Midlands Business Journal May 8, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 19 issue by Midlands Business Journal

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

Energy & Utilities

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 8, 2020

Energy and utilities industry focuses on diversity in resources, aids customers during pandemic by Gabby Christensen

Despite the obstacles generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy and utilities sector is rapidly changing in today’s landscape, according to area experts. From shifts in energy generation resources to customer preferences, Laura King-Homan, chair of communications for Nebraska Power Association, said Nebraska utilities plan for the future while ensuring reliability and affordability for customers. “We are also keeping an eye on changing customer preferences toward electric vehiPorter cles and energy technology to see how we can help them navigate these options and use them to meet their individual energy goals,” she said. According to King-Homan, the emergence of COVID-19 has not slowed down the work of Nebraska utilities to serve customer-owners. “We understand that customers need our energy now more than ever to stay connected to work, school and loved ones far away,” she said. “To keep them connected, our employees are practicing health safety guidelines so they can stay healthy and keep providing reliable energy to customers.” King-Homan said Nebraska’s public power utilities quickly recognized the economic impact that the COVID-19 directed health measures could have on customers and moved to temporarily suspend disconnections of electric service due to nonpayment. “Nebraska utilities are proud of our public power history,” she said. “To live up to that promise, we will continue to focus on our record of providing reliable energy to customers, while incorporating a diverse mix of generation resources, including solar and wind. As COVID-19 continues to change the way we live our lives, we will also need to maintain a healthy workforce to maintain reliable service.” During the pandemic, Kelley Porter, manager of customer and corporate communications at Lincoln Electric System, said LES continues to help customers who are struggling by temporarily suspending disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees. “We’ve recently changed our outbound calling guidelines to make courtesy calls to customers who are significantly behind on their electric bills, offering to set up a flexible payment plan and sharing helpful financial resourc-

Steve McGreer, president at Asset Environments. She said LES is also urging the public to es,” Porter said. “LES asks customers to stay vigilant as there’s an uptick in pandemic-related keep their distance from utility crews to help scams. While we are making courtesy calls to them deliver safe, reliable service during this certain residential and business customers who pandemic. “Electric work is essential, especially may need our assistance, we will never demand during severe weather season,” Porter said. immediate payment by phone.”

Reaanddit

“We ask our crews to follow guidelines of medical professionals when working in the field. Residents can help by not approaching crews and keeping a safe social distance of six feet or more.” Steve McGreer, president of Asset Environments, said one interesting long-term trend in the industry is that the total fossil fuel consumption in the U.S. has leveled and is showing signs of decreasing. “This is due to several factors including reduced heavy industry in the U.S., less coal use, greater energy efficiency and growth in the renewable energy sector,” McGreer said. With the on-going pandemic, he said it will be interesting to see the long-term impacts of extremely low prices at the pump. Additionally, McGreer noted reduced pollution levels, especially in urban areas, as fewer people are driving and using energy. He said this provides a window into what pollution levels could look like if efforts continue to decarbonize the economy. “This is a time of real change in the energy industry,” McGreer said. “Renewables are getting cheaper all the time, electrical energy storage is becoming possible, electric cars have arrived and end users are reducing their consumption. Change is hard and there will be winners and losers as we transition, but the technology, economics and environmental issues are all too compelling to remain at a status quo.”

Reap!

Energy & Utilities — inside MAY 8, 2020

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VOL. 46 NO. 19

McGill Restoration focuses on infrastructure jobs for regional opportunities by Richard D. Brown

Marking 20 years amidst global pandemic, Sanwick Remodeling maintains workload. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40

Essay draws on early influences to forge career at Dvorak Law Group. – Page 4

g tin rke cies a M gen A

Avoid these common marketing mistakes by sticking to sound fundamentals. – Page 21

Family-owned McGill Restoration is a 35-year-old construction company with 110 employees, a varied portfolio of projects ranging from parking garages and U.S. Department of Transportation projects to industrial work and general masonry modernization. The Florence-based firm has utilized almost all of its three acres at 28th & Grebe streets and is building up business in Lincoln where it has a 12-employee branch. Owner/President/COO Timothy F. McGill said McGill Restoration, which is aiming for $23 million in annual sales this year — about a 15 to 17% increase over 2019 — is looking for as many as 40 acres in far northwest Omaha for its expansion. “I think big,” McGill said. “We’ll use six or seven acres for now and have the rest for the future growth of our business that could be $50 million in annual revenues in 10 years.” McGill, 42, the third generation of his family to be involved in the Continued on page 9.

Owner and President Timothy F. McGill … Infrastructure work maintains bulk of projects for the firm. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

LifeLoop expands into national brand with innovative software by Michelle Leach

Five years after LifeLoop got its start as a way to keep families of loved ones in senior communities “in the loop,” pandemic-related circumstances are bringing things full circle, reinforcing what motivated Amy Johnson and Philip Lee to start the firm in the first place. “We started LifeLoop to initially solve the problem of families understanding what was going on with

loved ones from day-to-day — did they to go dinner? Did they go to their favorite card group? How do you as a family understand what is going on?” said Johnson, co-founder and CEO. “We built the whole platform around that concept.” The “engagement” at the heart of LifeLoop’s software product has been put on high relief in an environment whereby senior commuContinued on page 9. Michala Anderson, branch manager at Robert Half.

From 3D printers to Zoom meetings, tech an ally across multiple industries by Michelle Leach

Co-founder and CEO Amy Johnson, left, and Marketing Manager Andrea Clauson … Technology provides invaluable lifeline for seniors, family members and communities’ staff as industry facilities isolate to protect public health.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series sharing firsthand experiences from local organizations on how their respective industries are adapting to COVID-19. As restrictions are eased, organizations that represent the various stages of one’s personal and business journey reflect on the often unexpected changes made thus far, and on the lasting effects of COVID-19.

Graham Construction is applying its expertise in controlling construction dust, spanning 37 certified infection control and 10 certified health care constructor professionals, to handle threatening airborne particles. “When one of our longstanding hospital customers said they needed help turning regular patient rooms into spaces that could contain patients with Continued on page 3.

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Marking 20 years amidst global pandemic, Sanwick Remodeling maintains workload by Savannah Behrends

Mick McGuire, owner of Straightline Design, drew the prints and Kim Hansen with Absolute Design Interiors worked with the clients on interior design. Sanwick Construction has been working with both companies for 20 years. Sanwick noted another unique aspect of the project was that the seller and his sister got to see the remodeled house, which was previously his father’s. The family-owned business will be adding another team member in May when Todd and Lisa Sanwick’s son graduates from high school and begins training to become a carpenter. He will be the second new member in 2020.

Sanwick Remodeling got an interesting start to its 20th year in business when COVID-19 descended on Omaha, forcing business of all types to take a pause. The company has been able to remain

Sanwick Remodeling Phone: 402-697-9300 Founded: 2000 Service: Commercial and residential remodeling Employees: 10 Goal: Keep pace with previous years, staying busy despite COVID-19 Website: sanwickremodelingcontractors.com

busy with outdoor projects thanks to its breadth of experience and nimble team. Currently in the works is an outdoor kitchen with exterior grade Wherever cabinets and a 12-person granite table with a custom-built iron base that matches deck railings. The pandemic may in fact help increase future business for the firm, which does both residential and commercial remodeling. “Because people are working from home they’re realizing what’s wrong with their homes and it could potentially lead to more remodeling jobs,” said Tawnia Sanwick, marketing director and daughter of owners Todd and Lisa Sanwick. The team of 10 is hoping to keep pace with last year, which included 30 projects ranging from bathroom remodels all the way up to additions and total house remodels. Out of nearly 800 projects over the last 20 years, nearly 60% have come from return clients, which speaks to the company’s commitment to quality work. One client has even hired Sanwick for a total of 22 separate jobs over the years. “Something that my dad always says is that you don’t get a good client, you create a good client,” Sanwick said. Part of building that relationship relies on an education first rather than sales first approach, which helps establish a more relaxed relationship and fosters trust. “In construction, there can be a number

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From left, Marketing Director Tawnia Sanwick and owners Todd and Lisa Sanwick … Focusing on transparency and reliability propels company over 20-year mark. of things that can come up and if you don’t to Straightline Design, a firm it has been trust your contractor then it can lead to other working with for close to 20 years. Other issues,” she said. notable relationships include 16 years with Another component to building that Stone Concepts Inc., and 13 years working relationship and trust involves substantial with The Frazier Company. research and communication with vendors Sanwick Construction has been able to and subcontractors in the proposal stage. demonstrate its ability and craftsmanship In recent years an estimator has been during several National Association of the added to the team to help ensure that prices Remodeling Industry Remodeled Home are accurate and timely. Tours. Its submission in 2019 represented Longstanding relationships with vendors, a unique step for the firm, which doesn’t subcontractors and designers has also played normally flip houses. a role in the quality of the firm’s projects. “[Todd and Lisa] bought the house from “Having great relationships with the subs a close family friend who needed to sell and suppliers help the jobs run smoother, they quickly after his dad passed away,” Sanwick know how we do business and operate with said. “They ended up selling it before it went the same level of integrity,” Sanwick said. to framing, so before it was even finished.” For example, when a client doesn’t have Longstanding industry relationships plans drawn up for a remodel, Sanwick refers played a huge role in the project’s success.

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

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From 3D printers to Zoom meetings, tech an ally across multiple industries Continued from page 1. COVID-19, we had the expertise and equipment available to quickly convert the spaces,” said Project Manager Matt Leaders. Its work with UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids, Iowa provides a classic example of Graham’s approach of looking at every situation from the owner’s perspective. “When our superintendent learned of the hospital’s shortage of face shields, he immediately started looking for ways Graham could help,” he said. “It started with simply buying supplies at local stores and assembling masks out of transparency film, double-sided tape and rubber bands. After a couple of days, our superintendent found a 3D printer we could use to produce rigid frames for the face shields. You won’t see ‘face shield production’ in Graham’s normal scope of work. But if we see a customer facing a challenge, we’re going to find a way to help.” Forest Lawn Executive Director/Funeral Director Steve Brunken and Family Service Director Angela Erickson are supporting families coping with loss amid the crisis, by providing

constant contact via the likes of Zoom meetings. “In addition, we are using Facebook Live to stream services; however, many families are posting on their own Facebook page as well,” Brunken said. “To respect the 10 and under crowd-sizing, most families have opted for a private graveside service with extra attendees staying in their car for the service and we ensure social distancing is followed. Most families will be having a celebration of life when the restrictions are lifted, which we know will be important.” To allow more families to have the opportunity to view, Erickson said viewing hours are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (instead of the usual two to three hours of viewing). “Families have opted for celebration services later, so out-of-state families can attend in the future as well,” she said. “The most important element is to serve our guests during this sensitive time and ensure we are still there for their services.” They encourage families to focus on the time with their loved ones, the 92 years of life, for instance, rather than the passing.

“Talk to each other, tell stories of your loved ones, get together with other family members by Zoom and celebrate loved ones in different ways,” Brunken said. With proper preparation, Erickson said, families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus can still have viewings and hold services. “When the restrictions begin to lift, we will adjust as needed to ensure the continued comfort of our families,” she said. As employers and employees embark on new chapters, Branch Manager Michala Anderson indicated they’ve helped many companies move to remote work setups. “How they work is changing, but work is continuing — often, with an even faster pace because the environment is shifting daily,” she said. Accordingly, clients’ biggest concerns span motivating employees, boosting morale, and communicating frequently; Anderson said candidates’ biggest concern is finding a jobs in this environment, while the currently employed are “extremely concerned” about keeping their jobs.

“We’ve seen many layoffs in the past few weeks and Nebraska’s statewide unemployment rate increased from 2.9% in February to 4.2% in March,” she said. Remote workers are grappling with having the right equipment to work from home long term, and maintaining productivity while juggling work and caregiving responsibilities. In addition to an increase in employees who can work from home, and a rise in video calls and videoconferencing, Anderson surmises a greater respect of one’s personal and family life when working remotely over the longer term. “Previously, workers may have been embarrassed if their dog barked or child interrupted them while on a work call, but nowadays it’s par for the course and much more accepted and disregarded,” she said. “Companies may also look to redesign current roles/positions within the organization — allowing for more autonomy, moving away from routine tasks and more towards strategic projects. A number of factors may be at play here, from the rise of artificial intelligence to simply allowing workers to do more with less.”

