Total U.S. retail sales of pet products and services will drop 17% this year, according to projections by Packaged Facts, compared with the 5% growth anticipated before the outbreak. Pet businesses are adjusting, and some may even be well-positioned to capitalize on an increasingly health-conscious public. Consider the Philadelphia-based startup Because Animals. The company sells supplements for dogs and cats that it says promote “coat, immune, and digestive wellness,” powered by probiotics, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and organic ingredients such as pumpkin powder and blueberries. Another product: organic dog cookies with B vitamins. (Some skeptics say the benefits of these kinds of products remain unproven.) Through the first week of April, the company’s online sales had already exceeded its total for March, said co-founder and chief revenue officer Joshua Errett. He expects

Real estate industry remains active in Council Bluffs Continued from page 8. of normalcy,” she said. “We will continue to embrace technology but also provide a personal touch with calls, notes and pop-bys. We have eliminated door knocking and open houses for now, but hopefully at some point we can introduce those back into our marketing plans.” Because this is new territory for everyone, Porter said for sale by owners have slowed dramatically. “We, as experienced sales people, are here to help market properties and have the technology tools and resources to do that,” she said. “We are encouraging our agents to stay positive through this time. Reach out to people. Everyone's health and safety is our main focus so we can get through this quicker. When this is over, hopefully sooner rather than later, there will be a pinned up seller and buyer pool and we are prepared to help handle the demand.”

April sales to double from last month. Errett attributed that to consumer stockpiling amid coronavirus-related uncertainty, as well as a “search for something healthier.” There’s long been a demand for high-quality products among “super premium customers,” in retail parlance, and Errett said more consumers were now giving a closer look at pet food’s possible health benefits. Most of the growth came from sales on Amazon. “I have to chalk that up to consumers entering the online space who don’t normally shop there and seeing a wide world of other pet products — other than what’s in grocery stores,” Errett said. Indeed, the pandemic may well accelerate the growth of e-commerce in pet product retail. E-commerce accounted for 22% of sales in 2019, according to Packaged Facts, a share that is projected to grow to 31% by 2024. E-commerce growth in the industry has been supercharged by the success of Chewy, the online pet food marketplace that went public last year. Chewy’s stock price jumped almost 27% in March, even as the broader S&P 500 index dropped 13%. Suppliers for Because Animals in Vermont and Iowa have been designated essential businesses. The company is still scaling back production a bit, holding off on plans to roll out some new products, Errett said. The virus is not slowing Because Animals’ work in the lab on its marquee product, which it plans to bring to market next year: cultured meat, or meat that is grown from bovine cells without raising and slaughtering animals. Because Animals is backed by venture capital funding; it isn’t wholly dependent on sales to remain in business. “I used to say to investors, pet food is recession-proof as an industry. … It might actually be true,” Errett said. “Seeing the world come crumbling. Nothing is going to break the love you feel for your cat or your dog. You’re not going to let anything come in the way of that, be it a pandemic or recession or whatever it may be.”

Businesses that focus on pet health are likely to do well amid the pandemic, said David Lummis, a pet market analyst for Packaged Facts. “People want the same kind of products for their pets that they are using for themselves,” he said. “And as we’re more health-focused we become the same way for our pets.” He added that businesses promoting “super premium” brands are somewhat insulated from a shrinking economy, in part because that market is driven by relatively affluent households. But Lummis questioned how long these businesses — many of them relatively new with just a handful of employees — would be able to “weather the economic storm.” It’s a question that is top of mind for Jennifer Kirby and Chris Courter, founders of Piggyback Treats Co. They partner with restaurants and farmers to collect food that would otherwise go to waste, and use it to make pet treats in their Philadelphia home. Sustainability is a big part of their pitch — even the packaging is compostable. Popular items include dehydrated salmon skins and beer bones made with spent grains, byproducts from brewing beer. When the coronavirus hit, “it was initially really scary for us,” said Kirby, a pastry chef by training. They had already spent $8,000 to book spaces at shows and festivals in March and April, which they expected to generate $28,000 in sales. These in-person events had been the primary source of revenue since Kirby and Courter founded the business in 2017. Suddenly, they were postponed or canceled. The couple’s plan had always been to make the business a boutique online brand. The pandemic has accelerated their digital transition. Online sales rose sharply over the four weeks ending April 10, Kirby said. It likely won’t be enough to make up for the lost revenue, but “we’re keeping our head

above water,” Courter said. While pet food is the most resilient part of the industry, non-medical services such as training, grooming, and pet sitting are most vulnerable in a downturn. Packaged Facts projects that sales in this area will drop nearly in half from $10.3 billion in 2019 to $5.5 billion this year. Leigh Siegfried feels those headwinds. The owner of the dog-training business Opportunity Barks, she had to halt dog day school and other services at her three stores in Old City, East Falls, and Quakertown. Now she’s doing virtual training, offering one-on-one sessions and smaller group classes. “We’ve been busy building online platforms and getting that rolling,” she said. Most clients are OK with the switch, Siegfried said, and she’s been able to retain her full workforce of nine employees. “We’re trying to up our ante with a lot more one-on-one face-time with class clients than we normally would,” she said. The greatest hope for the industry is that growing rates of pet ownership will translate into more business later. “There seems to be something about economic and emotional trauma that causes a spike in pet ownership,” Lummis said. “I think it’s going to be even more pronounced this time.” A lot of people have been buying puppies in recent months anyway, Siegfried said, and many of them won’t want to wait out the pandemic to start in-person training. She’s also offering free consults for people who have new foster dogs. “I just felt like people are … making the move to get these dogs,” Siegfried said. “Maybe it’s going amazing and that’s cool. And if it’s a little more than they bargained for, they need support.” She added: “We’ll probably see them in class or lessons down the road.” ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Companies turning to virtual conferences to stage annual meetings by Patrick Kennedy

It is annual meeting season for public companies, but the coronavirus restrictions are quickening a trend toward virtual meetings. With no unnecessary travel and stay-athome orders, some corporations have postponed the meetings. April Hamlin is a partner and securities lawyer in the MinEvent Planning neapolis office of law firm Ballard Spahr. She has helped companies with their annual meetings. “Many companies are just delaying their annual meeting,” said Hamlin. “Some in order to see how things shake out and some due to practical reasons which is the pivot to a virtual meeting.” For years, companies have been dispensing with the pomp and circumstance that once made annual meetings a big event on the corporate calendar for shareholders, employees and retirees. Some companies made them elaborate affairs hosted by the company at or near its headquarters or moved around the country to be close to major operation centers. Now the big events like Berkshire Hatha-

way’s and Hormel’s are few and far between, and many annual meetings are lightly attended and held at company headquarters or even the offices of companies’ corporate attorneys. Companies might have to change corporate bylaws to allow the change to virtual, depending on the state where they are registered. Some bylaws also stipulate a physical place by the wording in bylaws. “A couple of years ago when the virtual meetings started to gain in popularity some boards thought to do that, even if they didn’t take advantage of that,” Hamlin said. The changes require board, not full shareholder, approval, so other companies are rushing to schedule a board vote. That’s what Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp did. Afterward, it changed the meeting scheduled for April 21 in Charlotte, N.C., to a virtual one. Wells Fargo and Ameriprise also switched to the virtual format for their April meetings. On April 2, Target Corp. amended its bylaws to give the board the option to hold an annual meeting “solely by means of remote communication.” The Securities and Exchange Commission and New York and Nasdaq stock exchanges

have given public companies broader latitude in moving physical meetings to virtual ones. “The SEC staff recognizes that many public companies and other market participants are transitioning to teleworking, virtual meetings and other contingency measures to address health concerns,” said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton in a March statement. “Our staff stands ready to facilitate these transitions, and we encourage market participants to contact us with requests for guidance or relief..” Companies are being allowed to make changes to their meetings through electronic communications and without the added cost and time of shipping out additional printed proxy materials. Proxy advisory firms have generally frowned on virtual annual meetings because they believe the practice is poor governance and limits the participation of the rank and file shareholders and the ability of those shareholders to question company boards and management teams. But in March, the proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis said discouraging the virtual meetings during the coronavirus restrictions Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

How to successfully navigate a virtual job search. Step one: Wear pants. by Robert Channick

With hiring freezes, furloughs, stayat-home orders and more than 26 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits over the last five weeks, the coronavirus pandemic may not be the best time to find a new job. Careers But career experts say you can get hired now, and despite enhanced unemployment benefits, those who have been laid off might not want to spend their time watching Netflix until the stay-at-home order is lifted. SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

There may be opportunities for remote work in distant markets that wouldn’t have been possible before COVID-19. So update your resume, arrange your home office for a good video interview and, experts advise, don’t forget to wear pants. Be willing to pivot According to a survey by online job and recruitment site Monster, about two-thirds of employers have decreased the number of postings since the pandemic began. Finding work during the health crisis may require pivoting, with truck drivers, JOB SCREENING

nurses, software developers, store clerks and customer service representatives among the occupations with the most new job listings. “Maybe this isn’t necessarily a longterm move, but in the short term, there’s a demand right now for these workers,” said Monster career expert Vicki Salemi. Some jobs have remained plentiful. The opportunities are in health care, distribution of food and cargo, store clerks and other essential businesses, with companies such as Walgreens, Walmart and CVS seeking workers. “Across the board, hiring is down,” said Marie Trzupek Lynch, president and CEO of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, a nonprofit. “However, there are deep pockets right now of hiring in the entry-level space.” Because some companies need workers quickly, a candidate can go from application to job offer in as little as 48 hours, Trzupek Lynch said. Consider remote opportunities Remote working has become the norm for many companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a huge spike in the search term “remote,” according to Monster. The concept of working from home is working. The majority of companies polled by Monster plan to reexamine their workfrom-home policies after the coronavirus shelter-in-place orders are lifted, Salemi said. “You can think outside of the box, outside of your state and outside of the geographic constraints, now that companies are open to this,” Salemi said. “Job seekers should go where the jobs are, but in some instances, they may be in your home.” Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a Chicago-based staffing and recruiting firm, said the advent of remote working could hurt those who live in big cities, however, by increasing competition for local jobs from people who live outside the area. “You could have a whole new range of unemployment in major metropolitan areas where work is getting farmed out to remote workers in less expensive rural areas,” Gimbel said. Prep your interview space Nailing the virtual job interview requires practice, preparation and a quiet place within the home office where pets, partners and other distractions won’t knock you off your game. First, treat the online job interview as if it were an in-person interview, including prepping your resume and supporting material, and girding for it mentally at least a half-hour before it begins — as you would if you were coming into the city for the meeting, Salemi advised. Set up your interview space in a quiet corner of your house that looks “professional,” Salemi said. That means avoid the kitchen, for example. Lighting is crucial, she said. Have a light behind your laptop to illuminate your face and try not to have a window behind you. Background is important too. You might consider removing that “Fast & Furious” movie poster with Vin Diesel behind you when you’re talking to the head of human resources. “A blank wall is fine behind you,” Salemi said “You don’t want it to be too distracting.”

