Midlands Business Journal May 24, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 21 issue

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Celebrate Construction A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 24, 2019

Flood of large, efficient projects define landscape amid historic weather events

by Michelle Leach

Projects undertaken by metro firms are increasingly large in scope, renewable in nature and collaborative from the get-go.

“2019 is shaping up to be another busy year — there’s a lot of work in Omaha, and we’re seeing opportunities across all markets, from health care to office to industrial,” said Darland Construction Principal Jay Matz.

Asked about the biggest changes from year-to-year, Matz referred to the shortage of skilled labor, an issue not unique to Omaha.

“We have run into some delayed starts due to the long winter and historic flooding,” he said. “Nebraska is going to have weather delays; we know to plan for that. We are looking forward to some favorable weather this summer.”

The Darland team has seen the market evolve from “hard bid” projects to those under a construction manager or design-build model.

“Having a construction manager on board early on is advantageous to the owner in many ways,” Matz said. “We are able to provide preliminary pricing and value engineering solutions to shape the design. In this market, where labor is at a premium, we’ve found that we are weighing in on design decisions as they relate to product and labor availability as well.”

“There are more mega-projects in Omaha

Darland Construction Principal Jay Matz at the Pinnacle Bank project site at 84th and Dodge streets. right now than ever before, with several large the local labor pool,” said Boyd Jones Comprojects ranging in size from $100 million to munications Manager Cole Epley. “Unem$500 million and a handful that are $1 billion ployment was below 3% for the majority of or more, and that puts incredible strain on last year, and this year seems to be trending

Reaanddit

in the same direction. In a full-employment scenario like the one we’re currently seeing, attracting talent is critical. We continue to focus on strengthening our culture, providing an outstanding work environment and living out our values to attract the best and the brightest.”

Technology is another area of “extraordinary change;” Epley noted the construction industry represents roughly 6% of the U.S. GDP and venture capital is investing heavily in tech to increase efficiency.

“Just a decade ago, investors pumped less than $5 million into the market,” he said.

“Today, construction tech investments total over $1 billion.”

More project owners are incorporating renewable energy into their facilities; for instance, he referred to the Subaru building on the recently completed Baxter West Dodge dealership campus as featuring rooftop solar panels.

“We partnered with UNMC and OPPD last year to build the largest rooftop solar installation in the state on top of three UNMC buildings: the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, the Truhlsen Eye Institute and the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health,” Epley said.

Last year, he said Boyd Jones installed the state’s tallest GE wind turbine in Polk Continued on next page.

Reap!

Celebrate Construction — inside MAY 24, 2019

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 45 NO. 21

Spin Linen Management expands operational capabilities

by Richard D. Brown

Newly established Graley’s Creamery & Confections serves up ice cream with a historic twist.

– Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Lindsay Corp.’s Charling brings high tech thinking to the farm.

– Page 3

& gy er ities n l E ti U

Burst of technology, talent-related efforts shape dynamic energy industry. – Page 5

Omaha-based Spin Linen Management, a woman-owned commercial laundry firm with revenues almost equally divided between the hospitality and health care sectors, is growing geographically with an expansion earlier this year into Kearney and a planned opening in June of operations in Des Moines.

“All of our growth has been organic,” said owner and President Angie Ringling.

The 44-year-old Ringling has taken Spin Linen Management from a firm that was focused on a variety of commercial laundry accounts and since purchasing it 15 years ago, and grown the firm into a formidable competitor with more than 500 accounts in the hospitality and health care sectors.

Spin Linen Management, which has grown to 40 employees and survived two fires — the most recent five years ago which sidelined operations for seven months Continued on page 10.

From left, Sales Manager Jeff Peterson, President Angie Ringling and Operations Manager Phillip Martin … Identifying opportunities to expand as well as streamline processes. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Central Body Company grows with Gretna, Council Bluffs expansion

by Michelle Leach

With a niche in RVs and oversized vehicles, and traction among the likes of horse trailer-owners, Central Body Company has grown from an 11-member team to 26 employees in the past three years, and business is such that President Matt Sain anticipates reaching the 30-employee mark by 2020.

“The major goal now is staffing,

getting the right people on board and in place — and we’re always hiring,” Sain said. “We try to hire good people with similar core values. If they have a positive attitude and the aptitude, we invest in them with shop training and tuition reimbursement.”

The Gretna location that Sain references at 10919 Sapp Brothers Continued on page 11.

Executive Director Jim Clements … Fledgling nonprofit aims to help at-risk youth develop soft skills with “tinkering” program.

Made New Makerspace engaging community to help youth gain skills

by Savannah Behrends

President Matt Sain … Longtime auto, RV repair shop has keen hiring outlook amid new facilities in highly-visible areas of the metro.

When Jim Clements quit his job a year ago and withdrew all his 401(k) and savings to found a nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk youth develop soft skills, he did so knowing it was a risk worth taking.

“As soon as I stepped down, someone else would fill that role,” he said. “But these kids,

the one’s I’m aiming to help, there’s no one doing exactly what we’re doing. If I don’t do this, there’s no one to take it over.”

The idea for Made New Makerspace began while Clements was the skilled trades instructor at Boys Town High School. Skilled trades programs Continued on page 22.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Newly established Graley’s Creamery & Confections serves up ice cream with a historic twist

by Gabby Christensen

Ice cream lovers are in for a historic treat when visiting the newly opened Papillion-based ice cream parlor, Graley’s Creamery & Confections, which serves up super-premium, all natural, homemade ice cream, pies and confections all within a unique Victorian-style shop.

First established in 2017 as a wholesale

Graley’s Creamery & Confections Phone: 402-502-9897 Address: 147 N. Washington St., Papillion Founded: September 2018 Service: ice cream parlor serving gourmet, homemade ice cream and other treats in a Victorian-style soda fountain Employees: 4-15, depending on the season Goal: Add a few more locations and eventually open a Victorian-style candy store.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraleysCreamery/

business, Graley’s opened its doors to consumers for the first time in September 2018.

The nostalgic creamery is housed in one of the oldest commercial buildings in downtown Papillion, according to owners Bryon and Joanna Compton, who renovated the structure to bring back the historic look.

The pair, who started out as church pastors, had been making ice cream as a hobby for years before they decided to start their own business.

“We really wanted to bring an old-fashioned ice cream parlor to Papillion while also becoming a destination place for people throughout the state and country,” Bryon Compton said. “We don’t just serve great ice cream, but we try to hold onto the historical roots of this town.”

Compton said the crew teaches history at the

Graley's Creamery storefront in downtown Papillion. shop and offers some Victorian flavors. creations, too, which is why he said all desserts In order to get the full effect, he said staff are made preservative-free with only natural even dresses in Victorian garb. food coloring.

More important than even the history aspect, Some of the more popular dishes include Compton said the business centers on family Cookies ‘n Cream and Ooey Gooey Butter and friendships.

Cake.

The store’s name is a mashup of the CompThe store also offers lactose-free options. tons’ children’s names, Greg and Haley.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our “We pride ourselves on being a place where offerings,” Compton said. “People can come in memories are made and families can grow sad, but they should always leave happy.” and gather,” Compton said. “Whoever comes He said a variety of guests visit the creamthrough our door is to be loved on, no matter ery, but their target market is definitely families. who they are. We care for all of our customers.”

“We are nestled between two schools so we He said he cares about what goes into his see a lot of parents coming in with their young

The Midlands Business Journal's

Business Minute Name: Pamela Flynn.

Age: 33.

Title: Director of residential property management.

Place of employment: The Lund Co. Associations/ Titles: Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor.

Hometown: De Smet, South Dakota.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management through Flynn Bellevue University.

How I got into the business: I got into property management when I was a sophomore in college. One of my good friends was the assistant manager at a property and had reached out to me as they were looking for a leasing agent for their new developments. Next thing I know, it’s 12 years later and I’m still in the industry and can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing!

Accomplishments or milestones: Recognized by the Apartment Association of Nebraska for the Regional Manager of the Year Award in 2017. Received my CAM and CPS through the Apartment Association of Nebraska.

Biggest milestone: Being in my current

Pamela Flynn, director of residential property management, The Lund Co.

position as director of residential property management.

First job: Waitress.

The toughest part of the job: When dealing with people’s homes, it’s personal to them and we take pride in providing our residents with the best living experience.

I want my teams to be passionate about this too. It’s been a recent challenge to get the right candidate to ensure our values continue to reflect through our teams. I have learned over the years to be patient and you will find the right person.

The best advice I have received: Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person. Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job we have, relationship we are in, and your life at home, it’s your responsibility to love it or change it.

About my family: My husband Mike and I have two daughters: Natalie, 9, and Haven, 4.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: I would like to continue to grow within The Lund Co. as opportunities arise.

Book I finished reading recently: “Girl Wash Your Face.”

Something about me not everyone knows: I was a cheerleader at USD for both

men’s basketball and football.

How my business will change in the next decade: Our business is always changing due to the market — what is working for us today more than likely will not work for us a few months from now, let alone a few years from now. Another factor is technology and how we can create more efficient strategies in our day-to-day operations.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: I honestly can say that I work with a group of individuals that really have in one way or another shaped me in my career. We have a very cohesive work environment in which we share ideas and different viewpoints due to life and career experiences.

Outside interests: Summer is my favorite time of year — being out on a boat or by a pool is where we spend most of our time.

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with sunshine.

Other careers I would like to try: I would like to own my own clothing boutique.

Favorite cause or charity: Make-AWish Nebraska.

Favorite app: Instagram.

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

children,” Compton said. “Although we serve gourmet ice cream, we try to keep our price point low enough so that all families can enjoy an outing together where they can laugh, have fun and even meet new friends.”

People aren’t the only visitors, though.

During the summer, Compton said Graley’s will also serve “puppy pops” for their four-legged friends.

While the seasonality of the business can sometimes be difficult, he said regular customers have helped keep the business successful even during winter.

Compton said the menu continues to expand with new flavors added weekly.

The business is also slowly adding more staff members.

Within the next five years, the Comptons would like to open a victorian-style candy shop, serving hard candies and chocolates.

When it comes time to add new stores, one trend Compton said he hopes to stick with is locating in smaller towns near bigger cities.

“We want to be able to draw a lot of people to our shop, but also preserve a historic presence that is associated with those small towns and our business,” he said.

Another goal is to incorporate a teaching area so that customers can watch as desserts are made.

Down the road, he said he would also like to supply local restaurants with signature flavors.

One of the Comptons’ prime objectives, though, is to ultimately pass the business onto their own children.

For right now, though, Compton said staff is busy preparing for its first “ice cream season” as summer quickly approaches.

“I love being creative in the kitchen, coming up with new flavors and then watching as our customers enjoy them,” he said. “We are excited to continue into the next season, and we are so thankful that the community has really taken care of us and rallied around us. It’s the best experience.”

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

EDITORIAL EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT OF NEWS, Tiffany Brazda EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, Savannah Behrends STAFF WRITER, Becky McCarville

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT, Catie Kirby ADVERTISING CONSULTANT, Julie Whitehead OFFICE OFFICE ASSISTANT, Rosemary Gregurich BOOKKEEPING/LEGAL NOTICES, Beth Grube

(402) 330-1760 Zane D. Randall (1925-2006) Co-founder LeAnne M. Iwan (1932-1986) First News Editor

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

Written permission must be obtained from Midlands Business Journal and MBJ, Inc., to post any of our stories or other published materials on a website. Under no circumstances, because of spamming potential and other issues, will permission be granted to transmit our stories by email.

-The Publisher.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

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Lindsay Corp.’s Charling brings high tech thinking to the farm Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of profiles featuring Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winners — entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and professionals under 40 years of age.

by Dwain Hebda

To say Kurtis Charling came from humble technological beginnings is an understatement.

He would grow up to become a technology thought leader for one of the leading irrigation companies, but didn’t get much of a head start on his career.

“Growing up in a small town we actually didn’t have high speed internet when I was in high school or even cell phones,” he said. “I didn’t really spend much time on computers until I got to college and that was an undergraduate degree in ag engineering.”

It was there, however, that Charling discovered his true calling in life and he quickly made up ground.

“I spent a lot of time taking engineering-focused computer programming courses and that’s where I fell in love with computers and programming,” he said. “Today I’m a self-taught programmer in seven different programming languages. Just more of a hobby for me now than anything.”

In hindsight, Charling’s analog upbringing in the agricultural industry was a key element in bringing digital tools to the market that were more useful and relevant right out of the box.

“Especially right now with the ag market

being not great, [farmers are] looking at the value proposition first and foremost,” he said.

“When they look at new technology, they want to know how is this going to boost my bottom line? What’s the ROI that I’m going to get in return for purchasing this new technology? Does it make my everyday job easier? Is it going to simplify things to free up more time for me to do other aspects that I need to do to make more money? Those are the primary things that they look for with technology.”

Intimately understanding his client — Charling himself was raised on a farm near Oakland — inspired a system that helps operators manage irrigation more efficiently, which he developed for Lindsay Corp., where he’s director of software development.

“The technology is based on science that’s been around for 40-plus years. We didn’t reinvent the wheel with the science part,” he said.

“However, the science is very complex. There’s lots of intense algorithms that, of course, farmers aren’t going to sit down and hammer out. What we found was a way to take those algorithms and science and build it into stuff where primarily software is a service and then simplify that science through the use of computers and cloud technology and machine learning.”

The improvement, FieldNET Advisor, earned Charling AE50 award-winning product honors from American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and nomination as Irrigation Association New Product of the Year. He

Director of Software Development Kurtis Charling … Navigating the high tech side of agriculture. also was invited to the Forbes Under 30 Summit only for drinking but also to feed the people as after placing in the Top 50 of the Forbes Under the population grows. I believe it’s supposed 30 Changing the World Competition. Finally, he to double by 2050. Water plays a huge role in was selected a semi-finalist for the Farm Bureau agriculture and in turn feeding the population.

Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge, placing fifth “Moving forward, the thing that we’re out of 165 applicants. Not a bad debut, but Char- trying to focus on is how can we reduce water ling said he’s just getting warmed up. consumption while still improving and increas“I definitely think that there’s a lot of room ing output production as a result.” to improve from a water use standpoint,” he Charling earned his bachelor’s degree in said. “Obviously water is a big topic globally agricultural engineering in 2012 and an MBA in and rightfully so with how important it is not 2015 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Proud Sponsors of the 2018 40 Under 40:

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Ignite Women in Insurance symposium boosts attendance in second year

by Michelle Leach

Myriad industries are creating opportunities for women to forge bonds of friendship and support, and Ignite Women In Insurance has significant traction right out of the gate as evidenced by turnout at its May 7 symposium at Scott Conference Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus.

“In 2018, we had 120 attendees and were sold out,” said Cara Kirsch, who founded Ignite Women In Insurance last year. “We were also sold out in 2019 with over 175 attendees.”

When asked about her motivations to start the organization behind the annual event, Kirsch said the goal is to provide education and content that: “allows us to strive to be the best version of ourselves, while growing in business and promoting one another.”

She also referenced building bonds of intelligence and confidence.

“Women in our industry (and so many others) are clamoring for support with professional development,” Kirsch said. “And to see those who have been in the industry for a long time be vulnerable is inspiring all of us to be and do better.”

She indicated that many other industries have launched like unique events to promote education, empowerment and motivation.

“Our industry needed something similar,” Kirsch said.

Feedback from last year’s event informed this year’s symposium, in terms of content, as well as location and networking opportunities, she said.

“We took that into consideration and made some intentional investments in creating an event full of energy and excitement about sup-

Ignite executive panel, from left: Barbara Person, Baird Holm, Andrea Batten, Gallagher, Josie Abboud, Methodist Hospital, Tara Wisdom, Lutz, Alison Richards, UHC, Cara Kirsch, SilverStone Group and Laurie Baedke, Creighton University. (photo courtesy of Cara Kirsch) porting each other,” she said. “This year, we would they do different?” and “How can they and, when not uniting women in the industry focused on the fire within each attendee. We inspire you?” through Ignite, she works as an employee benwanted attendees to feel ignited with bravery and The executive panel also spanned Josephine efits strategist as vice president at SilverStone lessons from other executive women.”

“Josie” Abboud, president and CEO with Meth- Group.

Kirsch specifically “called out” the morning odist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital; As it relates to how attendees are taking panel discussion, and said attendees were able to Laurie Baedke, a speaker, consultant, author and what they learned at the symposium back to take the content from Nicole Bianchi’s morning faculty member with Creighton University’s their workplaces, Kirsch referred to an Ignite “Applying bravery in attaining your goals” Heider College of Business and director of mantra: “There is room for all of us.” kick-off and Dr. Kelly Cawcutt’s “A deeper its Healthcare Leadership Program; Barbara “We encourage our attendees to live with understanding of imposter syndrome and how Person, partner at Baird Holm who primarily that mantra in mind and apply it to their indiit may be holding you back” session to their represents health care clients; Alison Richards, vidual roles,” she said. individual roles.

Kirsch and the steering and planning comchief operating officer at UnitedHealthcare; The panel discussion featured key women and Tara Wisdom, Lutz healthcare consulting mittee that included women from additional in the health care industry — coalescing around director. firms, such as Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross and Continued on page 11. questions of: “What have they learned?” “What Kirsch also participated in the symposium

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

Energy & Utilities

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

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May 24, 2019

Burst of technology, talent-related efforts shape dynamic energy industry

by Michelle Leach

Opportunities abound for businesses to conserve energy and save money, and for investments in an industry that’s all abuzz.

“We have seen generational changes in oil and gas exploration and production, changes that have made the U.S. one of the world’s top energy producers,” Husch Blackwell Omaha Office Partner Victoria Sitz said.

“Renewable energy technologies also continue to evolve Sitz and mature, which is generating a lot of interest from operators and investors in the energy space.”

Despite potentially destabilizing geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity and macroeconomic performance, Sitz noted a healthy environment for transactions, particularly in renewables.

“In contrast to Trump administration views, international, state and regional entities are increasing efforts to encourage use of low-carbon energy,” she said. “It is generally believed that the demand for low-carbon energy across all sectors, including liquid fuels, will only increase as a result of these efforts. Currently, this is leading to aggressive development of renewable natural gas.”

As the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit and other credits are stepped-down or phased-out, the industry will experience some short-term negative effects but, Sitz said, the move toward renewable energy is inevitable over the long run.

As market forces push businesses to decrease their carbon footprints, Sitz and her team see innovation in technology and scientific processes that reduce energy consumption of renewable fuel production facilities or the use of biomass waste and other waste products; for instance, manure from animal farms or end-of-life plastics as feedstocks for facilities. As a result, she said many clients in biofuels are early-stage technology and IP companies looking to develop respective products.

Additionally, Sitz said early-stage companies are forming joint ventures or partnerships with traditional oil and gas companies

to get products to market faster.

Tenaska CEO and Vice Chairman Jerry Crouse spoke to “unique market opportunities” and “new internal synergies;” for instance, its acquisition of the Berkshire Power Co. plant in Massachusetts opened up a new generation market.

“Construction is currently underway for Tenaska Clear Creek Energy Center, a 242-megawatt wind project in northwest Missouri,” Crouse said. “That project Crouse should be operational late this year.”

He anticipates up to three other wind projects in 2019, and said Tenaska is jointly developing a 2,000-megawatt portfolio of greenfield solar projects in the upper Midwest.

Its innovation investment initiative reportedly provides capital to business opportunities with the potential to transform the industry, while marketing affiliate Tenaska Power Services Co. onboarded its largest and most complicated customer portfolio

Rick Kmiecik, president, Optimized Systems. to date in 2019: a nearly 12,000-megawatt million cubic feet per day for the commispower generation asset across fuel sources, sioning of the Cameron [Liquified Natural states and markets.

Gas] facility in Louisiana,” he said.

Crouse said Tenaska Marketing Ventures President Rick Kmiecik said Optimized manages more than 10% of total natural gas Systems is busy making the technologies consumption in the U.S. and Canada. behind building performance and efficiency “New this year, TMV begins manage- work together, akin to the cars of yesteryear ment of natural gas flows of up to 780 Continued on page 12.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Energy and Utilities

From left, MUD’s Kyle Bowman, Metro's Executive Director Curt Simon and Safety Director David Jameson ... at Metro's new CNG filling station.

New developments in CNG underway in metro

by Gabby Christensen

There have been various new local developments taking place relating to compressed natural gas (CNG) throughout the Omaha area recently.

In fact, over the past 10 months, Metro Transit replaced 14 buses and nine MOBY paratransit vans with new vehicles fueled

by CNG, according to Curt Simon, Metro’s executive director.