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Essay draws on early influences to forge career at Dvorak Law Group by Dwain Hebda

Laura Essay, attorney with Dvorak Law Group, said early influences were the key ingredients in shaping the lawyer she wanted to be and the community servant she’s become. Her legal interest was sparked while an undergrad at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. There, she served as president of the university judiciary and caught a glimpse of her future vocation. “As a student on that board, you served with professors and administrators who play a pretty instrumental role in showing how the process works,” she said. “It really exposed me to what I now know a legal career is about. It’s really just working with people to solve problems.” Essay graduated from NWU with a degree in business administration in 2006 and earned her juris doctorate from University of Nebraska College of Law in 2009. Upon joining Dvorak Law Group, she found her niche and hasn’t looked back, even if it wasn’t the specialty she’d had in mind. “When I was coming out of law school, I thought that I would be a litigator,” she said. “With regard to my current practice, I do a lot of estate planning, business succession planning.” Essay may not have pictured these areas initially, but she was quickly taken with the highly personal nature of this brand of law. “The thing that really drives me and

excites me about this area of the law are the clients,” she said. “I get to work with such a broad range of clients from single individuals to families with young children to individuals just starting new businesses to successful highend businesses. “I really like being an integral part in a family’s planning and making sure that they have an appropriate plan in place that allows their business to continue on for generations to come. You really create a relationship with a client, you’re a trusted adviser and you have the duty and responsibility of helping them come up with a plan for their family from a personal planning standpoint and then also on the business side. That’s probably what drew me to it, the ability to form relationships with clients and help them with real-life scenarios.” Essay’s influencers on community involvement started even earlier in life, going back to her parents who modeled service to others. “Growing up, my parents were both extremely active within the community, most notably with Special Olympics and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and at a young age, I remember volunteering at events,” she said. “I don’t necessarily know if I had a complete grasp on the causes, but it was instilled in me that it’s really important to give back to your community and to make sure that you donate

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Attorney Laura Essay … Valuing role in helping others through law and community involvement. your time or your talent or your resources to they’re doing, just making sure that they’re help others.” having these experiences. Hopefully, it will Essay has lived up to those early lessons impact them and encourage them to be valuby serving in a variety of organizations. These able members and contributors to our commuinclude Junior League of Omaha, Junior nity as they grow up.” League Foundation, Rose Theater Guild, Lincoln Children’s Zoo and NextGen Lincoln, Lincoln Community Foundation. The Elkhorn native, now a mother of two, said she hopes to pass the lessons of community servanthood to her children in the same way it was handed down to her. “I’ve started to focus them, similar to what my parents did,” she said. “I don’t think [my parents] realized what they were doing, but I’ve been thoughtful about getting my own children engaged and exposed to different ways to volunteer without telling them what

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Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 24, 2017 •

November 24, 2017

5055 Building at Bryan Health’s East Campus (Courtesy of Davis Design)

Unique Midlands by Michelle Leach

Boys Town Clinic (Courtesy of Calvin L. Hinz Architects)

features, robust economy

Sandhills Publishing

Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

result in multi-sector

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

Private giving and an economy that any one industry isn’t may stays,” but the level be Midlands “mainDundee harkening and the sheer need of cross-sector activity back for talent to meet in communities that to communities withdemand for services are newer-emerging sprung up on streetcar phenomenon or bus lines. for area firms. He also speaks to “The architecture, engineering and lifestyle and the built a “balance in terms of construction industry the movement from environment”; consider Greater Omaha region is very strong in the and now “hybrids,” cubicles to open spaces at the moment,” said conference rooms which combine smaller BCDM Principal and areas where and employees can still have Director John Sullithat sense of community van, who also isolated but also privacy Sarpy County’s highas needed. growth. “We’re moving Further, Sullivan to that direction, notes strength “nearnot because it’s the trend ly across the board” but because it’s — from office the and right thing,” he said. institutional to private The architecture sectors such as reliand engineering Palandri gious projects which, side of the construction he said, is “unusual” and “won’t last forever.” industry was described “The economic development as “robust,” into and growth of the metro-area Smith the has been steady and Design Senior Associatefinal quarter by Davis and the diversification strong, and Senior Architect of the area economy Greg Smith. — both of those factors add up to good by Sullivan: John Sullivan, principal and things happening “Several projects in the metro, and designed recently director at BCDM “One of the things still in hopes of breaking that’s not about necessarily true are Architects. that’s unique environments, across the state, Omaha is there is ground this fall many of the large especially and strong philanthropic if you’re in an ag and a shift in what private support for Downtown Lincoln and area and go into central expect.” people ects are key projects.” projwestern Nebraska gaining inertia,” he or AO’s … said. “The interior Palandri speaks to remodel market modities-driven areas,”and some of the com- Palandri Managing Principal Randall trying to attract is also J. nials and a has seen the uptick lifestyle shift, whereby millen- keep contractors busy strong and this will He also referenced he said. in growth that became noticeable during winter months.” the more urban centers the many pockets around two years growth, from newer Many large-scale of main steady ago re- perspective are in demand from a housing Telegraph District’s projects, such as the and offices that to Aksarben Village, areas such as Blackstone attributes in more recent months, which he speak to this at the stage where particularly to infill-type generation School/YMCA, Hudl,Marilyn Moore Middle sion of that development extenprojects. perspective.are in-demand from a workplace “There and Nelnet, have to form; He also speaks, not come of the projects featured is occurring. Some opment,” is a lot more emphasis on redevelnecessarily mains however, Smith said there still he said. “What really to “vintage” or here in this section reflect another prominent re“traditional” work in the build-outs. drove it was, materials there was a pent-up He referenced trend mentioned demand for market-rate but to, perhaps, more construction work at Bryan apartments and Health’s East “traditional” neighborhoodin more walkable-type and community-building, new LES Operations Center, Campus, the of with areas and projects for Eustis Autobody such as Benson, at 98th Street and Blackstone and Highway Continued on next page.

opportunities

Architecture — inside

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgrade

THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

s keep Interstate

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VOL. 43 NO. 47

Printing competitive

Interstate Printing ha-based firm founded Co., an Omaby a German immigrant with Business & Industrial a special interest in publishing ethnic Parks/Leasing newspapers, has used its family-ownership as an anchor, placed strong equipment upgrades, emphasis on and maintained a comprehensive list has enabled it to growof services that of its commercial with the needs Business & Industrial printing clients, which are located Park/Leasing throughout much of the country. — inside “For our 100 years OCTOBER 20, we have main2017 tained a low-key approach, which has enabled us to attract THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE: with jobs that we business clients can on,” said William do a good job F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago. “With each job we to say, ‘This came want to be able from us’ and that both our client and will be pleased with their customers 40 the results,” he der continued. Un 40 Peter, who formerly practiced law full-time before succeeding his uncle Eugene Peter who retired from Locally owned Aksarben the business at age 88 five years ago, serves large demographicCinema From left, Senior Continued on page with VP of Sales Jim amenities. 8. reached its Mancuso centennial year – Page 2 with investments and President William Peter … in new tech. The printing company has (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) 28

der Un

• OCTOBER 20, 2017 • Midlands Business

Journal

October 20, 2017

No slowdown in demand by Michelle Leach

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

as availability presents

ongoing challenges

More buildings may economy with upside be coming out of potential.” ground, but demand the NAI NP Dodge also being constructed remains brisk. “Demand for commercial at described the leasing Associate Kyle Pelster Opportunities are Highway Crossing.” Edney indicated real estate market as “very tight.” loans is very strong,” this is driving “At any given and landlords leasing available for tenants such as the said Stephanie Moline, executive vice president aforementioned R&R. projects, to them. time, there are around These challenges ing with First National of Enterprise Lend- 100 properties, aren’t limited to Bank. “Commercial give or A; Edney recalled Class and industrial loan how the Kellogg take, listed/available demand is growing, building at 10203 Crown at a much slower but in the Omaha/Council Point Ave. near pace.” Fort Blair High Road She said some of had “multiple offers and Bluffs couple of weeks.” in a in late 2016 is being the capital investment said. market,” he “Having said absorbed. “There isn’t much “It would appear that, finding the of that type of product out there, either,” coris lagging the capital the anticipated revenue rect he said. square footage, expenditures,” Moline He also spoke to said. location, rental rates tures, such as greater demand for certain feaGrowth of C&I loans, clear heights and and building layout she said, remains dock doors — driven larger about the same as can be very difficult.” by requirements a year companies such as “Agribusiness loans ago. as He referred to are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline more providers. real estate is up Edney “We’re also seeing year over more construction in the last year — year,” she said. Pelster with a lot of interest owner/user buildings “We are finally seeing from investors that Generally, businesses but some spec buildings as well. are an increase in new in spec industrial space are optimistic industrial properties,”looking to invest about potential tax on the market again “The new Facebook he said. “A lot reform. after a slowdown of that interest project will add “This would cause in new infrastructure past,” he said. “The new spec projects in the the Midwest.” is coming from outside of some monies to along the repatriated and improving be corridor,” increases in term Pelster said. “This Highway 50 rental rates and operating length, working capital Edney referred to and money that can will break expenses continue ROI for new projects cap be used for acquisitions and industrial parks way to steadily rise. as lower on the coasts, rates and one’s or additional investment area.” in that making Omaha in equipment and/ “The rest of the market attractive as a secondary or people,” she said. seems to be catch- to He ing up with the rental Chicago, New York or tertiary market more entrants into “There continues to be created said Thrasher and Freightliner have rates we are seeing or Denver. of the new construction out Regarding “behind-the-scenes” from loan productionthe local market; both leaving large new buildings for themselves, projects.” vacancies in their offices OMNE Partners indusprevious locations. Moline is encouraged and FinTechs.” EVP Matt Edney Continued on page “Brook Valley continues Class A industrial by new market 30. entrants as: “People availability remains said to be the leader in new industrial believe this is a vibrant hard to find.” “really construction projects,” Pelster said. “The “And that type R&R Commerce of product is moving Park is pretty quick,” he said.

in Omaha

Green Arrow Junk Co. aims to reduce household, landfill clutter. – Page 2

Persistence paves way for for Contemporary Art’s The Union community impact. – Page 3

n in me ss Wo ine Bus

Women’s representation in leadership: Ripples adding up to a sea change? – Page 4

Archrival updates 10-year-old Haymarket space, establishes Los Angeles presence by Michelle Leach

Archrival’s renovated space as one space,” said Clint! RunLincoln ge, headquarters at 720 founder and managing O St. speaks to creative the unique mix of director. “We wanted a mature our space to years old and counting firm — 20 be a little further along the business — and energetic startup spirit chain … and at that has resulted one point that was in campaigns with an ‘aspirational’ Redbull, space, it became Motorola, and expansion Adidas, us and we outgrew with sister mature it. It’s more offices and teams of a business than in the space gon, and Los Angeles.Portland, Ore- felt like.” “We’ve been here The Haymarket for over 10 years, and wanted Archrival’s niche space breathes to rethink the entire in youth cultureContinued on page 10.

yee plo s Em efit Ben

Harness technology to overcome capacity constraints, attract business year-round – Page 6

President Nick upon 30-plus years Cusick … Equipment manufacturer builds soccer; tennis courtof innovation with safety features in volleyball, sports like pickleball.renovations to accommodate rising interest in

Bison makes gains Nebraskan Michael Forsberg focuses as new gyms built lens on Great Plains amid popularity of conservation. sports like pickleball – Page 34 by Michelle Leach

Founder/Managin g Creative Director Communications Clint! Runge Amy with focus on youth Filipi … Brand communications with Head of culture. firm flourishes

Depending on where across Bison’s divisions one looks and product lines, the Lincoln-based manufacturer’s growth is up at least 5 to 10 percent to 30 percent following or amid dealer base and ownership transitions, and a business unit redesign. “Bison overall, its line, had an incredibleown product year prior and this last year was flat com-

pared to that,” said President Nick Cusick, who indicated its focus was on other areas. “Even a lot of direct marketing without emphasis, our site furnishing business, BRP, was up 5 to 10 percent.” Falling under custom industrial job shop manufacturer IMSCORP’s holding company umbrella, wholly-owned subsidiary Bison is joined by SNA Sports Continued on page 10.

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Lamp Rynearson by Richard D. Brown

Drone and innovative scanning technology is giving Lamp Rynearson, Omaha-based civil engineering, a 58-year-old landscape architecture, construction and surveying firm, administration a competitive advantage as it completes a wide range of private and public sector projects. Nancy Pridal, a professional engineer and 20-year son employee who Lamp Rynearto president of the was promoted firm in August, stresses that leading the latest technologywith the use of has enabled the employee-owned increase its revenues company to by more than 100 percent over the while the employee past 10 years creased by 45 percent.count has in“With the investment we’ve made, we want to be viable in the future with the technology provided,” Pridal said. “For example, we can scan a mound and get the typographic data and in scanning stockpiles we can get quantities.” The purchase of a second drone Continued on page 12.

competes with innovat $2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 42

ive technology

President Nancy

Pridal … Leveraging

La Casa Pizzaria dishes out more options to customers from online orders to food by Michelle Leach truck

tech investments

for variety of projects. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

La Casa Pizzaria Jesse. “Being a family restaurant, is evolving with offerings on our staff lives for wheels — its food interaction.” truck — and via She indicated there technologies such is a balas online ordering, ancing act for the third-generafocused on customerwhile staying tion, family-owned service from and operated the family that restaurant, which has been dishing is still located at out its Neapolitan-style 4432 pizza for the Leavenworth St. in Omaha — almost 75 years. same location that reportedly “Technology plays caught on so well that a part,” said General Manager/Treasurer Patane and his family Founder Joe “ran out of Nicole Continued on page 18.

Ashley Abel, property manager with Cushman Lund Co., for 1415 & Wakefield/ @ The Yard, demonstrates app during the IOTAS’ property grand opening event for the complex.

Smart-enabled apartment community delivers plug and play app to renters by Becky McCarville

General Manager/Treasur er Nicole — from food truck to website and menu Jesse … A heaping of “new” on service, Neapolitan-style updates — blends with focus pizza and pasta.

At the recent grand lifestyle. opening of 1415 @ The Yard The platform also apartment complex at 14th and to property managersprovides data Cuming streets, property manager monitor and control so they can Ashley Abel with energy usage, Cushman & Wakefield/Lund rent units Co., streamlinefaster through automation, logged onto the property labor costs and add dashboard value to launch the smart to properties. apartment app designed by Portland-based “It helps run the property IOTAS efficiently,” more (Internet of Things Abel said, As a Service), demonstrating the she can control vacant adding that ease units’ lightnew tenant can control at which a ing, heating and air conditioning, automated technologyand integrate monitor maintenance to fit their issues as well Continued on page 39.