Practice video chatting Get your laptop or phone at eye level, and put a Post-it note just below the camera, so you remember to make eye contact during the interview, she said. Practice a Zoom call with a friend to get comfortable with the format, and get feedback on how you’re doing. It is difficult to pick up body language and other cues during a remote interview, but it is important for both the applicant and potential employer to connect, Salemi said. At the same time, don’t be afraid of “dead air” during the interview — it may be video, but it’s not the network news. “Try not to rush it and just allow for those silences, even though you’re staring at your computer thinking this feels awkward,” Salemi said. “In reality, it’s only a few seconds and it’s not a big deal. You’re better off taking a beat or two, gathering your thoughts and articulating your best answer.” When the interview comes, close the door and put a sign on it warning others to stay out. Sit up straight and relax. Don’t forget to dress up And finally, wear pants. A suit jacket on top with shorts and flip-flops down below may seem safe enough, but if you need to get up to retrieve your resume or answer your door, your first impression may be your last. “Anything can happen, so just look polished from head to toe,” Salemi said. Whatever you wear, the most important thing for job seekers is to get going now. “My advice to the unemployed is that when the stay-at-home directive releases, there is going to be a surge of unemployed people who are going to try to get jobs,” Trzupek Lynch said. “So if you can get yourself in right now with a company that is hiring, you have a head start.” ©2020 Chicago Tribune www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Companies turning to virtual conferences Continued from preceding page. does not serve the interests of shareholders or companies. The firm said its general view remains the same, though. With the SEC, states and other regulatory agencies granting more leniency on rescheduling annual meetings the biggest issue may be getting a spot on the calendar with Broadridge Financial Services. Broadridge, based in Edgewood, N.Y., is the largest provider of virtual annual meeting services and has said they are doing what they can to meet increased demand. “Broadridge has seen increased interest in virtual shareholder meetings (VSM) from existing and new clients and we’ve made investments and adjustments to accommodate the demand,” according to a spokeswoman. “While this year’s number is hard to pinpoint, we managed 326 VSMs for clients in 2019, and expect we may quadruple that to 1,200+ VSMs in 2020.” ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Visit the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) at www.startribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Born in 1985 or later? The bear market in stocks is your friend by Carla Fried

Let’s stipulate right at the top that watching your retirement investments fall in value is painful, fear-inducing, no one’s idea of a good time. And it can feel especially intense if you’re 35 or younger, as this is likely the first bear market you’ve experienced as an investor, not a bystander. But keeping your eye on your ultimate goal — retirement that is 30 or more years off — can recast today’s bear market as an opportunity. Investing Right now you are in what policy wonks call the retirement accumulation phase. That is, you’re piling money into stocks (and some bonds) for future use. When you retire you will switch gears and find yourself in the decumulation phase. You’ll pull money out to live on. When you’re in the accumulation phase, bear markets deliver an important deal: Stocks go on sale, allowing you to buy more shares for the same dollar amount.

Let’s say you own a low-cost stock index fund that had a $10 share price and you had $100 to invest. That means you can buy 10 shares. If a bear market sends the share price to $6.50, you could buy more than 15 shares with your $100. If we can agree that at some point stocks will recover and the share price of your index fund gets back to $10 a share, your 10-share investment will be worth $100 (back to break even). The 15 shares you bought when prices were on sale are now worth $150. That’s the accumulation phase opportunity. Buy cheaper shares today with the expectation that sometime in the future stocks will rebound. So when will stocks recover? Who knows? The bear market that began in February is the 13th since 1946. The average loss is around 33% according to CFRA Research, and the decline typically lasts for about a year. From there it can take two years for stocks to make back what they lost, and then move on to new highs, before the next bear

Selling a wide range of execs on your strategic idea by Liz Reyer

Q: In order to move an important strategic initiative forward, I need to get several key people on board. They all have very different responsibilities and agendas, and I don’t have any direct authority. Given the challenges posed by the pandemic, how should I proceed? —Monique, 49, director of strategic planning A: Strange though Workplace it may sound, in this situation you need to do exactly what you would do under normal circumstances. COVID-19 doesn’t change things that much. First, figure out what they want. Each of them, individually. Their roles and responsibilities will affect their view, and so will their temperaments. You probably have leadership from widely different domains — operations, finance, sales, marketing, and so forth. Each one will define benefits and risks through the lens of their area of influence. This creates your opportunity. When you’re talking to the chief marketing officer, think like a CMO. Learn enough about marketing to anticipate the questions your CMO will have. Be able to bring forward benefits they may not have thought of. And even more importantly, prepare your thoughts on how risks

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could be mitigated. Perhaps you don’t work closely with some of these folks. It’s time to bring in your internal network. Check in with trusted colleagues across these teams. They will be a good source of advice on how to best position the initiative, pain points that it may address, and concerns their leadership may have. By the way, if you don’t have connections across the company you can consult, this should be a red flag for you. Especially in a role like yours, you can’t afford to be isolated. More on this in a future column. With your preparation complete, arrange time to speak with each of them as a “fact finding” discussion about the initiative. Your goal is to ensure you understand the benefits they need and the problems they would anticipate. You will be testing your assumptions about their point of view and gaining information. You will also be able to demonstrate your familiarity with their needs. There’s nothing as reassuring as knowing your interests are being taken into account. This step alone will help build buy in. Find out what their “must haves” are and the types of compromises they would make, if needed. Make sure you are considering all of the important stakeholders. There’s nothing like having a forgotten person swoop in; it can wreak havoc on a productive process. At the same time, don’t err on the side of excessive consensus building. You will never move forward. It may be hard to get time with them, especially if they are busy with pandemic-related business issues (I guess it does have some effect). Ask for a short meeting and go in very prepared. Include a plan for follow up and get agreement that you can move forward using e-mail and messaging. This will have to take the place of any potential hallway conversations you might have been able to engineer if you are in the same office. This process, though labor-intensive, will build champions and allies. They will help with holdouts, and your leadership skills will also be on full display through these efforts. ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

market arrives. Sure, in the short term, shares you buy now could become even cheaper if this bear market persists. That’s OK. Keep reminding yourself you don’t need this money for another 30 or 40 years, or more. History has shown us that over the long term, the bull market gains outweigh the bear market losses, for those who remain patient and stay invested. What you buy today is going to be worth a whole lot more in 20, 30, 40 years. Given modern life expectancies, savers need a very long-term focus. A trip in the way-back machine might help set the scene. The 1970s was a lousy time to invest. A bear market that began in January 1973 and ran through the fall of 1974 saw U.S. stocks plunge more than 40%. Let’s imagine a 30-year-old invested $10,000 on Jan. 1, 1973, in U.S. stocks, for her retirement at age 65. By the end of that bear market, the portfolio value was down to around $5,500. Ask anyone who was an adult in the 1970s and they will tell you what a rough financial slog it was. An oil embargo was squeezing the economy and inflation was a huge problem, and, oh yeah, President Nixon resigned under threat of impeachment. If ever there was a time to think that stock investing was doomed, that was it. But let’s say our 30-year-old remained patient. By the time she was 65, in the fall of 2008, $10,000 she had invested back in 1973 just as that bear market took hold, would be worth nearly $300,000. If, however, she bailed on stocks at the bottom of that bear market and moved the $5,500 she had in stocks into an interest-bearing cash instrument, by the time she was 65 her cash would

have been worth about $41,000. Even if we extend her time frame to take in all of the 2008-2009 bear market, the $10,000 would have been worth more than $180,000 in March 2009 when the financial crisis bear market ended. Clearly, staying invested paid off. Moreover, continuing to invest through it all was the big win. Let’s say our 30-something back in 1973 not only invested $10,000 in U.S. stocks, but also committed to investing another $100 a month. At the end of the 2009 bear market — which would have been her sixth bear — her portfolio would be worth around $700,000. One big difference between then and now is that many workers back then weren’t responsible for their retirement savings as old-fashioned pensions were much more popular. The 401(k) or other defined contribution plan you may have through work didn’t even exist until the 1980s. Today’s workers know their future retirement security is riding on choices they make today. And in a bear market those choices can begin to feel really uncomfortable. Deep breath. Remind yourself you are not investing for next year or the year after. Your goal is decades away. This bear market, and future ones, are an opportunity to buy more shares when they are at lower prices. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing — and resist the temptation to withdraw retirement money before retirement — and you are actively making a choice to stay committed to building retirement security. ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Tale of two economies will determine post-lockdown growth by Rich Miller and Michelle Jamrisko

The restart of the world economy risks going ahead without a key ingredient: the consumer. Getting companies to resume operations and factories to reopen is one thing. Persuading consumers to brave catching the coronavirus and go out to shop, eat, travel or watch sports Economy is another. “Nothing about reopening the economy will be easy, but restarting businesses will be more straightforward than restarting aggregate demand,” Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi said. The result: An uneven reboot for the global economy, with manufacturing and the nations dependent on it bouncing back fairly quickly, while more communal service-sector activities and countries lag. That will keep pressure on governments and central banks to continue their support as their economies claw their way back from the deepest worldwide downturn since the Great Depression. Policy makers from the Bank of Japan, the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank all meet this week, with investors on the lookout for any further steps they might take to aid their battered economies. Some nations’ recoveries “are a little more V-shaped because there’s a little bit more manufacturing, a little more tech,” Catherine Mann, Citigroup Inc. chief economist and former chief economist for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, told Bloomberg Television April 23. “That might be a South Korea or Taiwan. And then there are other economies that are extremely tourism dependent. Those are facing L’s. Something like a Thailand, a Singapore.” The U.S. revival is likely to be gradual, as some states reopen for business sooner than others, Deutsche Bank Securities economists said in an April 24 report. By the end of the year, the U.S. will have recovered only about 40% of the output and employment it lost during the crisis. This has ramifications for the November election. If consumers hold back and the economy fails to meaningfully recover, that would put President Donald Trump’s chances for winning re-election at risk. Trump on Friday hailed the coming restart. “There is a tremendous pent up demand. We will open big!” he declared in a tweet. Some businesses will enjoy a one-time boost as stay-at-home orders are eased. Think barber shops and hair salons. And there’s always a chance that stir-crazy consumers worldwide could surprise economists by flocking back to the shops. But that carries perils of its own — as German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted in a closed-door meeting of her Christian Democratic party on April 20. She told her fellow politicians that “discussion orgies” about loosening lockdowns threatened to destroy the progress in fighting the pandemic, according to a participant. Singapore serves as a warning in that regard. It’s gone from being seen as a global standard bearer for taming the deadly virus to the home of Southeast Asia’s

largest recorded outbreak. “The one way not to reopen the economy is to have a rebound that we can’t take care of,” Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease expert on the White House coronavirus task force, said about the risk of a resurgence. It’s not just a fear of being infected that could keep consumers out of the malls. Anxiety over job loss and shrinking savings also could prompt them to husband their resources and cut back on spending, economists say. The lopsided economic revival is playing out in China, home of the initial coronavirus outbreak. “There has been policy-directed resumption of factories on the supply side, but the picture for a demand recovery is more mixed.” said Selena Ling, head of treasury research and strategy at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. “There is talk about pent-up Chinese demand for some high-end luxury goods,” she added. “But general demand at the man of the street level is more subdued.” Chinese industrial production in March was down about 1% from a year earlier,

while retail sales were off almost 16%, according to calculations by Bank of America Corp. economists. Marriott International Inc. Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson told Bloomberg Television on April 20 that occupancy at the company’s roughly 350 hotels in mainland China has risen to about 25% from 6% to 8% in the first week of February. “It’s still down massively from where what it should be,” he added, noting that the normal rate is around 70% to 80%. In Germany, the powerful automobile industry worries that buyers will be scarce as the country reopens for business. It’s pushing for a “cash for clunkers” program to spur sales after the crisis. Measures that could strengthen demand “in times of strong insecurity among customers” would be “worth considering,” Daimler AG said in a statement. U.S businesses also are bracing for a long slog as the world’s largest economy begins to reopen. Sustainable Recovery “Given the combined effects of the pandemic and associated financial impact

on the global economy, we believe that it could be up to three years before we see a sustainable recovery,” Delta Air Lines Inc. CEO Ed Bastian told analysts on April 22. With Americans over 65 years old accounting for 20% of consumer spending, demand could be constrained for a while given this group’s heightened vulnerability to the virus, according to Deutsche Bank Securities Chief Economist Torsten Slok. Yale University senior lecturer Stephen Roach called the idea of a V-shaped U.S. recovery “a pipe dream.” “With all this clamoring for economic liberation, we’ll get workers back on the job,” he said, referring to Trump’s call for selected states to reopen their economies. But fear of a fresh virus outbreak will “hold back consumer demand to unprecedentedly low levels.” “Supply without demand doesn’t work,” the former Morgan Stanley executive added. “We’re going to be operating at low levels of economic activity for the foreseeable future.” ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