Simon said the replacement of the diesel buses with CNG-powered models reduces emissions by 144,893 pounds of nitrous oxide, 455 pounds of atmospheric particulate matter, and 1,767 tons of carbon dioxide every year.

Metro’s ORBT, rapid transit service set for a spring 2020 launch, will be operated by 60-foot articulated CNG powered buses.

He said an additional efficiency has been the installation of a CNG fast fuel station on Metro property, which is designed to fill four 35-foot or two 60-foot buses at the same time.

The station is a partnership between Metro, Creighton University, the city of Omaha

and the facilitator Stirk CNG. “We are looking at a variety of environmentally responsible options as we transition our fleet away from traditional diesel,” Simon said. “The introduction of CNG marks a turning point toward more sustainable fueling options for the agency, which is seeking to diversify its fuel portfolio to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and better respond to market changes.”

With the recent rise in prices of conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel, Marc Rowe, regional senior business development manager at Trillium, said he’s seeing a renewed interest in alternative fuels like CNG. “One recent trend in the CNG marketplace is the use of renewable feedstock,” Rowe said. “CNG, when used for transportation and paired with methane generated from renewable sources like landfills and dairy farms, referred to as renewable natural gas (RNG), is transforming the CNG industry landscape by supplying fleets and natural gas vehicle users Continued on next page.

Energy and Utilities •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

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Renewable energy gains momentum, benefits state and communities

by Jasmine Heimgartner

Many people may not consider Nebraska a frontrunner when it comes to embracing and leading the charge for change, but the state actually isn’t lagging too far behind when it comes to adopting renewable energy sources.

“In Nebraska, wind energy production from a variety of turbine styles and sizes, solar energy from photovoltaic panels, geothermal systems, and ethanol are all viable renewable energy options that have been put to use in various applications

throughout Nebraska,” said Doug Alvine, president of Alvine Engineering. “It is increasingly important for Nebraskans to explore and implement renewable energy projects. It is both solid business as well as socially responsible. In a global economy, we all must be concerned with reducing the overall carbon footprint.”

While some are critical of the agriculture industry and its environmental impact, its production offsets the use of fossil fuels for energy.

“Nebraska ranks second in the U.S. in

New developments in CNG underway in metro Continued from preceding page. with the cleanest form of commercial fuel available today for medium and heavy-duty trucks.”

Rowe said Trillium owns and operates a retail CNG station in Omaha and has the ability to deliver a low cost, stable fuel price to customers well into the future.

“We look forward to supporting the fueling needs of the company that secures the contract to service the city’s refuse collection and recycling needs, which will put new CNG trucks on Omaha’s streets in the coming decade,” Rowe said.

Kyle Bowman, business development specialist at Metropolitan Utilities District, said the local compressed natural gas (CNG) market continues to achieve steady growth in the Omaha metro.

In calendar year 2018, Bowman said over 1.7 million gasoline gallon equivalents

(GGEs) were dispensed in MUD’s service area compared to approximately one million in 2017.

“MUD anticipates those numbers to increase in the upcoming years with the adaption of natural gas vehicles by Metro Transit,” Bowman said.

Bowman said this new service will unite smart technology and streamlined travel for faster, more frequent public transportation including enhanced stations, spacious vehicles and travel upgrades for Omaha citizens and tourists.

“ORBT is the biggest transit investment the region has seen in decades and it will make Omaha more competitive with other metropolitan areas by attracting talented employees and innovative business,” Bowman said. “It is designed to increase mobility, save money, boost development, reduce emissions and connect the region.”

ethanol production, with an annual economic impact of $5 billion for the state, including hundreds of jobs,” said Brett Frevert, managing director, CFO Systems.

“Biodiesel is made from corn oil, as well as soybean oil. Methane is produced several ways, including anaerobic digesters in livestock operations, and ‘wells’ in community landfills. In Jackson, Nebraska, an innovative ethanol plant fuels its boilers using methane from the local landfill.”

Making the move to clean-burnAlvine ing fuels is any easy change whether for a personal vehicle or fleet. Automotive manufacturers have been building cars able to use ethanol more than 15 years, and many continue to offer flex fuel options, which are often less expensive while being better for the environment.

“Ethanol replaces harmful carcinogens and toxic additives in petroleum-based fuels, resulting in a cleaner, cooler burning process that releases less toxins into the air. According to research from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43%,” said Leighton Eusebio, public relations manager, Green Plains Inc. “Ethanol is safe for your ve-

hicle, and contains a naturally higher octane rating, which means it burns cleaner and cooler than conventional gasoline. A cleaner, cooler burning fuel is better for your engine and also enhances engine performance.”

Harnessing the power of nature itself continues its rise in the state.

“There are multiple renewable energy options currently being developed and deployed within Nebraska,” said John Henning, energy project executive, Frevert Boyd Jones. “While wind has been the most utilized renewable energy source with approximately 15% of Nebraska’s net electricity generation coming from wind in 2018, there are increasing amounts of solar, battery storage and biomass projects being developed throughout the state, as well.”

Recently, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Omaha Public Power District formed a partnership to develop the largest rooftop solar project in the state of Nebraska — which Boyd Jones constructed and brought online in January 2019. The project consisted of 1,487 solar panels on top of three buildings on the UNMC campus, which are Continued on page 11.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Susan Henricks, ICAN president and CEO, welcomes the 3,000-plus crowd during the opening general session.

PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff, left, moderates a panel discussion with Deloitte Consulting's Erica Volini, Greater Omaha Chamber's Dee Baird, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska's Susan Courtney and Do Space's Rebecca Stavick.

ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference focuses on human element in digital age

by Becky McCarville

Over 3,000 attendees from 37 states and 384 companies gathered at CHI Health Center on Wednesday, May 15 for the 26th annual ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, a record crowd for the conference.

“ICAN is developing inspired, authentic leaders to transform the organizations and communities they serve,” said Susan Henricks, ICAN president and CEO during her opening remarks. “The traits of confidence, compassion, collaboration and creativity — what we here at ICAN call the ‘4 Cs’ — are all necessary to cultivate leaders who will be able to adapt to this fourth industrial revolution and enable us as leaders to help our teams adapt also.”

Nancy Pridal, president and CEO of Lamp Rynearson, received the ICAN Leadership Award during the lunch program. She was chosen

by ICAN, in partnership with Kiewit, because of her leadership success

and community involvement and for demonstrating those 4 Cs. “As a civil engineer with a master’s degree in organizational leadership, Pridal applies a diverse skillset to drive change company-wide,” ICAN said in a statement. “She works closely with Lamp Rynearson’s leadership team in all four of the firm’s offices and is adept at bringing cross-functional groups together to build consensus.”

The shift from snail mail and interoffice memos to today’s high speed, instant communication didn’t happen overnight, Henricks said.

“The transformation was gradual, so we tend to forget how significantly the workplace has changed, and with this new business landscape leaders must navigate with lightning speed and integrity and help drive a culture of innovation and lifelong learning to a workforce that is more volatile and more vulnerable right now,” she said. “This need to stay human, stay relevant

reaffirms the mission of ICAN.” Mike Walsh, keynote speaker for the opening session, said that by 2030 people will be living in a “new world of algorithmic experiences.”

“If we were going to look with a portal into the future, things are going to kind of look about the same as they do today from a physical perspective. What are really going to change are the experiences we have in the world,” he said. “If you Photos by MBJ / Becky McCarville want to win and engage a consumer or customer in the future, you’d better be sure that you’re ready to leverage data and technology to deliver amazing personalized experiences.”

Walsh urged attendees to think big about opportunities that technology can bring to organizations — to think 10 times, not 10%.

Don’t assume that jobs will be taken over by robots and automation — that robots might replace

Methodist Health System’s Amy Fachman, left, and Tanya Patry talk with Mikele Carnagey.

some aspects and job roles may change but that people with relationship skills are still needed, he emphasized.

Leaders will be ever important and need to adapt by developing empathy and deep insight into human behavior and motivations, as well as make data-driven decisions and leverage technology to solve problems.

With all of the data being collected on individuals — from wearables to apps — the companies/technologists collecting all of the data have huge amounts of power to influence decisions and thus, incredible responsibility, he said.

“Whether it’s cybersecurity or people misusing information or things that discriminate or bring bias, the possibility of weaponizing the digital age is extraordinary — we have to be ready for that,” he said. “And part of being an effective leader is bringing that moral compass to our teams, to our

organizations, to our professions on a daily basis.”

Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour anchor and managing editor, echoed Walsh’s warning during her keynote address. She spoke of the added pressure that journalists face to speed up reporting while at the same time, vetting information for accuracy.

“I stand before you this morning as someone ready to celebrate what technology has brought — the access, the openness that all of us have to new information more than ever before — but also I stand before you to raise a flag. That with the speed and with the convenience come greater responsibility on all of us, on all of our parts, to check the source, not to accept uncritically at face value whatever comes across our newsfeed,” she said. “Journalism depends on humans doing the news gathering, on humans exercising our news judgement to report without fear Continued on next page.

At the Koenig Dunne booth, from left, Susan Koenig, Angela Lennon and Lindsay Belmont.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

9

ICAN volunteer Danisha Hurst, right, guides Renee Rodgers to create art with brain ICAN staff, from left, Tracy Stuart, Erin Potter and Allison Schorr. power at the BrainTone Art booth.

Continued from preceding page.

Baird focused on the economic portunity and energize and excite, I “It’s really a little bit about tech- and CEO of Jetblack, “Leadership or favor.” development of the Omaha metro think that’s where all the power is. nology, a little bit about process and Lessions: Using Technology to InWoodruff then moderated a and the workforce that’s needed “I think it’s the interpersonal almost all about people,” she said. novate;” and Curt Steinhorst, “Can panel of national and regional to grow the economy and the pop- skills that we have work to do and “If you have the skills of listening, I Have Your Attention?” leaders: Deloitte Consulting’s U.S. ulation. the ability to collaborate and work learning and collaborating, Human Capital Leader Erica Volini, The growth rate of the eight as a team — that’s an area where yourself or as an organizaGreater Omaha Chamber’s Senior surrounding counties is about 1% we can really mature.” tion — if you’re a leader in Vice President of Economic Devel- and 4,000 jobs in the region go unDo Space, a free technology li- an organization fostering opment Dee Baird, Blue Cross Blue filled annually, she said. The goal is brary with 71,000 members at 72nd that environment, that’s Shield of Nebraska’s Executive 1.5% to 2% growth, adding 10,000 and Dodge streets, is one-of-a-kind what makes you future Vice President Susan Courtney new tech workers in five years, and in the nation, Stavick said. proof because it’s the conand Do Space Executive Director upskilling 10,000 people through Do Space provides technology stant adapting.”

Rebecca Stavick. training and education. access — from beginners to proBreakout session Combining the human element This workforce is necessary to grammers, babies to seniors. speakers included Bree with technology was a focus of the keep and attract companies who “When we’re talking about tech Groff, “Leading Through panel. need tech workers, otherwise those talent and workforce … that tech Change: How to Change “One of the things that we companies will start to look in other talent pipeline, Do Space is really When You MUST;” Natalie have to understand is that in this markets. the beginning because you can’t Nixon, “How to Be a Leadtechnology age, the age of digital “That’s how prevalent technol- get into tech or STEM professions er in the Future of Work;” revolution, we are not actually ogy is in everything we touch in without getting exposure to tech- and Tricia Wang, “Personal seeing the gains in productivity workforce economic development,” nology, and also being inspired by Data: The Battlegrounds for that we would have expected to see, she said. it,” she said. “And that’s really what Our Humanity.” and [that] we have seen in the three Health care is in the middle of Do Space is about.”

Closing General Sesprior industrial revolutions,” Volini disruption and Courtney expects Stavick said that to keep up sion keynote speakers said. “…if we don’t come back to this to continue for the next 10 with current technology, she hires included Andy Gonzales, that essential human element, we years or so. curious people, harkening back to “Girl CODE: Gaming, will never truly see the potential “I think these disruptions that the theme that people need to be Going Viral and Getting that technology can give us and the we see allow us to seize opportunity adaptable in today’s workplaces.

It Done;” Jenny Fleiss, way in which it can move society instead of tapping into the fear,” she Keynote Speaker Mike Walsh, futurist, Digital doesn’t automatically co-founder of Rent the forward.” said. “If we could tap into the op- mean technology, Courtney said.

Runway and co-founder global speaker and author.

At the AIM Institute booth, Tony Veland, left, and Chris Cottrell.

Mary Talen, left, talks with Ashley Sutera at the Share Omaha booth.

10

• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Spin Linen Management expands operational capabilities Continued from page 1.

— has continued to make improvements in its 20,000-square-foot plant at 1228 S. 16th St. Many of the modifications have been required in order to earn and renew accreditation from the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council.

Operations Manager Phillip Martin and Sales/Service Manager Jeff Peterson echo Ringling in the importance of the heavy investment in several areas in order to offer appropriately-priced services with an acute focus on building and maintaining long-term customer relationships.

Spin Linen Management Phone: 402-342-7181 Address: 1228 S. 16th St., Omaha 68108 Services: laundry focusing on linens, mats and sanitary supplies for health care and hospitality industries Founded: 1932 by Vic and Gus Shiro as Spic & Span Linen Supply One-year goal: Successfully build relationships in Kearney and Des Moines markets.

Industry outlook: Consolidation in markets continue; use of automation continues to mature.

Website: spinlinen.com

Peterson, a native of North Platte, said the Kearney expansion and other growth initiatives could mean hiring an additional five employees, including at least two additional drivers and another sales person.

Ringling said Phil Wylie, with 20 years of industry experience in Omaha, who has recently been hired as Spin Linen Management's new service manager, like colleagues Martin and

“We manage the inventory for them and what has become more of a selling point is that we can do it better,” she said. “Among the things we don't do are industrial linens or work uniforms.”

A par-level guaranteed stocking approach, which uses radio-frequency identification technology, helps in tracking each piece.

Ringling, a 1997 business administration graduate of UNL who started working for her father at age 14 folding linens around her class schedule, said she decided eight years ago that Spin could differentiate itself by “investing in higher-end lines of premium products.”

“From scrubs to sheets and towels to gowns” has been the mantra, she said.

Peterson said the focus is on building relationships with high-volume medical facilities that don't want to manage their own laundry.

“At a time of greater consolidation in the marketplace our focus is on positive outcomes with our program which we offer health care providers,” Ringling said.

On the hospitality sector side of the business, Peterson said Spin Linen Management has benefited from the large number of locally-owned restaurant startups in recent years.

“Being able to say we're a local company in downtown Omaha means a lot to the restaurant owner,” Peterson said. “We approach possible accounts with our program that we want to be a true partner held accountable for our performance.”

Peterson and Martin said that sometimes means emergency deliveries on the Saturday before Mother's Day or the weekend of the Berkshire Hathaway meeting when local restaurants such as Gorats are being asked to accommodate a record number of diners.

Specialized napkins can also be obtained.

At present, Spin Linen Management has five delivery trucks; two are being added.

“We're growing fast but we want to do it in the best possible way without upsetting our customers,” Ringling said.

Maria Guardado and Olivia Gonzalez feed sheets to be pressed.

Martin, a native of Valley, said a model bePeterson exemplifies a company-wide culture that stresses constants such as appropriate ing studied would have Spin Linen Management pricing of services and that company represen- looking at taking the 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. current tatives should have the independence to nurture shift into a option that might offer a 2:30 p.m. customer relationships “based on doing the to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. swing shift.

“It's all about meeting our sales goals,” he right thing.”

“We've always wanted to do things in a said. “We could also start some departments at 4 a.m.” smart way that make sense,” Ringling said.

Ringling said the struggle to find good Trips by company leadership to annual trade shows help them to learn about new equipment, staff involves more aggressive recruiting — such as folding machines for blankets and especially in Spanish — from south Omaha, terry cloth and how innovative staffing models emphasizing walk-ins for interviews, use of might be applied for an Omaha firm often un- temp-agency employees, and placing additionderstaffed due to a notoriously low statewide al emphasis on growth opportunities within the firm. unemployment rate.

Consultants have been brought in and plans are being made to bring consulting talent in for a multi-month stay to do a microanalysis of operations from the customer order to delivery stage.

“That's going to be essential to our growth plans because in the past two years we've had a 50% growth in revenues, we anticipate 30% this year and with these increases there's going to be growing pains,” Ringling said.

Identifying and training additional supervisory and managerial talent is in the plans.

“There are many opportunities open for us to grow in the health care sector,” she said.

A depot/service center was opened last month to aid in serving the Kearney-area customers. Eventually, a similar facility will be opened in Des Moines.

Lincoln Surgical, with one site of operations, is an eightyear client. Another is the Kearney Regional Medical Center with a main location and six satellite facilities.

Ringling said the Spin Linen Management program is tailored to the needs of the customer, but in almost every case, involves Beatriz Garza stages product for customers. linens owned by Spin.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

11

Central Body Company grows with Gretna, Council Bluffs expansion

Continued from page 1.

Drive was a former storage facility purchased at the end of last year.

“We’re hoping that, with the traffic and visibility in Gretna and the close proximity to Mahoney State Park, Lincoln and with a few campgrounds close by, that we’ll have an opportunity for growth,” he said.

The Gretna expansion comes on the heels of the 42-year-old company’s Council Bluffs expansion.

“We bought a Council Bluffs building SUPER CROSSWORD

about two and a half years ago,” Sain said.

“It was an auction house and appliance storage and repair warehouse, and we bought the property and converted if for our own use.”

The facility at 1401 S. 16th St. was also on the receiving end of a 4,500-foot addition and a number of other investments, including more overhead doors, new LED lights, and upgraded power service for new equipment that has greater power needs. Additionally, investments HART-HEALTHY VERSE

campground and have damage, they can included equipment that boosted its onsite snap pics and it comes to us through an capabilities in fabrication and repairs on app where we can give them a ballpark trailers and campers, and a paint booth to estimate, without them having to bring accommodate large vehicles — such as the vehicle in. They can go through the Class A motorhomes. process at 10 at night when their car’s in “Our niche is really anything a normal, the driveway.” regular-sized body shop can’t fit into its When asked about the impact the building,” Sain said. weather has had on business recently, Sain The company also strives to be a “onesaid, “the hail, that’s definitely helped us stop” for clients; for instance: “If it’s an but I would say, at RV, we can do the this point, the floodoil change, fix the Central Body Company, Inc. ing hasn’t affected scratch and the air Phone: 402-551-3177 (Omaha) our business that conditioner,” he said. Address: 4682 Leavenworth St., Omaha much in a positive H o r s e t r a i l e r s 68106 or negative way — a have represented a Services: auto body, collision and RV body repair; RV consignment sales lot of the campers are growth area. totaled at that point.”

“We’ve always Website: autobodyomaha.com Central Body Co. done [horse trailer is also experienced at working closely repairs] but I think word has traveled, and with insurance companies to ensure covsome of the marketing we’ve done has ered damage is paid for, and that payment helped as well,” Sain said. is processed.

The Omaha shop at 4682 Leavenworth In addition, Sain noted that the compaStreet is where it all started. ny is now in consignment RV sales, driven “That’s where my dad started the by customer requests. business back in 1977, and he started in a “I’m pretty happy with where I’m smaller, 5,000-square-foot building,” Sain at,” Sain said, when asked about further said. “He put an addition on to that buildexpansion plans. “Our goals for the next ing in 1995, and put in a big semi-truck few years are to expand our customer frame machine.” base within the areas that we’ve come Over time, two adjacent buildings were in to, and both B2B and also retail purchased on Leavenworth for the growing sales, and everything basically on the company to expand into, and Sain referred service side.” to the widening of its service offerings to include the likes of mechanical and bumper-to-bumper repairs. The team is also I-CAR certified.

“That’s an elite status for technicians Continued from page 7. and the shop to attain,” he said. “There are producing over 500 kW of distributed soannual requirements you have to achieve, lar power, or enough electricity to power and you have to take different classes — 60 homes. some online and some hands-on in the shop Alvine Engineering is currently work— to maintain that status. With changes ing with a large corporate client with in vehicles today, with all the technology multiple building locations throughout and the safety systems that’s built into the metropolitan area, in partnership with them, it’s very important to know what OPPD, to evaluate the possibility of addyou’re doing.” ing photovoltaics at each of its corporate Technology is also represented by its locations — both for energy generation mobile estimates. as well as to make a profound statement “It’s been popular,” Sain said. “Peo- about being good community partners by ple are short on time and have busy demonstrating social responsibility. lives. If they have our RV out in the In addition to the environmental benefits, adopting renewable energies can be a boon to local economies. According to Eusebio, ethanol supports more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, a Continued from page 4.