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Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

Energy & Utilities

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 8, 2020

Energy and utilities industry focuses on diversity in resources, aids customers during pandemic by Gabby Christensen

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Energy & Utilities

Utilities, energy companies well-positioned for the unexpected by Michelle Leach

Unprecedented times often call for unprecedented measures, or at least an acceleration of existing initiatives to support utilities customers and other stakeholders in the energy industry. “Starting April 1, we took the proactive and unprecedented step of isolating staff members at our three water treatment plants,” said Metropolitan Utilities District President Mark Doyle. “Employees were split into rotating teams and sheltered in place at our facilities for seven to 14 days at a time. Our employees were in isolation for 31 days. We provided meals and RV campers onsite for their sleeping quarters.” By late March, Doyle said around 80% of its 800-plus workforce was working or reporting from home, with the balance field workforce subject to split shifts, social distancing and personal protective equipment. “In mid-March, we launched dedicated COVID-19 sites on our employee intranet and on our public website at www.mudomaha.com,” he said. Starting March 17, disconnections of gas and water service for nonpayment were stopped and, Doyle said, as of April 13, late payment charges were waived for residential and commercial customers. MUD’s continuity plan included preparedness for pandemics; furthermore, he

said, as a 24/7 organization, it’s in “ready status” mode and practices for such events. “In addition, our team gained valuable crisis experience during the 2019 spring flooding when the district had to adjust

Doyle Jarosz operations at its three water plants to continue providing a safe, stable water supply to the community,” he said. Black Hills Energy quickly began new procedures to provide additional personal protection equipment to field technicians and to eliminate nonessential customer interactions, according to Kevin Jarosz, vice president of operations. “One example is speeding up the expansion of a new tool to detect natural gas leaks utilizing laser technology that enables technicians to detect the presence of methane, the key component of natural gas, from up to 100 feet,” he said.

The company has suspended utility disconnections for residential and small business customers with extended payment options available at www.blackhillsenergy.com, which Jarosz noted features a comprehensive COVID-19 response page. Jarosz further highlighted its emphasis on preparedness for the last several years. “The flooding of 2019 utilized these plans and with these plans in place and Crouse previously tested, Blacks Hills Energy quickly responded to the COVID-19 challenges,” he said. “Our efforts in preparing for crisis response over the past several years have proved time well spent. Collectively, as an organization, we were able to mobilize early on putting together appropriate safety measures and customer assistance programs.” Midlands Business Journal recently featured OPPD’s crisis response efforts and it, too, has extended customer support measures. These and work-from-home tips are available at www.oppd.com. As one of the largest private, independent energy companies in the country, Te-

naska continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19, according to CEO and Vice Chairman Jerry Crouse, who referred to its pandemic plan to protect employees, and ensure continuity with minimal disruption to service and at generating facilities across the U.S. “To protect our employees, Tenaska’s Omaha headquarters, as well as our regional offices across the United States and in Canada, have been directed to work remotely through at least April 30,” Crouse said in late April. “Employees who must be physically present to perform critical work at our generating facilities or office locations are following CDC guidelines.” Crouse continued: “Employees across the Tenaska organization have done a tremendous job of fulfilling their work responsibilities. Our employees are communicating with their peers, partners, consultants and customers via conference calls and video conferencing.” Crouse indicated it’s a privilege to be in an industry whereby one can continue to be of service during trying times. “We have retained all of our employees and have provided them with the resources needed to perform their jobs in an effective manner,” he said. “Our employees continue to deliver a reliable supply of natural gas and power, to accommodate our customers’ changing energy needs and, importantly, to be helpful in the communities where they live and work.”

Experts offer homeowners tips for conserving energy and saving dollars by David Kubicek

Energy-efficiency practices will save homeowners money, but because every home is different, the savings will vary greatly. Based on the improvements the Omaha Planning Department’s Energy Conservation/Healthy Homes Program makes — like adding 1,000-square-feet of attic insulation, installing low-emissivity storm windows over single pane windows, and replacing 15 incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs that are on six hours a day will potentially save $367 to $577 per year in energy costs, according to City Planner Wyatt Tuell. “We do include attic insulation, rim joist insulation, and water insulation,” he said. “We install or replace storm doors and storm windows, seal HVAC duct seams, install LED light bulbs, and install programmable thermostats. Through our Emergency Repair Program for low-income homeowners in Omaha, we can replace broken furnaces and water heaters with higher efficiency models.” Other things homeowners can do to improve energy efficiency include adding insulation to walls and in floors above crawl spaces, insulating HVAC ducts, installing interior storm windows, replacing old appliances with newer energy-efficient ones, installing smart thermostats (which are not always compatible in older homes), installing thermal curtains or shades, and planting deciduous trees to help shade the Continued on next page.

Energy & Utilities •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

Experts offer homeowners tips for conserving energy and saving dollars Continued from preceding page. house in the summer. For new construction, implementing energy efficiency measures from the start can significantly impact the home’s overall efficiency, according to Larry Emanuel and Jesse Weidner, owners of Future Energy Dynamics. “These practices include making decisions on wall thickness, what level of insulation is desired, and choosing a furnace and air conditioner system that has an efficienTuell cy level suited for the home,” Emmanuel said. “A well-sealed home will reduce the amount of air that is able to pass in and out of the structure, impacting the conditioned air your furnace and air conditioner work to maintain.” For existing homes, they suggested replacing incandescent light with LED, using a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to maintain optimal temperature settings to store perishable food, lowering the temperature on the water heater, and sealing foundation penetrations with a foam sealant. “Don’t run your clothes dryer during the hottest period of the day while cooling your home during the peak load energy period,” Weidner said. “An average dryer can exhaust 150 to 200 cubic feet of air per minute. Remember, this is the same air you are trying to cool with the air conditioner.”

Air infiltration (tiny holes/openings in the structure) is one of the biggest energy consumption variables that can cause higher energy bills, according to Nate Frazier, president of The Frazier Company. “They say the average 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot house will have an opening in it that will be at least as big or larger than a full-size basketball,” he said. A licensed Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater can test the home to see how leaky it actually is and often help

locate the problem areas. “Replacing old HVAC equipment is the quickest way to seeing lower energy bills immediately,” Frazier said. “Homes built even 10 years ago may have equipment that is half as efficient as newer higher efficient equipment.” A tightly-built home will typically reduce energy consumption by at least 30% compared to a loosely-built home, depending on the exposure/orientation of the structure. Homes facing north will

consume more energy because the highest concentration of windows are typically on the front of the house. “Your highest energy loss on any given wall structure will be through the window pane itself,” Frazier said. Setting the thermostat back no more than five degrees can result in big energy savings, but if you set the temperature back more than five degrees, it will be too hard to recover temperature in the peak winter and summer months.

Businesses with big drops in electricity consumption during pandemic: Car dealers, dry cleaners, restaurants by Rob Nikolewski

Want to know how much the COVID-19 outbreak has affected businesses? A good indication comes by simply measuring how much electricity they’re using. And data gathered by Innowatts, an analytics company based in Houston, show that if you’re a car Energy dealer, a restaurant owner and even a dry cleaner, you’re in a world of hurt. Each of those areas reported reductions of 51% or more in electricity consumption last month as business activity evaporated in the wake of coronavirus restrictions. But a handful of businesses actually increased their electricity use. “Our global economy is an electricity-based economy,” said Sid Sachdeva, CEO of Innowatts.

His company crunched energy demand numbers compiled by grid operators across the country — including the California Independent System Operator — in conjunction with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and overlaid the figures with predictive models to compare electricity use from the first full week of March to the last week of the month. All told, the analysis concluded seven areas saw declines in electricity consumption of more than 40%. “We were surprised by the size of the drop in electric consumption across a majority of retail segments,” Sachdeva said in an email to the Union-Tribune. “And with that, the corresponding immediate and negative impact on our small business across the nation.” The single largest drop came from car

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dealerships, which saw consumption slip 67%. “With uncertainty in the economy, people are holding off on major purchases like vehicles,” Sachdeva said. Dry cleaning businesses were right behind, with electricity use plummeting 65%. “People are staying at home and primarily wearing leisure clothing,” Sachdeva said. “Usually, clothes that require dry cleaning, like suits and dresses and the like, are for office and business settings, or party and dinner events. With stay-at-home orders, people aren’t going into the office and parties and the like are all canceled.” The restaurant business saw a 51% decline in electricity consumption as many eateries were reduced to take-out orders or Continued on next page.

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• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Energy & Utilities

Businesses seeing drops in electricity consumption during the pandemic Continued from preceding page. completely shut their doors. But there was one exception: Pizza parlors, according to the Innowatts analysis, on average increased their electricity use by 20%. Already well-positioned in the carry-out business pre-COVID-19, pizza chains have so far weathered the financial storm. Big chains such as Papa John’s and Pizza Hut have ramped up efforts to make deliveries “contactless” to ensure social distancing. From March 23 to April 19, Domino’s reported a 7.1% increase in domestic sales, compared to the same period last year. “Americans love pizza,” Sachdeva said. They also seem to like booze, as liquor stores turned in a 19% increase in electricity consumption in March. But the single largest increase in usage came from the storage unit business — up 23%. With universities shutting down, students across the country scrambled to find places to put their dormitory furniture and personal belongings. Some businesses have also looked to find places to temporarily store their supplies amid the lockdown. “We also think people may be spending more time spring cleaning and organizing since they have more time on their hands,” Sachdeva said.

Pamela Hickey, office manager at Morena Storage in Linda Vista, Calif., said the 1,700-unit facility is up to 87% capacity after an influx of college students — many from nearby University of San Diego — came to the store last month. “We do that every year but the only difference was instead of doing it in May, we did it in March,” Hickey said. “We had to jump into high gear but we already knew what we were doing.” Hickey said Morena Storage has seen an uptick in customers looking to lease larger units. “I’ve had some new tenants who were moving in with friends or family and have been putting things in storage because it was cheaper to do that than to try to pay rent,” said. All told, though, just four business segments in the Innowatts analysis reported increased electricity usage while 11 segments saw decreases. Grocery stores saw no change. “COVID-19 is causing deep and sudden impacts on businesses of all shapes,” Sachdeva said, adding that without a steady and prolonged economic recovery, businesses such as fitness centers, bars, salons and dentistry will be hurt more than others. ©2020 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

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

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

Issue Date: May 15 • Ad Deadline: May 7

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

McGill Restoration focuses on infrastructure jobs for regional opportunities Continued from page 1. construction industry, said within the decade he’d like to open a second branch, perhaps in a nearby city such as Des Moines or Kansas City or in the South where McGill Restoration is developing more relationships with customers. In the Midwest — especially in Ne-

McGill Restoration Phone: 402-558-7989 Address: 2821 Grebe St., Omaha 68112; 2939 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln 68504 Services: large scale restoration projects Founded: 1985 by Timothy P. McGill Employees: 110 One-year goal: Relocate Omaha headquarters to 40-acre tract in northwest Omaha. Industry outlook: Aging infrastructure such as bridges and dams will demand renovation well into the future. Website: www.mcgillrestoration.com

braska, Iowa and South Dakota — the sector of the firm’s largest growth and potential is projects for departments of transportation and similar entities. Additional work is also being acquired in Florida, an opportunity McGill embraces for two reasons. The application of the high friction surface treatment requires specific application training that his employees have specialized in. This work in the southern states keeps crews busy during the winter months in Nebraska and Iowa when outdoor work would be harder to complete. In recent years highway work, often involving the installation of high friction surface treatments for departments of transportation, involve the laying of an additional layer of epoxy coating that is applied to sections of pavement particularly susceptible to skidding. McGill said the coating allows tires to encounter the proper amount of friction when they drive over a paved surface by placing polish and abrasion-resistant aggregate in the epoxy. “HFST applications will remain more durable than unprotected pavement,” McGill said. A major McGill Restoration project a few years ago involved a multifaceted upgrade of the South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge. Polyurea, a membrane manufactured in the Kansas City area, when applied to a bridge deck that can add 20 or more years to a bridge’s use, has been an important product in McGill Restoration’s growth over the past five years. “It’s part of our strategy of building relationships through craftsmanship,” McGill said. At present, 35% of McGill Restoration’s revenues are generated by a myriad of projects involving the renovation of parking garages ranging from the city of Lincoln’s Eagle garage where full deck replacement was done for 50,000 square feet of space. Another project was at University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Avery parking garage where work involved the cut out and replacement of control joint caulking, concrete repair, double-T flange connection repairs and stairwell repairs.

Industrial work is the second largest category of revenues and has involved several projects for MUD, including a full renovation of the MUD Pump House facility that will be scheduled later this year as a large specialized McGill Restoration team must be assembled for the work with a special provision clause that mandates the work be done within 60 days of start. Another project for the utility involved renovation of its chemical building. Included in that project was tuck point and brick replacement, structured concrete repair, a high-performance floor coating system, sand blasting and painting of structural steel. McGill credits his athletic background with giving him the attention to detail in understanding and planning for the effective execution of projects such as MUD’s Basins 1 and 2. The fast-track Basin 2 work requires that 40 to 50 McGill Restoration employees be on-site six days a week for 60 days in order to complete the project. That’s going to require some meticulous scheduling of workers — especially some of the key specialists needed for the $3.5 million project. “There probably are six to 10 scopes of work on each of our jobs but we’re a diverse contractor with expertise in masonry,

concrete, water, strengthening work — so multifaceted needs of such jobs are aligned well with us,” McGill said. “A strength of ours is that we understand our capacity really well and that enables us to work in time frames and other conditions that some competitors might not be comfortable operating in.” “The large-scale multifaceted project is what draws our interest,” he added. McGill, who started in the family business in the summer of ‘94 as a laborer assigned on a bridge renovation project for I-480 in downtown Omaha, replaced his father Timothy P. McGill as owner and leader of the business six years ago. The older McGill is retired. The younger McGill heads a six-member executive team that leads the company. Each executive runs a specific McGill Restoration business unit, which McGill said he has found enables the most effective management of the firm’s niche of largescale, multi-faceted projects. On the day of the Midlands Business Journal interview, the firm had 25 projects in progress and about 80% of its equipment in use in the field. Twenty five new positions have been created in the past two years, many of them for skilled craftsmen and future candidates for the firm’s foreman development

program. The backbone of the firm’s “visionary” approach to preparation, project growth and building relationships through craftsmanship, McGill said is the sizable investment that has been made in using outside consultants to lead important discussions on the firm’s culture, which has been dubbed “the McGill way.” Drawing on important concepts that McGill experienced as a student athlete, emphasis is placed on “execution.” “It’s our secret sauce and the recipe for which is loyalty, honesty, hard work, dedication and knowledge,” he said. “We own it, invest in learning, make stuff happen, take chances and emphasize doing the right thing.” “As with athletics everyone has to believe who you are, be motivated and bought-in to the culture of forward thinking as they do their job,” McGill added. “We’ve wanted to seek the highest degree of capabilities and the best at what we do.” The philosophy helps McGill Restoration both attract and retain employees. Its costly, though. More than $500 is spent upfront on each hire and over a threeyear period tens of thousands of dollars is invested in continuing education. The retention rate of skilled employees after two years is in the 80 to 85% range, McGill said.