by Froma Harrop

joined together to broadcast love for the medical workers risking their lives in the intensive care units. Evenings at 7, they emerge on fire escapes and balconies, or lean out of windows, to cheer for the hospital staffs. Many a New Yorker who lived through Sept. 11 was moved at the sight of firefighter heroes cheering on the medical heroes. When volunteers from other parts of the country started leaving the hospitals to head home, they were surrounded by lines of applauding locals. This is community at an intense level. There's also the question of where you want to live in a world still stalked by COVID-19 and viruses to come. If infected, would you rather be in a rural county without a single ICU bed — or in a place with war-hardened hospitals now expert in the nature of the beast? (And don't think the virus isn't everywhere.) Frankly, if a million people were to

leave New York, there'd be over 7 million left. That's still a lot of people. Just saying. There are no wrong answers here. Families who don't have to be a subway ride from the opera and would like a backyard with a barbecue might make a sage decision in moving to a so-called "livable" city or town. Tulsa, Oklahoma, is offering $10,000 to remote workers who move there, and it's apparently getting takers. But those who don't care to drive, have jobs requiring in-person collaboration and want high culture on a Wednesday night may choose to live in the big city. Everyone has a vote. The thing to bear in mind is that daily life will not be the same for quite some time — and not just in the city. Whether in a crowded urban bodega or a hair salon on a strip outside town, we will be at risk for coronavirus infection if we don't do what we should. Copyright 2020 Creators.com

Why people will leave — and stay — in the big cities The coronavirus has rearranged American life. Mask wearing and social distancing is still required in the stores, gyms and restaurants now open, or set to be, across the nation. But what about the big, crowded cities? New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco and, of course, New York have become the virus hotspots mainly because they put people in close quarters with other breathing people. That's how infection Economy spreads. In hard-hit New York City, residents of means grabbed their kids and left for second homes or moved in with family outside town. Though stayat-home orders have done a remarkable job of bringing down the city's terrible numbers, real estate experts think some of these urban refugees will not come back. And they're probably right. That's because for many, the virus was not the one thing pulling them away. It was the last straw. The sky-high housing costs were already propelling many New Yorkers to consider the alternatives. The city had been losing population for the three years B.C. (before coronavirus). Now that New York has closed playgrounds and restaurants, families find themselves with no slides for the kids and no bars for the adults. Meanwhile, grown-ups working from their bedrooms have learned to appreciate the home comforts more. And with that they may want more of a home. Why not live where there's more space at less cost and restaurants and basic cultural amenities are still offered? That somewhere could be the suburbs or smaller cities away from the coasts, places like Columbus, Pittsburgh or Omaha. But here's the "on the other hand." There are people who thrive on urban density. They love the electricity, being part of a civic culture high on drama. Throughout the coronavirus crisis, New Yorkers have

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DIANE R CRAIG 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 CI19-28255, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1140.30, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/01/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Lotus Lawn Care Company, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 11124 Hilltop Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent of the Company is Glen L. Kieckhafer, 11124 Hilltop Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Company was formed on April 8, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 300 SOUTHWEST BOULEVARD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 300 Southwest Boulevard, 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 12231 Emmet Street, Suite 1, Omaha, Nebraska 68164 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 April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS R. FELTZ TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners R. Feltz Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 WESLEY E. HAUPTMAN, Attorney 17826 Monroe Street Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOTION REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a Limited Liability Company under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the company is MOTION REAL ESTATE, LLC 2. The address of the initial registered office 4412 So. 42 Street, Omaha NE 68107 and the initial registered agent at that address is Gatfan A. Alsalami. 3. The general nature of the business is buying and selling of real property, commercial or residential, and any other business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. 4. The company commenced existence on the 27th day of March, 2020 and it shall continue in operation until dissolved by its members. 5. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its members, WESLEY E. HAUPTMAN, Attorney For The LLC First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOLIDAY LIGHTING MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that HOLIDAY LIGHTING MANAGEMENT, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on April 14, 2020. and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by the Manager of the Company. The initial Manager is Loren A. Roper 8101 S. 87th Street, Apt. 7, Omaha, Nebraska 68128. Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 TRAVELERS EDUCATION GROUP Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Travelers Education Group have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article I states the name of the Corporation as Travelers Education Group. Article II states that the Corporation is a public benefit corporation. Article III states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent as Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. Article IV states the purposes of the Corporation. Article V states the powers of the Corporation. Article VI states the Corporation shall have no members. Article VII states the provisions relating to dissolution. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 15, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS O’MARA TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners O’Mara Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS O’BRIEN TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners O’Brien Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 SAL2, LLC The name of the Company is SAL2, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 21, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, 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 Strategic Asset Management, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1311 South 185th Cir., Omaha, NE 68130. 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 April 16, 2020 and shall have a 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 April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 BOU*QUET BY JH, LLC The name of the Company is Bou*Quet by JH, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1223 South 112th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 April 9, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 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 LMD3, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LMD3, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 19525 Pearl Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 10, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 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 1535 RIDGEWOOD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 1535 Ridgewood, 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 Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 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 BRYNFIELD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brynfield, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13020 Seward Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MATTHEW'S CONCRETE LLC Notice is hereby given that MATTHEW'S CONCRETE 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 107 S. 50th St., Omaha, NE 68132. The agent for service of process for the Company is USCA, Inc. located at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Grandeza Divina, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Grandeza Divina, LLC. Registered agent and office of Grandeza Divina, LLC is Fernando Jeronimo Pascual at 1614 Washington Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 1614 Washington Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Fernando Jeronimo Pascual. 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 April 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Renken Trucking, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 5124 S. 122nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Andy Renken, 5124 S. 122nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on April 14, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GREAT DANE REAL ESTATE, LLC Notice is hereby given that Great Dane Real Estate, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4613 N. 134th Ave, Omaha, NE 68164. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Douglas Dean Hansen, 4613 N. 134th Ave, Omaha, NE 68164. The limited liability company commenced business on March 18, 2020. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Meta Enterprises, Inc. a Nebraska corporation, filed Articles of Dissolution on April 13, 2020, with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets. Garth Paulsen, as President, is to manage the corporate affairs relating to the dissolution of the Corporation. Any Corporation assets will be distributed in accordance with the Corporation’s plan of dissolution and it has no known liabilities. The Corporation requests that persons with claims against it present them in accordance with this notice. Any claimant shall send notice of a claim to the Corporation to the above address. A claim against Meta Enterprises, Inc. will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three (3) years after the publication of this notice. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: CRC Ag Consulting, Inc. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporator: Daniel I. Dittman Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 LINDSEY A. SCHULER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHASING FREEDOM, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Chasing Freedom, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of Less the Agency, LLC Notice of organization is hereby given that Less the Agency, LLC has been organized in accordance with the laws of the state of Nebraska, commencing 4/16/2020. The designated office address is 7520 North 106th Ave,Omaha, NE 68122. The registered agent is Nebraska Enterprise Fund, 330 Oakland Avenue, Omaha, NE, 68045. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TECHNO METAL POSTS OF OMAHA, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Techno Metal Posts of Omaha, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 22007 Trailridge Blvd, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the limited liability company’s initial registered office is 11311 Chicago Circle, Douglas County, Omaha, NE 68154 and the name of its’ initial registered agent at such address is Rodney G. Gnuse. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 13, 2020. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members. Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF Haley Cameron Photography, LLC This Certificate of Organization of Haley Cameron Photography, LLC (the “Company”) is being executed by the undersigned for the purpose of forming a limited liability company pursuant to the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 21-101 et seq. 1. Name. The name of the Company is Haley Cameron Photography, LLC. 2. Initial Agent for Service of Process and Address. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Haley Cameron, whose address is 17510 Browne Street Omaha, NE 68116. 3. Initial Designated Office. The initial designated office of the Company is 17510 Browne Street Omaha, NE 68116. IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned, an authorized person of the Company, has caused this Certificate of Organization to be duly executed as of the 3rd day of May, 2019. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRIFECTA INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Trifecta Investments, 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 2106 South 91st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 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 April 17, 2020, final May 1, 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: BRIAN S. LAFFERTY, PO Box 214, Williston, OH 43468, you are hereby notified that on December 19, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-27700, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $4,546.33, 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 1st day of June, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication April 10, 2020, final May 1, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION ERDBAU, INC., whose registered agent is Thomas V. Strauss and registered office is 14730 Weir Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, was formed on April 20, 2020 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock. The name and address of the incorporator is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific St., Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JAGUAR GROUP 11225 Davenport Street Suite 108 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF KERNEN FAMILY INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Kernen Family Investments, LLC has filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State effective April 2, 2020. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the company and the distribution of any remaining assets. Notice is hereby given to all creditors or others with claims against the limited liability company that claims must be sent to the Company at: 533 North 86th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. Any claim must contain sufficient information for the determination of whether it is a valid claim. A claim against the company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this Notice. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JAGUAR GROUP 11225 Davenport Street Suite 108 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given the Certificate of Organization of Kernen Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to Kernen Family Education 2.0, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 2, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Sher Home Repair, LLC Notice is hereby given that Sher Home Repair, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 5225 Fowler Avenue Omaha, Ne 68104. 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 March 23, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kaw Sher. Its registered agent is Maw Taw Car, 6415 Whitmore street Omaha, Ne 68152. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KYLE J. HASCALL FAMILY DENTISTRY P.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kyle J. Hascall Family Dentistry P.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17725 Welch Plaza, Suite B, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company are licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized to render dentistry services in this state First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF LEGACY INSURANCE 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 Legacy Insurance Services, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 17808 S. Reflection Ave., Bennington, NE 68007. 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 April 13th, 2020 and shall have a 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 April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 DENNIS W. MORLAND, Attorney EGLEY, FULLNER, MONTAG, MORLAND & EASLAND, P.C. 2424 Taylor Avenue P.O. Box 33 Norfolk, NE 68702-0033 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given of the organization of a limited liability company known as Luxury Crates, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is: 3101 North 216th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Amanda M. Rose, 3101 North 216th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. It is organized to transact any lawful business pursuant to the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MALT REAL ESTATE CO, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of MALT Real Estate Co, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is MALT Real Estate Co, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 11205 South 150th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Amanda M. Forker 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BHP HOLDINGS, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that BHP Holdings, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 909 S. 184th Avenue Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the limited liability company’s initial registered office is 11311 Chicago Circle, Douglas County, Omaha, NE 68154 and the name of its’ initial registered agent at such address is Rodney G. Gnuse. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 3, 2020. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members. Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF RED LION ENTERPRISES, INC. The name of the Corporation is Red Lion Enterprises, Inc. The address of the registered office of the Corporation is 16006 Arbor St., Omaha, NE 68130 and the registered agent of the said Corporation is Marco A. Rojo Leon. The designated office of the Corporation is 16006 Arbor St., Omaha, NE 68130. The Corporation has One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock authorized, each having the par value of $1.00. The corporate existence began on April 3, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. First publication April 17, 2020, final May 1, 2020 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR LINDSAY THOMSEN PHD, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is LINDSAY THOMSEN PHD, LLC. The address of the Initial Designated Office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The address of the registered office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is LINDSAY THOMSEN, PHD. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced business on April 13, 2020, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LESS IS MORE LIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Less Is More Life Solutions, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 16th, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 OF PANORAMA INSURANCE ADVISORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Panorama Insurance Advisors, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to Panorama Risk & Insurance Solutions, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 17, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of BTF Rocks, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is BTF Rocks, LLC. Registered agent and office of BTF Rocks, LLC is Edgar Isidro Moreno at 2732 I Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2732 I Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Edgar Isidro Moreno. 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 April 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Triple-I Ventures LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing addresses of the initial designated office of the company are 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing addresses of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Randall C. Hanson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JODIE L. HAFERBIER MCGILL, Attorney MCGILL LAW, P.C., L.L.O. 1411 N. 72nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION TRUE BLUE INTERIORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is True Blue Interiors, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 403 North Happy Hollow Boulevard, Omaha, NE 68132 and the initial registered agent is Jodie McGill, 1411 N. 72 St, Omaha, NE 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 Statement of Qualification with the Secretary of State on April 17, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in its members in proportion to their contribution to the capital of the company, as adjusted from time to time, to reflect additional contributions or withdrawals by the members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: OMAHA MEAL DELIVERY Name of Applicant: AFFAIRS REMEMBERED, INC. Address: 1915 JACKSON STREET OMAHA NE 68102 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UPON FILING General nature of business: MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE JENNIFER D. SNOW Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 1, 2020

RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given of the organization of Fagan Realty, LLC, with its registered office address at 222 South 15th Street, Suite 316, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 and the registered agent at that address is Joseph P. Naatz. The designated office location of the Company is 17117 Burt Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The purpose or purposes for which this Company is formed is act as principal, agent, sales person, or broker, as the case may be, and on commission or otherwise to buy, sell, exchange, lease, let, grant, or take licenses in respect of, to improve, develop, repair, manage, maintain, and to operate real property of every kind for itself and for others and generally to do everything suitable, proper, and in compliance with the Nebraska Laws. The Company will conduct any other matter(s) including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws. The initial capital of the Company has been contributed and evidence of membership in the Company will be issued by the Management Board. The Company commenced doing business effectively on January 1, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by a Management Board and such other Officers and Managers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement of the Company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MBJ INVESTMENTS LLC Notice is hereby given that MBJ INVESTMENTS 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 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. 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 April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 6855-6901 MERCY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 6855-6901 Mercy, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8750 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Merger merging TSK14 Phase II, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, into TSK14, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The surviving entity in the merger is TSK14, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Merger merging TSK14 Phase II Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, into TSK14 Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The surviving entity in the merger is TSK14 Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 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 WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS BEHLEN TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners Behlen Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 17, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RSUN Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RSUN 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 April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SAMANTHA J BARRETT You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/07/2020 on Case Number CI20-749, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $106.56, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/08/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KAREN D MEDINA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/07/20200 on Case Number CI20-746, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $130.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/08/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SK CREATIONS, 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 SK CREATIONS, 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, Bennington, NE 68007. The designated office is located at 7636 State Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. Shannon Keenan, Member First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KATHRYN J. DERR, Attorney BERKSHIRE & BURMEISTER 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE Notice is given that on April 14, 2020, a Petition was filed in Douglas County District Court, Case No. CI20-2586 by Lydia Joy Serafino requesting an order of the court to change her name to Lydia Joy Johnston. You are further notified that the Petitioner intends to present the application for change of name to the Court on June 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. At that time, anyone objecting to such name change may be present and present their objection to the court. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRIRASU Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRIRASU Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17055 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rajeev Doddapaneni , 17055 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116 First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOLY TANKER TRANSPORT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Loly Tanker Transport, 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 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 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 April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is OMAHA NATIVE, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 5403 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. 3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Juli Gray at 5403 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. 4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 5. The company commenced its existence on February 19, 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 N O T I C E O F T H E O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F S T E P S TO N E ACQUISITIONS, 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 Step Stone Acquisitions, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 3157 Farnam Street, Suite 7104-7170, Omaha, NE 68131. 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 April 24, 2020 and shall have a 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MEC LEARN AND GROW AT HOME, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MEC Learn and Grow at Home, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2111 S. 220th Avenue, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PREMIER CARDIOVASCULAR CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Premier Cardiovascular Care, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9921 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company are licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized to render medical or surgical services in this state. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ADLERBERG REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Adlerberg Realty, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Adlerberg Realty, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 18904 Leavenworth Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF CERTIFIED CELL, LLC TO CERTIFIED CELL, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CERTIFIED CELL, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed Articles of Conversion with the Nebraska Secretary of State converting the limited liability company to CERTIFIED CELL, INC., a Delaware corporation, effective April 23, 2020. The Company has designated its registered agent as The Corporation Trust Company, with registered office at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EXPERIOR SERVICE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Experior Service, 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 6317 South 135th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KRIS OF ALL TRADES LLC & USCA, INC., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE, 68102. Its initial agent for service of process of the Company is Kristopher Norman, 2507 S 148th Ave Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that DreamNation Media, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 2328 N. 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent of the Company is Casanova Brooks, 2328 N. 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Company was formed on April 28, 2020. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 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 HERITAGE 5, LLC The name of the Company is Heritage 5, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 28, 2020. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 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 & Services, 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION, L1CY, LLC The name of the Limited Liability Company is L1CY, LLC. The address of the registered office of the Company is 1610 S 35 St., Omaha, NE 68105 and the registered agent of the said Company is Jordan P. Lacy. The designated office of the Company is 1610 S 35 St., Omaha, NE 68105. The existence began on April 1, 2020, when Articles of Organization were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice is hereby given of the organization of E.B. SHADOW LAKE, LLC. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14514 Nelsons Creek Drive, Omaha, NE 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 April 27, 2020. E.B. SHADOW LAKE, LLC First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KECRX, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF METRO AIR-STEAMHYDRONICS, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Dr., #100 Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BEST SHARED NOW, LLC Notice is hereby given that Best Shared Now, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 220 South 216th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 220 South 216th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is John Matthews. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SHARI L LEE You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/30/2019 on Case Number CI20-226, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $721.37, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/15/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JUSTIN G SCHROEDER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/09/2020 on Case Number CI20-1271, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,184.39, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/15/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CHARLES E. DORWART, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-278 Estate of Bobbie Ada Davis, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 27th, 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 Herbert L. Davis, Jr. 42456 Leesylvania Court, Ashburn, VAA 20148 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 14, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF MKC CMY, 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 MKC CMY, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 21506 Parkview Drive, Gretna, NE 68028. 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 April 20, 2020 and shall have a 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 May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Indian Creek Reserve – Villas Owners Association, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the state of Nebraska. Its initial principal registered office is located at 3827 S. 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. Its initial registered office agent is Jana Faller. The general nature of its business is to provide for the maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the improvements and common areas within the Indian Creek Reserve subdivision, a residential subdivision in Douglas County, Nebraska. The corporation is a perpetual mutual benefit corporation and shall have members. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 24, 2020. Its affairs shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Secretary and Treasurer as may be prescribed by the bylaws, or appointed by the Board of Directors. Its two incorporators are Jana Faller & Steve Faller whose address is 3827 S. 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 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 Mark J. LaPuzza, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 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 Kendra J. Ringenberg, whose mailing address is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 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 designated office at 1434 W 11th Street, Fremont, NE 68025, and with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, 9859 S 168th Street, Omaha, NE 68136. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 JACOB A. ACERS, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WINTERHOLD INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 11, 2020, Winterhold Investments, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Shaun M/ James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SOUTH OMAHA EMERGENCY DISASTER FUND Name of Applicant: NEBRASKA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Address: 7914 W DODGE RD #474, OMAHA, NE 68114 Applicant is a 501 C-3 If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NE Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 4-01-2020 General nature of business: NON PROFIT SOUTH OMAHA EMERGENCY DISASTER FUND DIVA R. MEJIAS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 1, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Concrete Masters Name of Applicant: Adam Ofri Address: 3841 Grover St. Omaha NE 68105 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NE Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 04/07/2020 General nature of business: Various Construction Services ADAM OFRI Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 1, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: ESCUDERO PAINTING Name of Applicant: FERNANDO AHUMADA Address: 3820 FRANKLIN STREET, OMAHA, NE 68111 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: UP ON FILING General nature of business: COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PAINTING FERNANDO AHUMADA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 1, 2020

Loneliness at work: A health epidemic exacerbates a social one by Frank Fitzpatrick

In suddenly empty offices all across America, idle water coolers stand as memorials to a workplace culture that has virtually disappeared during the coronavirus epidemic. For millions now forced to labor at home, the casual collegiality symbolized by those gurgling office gathering spots has given way to seclusion and uncertainty, possibly exacerbating what ex-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called “America’s epidemic of loneliness.” Health “Being socially connected is one of our basic human needs,” said Sigal Barsade, a Wharton School management professor. “With so many workers going virtual, their social isolation at work leads them to be socially isolated in other aspects of their lives. It’s a recipe for people to get lonelier.” Loneliness was a growing social concern even before COVID-19. Almost half of Americans, according to a 2018 Cigna survey, felt alone or left out. That, said researchers, increased their likelihood of developing heart disease, stroke, and dementia. In Britain, the problem was deemed so severe that the government established a Ministry of Loneliness. “The data clearly shows that many people in workplaces are struggling with loneliness and that loneliness comes with consequences,” said Murthy, an appointee of former President Barack Obama who labeled the condition a public health crisis in a 2017 Harvard Business Review article. “And that’s not just for social interaction but for concrete outputs that organizations care about, such as productivity and creativity.” Fears that the coronavirus pandemic might be worsening the problem appeared validated by a recent Alcohol.Org survey of 13,000 work-at-home employees. Forty-two percent reported that they were drinking on the job. In addition to coping with enforced isolation, these people also were subject to more distractions, surrounded by more diversions. “Productivity will be down dramatically,” Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economics professor, recently told the website Vox. “I have four kids at home, and I’m struggling to get anything done. And it’s not just that — it’s also that motivation and creativity come from being around other people. So I find it hard to be creative and hard to self-motivate if I’m stuck in one room at home day in and day out. “It’s a bit like exercise. Exercise goes from everything from a half an hour a week in the gym to full-on marathon training. We’re throwing the entire U.S. into the exercise equivalent of full-on marathon training by sending people to work at home five days a week all the time. And I suspect for most people, it isn’t going to work well.” To be sure, experts disagree about working at home. Advocates have long argued that it saves time and money by cutting travel to and from work and the need for central office space. They say it can improve workers’ states of mind, giving them control over their time and the opportunity to be more involved parents. Plus, the boosters argue, time around that water cooler in the workplace is productivity squandered. The debate is relatively new. Academics like Penn’s Barsade and California State-Sacramento’s Hakan Ozcelik were among the first academics to study the phenomenon’s impact of lonlieness on the job. Their 2018 report — “No Employee an Island:

Workplace Loneliness and Job Performance” — concluded that aside from the personal pain it inflicted, loneliness was bad for business. Lonely employees, they found, were less committed to their organizations and less approachable. “It’s really quite devastating to be lonely,” Barsade said. “It’s a very unpleasant and painful state. Lonely people become very self-focused. You’d think they’d be reaching out to other people, but actually they become very inward-focused.” Already separated from colleagues and shared workplace routines like group lunches and watercooler conversations, these employees who had difficulty adjusting socially to life in a busy office must now learn to deal with isolation in the midst of a worldwide health emergency. A recent JAMA Psychiatry article predicted that the trend toward social distancing would lead to “a pandemic … of mental and behavioral illness.” Some workers have responded to the new reality by moving in with similarly situated colleagues or by turning frequently to services such as Zoom, the videoconferencing service that has experienced a boom during the outbreak. But others, experts fear, have withdrawn even deeper. “When you’re already lonely, you’re interpreting information in a way that’s more negative,” Barsade said. “Normally, when you go to work, you hang out with your work colleagues. You don’t have to make any special effort. They’re just kind of there around the proverbial water cooler. But now, if you haven’t heard from people in a few days, you’re going to feel ostracized. And once you hit a tipping point and decide you’re lonely, all sorts of things start to happen psychologically that get in the way of you reaching out.” Statistics aren’t yet available on exactly how many Americans have shifted their work locales to home offices since the COVID-19 outbreak prompted officials to issue stay-at-home edicts. Already, the share of telecommuting employees had tripled in the last 15 years and, according to a 2017 Gallup survey, 43% worked at home with “some frequency.” Feelings of isolation might be more pronounced among the young. Seventy-five% of the surveyed millennials and Generation-Zers, according to Cigna, felt isolated at their workplaces. “There’s a sense of loneliness out there that can’t be exaggerated,” Margot Zielinska, head of diversity and inclusion at Korn Ferry, said in a recent article on that consulting company’s website. Barsade said that as popular as Zoom has become, sharing a computer screen with several other faces might not be enough to ease a severe case of loneliness. “Even if you’re on an online video call with 20 people, you’re often muted, and it’s not very synchronous,” said Barsade. “That’s not going to do it.” She suggested that to ease their at-home employees’ isolation, companies should make sure they conduct smaller group meetings and encourage workers to maintain social connections. “Pick up the phone,” she said. “Email isn’t going to do it. This requires vigilance on all sides. People need to think about avoiding unintentionally ostracizing people. This is a time when it’s even more important to reach out to that person you think might be lonely.” ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Coronavirus: The Gap says it may not have enough cash to run its business by Rex Crum

The Gap, one of America’s Bay Area clothing retailers, has said that because of the coronavirus crisis, it might not be able to fund its business for much longer. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, San Francisco-based Gap said that because of the coronavirus pandemic, it has closed, or reduced operating hours at most of its stores around the world. As a result, Gap said within the next 12 months, its “existing cash and cash expected to be generated Retail from operations may not be sufficient to fund our operations.” Gap said that it had $1.7 billion in cash and investments on February 1, more than a month before President Trump declared a national emergency because of coronavirus, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom imposed a statewide shelter-in-place mandate that closed many retail stores. However, Gap said in its SEC filing that it expects its cash holdings to plummet to between $750 million and $850 million by the end of its current business quarter on May 2. The coronavirus outbreak has forced many non-essential retailers to shutter their doors as part of shelter-in-place orders

around the world that are meant to slow the spread of the illness. Gap said that as a result of the ongoing crisis, “the ultimate impacts of the outbreak on our business, and the steps we may need to take to address those impacts, are highly uncertain and subject to change.” Gap, which operates more than 3,300 Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and other stores worldwide, said it would immediately suspend $115 million in monthly rental payments on leases for stores in North America and seek to renegotiate the terms of such leases once the company is allowed to reopen the locations. However, Gap also said that it anticipates having to close some of its stores in the near future. Gap’s business warning came on the same day that the U.S. Labor Department said another 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment claims recently, bringing the total of first-time unemployment claims to 26.5 million nationwide since March 14. In California, 3.4 million jobs have been lost due to coronavirus-related business shutdowns over the last month. ©2020 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

As America stays home, deliveries have struggled to keep up. Here’s how the distribution network could change by Ryan Ori

Closed restaurants and shops, hoarding of household staples and a surge in online orders have exposed holes in America’s delivery network amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now, while consumers search for products such as face masks, hand soap, toilet paper and groceries, companies are evaluating major changes to where their products are made and how those Distribution goods are delivered. The early takeaway: Chicago, already a hub for manufacturing and warehouses, is in line for even more warehouses and distribution facilities than it has now. At a time when much of the commercial real estate industry is at a standstill, that spells dollars and jobs for developers, builders, shippers and others in the industrial real estate and logistics sectors. Long-term job gains may be minimized by increasing adoption of automation, though. “This pandemic has moved everything up maybe five years, where people who weren’t ordering online have had no choice other than to use the internet,” said Tony Pricco, president of Chicago-based warehouse developer Bridge Development Partners. “Now they’re seeing how easy it is, and they’ll continue to use it.” “There are definitely winners and losers that are going to come out of this,” he said. With its huge population, central location and easy access to shipping by air, rail, waterways and interstates, Chicago long ago emerged as a key hub in an increasingly global supply chain. That makes the area well-positioned for upcoming changes, said Jason Tolliver, the Indianapolis-based leader of brokerage Cushman & Wakefield’s industrial business in the Americas. “Chicago is the largest industrial market in the country,” Tolliver said. “It is the lynchpin for logistics, manufacturing and production.” “Short-term and long-term, the story for Chicago is one of strength,” he said. Even the most successful online retailers and busiest distribution hubs face challenges, as the COVID-19 health crisis has demonstrated. Amazon’s vaunted distribution network has buckled under the strain of widespread stay-at-home mandates, creating huge backlogs of online orders of food and other items. Amazon is far from alone. Call up just about any retailer’s website and there’s a message about delayed shipments. The struggles are a reminder that e-commerce, ubiquitous as it seems, is still emerging. In 2019, 11% of all retail sales were from e-commerce, an increase from 9.9% the previous year, according to the Census Bureau. “Most people would guess that the total percentage of online sales in this country is higher than it actually is,” said Mark Barbato, a director at Chicago-based office developer Sterling Bay, which is now branching out into industrial projects. Every tick up in online sales requires vast swaths of additional real estate. That has led to soaring demand in the Chicago area since the financial crisis more than a decade ago, likely leaving the industrial sector in a position to weather the latest downturn better than other property types such as office, retail and apartment buildings. “What does that look like if it spikes to 15 or even 20%?” Barbato said of the share of

online sales. “There’s certainly room to run.” Once upon a time, retailers followed a hub-and-spoke distribution model, creating a massive warehouse — typically along an interstate — to supply dozens of stores in a region. Online sellers upended that model by offering deliveries directly to consumers. As online sales rose and same-day delivery grew more popular, Amazon and its rivals assembled networks that now include smaller fulfillment centers near dense populations. Amazon alone has been adding millions of square feet of space annually in the area. Recent deals include leasing all three warehouses on the site of the former Maywood Park horse track in Melrose Park; a $50.5 million purchase of the sprawling former Old Chicago site in Bolingbrook, where Amazon wants to build a massive facility but has run into resistance to the southwest suburb’s mayor; and plans for a 1.2 million-square-foot fulfillment center in University Park. But despite all the building that’s gone on, the pandemic’s stay-at-home orders, panic buying and product shortages show there’s room for improvement. Experts say companies may decide to bulk up their inventories. Meanwhile, retailers will continue gobbling up smaller urban facilities to get closer to homes.

That means added real estate costs, at a time when companies are hoarding cash and new buildings are more difficult to finance because of a faltering overall economy. The costliest industrial buildings to construct, cold storage facilities, could be in particularly high demand after long backlogs of online grocery orders. Broader adoption of grocery delivery will create demand for 75 million to 100 million square feet of new cold storage facilities nationwide, according to a report from commercial real estate brokerage CBRE. Because of their high cost, freezer-cooler buildings are rarely built on speculation, or without tenants signed, he said. But with demand soaring, Bridge is considering spec projects in Los Angeles and Miami, Pricco said. Factory space also could be in for a boost. After experiencing shortages of some manufacturing components that come from hard-hit countries such as China, some U.S. companies are likely to return some production to the U.S., Tolliver said. “The cost of the pandemic and the realization that these things can be paralyzing is really amplifying those conversations in boardrooms,” Tolliver said. Manufacturers may choose to make parts in several locations throughout the country or world, to guard against illnesses or natural

disasters in individual locations, he said. The virus’ impact on large cities could be an additional consideration in site selection for warehouses, said Tinglong Dai, an associate professor in Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School. “Factories in cities are very vulnerable,” Dai said. “That has long-term implications.” Companies are making immediate changes to reduce the number of sick workers and quell fear, Dai said, such as Ford Motor Co. providing factory workers with Fitbit-like wristbands that emit loud sounds when people move within 6 feet of one another. Ford has shifted temporarily to making ventilators at some plants rather than automobiles. Factories also are using technology to decrease touching of surfaces, such as automating doors and equipment, Dai said. Longer term, the health crisis will encourage broader adoption of artificial intelligence and other futuristic technologies in industrial buildings, he said. “People always worry about automation eliminating jobs, but COVID-19 is killing millions of jobs,” Dai said. “This is the time for giant players like Amazon and Costco to double down on AI and the digital transformation.” ©2020 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

When will Disneyland and other parks reopen? How will they keep visitors safe? by Hugo Martín

A Disneyland fan since he was 5 years old, Ryan Temple visited the park up to twice a month before it closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, often wearing his favorite Mickey Mouse letterman jacket. But now the 22-year-old Phoenix resident says he would be cautious about returning to the Anaheim theme park once it reopens — whenever that may be. “I’m honestly not sure when I could feel safe enough to return to Disney,” he said. “The most Economy obvious answer is once a vaccine is out, but that is almost certainly over a year away.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Disneyland and other theme parks to close in mid-March, park enthusiasts such as Temple have been asking themselves the same question: When will my favorite theme park reopen and under what circumstances? After all, the amusement park experience is infamous for packing bodies tightly together in snaking lines and cramped ride vehicles. Parks increasingly use fingerprint readers at entrance gates and interactive touchscreen technology for ticketing, maps and restaurant ordering. And what about roller coaster grab bars and those turnstiles everyone pushes through to enter and exit? The quick answer is that no one knows for sure, but industry experts have already been discussing what new procedures will be added to protect guests and workers from spreading the virus once that happens. Swiss banking giant UBS told clients recently that Walt Disney Co. is likely to wait until Jan. 1 to open its theme parks and predicted the Burbank media company will see only about 50% of 2019 attendance. “Moreover, we now believe the lingering effects of the outbreak — including crowd avoidance, new health precautions, etc. — will dramatically reduce the profitability of these

businesses even after they are reopened until a vaccine is widely available,” the report said about Disney’s parks. In this uncertain time, HPE Financial Services has options to alleviate the strain felt by businesses. Stay-at-home orders by state and local governments will dictate when parks can consider reopening. Disney said its parks will remain closed until further notice. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort announced plans to stay closed until at least May 31. Theme park operators have been tightlipped about what the future holds for their parks, but they have clearly been discussing plans for opening day. Annual passholders for Universal Orlando Resort said they received a survey last week asking how likely they are to return to the park under various restrictions, such as requiring guests to wear masks or limiting park attendance to 50% of normal. In an interview with Barron’s, Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger said his parks would require “more scrutiny, more restrictions” so customers would feel safe to return. He suggested the idea of taking the temperature of each visitor before allowing entrance. “Just as we now do bag checks for everybody that goes into our parks, it could be that at some point we add a component of that that takes people’s temperatures, as a for-instance,” Iger said. On several online Disney discussion forums, theme park fans say they have uncovered a plan, presumably leaked by a Disney employee, for allowing guests to return to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The plan, titled the Secure Circuit protocol, would reopen the park with limited capacity, no parades, no castle shows, no firework displays and health checks performed at every security checkpoint. In addition, the protocol would require guests to sign a form, clearing Disney of

any liability for potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. Disneyland representatives declined to discuss whether the Secure Circuit protocol is legitimate or any plans being developed to reopen the parks. The process of taking temperatures of entering visitors (using non-contact thermometers) has already been adopted in theme parks in Asia that closed only briefly. At Janfunsun Fancy World in Taiwan, people who have a temperature of 99.5 degrees or higher are denied entry. At Everland Resort in South Korea, workers take visitors’ temperatures and encourage them to wear masks. The resort’s attraction queues include markings on the ground to show how far apart each person must stand to maintain social distancing. Rides and stores are disinfected hourly. Hand sanitizer dispensers are set up around the park. Theme park insiders have been so focused on reopening after the crisis subsides that a webinar on strategies for reopening theme parks and other attractions drew nearly 500 industry workers this month. The April 15 webinar was hosted by Gateway Ticketing Systems, a Pennsylvania company that develops ticketing systems and consults for theme parks, zoos, museums and other attractions. “Everyone is just spinning out large contingency plans,” said Randy Josselyn, a principal at Gateway Ticketing who hosted the webinar. Among the speakers on the webinar was Eddie Jones, a support specialist at Atlanta Botanical Garden, who said the garden has already devised a plan for reopening by allowing only 50 people to enter the gardens every 15 minutes. The plan would cut capacity in the gardens from the normal daily attendance of about 7,000 to about 2,500, he said. A back gate would be opened so that guests could leave without creating a bottleneck at the entrance. Industry experts say putting limits on capacContinued on page 22.