Blue Shield of Nebraska, Gallagher, Pro percentage of the ethanol and co-prodInsurance Resources and Strada, already ucts from ethanol production process are are looking to 2020; the symposium is shipped out of state, which further benefit the state’s economy. scheduled for April 2.

“The development of wind projects Additional support was further provided by sponsoring organizations, in- provides opportunities for the state and cluding Allstate, Assurity, BKD, Delta local economies that include new conDental, Kirsch Transportation Services, struction jobs, tax revenue, and meal and Mutual of Omaha, OCI and The Harry A. lodging needs for out-of-town contractors,” Henning said. “In addition, land Koch Co. “Each year our goal is provide a very lease payments for wind turbines can unique experience in terms of program- provide economic relief for landowners ming and networking,” she said. “You hit hard by falling commodity prices and can follow us on social media through reduced exports due to the recently imposed Chinese tariffs, while new sources Facebook or Twitter.”

Ignite social media destination’s in- of tax income for local coffers are especlude Facebook @IgniteWomenInInsur- cially valuable in rural communities. At ance and Twitter @Women_Ignite, and the the same time, increased development of renewable energy reduces our reliance on website is: Ignitewomenininsurance.org.

“This event is for all women in our fossil fuels from unstable, hostile regions of the world.” industry, at all levels,” Kirsch said.

Renewable energy

Metro-born Ignite

Answers on page 12.

12

• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Experts weigh in on whether to pay off your mortgage early or put your money to work elsewhere

by Deborah Kearns

Paying off a mortgage is a huge accomplishment, and it’s a cornerstone of financial independence. Homeowners who don’t want the shadow of a mortgage payment hanging over them for decades are eager to map out Real Estate a strategy for tackling their mortgage debt for good. But other homeowners might be better served putting their cash to use elsewhere, such as higher-return investments or retirement savings.

Three financial experts weigh in on the ever-evolving debate on whether you should pay off your mortgage early — or put your money to work in other places.

Let’s dive in.

Everyone agrees: Tackle mortgage debt last Before you even think about paying off your mortgage early, financial advisers say you should get rid of high-interest debt, student loans and other sizable debt. Two other key areas that many people shortchange or neglect are their retirement and emergency savings.

A recent Bankrate study shows that nearly half of working adults (48 percent) are saving something, but no more than 10% of their annual incomes. Only one in six employees (16 percent) say they’re saving more than 15% of their yearly earnings.

But tackling any type of debt requires discipline and a plan, says Douglas Boneparth, president of Bona Fide Wealth Management in New York City.

“You need to put a system in place for your goals that allows you to identify what they are, quantify them by time and value, and prioritize them,” Boneparth says.

“You’ll have to make sacrifices along the way that may require you to spend less or increase your income.”

Evaluating how best to put your money to work Pouring money into a house that you don’t plan on living in for more than five or 10 years ties up a good chunk of your liquidity for the foreseeable future. That probably won’t be in your best interest, especially if your mortgage carries a low interest rate, says Helen Ngo, CFP, founder and CEO of Capital Benchmark Partners in Atlanta.

“Look at where else can you put your money so that it works for you,” Ngo says. “Your interest rate plays a factor in the decision, and you have to weigh the spread in rates.”

For example, a 30-year mortgage with a 4.5% rate is still super cheap compared with the 8% to 9% that people paid in the 90s, Ngo says.

Boneparth points out that if you have a mortgage rate near 4% but you can get a 6% to 7% return on a diversified investment portfolio, paying off your mortgage early won’t make sense on paper.

“The spread between your mortgage interest rate and what you can conservatively assume by investing your money might influence how you allocate your savings across any large debt,” Boneparth says.

How emotional baggage of debt factors in Let’s face it: debt is a heavy topic.

People feel defined by it, and that comes with considerable emotional baggage.

Some people will always view debt of any kind as the enemy, Boneparth says.

Their feelings about debt– even carrying a mortgage long term — will override any financial considerations of putting their money to work elsewhere.

“It’s easier to think, ‘Hey, I’m debtfree’ instead of how to diversify an investment strategy,” Boneparth says. “But

you have a choice to make. People are shooting from the hip instead of crunching the numbers.”

Ngo adds that many people assume all debt is bad, but a mortgage is different.

“A house is not like a car that depreciates in value (right away),” Ngo says.

Your age and appetite for risk matter, too The younger you are and the more money you earn, the more you can afford to be aggressive with investment risk.

But that appetite for risk dwindles as you get closer to retirement age, says Richard Barenblatt, a mortgage specialist with GuardHill Financial Corporation in New York City.

“There are situations where not having mortgage is good,” Barenblatt says.

He adds that knocking out your mortgage ahead of schedule makes sense if you’re retired or you don’t need the tax benefits, which are less robust under the new tax law.

“Being debt free is the holy grail of financial security, and that’s ultimately what a retiree is working toward,” Barenblatt says, adding that as people age, they’re more afraid of running into financial trouble that could take the roof from over their heads. “It’s a common perception as people get older, and that overrides any other lucrative (money-making) opportunities that come their way.”

4 ways to pay off your mortgage early If you’re ready to aggressively pay down your mortgage, here are four ways to get started: 1. Refinance to a shorter-term loan If you have a 30-year loan, you can

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Talent-related efforts shape dynamic energy industry Continued from page 5. versus today.

“With computer controls and precision engineering, we’re seeing unbelievable performance in cars and still achieving reasonable fuel efficiency,” he said. “It’s the same with buildings … But, like in the automotive industry, the technology has become so advanced nobody can work on their own cars anymore.”

OS is busy training, educating and supporting facility staff on operations and maintenance post-building “tune-up.”

“One of the newest trends we’re seeing is the shift from proprietary equipment and technologies to more standardized solutions for operating and automating buildings,” he said.

As people demand more choices and flexibility, Kmiecik anticipates non-proprietary equipment and technology (like a plug and play) will move the industry forward, though he cautioned one still requires expertise for set-up, integration and training.

“The investments we’re making are in our staff — in their continued education and training — ensure that we can continue to support our clients in all the different types of systems out there,” he said.

Omaha Public Power District implemented the Legacy I3 model with an eye

on attracting, training and retaining local and diverse talent.

“The Legacy I3 model involves employers in building talent pipelines through engaging and developing high school students and young adults with the goal of creating a new generation of qualified diverse workers,” said Joyce Cooper, manager-diversity and inclusion. “The Legacy I3 model calls for an employer to commit to providing internships and jobs along with the mentoring and hands-on involvement of its employee ambassadors.”

Students commit to a nine-month program, which includes earning industry credentials. Afterward, paid internships are provided. Around 85% to 90% of the 26 or 27 students graduated in the past two school years. Cooper said it’s “just the beginning,” as OPPD recognizes the need to retain Nebraska talent of all ages.

OPPD reported continued infrastructure investments; partly, to grow the Highway 50 corridor and on the new Sarpy Transmission Project. Work continues toward OPPD’s goal of 50% renewable energy, via wind energy projects (like Sholes Wind Energy Center); the first community solar program; the Electric Vehicle rebate and income-qualified energy efficiency pilot programs; and LED streetlight conversion.

refinance to a 10- or 15-year mortgage.

While your monthly payments will be higher, you’ll pay off the loan in a fraction of the time (depending on how far you’re into repaying your current mortgage). Unless you can nab a lower interest rate for a shorter-term loan, though, refinancing won’t make sense, Barrenblatt says.

2. Reconfigure your payments for a shorter term — without refinancing To tackle your mortgage in less time, ask your lender to help you figure out what the monthly payment would be at your current loan’s interest rate for various timeframes. Or you can use Bankrate’s mortgage payoff calculator to run the numbers for yourself.

Before you make extra payments, ensure your lender doesn’t charge a prepayment penalty for paying the loan off early, says Ngo. You also want to earmark extra payments to go toward principal only. Ask your lender what their specific process is for applying extra payments toward principal, Ngo says. Check your mortgage statements to make sure principal payments are applied properly, too.

3. Pay a little more each month or one extra payment each year If you’re looking to chip away at your mortgage at a more gradual pace, pay a little extra each month or make one extra monthly payment each year. Again, you’ll want to follow your lender’s process for making principal-only payments.

4. Make lump-sum payments Applying a lump-sum payment toward your principal balance when you come into extra cash — a bonus at work, tax refund or Continued on next page.

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

13

Here’s why your internet may be delivered by a drone someday soon

by Samantha Masunaga

As the pilotless flying wing came in for a landing, winds suddenly picked up. Facebook Inc.’s Aquila drone — powered by the sun and wider than a Boeing 737 jetliner — struggled to adjust. Just before landing, part of the right wing Technology broke off.

That inaugural 2016 flight proved an inauspicious beginning for Facebook’s foray into internet-beaming drones, but perhaps a fitting one. Two years later, the company pulled the plug on developing its own aircraft.

Since then, companies such as Amazon. com Inc. and SpaceX have placed big bets on providing internet service around the world with thousands of small satellites. SpaceX’s plans are set to jump forward Thursday with a launch of 60 internet-beaming satellites.

But don’t count out solar-powered, high-altitude drones — or giant balloons.

Advances in solar-cell and battery technology have made those technologies more feasible. Last month, Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp. said it would partner with California drone maker AeroVironment Inc. to build a drone capable of flying to the stratosphere, hovering around an area for months and serving as a floating cell tower to beam internet to users on Earth.

Airbus and Boeing Co. are also working on their own versions of high-flying, solar-powered drones.

Driving these and other projects is the promise of 5G connectivity. That fifth-generation cellular technology, which is just rolling out, will increase download speeds

dramatically. And proponents say its reliability should enable services such as self-driving cars and remote medicine.

Connecting remote users would enhance the market potential even more, said John Robbins, an associate professor of aeronautical science and coordinator of the unmanned aerial systems program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Increasing that footprint where people are able to access that information is extremely important,” he said. “This is one way to do it.”

The attraction of drones and balloons is they could cost much less than building cell towers in remote areas. And their location, closer to Earth than satellites, could offer faster response times, said Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, a telecommunications consulting and research firm in Menlo Park.

Industry experts estimate only 10% to 20% of the Earth’s land area is covered by terrestrial cell towers. Mobile operators are interested in providing continuous service across the globe, particularly in light of the coverage needed for advanced, 5G applications. Drones could also be used in emergency situations in which cell towers have been destroyed or taken offline.

“If you could broadcast internet to remote areas for extended periods of time, that would be a very desirable capability to have,” said Arthur Holland Michel, co-director of the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College in New York. “You could connect a lot of users, bolster your bottom line pretty significantly. The problem is that it is a phe-

nomenally complex technical challenge.”

Over the years, several companies have wrestled with that challenge of keeping a pilotless plane aloft for long periods.

In the 1990s, NASA formed an alliance with firms such as AeroVironment, Aurora Flight Sciences (which was acquired by Boeing in 2017), Mojave-based Scaled Composites (bought by Northrop Grumman Corp. in 2007) and San Diego-based General Atomics to develop technology that could be used in drones that carried out science and environmental missions at high altitudes.

The result was several solar/electric-powered prototypes, including a modification to a drone AeroVironment had initially built for a classified program that became the Pathfinder Plus. On a test flight, that plane reached an altitude of 80,201 feet. The company developed other high-flying drone prototypes, such as the Helios, which reached 96,863 feet during a 2001 test.

At the time, however, the limitations of solar-cell efficiency and cost and efficiency of battery storage made those planes less than commercially viable, said Wahid Nawabi, chief executive of AeroVironment.

More recently, high-profile drone efforts by tech giants Facebook and Google parent Alphabet fizzled out for similar reasons.

Last year, after Facebook nixed its own internet-beaming drone design — a spokesperson declined to say how much the company spent on the initiative — it choose to work with Airbus and other partners.

After Alphabet shut down its own solar broadband-drone project, it switched its focus to balloons. Its Loon subsidiary

doesn’t release financial data. No money is flowing between the company and Mayo, though, said Lacey Hunter, a spokeswoman for Premise Health.

“When a member engages with Premise, that engagement falls under the contract with the client,” Hunter said in an e-mail response to questions. “When a member engages with Mayo, that engagement likely falls under the client health plan and is paid out as one would normally if they were visiting any specialist or hospital.”

In a news release, Dr. David Hayes of the Mayo Clinic said: “We look forward to working closely together to deliver seamless experiences, improve outcomes and enhance care.”

More health systems have been working with employers to launch on-site clinics in recent years.

Bloomington-based HealthPartners opened its first Well@Work center in 2006, and last year was operating 16 on-site clinics for more than 65,000 employees in Minnesota. Last year, Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services launched a portfolio of workplace health and wellness services including on-site clinics.

Premise Health says about 90% of its 600 wellness centers are located at work sites, with the remainder located in communities close to where employees live. Premise Health operates centers in 44 states, with more than 15 locations in Minnesota, said Hunter, the company spokeswoman.

Mayo and Premise Health describe their relationship as a “centers of excellence” agreement. Those programs typically steer pa-

tients from across the country to a select group of hospitals for certain medical services.

Mayo says it currently has a centers of excellence program with retail giant Walmart, and has other relationships in development.

Historically, health insurers have been directly involved in promoting the centers of excellence idea, with Minnetonka-based UnitedHealthcare first launching a program in the 1980s. In 2015, Minnetonka-based Medica announced it would provide travel benefits to new subscribers in Iowa and Nebraska for treatment of a few complex conditions at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Mayo seeking patients from on-site workplace health centers

by Christopher Snowbeck

Mayo Clinic will start taking referrals for specialty care from a company that runs onsite clinics for employers, the latest example of a Minnesota-based health system sizing up the market for patients who get health care in the workplace.

Health care With the new agreement, Rochester-based Mayo Clinic will offer services to patients with costly and risky conditions who initially were seen at clinics run by Tennessee-based Premise Health. Employers hire Premise Health to operate on-site wellness centers — destinations in the workplace that offer a combination of primary care, pharmacy, occupational health and wellness services.

Premise Health is a private company that

Experts weigh in Continued from preceding page. a sizable inheritance payout — can shave off time from your mortgage.

The downside to this strategy is that it can make it harder to pinpoint your payoff date. But if paying off your mortgage early is a top goal and you’ve met other obligations, putting it right toward your principal instead of leaving it in a checking or savings account where you might be tempted to spend it will keep your early payoff goal on track.

Visit Bankrate online at http://www. bankrate.com. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

uses massive balloons floating 65,000 feet up to beam internet signals. Alphabet told Bloomberg that the “economics and technical feasibility” of Loon was a “much more promising way to connect rural and remote parts of the world.”

Loon’s tennis court-sized balloons have already flown more than 18 million miles and were used in Puerto Rico for six months after Hurricane Maria in 2017. The typical balloon stays up for about 150 days, though the goal is to reach an average lifespan of 300 days, a Loon official said during a joint news conference with SoftBank last month.

Last month, the SoftBank and AeroVironment joint venture HAPSMobile said it would form a “strategic relationship” with Loon that came with a $125-million investment from HAPSMobile.

Drones could be easier to control and direct than balloons, analysts said.

Improvements in energy-carrying capacity and costs of solar cells and batteries can be seen in AeroVironment’s latest drone, the Hawk30. Rolled out a month ago, the Hawk30 has a wingspan of 256 feet and 10 propellers along the edge. It is capable of providing coverage for a radius of about 124 miles while staying aloft continuously for six months, SoftBank said. The longest solar-powered flight with a previous-generation AeroVironment HAPS drone was for 18 hours in 2001.

The Hawk30 will collect power from the sun during the day and draw off its batteries at night, a SoftBank executive said in a translated presentation late last month.

AeroVironment declined to say whether the Hawk30 drone has made a first flight, or what its timeline is for making such a flight, citing competitive reasons.

But the fundamental challenge in making those systems work is to balance aircraft weight, endurance and power consumption.

“I think there’s a lot of promise for those aircraft,” Robbins said. “It’s just something that’s dependent on the state of technology today.”

Holland Michel was more cautious. SoftBank, after all, has also invested in OneWeb, which is developing a broadband satellite constellation.

“It really is anyone’s guess whether this is the time that they’ll actually crack the code,” he said. ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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14

• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

James Blaine paid a steep price for his bigotry, but children shouldn’t have to Republican James G. Blaine (1830-1893) was a House speaker, senator and two-time secretary of state, but he is remembered, if at all, for this doggerel: “Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine/the continental liar from the state of Maine.” His lasting legacy, however, is even more disreputable eorge than his involvement in unsavory business deals while in elective ill office: the Blaine Amendments that have been in 37 state constitutions.

Soon, the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear an appeal from Montana’s high court.

Accepting the Montana case would enable the Supreme Court to end the conflict among federal circuit courts of appeal and state courts of last resort.

In the 19th century’s second half, fear and loathing of Catholic immigrants were ubiquitous and forthright. In 1854, Massachusetts’s governor and all but three members of the legislature

were members of the anti-Catholic Know-Nothing party, and the legislature’s Nunnery Committee searched for underground dungeons in convents. Protestantism was effectively a semi-established religion, widely taught in public schools with hymn singing and readings from the King Opinion James version of the Bible. And many states enacted constitutional provisions such as Montana’s, adopted in 1889 and readopted in the 1972 constitution: There shall be no “direct or indirect appropriation or payment” of public monies “for any sectarian purpose” or to aid any institution “controlled in whole or in part by any church, sect, or denomination.”

In 2015, in order “to provide parental and student choice in education” from grades K-12, Montana’s lawmakers enacted legislation providing a small tax credit of up to $150 for individuals and businesses donating to private, nonprofit scholarship organizations that award scholarships for children to attend private schools, a program similar to those in 18 states. However,

After spending much time and energy as a candidate and president descrying immigration, Donald Trump now wants Americans to believe immigrants are good for our country. Recently, the president touted a new immigration plan put together by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, a man inda with little experience on the issue, and his adviser Stephen Miller, who havez has plenty of experience, albeit of a particularly nasty, xenophobic variety. The plan, which has yet to be formalized into proposed legislation, would dramatically change the way immigrants could gain entry to the United States, moving away from a policy that awarded preference to newcomers who already had family ties with individuals living here to one that would rely on a narrowly defined merit system. The effect would be to keep out most Latino and many Asian immigrants, especially those who lack college or advanced degrees. It would also simply ignore the fate of the million or so young people brought to the country illegally as children, the DACA Opinion recipients, as well as the larger population of undocumented immigrants, two-thirds of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade.

Not surprisingly, no one—not even the president’s allies in Congress—is very enthusiastic about this proposal. And the plan is dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled House. In a normal administration, such a plan would have been developed in coordination with at least a handful of senators and representatives, who could be expected to shepherd legislation through Congress. But this administration doesn’t do things normally and would rather put on a show that wins the president applause from his base than actually get something done. Nonetheless, the exercise does initiate a discussion that needs exploring. How should we allocate visas that allow people to come to the United States to live and work?

Modern immigration policy, which began in 1965 with the Immigration and Nationality Act, has used ties to U.S.-based family members as the primary mechanism to allot permanent resident status. Of the approximately 1 million people who receive permanent status each year—which allows them to live indefinitely in the U.S., work and after a period of five years, apply to become citizens—nearly 90% were related to someone already here, mostly spouses, parents, children and, in fewer cases, siblings. Many other nations, including Canada, which has a vibrant immigrant policy, prefer a system based on skills, education and, in some instances, wealth, which is the direction that Trump seems to want to follow. There is nothing wrong with a skills-based system per se; the devil is in the details of the Trump plan.

If Trump’s plan were enacted as proposed, we’d offer resident status to many more scientists, engineers and mathematicians, especially if they were from countries like Norway—which the president has bemoaned sends too few immigrants to America.

But unless we expected those highly skilled people to take jobs milking cows, picking crops, cleaning buildings and processing chickens, many of the industries that most need workers would still face labor shortages. And of course, the primary reason we have few immigrants from Norway and other northern European

countries is that people who live in those places are quite content to stay there and enjoy, in some cases, a higher standard of living— not to mention free health care and higher education—than we do.

But the fallacious assumptions of the Trump plan shouldn’t discourage those interested in an immigration policy that benefits the U.S. economy from considering alternatives that still emphasize skills. There is nothing wrong with wanting those who come here to have skills that allow them to get jobs quickly and to move up the economic ladder the longer they are here. Nor is it wrong to suggest that learning at least some English before immigrating is a good thing that will enhance job opportunities even for lower-skilled immigrants. Nor is there anything inherently wrong with suggesting that those who want to settle here permanently should know something about American history or civics. As long as we make available what we expect prospective immigrants to know when they apply to come here and we administer tests fairly and uniformly, testing as part of a visa application could produce more immigrants who will succeed here.