LifeLoop expands into national brand with innovative software Continued from page 1. nities are limiting access to their residents in high-risk categories for COVID-19, with Johnson and Marketing Manager Andrea Clauson noting some client-communities are limiting residents’ access to dining halls — delivering food to each room instead. “It’s very facility-specific,” Clauson

LifeLoop Phone: 402-915-3860 Address: 11421 Davenport St., Omaha 68154 Services: technology-based communications tool to connect family members with loved ones and senior living community staff, and to connect staff members at communities with each other Website: www.ourlifeloop.com

said. “Several communities are no longer allowing family members to visit their loved ones, limiting activities … senior isolation is already a big issue and coronavirus is increasing that exponentially.” Furthermore, Clauson noted how communities spend a lot of time putting together activities and, with LifeLoop’s product, they’re able to adapt — sending out links to in-room activities such as chair aerobics, or to virtual tours of museums. “It’s an opportunity not just for us, but for senior living communities in general to engage with families more than they thought to in the past,” she said. Johnson indicated the industry is realizing, operationally from a communications standpoint, it didn’t have all of the tools in place, particularly with regard to rapid-fire mass communication. “A lot of the phone calls we’ve been taking are about how to quickly do something, and that conversation is a lot easier when they’re able to use what they have

in place,” Johnson said. “The industry has learned a lot, quickly. The No. 1 thing is just connecting families. So, they can send updates of what’s going on in communities.” Without such tools, swamped health care workers may not be responsive to families’ questions. Additionally, Johnson said: “When [LifeLoop] is embedded in the organization, they have the notifications for everything. They can engage residents in rooms, send resident information, remind residents to watch TV or to exercise.” Engagement with senior communities has been a facet of LifeLoop from the beginning, including efforts to understand why clients didn’t already have such features in place. “A lot of what we do at LifeLoop, from calendar management to resident tracking, is the nonclinical operations,” Johnson said. “Every one of those processes was on paper. And we made that smarter and better, automating to create efficiencies for staff.” Clauson recalled how staff in the communities prided themselves in their focus on each resident’s wellbeing. “They wanted the operational things to make life easier, they didn’t want it to be a cumbersome process,” she said. “When they spent less time on operational processes, they were able to spend more time with residents.” Instead of spending five hours building activity calendars, staff spends 30 minutes on the task within the LifeLoop platform — freeing up time to interact with and build relationships with residents. “The way we’ve built our whole product is on customer feedback,” Johnson said. “This isn’t even being dramatic; we probably get 25 requests a week on features to add to LifeLoop. A lot of what we do is to see how users use the product, and to prioritize what’s next. A good example

of what we’re doing right now would be a new dashboard. Looking at it from the corporate level, how do you integrate data from a community engagement standpoint? We have a really great group of users who are very engaged, and we want them to be a part of this.” With such threads weaving through its history, leadership noted LifeLoop has grown with a presence in 42 states, servicing hundreds of senior living communities. “We’re really focused on our brand and making sure we do the right thing for our clients,” Johnson said. “For a small company, we have a large brand in a very large industry. We’ve really paved our own path. It’s easy to get distracted by what competitors are doing, and we’ve really stayed true to our vision, that ‘why’ of connecting families is driving operational features.” Clauson added society in general is grappling with daily fear and uncertainty, and LifeLoop provides all-important peace of mind for family members, via the likes of its family portal to share videos and photos, and with 24/7 access to their loved one’s activity feed. Today’s present uncertainty has big implications for tomorrow’s senior care industry. “Coming out of this, there are changing consumer expectations,” Johnson said. “You probably don’t think about asking ‘How do you communicate?’ when moving into communities. But it ends up being very important.” And, Clauson said, consumers are watching how communities respond to COVID-19. “In the future, when they’re looking at communities, they may say, ‘How did that community handle [the pandemic]? Did they have a plan in place, and how did they engage?’”

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAY 15

EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

COVID-19 business updates…

The Jewish Community Center built a website where anyone can view live virtual events and on-demand resources such as fitness classes, kids’ activities and Zoom classes, offering personal training, dance classes and piano lessons in response to COVID-19. The site, https://www.jccomaha.org/virtual-j/, is free and open to the public during this crisis. The site includes a calendar of live events that are streamed on Facebook in real time as well as a library of videos and resources that can be accessed on-demand. An Omaha-based provider of online veterinary continuing education is addressing both the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation’s opioid crisis. Drip Learning Technologies, LLC presented a live, interactive webinar for 150 veterinarians across the nation. The topic at hand was the use and prescribing of opioids. Veterinarians in particular need to be prepared for the future due to COVID-19 resulting in new challenges in handling the opioid crisis.

Briefs…

LOCALLY GROWN MAY 22

CELEBRATE CONSTRUCTION

LINCOLN EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING

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

The Nebraska Online Notary Public Act was enacted last year and signed into law by Governor Ricketts, with an effective date of July 1, 2020. Responding to many requests from the real estate industry, Secretary of State Bob Evnen asked the governor to issue an executive order advancing the effective date of the Act. Specific technology will be required for remote notarizations. Through the application process, an online notary public will need to select an online notary solution provider approved by the Secretary of State. The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and the Nebraska Sorghum Producers Association plans for sorghum hybrid and test plots across the state in 2020. NeSPA will once again sponsor a sorghum hybrid plot near Trenton, Nebraska. The plot will be administered and hosted by NGSB Chairman. NeSPA will also sponsor a food-grade and organic sorghum-only plot in Madison County. The Madison County plot will be administered by United Sorghum Checkoff Program and NGSB board member. The hybrid plots will include varieties from several seed company partners. IGrowth is the first herbicide-resistant sorghum technology to be labeled by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States. PayRange Inc., a network for everyday purchases, and Jetz Service Co., a laundry service and equipment provider operating in 18 Midwestern states, have signed an agreement to provide PayRange mobile payment acceptance across its entire fleet of PayRange compatible machines. Currently Jetz has PayRange available in 60% of its machines; this agreement will deploy PayRange in all remaining compatible machines. Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 40 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness. In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April, Nebraska LEAD fellows also participate in a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a two-week international study/travel seminar. To request an application, email leadprogram@unl.edu or call 402-472-6810. Applications are due no later than June 15. Altus Architectural Studios, Inc. was awarded a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Task Order to deliver architectural design & engineering services for Alternate

Care Sites in response to the COVID-19. An ACS is a facility that’s temporarily converted for health care use during a public health emergency to reduce the burden on hospitals and established medical facilities. The Altus team worked through the weekend to provide the concepts needed to convert the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, to accommodate 700 COVID-19 beds. At the JQ Hammons Center in Rogers, Ark., the proposed conversion concept provides space for an additional 408 beds. The Rebuild the Heartland Community Fund announced its final disbursement of flood recovery grants awarded to long-term recovery groups and organizations in Nebraska and western Iowa. The Rebuild the Heartland Community Fund was established in partnership between FNBO and the Nebraska Community Foundation in response to the floods that impacted Nebraska and western Iowa in the spring and summer of 2019. In total, the fund raised enough to award $830,000 in grants to flood-impacted communities. One hundred percent of the donations have been directed to supporting the long-term recovery of flood-impacted communities that received FEMA Individual Assistance designations. NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, earned 13 awards with five first place honors in the 2020 Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association Sevareid Awards. The Sevareid Awards are open to all broadcast stations in a six-state region covering North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. NET was honored for its work in radio and television. Hy-Vee, Inc. is offering Mealtime To Go via curbside meals to-go at more than 200 locations companywide. Through Hy-Vee’s Mealtime To Go offerings, customers can order hot, prepared foods along with take-and-bake meals. Meals will be available for free pick up in as little as 30 minutes or can be scheduled for a future pick up time. First National Bank of Omaha has awarded $593,000 in community development grants to 26 organizations. Awarded organizations in the metro include: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Project Houseworks, Holy Name Housing Corporation, InCommon Community Development, Gesu Housing Inc., Midwest Housing Development Fund, Inc., NE Housing Developers, Omaha Land Bank, Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs, 712 Initiative, NeighborWorks Lincoln, Lincoln/Lancaster Habitat for Humanity, Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Platte Valley, Lincoln Community Development Corporation, Catholic Charities, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Iowa Western Small Business Development Center, Nebraska Business Development Center, Rural Investment Corporation, and Midlands Latino Community Development Corp. Green Plains Inc. announced the successful startup of its high protein ingredient production facility and the first shipment of the product from its biorefinery in Shenandoah, Iowa. The shipment is destined for one of the premier ingredient processors and suppliers in the pet food industry. Green Plains has already sold a majority of its planned high protein production for 2020. The high protein feed ingredient is produced using Fluid Quip Technologies’ patented Maximized Stillage Co-products system which adds a high value product to the company’s portfolio, and is expected to provide an initial uplift of approximately 15 to 20 cents per gallon Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. to the overall margin structure.

Education notes…

The University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Information Science and Technology is releasing an iSTEM Virtual Toolbox, a remote learning platform geared toward elementary through high school students and teachers. Each week, a new recorded session in the iSTEM field will be released with a workbook and additional resources. Some of the sessions will take place online, and some are geared toward offline learning, with varying levels of SUPER CROSSWORD

difficulty. Tools for teachers will also be included in this session, with pre-made PowerPoints and resources available for classroom learning. This resource is available free to all visitors. The Omaha STEM Ecosystem, an organization that coordinates connections to high-quality STEM programming and resources throughout the region, reminds us that science, technology, engineering and math have never been more important. To help individuals and families thrive during these challenging times and social distancing, Omaha STEM Ecosystem provided its resource list with online links to efTWO-CHANNEL CONNECTION

fective online tools and Omaha-area attractions that will take the edge off of isolation and make our lives more connected and productive. Visit omahaSTEM.com/resources-for-staying-home to find resources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 has named Rachael Arens, a teacher at Omaha Northwest High Magnet School, the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Arens is a science teacher whose cross-functional instruction goes beyond the typical environmental science curriculum. This year, her students engaged in the civic process by reaching out to their state senator to co-write a “plastic fee” legislative bill for the state of Nebraska. In past years, Arens and her students built aquaponics systems to learn about sustainable urban agriculture; built Native American and community gardens; and made Omaha Northwest High Magnet School the first high school in the Omaha metro area to implement a school-wide composting program. Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges are finalizing its certifications required by the U.S. Department of Education to receive CARES Act funding dedicated to providing aid to students. Under the CARES Act, the Education Stabilization Fund provides approximately $4.4 million in fiscal support to the state colleges. As Nebraska’s open-access public institutions, the State Colleges have been committed to ensuring affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. The CARES Act funds, along with the average $5,200 in grant and aid awarded to existing undergraduate students, can make a significant impact on covering the annual price of tuition at approximately $5,500. Sixth-grade students, Hayden and Adan, were set to attend the 2020 World Championship Nebraska VEX IQ State tournament. However, as with a lot of events since COVID-19 hit, that tournament was cancelled. Instead, Hayden and Adan will rely on technology to provide a simulated experience. VEX Robotics World Championship live streamed the event. Kids Can hosted a virtual watch party on Facebook. The robotics team is part of Kids Can Community Center’s after-school program at Gilder Elementary in partnership with Collective For Youth.

Health care notes…

Answers on page 12.

For many farmers and ranchers across the state, the past few years have not been easy. Nebraska Extension is working to provide resources for rural Nebraskans struggling with mental health issues and, at the same time, to remove the stigma of discussing mental health or receiving mental health services, such as counseling. While most extension educators are not mental health practitioners, they are trusted resources in rural counties across the state. Extension educators from across Nebraska have compiled a variety of resources for rural Nebraskans at https://ruralwellness.unl.edu. Nebraska Medical Center will begin using a new device, called an Infectious Aerosol Capture Mask, to capture exhaled aerosolized particles from patients. This device will be used on patients who are undergoing monitored anesthesia care and will be used during and after emergence from general endotracheal anesthesia, as well as in the post-anesthesia care unit. If successful in this environment, the IACM could also be used for patients confirmed to have COVID-19 and are receiving care in the ICU or emergency department. To relieve meal planning stress and help provide support, CHI Health has launched a virtual grocery store and meal service for its

staff. Through an online portal, CHI Health employees can shop for basic household essentials like milk, eggs, bread, turkey breast and more. They can also order take and bake entrees to feed the family including options like lasagna or chicken pot pie. In addition, easy assemble meal kits are available with selections like chicken fajita, pulled pork and meatloaf. Pizzas, soups, salads and desserts are also ready for purchase. CHI Health’s food and nutrition teams at various hospital campuses came up with this concept. Susan Swindells, M.B.B.S., an infectious diseases physician at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine, is part of an expert panel of U.S. physicians, statisticians and other experts that has developed treatment guidelines for coronavirus disease. Swindells, professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine and founder of the Specialty Care Clinic, said she will serve as long as needed on the 30-member panel of experts drawn from U.S. health care and academic organizations, federal agencies and professional societies.