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAY 8

ADVERTISING AGENCIES PART 2

ENERGY & UTILITIES MAY 15

EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

LOCALLY GROWN

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 Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date. You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 Business Updates…

Foster Group is hosting weekly video updates to help provide important information on what has happened with the market each week. Kent Kramer, chief investment officer at Foster Group, is hosting sessions that will be posted each Friday at 5 p.m. at www.fostergrp.com/marketupdate. These sessions are provided free of charge and you don’t have to be a Foster Group client to attend, these were simply created to help break down the market as it has been rapidly changing each week. SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck Protection Act Interim Final Rule. Leadership Resources, with offices in Lincoln and Omaha, will offer free 45-minute virtual coaching sessions to business leaders within the local community. The program, which is being offered at no charge and for a limited time in the midst of COVID-19, was crafted specifically to assist local business leaders who are facing unprecedented challenges. Sessions can be requested online. Spirit World is open for retail (no bar, restaurant, or events on premise). It’s offering curbside pick-up and delivery as well. It also added online ordering for special wine and cocktail packages (6-bottle and 12-bottle wine package options, and cocktail packages with all the ingredients you need to make your favorite cocktails). Best-selling wines and spirits are available for ordering online as well at spiritworldwine.com. Spirit World has temporarily adjusted business hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Bar and kitchen staff are being re-allocated to retail and delivery functions so everyone can keep their jobs. Douglas County Historical Society has launched an effort to gather photos to document the effect of the coronavirus impact on Douglas County. Years from now these photos will provide a small glimpse into what our world is like today. The Society is reaching out to all Douglas County residents to take photos that depict the effect of the pandemic. Families’ homeschooling, empty church parking lots, effects on the workplace, and more are encouraged. Photos can be uploaded online. The Society is also interviewing County residents to hear their pandemic stories. If you are interested in participating in an interview, contact outreach@douglascohistory.org or call 402-455-9990 Ext. 500. McGill Restoration initiated an emergency relief effort to get KN95 respirators and surgical masks to hospitals and health care workers. McGill Restoration partnered with an Entrepreneur’s Organization member to secure manufacturing space with an organization in China to produce the masks and partnered with DSV Global Support and Logistics to air freight masks from Shanghai to Cleveland. Once in Cleveland, McGill Restoration will transport masks to hospital systems and businesses. To fund this effort, McGill Restoration donated $50,000 and started a GoFundMe campaign to collect additional donations. A total of $107,465

was raised which equated to 163,200 masks, and 118,400 of which will be delivered to Nebraska hospitals. Goodwill Omaha and Max I. Walker’s retail divisions have partnered to donate more than 375 pairs of freshly laundered scrubs to the Creighton School of Medicine’s scrub drive for Bergen Mercy, as the hospital has immediate need them due to COVID-19. Hy-Vee, Inc. is offering free full-service fueling at its more than 165 convenience stores across its eight-state region, including its Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores. The service will be offered at select fuel pumps from at least 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Upon arrival, customers who wish to use the service can select the pump’s “Fuel Help” button or call a designated phone number found on signs at each pump. Food and items from the convenience store can also be ordered and delivered to customer vehicles using the service. Fareway Stores, Inc. will be providing donations to local chamber of commerce affiliates in each of the communities Fareway serves in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Gift cards totaling $1,000 will be provided to help small businesses and their employees facing challenges during this unprecedented time. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is showing support for those working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis. Guests can donate sandwiches to first responders in their communities with the new First Responder Relief Packs, which include bundles of five or 10 Pulled Pork Classic Sandwiches. In addition, the Dickey family has pledged to match every sandwich donated to double the efforts to feed first responders. To participate, guests can go to dickeys.com and add First Responder Relief Packs to their order. If guests would like to donate more, they can add any number of individual sandwiches to their donation. Then Dickey’s, in partnership with The Dickey Foundation, will carry out the delivery on the guest’s behalf. Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha owner Gary Green has pitched in to help Omaha health organizations in their ongoing battle against the coronavirus during the current worldwide pandemic. Green has donated a total of 45,000 medical masks to Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, Methodist Health System and OrthoNebraska for health care workers to assist in the continuing COVID-19 fight in the area. Because pain doesn’t wait, Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics remain open regular hours for new and existing patients. For patients unable to access the clinic, services may be received in-home or via telehealth. Telehealth is secure and HIPAA compliant. With so many people working from home, an Ergonomic Assessment can help individuals get comfortable from home work stations, etc. All 18 Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics are offering telehealth and in-home physical therapy services. OrthoNebraska has partnered with local health care and first responder organizations to safely and effectively collect and disinfect N95 respirators for reuse in the community. In collaboration with the Omaha Metro Healthcare Coalition, OrthoNebraska will utilize an Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation process and technology similar to that developed by Nebraska Medicine. OrthoNebraska Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. will be taking in used N95 respirators by fellow coalition members. Masks must be clearly labeled and delivered in clear plastic totes. Used N95 masks are taken by decontamination teams to a specially outfitted room and clipped to a wire near a UV light tower. After powering on, the process takes roughly 45-minutes to complete. Individuals, business owners, and corporations seek ways to mitigate the inevitable economic effects of the global coronavirus pandemic. BKD CPAs and Advisors launched the Coronavirus Tax & Accounting Resource Center to help disseminate important information. The resources can be sorted by industry, service, topic and type of content. To help individuals and businesses manage the changing tax expectations and financial landscape, BKD provides daily updates on industry changes, answers questions about the economy and writes articles simplifying tax changes and highlighting tools available to help heavily affected industries. The center also includes a COVID-19 webinar series that will air every Thursday at 2 p.m. View the information at bkd.com/covid-19.

payments to 11 southeast Nebraska counties. That’s up slightly from nearly $33.9 million distributed last year. In-lieu-of-tax payment amounts are based on 5% of OPPD’s gross revenues from the previous year’s retail electricity sales in incorporated cities and towns, and they take the place of property taxes. County treasurers distribute the funds to school districts, cities, and other entities to fund needed services and improvements. In addition to in-lieu-of-tax payments, the district pays general sales taxes, gasoline taxes, motor vehicle license fees and permit fees like any other business. Bob Chalupa, senior vice president of NorthMarq’s Omaha office, secured refinancing of $18.5 million for West Dodge Hills. The 122,080-square-foot office property located at 18135 Burke Street. The transaction was structured with a 10-year term on a 25-year amortization schedule. NorthMarq arranged financing for the borrower through its correspondent relationship with a life insurance company. The class A building has underground parking, a health club/workout facility for tenants, and convenient access to West Dodge Road.

Briefs…

This past fall, the National Science Foundation funded a five-year project to develop a new food-energy-water nexus network focused on education and education research that is headed by Cory Forbes, associate professor of science learning in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources. The $749,964 grant funds the development of the National Collaborative for Research on Food, Energy and Water Education. The NC-FEW team wants to build a sustainable professional community that will continue past its five-year funding period. Hosting more national conferences or developing a journal around education focused on the food-energy-water nexus are among the planned activities. Calling the University of Nebraska’s commitment to accessibility more important than ever during difficult economic times, President Ted Carter unveiled a new program that will guarantee a tuition-free NU education to Nebraska students with family incomes of $60,000 or less. The “Nebraska Promise” will take effect in fall 2020 and will guarantee that full-time resident undergraduates whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who qualify for the federal Pell Grant can attend any NU campus and pay no tuition. The Nebraska Promise will apply to returning, transfer and new students, both on-campus and online, and requires no separate application beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A Master of Diagnostic Cytology program within the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health Professions has been created. The change will be effective with the class entering fall 2022, making UNMC only the seventh cytotechnology program nationwide to offer a master’s degree. UNMC currently has a postbaccalaureate certificate — the only cytotechnology program in Nebraska and one of 22 programs in the United States. Cytologists assist with patient procedures called fine needle aspirations in various clinical settings and perform microscopic examinations of specially stained slides of patient samples for the purposes of diagnosing cancer, precancerous lesions, benign tumors, infectious agents and inflammatory processes.

John Reed, managing director of NorthMarq’s Omaha-based regional office, arranged the $13 million refinance of Ontario Place Apartments. The 156-unit multifamily property is located at 7325 Ontario Street in Omaha. The transaction was structured with a 10-year term (with 2-years of interest-only) followed by a 30-year amortization schedule. NorthMarq arranged the permanent-fixed loan for the borrower through its correspondent relationship with a life insurance company. Investors Realty has sold a portfolio of two multi-tenant office buildings located at 16945 and 17055 Frances Street, Omaha for $7,200,000. RFW Properties, LLC was the seller; Heiskell Properties, LLC, was the purchaser. The property was 100% leased at the time of sale, 93.8% to medical tenants. The two adjacent buildings totaled 36,740 square feet, tenants included Creighton University, Insurance Solutions, Frost Periodontics and Midwest Allergy & Asthma Clinic. Ember Grummons, CCIM of Investors Realty, represented the buyer and Tracy Earnest of NAI/ NP Dodge represented the seller. National Radon Defense, a network of independent radon companies, acquired Thrasher, Inc.’s Radon division. The new entity will be called, National Radon Defense Midwest. Thrasher has been a dealer of National Radon Defense since 2009. Thrasher built a successful radon division but decided to focus on its core services of basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and concrete leveling. During that same time, National Radon Defense built a dealer network that serves 34 states and two Canadian provinces. Feltz WealthPlan, a Registered Investment Advisor, has partnered with Medicare BackOffice to help its financial advisers and their clients address the growing expense of health care in retirement. The partnership allows Feltz WealthPlan’s financial advisers to refer clients with Medicare questions to Medicare BackOffice, a team of insurance agents licensed, contracted and certified in all 50 states to provide Medicare advice and products. Omaha Public Power District distributed nearly $34 million for in-lieu-of-tax

Education notes…

A Doctor of Public Health program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health has been created. The Doctor of Public Health is a professional doctoral degree program designed to prepare public health practitioners for high-level leadership positions to make a difference in the fields of public health and health care. Graduates are expected to occupy leadership positions and advance programs, policies, services and systems to improve public health in the United States and globally. The Dr.P.H. requires completion of 54 credit hours, will be fully online and will allow students to complete the program in three years. The program will be available this fall. Kari Simonsen, M.D., has been appointed chair of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Pediatrics. Simonsen also will continue to serve as pediatrician-in-chief and senior vice president of pediatric services for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, a position she assumed last fall. Simonsen joined UNMC in 2007 as assistant professor of pediatrics. She was elevated to associate professor in 2013, and assistant vice chancellor for faculty affairs at UNMC in 2018. Since 2011, she has been serving as chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases in the UNMC Department of Pediatrics. She also has served as the president of the Children’s Specialty Physicians board of directors.