The problem with the administration’s proposals is that they appear designed to exclude immigrants from certain countries, not attract immigrants we actually need, including those who have less formal education but a strong work ethic and motivation. Reluctantly, Trump and company are now realizing that we need immigrants to the United States. The country isn’t “full,” as the president suggested just weeks ago. News that American birthrates fell to a 32-year low last year suggests that our economic future is imperiled by an aging workforce that will stifle economic growth. Rethinking immigration policy is the right thing to do.

Now it’s up to Congress to carry on the job with a better plan than the president offers.

Copyright 2019 Creators.com

G W

Even Trump now realizes we need immigrants L C

Montana’s Department of Revenue quickly issued a rule forbidding recipients from using their scholarships at religious schools.

The department said this was required by the Blaine Amendment quoted above. Montana’s Supreme Court has upheld this rule, which cripples an organization called Big Sky Scholarships.

This organization formed to receive and distribute funding targeted exclusively to families who are low-income or have children with disabilities. One of the petitioners seeking a U.S. Supreme Court hearing is Kendra Espinoza, an office assistant and single mother who took a second job, as a janitor, to help pay her two daughters’ tuition at a nondenominational — not a Catholic — school. Without a Big Sky scholarship, her daughters will likely have to leave their school. As might the adopted daughter (from China) of another petitioner, Jeri Anderson.

The petitioners argued in Montana’s Supreme Court that the Blaine Amendment is not applicable to Big Sky Scholarships because it applies only to public funds, not private donations, which are not transformed into public funds merely because they — like most charitable contributions — are incentivized by a provision of the tax code. Furthermore, the money comes to religious schools not as “aid” from a state institution but from parents choosing those schools from a number of options. They also argued that making religious schools ineligible for funds such as Big Sky’s would implicate both the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of the “free exercise” of religion and the “equal protection of the laws.”

For 24 years, lower courts — federal and state — have differed concerning (in the language of the Institute for Justice’s brief on the petitioners’ behalf) “whether the government may bar religious options from otherwise neutral and generally available student-aid programs.” Perhaps the court should not take cognizance of this fact, but the rest of us should: Aggressive secularists, and people bent on defending public education from competition, favor Blaine Amendments.

In a 2000 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court noted that in Blaine Amendments such as Montana’s, “it was an open secret that ‘sectarian’ was code for ‘Catholic.’ ” So, beyond the deceptively bland text of Montana’s Blaine Amendment, the Supreme Court should again recognize the context of its origin — the 19th century’s “pervasive” (the court’s 2000 language) anti-Catholic animus that continues inflicting harm in the 21st century.

Blaine came within 1,047 votes of becoming president when, in 1884, hoping his anti-Catholicism would propel him to victory, he lost New York by that margin to Grover Cleveland. A large multiple of that number of New York’s Irish and other Catholic immigrants had become incensed when a prominent Protestant minister, speaking at a rally in New York City with Blaine present, said the Democratic Party’s antecedents were “rum, Romanism and rebellion.”

Blaine paid a steep price for his bigotry. More than 13 decades later, schoolchildren in Montana and elsewhere should not have to pay for it.

The Washington Post

US infrastructure plays may be rebuilt if Congress can pass new bill

by Erin Arvedlund

Repairing America’s infrastructure may be the one thing Congress can agree on.

So let’s look at different ways investors can take advantage of possible government-sponsored funding for infrastructure, whether through paving roads, building bridges, imposing tolls, dredging rivers, creating logistics, and even operating computer server farms.

Rep. Harley Rouda, D-Calif., said recently that infrastructure may be the only issue on which Republicans and Democrats can come together, appearing on TV Infrastructure with Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Ga.. Both sit on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Look under the hood on these exchange-traded funds and avoid those that have less than $50 million in assets. Tiny funds may not trade very often, which can affect your purchase and sales price in an illiquid market.

Invesco S&P High Income Infrastructure ETF (GHII) has just $58 million in assets, and its holdings are more aligned with utilities and oil and gas. Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF (TOLZ) has $99 million in assets, and also holds financials and industrials.

TOLZ focuses on companies whose assets include airports,

toll roads, ports, communications, electricity distribution, oil and gas storage and transport, and water in developed and emerging markets. Companies must derive more than 70% of their cash flows from infrastructure assets, and are excluded if they supply services such as construction and engineering to the infrastructure industry.

Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) and iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) derive significant revenue from within the United States. IFRA, for example, is a nuts-andbolts type of portfolio, holding engineering and consulting firm NV5 Global, the Cadiz water utility, and Global Brass & Copper Holdings.

Many of these may have risen in price already. SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) and iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) rallied in advance of a possible infrastructure deal.

PAVE spiked in price earlier this year when President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats agreed to spend $2 trillion to improve infrastructure. PAVE holds companies such as Vulcan Materials, the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads, Eaton Corp., Martin Marietta Materials, and Fastenal Co. “Politics aside, demand for infrastructure investment is driven by several factors, including demographic trends, depreciation of existing infrastructure, environmental risks, changing preferences, Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

15

Black unemployment is rising again, undermining a Trump boast on economic growth

by Michael Hiltzik

One aspect of American life that President Trump never tires of taking credit for is economic growth — specifically, job growth.

So you won’t hear him pointing out the disturbing discrepancy in the employment figures between white and Economy black workers.

Economists and economic commentators have started to notice however, because it’s hard to miss.

Over the last several months, as the white unemployment rate has continued to trend lower, the black unemployment rate suddenly has turned higher.

That knocks one of Trump’s economic talking points for a loop. In January 2018, he hared off after a critic, the rapper Jay-Z, on Twitter, boasting that he was creating an economic nirvana for African-Americans.

“Somebody please inform Jay-Z that because of my policies, Black Unemployment has just been reported to be at the LOWEST RATE EVER RECORDED!” Trump tweeted.

Monthly unemployment readings are notoriously volatile, but the divergence also can be seen in multi-month averages.

The trend contradicts one enduring truism about black and white unemployment rates — that although black unemployment is consistently higher than the statistic for whites, the gap narrows as unemployment falls. In months dating back to late 2018, total unemployment has generally fallen but the black-white gap has widened.

“The employment prospects of Black men may actually be deteriorating even as the overall labor market continues to improve,” progressive economist Dean Baker noted last week.

The gap points to a question that should be raised more consistently: Who does the Trump economy serve? Macroeconomic statistics have been strong, as has the stock market. But the benefits of this economic expansion have been funneled overwhelmingly to the rich. They received most of the tax cut Trump signed in December 2017, and they’ve received tens of billions in payouts from corporations enjoying the tax cut in the form of stock buybacks and dividends.

Meanwhile, the middle- and working-class are about to take the cost of Trump’s trade war in the slats. As my colleague James Peltz reported Monday, tariff-driven price increases will affect apparel, footwear, toys and electronics, creating yet another tax on average consumers.

It’s also possible that the recent reversal is short-lived, and that black unemployment soon will continue its longer-term decline.

As it happens, the reasons for the uptick in black unemployment are hard to pinpoint. It doesn’t appear to result from a surge of black workers into the job market, a phenomenon that can push

US infrastructure plays

Continued from preceding page. and advances in technology,” notes ETF ThinkTank.com, a blog covering exchange-traded funds. Accordingly, watch for near- and long-term catalysts to fuel demand for modernization.

In practice, you can bypass ETFs and consider underlying stocks, such as Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD), which reported a strong first quarter. The company is the largest dredging concern in the U.S. Or there are subsectors of infrastructure, such as defense contractor and engineering ETFs like iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) and Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS). The latter is heavily weighted towards Boeing, its largest holding at 7% of the portfolio, along with railroads and blue chips such as 3M Co., Honeywell International, and United Technologies Corp.

Fidelity’s version of an industrials ETF, Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU), holds extremely similar companies, as does the iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI).

There are even ETFs that track sectors affected by legislation.

EventShares U.S. Policy Alpha Fund (PLCY) invests in market segments impacted by U.S. government policy and regulation.

Finally, consider research into computer servers, cell towers, and other key data and communications infrastructure. That is the thesis underlying tiny fund SRVR, the Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF. We’re not recommending purchase or sale of any of these — this is merely a starting point to do research into infrastructure plays that may benefit from congressional help. ©2019 Philly.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

the unemployment rate temporarily higher. The black participation rate — the share of eligible workers in the workforce, was 62.5% in October, and 62.5% in April.

Baker conjectures that a lack of enforcement of anti-discrimination laws under the Trump administration may play a role.

“Having a president who seems to think that white men, starting with himself, are the biggest victims in society could be part of the problem,” he wrote. “This may encourage many employers to think that it is okay to discriminate again.”

There’s little question that enforcement has ebbed. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lost its quorum at the end of 2018, and wasn’t restored to functional strength until the confirmation of Republican Janet Dhillon as chair on May 8.

As we’ve reported, the Trump administration has been less than proactive in standing up for workers’ rights; Labor Secretary Alex Acosta has rolled back Obama administration initiatives on overtime pay and enforcement of wage and hour violations at fast food stores and other business. He also has come out against raising the federal minimum wage, which hasn’t been increased in nominal terms since 2009 and peaked in inflation-adjusted terms in 1968.

Under Trump, the National Labor Relations Board has reversed a 2014 NLRB decision that narrowed employers’ ability to declare their workers to be “independent contractors.” That eliminated the affected workers’ rights to unionize and made them more vulnerable to economic abuse by employers.

While those actions affect workers of all races and genders, the narrowing of such rights tends to fall heaviest on lower-wage and minority workers.

That brings us to the numbers. The black unemployment

rate bottomed out in May 2018 at 5.9%, ratcheted back up to as high as 6.6% in July, then fell again to 6.0% in November.

Since then it has been rising again, reaching 7.0% in February before settling back to 6.7% in March and April, the latest months on record.

During this period the white rate has trended down fairly consistently, going from 3.4% in November to 3.1% in April.

Smoothing out the statistics with a moving three-month average shows the trend more distinctly. The black rate bottomed out at 6.1% in September-November 2018, but shot up to 6.8% in December 2018-February 2019. It has remained there for the next two three-month spans.

As for the black-white unemployment gap, it peaked at 8.5 percentage points in August 2011, when the white rate of 7.9% was beginning to trend downward from its recent peak of 9.2% in October and November of 2009 but the black rate of 16.4% was still on the rise.

The differential fell to 2.4 percentage points in May 2018, but has since widened to 3.6 points.

Trump hasn’t seemed to show much concern about the reversal in the black unemployment rate, but he should. Not only does it undermine his rhetoric, but it may be a hint that his economic expansion rests on a foundation of sand. If employment at the lower end of the wage scale isn’t picking up, the malady may soon spread to higher-paid sectors.

One way or another, the apparent trend shows that government policies are failing a large swath of the population. That’s nothing for Trump to brag about. ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Doris Day Did it Her Way Doris Day, who died this week at age 97, was a revolutionary who did it her way. She was the buttery blond beauty with the tantalizing, silken voice that could light up lyrics with seductive directness. Hard-core feminists hated her for how she did it, and have been trying to bury her image for years. uzanne The leading men in her movies, with a macho come-on baked into ields their characters, never noticed how smoothly she slashed them with her razor-like femininity. Oscar Levant, whose bitter wit was unique in Hollywood, said he "knew Doris Day before she was a virgin."

Her timid bedroom scenes were once considered shocking, but innocent and playful coupling on the screen was quickly vulgarized, politicized or rendered absurd. And the days and nights for romantic comedy, as the critic Wesley Morris observed in The New York Times magazine, were over.

A decade ago, seven of the 50 highest-grossing films in America were romantic comedy, and last year none Opinion were. Gone, too, were ordinary people -- "no capes, no spaceships, no infinite sequels" -trying to figure out how to deal meaningfully with another human being and make it funny.

She never became the icon that male superstar singers of the '50s and '60s, such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, were, but she was up there with her box-office successes, captivating audiences.

Mean-spirited feminists who thought only a conventional rebel with roaring rhetoric could show independence, Doris Day at her best did it with a comedic confidence, a flash of fashion and "a touch of mink." In her book "From Reverence to Rape: The Treatment of Women in the Movies," film critic Molly Haskell infuriated radical feminists in 1974 when she scolded them for their narrow perceptions of Miss Day and other popular female movie stars of an earlier era, by looking through a reductive ideological lens that misses the formidable challenges they surmounted as working women in a different time and place. It's an arrogant mistake most prevalent today, to apply contemporary standards of judgment to sensibilities rooted in the past.

Stereotypical roles for women in those old movies were often brilliantly stretched by stars with illuminating talent who infused them with comic nuance, making a recessive role sparkle with song and dance, enhanced by charismatic acting.

Camille Paglia, the iconoclastic cultural critic not known for expressing humility, concedes that she once viewed Doris Day and Debbie Reynolds darkly as a reflection of "ruthless tyrants of

S F

an ossified WASP establishment." On reflection, she has grown, like lots of us, to respect their spunk, professionalism and craft.

Doris Day, like Lucille Ball, punctured inflated male egos like a hat pin piercing a helium balloon, and audiences male and female loved them for it. Their male co-stars (like certain men in the audience) were too mystified or self-satisfied to understand.

Think Rock Hudson in the movie "Pillow Talk," whose pomposity and pride did not serve him sympathetically until Miss Day, playing a contented career woman who hates him, captivates and captures him.

"Though there's plenty to object to in the representation of women in the male-dominated art form of the 20th century," writes Haskell, "I've increasingly come to look for and cherish the heroic or contrary images of women that go against the grain of oppression, either slipping cunningly through the cracks of a patriarchal world order or defying it outright."

Day's persona was so threatening to men of her era that they hid behind stereotypical satirical slurs, as in Oscar Levant's famous quip. In her good nature off screen, the actress acknowledged that she suffered from the "virgy" image, noting that it was a fantasy of others, not hers. She was a stand-up friend of Rock Hudson when he was dying of AIDS. When he joined her for a taping of her television show, "Doris Day's Best Friends," he had not publicly revealed that he was suffering from AIDS, and his gaunt, emaciated figure was a revelation. She didn't sacrifice authentic friendship for image and gave him a heartfelt hug.

Rock Hudson and Doris Day had joked that they thought "Pillow Talk," with its split screen and risque suggestiveness, depicting them both in bed, would ruin their careers. But the movie brought her an Academy Award nomination, and together they saw the times were "a changin'."

Although she is remembered mainly for her romantic comedies, in "Love Me or Leave Me," one of her best roles, she plays the singer Ruth Etting, a woman abused by her husband-manager, portrayed by James Cagney. Her performance was especially powerful, perhaps because she had experienced real-life violence in her first marriage. A poor choice in husbands may explain why she left the movies to establish a foundation to rescue animals. "The more I study human beings," she said, "the more I love animals."

R.I.P. Write to Suzanne Fields at suzannefields2000@gmail.com.

Suzanne Fields is currently working on a book that will revisit John Milton's "Paradise Lost." To find out more about Suzanne Fields and read her past columns, visit the Creators webpage at www.creators.com.

Copyright 2019 Creators.com

16

• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144.

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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.

DONALD HOSFORD, Attorney 1910 South 72nd Street, Suite 207 Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1734 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-524 Estate of VICTOR A. HANSEN, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 16th, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent; and that Curtis Dale Hansen, whose address is 11727 S. 109th St, Papillion, Nebraska 68046, 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 July 10, 2019 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 DEAN F. SUING, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-568 Estate of Sally T. Theiler, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 1st, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Frank Theiler Jr. a/k/a Frank Theiler, 7767 Eaglewood Lane, Arlington, NE 68002 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 July 10, 2019 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION GUINAN MORTGAGE, INC. Notice is hereby given that Guinan Mortgage, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on April 10, 2019 when Articles were filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares.

Patrick J. Sullivan, Incorporator, 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046 Registered Office: 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046-2843 Registered Agent: Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Omaha Integrative Medicine, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omaha Integrative Medicine, LLC, a Nebraska professional limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, designating its registered agent as Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C. with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

The Company was organized for the purpose of engaging in the transaction of any lawful business and the performance of any lawful activities that a limited liability company may engage in under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company shall have perpetual existence unless dissolved in accordance with its Certificate of Organization, its Operating Agreement or the Limited Liability Company Act. Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s Operating Agreement, the affairs of the Company are to be managed by its (members) (managing member).

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of F&A Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is F&A Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of F&A Construction, LLC at 6002 S 37th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Fernando Flores Jimenez.

General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KCH1, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KCH1, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 12015 Jefferson Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The limited liability company commenced business on May 1, 2019.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZTION Notice is hereby given that ALZOLU Properties LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 03/04/2019 with its initial designated agent and office: Edward Hunt, 10320 N 190th Ave, Bennington, NE 68007. The general nature of the business is Property Management. The business shall be Member-Managed.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PACIFIC SOCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Pacific Social, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 900 South 74th Plaza, Suite 303, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on May 3, 2019.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PQOF I, LLC The name of the Company is PQOF I, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1127 Park Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. 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 May 1 2019.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Midwest Premier Academy, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the Company is 18626 Holmes Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent of the Company is David Hawkins, 18626 Holmes Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Company was formed on May 6, 2019.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DR. EMILY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is Dr. Emily, LLC. The address of the designated office is 4611 S. 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68127 and the initial registered agent is Emily R. Campbell, PsyD, 17110 I Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State on April 29, 2019, and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in an initial board of one manager who shall serve until successors are appointed or elected.

Emily R. Campbell, PsyD, Registered Agent First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of Heiden Custom Homes, Ultd., LLC. Notice of Organization is hereby given that Heiden Custom Homes Ultd., LLC has been organized in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska, commencing 4/10/19. The designated office address is 6411 S 157th St, Omaha, NE 68135 and the assigned officer is Leigh Heiden.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TYRON T TURNER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/11/2019 on Case Number CI19-1272, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $2,673.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 07/01/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), CODEY D SKILES You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 02/06/2019 on Case Number CI19-4484, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1684.10, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 07/01/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given of the company of JZM PROPERTIES, LLC, with its registered office address at 126 East Grove, West Point, Nebraska 68788 and its principal office location being 11427 Spaulding Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68164. The purpose or purposes for which this company is formed is to own, manage, lease, and deal with real property in this State or any other and to conduct all related activities thereto. The Company will conduct any other matter(s) including the transaction of all or any lawful business and will engage in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended, and all other applicable Nebraska law. The initial capital of the Company has been contributed and evidence of membership in the Company will be issued by the Management Board.

The Company commenced doing business on April 29, 2019, 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.

DATED the 29th day of April, 2019.

Russell J. Kreikemeier First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CARNAHAN PEDIATRIC THERAPY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Carnahan Pediatric Therapy, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska to provide occupational, physical, and speech therapy services and to engage in any and all other lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 15541 Hamilton Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Daniel R. Carnahan, 15541 Hamilton Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: JORGE ZEPEDA-CAMPOS, 1522 1/2 B Street, Omaha NE 68108, you are hereby notified that on March 26, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6846, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $10,520.64, 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 24th day of June, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 3, 2019, final May 24, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: CRYSTAL L. JURA, 2547 Y Street, Omaha NE 68107, you are hereby notified that on February 18, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-3962, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $8,468.71, 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 24th day of June, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 3, 2019, final May 24, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Expert Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Expert Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Expert Construction, LLC at 4251 J Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Floridalma J Herrera & Rafael Andrade Vargas. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ALLISON THE RED HEADED STYLIST, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ALLISON THE RED HEADED STYLIST, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 812 North 88th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent is ALLISON OETTER. The general nature of the business is to operate a general hair styling business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general hair styling business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on April 1, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PAUL JOHNSON ELECTRIC, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PAUL JOHNSON ELECTRIC, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 2349 South 34th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The registered agent is PAUL J. JOHNSON. The general nature of the business is to operate a general electrician business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general electrician business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on April 1, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROCKBRICK CHIMNEYS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rockbrick Chimneys LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14010 Camden Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Registered Agent of the Company is Breyton T. Pool, 14010 Camden Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The limited liability company commenced business on April 29th, 2019 First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT OF K9 CUISINE HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nature Hills Nursery, Inc., a Nebraska Corporation, has filed Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation changing the name of the corporation to K9 Cuisine Holdings, Inc. on April 10, 2019. Its designated office remains 707 South 152nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. Its registered agent for service of process is Jeffrey Dinslage, with an address at 707 South 152nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

Ronald L. Eggers, Organizer, 1500 Omaha Tower, 2120 South 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Ethnic Sandwich Shop Name of Applicant: CJ's Cafe Inc. Address: 1438 S 13th Street, Omaha NE 68108 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 06/29/2018 (purchased business) General nature of business: Take out restaurant CARYL J FISHER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Escoperez Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Escoperez Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Escoperez Construction, LLC at 2802 S 50th Street, Omaha, NE 68106. Initial members: Juan Escobar Perez.