Activities of nonprofits…

Because of a partnership with students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Information Science and Technology, a local nonprofit has been able to minimize the disruption of social distancing guidelines and keep kids engaged while they stay at home. FITGirl is an Omaha-based nonprofit organization that works to empower girls in elementary, middle, and high school to make positive choices on physical, mental, relational, and nutritional levels. Over the past two years, partnering with students in IS&T’s Management Information Systems capstone course has helped the nonprofit expand its offerings to an online platform. IS&T students have developed, tested, and continued adding features to EmpowerU, a mobile-friendly website for FITGirl. The Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club donated $7,500 to the Bellevue Food Pantry. The Bellevue Food Pantry organizes the collection of food donations and distribution to those in need. Most nonprofit hunger relief organizations like Bellevue Food Pantry rely on volunteers and donations from people with big hearts that don’t want anyone in need to go hungry. More than 10,000 neighbors in Nebraska and Iowa have turned to United Way’s 211 Helpline for information and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Helpline, which is operated by United Way of the Midlands, launched a new mobile alert system this week to over 1,200 people who subscribed in order to keep the community informed about COVID-19 and the state’s response. Nebraskans can opt into the new alert system by texting NECOVID to 898211. After signing up, they will receive general information and updates about COVID-19 via text message. MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Monday, May 11 The Nebraska Enterprise Fund is hosting a webinar on “The Power of Purpose” at 4 p.m. The talk will focus on business, teams, and community. Registration is available online. Wednesday, May 13 SOLVE and the West O Chamber are hosting a webinar on providing constructive feedback as part of their weekly virtual training sessions. This session focuses on best practices for one-on-one feedback, performance reviews, and corrective conversations. The 30-minute training session will start at 11:30 a.m. Registration is online.

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Travel industry offers new safety procedures in bid to revive business by Hugo Martín

Hoping to give Americans confidence to travel again, the nation’s biggest travel trade group has unveiled enhanced cleaning, social distancing and touchless payment procedures for hotels, airlines, airports, theme parks, restaurants and cruise lines. The protocols by the U.S. Travel Association are an attempt by travel business leaders to help revive an industry that was setting profit and passenger total records only a few Travel months ago but has been losing about $18 billion a week since the coronavirus began to spread in the U.S. in March. The protocols for operating in a postCOVID-19 world don’t dictate when it’s safe to travel again but set basic standards that all travel and hospitality businesses must adhere to once government and medical experts lift stay-at-home orders and give a green light for leisure and business travel. Travel businesses, such as airlines, hotels and cruise lines, will be encouraged to adopt specific protocols for their own industry. The American Hotel and Lodging Association released its protocols recently, in cooperation with the U.S. Travel Association. “When officials give the clearance to travel, we want to give the public confidence

that they can travel again,” Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association, said in a conference call. Most of the steps called for by the U.S. Travel Association are among the practices promoted for weeks by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including increased cleaning and hand washing, installation of physical barriers, use of masks and gloves and social distancing. Dr. Michael D. Parkinson, past president of the American College of Preventive Medicine, said he worked on the travel industry protocols with the trade group to establish very broad and basic standards, noting that experts still have many unanswered questions about the virus. “This is a work in progress,” he said. “I can tell you the science is changing and the numbers are changing.” The hotel trade group’s protocols call on housekeepers to stay out of a guest room until after a guest checks out and requires that groups lounging around hotel pools be kept separate by at least six feet. In addition, the hotel protocols say that if a guest has tested positive for COVID-19, the room where that guest stayed “shall not be returned to service until undergoing an enhanced cleaning and disinfecting utilizing EPA approved products within CDC guidelines.” Last week, Hilton Corp., one of the

Networking tips for those who really don’t like networking by Liz Reyer

Q: I know networking is important but I’ve never really liked it, and now during the pandemic it seems even harder. What should I do? —Johan, 42, operations director A: Redefine “networking” to “connecting,” enhancing existing relationships and forming new ones. Careers This isn’t merely semantics. Words express our feelings and for many people, the very term “networking” carries baggage. See for yourself: What emotions arise when you think about making networking outreaches on the phone, via e-mail, or at professional events? Based on your question, I’m thinking anxiety, boredom, or dread come to mind. You may fear rejection or feel like you’re imposing. That’s because networking has acquired a transactional vibe that it doesn’t necessarily deserve. The essence of networking is to meet others and share your stories. Particularly when you are not in job transition or have a specific need, networking is about connecting to others, sharing information between you, and setting both of you up for more success. It’s not “what can you do for me now.” Perhaps you don’t manage networking conversations well, or your meetings just don’t seem productive. As with any meeting, a better outcome is achieved when you go in prepared. This is where the 20-Minute Networking Meeting books, written by Marcia Ballinger with Nathan Perez, can help you. The first lesson is right there in the title. Networking meetings can — and should — be brief. Twenty minutes is a respectful and energizing amount of time. Go in organized, using Ballinger’s framework to get you started. There is one

aspect that I found particularly valuable for preparing for almost any situation: the five questions. With this approach, you will spend time preparing three questions tailored to the person you are speaking with. Follow this with “can you recommend someone else should I speak with?” and “how can I help you?” You can prepare this way for any situation. Imagine attending a conference (looking forward to post-COVID days). Know your three questions in case you meet someone from a company you are interested in or who is in a role you’re intrigued by. You will be prepared and will also make a good impression. This works well for networking with folks within your company, too. If you are having a virtual coffee get-together, it will give you conversation fodder that encourages professional connections to form. It’s good for you and for your company. Now let’s go back to concerns about reaching out. In the best of times, people like to help others, and it’s flattering to be approached. Sure, some people may not be responsive, but they’re a minority. In my experience, this is even more true now. People feel isolated, working from home in many cases and socially distanced from people around them. There’s a human aspect of connecting now that is even more needed. You will notice this when you connect with people from your past. You will find that an invitation like, “I’m taking time to reach out to old friends and colleagues” and asking for 20 minutes will be appreciated. Finally, pay it forward. Say yes when you are approached and help when you can, completing the networking circle. ©2020 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

world’s largest hotel companies, announced a new cleanliness standard called CleanStay, in partnership with the manufacturer of Lysol cleaners. Choice Hotels announced a new cleaning protocol that includes using hospital-grade disinfectant at such high-use areas as the front desk, the pools and the gyms. Kate Walsh, dean of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, said the biggest challenge for the hospitality industry is to convey a welcoming atmosphere while hotel staff are practicing social distancing and staying clear of guests. At the same time, staff must be trained to be visible while continually sanitizing facilities, she said. “The entire business model and value proposition will need to be reexamined,” Walsh said. “However, this is also an opportunity to rethink what service truly means in this new normal.” In a sign that some travel companies are ready to relaunch service, Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise company, said that trips will resume Aug. 1 from Miami; Galveston, Texas; and Port Canaveral, Fla. All other cruises in North American and Australian markets will be canceled through Aug. 31. Carnival is calling the launch of the first cruises part of its “plan to phase in service.” “We will use this additional time to continue to engage experts, government officials and stakeholders on additional protocols and procedures to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,” Carnival Corp. said in a statement. Although the country’s airlines haven’t adopted uniform protocols for air travel, the nation’s largest airlines announced re-

cently that passengers will be required to wear masks or other face coverings during flights. Some of the largest carriers are also requiring masks and face covers for flight attendants and other employees. United, Delta and JetBlue implemented the requirement; American, Southwest and Alaska Airlines will implement the mask requirement starting May 11. In announcing the protocols, Dow noted that the travel industry has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with the loss of 8 million jobs in the industry in the last few months. Asked how travel businesses can afford to adopt the new protocols, Dow said the industry has no choice but to spend the money to regain the trust of the public to travel again. “The cost is one they will bear because the cost of not doing it is worse,” he said. Dow said his trade group has been talking with dozens of leaders in the travel business, including Walt Disney Co., which he said is also working on protocols for reopening theme parks. “We will see Disney evolve in a very positive way,” Dow said. Conventions and trade shows will probably be the last segment of the travel industry to open, he said, adding that convention managers are also working to come up with procedures for having large gatherings in the future. “They are working seriously on this because it is their livelihood,” Dow said. ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

US auto industry preps for restart — and it all depends on Mexico by Jamie L. Lareau And Phoebe Wall Howard

The Detroit auto industry cannot restart if parts suppliers in Mexico remain down. With about 40% of imported auto parts coming from south of the border, and parts made in the United States that are exported to Mexico for vehicle production there, the interdependency between the two countries cannot be overstated. Economy The challenge lies in the fact that the Detroit Three have reportedly targeted a restart for their U.S. assembly plants in mid-May. But Mexico is on lockdown, with nonessential businesses — which include auto parts — closed, and movement restrictions in place until May 30. “This is the issue, I believe, the whole industry is struggling with,” said Joe Petrillo, director of business development and advanced engineering for Meridian Lightweight Technologies, a supplier of lightweight cast metal parts mostly for the auto industry. Meridian is based in Plymouth with operations in Eaton Rapids, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Its Mexican operations remain idle, Petrillo said. “Automotive, like many industries, is an interconnected global supply chain, in particular for the car manufacturers located in North America,” Petrillo said. “Portions of this chain through NAFTA (and continuing with USMCA), have welded key links of the chain together over the past several decades, such that they are no longer links on a chain but a rod that cannot be broken.” Put simply, the U.S. auto industry cannot build cars if the government actions in one country, state or province that suppliers operate in are not in sync with the others. Watch the gap But the underlying buzz across the U.S. auto industry is that the Mexican government has indicated that if the U.S. and Canada are going to reopen, it will allow the automotive industry in Mexico to reopen. At least that’s what everyone believes will be the case, provided the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t worsen south of the border. General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles idled their assembly plants stateside in March as the pandemic swept the nation. They have not declared a restart date yet, but they have reportedly eyed May 18 as a possibility. Recently, Toyota said after working with its supplier and logistics network, it would postpone its ramp-up of its North American manufacturing operations from the week of May 4 to the week of May 11. Lockdown lift Inventory exists in the supply pipeline to support a U.S. restart of production before Mexico lifts its lockdown, but a large gap of time between a U.S. restart and a Mexican restart could increase risks of disruption to the supply chain, said Jeff Cole, senior director of corporate communication for auto supplier Dana Incorporated. Dana, based in Maumee, Ohio, has operations at six cities in Mexico, employing nearly 4,000 people. It makes gears and other components for axles, as well as driveshaft components, primarily for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets. Lear Corp. has 42 facilities in Mexico and employs 56,000 people there making electronics, electrical systems and car seating. Its

decision on a restart date is based on being in line with government requirements and the needs of customers, said Lear spokesman Brian Corbett. “Additionally, with the health and safety of our employees being our first priority, our Mexican facilities will not resume operations until we have all of our safety protocols in place,” Corbett said. Black Swan theory The pandemic illustrates the Black Swan theory, said Patrick Penfield, a supply chain management professor at Syracuse University in New York. It’s an event that “nobody expected so it just happens and you have to react and adjust to the best of your abilities.” He explained, “We’ve never seen this type of situation, where the whole supply chain is getting disrupted at different times and places. It’s adding complexity. Normally, when you have a disruption it’s one thing, you can react and get back to business. Here, it’s one thing after the other. It’s crazy.” Being “intertwined” globally makes everything more “severe,” Penfield said. It’s the price of capitalism, he said, which is what global partnerships illustrate — seiz-

ing the best opportunity in the marketplace. “With Mexico, they’re one of our top trading partners, in both directions,” Penfield said. “If you have only one customer, it doesn’t make sense to restart.” That’s why it’s ideal to have everybody up and running, he said. “Problem is, the Mexico health system is pretty poor,” Penfield said. “Thankfully, coronavirus hasn’t impacted them that badly yet. If they isolate and quarantine, they will protect their population. Unfortunately, so many people in Mexico are so impoverished, they’re desperate to start working again.” As of April 29, the total number of confirmed cases in Mexico was 16,752 and the death toll was 1,569, according to Mexico News Daily. “If they see the amount of people infected like we have in U.S., it could be a catastrophe,” Penfield said. “We are dependent on Mexico.” ‘Bit of a wild card’ The common thought by many automakers and auto suppliers is there could be some flexibility by the Mexican government that would allow the auto industry in Mexico to

start back up in support of a North American startup. “The (Mexico) president there has spoken about following the U.S.’s lead by a few days in getting their auto industry going again with the proper safety precautions in place,” said a person at a global automotive supplier who asked not to be named given the uncertainty of the situation. “I think they’re a bit of a wild card or unknown right now until there is something official announced in this regard.” On April 24, the Ministry of Economy in Mexico published a news release stating they are working with the U.S. and Canadian governments on a plan for the automotive industry to safely restart activities in the region. The Detroit Three know how crucial the Mexican government’s flexibility and cooperation are to a U.S. restart, though Fiat Chrysler Automobiles declined to comment on the situation. General Motors spokesman David Barnas said, “We are in regular contact with federal, state,and local authorities in the U.S., Mexico Continued on page 19.