Health care notes…

The Nebraska Optometric Association reminded Nebraskans that even though routine eye care has been suspended, Doctors of optometry should still be the primary resource for essential care and treatment of eye and vision emergencies. Examples of eye emergencies and essential vision health care include: Trauma to the eye; red eye; painful eye; foreign bodies in the eye; flashes of light; floaters in vision; strange or sudden changes in vision; monitoring of a condition; and repairing broken eyeglasses, refilling contact lens prescriptions. Charity Evans, M.D., has been named the inaugural chief of the newly created University of Nebraska Medical Center Division of Acute Care Surgery. Her appointment is effective July 1, the date the division officially becomes active. Acute care surgery had been a section under general surgery, but due to its growth and the important role that it plays as it relates to trauma care, critical care and emergency general surgery, the time was right to create the division. Evans joined the UNMC Department of Surgery in 2013. Through more than 50 affiliated community providers experienced in virtual care and telehealth, residents in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado and Michigan can receive direct primary care as a member of Strada Healthcare. Strada has practices and providers in the Omaha area and the communities of Lincoln, Norfolk, Kearney and Scottsbluff. Members pay a monthly membership fee, which gives them access to their physician through multiple means in addition to traditional office visits, like phone calls, text messages, email and virtual visits. DPC physicians have fewer patients, which means greater availability, more in-depth visits, and a focus on preventive care. CHI Health is offering telehealth as another way to see the doctor. More than 800 CHI Health providers across Nebraska and southwest Iowa are offering their expertise

via telehealth. They range from primary care and behavioral providers to cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, neurologists, orthopedics, urologists and many more. The process is simple: at the time of your scheduled appointment, instead of going to the clinic, you can see and talk with your provider face-toface on your computer or phone.

Activities of nonprofits…

Local McDonald’s owner-operators, along with their distribution partner, EARP Distribution, are collectively donating 100 cases of beef patties (6,000 patties) to Food Bank for the Heartland, which distributes food to organizations and individuals in need across Nebraska and Western Iowa. In addition to the beef, they are also donating 80 cases of Gogurt tubes (15,360 packets), seven cases of liquid egg whites (126 cartons) and 240 cases of non-fat milk (480 bags). In all, McDonald’s and EARP are donating 10,000 pounds of product to the Food Bank for the Heartland with this delivery. The Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club has donated $7,500 to the Bellevue Food Pantry. The Bellevue Food Pantry organizes the collection of food donations and distribution to those in need. Most non-profit hunger relief organizations like Bellevue Food Pantry rely on volunteers and donations from people. U.S. Cellular has donated $325,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs COVID-19 Relief Fund to support kids, families and communities. The donation will be disbursed directly to more than 50 Clubs in U.S. Cellular’s service regions to support the most immediate needs of youth in those areas. There are seven Iowa and Nebraska clubs that will receive $60,000. They are located in Ames ($5,000), Cedar Rapids ($10,000), Davenport/Moline ($10,000), Des Moines ($10,000), Dubuque ($10,000), Omaha/Council Bluffs ($10,000) and Waterloo ($5,000).

Arts & events…

Joslyn Art Museum is offering a new online learning experience, Joslyn Short Courses, presented Tuesday evenings, May through June, from 5–6 pm. Class sizes are capped at 20 people to maximize interaction with the curator during these online seminars. Each short course is three weeks in duration, and each class will last about one hour. Classes include Neoclassicism to Impressionism, Reaction and Resistance in Postwar Art, and Native American Modernism. Registration is online. MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Monday, May 4 The Nebraska Enterprise Fund is hosting a webinar at 4 p.m. on Planning for Business Resumption. The discussion will include: how to assess the businesses current status, what’s needed to reopen, communication plans, system evaluations, and staff descriptions. Registration is online. Wednesday, May 6 EmpowerHER is hosting a virtual event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presenter will be Nicole Bianchi. Bianchi, PCC, is an accomplished keynote speaker, facilitator and master certified coach with over 20 years of business experience. Before starting her practice, Bravium HD, she was a human resources and organizational development executive with Conagra Brands and Markel Insurance. Registration is online.

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Restaurant vendors are now selling to the public. Here’s why it might hurt them by Garrett Snyder

Two weeks ago, a delivery driver in a white sprinter van arrived at my house with two cardboard boxes packed with ice. Inside was an oceanic treasure trove: Restaurants 10 pounds of Scottish salmon, a five-pound filet of yellowtail from Japan, a two-pound chunk of ruby-red Bigeye tuna from Hawaii, frozen jumbo shrimp and a jar of pearlescent orange trout roe.

OpsCompass, House of Brick Technologies Continued from page 2. employees quickly felt “like family.” “We at OpsCompass knew we had to step up our game, because we were not only teaming up with some of the best talent in the country, but also some of the finest, most respected people we have ever worked with; it’s a genuine honor to be on the same team,” Quevedo said. Unfortunate times have resulted in putting aside small differences, focusing instead on caring for each other and their clients. In fact, Quevedo anticipates producing “joint outcomes” in the second quarter. “We have a lot of clients to take care of; people and companies are facing very difficult times,” he said. “We can and will help in whatever manner possible.” Even in these times, Biggs and Quevedo are bullish about growth. “Because a good deal of our work is now done with software, we will continue to hire programmers, online engagement specialists and professional consultants,” Quevedo said. Additionally, they intend to keep both brands — a nod to next-generation solution providers’ integration of products and services to deliver complete solutions. In this case, HOB is synonymous with high-end professional services, while OpsCompass represents the expanded team’s product line and one of the new, sought-after brands in the CSPM space. Readers undoubtedly empathize with more frequent communication and adaptation to balance public health and continuity of operations; OpsCompass and Biggs have acknowledged the role cloud technology plays in delivering solutions differently – but effectively. “On the business side of things, we’re definitely still open for business,” Biggs said. “Some clients may be pulling back … we want to be compassionate and support their operations.” In a message posted on its website, OpsCompass and House of Brick referenced secure work tracking tools and VPN-based files for employees; product demos and screen-sharing and video capabilities; and an online ticket tracking system for managed services clients. The unique nature of a pandemic also calls for personal empathy to the team members or client intimately affected by COVID-19. “Systems still need to be run, minded and managed,” Quevedo added. On the “other side” of COVID-19, leadership surmised that organizations that have held on to the past (i.e. legacy systems out of the fear of automation) will be much more secure. “We would like our Nebraska community to know that next-generation technology is coming out of the middle of the country, and yes, right here in Omaha,” Quevedo said. “We see it here every day … Now is not the time to sit back and worry; now it is time to jump in and make a difference.”

The previous day I’d placed an email order with Luxe Seafood, a high-end seafood distributor that sells to some of the city’s most respected sushi bars and restaurants including Sushi Gen, Mori Sushi, Hayato, Providence, Spago and 71Above. Like most restaurant suppliers, Luxe Seafood saw its business fall off a cliff once dining rooms closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since mid-March, wholesale orders have been down at least 80%, company Chief Executive Thomas Chen said. “The majority of our customers are the premium sushi and white tablecloth restaurants, and they’ve been hit hardest by the closures,” he said. But are home deliveries viable for business? Not even close, Chen said. “Each transaction is so much lower than a restaurant, it’s not really possible to make money.” When restaurants are operating normally, questions of product margins and delivery logistics are hidden, or at least obscured, from the average diner, who see a final price on the menu and judge accordingly. The realities of the pandemic, though, have revealed the rickety framework underneath. “Everything about the industry is being reshaped and I don’t think anyone can say when it goes back to normal,” said Steve Grandjean, owner of Gourmet Imports, a cheese and specialty food distributor in Alhambra. “But right now it’s showing that food and labor have been undervalued for a long time.” But with few revenue opportunities on the table, many wholesalers are giving direct-to-consumer a go. A few weeks into the shutdown, Luxe announced on Instagram it would begin offering home delivery of seafood and grocery items across L.A. County and parts of Orange County. There’s a $100 minimum per order; $150 gets you free delivery. Chen said although Luxe has always sold to the public, it wasn’t a popular option. Individual customers weren’t seeking fresh and frozen seafood in bulk and it wasn’t practical for the company’s fleet to make deliveries meager in comparison to what the average restaurant orders. The shutdown, however, changed all that. “Home delivery gave us something to do, honestly,” Chen said. “It helped keep our drivers on the payroll, and it provided people with a way to get seafood and vegetables without going to

the market. I think our product is much better quality than supermarket grade.” Third-generation family-run wholesaler Nature’s Produce is offering items such as artichokes, seedless watermelon and mangoes on its website — order minimum $50 — for will-call pickup at its warehouse in Vernon or delivery via DoorDash. Meat purveyors including Rocker Bros., Premier Meat Co. and West Coast Prime Meats — places that supply restaurants such as Bestia and Animal — are selling Kumamoto A5 Japanese Wagyu and dry-aged rib eyes via delivery, pickup and shipping. Chefs’Warehouse, a distributor that supplies some 35,000 restaurants around the country, recently announced that for the first time it would sell its products — meat, seafood, olive oils, bread and dairy — online and offer free home delivery for orders over $250 (local pickup is also available for orders over $100). For some vendors, opening warehouses to retail customers is a straightforward way to meet demand growing for groceries and offset losses. But for others, selling to the public offers more drawbacks than benefits. Grandjean said he had considered selling to the public initially but decided doing so would infringe on the many local cheese shops he supplies. “I don’t want to compete with people that buy from me, especially in a landscape that’s already devastated,” he said. Home delivery is also cost prohibitive for most distributors, he said. “Our standard calculation is that it takes a $250 order minimum just to break even. For restaurants that’s no problem, but for an individual customer it’s less likely.” Due to the decline in business, Grandjean furloughed 80% of Gourmet Imports workers on March 26. The few drivers he still employs are mainly doing drop-offs to the handful of restaurants that have transitioned into markets. “Chefs that might only take whole animals before, now they’re looking for prosciutto that’s pre-sliced, pre-packaged. That’s what customers are buying now,” he said. Amid what Grandjean called “economic pain in every direction,” companies like Gourmet Imports find themselves in an unenviable situation. Their future depends almost entirely on restaurants, the same businesses that are least capable of paying them right now.

“Vendors usually get the short end of the stick. We get paid last,” he said. “If you’re a chef, you have to take care of staff and rent first, I understand that. But we also have to pay our staff.” Grandjean said that after speaking with his company’s accountant, he believes a quarter of the money currently owed to his company will never be recouped or is other “uncollectible.” Matt Parker, who owns the gourmet mushroom distributor Shiitake Happens, said he currently has $60,000 to $90,000 in invoices he expects will never be paid. “If a restaurant isn’t able to pay, what’s our option? Not sell to them? It becomes this massive game of financial chicken,” Grandjean said. “Relationships you’ve spent years building will be tested.” For home consumers, however, connecting with wholesalers has its upsides: scoring premium ingredients — such as sushi-grade fish — at wholesale, or near-wholesale prices, while saving money and supporting a small businesses. The total for my order at Luxe Seafood ended up around $200, providing enough fish to divvy up with friends. Even then I still had plenty to make spicy tuna hand rolls, shoyu poke, baked salmon and homemade gravlax. Despite my lackluster slicing skills, it was pretty awesome. “The response has been great so far,” Chen said. “The people who buy from us, know what we’re trying to do. They’re sharing pictures of what they’re cooking, how they’re using the product. It’s encouraging.” But as benevolent as my intentions were, the fish only arrived at the expense of others along the food chain: the fisherman, the importer, the delivery driver, even the hypothetical sushi chef on furlough. I couldn’t help but wonder: Was I supporting that system or taking advantage of it? I asked Chen of Luxe Seafood if he thought once stay-at-home orders had lifted and restaurants were allowed to reopen, he’d see more customers ordering his products directly instead of dining out. He considered for a minute, then demurred. “I hope not,” he said. “Unless you are perfectly skilled at cutting tuna, most people would rather have a professional do it. That’s why we go to restaurants in the first place.” ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