General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: SAMANTHA L. ORBAN, 5914 Fay Blvd Omaha NE 68117, you are hereby notified that on March 26, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6807, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $10,099.20, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 8th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: BELINDA J. CALLOWAY, 3131 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha NE 68131, you are hereby notified that on February 18, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-3960, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $5,866.54, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 8th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE ORGANIZATION OF SENSEOLOGY USA, LLC Notice is hereby given that that a Nebraska limited liability company has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Senseology USA, LLC (the “Company”).

2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 4747 Pioneers Blvd, Suite 10J, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

3. The street and mailing address of the Company’s registered office in Nebraska is 4611 South 96th Street, Suite 234, Omaha, Nebraska 68127, and the name of the Company’s registered agent is David D. Begley.

4. The company was organized and commenced on May 3, 2019, and its duration is perpetual.

Senseology USA, LLC David D. Begley (Bar #16795) Elder Law and Estate Planning of Nebraska, David D. Begley, P.C., L.L.O., 4611 South 96th Street, Suite 234, Omaha, Nebraska First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DONALD HOSFORD, Attorney 1910 South 72nd Street, Suite 207 Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1734 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-524 Estate of VICTOR A. HANSEN, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 9th, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Curtis Dale Hansen, whose address is 11727 S. 109th St, Papillion, Nebraska 68046, 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 July 17, 2019 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Clerk First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: KAMI YALE You are hereby notified that on 12/10/18, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI18 25732. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 315.34, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable.

The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 06/30/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska.

Megan L. Bischoff #25206 P.O. Box 1512, Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

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BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F I N C R E D I M A S T E R ENTERPRISES LLC Notice is hereby given that IncrediMaster Enterprises LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 3617 South 91st Street, Omaha NE 68124, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Megan Harris.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 NOTICE PARTIAL TERMINATION OF NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT Notice is hereby given that a Partial Termination of Notice of Commencement was recorded with the Douglas County Register of Deeds on May 6, 2019, as Instrument No. 2019029867 terminating the Notice of Commencement recorded with the Douglas County Register of Deeds on June 7, 2018 as Instrument No. 2018043660 against the real property legally described as follows: Real Estate: Lot Two (2), Wycliffe Replat 5, an addition to the City of Omaha, in Douglas County, Nebraska.

The Partial Termination of Notice of Commencement was filed by the contracting owner, Lifegate Church, a Nebraska non-profit corporation also known as Lifegate Church, a Nebraska corporation, formerly known as Trinity Church Interdenominational and formerly known as Word of Life of Omaha, Inc, whose address is 15555 West Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68154.

The contracting owner is the fee simple owner of the above-described property. The Partial Notice of Commencement is terminated as of June 10, 2019.

All lien claims for which a notice of lien is not recorded by the termination date may be defeated by a transfer of the real estate.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Hills of Glory, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Hills of Glory, LLC. Registered agent and office of Nazaret Llanas Pereyra at 5312 S 86th Ct. Apt. 10, Omaha, NE 68127. Initial members: Nazaret Llanas Pereyra and Caila Damaris Llanas. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on December 2018 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Ethnic Sandwich Shop Name of Applicant: CJ's Cafe Inc. Address: 1438 S 13th Street, Omaha NE 68108 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 06/29/2018 (purchased business) General nature of business: Take out restaurant CARYL J FISHER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF PACIFIC SOCIAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Pacific Social, LLC has been amended to change the name of the entity to: Social 192 LLC. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 9, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TEN-SQUARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ten-Square, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 503 South 36th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on May 13, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Name: Sage’s Spins and Productions, LLC Date of Organization: May 10, 2019 State of Organization: Nebraska Registered Agent: Austin P.W. Sage Registered Office: 4215 N. 66th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Duration: Perpetual Capital Contribution: $5,000.00 First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SITE DEVELOPMENT LEASE SIX, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Site Development Lease Six, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR POINTE 4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Pointe HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on April 19, 2019. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WYSEDOM, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Wysedom, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is Wysedom, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 21740 Hascall Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC 2. The period of duration for BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC is perpetual.

3. BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC in Nebraska is 13522 Cottner Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC in Nebraska is Eugene Branch, 13522 Cottner Street, Omaha NE 68137.

6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

7. Eugene Branch, organizer(s) of BERNIES ORIGINAL PIZZA LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 25th day of April, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WFV, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of WFV, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is WFV, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRENTWOOD SQUARE PLAZA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brentwood Square Plaza, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Frank R. Krejci, 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on May 1, 2019.

First publication May 10, 2019, final May 24, 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROBIDOUX PASS HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Robidoux Pass Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on May 3, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FATBIRD PROPERTIES, 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 Fatbird Properties, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 19, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: JAMES A MINOR, 2420 Camden Ave, Omaha NE 68111, you are hereby notified that on January 3, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-194, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $6,692.15, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 8th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JBA LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of JBA LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is JBA LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10855 West Dodge Road, Suite 270, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: CHRISTIANA CREIGHTON, 8730 Hamilton Street, Omaha NE 68114, you are hereby notified that on February 4, 2019, THE HERTZ CORPORATION filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-2835, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $5,063.54, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 8th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019

GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF JARDEE MECHANICAL, INC. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act, the Articles of Incorporation of Jardee Mechanical, Inc. (the “Corporation”), have been amended in the following respects: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide as follows: The name of the corporation shall be MLJ Now, Inc. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska on May 7, 2019. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

JESSICA E. THOMAS, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE COLINA, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of THE COLINA, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is THE COLINA, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 8204 North 28th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Jessica E. Thomas, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Radix Group, LLC has been amended to change the name of the limited liability company to Haavn Group, LLC. First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP II AURORA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP II Aurora, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Gretna Greens, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 3363 S. 220th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022.

The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on May 13, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 PHILLIP A. BELIN, Attorney BELIN LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O. 12341 Westover Road Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KINNAN PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTING, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the registered office of the company is 101 Enterprise Drive, Gretna, NE 68028. The agent at such office is Shannon Kinnan. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on March 11, 2019, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 PHILLIP A. BELIN, Attorney BELIN LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O. 12341 Westover Road Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that FLATWATER INSURANCE CO., LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the registered office of the company is 10410 South 144th Street, Suite 2A, Omaha, NE 68138. The agent at such office is Brandon Kinnan. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on April 30, 2019, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF MONSTER INK LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is MONSTERS INK LLC 2. The period of duration for MONSTERS INK LLC is perpetual.

3. MONSTERS INK LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for MONSTERS INK LLC in Nebraska is 3020 N 102nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for MONSTERS INK LLC in Nebraska is Taylor Heller, 3020 N 102nd Street, Omaha NE 68134.

6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

7. Taylor Heller, organizer(s) of MONSTERS INK LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 24th day of April, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), LARRY BRANT You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 02/18/2019 on Case Number CI19-4480, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1190.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 07/07/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Purposeful Priorities LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 2715 N 189th St, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 and with Rachelle Swanson as its initial agent for service of process at such address.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GLAD HOTEL DEVELOPERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Glad Hotel Developers, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11550 “I” Street Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is John Hughes, 11550 “I” Street Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JM Coaching, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of JM Coaching, LLC is 6714 N 60th St. Omaha, Ne 68152.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 SUNSET MEDIA LLC 621 N 48TH ST #1 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68132 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Sunset Media, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 621 N. 48TH ST #1 Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on April 11, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Rowley Consulting, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 4718 N 108th Cir Omaha, NE 68164. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Laura Rowley, 4718 N 108th Circle Omaha, NE 68164. The nature of the company is social emotional learning instruction and coaching.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Trustegic Insurance Notice is hereby given that Trustegic Insurance, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as Cyrus Jaffery, and with its initial designated office at 4910 N 136th Street, Omaha, NE 68164.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF GCP II HQ, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of GCP II HQ, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the company to GCP II CWG HQ, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 9, 2019.

First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MWCDE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MWCDE, 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 National Registered Agents, Inc., 5601 South 59th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. The limited liability company commenced business on May 15, 2019.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOCIAL HOLDINGS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Social Holdings LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 900 South 74th Plaza, Suite 303, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on May 14, 2019.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AMBER CROWN NATURALS, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that AMBER CROWN NATURALS, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office located at 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 14, 2019, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member.

Frederick D. Stehlik, Organizer First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SQUARE ONE FINISHES, 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 Square One Finishes, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 4729 S. 47th Street, Omaha, NE 68117.

John Menichetti, Member First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that MAXMARY Properties, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on May 15, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is STERKEL PROPERTIES, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 11825 Skylark Drive, Omaha, NE 68144.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on April 18, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is B. HANSEN PLATTE RIVER PROPERTIES, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 13802 Biel Dike Road, Gretna, NE 68025.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on April 18, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is B. HANSEN MUFFLER SHOP, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 4841 South 137th Street, Omaha, NE 68137.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on April 18, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019

19

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TETRA HOLDINGS COMPANY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tetra Holdings Company, 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 3900 Old Cheney Road, Suite 201, #104, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516 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 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF JULIE HOCKNEY DESIGNER, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of Julie Hockney Designer, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were amended and restated on May 21, 2019, in their entirety as follows: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation is Julie Hockney Designer, Inc. Article 2 states the registered agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

Article 3 states the purpose.

Article 4 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 per share.

Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws.

Article 7 states that provisions relating to director liability.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Daniel's Lawn Service, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Daniel's Lawn Service, LLC. Registered agent and office of Daniel's Lawn Service, LLCat 6038 S 38th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Daniel Altamirano Valladares. General nature of the business is the general law service and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Chameleon's Pro Remodeling, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Chameleon's Pro Remodeling, LLC. Registered agent and office of Chameleon's Pro Remodeling, LLC at 2511 N 18th Street, Omaha, NE 68110. Initial members: Mariana I Guerra. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIXIE LAND AND CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dixie Land and Consulting, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 431 North 62nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on May 15, 2019.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KRC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KRC, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 825 North 90th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE GROUP DPC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Group DPC, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 825 North 90th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019

20

• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOIL AND WATER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Soil and Water, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2059 N. 61st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SNELLMAN, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Snellman, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 17514 Renfro Street, Omaha, NE 68135.

The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lisabet Snellman Alexander, 17514 Renfro Street, Omaha, NE 68135.

Snellman, LLC was converted from Snellman Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership.

The conversion of Snellman Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership, to Snellman, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, was approved by the sole General Partner and all of the Limited Partners and complied with the governing laws of the State of Connecticut.

SNELLMAN, LLC By: Elizabeth A. Sevcik First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Sam 1, Inc., whose registered agent is Ghassan Aboied and registered office is 6922 Spring Street, #211, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, was formed on May 16, 2019 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock.

Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Epoxy On, Inc., whose registered agent is Whitmore Law Office, LLC and registered office is 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, was formed on May 14, 2019 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock.

Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NKC CAFFEINE OPPORTUNITY ZONE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NKC Caffeine Opportunity Zone, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Andrew A. Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RKMM LLC Notice is hereby given that RKMM 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 17007 Marcy St., St. 3, Omaha, NE 68118. 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 May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: MICHELLE RECKINGER, 5453 S. 50th St, Omaha NE 68117, you are hereby notified that on April 11, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-8044, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $2,595.80, 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 15th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 14, 2019

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FLYING D ENTERPRISES, INC. Notice is hereby given of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Flying D Enterprises, Inc. as follows: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide that the name of the Corporation shall be Orion Equipment, Inc. The Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska on May 17, 2019. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: ANDREA S. ARON, 2705 North 45th Street, Omaha NE 68104, you are hereby notified that on April 2, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-7322, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $14,638.67, 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 15th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 14, 2019 WILLIAM N. BEERMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BLING BY ZING, INC. BLING BY ZING, INC., a Nebraska corporation (the "Corporation"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State with a dissolution date effective April 22, 2019. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets to the Shareholders of the Corporation. Kimberly Nelson, President, will manage the Corporation's affairs and distribute its assets. As of the close of business on April 22, 2019, the Corporation had no liabilities and no assets.

First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRAD PRESTON FLOORS AND MORE, 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 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MIDWEST HEMP GROWERS, 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 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRINT IMAGE SOLUTIONS OF MISSOURI, 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 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Idea Quest LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on May 10, 2019 with its designated agent and office: Mary C. Schrader, 3380 S. 127th Street, Omaha, NE 68144. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws. Business shall be Member-Managed.

First publication May 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Intelligent Building Systems Name of Applicant: Intelligent Buildings, LLC Address: 1210 Limerick Road, Papillion, NE 68046 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: New General nature of business: Any lawful business HOWARD CARSEN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-667 Estate of Norma L. Kemp, a/k/a, Norma E. Kemp, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 19, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased and that Daniel L. Kemp, whose address is 3604 South 94th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68128, has been appointed Personal Representative of this estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 24, 2019 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 24, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE ORIGINAL GARAGE, 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 17, 2019, final May 31, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: The District Tap Name of Applicant: Mark Goldstrom Address: 15823 Burt Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118 Applicant is an Individual 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: All lawful business permitted MARK GOLSTROM Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Flying D Enterprises Name of Applicant: Orion Equipment, Inc. Address: 912 South 131st Avenue Omaha Nebraska 68154 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: March 26, 2019 General nature of business: Assembly and sale of food processing equipment KEVIN DANNEHL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CLOUT ENTERPRISES Name of Applicant: AKOUGH TECHNOLOGIES LLC Address: 5421 N. 103rd ST., STE 406 OMAHA NE 68134 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 05/17/2019 General nature of business: LOGISTICS CHRISTOPHER O. ESTWICK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 24, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

21

Get ready for Gen Z, employers. First hint: They’re not millennials

by Lorraine Mirabella

When AT&T recruiters compete for young talent on college campuses, they want to show how the old telephone company has become a modern media firm. So they let students wear high-tech goggles and take a “virtual reality” walk through a typical Workplace day on the job. The employer also uses video interviews, texts and Snapchat to connects with potential young hires.

“With Gen Z … we have to show them rather than just talking about it,” said Michelle Jordan, an assistant vice president of HR development and college recruiting.

Move over. millennials. The next generation is just starting to make its way into the workforce, and employers are taking note.

The first wave of Generation Z, those born after 1996 and more than 60 million strong, will start moving from college to career this year. These newest workers come from the first post-9/11 generation, one that’s grown up with social media and smartphones, watched their parents go through the housing bust and a deep recession, and come of age amid political polarization and soaring college debt. It’s little wonder they’re pegged as anxiety-ridden, but experts say they’re also independent, pragmatic and super-connected.

Gen Zers are expected to make their presence known in the workplace, distinguishing themselves in multiple ways from millennials, those roughly in their mid-20s to late 30s.

That older group, born from 1981 to 1996, now makes up the largest chunk of the labor force, having surpassed Generation X and baby boomers, according to Pew Research Center analysis. By next year, though, members of Gen Z are expected to account for a fifth of the workforce. And those workers will have a different outlook on the world.

“They grew up in a dramatically different era,” said Roger Casey, president of McDaniel College in Westminster and an expert in generational issues. “We’re just beginning to see transitions that are going to make them distinctly different from the younger people in the workforce.”

Gen Z workers will want what everyone else wants, he said, but “they will ask for it. It’s true of millennials, and we will see that even more with this next generation.”

They’re expected to place more emphasis on financial security, flexibility and workplaces that reflect the growing diversity of their

schools and peer groups.

Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a 22-yearold math major who will graduate this month from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, called her generation “vocal.”

“We say what’s on our minds, and we say it loudly, maybe too loudly,” Opoku-Agyeman said. “We’re not keeping our heads down and doing what’s in front of you and if there’s a problem ignore it. No, if it’s a problem, let’s address it.”

The Columbia resident said her age group may appear obsessed with tweets and “likes,” but there’s a flip side in that “we’re able to use the digital space for our benefit.”

To woo young talent, employers are offering flexible career paths, virtual internships and tuition assistance. Increasingly, employers also are tailoring recruitment and training to appeal to a group accustomed to learning from videos and online.

AT&T employees looking for new roles or promotions can earn fast-track “nano” degree certification in areas of company growth such as artificial intelligence or data analytics, or enroll in online master’s degree programs with company help. Ruby Tuesday trains kitchen staff with YouTube-style videos. The U.S. Army has turned to YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to reach new recruits with a hip-hop recruiting video featuring dancing soldiers rapping about the benefits of enlisted life.

For Gen Z, YouTube is not just for fun — video and visual media is the preferred method of learning, said Asha Choksi, vice president of global research and insights for education publishing company Pearson. Studies show about a third of Gen Z members spend four or more hours a day watching videos online, she said.

“This is a generation that has only known the internet through their whole life,” Choksi said. “It’s shaped their view of the world and how they interact with others. … They’re very much self-starters. They know where to find things. Rather than dig through information in a textbook, they’ll go and find it online.”

John Nobriga, a Goucher College senior studying business management, music and theater, expects future employers to give him the resources and freedom to solve problems on his own.

“We don’t always need that guiding hand, because we want to learn how to do it,” Nobriga said. “That’s how you get connected to the company and the job. It’s going to be something you want to do and be more interesting and make

you want to come back every day and work. …

If I think that a job isn’t going to last or that I can’t grow in that job, I probably won’t take it, and my friends are in the same boat.”

After he graduates, Nobriga is thinking about directing a TV talk show a friend is producing or returning to his hometown of San Jose, Calif., to work in a private school’s alumni affairs department. He’s not sure yet where he’ll land.

Gen Zers tend to be more independent than millennials, McDaniel’s Casey said, maybe because they were less likely to have been brought up by the type of “helicopter” parents that shepherded millennials into adulthood.

Research shows they believe more than older generations that sexual orientation is irrelevant. And, because the internet and social media have always been there, they’re more skeptical of it.

“You don’t hear, ‘Facebook will change the way we connect,’ “ Casey said. “Now it’s, ‘What’s Big Brother doing to me?’ “ Psychologist Jean Marie Twenge argues in her book “iGen” that some generational changes have been harmful.

Twenge said today’s preteens and teens have been shaped by smartphones to such an extent that they may stay on their screens at home and be physically safer than adolescents of years past, but that they are unhappier and more vulnerable psychologically, regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds.

As employees, Gen Z will be more likely to question what’s expected of them, Casey said. A group that’s spent years “following” and “liking” is expected to show loyalty to workplace leadership but at the same time be quick to critique that leadership, he said. They’re also more frugal and averse to taking on debt. That could mean less job-hopping than millennials, but more intercompany role-hopping.

“The organizations that figure out how to give this generation different opportunities and keep them happy in that way are going to be much more successful in retaining those workers,” he said.

Job security and flexibility to move within a large company attracted Poojan Shah to a job at Northrop Grumman, where the 21-year-old senior from Frederick will start work this fall.

The mechanical engineering major at UMBC will enter a three-year, entry-level rotational program for recent college grads that will give him experience in three different departments, “then you can pick which department you want

Cargill invests in lab-raised beef company as market for alternative meats heats up

by Kristen Leigh

Cargill Inc., one of the world’s largest beef producers, has invested in another company raising meat in a lab.

The Minnetonka, Minn.-based agribusiness joined others in nearly $12 million funding round for Israeli startup Aleph Trends Farms, which was the first in the world to grow a beef steak from cattle cells this past December.

Cargill’s precise investment wasn’t disclosed.

The firm is positioning itself through investments to capitalize on innovations in meat alternatives and rising consumer interest in them. VisVires New Protein of Singapore led the funding round for Aleph.

This is Cargill’s second investment in a so-called “cultured meat” company. In 2017, it joined the likes of Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Tyson Foods in backing Memphis Meats,

which claims to have produced the world’s first chicken strips from animal cells.

Advocates say cultured meat, also called cell-based or lab-raised meat, is better for the environment and is more humane. The product comes from animals but doesn’t require the same resources to raise and slaughter as traditional meat.

Additionally, Cargill holds a minority stake in Minneapolis-based Puris, one of the nation’s leading providers of pea protein, which are used in a variety of meat and dairy alternative products, from yogurt to coffee creamer. Earlier this month, one of Puris’ largest customers, Beyond Meat, had the best market debut of 2019 with shares more than doubling in value in its first two weeks of trading. Recently, Beyond Meat’s biggest rival, Impossible Foods, raised another $300 million funding.

Cultured meat still represents a small sliver of Cargill’s protein business, the company said

Tuesday, but it recognizes the potential benefit of having a stake in the most innovative technologies.