It’s only May, but Christmas is already in doubt by Matthew Townsend

Even with the U.S. economy expected to reopen in coming months, investors should be prepared for this holiday shopping season to be filled with lumps of coal. In a best-case scenario, retailers who shuttered their locations to slow the spread of the coronavirus would start operating them again in May and June. But many chains in hard-hit discretionary categories, like apparel, would still see sales fall 5% to 10% during the holiday shopEconomy ping season from a year ago, according to Fitch, the ratings company. The reasons are many. Unemployment will remain high because lots of furloughed workers won’t be brought back as companies cut costs or don’t reopen. A downturn in consumer psychology will boost an already-high savings rate. And the risk of a second outbreak of the virus in the fall will hang over everything. “We’re assuming the customer is pretty slow to come back to all these stores,” said David Silverman, an analyst for Fitch, which recently downgraded chains such as Victoria’s Secret owner L Brands Inc. “Things might not be completely fine until there is a vaccine, and that could take a year or more.” There’s also a big question over whether chains will have enough goods in stock for Christmas. Virus-triggered shutdowns upended supply chains and weakened the industry’s finances. Retailers also upset vendors after canceling orders and will now need them to ship again. This doesn’t bode well for an industry that has long been troubled. When state governments ordered the temporary closing of stores not deemed essential, it served as a blow to some of the weakest parts of discretionary retail, such as department stores and clothing chains. Even with essential retailers like Walmart Inc. and Home Depot Inc. remaining open, U.S. store visits fell 98% in April, according to Prodco. “The skeptical view is people are afraid

to go into crowds or want to save their money and don’t want to overspend.” Despite the boom in e-commerce, U.S. brick-and-mortar locations still generate about 80% of the retail industry’s sales during Christmas shopping, according to researcher Customer Growth Partners. That raises questions about what happens to an event like Black Friday, the season’s unofficial kickoff in late November, when chains draw crowds with deals on televisions and kitchen knives. All that foot traffic drives lots of lucrative spur-of-the-moment purchases that e-commerce hasn’t replicated nearly as well. For many chains, those in-person impulse buys are what makes their business model work. Given the concerns about the virus and the added hassle of shopping with social-distancing measures like capacity limits, retailers will also have to work extra hard to entice customers to stores, according to Rich Honiball, a former J.C. Penney Co. executive who now is the global chief merchandising and marketing officer for Navy Exchange Service Command, a chain of stores for service members with $2 billion in sales that’s remained open during the pandemic. “The skeptical view is people are afraid to go into crowds or want to save their money and don’t want to overspend.” That means doing more than offering the biggest discounts, Honiball said. Chains will have to increase engagement with shoppers through marketing and merchandise — a skill in short supply at many troubled companies. “There is an optimistic view that we survive this, the stimulus works and people bounce back,” Honiball said. “The skeptical view is people are afraid to go into crowds or want to save their money and don’t want to overspend.” The American consumer has continually showed the ability to bounce back, like after the 2001 terror attacks, according to Craig Johnson, president of Customer Growth Partners. The firm expects overall retail sales during the holidays to increase about 1%.

And some chains might post better samestore sales than expected because they’ll opt to keep some of their worst-performing locations closed. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” Johnson said. “Americans are very resilient.” But it’s not just consumers who could doom Christmas. Big chains are also pulling back on their own because of how sporadic the reopening of the economy may be. Department-store chain Macy’s Inc., which is exploring rescue financing to shore up liquidity, isn’t going to be “as aggressive” about the holiday as it once planned, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gennette said. Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc., owner of Coach and Kate Spade, has canceled orders across its brands for late summer and early fall to save about $500 million, said President Todd Kahn. To compensate, the company will make existing inventory last longer than usual by stretching out new releases of clothing and handbags, which means less newness to win over shoppers. Vendors will play a critical role, too. Chains have an increasingly frosty relationship with them after canceling months of orders and sticking them with thousands of finished goods. Adding to suppliers’ hesitancy is that it’s now much harder and expensive to buy insurance on getting paid for a shipment. For some companies, like Macy’s, it’s difficult for vendors to get coverage at all. While it will be painful if many retailers struggle this Christmas, it could end up being a net benefit to the industry, according to Johnson. Even with thousands of locations closing over the past few years, the U.S. still has too many stores. But this economic shock could speed up a culling that could help the fittest survive. “In its own crazy way, this will be a boon to the industry overall,” Johnson said. “Yes, there will be blood on the floor, but it takes radical surgery to cure this.” ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS R. FELTZ TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners R. Feltz Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 WESLEY E. HAUPTMAN, Attorney 17826 Monroe Street Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOTION REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a Limited Liability Company under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the company is MOTION REAL ESTATE, LLC 2. The address of the initial registered office 4412 So. 42 Street, Omaha NE 68107 and the initial registered agent at that address is Gatfan A. Alsalami. 3. The general nature of the business is buying and selling of real property, commercial or residential, and any other business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. 4. The company commenced existence on the 27th day of March, 2020 and it shall continue in operation until dissolved by its members. 5. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its members, WESLEY E. HAUPTMAN, Attorney For The LLC First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Strategic Asset Management, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1311 South 185th Cir., Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 16, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF TRAVELERS EDUCATION GROUP Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Travelers Education Group have been amended and restated in their entirety as follow: Article I states the name of the Corporation as Travelers Education Group. Article II states that the Corporation is a public benefit corporation. Article III states the Registered Office of the Corporation as 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent as Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. Article IV states the purposes of the Corporation. Article V states the powers of the Corporation. Article VI states the Corporation shall have no members. Article VII states the provisions relating to dissolution. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 15, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KYLE J. HASCALL FAMILY DENTISTRY P.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kyle J. Hascall Family Dentistry P.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17725 Welch Plaza, Suite B, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company are licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized to render dentistry services in this state First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SAMANTHA J BARRETT You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/07/2020 on Case Number CI20-749, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $106.56, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/08/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION ERDBAU, INC., whose registered agent is Thomas V. Strauss and registered office is 14730 Weir Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, was formed on April 20, 2020 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 10,000 shares of capital stock. The name and address of the incorporator is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific St., Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KAREN D MEDINA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/07/20200 on Case Number CI20-746, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $130.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/08/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS O’MARA TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners O’Mara Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 300 SOUTHWEST BOULEVARD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 300 Southwest Boulevard, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 12231 Emmet Street, Suite 1, Omaha, Nebraska 68164 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JAGUAR GROUP 11225 Davenport Street Suite 108 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF KERNEN FAMILY INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Kernen Family Investments, LLC has filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State effective April 2, 2020. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the company and the distribution of any remaining assets. Notice is hereby given to all creditors or others with claims against the limited liability company that claims must be sent to the Company at: 533 North 86th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. Any claim must contain sufficient information for the determination of whether it is a valid claim. A claim against the company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this Notice. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JAGUAR GROUP 11225 Davenport Street Suite 108 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given the Certificate of Organization of Kernen Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to Kernen Family Education 2.0, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 2, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 EYA FAFA ASSIGNON, Attorney LAW OFFICE OF FAFA ASSIGNON 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 514 Omaha, NE 68105 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Sher Home Repair, LLC Notice is hereby given that Sher Home Repair, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 5225 Fowler Avenue Omaha, Ne 68104. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and its duration is perpetual commencing from March 23, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kaw Sher. Its registered agent is Maw Taw Car, 6415 Whitmore street Omaha, Ne 68152. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SK CREATIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is SK CREATIONS, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, Bennington, NE 68007. The designated office is located at 7636 State Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. Shannon Keenan, Member First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KATHRYN J. DERR, Attorney BERKSHIRE & BURMEISTER 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE Notice is given that on April 14, 2020, a Petition was filed in Douglas County District Court, Case No. CI20-2586 by Lydia Joy Serafino requesting an order of the court to change her name to Lydia Joy Johnston. You are further notified that the Petitioner intends to present the application for change of name to the Court on June 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. At that time, anyone objecting to such name change may be present and present their objection to the court. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 1, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRIRASU Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TRIRASU Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17055 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rajeev Doddapaneni , 17055 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116 First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOLY TANKER TRANSPORT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Loly Tanker Transport, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is OMAHA NATIVE, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 5403 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. 3. The Registered Agent and office of the limited liability company is Juli Gray at 5403 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106. 4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. 5. The company commenced its existence on February 19, 2020, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 N O T I C E O F T H E O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F S T E P S TO N E ACQUISITIONS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Step Stone Acquisitions, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 3157 Farnam Street, Suite 7104-7170, Omaha, NE 68131. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 24, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MEC LEARN AND GROW AT HOME, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MEC Learn and Grow at Home, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2111 S. 220th Avenue, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PREMIER CARDIOVASCULAR CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Premier Cardiovascular Care, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9921 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company are licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized to render medical or surgical services in this state. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ADLERBERG REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Adlerberg Realty, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Adlerberg Realty, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 18904 Leavenworth Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF CERTIFIED CELL, LLC TO CERTIFIED CELL, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CERTIFIED CELL, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed Articles of Conversion with the Nebraska Secretary of State converting the limited liability company to CERTIFIED CELL, INC., a Delaware corporation, effective April 23, 2020. The Company has designated its registered agent as The Corporation Trust Company, with registered office at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EXPERIOR SERVICE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Experior Service, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 6317 South 135th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KRIS OF ALL TRADES LLC & USCA, INC., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE, 68102. Its initial agent for service of process of the Company is Kristopher Norman, 2507 S 148th Ave Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that DreamNation Media, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 2328 N. 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent of the Company is Casanova Brooks, 2328 N. 177th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Company was formed on April 28, 2020. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HERITAGE 5, LLC The name of the Company is Heritage 5, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 28, 2020. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BOILER REPAIR & SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Boiler Repair & Services, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 8720 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on March 4, 2020 and shall perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION, L1CY, LLC The name of the Limited Liability Company is L1CY, LLC. The address of the registered office of the Company is 1610 S 35 St., Omaha, NE 68105 and the registered agent of the said Company is Jordan P. Lacy. The designated office of the Company is 1610 S 35 St., Omaha, NE 68105. The existence began on April 1, 2020, when Articles of Organization were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice is hereby given of the organization of E.B. SHADOW LAKE, LLC. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14514 Nelsons Creek Drive, Omaha, NE 68116. The name and address of the limited liability company’s registered agent is Andrew Meier, 3536 South Locust, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801. The limited liability company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance for which a limited liability may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced business on February 19, 2020 and shall have perpetual existence. The business of the limited liability company is conducted by its members, Andrew Meier and James A. Burrow, III. Dated April 27, 2020. E.B. SHADOW LAKE, LLC First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KECRX, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF METRO AIR-STEAMHYDRONICS, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Dr., #100 Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BEST SHARED NOW, LLC Notice is hereby given that Best Shared Now, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 220 South 216th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 220 South 216th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is John Matthews. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SHARI L LEE You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/30/2019 on Case Number CI20-226, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $721.37, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/15/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JUSTIN G SCHROEDER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/09/2020 on Case Number CI20-1271, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $1,184.39, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/15/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CHARLES E. DORWART, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-278 Estate of Bobbie Ada Davis, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on February 27th, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Herbert L. Davis, Jr. 42456 Leesylvania Court, Ashburn, VAA 20148 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before April 14, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF MKC CMY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is MKC CMY, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 21506 Parkview Drive, Gretna, NE 68028. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 20, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Indian Creek Reserve – Villas Owners Association, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the state of Nebraska. Its initial principal registered office is located at 3827 S. 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. Its initial registered office agent is Jana Faller. The general nature of its business is to provide for the maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the improvements and common areas within the Indian Creek Reserve subdivision, a residential subdivision in Douglas County, Nebraska. The corporation is a perpetual mutual benefit corporation and shall have members. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 24, 2020. Its affairs shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Secretary and Treasurer as may be prescribed by the bylaws, or appointed by the Board of Directors. Its two incorporators are Jana Faller & Steve Faller whose address is 3827 S. 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF nZANE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of nZANE, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is nZANE, LLC. 2. The address of the limited liability company’s initial designated office is 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. 3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Mark J. LaPuzza, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LESS IS MORE LIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Less Is More Life Solutions, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on April 16th, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF PANORAMA INSURANCE ADVISORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of Panorama Insurance Advisors, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended as follows: the limited liability company has changed its name to Panorama Risk & Insurance Solutions, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 17, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of BTF Rocks, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is BTF Rocks, LLC. Registered agent and office of BTF Rocks, LLC is Edgar Isidro Moreno at 2732 I Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 2732 I Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Edgar Isidro Moreno. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on April 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Triple-I Ventures LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing addresses of the initial designated office of the company are 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing addresses of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Randall C. Hanson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 JODIE L. HAFERBIER MCGILL, Attorney MCGILL LAW, P.C., L.L.O. 1411 N. 72nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION TRUE BLUE INTERIORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, as follows: The name of the company is True Blue Interiors, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 403 North Happy Hollow Boulevard, Omaha, NE 68132 and the initial registered agent is Jodie McGill, 1411 N. 72 St, Omaha, NE 68114. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Statement of Qualification with the Secretary of State on April 17, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in its members in proportion to their contribution to the capital of the company, as adjusted from time to time, to reflect additional contributions or withdrawals by the members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS O’BRIEN TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners O’Brien Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 16, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given of the organization of Fagan Realty, LLC, with its registered office address at 222 South 15th Street, Suite 316, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 and the registered agent at that address is Joseph P. Naatz. The designated office location of the Company is 17117 Burt Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The purpose or purposes for which this Company is formed is act as principal, agent, sales person, or broker, as the case may be, and on commission or otherwise to buy, sell, exchange, lease, let, grant, or take licenses in respect of, to improve, develop, repair, manage, maintain, and to operate real property of every kind for itself and for others and generally to do everything suitable, proper, and in compliance with the Nebraska Laws. The Company will conduct any other matter(s) including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws. The initial capital of the Company has been contributed and evidence of membership in the Company will be issued by the Management Board. The Company commenced doing business effectively on January 1, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by a Management Board and such other Officers and Managers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement of the Company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MBJ INVESTMENTS LLC Notice is hereby given that MBJ INVESTMENTS LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 1324 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 6855-6901 MERCY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 6855-6901 Mercy, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8750 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Merger merging TSK14 Phase II, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, into TSK14, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The surviving entity in the merger is TSK14, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Merger merging TSK14 Phase II Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, into TSK14 Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, were filed with Nebraska Secretary of State on April 14, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The surviving entity in the merger is TSK14 Class B, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEALTHPLAN PARTNERS BEHLEN TEAM, LLC The name of the Company is Wealthplan Partners Behlen Team, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 101 South 108th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 17, 2020. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RSUN Group, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RSUN Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rambabu Kallepalli, 17203 U Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020

DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Millwork Parcel 8 Apartments, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5110 Mayberry Street, Suite 122, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, whose mailing address is Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Bud and Toots, LLC Notice is hereby given that Bud and Toots, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1434 W 11th Street, Fremont, NE 68025, and with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, 9859 S 168th Street, Omaha, NE 68136. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 JACOB A. ACERS, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WINTERHOLD INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 11, 2020, Winterhold Investments, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Shaun M/ James, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 1, 2020, final May 15, 2020 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR LINDSAY THOMSEN PHD, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the Company is LINDSAY THOMSEN PHD, LLC. The address of the Initial Designated Office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The address of the registered office is 12708 N. 182nd Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007 and the name of the company’s initial registered agent is LINDSAY THOMSEN, PHD. The Company shall engage in any lawful business for which a Company may be formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced business on April 13, 2020, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members. First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOLIDAY LIGHTING MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that HOLIDAY LIGHTING MANAGEMENT, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial registered agent is Matthew Wurstner, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The purpose of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on April 14, 2020. and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by the Manager of the Company. The initial Manager is Loren A. Roper 8101 S. 87th Street, Apt. 7, Omaha, Nebraska 68128. Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication April 24, 2020, final May 8, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PraesensBIO, LLC has organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is University of Nebraska Medical Center, Wittson Hall, Room 4038, Omaha, NE 68106. The initial registered office of the Company is 1125 S. 103rd St., Ste. 800, Omaha, NE 68124, and the name of the initial registered agent of the Company at such address is Capitol Services, Inc. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed on the 29th day of April 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 85 SEABEES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 85 Seabees, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office address of the Company is 19710 Pine Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PROVIDER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PROVIDER, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5036 Oaks Lane Omaha, Nebraska 68137.The Registered Agent of the Company is Attia Ahebla and her street and mailing address is 5036 Oaks Lane Omaha, Nebraska 68137. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Findo, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Findo, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17505 Poppleton Ave. Omaha, NE, 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jacob Gideon, 17505 Poppleton Ave. Omaha, NE, 68130. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BAET, LLC The name of the Company is BAET, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 5820 North 279th Circle, Valley, Nebraska 68064. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Margot J. Wichman, 1650 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. This limited liability company commenced business on April 30, 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Montessori Educational Centers Learn and Grow at Home Name of Applicant: MEC Learn and Grow at Home, LLC Address: 2111 S. 220th Avenue Elkhorn NE 68022 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NE Date of first use of name in Nebraska: April 17, 2020 General nature of business: Online educational resource provider SETH J. MOEN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 8, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CN FRANCHISE HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CN Franchise Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President, Ryan M. Zink, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF THE MAIDS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF THE MAIDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Maids International, Inc. has been converted into The Maids International, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The Registered Agent is Daniel J. Bishop at 9394 W. Dodge Road, Suite 140, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68114. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on February 27, 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MILEGI, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Milegi, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 4530 Manchester Drive, Omaha, NE 68152. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the limited liability company’s initial registered office is 4530 Manchester Drive, Omaha, NE 68152 and the name of its’ initial registered agent at such address is Milton Schneider, III. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 29, 2020. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members. Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF KUBAT PHARMACY, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT PHARMACY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Pharmacy, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Pharmacy, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1220, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF KUBAT CUSTOM HEALTH CARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kubat Custom Health Care, Inc. has been converted into Kubat Custom Health Care, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 4942 Center Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, 68106. The Registered Agent is Daniel Welch and the registered address is 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1220, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Ihle Psychological Services, P.C. was formed on March 10, 2020. The initial registered office is at 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and its registered agent at that address is Christopher Ihle. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of capital stock. The name and address of the incorporator is Christopher Ihle, 15805 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1334, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that FRS Express, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 14146 Cindy Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Jorge Flores, 14146 Cindy Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on April 29, 2020. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Gunworx Gunsmithing, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Gunworx Gunsmithing, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 12933 No. 184th St., Bennington, Nebraska 68007 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Kalen A. Carr, 12933 No. 184th St., Bennington, Nebraska 68007. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that CLUSIVE CO., LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on April 28, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CR HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CR Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on December 20, 2019, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The CEO, Cory J. Wiedel, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCB PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that Patriot Health Wellness Company, LLC has amended its Certificate of Organization as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The amended notice of organization reflects the name change from Patriot Wellness Company, LLC to 602 Merrill Enterprises, LLC. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 MICHAEL J. WEAVER, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FRIL OPERATING LLC Notice is hereby given that FRIL OPERATING 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 16934 Frances Street, Suite #200, Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HANSERMAN ACRES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hanserman Acres, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KRIS OF ALL TRADES LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 2507 S. 148 AVE CIR., OMAHA, NE 68144. Its initial agent for service of process of the Company is USCA, INC. at 1603 FARNAM STREET, OMAHA, NE 68102. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 BENJAMIN E. MAXELL, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JESSICA McMURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY, 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 Jessica McMurray Photography, LLC. The address of the designated office is 14821 N Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137 and the initial registered agent is Benjamin E. Maxell, 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The company is organized to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company commenced existence on the filing and recording of its Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State on April 27, 2020, and shall have a perpetual period of duration from the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State. Management of the Company shall be vested in an initial board of one manager who shall serve until successors are appointed or elected. Benjamin E. Maxell, Registered Agent First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Green Therapy Centers, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Green Therapy Centers, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Robert Kmiecik, 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CERES Name of Applicant: DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS LLC Address: 11002 SAPP BROS DR OMAHA NE 68138 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: 1/1/2020 General nature of business: MANUFACTURING NICHOLAS MIZAUR Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 8, 2020

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE ORGANIZATION Please take notice that the Certificate of Organization for Betty 1976, LLC has been amended to change the name of the limited liability company to Betty 1956, LLC. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-606 Estate of EUGENE J. SIADEK, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 29th day of April, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Testacy of the Estate of Eugene J. Siadek and that the following surviving son was appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate.: Eugene S. Siadek, 1629 N. 160th Street, Omaha, NE 68118 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 8, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 DANIEL W. RYBERG, Attorney 11605 Arbor Street, Suite 150 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-600 Estate of SHARON K HERSKIND, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 28th day of April 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of informal probate of the Last Will and Testament of Sharon K Herskind and that Dennis Herskind, whose address is c/o Daniel W Ryberg, 11605 Arbor, Omaha, Nebraska 68144 was 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 8, 2020 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF D&W INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of D&W Investments, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is D&W Investments, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1224 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 8, 2020, final May 22, 2020

Coronavirus and giving to charity: How to decide where to donate by Nicole Santa Cruz

As the ranks of the unemployed continue to swell and people’s lives are upended because of the coronavirus outbreak, people might be wondering what they can do to help. Charitable giving could be a way to make a difference in these uncertain times. According to a survey of nonprofit organizations by Charity Navigator and Reuters this month, 83% of respondents said they were suffering financially because of the outbreak. Many groups have had to cancel fundraisers and in-person events Philanthropy meant to bring in revenue. But choosing where to donate can be an overwhelming task. “Giving is such a personal experience for people,” said Laura Tomasko, policy program manager for the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute. Here are some strategies for how to approach your giving. Choosing an organization Are you concerned about first responders? Senior citizens? Something else? Think about which issues are important to you, and find an organization that does work in that realm. Or, if you’re already supporting a group, increase your donation. Experts suggest looking around your community and taking stock of how smaller organizations might be helping those in need. Amir Pasic, the dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, suggested asking neighbors where they donate. A way to make choosing an organization fun is to get your family members involved in the decision making. That can also help instill habits of generosity across generations. Pasic also recommended considering smaller organizations. “You might have a local nonprofit that does a lot of work but might not be as prominent,” Pasic said. Groups such as Giving Compass and Charity Navigator have compiled lists of COVID-19 response funds if you’re looking to donate to organizations that are assisting with relief. You can also think about contributing to donor-advised funds, which will help you take advantage of charitable tax benefits. You put money into an account, let it grow over time and then donate it. Large financial corporations such as Fidelity, Vanguard and J.P. Morgan can help with these types of accounts. Do your homework Take a look at the organization’s website to get a sense of what it

actually does in the community. If possible, read the group’s annual report, which should include information on their impact and scope. When looking at a group’s website, “there should be some evidence that they actually do the work,” Pasic said. Check financial information for excessive salaries. But be wary of the “overhead myth” — which is that you can judge an organization by the share of cash it spends on its employees and administrative costs — because it is an outdated way to measure a group, experts say. “Overhead is no longer looked at as the be-all, end-all,” said the Urban Institute’s Tomasko. She said overhead might be easy to measure, but it’s an inadequate metric that doesn’t account for attracting talent or other important factors. You can also research nonprofits through various databases that evaluate their impact and financial data. Groups such as Guidestar, Give.org, and Charity Navigator are among those options. Guidestar, for example, has a profile on nonprofits sorted by programs, financials and operations. Charity Navigator employs analysts who assign star ratings to charities. Not all groups meet the full criteria to be considered for evaluation, so if a charity isn’t rated on one of those websites, that doesn’t mean it’s not legitimate. How much should you donate? Again, this is a personal decision. Kevin Scally, the chief relationship officer for Charity Navigator, said that since the beginning of the pandemic, his group has seen giving on its own platform increase by 30% to an average gift of $130 per household, compared with the same period last year. The Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University compiled a generosity map, where you can explore how much people give in your area. There are also fact sheets with various statistics to explore, and a Give-O-Meter, where you can plug in your own demographic information and see how you compare to those like you. Alexander DePaoli, a marketing professor at Northeastern University, warned against overthinking when choosing to whom and how much to donate. DePaoli, who researches the effects of emotion in consumer reasoning, said you’ll get the most happiness from donating to what matters to you. DePaoli offered a simple piece of advice: “If there is something that you care about … donate to something that targets that.” ©2020 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Commercial property buyers are watching for deals following the pandemic by Steve Brown

After more than 50 years in the real estate business, Craig Hall has gone through markets good and bad. Even in the down times, he has found opportunities. And he’s already scouting for deals that will result from the current pandemic. “There will be a lot of opportunities, and there is room for a lot of players,” Hall said. Rather than buying properties, his Hall Group is gearing up to buy problem debt from lenders. Real estate “Banks don’t want to deal with property workouts,” Hall said. “They don’t want to be in bankruptcies and foreclosures. “A lot of banks would rather sell a portfolio of mortgages,” he said. “We think that is going to be a good opportunity for us.” As much as 20% of investment properties financed with commercial mortgage-backed securities are expected to wind up in default. Hall expects to see some bargains in the hotel market, which has been hardest hit by the pandemic and economic shutdown. But right now, he said it’s too early to try to buy most properties outright. “Nobody knows how to price it,” Hall said. “There’s a disconnect between what a seller wants to get out of it and what a buyer is willing to pay, and there’s no real financing market.” Recession or depression? Hall said that the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic will create property market conditions close to what he saw in the 1980s real estate crash. “I don’t think this is a quick recovery,” he said. “I think it will be worse than 2008 and 2009 by a long margin.” Investors have to decide just how bad the economic shakeout from COVID-19 will be, Hall said. “If you believe this is going to be a 1930s-style depression, this is not a good time to buy because you have another 10 to 12 years of misery,” he said. “If you believe that at some point in the next three or four years we are going to come out of this and likely there is going to be significant inflation because of what the government is doing, buying is going to be a significant opportunity.” That’s what Hall sees ahead. Other property investors are also watching for buys that surface

during the current instability. “We are definitely keeping an eye out for new deals,” said Chad Cook, founder of Dallas’ Quadrant Investment Properties. “We have capital that can move quickly and close all cash for the right opportunities, but we do believe the window of opportunity in Dallas specifically could be relatively short compared to past cycles.” In the short term, he said, many new commercial property purchases may be on hold. “Today, and likely for the next quarter, the capital markets are virtually closed outside of deep value opportunities,” Cook said. “There are still opportunities with noninstitutional sellers, and we expect the capital markets to come back relatively quickly.” Dallas-based real estate investor and developer Champion Partners bought buildings coming out of the Great Recession that it later sold for substantial profits. The company is gearing up for a similar play after the pandemic. “We do anticipate being very aggressive this year as this disruption is likely to provide some excellent investment opportunities for those that have access to capital and can move quickly,” Champion Partners’ Steve Modory said. Good deals from bad times One of the Dallas area’s biggest property buyers before the pandemic was developer Centurion American Development Group. CEO Mehrdad Moayedi said he has several major purchases scheduled to close soon and is looking for more buys. “The only time we have actually made real serious money is in the bad times,” Moayedi said. “When times are good, everyone and their brother are trying to buy. “The property prices got so high the last few years you could hardly make any money.” Moayedi said he just locked up a land purchase he’d been chasing for four years. “The guy wouldn’t budge on the price, and he finally came down,” he said. Real estate investors by nature are optimistic about the future, so they aren’t being chased off by the pandemic. “We are the greatest country in the world — we’ll come back,” Moayedi said. ©2020 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

Graduating into a recession — How to avoid a career-long setback by Dee Gill

If you’re graduating from college, or otherwise entering the job market, in this year of pandemic, you may have already heard about the lifetime of hardships that often plagues recession-era graduates. If not, you can read this summation of the research. The findings suggest that as a whole, the Class of 2020 will suffer substantially lower earnings, fewer advancement opportunities Careers and even more serious health issues for decades after the economy recovers. Here, however, we offer research-backed advice for avoiding that fate. Remember, those study findings are just averages from a wide variety of experiences. Below are five broad strategies to escape the average. Prioritize advancement over prestige That enviable job at a top firm may not be feasible now. Even if you’ve excelled at all the prerequisites. Even if that slacker from your statistics class landed the same job last year. Dominant companies tend to freeze entry-level hiring during slumps, even in far less depressed economies than this one. A lot of smaller companies don’t have that luxury. They can’t run the business well without filling vacant positions. These places are golden opportunities for, pardon the term, go-getters to prove they can handle responsibilities beyond what new degrees and youth suggest. Studies show that managers who begin their careers during recessions generally become CEOs more quickly, but at smaller firms. That off-brand job probably won’t pay nearly as much as the one your classmate started in 2019. Take it anyway. Become indispensable. Played well, you may make your career more esteemed and lucrative in the end. Jump often That lower paying first job is a key reason lifetime earnings for your Class of 2020 probably will be a lot less than cohorts graduating in good times. Your pay raises are likely to be about the same size or smaller than those luckier peers, especially in the early years when the economy is still weak. Your wages, even if you didn’t spend months or years jobless, may not ever catch up. To escape perpetual wage depression, recession graduates need to rise through the ranks quickly. Wage increases are biggest when job titles change. And oftentimes, the biggest gains come from jumping to another firm. Workers who change employers every few years, espe-

cially early in their careers, make significantly more money on average than more loyal employees. Staying with an employer more than five years may decrease your potential salary at the next job. You don’t have to have a 10-year career plan right now. But be aggressive about finding and pursuing advancement opportunities everywhere, even when you’re really just relieved to have a job. Go to grad school in a lucrative field We know, you’ve already been advised to go to grad school and wait for the job market to recover. In most economic downturns, that starts happening within a few years, tops. But this is no ordinary economic downturn. No one knows when the U.S. economy will be fully open for business again, or whether more waves of coronavirus will put the job market repeatedly on hold. Pursuing higher ed is generally good advice. But don’t go into debt for an advanced degree in your depressed, modestly paying industry just because you’re out of options. If you want to go to grad school, get a degree that will position you for a field that ordinarily

pays better. People in high-paying professions make out best in recessions, even if their industries also are suffering. While recession-starters have lower than normal wage averages across industries, the disparities are far less in fields that usually have high wages. Get schooled in something marketable It’s a great time to learn a new skill, and you don’t have to go back to college to do it. There is plenty of short, free and cheap instruction online, often from professionals. Ideally, you’ll find a quick tutorial on something that makes you more marketable inside and out of your chosen industry. For example, spend a week or so with Codeacademy’s introductory HTML, CSS and Bootstrap courses to learn to build websites. That’s a valuable skill in any business. Or get certified in graphics software that’ll make you and your communications degree more attractive to employers. Browse professional organizations, LinkedIn Learning, Kahn Academy and YouTube Learning for ideas. Even if the skill you add isn’t a fit for your current or next employer, they may be impressed by your

Fintechs poised to lock in sudden success courtesy of crisis era by Olivia Rockeman

Financial-technology companies supercharged their advance on the traditional banking system amid the need for rapid economic relief in the coronavirus age, and are working to cement that progress when the crisis passes. The Federal Reserve expanded the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility to non- Technology bank lenders last week. And in mid-April, companies including PayPal Holdings Inc., Square Inc. and Intuit Inc. for the first time gained the right to help distribute Small Business Administration loans. Now, the firms must convert the victories into longer-term acceptance within the financial system. Julien Courbe, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers who focuses on financial services, said the “litmus test” for fintechs will be how they perform through the whole credit cycle. “It’s not just the acceptance of the loans,” he said in an interview. “It includes the forgiveness process, which is new for everybody, of course. But the banks have infrastructure in place related to forgiveness while fintechs will have to create that process.” In just a few weeks, fintechs made ad-

vances that might have taken years under normal circumstances. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, non-bank access to any kind of Fed facility could have been a decade-long struggle, said John Pitts, head of policy at Plaid Technologies Inc., a fintech that agreed this year to be acquired by Visa Inc. for $5.3 billion. “The sound barrier has been broken on a daily basis and no one has pulled back to say, ‘Things that would’ve been a once-in-a-year achievement in a regular environment happen on a daily basis,”’ Pitts said in an interview. The approvals indicate “that the Fed considers fintech lending is on par with bank lending in terms of the government structural support it should receive to ensure that the economy is running smoothly.” Predictably, the upstarts haven’t handled the kind of transaction sizes seen at the bigger firms. Square’s average PPP loan size so far is $16,000, compared with $123,000 at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and about $110,000 at Wells Fargo & Co. But the fintechs say one of their strengths is their work with the smallest businesses, including those owned by sole proprietors or minorities, many of whom haven’t been able

US auto industry preps for restart — and it all depends on Mexico Continued from page 13. and Canada, our suppliers, the UAW and our manufacturing team.” Jim Farley, chief operating officer of Ford, said during a Bank of America forum on April 30, “Mexican suppliers are really important.” Signals from Mexico Katcon, a Monterey, Mexico-based company, employs 100 workers at the office in Auburn Hills as part of a global operation that designs, engineers and manufactures exhaust systems and catalytic converters. As a supplier to half a dozen automakers globally with operations both in Michigan and across the border, as well as other countries, its U.S. President Jose De Nigris said he has been following signals from Mexico carefully. “The dates the automakers have been saying keep changing, and that is understand-

willingness to take on new material. Follow the money, not the degree Who can afford to pay you in this mother of all economic messes? Grocery stores, streaming services, delivery companies, Small Business Administration lenders, online schools and manufacturers of essential goods, to name a few employers. These are great places to target in a job search now, regardless of whether you majored in political science or hospitality management. You may have already looked at your skills and tried to match them with thriving industries outside your intended field. Sometimes this exercise is more revealing when it’s flipped: Identify the thriving company, look at every possible career there, then scour your experience to find useful skills for any of them. Then do the same for businesses that are suppliers to that healthy target. You may find employers more compelled by your summer job, hobby or class electives than the specific major on your college degree. ©2020 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

able,” De Nigris said. “If you consider this pandemic a hurricane, it hit here in Michigan about a month before Mexico. Every week that passes helps Mexico because the storm is stronger there now,” he said. “But everyone is talking, the government and the automakers. Our lines are shut down. If we don’t have activity from the automakers, there’s no need for suppliers to operate.” De Nigris, who has been based in Michigan for a decade, said it is difficult for suppliers to restart incrementally. He has been shut down in Auburn Hills for seven weeks, in addition to shuttering his two plants in Mexico and one in India. His plant in Poland is scheduled to open in early May. His four plants in China have all returned to normal production. And his plants in Germany and

South Korea never stopped. “The feeling in Mexico, based on the statements from the government and the president of Mexico himself, have been very clear and sensible, balancing health and economic concerns as best as possible,” he said. “He (the president) has said if the U.S. and Canada are going to reopen, we will allow the automotive industry to reopen. Dialogue in Mexico is very positive and encouraging.” For his company alone, millions of dollars are lost. But health comes first, and everyone understands that, he said, adding that they’ve navigated disruption for strikes and other activity but nothing like the coronavirus. ©2020 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

to get access to the big U.S. banks. Providing assistance to small businesses in crisis can deepen those ties, said Jackie Reses, capital lead at Square. “This is a moment of reckoning for banks,” Reses said in an interview. “People are feeling a little exposed in where their relationships are and who those relationships are with.” To be sure, traditional banks are still seen by the government as the primary conduits for distributing funds. PayPal and Intuit, the first fintechs to participate in the PPP, weren’t approved until April 10, just days before the first round of funding was exhausted. “Fintechs were recognized, but banks were recognized first,” Michael Del Grosso, managing director at Compass Point Research & Trading LLC, said in an interview. Payment Methods Even though Congress recognized early the need for fintech lenders in the PPP, no government infrastructure was in place for their participation from the outset, Pitts said. The fintech application form didn’t come until about a week after the PPP launched because the federal government had never qualified a fintech before. Del Grosso said that the biggest win for fintechs promises to be long-term adoption of digital payment methods that have picked up momentum amid the pandemic. Consumers buying online and picking up in store, tapto-pay and the decline of cash all may be here to stay even after the outbreak subsides, he said. The crisis has “shined a light on how truly interconnected our world is and increased use of all things digital,” PayPal Chief Executive Officer Dan Schulman said in an emailed statement. There has never been a greater need for digital payments, he said. “A huge amount of volumes are shifting to online, e-com and contactless,” Moshe Katri, research analyst at Wedbush Securities Inc., said in an interview. “The traditional banking model is going to continue to get cannibalized by ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 8, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Midlands Business Journal

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Chris J. Murphy, Chairman and CEO of First Westroads Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Maria H. Pauley as Chief Financial Officer and Cashier. Pauley comes to First Westroads Bank with over 20 years of commercial and corporate banking experience. She will also chair the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Asset Liability Management Committee. Most recently, she had been a Director of Strategic Analysis and Commercial Finance Manager with another financial institution. Pauleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education includes a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Accounting from the University of Florida and has completed post-graduate studies with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Pauley holds a CPA certificate. First Westroads Bank is a locally owned and managed, financially strong, community bank committed to exceeding customer expectations. Our promise is to help you and your business succeed with professional, knowledgeable, and experienced bankers.

ACCESSbank elected four directors to serve on the boards of the bank and its holding company, 3MV Bancorp, Inc. at its annual Shareholders Meeting on March 31, 2020. Newly elected to the board was Rex T. Fisher, senior vice president of corporate relations at HDR, an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Angela M. Quinn is a partner of Baxter Auto Group, which owns and operates 20 stores in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Justin J. Lovegrove is president of The ARC Group, a commodity brokerage firm representing farmers and ranchers in the Midwest. Both Quinn and Lovegrove were re-elected to the board. Patrick J. Corrigan, along with his re-election to the board, was named president and CEO of the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holding company, 3MV Bancorp, Inc. Corrigan also serves as CEO of ACCESSbank after appointing Samantha Mosser as president of the bank earlier this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Omaha has a wide variety of talented and experienced business leaders who are willing to give back and support the community by serving as consultants and stewards to other organizations,â&#x20AC;? said Chairman Gary A. Perkins. Corrigan further stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are extremely fortunate to welcome this group of leaders to our board, and look forward to their guidance as we continue to grow the bank to meet the needs of the community.â&#x20AC;? The new directors join current board members Margaret Stessman, founder and CEO of StrategicHealthSolutions, Joseph Lempka, Division Manager of Kiewit Corporation and president of Kiewit Building Group, and Dr. J. Brian Gill, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Nebraska Spine and Pain Center. ACCESSbank is a locally owned community bank committed to making things happen in Omaha. Dedicated to serving their clients, shareholders, employees and the community, ACCESSbank is known for its exceptional customer service and building long-standing relationships. There are currently six convenient locations in the Omaha metro area.

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Marketing Part 2 Agencies A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

May 8, 2020

Avoid these common marketing mistakes by sticking to sound fundamentals by Dwain Hebda

Companies seeking to get the most bang for their marketing buck should pay attention to the fundamentals to avoid costly common mistakes. That’s the message from area marketing professionals who say mastering the basics in times of prosperity help insulate companies in down markets or times of upheaval and change. “One of the most common mistakes business owners make is using hope as a strategy,” said Mary Ann O'Brien, founder and CEO of OBI Creative. “I see it so often that O'Brien when we built our new office headquarters in the Lumberyard District, I had it emblazoned onto the floor outside the front doors.” O’Brien said getting people to realize what successful marketing is — a deliberate sequence of proven methodologies — is often the hardest thing about the process. “While intuition is important in work and life, it is not a sure foundation to build upon if you want to achieve consistently profitable marketing results,” she said. “The best campaigns are grounded in research and executed through tactics that are guided by strategy based on that research. Never assume you know what your customers think about every stage of your buying process. You might be right about a lot of it, but there are things you’re overlooking or misjudging.” Joan Lukas, president of Lukas Partners, said a good example of this view relates to media channels and the impulse to run to be first. “New marketing channels constantly emerge, but they all start unproven and take valuable time to learn,” she said. “Become an early adopter, but do not be the first one to rush in. When a new channel pops up, wait for it to gain momentum and then decide if it makes sense for your organization. TikTok is a good example of one to consider right now. “All good marketing channels eventually become saturated. Putting too much stock in one channel creates vulnerability for your message. At the same time, there are so many channels to choose from they have to be prioritized by how effective they are in reaching the target audience.” Lukas said this assessment is critical to avoiding wasted time and marketing dollars. “Failing to measure the success or failure of different marketing strategies is common,” she said. “We help clients decide metrics because no matter the size of the organization, there are ways to measure success. Define the channels

you want to track to measure the effectiveness of a campaign. For example, determining sales and cost conversion rates for leads generated by LinkedIn versus Instagram versus an email campaign.” A sound marketing plan focuses on the details, right down to the promotional items used to help promote a brand. “The biggest mistake we see is companies not considering how [promotional] items relate to the message they wish to convey,” said Jill Adams, owner of The Creative J – A Geiger Company. Lukas “It’s important to remember that no matter how small those items may be, they are still a reflection of the company’s brand and image. “Done right, promotional products and apparel have longer-lasting marketing effect than other forms of advertising.” Adams said despite a plethora of online do-it-yourself options in this area of marketing, working with a professional yields tangible benefits. “A company like ours provides personal service and attention to detail,” she said. “When we work with a business, we get to know the items they like, the price points they want and we make sure the branding fits with the item. We’re constantly on the lookout for solutions to their marketing before they even ask us.” The fundamentals of marketing don’t go out the window during periods of upheaval — such as the coronavirus — in fact, they become even more essential. That said, companies should understand the need to make adjustments in their approach to fit the times. “There’s a hotly debated marketing trend right now that we shouldn’t ‘sell’ our products or services through marketing efforts during this pandemic,” said Kurt Goetzinger, owner of Omaha Advertising. “While you don’t want to cram sales down their throats, it’s perfectly fine and recommended that you tell people you are still open for business and available.” Goetzinger said smart strategies recognize the fears and challenges many consumers are facing right now and tailor their messaging accordingly. This not only shows empathy, but also provides solutions that make sense. And, it positions the company to thrive post-pandemic. “Falling off the radar can have long-term negative repercussions to a company and brand,” he said. “People want to return to ‘normal,’ as life was before. They also want to feel safe knowing that choosing your product or service won’t be risky.

Jill Adams, owner of The Creative J. “Now, it’s more important than ever to stay they’re ready to purchase your product or service in touch with customers and prospects so when they choose you and not your competition.”

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Marketing Agencies

Marketing Agencies •

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 8, 2020 •

• MAY 8, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Marketing Agencies