When will Disneyland and other parks reopen? How will they keep visitors safe? Continued from page 19. ity would almost certainly be a requirement so that people do not crowd together at reopened parks. Bill Coan, chief executive of Itec Entertainment, a developer of theme park attractions and shows, said he doesn’t think capacity limits will be difficult to enforce because park fans will not be rushing back once the theme parks reopen. “I don’t think those numbers are going to occur for some time,” he said of previous attendance numbers. Coan echoed other theme park experts who said parks will probably open in stages, with some attractions closed in the early stages and rules imposed on how tightly packed visitors can be in lines and in stores. But limiting capacity and hiring additional workers to take temperatures, enforcing anti-crowding rules and sanitizing rides would be expensive and could make operating theme parks unprofitable, said Martin Lewison, a business administration professor and theme

park expert at Farmingdale State College in New York. Some parks might be able to get by with fewer workers if capacity is vastly reduced, and higher ticket prices might become a profit-bolstering option, but it’s difficult to know for sure because theme park operators aren’t talking. “These are the kind of practical ideas that I imagine operators are working through, deciding what is practical,” he said. Whatever procedures are adopted by theme parks, Lewison said some fans will stay away but many others will be ready to return quickly. “There is a chunk of America who says, ‘Let’s take that risk.’” he said. For Alexandria Grable, 19, who had an annual pass for the Disneyland Resort for the last three years, the closing of the resort in mid-March convinced her that the coronavirus outbreak was a serious health threat. But the Santa Clarita teen said she would return if Disneyland reopens. “I think I would go,” Grable said. “I trust

Disneyland enough to know they would not put their guests in harm’s way.” Other theme park devotees are less likely to rush back even if health and social distancing restrictions are added. “Will anyone want to spin their teacup or the Roger Rabbit taxicab or Buzz Lightyear blasters, knowing how many other hands have touched them?” asked Matthew Gottula, a longtime Disneyland fan from Altadena, who said he doesn’t go anywhere without a container of hand sanitizer attached to his belt. Another Disneyland fan, Aaron Goldberg, who has written several books on Disney parks and the Disney family, said he wouldn’t return to the parks without wearing a mask and gloves. “Maybe I’m a bit more neurotic, but it’s impossible to avoid touching just about everything at Disneyland and all of the parks,” he said. ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 1, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

In the Spotlight Paid Content

Architecture/Engineering

LEGAL SERVICES

Appointed

Joined

Kristi Nohavec

Eric J. Sutton

Senior Associate

Associate

Leo A Daly

Gross & Welch

Kristi NohavecÂ is a licensed Structural Engineer, Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 17 years of experience in the industry.Â She is one of 14 individuals in Nebraska dual-licensed as a professional engineer and a registered architect. She isÂ a founding member of the Nebraska chapter of Women in Architecture and has served on committees for AIA, the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska and the Structural Engineers Association of Nebraska.Â She mentors with numerous organizations in Omaha and has been awarded for her leadership including Alumni of the Year from the University of Nebraska and Engineer of the Year from the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers.

Architecture/Engineering Appointed

Jen Ankerson Associate Leo A Daly

Jen AnkersonÂ is a Senior Interior Designer with over 13 years of experience in interior design including healthcare, commercial office and retail. She is a past secretary-treasurer on the board for the College of Architecture Friends Association and has held a consistent mentor role at the University of Nebraska through her teaching of a recurring interior design studio course.Â Â She is a leading advocate for the practice of interior design and thrives on the opportunity to positively affect how people live, work and play every day of their lives through interior design.

The Omaha law firm of Gross & Welch is pleased to announce Eric J. Sutton has joined the firm as an Associate. Mr. Sutton was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received his undergraduate degree from Kenyon College and earned his law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2016. While at William & Mary Law School, Mr. Sutton achieved First Place in the Hassell National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition. In addition to his awards, Mr. Sutton served as a staff member of William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review. After graduating from law school, Mr. Sutton clerked for Judge Riko Bishop on the Nebraska Court of Appeals. More recently, Mr. Sutton was an associate with a law firm in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Sutton is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and is licensed to practice in Nebraska and Iowa. The law firm of Gross & Welch was founded in 1927 by Daniel J. Gross and is located in Omaha, Nebraska. The firm has lawyers who practice in the following areas: civil litigation, business law, insurance law, employment law, estate planning and probate, real estate, family law, creditor bankruptcy and workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation. The firm represents clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa. More information about the firm can be found at www.grosswelch.com.

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• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Advertising Part 2 Agencies

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Energy & Utilities

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Digital strategy • What to look for in a marketing agency Top marketing mistakes

Energy & Utilities update • Energy & utilities companies stepping up during crisis A look at how energy & utilities are stored Tips on conserving • Rise of renewable energy

Issue Date: May 8 • Ad Deadline: May 1

Education & Career Development A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Locally Grown overview • Made Locally • Farming update Local businesses banding together in time of crisis A look at companies founded in Omaha

Education and Career Development Overview The latest on remote learning • Career coaching Tips for nailing a job interview • Popular degree programs

Issue Date: May 15 • Ad Deadline: May 8

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

Marketing Agencies Part 1 A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 1, 2020

clients,” McCormack said. As a Senior Communications and Public Relations Strategist with Emspace + Lovgren, Lisa Ellis has helped clients not only adjust to how they’re operating during COVID-19, but to understand what operations look like post-pandemic – and how they can continue building on their services. “Our client CRCC, formerly known as Children’s Respite Care Center, cares for special needs and medically-fragile children,” she recalled. “They wisely closed their locations as a precaution to protect the health of their kids. But that was really just the beginning of a series of incredibly proactive decisions.” Ellis noted they quickly obtained a license from the state to provide in-home care in person or via telehealth. “That freed up their on-site facilities,” she said. “So, they could open up

Mark McCormack, founder of Identity Marketing Group.

As storefronts remain closed, businesses turn to marketing agencies to restructure advertising by Michelle Leach

Marketing agencies and their clients are harnessing that oft-cited adage from the financial services world: resisting the temptation to make rash decisions based on the near-term, to the detriment of longterm sustainability. “The ability to stay part of the conversation with clients and customers is imperative,” said Identity Marketing Group founder Mark McCormack. “Your advertising should never hit the brakes especially when it is a tough time. The Ellis message may change; however, keeping your brand in front of people is very important.” Those that continue to advertise in a downturn, he said, often see huge gains coming out of a recession or economic event. “This will be the same for the COVID-19 pandemic,” McCormack said. Through and emerging from the pandemic, omnichannel communication is

playing a big role in surviving and adapting to the new normal, he indicated. “In the past, companies cast a wide net and did not take into account the customer journey or how they became a customer in the first place,” McCormack said. “You can now take these data points and get a really good view of your target customer.” With technology, one can pinpoint consumers who are going to buy (or have a high likelihood of purchasing goods or services) without overspending on advertising. Kroeger “We then reach out to them using multiple communications channels,” he said. “This works very well and we get results for our clients.” As a promotional marketing company, IMG further adjusted to print masks for clients, as well as signs alerting to COVID-19 health statements — even work-fromhome kits for some clients. “This was a great time to also re-state your brand message to your employees and

their centers to provide child care for area front-line COVID-19 workers and first responders; they developed in-home learning curriculum for their families and then made them available to everyone; and they are going statewide to provide behavioral health teleservices for school districts.” At the time of this writing in late April, all these efforts were completed in six weeks. Ellis emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s values and thinking “big picture.” “COVID-19 is temporary but, for many clients, it can feel like the weight of the world on them,” she said. “We have to be sure we have a plan for now, a plan for later and a long-term plan; all of it connected by who they are and what they do.” Step back, Ellis indicated, and considContinued on next page.

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Marketing Agencies

Experts recommend adjusting branding message during pandemic by Gabby Christensen

The way a brand’s message responds to a global crisis can greatly influence consumers and the overall image of a company, according to local marketing agencies. Lyn Wineman, president and chief strategist at KidGlov, said the key to marketing in the new normal is to pivot, not pause. “While you might be tempted to put your entire marketing plan on pause during the pandemic, there are rewards to be found for those who can find the appropriate way to pivot their plans in the new normal,” Wineman said. “We find three keys to successful marketing during the pandemic: timing, tone and tactical planning.” Wineman said the world is changing fast and marketers need to be ready to move, and what was appropriate last month might no longer work today. “Throw out your ideal timelines and be prepared to assess, create and deploy new plans quickly,” she said. Depending on the message, Wineman

said it’s important to strike the right balance between hopeful and helpful. “Strategically evaluate how you can

Wineman Wiseman adapt to meet market needs for the here and now,” she said. “Consider providing free resources, adding delivery, extending payments or allowing free online access. Organizations who pivot their marketing strategy to build relationships and provide a competitive advantage will emerge from the pandemic stronger and more successful than when it started.” Wendy Wiseman, president/chief cre-

ative officer at Zaiss & Co., said it’s always important for businesses to understand that marketing agencies are different from advertising agencies, as marketers take the deep dive into the business, brand and goals to unearth strategies to help reach those goals. “When looking for a marketing firm, ask for key metrics that relate to your business and goals,” Kubicek she said. “The agency’s work doesn’t have to be in your exact industry. It does have to relate to what you need to do.” Wiseman noted businesses should strive to always keep websites updated, especially during uncertain times. “Track clicks and paths and conversions by Google analytics,” she said. “Update meta tags, alt tags and content on the page. Remember to check links frequently. Add video and podcasts and link to them from social and emails. And, let people leave reviews. Reviews are a good thing and they are relied upon by others who are considering doing business with you. Afraid of one-star reviews? Respond to them. Your honest, authentic response will

mean a lot and go a long way with others. By the way, five-star reviews are often thought of as suspect, so sit comfortably with the four-star and know you earned it.” During this unprecedented time, Angie Kubicek, chief marketing officer at Firespring, said brands need to pivot their messaging to be more empathic and understanding. “The most important thing to do right now as a brand is to know your target audiences and understand where they are in this moment,” Kubicek said. “If a brand has that general understanding, then they can appropriately update their messaging in a way that will resonate.” She said it’s also important for businesses to reflect on ways to support the community. Additionally, Kubicek said businesses should also strategize ways to support customers at this time. “The last thing a brand wants is to come off as tone-deaf or out of touch,” she said. “In today’s world, consumers expect brands to be in tune with their environment and if a brand isn’t mindful, they could come off as offensive and greedy. Personalization and connection are demands of today; therefore, they expect brands to act attentive and personal to their needs. If you miss at this moment consumers will notice.”

As storefronts remain closed, businesses turn to marketing agencies to restructure advertising Continued from preceding page. er: “Why do we do what we do?” “What makes internal and external clients feel valued and cared for?” “How organizations react to what is happening now can set the precedent for how they operate in the future,” she said. Don’t overlook internal communications, said President and CEO Terry Kroeger of Smith Kroeger. “Your employees should be hearing from you just as much or perhaps more than your customers,” he said. “Additionally, indiscriminately pulling marketing dollars right now may not be the best decision. Consider how your marketing needs to be adjusted, given the circumstances, whether that’s the messaging, the tactics or the channels.” Remain communicative. “Even if your doors are closed, pro-

vide regular updates via social media or email,” Kroeger said. “Make sure your website shows the current status of your business in a visible way. Having outdated information out there can be very damaging.” The Kroeger team has remained busy in recent weeks with multimedia campaigns delivered in less than one week, which weren’t planned prior to the outbreak, as well as video capabilities to address clients’ internal staff and/or customers. “We have also done a significant amount of consulting on the crisis management and the various communication pieces that come with that; the preparation of press releases for various scenarios, planning what communication processes should be followed and coaching clients on how best to disseminate their messages,” he said.

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Marketing Agencies •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 1, 2020 •

• MAY 1, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Marketing Agencies