“Consumer demand for protein continues to be very strong. That means there’s an opportunity for plant and cultured protein growth to complement our traditional animal protein portfolio,” Sonya Roberts, managing director of growth ventures and strategic pricing for Cargill Protein North America, said in a statement. “This partnership connects new frontiers in cell-based technology with insights in the global food system and supply chains to meet future customer and consumer needs.”

Over the same two years, Cargill has spent $1.5 billion of investment in the traditional meat space. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

to work for,” he said.

He applied to other companies that offered similar rotations as well.

“I wanted a lot of flexibility. … I want to explore what I really like and didn’t like,” Shah said. “I think our generation believes that we don’t really want to go into the first thing that gets offered. If we don’t like it, we’re going to look for something different pretty quickly, not just putting our heads down and keep doing it.”

Northrop Grumman expanded the “Pathways” program to all its business divisions several years ago and has found strong interest among college recruits, who like the idea of rotating among different customers, locations and applications, said Phyllis Villani, director of talent mobility for the defense contractor’s Linthicum-based Mission Systems sector.

“The difference with Gen Z is they want the variety,” Villani said. “They are eager to learn and try a variety of experiences so they can learn what their niche is.”

Shah also found the company’s tuition reimbursement program for advanced degrees appealing.

“We know that undergrad is not cutting it anymore,” he said. “We’re going to need a higher degree eventually to go higher up, and tuition is crazy expensive for grad school.”

Nick Moore, a 21-year-old studying history, historic preservation and environmental studies at Goucher College, said finding a job that will help him pay off student loans is a priority. Yet, to get a good-paying job in his interest area of historic preservation, working as a preservation advocate for low-income communities, the Massachusetts native said he’ll need a master’s degree.

So he’s looking for ways to do that without taking on more debt. This summer, he plans to work as an intern while he applies to graduate programs and seeks scholarships. And when he eventually seeks a job, he’ll look close to home so he could live with his parents to save money.

For grad school, “I’m looking for a full ride so I can work and pay off my student loans while not adding to the debt,” said Moore, who wants to combine an early interest in restoring antiques with an interest in advocacy spurred by his mother’s work as a mental health advocate.

UMBC student Opoku-Agyeman minored in economics to go along with her math degree and wants to attend grad school as well, to specialize in labor economics. But first she plans to work as a research assistant for two years in a research scholar economics program at Harvard University. She sees the transitional period before returning to school as a way to boost her resume, gain additional skills and make connections with people in the industry.

“I think there are multiple paths to getting to the same outcome,” she said. “In a world that’s rapidly changing and innovating, it’s really important for you to be flexible.”

Ultimately, she wants a job that offers security, the ability to support a family and a way for her skills to make a difference.

“We live in a digital age and when we see people making a difference, it’s amplified and spread across platforms,” Opoku-Agyeman said. “We see people our age making a difference, and it’s influential to us.” ©2019 The Baltimore Sun Visit The Baltimore Sun at www.baltimoresun.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Made New Makerspace engaging community to help youth gain skills Continued from page 1. are designed to help students develop the hard skills needed to get jobs after graduation, but Clements saw limitations.

Made New Makerspace Phone: 402-739-9546 Address: 14247 S Street, Omaha 68137 Services: nonprofit aiming to help atrisk youth develop soft skills through trades-inspired program; membership-based workshop offering 24/7 access to facility and equipment Goal: Boost memberships to cover facility cost; grow program participants and mentees.

Website: madenewomaha.com

“If they get hired by the local Steam Fitters Union, they’re going re-teach them everything I taught them because it’s not how they want it done,” he said.

He decided the focus instead should be soft skills, which are necessary for all jobs. Using feedback from local construction companies he formed the S.T.R.O.N.G. (Safe. Teammates. Reliable. Orderly. Noticing. Growing.) Work Ethics program.

The program received positive comments from teachers, group home parents and employers, but limitations struck again, this time in the form of the schools funding and space.

At the same time Clements, who has experience in the foster care arena, thought the program could do more to help the community. Through his research he found that 50% of youth who age out of the foster care system drop out of high school, become homeless, or both.

“The status quo isn’t working, we have to do something else,” he said.

Made New Makerspace, which officially opened its doors at 14247 S St. in January, is hoping to shift the status quo by giving the community a stake in the youth’s success. The organization encourages the community to engage with youth through memberships, donations and volunteering.

The community has rallied around the organization, donating everything from ceiling tiles to electrical work, to sewing machines, money and time.

Studies have shown that when at-risk youth have a consistent activity, in this case the S.T.R.O.N.G. Work Ethics Program, and a mentor they are more likely

Students and members can use the laser engraver to make customized coasters, keychains, signs and more. to graduate high school and go to college/ kids in foster care, in the juvenile system find a stable job. The organization defines or single-parent households. The organi“at-risk” on a broad scale. zation welcomed its inaugural class — “If there’s a kid struggling and at some two brothers who were evacuated from disadvantage, they fall into our category,” Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit — he said. in February.

This means the program would help In the coming months Clements will

Preview of 2019 farmers markets

by David Kubicek

Farmers market season has just begun.

Here is a rundown of a few farmers markets around Omaha.

The Village Pointe Farmers Market (VPFM) is held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. between May 4 and Oct. 5 in the southeast parking lot of Village Pointe behind Old Navy.

“It’s for farm foods only,” said Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Havranek.

“Arts, crafts, cooked, baked, canned and processed foods are only allowed on the two special event days, Farmer Appreciation Day on Aug. 3 and Harvest Fest on Oct. 5.”

The VPFM will have additional events this year, including more live music, dance performances, Red Cross blood drives, a pancake feed, the Hello Kitty Café Truck, and a small petting zoo.

“This year, we have a total of 32 vendors,” Havranek said. “Visitors will be able to shop from a large variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, herbs,

plants, flowers, jams and jellies, salsa, mushrooms, and more.”

The Bellevue Farmers Market (BFM) is every Saturday morning from 7:45 a.m. to

Havranek Blood noon between May 25 and Sept. 7 in Washington Park at 20th and Franklin streets.

“Our market is family-friendly and dog-friendly — dogs must be on leash,” said Volunteer Market Manager Carol Blood. “We are surrounded by trees, restrooms are available, there are several play areas for children and live entertainment every Saturday morning from nine to 11. Parking is free.”

BFM frequently has special events for families, like a bounce house, hands on activities for kids and information from groups such as the Master Gardeners for adult attendees. Events are posted each week at www.bellevuenefarmersmarket.com.

“Our market is a small, personal market,” Blood said. “You will get to know the name of the vendors, and they will always make time to chat with you. You can find grass-fed beef, farm- fresh eggs, fresh chips and salsa, BBQ, baked goods, beef jerky, fresh produce, organic dog food and treats, Filipino baked goods and treats, handcrafted soaps and body products, fresh baked pies, jams and jellies, artisan jewelry and much more.”

The Omaha Farmers Market’s (OFM)

be working on bolstering memberships, partnering with community members and applying for grants.

Membership, which is $35 monthly, is open to everyone and includes 24/7 access to the building and all its equipment, which ranges from 3D printers, laser engravers, wrenches, saws and more.

Clements said this is an easy way to show support for youth while having access to high-tech equipment.

“We also need mentors desperately,” he said. “I’ve had to turn people away because we don’t have enough mentors.”

The program currently runs for sixweeks, each week tackling a different element. An integral piece of the program is tailored experiences to encourage interest.

For example, one mentee was interested in filmmaking. Through a social media shout-out Clements was able to connect with a local filmmaker to talk to the mentee.

“Getting to do things they enjoy buys us the capital we need so that when we sit down to talk about being what a teammate is they’re interested and excited,” he said.

Clements emphasized that mentors don’t need to be tech-savvy; they “just need to have a passion for helping kids.”

two locations are open rain or shine, according to VGA Event Project Manager Kylie Vonnahme.

The Old Market location at 11th and Jackson streets runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays from May 4 to Oct. 12, and the Aksarben Village location at 67th and Center streets runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays from May 5 to Oct. 13.

“This year we integrated a no waste station at our Aksarben Village location, courtesy of Hillside Solutions and Aksarben Village,” Vonnahme said. “That means market-goers have the opportunity to recycle or compost just about any waste they produce while at the market.

Hillside Solutions is focused on diverting materials from the landfill, providing people with sustainable alternatives and enabling our community to live a zero-waste lifestyle.”

OFM has more than 90 vendor booths at the Old Market location and more than 120 vendor booths at Aksarben Village. All participating vendors are local farmers, growers and artisans. The market offers a large variety of fresh produce, baked goods, fresh meats, jerky, fresh eggs, honey, jams, hot sauces, spices, pet treats, coffee and tea, flowers, and a wide selection of handmade crafts.

For the best market experience, Vonnahme suggests bringing reusable bags — which can be purchased at the information booths at both locations — and a wagon or cart for heavier hauls.

“Bring cash — especially smaller bills,” she said. “Although a good chunk of our vendors take credit cards, some do not. If you don’t bring cash and need it, visit our information booths to purchase $5 credit tokens. They are used just like a five dollar bill, and all vendors a ccept them.”

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

Focus on Safety A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Safety overview • Workplace violence prevention Risk management/assessments in the workplace Workers’ compensation trends Building a safety-conscious culture Issue Date: May 31 • Ad Deadline: May 23

Going Green

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SARPY COUNTY

GROWTH REPORT A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include the following: • Economic outlook • Sarpy thriving with major projects • Shopping in Sarpy • Technology in Sarpy • Commercial/Office/Industrial Real Estate • Banking & Financial Services • Residential real estate • Health care • Activities and tourism

Issue Date: May 31 • Ad Deadline: May 23

Health & Wellness

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:

Going Green overview • Green/sustainability projects • Green travel & tourism How information technology is redefining ways commercial/industrial buildings operate Sustainable transportation solutions/trends • Recycling programs/efforts Niches in energy/environmental law • Going green at home Issue Date: June 7 • Ad Deadline: May 30

Topics may include: Health & Wellness overview • Elder care Individual wellness • Telehealth • Employee incentives Healthy eating and exercise • Pharmacies Issue Date: June 7 • Ad Deadline: May 30

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below.

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Catie Kirby - Catie@mbj.com

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAY 31

SARPY COUNTY GROWTH REPORT

FOCUS ON SAFETY

JUNE 7

GOING GREEN

HEALTH & WELLNESS

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below.

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Catie Kirby - ads@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date.

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

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Angel Carl, president of Angel Carl Marketing, received the American Advertising Federation Omaha’s Silver Medal. Carl has held numerous volunteer board positions with AAF Omaha over the past 20 years. She has worked for and with advertising agencies, both as a marketing professional and as a client. She has been active with Youth Emergency Services for more than 14 years and currently serves as the organization’s president of the board of trustees. In addition, Carl serves on the board of directors for the Coalition on Human Trafficking and the Omaha Lithuanian American Community.

The President and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Dennis Pate, was named the 2019 Tourism Hero of the Year by the Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards organization. Through his vision and leadership, the zoo has created new experiences such as: the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit; Alaskan Adventure; the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails; and Asian Highlands. Children also benefit from the zoo’s fulltime school, which encompasses nine school districts, and impacted more than 90,000 children in 2018. Pate currently serves on the board of the Diane Fossey International Gorilla Fund and has served on the board of directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Omaha Public Power District has earned an honorable distinction for its commitment to proper tree planting and care. The Arbor Day Foundation has named OPPD a Tree Line USA Utility for the 19th year. The criteria to be named a Tree Line USA Utility include: Following industry standards for tree care; providing annual worker training; sponsoring a tree planting and public education program; maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program; and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

Omaha’s award-winning brand strategy and design firm Daake has acquired local agency, Webster Design. Most recently, Daake expanded to a 10,500-square-foot space with the capacity to grow to 40 team members. Bringing over members of the Webster team will grow Daake to 13 professionals ranging from designers to digital experts to strategists. Dave Webster established Webster Design in 1982 and has grown the company to include expertise in all facets of marketing, including brand strategy and design.

Thomas and Aileen Warren were honored as Faces of the Barroom Floor, Face No. 160, by the Omaha Press Club. Thomas Warren has been president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska since retiring as Omaha police chief 11 years ago. Aileen Warren is assistant vice chancellor for business and finance and director of human resources at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The two, married for 34 years, are the first African American couple to be recognized as a Face on the Barroom Floor.

First National Bank of Omaha released its 2018 “First in the Community” Impact Report. In 2018, First National Bank of Omaha reinvested $28 million back into its communities. These investments included: $17.2 million in community investments to organizations that work to increase access to affordable housing; $6.7 million in donations and community development grants to

nonprofit organizations working to increase access to affordable housing, build an educated workforce and help businesses get started, grow and create jobs; $4.1 million in sponsorships with organizations that enrich the community by increasing access to cultures, humanities and athletics; and 37,500 hours that employees spent volunteering.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s Director of Conservation Genetics Dr. Edward E. Louis, Jr. received two international awards: the Conservationist of the Year Award from the John Muir Association and the J. Sterling Morton Award from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Conservationist of the Year award honors an individual who has excelled in environmental protection and made significant contributions to the advancement of conservation. The J. Sterling Morton Award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the environment due to his or her lifelong commitment to tree planting and conservation.

Chief Industries, Inc., a Grand Island based company that opened 65 years ago, began as a small construction company that quickly grew into a diversified global powerhouse. Today, Chief operates seven main divisions/subsidiaries, which include, construction, ag, buildings, BonnaVilla, carriers, fabrication and ethanol. While each entity operates as a separate business, each one provides synergies and stabilities to all.

Burlington Capital launched a new venture in its aqueous ozone business by merging CleanCore Technologies and O-Z Tech Water to create CleanCore Solutions.

CleanCore Technologies served health care facilities, schools and universities, government agencies, airports and manufacturing industries. The company uses a patented process to create a chemical-free, organic cleaning solution that provides coverage and reduces the carbon footprint.

O-Z Tech Water provides a line of aqueous ozone products that provide cleaning solutions for ice machine and industrial laundry clients.

Education notes…

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded nearly $34,000 in literacy grants to Nebraska nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. These funds are aimed at supporting adult, family and summer literacy programs within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center across the 44 states Dollar General serves.

The grants awarded to Nebraska organizations are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 2,000 Nebraskans. Local organizations and amounts include: Center for People in Need, Lincoln ($5,000); Chicano Awareness Center, Omaha ($9,000); Lincoln Literacy Council, Lincoln ($9,000); and OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc., Omaha ($6,000).

The Metropolitan Community College Foundation has named Tim Nicholson the winner of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award. Nicholson was presented the award at the 9th annual MCC Foundation Scholars Reception. The award is given annually to a graduate whose achievement, service and commitment to MCC and the community is exemplary. Nicholson is a 2009 graduate of the MCC Culinary Arts and Management program. He is currently the executive chef Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. for the Boiler Room, a restaurant he began working at as a sous chef. Nicholson has been named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award three times. His menus utilize local produce, cheeses and meats. Nearly all of his preparations are created from scratch.

Located only two miles apart, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska at Omaha have more than $5 billion impact on the state’s economy, according to an independent analysis done

by Tripp Umbach of the university’s impact on Nebraska’s growth and prosperity.

According to Umbach’s findings: UNMC/ Nebraska Medicine, and its affiliates, have a statewide annual economic impact of $4.8 billion and create and support 42,132 jobs (13,917 direct jobs). UNO supports 6,255 jobs and has a statewide annual economic impact of $716 million. The Fred & Pamela

Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine generates $8.5 million in state and local taxes.

Health care notes….

CareDx, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value diagnostic solutions for transplant patients, has acquired OTTR Complete Transplant Management, a organ transplant patient tracking software.

OTTR provides comprehensive solutions for transplant patient management, which are currently used in over 60 leading transplant centers in the US. CareDx will pay approximately $16.0 million to acquire OTTR. For the full year 2019, OTTR’s revenue is projected to be in the range of $6 million to $8 million, and its net income is expected to be breakeven.

Researchers gained a better understand-

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, May 28 The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2019 State of the Country at Bellevue University from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This year’s State of the County will focus on workforce with a variety of speakers on topics relating to our local workforce and what we are doing to support and build it for successful continued growth. Registration is available online.

Wednesday, May 29 The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants is hosting an all-day workshop on “Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Reporting.” The objective is to reinforce critical accounting and financial reporting principles for NPO’s and update participants on recent developments applicable to NPO’s and their auditors. The course is worth eight hours of CPE Credits and it will be lead by Paul Koehler. The workshop will take place at the German American Society, Omaha and lunch is provided. The cost is $250 for society members and $300 for non-members.

Thursday, May 30 The Business Ethics Alliance will host the Summer Ethics Luncheon featuring Erika-Mocha Suell from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at TD Ameritrade Park. Suell will be speaking about EEOC’s training on respectful workplaces, which includes workplace conduct, and the types of behaviors that contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace. Registration is available online.

The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants is hosting an all-day workshop on “Revised Guidance for Assessing & Responding to Audit Risk” at the German American Society, Omaha. The objective is to enable practitioners to understand the currently effective risk assessment requirements in AICPA SAS’s. The discussion will be lead

by Paul Koehler, CPA, and is worth eight CPA credits. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $250 for society members and $300 for non-members.

The Nebraska State Bar Association is hosting a workshop on “2 Ethical Legal Issues in 2 Hours” from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Creighton University School of Law. At 10 a.m. Creighton University School of

Law Professor Carol C. Knoepfler will be speaking on ethics in legal writing. At 11:15 a.m. Creighton University School of Law Professor Craig W. Dallon will be talking about recognizing conflicts of interest. Registration is available online and price varies.

The Nebraska State Bar Association is hosting a panel of experts to discuss “Helping Elderly and Disabled Clients: A Life-Cycle Approach” from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Creighton University School of Law. Panelists include: Nicci L. Clark, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Andrew Diediker, Simple Senior Solutions, LLC; BevVan Phillips, Key Complete Therapies; Diane Stewart, First National Bank; Catherine Swiniarski, Elder Law of Omaha, PC LLO; Rachel A. Truhlsen, Rachel A. Truhlsen Law Office, PC LLO; and David M. Thompson, Carlson & Burnett, LLP. Registration is available online.

ing of how osteoarthritis occurs and have identified a potential new drug that could be used to treat OA. The research project involved scientists at four U.S. institutions — the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University — as well as Tongji Medical College in China and Gulhane Military Medical School in Turkey. The lead author on the study is Tieshi Li, Ph.D., assistant professor, pediatrics, at UNMC. The senior author on the study is Anna Spagnoli, M.D., chair of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and director of the Child Health Research Institute, pediatrician-in-chief and senior vice president for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

Activities of nonprofits…

On May 29, father and son duo, Mike and Adam Straub, will begin a 10,000 mile road trip across all 48 contiguous states for the 48-State Drive for Autism. In doing so, they hope to raise funds for a local non-profit, Autism Action Partnership. Adam Straub was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was 3 years old. He is now 15 years old and is completing his freshman year at Millard West High School. Millard West High School is planning a “send-off” event on May 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., including hundreds of students, dozens of Corvettes and a police escort.

Arts and events….

Join Inclusive Communities at the Slowdown for the LeadDIVERSITY Happy Hour on May 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come find out what LeadDIVERSITY is all about directly from partners like OPPD, Greater Omaha Chamber, and Business Ethics Alliance, who helped create a curriculum specific to Nebraska. The first drink is on Inclusive Communities as you network with potential advocates.

Meet program sponsors like First National Bank and Mutual of Omaha and find out why this program will redefine Nebraska Leadership. Registration is online.

The K.L.A.S. (Kids Learning Awareness & Safety) course, offered by Methodist Fremont Health and Three Rivers District Health Department, will help prepare kids for being home alone. K.L.A.S. will be offered on May 30, and June 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $10 and lunch is provided.

The class features guest speakers and activities, and is appropriate for kids 9-12 years old. Students will learn about internet and home safety, when to call 911, basic CPR and first aid, fire safety, and severe weather.

The class will be held at Methodist Fremont Health Medical Center. Register by calling 844-437-3666. Space is limited.

The 15th Annual Wine, Blues, Beer and Hot Air Balloon Festival on June 1 at the Soaring Wings Vineyard. Entertainment will include: Stan & the Chain Gang, Heather Newman, Ms Hy-C & Fresh Start and The Good The Bad & The Blues. A fleet of air hot air balloons will take off weather permitting, but the event is on rain or shine. Tickets are available online for $24 and food and beverage will be available for purchase.

The Great Plains Theatre Conference will honor the late Maria Irene Fornes as its 2019 Honored Playwright. The GPTC is partnering with Film Streams to screen the Fornes documentary “The Rest I Make Up”

by Michelle Memran on May 28 at 7 p.m. at Film Streams Ruth Sokoloff Theater.

Memran will be in attendance and speak about Fornes and the film. The conference will conclude with a performance in dedication to Fornes on June 1 at the Swanson Conference Center at the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus.

All events are free and open to the public.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Celebrate Construction A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 24, 2019

Flood of large, efficient projects define landscape amid historic weather events

by Michelle Leach

Projects undertaken by metro firms are increasingly large in scope, renewable in nature and collaborative from the get-go.

“2019 is shaping up to be another busy year — there’s a lot of work in Omaha, and we’re seeing opportunities across all markets, from health care to office to industrial,” said Darland Construction Principal Jay Matz.

Asked about the biggest changes from year-to-year, Matz referred to the shortage of skilled labor, an issue not unique to Omaha.

“We have run into some delayed starts due to the long winter and historic flooding,” he said. “Nebraska is going to have weather delays; we know to plan for that. We are looking forward to some favorable weather this summer.”

The Darland team has seen the market evolve from “hard bid” projects to those under a construction manager or design-build model.

“Having a construction manager on board early on is advantageous to the owner in many ways,” Matz said. “We are able to provide preliminary pricing and value engineering solutions to shape the design. In this market, where labor is at a premium, we’ve found that we are weighing in on design decisions as they relate to product and labor availability as well.”

“There are more mega-projects in Omaha

Darland Construction Principal Jay Matz at the Pinnacle Bank project site at 84th and Dodge streets. right now than ever before, with several large the local labor pool,” said Boyd Jones Comprojects ranging in size from $100 million to munications Manager Cole Epley. “Unem$500 million and a handful that are $1 billion ployment was below 3% for the majority of or more, and that puts incredible strain on last year, and this year seems to be trending

in the same direction. In a full-employment scenario like the one we’re currently seeing, attracting talent is critical. We continue to focus on strengthening our culture, providing an outstanding work environment and living out our values to attract the best and the brightest.”

Technology is another area of “extraordinary change;” Epley noted the construction industry represents roughly 6% of the U.S. GDP and venture capital is investing heavily in tech to increase efficiency.

“Just a decade ago, investors pumped less than $5 million into the market,” he said.

“Today, construction tech investments total over $1 billion.”

More project owners are incorporating renewable energy into their facilities; for instance, he referred to the Subaru building on the recently completed Baxter West Dodge dealership campus as featuring rooftop solar panels.

“We partnered with UNMC and OPPD last year to build the largest rooftop solar installation in the state on top of three UNMC buildings: the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, the Truhlsen Eye Institute and the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health,” Epley said.

Last year, he said Boyd Jones installed the state’s tallest GE wind turbine in Polk Continued on next page.

Celebrate Construction •

Rendering of the CHI Health Clinic Millard near 153rd and Q streets.

(Courtesy of Darland)

Efficient projects

Continued from preceding page.

County (near Osceola).

G. Lee Homes owner and current president of the Metro Omaha Builders Association, Greg Frazell, said the flow of buyers and construction has remained “steady” year-onyear — unlike previous years featuring peaks and spikes.

“It’s plateaued, we haven’t had an insane increase, we’re still at a busy level where existing homes barely stay on the market and people are interested in building,” he said.

Frazell added weather has played a huge factor in the industry over the last two years.

“I refer back to 2017, the Christmas sea-

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

Baxter Volkswagen.

son; the ground was frozen solid week after vanishing-edge pools designed to blend with week,” he said. “And last year, right around the surrounding landscape.

Easter time, there weren’t leaves As to MOBA projects or inion the trees … that puts a strain on tiatives, Frazell indicated the focus exterior finishes.” was initially to build up memberBottlenecks arise. ship and assure members were To this season’s floods, Frazell supported via signature events (like said they didn’t have homes that the Parade of Homes and Street of “were technically flooded.”

Dreams).

“But we had access cut off to “We’ve had a healthy market 40% of what we were building for long enough now that we’re looka week,” he said. ing at things to give back,” he said.

Mother Nature may be a peFor instance, its focus is on rennial challenge, but opportuinterfacing with builders that aren’t Frazell nity remains with the increase members on continuing education in remodels and additions, and demand for to assure they’re up-to-date with current codes “staycation”-oriented elements — infinity or and legislation, and on community projects

27

(Courtesy of Boyd Jones)

such as Habitat for Humanity.

Darland’s Matz spotlighted its work on an almost 39,000-square-foot CHI Health Clinic in Millard, slated for completion in spring 2020; the mixed-use development anchored

by Pinnacle Bank near 84th Street and West Dodge Road, to be completed this summer; and the 110,000-square-foot Baxter Chrysler and Baxter Ford dealerships.

Epley of Boyd Jones also put a light on its completion of the new corporate headquarters offices for both Lindsay Corp. and Scooter’s Coffee, and what he described as the “largest project ever undertaken by a single parish within the Omaha Archdiocese:” additions spanning 56,000 square feet to St. Wenceslaus Church.

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Major projects cover the spectrum for work in Omaha, Lincoln area

Brian Mahlendorf, vice president and general manager of The Weitz Company, at UNO’s Strauss Performing Arts Center.

by Dwain Hebda from tenant improvement projects to new, The cranes and worksites dotting the multimillion-dollar headquarters. And not to Midlands’ landscape tell the story: Major be left out is the municipal segment that has projects abound. Construction professionals really added vertical building projects to the say projects are coming from market due to a strong economy every angle. and growth in the metro area.”

“Education is providing sevAmong Weitz’s recent sigeral opportunities in this region, nature projects are Washington in both the K-12 and tertiary segCounty Justice Center in Blair, ments,” said Brian Mahlendorf, a $24.5 million project due next vice president and general manyear; the two-year renovation ager of The Weitz Co. “Overall, of the University of Nebraska at universities are offsetting state Omaha’s Strauss Performing Arts funding with additional private Center, completed in January at a sector donations to grow procost of $13.1 million; and the secgrams, while in the K-12 sector, ond phase of Omaha Burke High Van Horn bond referendums have created School renovations, a $4 million work in almost every public school project due later this summer. district in this area.

Education projects also loom on Lin“There are also numerous opportunities coln’s horizon. Two new high schools are in the commercial office sector that range in the planning stages, the construction of which is expected to spur development in their respective neighborhoods.

Denny Van Horn, president of Van Horn Custom Homes and of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, said one of those schools is slated for an already-booming quadrant in the city.

“The hot spot is southeast Lincoln,” said Van Horn, who also sits on the superintendent of schools advisory committee. “In Lincoln, the planning department does a pretty good job of trying to get growth in all corners of the city. But southeast Lincoln is by far the hot spot. There’s a lot of access to retail, and there’s a number of businesses that are out there, so it’s just kind of a no-brainer that people want to be close to all of those things.”

Van Horn praised the city for better coordination of infrastructure and traffic management, but said improvement in other areas is overdue.

“As developers and homebuilders, we feel there are things we need to streamline in the city’s process because it takes too long to get a development through before you can even move any dirt,” he said. “In the construction industry, time is money so Continued on next page.

Celebrate Construction •

Major projects

Continued from preceding page. the longer you wait the more costs go up.”

Other challenges to major projects don’t have anything to do with city hall. Joe Pogge, president of McNeil Co., said labor issues and Mother Nature also present hurdles.

“No. 1 is the winter we had,” he said.

“That was brutal. Other challenges would be some of the subs are having staffing issues. That marketplace is getting really competitive, and people are jumping ship and moving around companies quite a bit, so there’s turnover within the companies that sometimes makes it difficult to Pogge keep the projects on track.”

McNeil’s major focuses are office buildings, multi-family and high-end homes. Currently, its major projects include two office buildings slated to be completed this year with tenant work to continue after that. Each is a five-story, 115,000-square-foot structure, one located at Aksarben Village and the other at 133rd Street and West Dodge Road.

“If you’ve got a little bit of creativity and you meet the market, I think there’s plenty of opportunities within the city limits,” Pogge said. “Judging by the number of tower cranes and the projects that are going up and people that are busy and long backlogs of work, it’s a great place to do business.”

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Advances in tech help boost efficiency in construction

by David Kubicek

Gathering and sharing information drives efficiency in most industries, and construction is no exception.

James M. Wolz Sr., CFO and project manager at Meco-Henne Contracting, said he believes the most significant technology advances in the construction industry have been in the movement of information.

“Project management systems are frequently web-based with all the common documents being tracked and processed through sites like Submittal Exchange,” he said.

Almost every asTiensvold pect of a project from estimating to closeout is handled digitally. Questions and answers can occur and be documented in hours, sometimes even seconds, rather than in days, and the process has become relatively inexpensive and cost-effective.

“It’s hard to grow and stay competitive without utilizing these technologies in the management of construction,” Wolz said.

Andy Gradoville, BIM/VDC manager at Lueder Construction, said building information modeling (BIM) collaboration and coordination software programs have developed to the point where now all design team members can instantly collaborate with the general contractor to find and eliminate potential risks well before construction starts.

Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation project using design build delivery method.

(Courtesy of MCL Construction) These programs also are being used to facilitate “All of this technology has greatly imprefabrication on projects, which can drastically proved the quality and efficiency of the work reduce schedules. put in place,” Gradoville said. “Technology “Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality has really helped to break down the silos in the (AR) technologies — especially AR — have A/E/C industry creating better collaboration and developed to the point where you can bring your providing better transparency for owners across project BIM to the site in a 1:1 scale and literally the construction industry.” walk around and analyze what will be constructCloud-based software allows project ed exactly where it will be constructed,” he said. teams to easily track issues, disseminate Laser scanners are used for capturing exist- submittals and supplementary design ining conditions, documenting project progress structions, according to Tim Tiensvold, Continued on next page. and verifying work put in place.

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• Celebrate Construction

Tim Ferguson, sales/marketing manager at Christensen Lumber Co.

Industry experts give glimpse into top custom home trends in metro

by Gabby Christensen

There are a number of custom home trends that have hit the construction industry as of recent.

As far as home remodels go, Morgan Sykes, principal at Sierex Design & Construction, said customers are asking for mixtures of wood and paint, both in lighter colors, natural wood and white. “ We a r e s t i l l Sykes opening up spaces, and removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room is always the favorite,” Sykes said. “Soon, we will be converting

a deck into a sunroom, again to add more open space for family get-togethers. In this instance, our client really stressed that they wanted the addition to look like it was always part of the main floor and not an addition.

We are also seeing quite a few people looking to finish out their basements; adding bedrooms, closets and bathrooms.”

Gehring Sykes said people also are really embracing the newer, vinyl plank floors that are impervious Continued on next page.

Tech advances boost construction efficiency Continued from preceding page. director of virtual design and construction at MCL Construction.

“The application of data analysis allows contractors to perfect their practice and realize cost, labor, material and schedule savings while providing a safer work environment for their employees,” he said.

Reality capture equipment has advanced significantly in the past few years with a concerted effort being made to increase the equipment user-friendliness, speed of capture, and the level of accuracy. Whether it’s a tripod-mounted, high-definition laser scanner or a scanner affixed to a drone, the ability to accurately capture existing structures, site topography or verify adherence to quality tolerances is easier and more cost-effective than ever.

AR/VR equipment and processes are becoming more prevalent and offer an environment in which owners, designers and contractors can coordinate systems, vet the programmatic design of spaces and ensure their new structures wholly fulfill the pur-

poses for which they were designed; walls are more easily moved in a model then they are in reality.

“Most artificial intelligence (AI) software at this juncture is devoted to safety and predictive analysis of risk with a goal of proactive identification of potential hazards,” Tiensvold said.

AI is able to analyze site progress photos and videos to determine work activities that present greater injury risk to individuals on the project site by identifying improper use of ladders or lack of adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.

“There are far too many future technological advances coming for me to list them all, but we’re seeing promising progress in 3D printing technology, prefabricated processes and most importantly, access to education in construction technology,” Tiensvold said. “Technology will be a key contributor in helping fill the gap between skilled labor loss due to an aging workforce and decreases in younger generations pursuing careers in the trades.”

Celebrate Construction •

Custom home trends

Continued from preceding page. to water.

“They like the look and the feel of the floor, and are appreciating not having to worry about pet or spill damage,” Sykes said. “We are also getting lots of calls asking about adding garage space, secondary buildings and decks.”

According to Sykes, a main trend is having space inside or next to the home that can be utilized for entertaining or storage.

Tim Ferguson, sales/marketing manager

HDR Headquarters interior.

(Courtesy of Kiewit)

at Christensen Lumber Co., said he’s noticed that the trend is moving away from conventional stick framed homes and more toward floor truss, wall panel and roof trusses.

“Most of our customers either use manufactured building components or they use a blend of components along with traditional framing techniques,” he said. “For example, a builder may decide to use floor trusses and a girder or two in the roof and opt to frame the walls and the balance of the roof on site. We actually pre-build stairs and circular staircases for a good portion of our clientele.”

On the finish side, Ferguson said more people seem to be going for a rustic look.

“Flat casing and base, along with craftsman style doors, seem to be the trend,” Ferguson said. “Many people choose to combine the old with the new and use more contemporary styles in some parts of the home while going rustic in other areas, using barn doors and barnwood siding to finish the interior walls or ceilings. People don’t necessarily need to have access to actual old barn siding either, there are multiple siding and trim manufacturers producing interior sidings that replicate those old boards.”

Additionally, Ferguson said dark finish colors are also the latest craze.

“It used to be that white and tan were the only window colors people would order,” he said. “Over the past few years, that trended toward dark bronze and now the most common new color is actually black.”

Jeff Gehring, owner/co-founder at Mercury Contractors, said he’s also noticed a movement toward color, more architecturally appealing ceiling features like floating

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

31

Rendering of the new Right at Home building in Aksarben Village.

(Courtesy of McNeil Co.) clouds and halo lighting. closets, pantries, bar and entertainment In the area of flooring, showers and spaces in basements, higher profile trim, backsplashes, he said there is more demand and smart appliances.” for modern tile patterns, designer selections Gehring said he believes the better econand custom tile mosaic inlays. omy has led to much of these trends.

“In addition, we are fielding requests to “In addition, millennials are finally install such amenities as indoor basketball entering into the homebuying and building courts, complete home theaters, outdoor industry,” he said. “They have a large dekitchens, double-sided fireplaces, zero entry mand for technology, modern conveniences and full home automation,” Gehring said. and maintenance free living. Lastly, the baby “We are experiencing a high demand in open boomer generation is downsizing and has the floor plans, higher ceilings, larger walk-in deeper pockets for many of these amenities.”

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• Celebrate Construction

Tim Hemsath, sustainable design office lead, at HDR’s architectural materials library.

Growing options make incorporating sustainable design more obtainable

by Jasmine Heimgartner

Sustainability continues to gain momentum across industries, especially in construction. These types of design features not only benefit the environment, they also create more comfortable working environments and enhance a structure’s performance.

“Future construction is headed toward being more sustainable,” said Tim Hemsath, sustainable design office lead, HDR. “Nebraska passed a law updating the state’s energy code. Therefore, next year, all buildings built in the state will see reductions to their energy use, reducing Nebraska’s contribution to climate change from that point. We will see many new sustainable design features because of this code. Features that were once considered ‘optional,’ will now be standard, such as using daylight or occupancy sensors to control interior lighting. LED lighting, already common, will now be standard.”

For established businesses with no plans for designing a new building, adding sustainable features into existing structures and campuses is easier than expected. From interiors to exteriors, and projects small to big, the options available allow for various ways to make a difference.

“For interior remodels, designing for sustainability can include choosing eco-friendly materials and finishes, sourcing local items, using responsibly harvested wood, reusing/ repurposing vintage furniture or using products that don’t emit harmful chemicals,” said Kurt Boyer, project manager, Kiewit Building Group. “For implementing sustainable design into a property’s operations and maintenance, the goal would be to drive down operating costs while increasing occupants’ produc-

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tivity in an environmentally responsible manner. Some ways that this could be done is by addressing building exterior and site maintenance programs, efficient and optimized use of energy and water, the purchase of environmentally preferred products, waste stream management, indoor environmental quality, recycling programs or mechanical system upgrades to improve a building’s energy performance and water consumption.”

Addressing stormwater runoff — moisture that does not absorb into the soil and instead moves over surfaces toward streams — and rethinking landscaping has become one of the fastest-growing ways for companies to become greener and reduce infrastructure costs associated with piping.

“We are seeing a lot of atypical stormwater design features incorporated into construction and site design to capture runoff from the building itself,” said Brenda Macke, project manager, Burns & McDonnell. “Typically, you have to put in a pipe system to get water to the stream as fast as possible. Now we are looking for ways to capture it and use on site. We are trying to do more above the ground instead of the traditional ‘gray way’ of trying to capture it. This may include planting trees in a way that the stormwater goes to them, giving then an additional water source.”

An enhanced system to capture rain as it comes can be used in well-thought landscaping to not only save water but also beautify a property.

“For us locally, it has been a regulatory requirement for a little while, but we are really just starting to see how we can layer these systems to make them a functional part of the landscape instead of just a requirement,” Macke said. “You may not see the results on day one, but it can in the long term. That tree or landscaping may thrive more because of the stormwater system around and provide a positive impact. Plus, it provides a green space you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

When businesses are considering renovations, such as repaving parking lots or a new Continued on next page.

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Sustainable design

Continued from preceding page. roof, materials have quickly advanced that provide sustainable features like permeable pavement and green roofs.

“A green roof or wall incorporates plant material,” Hemsath said. “A green roof reduces stormwater runoff and absorbs the sun’s heat. A green wall can be inside or outside, but when inside, it helps improve air quality.

The Living Building Challenge certification program has a ‘red list’ of the most commonly used chemicals that are highly harmful to humans and pollute the environment. Our goal is to not use any product inside our buildings that might have any of these listed items.”

When considering sustainable options, businesses need to consider what their goal is and how it can fit into their budget.

“Does it make sense for your business model? Incorporating sustainable design or business practices into your company can come at varying costs. Look at the different options available from a cost/benefit perspective to see what makes sense for your business,” Boyer said. “Consult with a company that provides sustainable design services to see what makes sense for your business, and do your research.”

Even a gradual move to these types of design features provides lasting benefits.

“Employee satisfaction is often one priority — using healthy materials, providing views of nature, access to amenities and providing opportunities to recycle and compost,” Hemsath said. “Companies, no matter their budget, can find sustainable solutions to improve their employees’ working conditions and environment.”

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Tech, labor shortage bring shift to traditional delivery methods

by Michelle Leach

How the many stakeholders involved with a project partner together has big implications on a building’s cost, performance and timeframe for completion, and “non-traditional” delivery methods are transforming the market and industry.

“Alternative construction delivery methods, such as design-build and integrated project delivery, are collaborative approaches to designing and constructing complex building projects,” said McCarthy Building Companies Vice President and Omaha Office Leader Ryan Sawall. “Unlike the traditional method of delivering projects through individual contracts with an arJustice chitect and a constructor, these approaches combine design and construction services as a single entity.

The goal is to harness the expertise of all team members to optimize project results, reduce waste and maximize efficiency through all phases of a project.”

Sawall said there has been a dramatic increase in alternative methods over the past 15 years.

“The design-build project delivery method is projected to account for 44% of total construction spending by 2021,” Sawall said, citing 2018 research by consulting firm, FMI.

Ryan Sawall, vice president and Omaha office leader, McCarthy Building Companies, at the VA Medical Center project site.

The current environment, he indicated, issues. And when you have a design team supports methods that help address the and construction team working together industry’s great challenges: labor shortfalls from the beginning of a project, speed-toand clients’ “ever-growing need for build- market is another benefit.” ings to be delivered faster.”

MCL Construction Director of Business Sawall continued: “These alternative Development and Marketing Travis Justice delivery approaches often drive innovations spoke to the importance of integrating sublike prefabrication and more efficient build- contractors early in a market as competitive Continued on next page. ing designs that help alleviate labor shortage

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• Celebrate Construction

Tech, labor shortage bring shift

Construction on Glacier Bay Landing at Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

(Courtesy of JE Dunn)

Continued from preceding page.

Justice said MCL has seen many owners as “we have ever seen it.” who are disappointed or even shocked to “We can set the expectations for man- “hard bid” a job, only to find out they were power needs, schedule requirements, identify over-budget 20% or more. and plan for long lead items and avoid gaps “In some cases, they chose not to build,” in budget scope as the design he said. “In others, they spent progresses,” he said. more money and went back to the While Justice described the drawing board.”

IPD contractual delivery method Business Development and as “not used a lot in Omaha,” he Engagement Manager Bridget noted MCL looks at integrated Bumgardner of Boyd Jones Condifferently. struction said when working in “When we can team early close partnership with owners with an owner and architect, we and architects, it’s not uncommon are able to provide the most value to uncover savings of $1 million to a project; examples would be (or more) long before ground design-build, design-assist and is broken. Through “improved Pesek construction manager at risk,” he constructability” or “streamsaid of these approaches. “Construction is not lined scheduling and phasing,” she said the a commodity; the management of projects is preconstruction team brings together such a service much like architects and engineers considerations to identify, prevent or solve provide. Owners expect the most value on problems on a screen (before the physical their project with no surprises during the building takes shape), and to benefit clients process.” and stakeholders.

Bumgardner said more than 80% of Boyd Jones’ projects are delivered using integrated project delivery methods.

JE Dunn Construction Vice President-Omaha Office Leader Chris Pesek indicated there are various versions of IPD — JE Dunn uses what he calls “IPD Lite,” a transitional step beyond the traditional CM at Risk method. “[IPD-L] is leading us on the path toward a true IPD delivery model of the future,” he said. “Regardless of how you label the structure, at the heart is partnership and teamwork.

IPD-L takes on a variety of forms each tailored to fit specific project requirements and create new and improved team relationships.

The IPD-L team typically consists of the owner, architect, contractor and trade partners from the major trades.”

Pesek said the team uses slightly-modified industry standard agreements to define goals, expectations and roles of each partner, while supporting the integrated team relationship.

Technological advancements, he noted, connect field supervision and labor forces, and project management teams in ways previously not possible.

“Even Wi-Fi on a working job site was a challenge with the weather, construction materials, other environmental factors,” Pesek said.

He, too, referred to the need to work more efficiently to maintain the same level of productivity amid a major labor and construction management shortage.

“Integrated project delivery is at the heart of both of those changes,” he said. “It enables more efficiency through transparency and collaboration, while also taking advantage of technology and digital document-sharing.”

McCarthy’s Sawall believes the design and construction industry will continue to become more streamlined and vertically-integrated — delivering projects more efficiently, with improved quality, and to maximize client satisfaction.

“It’s radical and maybe years or even decades away, but don’t be shocked if you see mergers of construction companies and architectural and engineering firms to bring all services under one roof,” MCL’s Justice said. “Technology will be a driving force behind project delivery as we become leaner in our processes and efficient in our outcomes.”

Celebrate Construction •

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Storm recovery, new technology and capacity dominate infrastructural front

by Dwain Hebda

Road and infrastructure projects don’t always get the headlines, but that was before the devastating floods earlier this year, which severely curtailed traffic patterns. The natural disaster is now bringing highway and bridge repairs to the forefront of Nebraska’s infrastructure issues.

Sen. Joni Albrecht (Dist. 17), a member of the Unicameral Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, said she was pleased with the speed at which the state has responded to the highway emergency.

“Serving on a city council and county Albrecht board and now at the state level, I understand that you have a lot of hoops to jump through before you can begin [highway] construction projects,” she said. “[Transportation Director] Kyle Schneweis gave the committee an overview and let us know that things are underway. I am so impressed with what they have gotten done. When FEMA got

here, the Transportation Department was right alongside them making certain all those roads and bridges were addressed in a timely manner.”

In fact, work got greenlighted at a record pace with several projects already in progress, according to Jeff Sockel, senior vice president and Omaha division manager with Alfred Ben-

Sockel Marion esch & Co. “We’re prequalified to do certain engineering activities,” he said. “The clients we work for, and we predominantly work for public agencies, call us saying, ‘You guys have this skillset. We have this need. Those two align. Do you have the ability to take this work on?’ If it all aligns right,

which more times than not it does, we negotiate a contract and get going right away.

“We are helping the Nebraska Department of Transportation on some damage to Highway 12 up in the Niobrara area. And we’ve been helping Douglas County, Nebraska, with some work out in the rural parts of the county with washouts and bridge repairs. That work will total in the $20 million to $25 million range, maybe even a little bit more.”

As projects are getting done, new technology is being deployed to make roadways safer and traffic move more smoothly. One such product is The Road Zipper by Lindsay Manufacturing, a movable barrier system that separates opposing traffic and laborers into their respective work zones.

“As our world grows and mobility and our environment become an increasing concern, highway products and the highway construction industry will need to adapt and innovate,” said Scott Marion, Lindsay Corp. president of infrastructure. “These products are designed to improve safety and reduce traffic delays on our nation’s roadways.

“The Road Zipper is one example, allowing for better use of the existing roadway without

the necessity of adding lanes to improve traffic flow during directional peak traffic times, such as commuter rush hours.”

Non-emergency work is also up as growth has pushed demand for water and gas service and that, in turn, has placed a high priority on aging gas and water mains.

“Many of our mains are reaching the end of their useful lives,” said Tracey Christensen with Metropolitan Utilities District. “MUD initiated a formal Infrastructure Replacement (IR) Program in 2008 to renew mains and to improve system integrities, targeting primarily cast iron mains.

No outside funding is available for these longterm efforts.”

The first phase of gas infrastructure replacement is slated for a 2027 completion and replacing water mains will take even longer, Christensen said. MUD serves 216,000 water and 231,000 gas customers in Omaha.

“The water IR program work is more costly, difficult and time-consuming, so progress has been slower and improvements have been more modest,” Christensen said. “For 2019, MUD budgeted $36.5 million to abandon 50 miles of water and gas mains and replace approximately 4,200 services.”

update for wood structures taller than eight stories.

Several construction techniques can be used to achieve those standards. D/O said it will use sustainably grown laminated wood beams that will be fabricated in a factory and assembled on site with a crane using metal joinery that will enable the building to be quickly assembled like an Erector Set. The building will include other materials, including terra cotta cladding and poured concrete floors.

‘As natural as possible’ The overarching goal was to “try to do good by reducing the carbon footprint of the

building and improve public health in what’s become a concrete jungle,” Dwyer said, with a building that’s “as natural as possible.”

Though it’s too soon to tell how the market will respond to the buildings, it’s already been embraced by the council representative and planning staff.

Oglesbay and Dwyer said they were initially concerned about how the community and planning staff might respond to the proposal.

“We braced ourselves for a lot of negative response.”

Instead, they received positive feedback from those involved in the approval process, and from the market. Since recently launching Continued on next page.

Trying for a new look for Twin Cities condo buildings

by Jim Buchta

John Dwyer and Colin Oglesbay aren’t always fond of how new housing in the Twin Cities looks these days, and they think others feel the same.

“People are sick of the repetitive cookie-cutter stuff,” said Oglesbay, a partner in D/O Architects in Minneapolis.

So the Twin Cities-based architects designed a pair of breakthe-mold condomini- Design Trends um buildings using a roster of innovative building materials they hope will help interrupt the visual monotony of the Minneapolis streetscape.

They are calling TMBR, a 10-story building proposed for the North Loop neighborhood, the tallest all-timber residential building in the Midwest, maybe in the country. For a site in the Mill District, they have designed a 14-story condo building that will be built with high-tech, self-cleaning concrete that will help the building achieve international wellness standards.

Although the projects are being launched by different development teams, each embraces several out-of-the-box design elements they hope will attract buyers who value unique design and innovative construction techniques.

“Everyone is doing the same thing,” said Todd Simning, president/owner of Kroiss Development, the lead developer of TMBR. “I wanted to do something unique.”

Focused mostly on building commercial space and high-end custom houses for three decades, Simning has been contemplating something different after developing an upscale, four-unit condo project in a leafy Minneapolis neighborhood. For two months he listened to feedback from prospective buyers, and he noticed a recurring theme: Buyers consistently talked about a desire to live in smaller, boutique buildings built with sustainable practices.

Simning shared that desire, but wanted to execute those ideas on a much larger scale than he did on his four-unit project.

He just needed the proper building site, which he thinks he has found along an old

rail line in the Minneapolis Warehouse District where dozens of low-rise timber-framed buildings have been repurposed into housing, boutique shops and trendy restaurants. After touring T3, an all-timber office building that had recently been built nearby, he hired D/O to design a timber tower with about 80 for-sale condominiums and first-floor retail.

The building exceeded height limits for wood buildings set by current building codes.

The team has had to persuade local building officials and city planning staff to OK the project using a new set of standards proposed by the International Code Council for a 2021

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• Celebrate Construction

Students seeking construction education can take two paths to employment in field

by David Kubicek

Individuals seeking construction careers have two paths open to them: They may attend a community college full time and then join a construction firm for their hands-on training, or they may choose to join a company’s apprenticeship program and attend school at the same time — often paid for in full or in part by their employers.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offers apprenticeship training for the construction industry.

“The outlook for careers in construction is very good,” said Anne M.N. Klute, president of ABC’s Cornhusker Chapter.

Founded in 1950, today the organization has more than 21,000 members and 69 chapters across the U.S.

ABC's membership represents all special- programs are aligned with industry standards ties within the U.S. construction industry and and practices, which helps make students is comprised primarily of firms that perform attractive to employers that take part. work in the industrial and commercial sectors.

“Students are encouraged to attend two The organization provides apprenticeship, meet and greet events each year,” Baxter safety training and political advocacy for the said. “They have the opportunity to network industry, with leading companies in the industry, and “ABC is the merit shop construction in- many students leave with an interview or job dustry's voice with the legislative, executive prospects. Our connections to industry, their and judicial branches of the federal govern- involvement, visits and investments in our ment and with state and local governments, programs give students multiple opportunities as well as with the news media,” at their fingertips.”

Klute said. “ABC's mission is the Miller Electric is perfectly advancement of the merit shop positioned for the growth that the construction philosophy, which construction industry is seeing, encourages open competition and especially within the electrical a free enterprise approach that field, according to Karisa Malawards contracts based solely on chow, an account director with merit, regardless of labor affiliOBI Creative. ation.”

“At Miller Electric, the jobs are ABC's activities include govlong-term and secure,” she said. ernment representation, legal “There is a huge need for elecadvocacy, education, workforce trical and data wiring work now, Baxter development, communications, and those jobs take a considerable technology, recognition through national and amount of time and manpower. Miller wants chapter awards programs, employee benefits, to hire good people. The industry is technical information on best practices, and business and Miller has such experts on staff that can development through an online contractor teach and mentor for any skill that is necessary search directory. for the job.”

Metropolitan Community College’s Miller Electric looks for employees who (MCC) programs include architectural design, are trustworthy, hardworking and have the plumbing, civil engineering, electrical tech- utmost integrity, and the firm can train to the nology, HVAC and construction and building specifics of the job. science. The Fort Hood Omaha Campus also After being employed at Miller, that has a welding lab in its Construction Educa- employee can apply to be in one of two aption Center. prenticeship programs. The programs allow “What sets MCC apart is our passionate employees to earn a paycheck and learn so and experienced instructors, the real world, they can continue to advance their careers. hands-on experience of working on a house “Miller offers the opportunity for emthat will go out into the Omaha community ployees to double their salary in three years and our state-of-the-art facility,” Industry without incurring student loan debt,” MalCoordinator Aubrey Baxter said. chow said.

MCC has a list of more than 800 industry The firm’s apprenticeship program allows contacts who support the college’s career and employees to work for the company while technical education programs. Consistent enrolled in school, with the firm paying advisory committee meetings ensure MCC’s the tuition.

Trying a new look

Continued from preceding page. a website, more than 100 would-be buyers have expressed interest.

Simning said he won’t start construction until he has signed purchase agreements for at least half the units.

D/O’s interest in the Mill District project started several years ago when the city issued a request for proposals for a narrow, half-acre building site known as the “liner parcel.”

They teamed up with a real estate agent who had an interest in bringing a wellness-based condo project to market.

Los Angeles-based AECOM, an international engineering and construction firm with a low-key presence in the Twin Cities, was on the hunt for a signature project to mark its entree into the residential-development scene in the Twin Cities. It signed on as the developer. Since the initial proposal, which was favored by the city and many neighbors, they have been encouraged to increase the density and height of the project from 12 to 14 stories with more than 100 for-sale condos.

Self-cleaning concrete The building will be built with a locally precast “bio-concrete” product that has an additive to help break down environmental pollutants that accumulate on the exterior of the building and maintain the bright white facade. The building will have recessed “pocket gardens” and a rooftop garden with trees and vegetables that can be used by residents, and a street-level restaurant and a retailer that would offer healthy options. The building is expected to be LEED Gold certified and to meet the International Well Building Institute’s construction standards. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Celebrate Construction •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

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Commercial retrofits and renovations gain popularity in construction industry

by Gabby Christensen

Commercial construction retrofits and renovations have become an increasingly popular alternative to new construction, according to professionals.

Patrick Mason, director of business development at Dicon Corp., said renovation remains an attractive alternative to new construction for developers and owners alike, especially as Omaha continues to densify.

“Many aged structures carry a level of nostalgia and/or character that simply cannot be recreated in constructing a new space, each of which Mason provides a certain level of marketability for occupants,” he said.

“Renovations are unarguably challenging, and, at times cost prohibitive, but we continue to see owners embrace these hurdles to captivate historically relevant buildings throughout the city.”

Demand for open, efficient spaces remains incredibly high, according to Mason, requiring architects and builders to adapt their approach to structures and materials that are often more than 100 years old.

“Current renovation projects at the Freiden Building in Downtown Omaha and the former Bohemian Café on 13th Street are perfect examples of this,” Mason said.

“Owners of each project have been very intentional in shaping their approach to design and construction in a manner that will capture

and expand upon each building’s original use.

Freiden will house 13 studio and one-bedroom apartments above commercial spaces at the street level, while the Bohemian Café will be occupied by three commercial tenants.”

Chris Hill, president at AOI Construction, said rapid growth and a solid growth strategy, combined with the benefits of owning or building new, can be much more desirable depending upon the availability of land in a location that meets the business’ needs.

“Renovating existing or relocating to new leased space can, in some ways, future-proof real estate costs and minimize Hill risk associated with the cost and complexity of property ownership,” she said. “While there is a lot of growth and confidence in the market right now, the cost of new construction has also gone up due in part to a shortage of building trade labor.”

Hill said she’s also seeing a lot of collaboration happening between design and build teams.

Additionally, she said the owner’s building and facility needs are often complex and many are trying to determine how to attract and retain people through the amenities or the comfort offered within and through their space.

“These decisions often demonstrate how much an organization values their staff,” Hill said. “Cultural considerations are then balanced with attaining maximum flexi-

Corporate interior. (Courtesy of AOI Corp.) bility to accommodate change, achieving expertise of multiple disciplines — design, the ideal space density configuration, and engineering, construction, furnishings as the investment in technology, heating/air well as electrical and mechanical experts conditioning and other building systems. A to achieve the best possible balance of all collaborative approach fully leverages the of these factors.”

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

First Savings Bank names Wedergren to Omaha market president position

First Savings Bank has promoted Scott Wedergren to Omaha market president.

Wedergren joined First Savings Bank in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently as vice president of commercial lending.

Wedergren received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Wedergren He presently serves as trustee of Sanitary Improvement District 438, treasurer of The Grove Homeowner’s Association, and is a volunteer with the Salvation Army.

Mutual of Omaha names Malmos VP

Mutual of Omaha has promoted Pamela Malmos to vice president of finance and assistant treasurer.

Malmos provides strategic thought leadership and direction for corporate treasury as part of the capital management and treasury division. She is responsible for corporate liquidity, short-term investments and risk management related Malmos to Mutual’s financial activities. Malmos has more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, treasury and banking. Before joining Mutual of Omaha in 2018, Malmos held various leadership positions at major Fortune 500 companies and large privately held banks. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Mary.

NAI NP Dodge adds Estivo

Tettenborn

Oldenburg

Cline Williams names Tettenborn, Oldenburg to partners, adds Bump

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. has named Travis W. Tettenborn and Daniel Oldenburg to partners, and Beau B. Bump has joined the firm.

Tettenborn is a graduate of the University of Nebraska (B.S., with highest disBump tinction, 2009 and J.D., with high distinction, 2012). Tettenborn conducts a general civil trial practice emphasizing medical malpractice defense, legal malpractice defense, personal injury, and defense of civil rights lawsuits. He also handles a variety of commercial litigation matters involving contract and real estate disputes, and represents clients in professional licensing investigations and hearings involving the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. He defends health care providers and represents businesses in litigation throughout the State of Nebraska.

Oldenburg joined the firm in 2017. He is a graduate of the University of Dallas (B.A., cum laude, 1999) and Creighton University (J.D., 2002). Oldenburg provides immigration legal services to individuals and employers. He specializes in employment-based immigration for university and health care institutions. He also represents religious institutions seeking to sponsor qualifying religious workers, and regularly assists clients with permanent residency and naturalization.

Bump joins the Fort Collins, Colorado office. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska (B.A., 2004) and DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 2008). His practice areas are complex commercial, personal injury, and business disputes before state and federal courts.

He advises clients on regulatory compliance, in-

NAI NP Dodge has hired Gabby Estivo as a licensed commercial real estate agent. She provides a full-range of sales and leasing services.

Estivo graduated in May from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She majored in finance, banking and real estate & land use economics Estivo with a minor in management. During the summer of 2018, Estivo worked as a real estate property management and sales intern at Omaha-based Union Pacific Railroad. She worked as a real estate intern at NAI NP Dodge in the summer of 2017.

Access Bank selects Ridgeway for EVP, chief lending officer position

Access Bank has hired David Ridgeway to the leadership team as executive vice president and chief lending officer.

Ridgeway will be responsible for all areas of management of the commercial banking and construction lending divisions, while further building market Ridgeway awareness of the bank via outreach to business and community leaders.

He will work closely with the bankers to help them grow and develop strong relationships with Access Bank clients and prospects while maintaining the bank’s commitment to creating positive experiences. He comes to the bank with over 15 years of leadership and managerial experience in commercial banking and market development. cluding assisting craft breweries, distilleries and wine businesses with federal and state licensure.

Bump represents a wide range of industries, including transportation, health care, food and beverage, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, insurance, banking, investment brokerages, real estate, and construction.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 24, 2019 •

Chief Industries selects Catlett

Wrighton

Johnson

Hightower Reff adds attorneys Wrighton, Johnson to law firm

Hightower Reff Law added two new attorneys to the firm and expanded its services to include worker’s compensation. Tara Wrighton will focus on family law and representing injured persons in worker’s compensation claims and Abby Johnson will focus on family law, including divorce, paternity and child support as well as worker’s compensation.

Wrighton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from South Dakota State University and received her law degree from Creighton University School of Law. She spent the first part of her career as a mental health and substance abuse clinician before accepting a position with the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in child protection. After receiving her law degree, she clerked for the Honorable Leigh Ann Retelsdorf, Judge of the Douglas County District Court.

Johnson spent three years in the areas

Chief Industries, Inc. has selected Mike Catlett to lead the technology infrastructure and support initiatives.

With the increasing needs of system implementations, administration, and automation, Catlett will be responsible for ensuring that systems are performing and upgrades are implemented. He is also Catlett tasked with driving continuous improvements in processes and standards and organizing training and certifications for the network team. He has been managing teams and involved with leading and overseeing infrastructure and IT systems since 2005. He has experience with industry and certifications ranging from Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer to Citrix Certified Administrator and Cisco Certified Network Associate. of juvenile law and workers’ compensation while practicing at Legal Aid of Nebraska in Lincoln and in private practice in Omaha before joining Hightower Reff Law. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs before attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Law. Johnson is a member of the Omaha Bar Association and a member-at-large for the Young Lawyers Division board.

HGM Associates Inc. selects Pritchard, Heywood for team

HGM Associates Inc. has hired Ryan Pritchard, EI, and Alex Heywood, EI, to the team.

Pritchard graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He started his career with HGM as a summer intern before accepting a position as a full-time bridge design engineer. He is involved in all aspects of bridge design and construction administration activities. He recently completed the field observation of a bridge over the Nishnabotna River in southwest Iowa and will be performing construction administration services for a bridge over the BNSF railroad in southwest Iowa this summer.

Heywood graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2018. He serves as a design engineer in the roadway design group out of HGM’s Omaha office. He will be assigned to the Nebraska Department of Transportation team and will also work on projects for local counties, municipalities and private clients.

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Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Co. selects Denker for sales team

Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company has hired Jake Denker to its brokerage team where he will specialize in investment sales, with a focus on multifamily assets.

Denker joined the company after spending six years assisting in the startup of a commercial real estate development and brokerage firm in Omaha.

He is experienced in Denker self-storage and multifamily sales, management, development and redevelopment of distressed assets. Denker graduated from Creighton Preparatory High School in 2010. He then attended Saint Louis University and in 2013 and transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was president of Rho Epsilon Professional Real Estate Fraternity. He is a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Nebraska and is currently pursuing his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.

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• MAY 24, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal