Midlands Business Journal October 2, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 40 issue

8

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

October 2, 2020

Local mortgage industry experiences market at full capacity

by Gabby Christensen

According to area experts, the current mortgage market is extremely active right now with no signs of changing anytime soon.

Jeff Shapiro, executive vice president at Centris Federal Credit Union, said there has been a steady flow of mortgage applications for the past six months for both first and second mortgages.

“Existing home sales continue to be brisk, especially Shapiro under the $250,000 price range,” he said. “With COVID-19, people have had more opportunity to stay at home and realize they want to make improvements. They are tapping into their home equity and using it to improve or remodel, potentially increasing the value of their home. With the low rates, we are seeing people move their second mortgages into first mortgages, which can save the homeowner money.”

Shapiro said if homeowners have been in their current mortgage for the last threeto-five years and plan to stay in their home

for a few more years, it makes sense to review their loan and talk to a mortgage expert who may be able to guide them to deeper savings through a refinanced loan and a better interest rate.

Brad Flanagan, branch manager/ home loan advisor at Fairway Independent Mortgage Co., said it’s extremely important that consumers keep the future in mind when making decisions for the here and now.

“The Fed stated that rates are going to remain low Flanagan through 2023 and after, but unfortunately they are talking about the rate in which banks borrow money from each other,” he said. “It doesn’t have a direct correlation to mortgage rates.”

There are some impacts from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that consumers might not be aware of, so it’s critical to only take advantage of forbearance if needed.

“Some people who are buying new homes right now might have refinanced a couple of months ago or two years ago, and they didn’t take into consideration that it

Brent Rasmussen, president/owner at Mortgage Specialists. costs to redo a loan,” Flanagan said. “It’s Mortgage Specialists, said there’s never important to keep these thoughts in mind been a busier time for the local and nawhen making any choices. Take your time, tional mortgage market. work with someone you trust and don’t “Due to [an] all-time low inventory, rush through the process.” home prices continuing to rise, [and] so do Brent Rasmussen, president/owner of appraised values,” he said. “This at times can lead to appraised values being an issue for mortgage loans. But due to the all-time low interest rates, it allows borrowers to afford more of a house and to lock in low interest rates for possibly a lifetime. With rates being as low as they are, money is nearly free.”

Rasmussen expects interest to stay low for a long time and mortgage interest rates to stay below 4% for a couple years or more.

“So while the markets stay hot, we will see mortgage rates continue to drive the market,” he said.

Mortgages for lower credit individuals and jumbo loans are harder to come by due to the risk of borrowers missing future payments.

“We are also seeing home values at all-time highs, so we don’t anticipate the issues we saw in 2008 because borrowers will not be upside down in their home,” Rasmussen said. “If they get behind on their payments and possibly have an issue with being foreclosed, they can sell their house, breakeven and we will not see the massive foreclosures in Omaha.”

Mortgages — inside OCTOBER 2, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 46 NO. 40

Object Partners on track for boost by joining forces with Improving

by Michelle Leach

Safety Reports launches virtual inspection app amid pandemic.

– Page 2

al nti te e sid sta Re al E Re

Various corners of the real estate industry reflect on how to address major challenges.

– Page 3

al git ng Di rketi a M

How to create content that focuses on your customers’ needs.

– Page 23

Sixteen years ago, Object Partners, Inc. (OPI) had one employee in Omaha to support a local client. Today, there are 69 employees based out of its Aksarben Village office. And the Minneapolis-headquartered custom software solutions firm is poised to introduce its capabilities to a larger audience and to add service offerings, courtesy of joining forces with Dallas-based technology consulting company, Improving.

“There are mixed emotions of anxiety and excitement,” said General Manager-Omaha Mark Ruch. “There have been zero changes. [Improving] is not in the business of acquiring companies and going in and ripping out leadership. They really try to acquire companies that make sense, and they allow them to continue operating.”

In fact, with Object Partners, an Improving company, operating so efficiently, Ruch indicated Continued on page 22.

General Manager-Omaha Mark Ruch … Acquisition provides more tools for custom software developer to present to clients, cross-pollination among acquiring firm’s companies.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Environmental stewardship program among services cultivated by Barcel Enterprises

by Michelle Leach

From its corporate headquarters in Bellwood, Nebraska (population: 420), Barton “B.J.” Barcel has cultivated 13 companies. The Barcels’ entrepreneurial roots run deep; the family’s presence in logging goes back 100-plus years. Over Barcel Mill and Lumber Co.’s 71 years, it’s branched into new products and

services — notably, its Certified Recycling Accountability Program (CRAP) launched last year.

“We partner with companies, municipalities and colleges,” Barcel said. “We bring into our facility their recyclable materials … we then recycle them into different products, and issue to the different entities a certificate of Continued on page 22.

From left, owners John Rhodes, founder Phil Rhodes Sr. and Phil Rhodes Jr. … The family-owned business has adjusted to both trends and precautions during the pandemic.

After 50 years, Futuramic’s Clean Water Center holds onto history, focuses on steady growth

by Gabby Christensen

Barton “B.J.” Barcel … Helping companies lessen their carbon footprint. Pictured here with a machine that makes biochar and a pot made of sterilized cow manure; the packaging will also be plantable. (photo courtesy of Barcel Enterprises)

Not all businesses make it to a 50-year anniversary and even fewer remain family-owned and -operated after five decades, but Futuramic’s Clean Water Center in Omaha has reached this milestone, largely due to an emphasis on family and customer service, according to Phil Rhodes Jr., owner.

Founded in 1969 by Phil Rhodes Sr., the business has al-

ways held onto one clear mission — provide good and clean water.

Over the years, the business has acquired other local water treatment companies and grown its team to 16 employees. Still, nearly half of the staff is related by blood, and the others are family in their own respect, Rhodes said.

Today, the company provides sales, service and rental of custom-built water treatment sysContinued on page 6.

2

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Safety Reports launches virtual inspection app amid pandemic

by Gabby Christensen

on the topic.�

According to Polich, the future is full of possibilities. “We have some ideas for a couple of new apps to be released later this year or early next year, but our current focus is on updating our existing suite of products,�

Polich said. “The goal is to make them so intuitive and user-friendly that little, if any, training is needed to use them.

We are also working on enhancements to our dashboard pages and analytical reports.�

Since establishing in 2011, Omaha-based Safety Reports has worked to develop innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of customers while also keeping safety and user-friendly capability at the forefront, which has resulted in consistent annual growth, according to President Steve Polich, CSP.

Safety Reports Phone: 402-403-6575 Address: 13215 Birch Dr. #201, Omaha 68164 Service: SaaS company specializing in building and maintaining mobile safety solutions Founded: 2011 Employees: 12 Goal: To complete product suite, further enhance existing apps.

Website: https://www.safety-reports.com

The company, founded by Polich and Chet Slump, builds safety apps to minimize the learning curve and maximize usage for its customers, which span across a variety of industries, like construction and insurance.

Safety Reports’ first product on the market was its inspection app, but it has since added a training app, job safety analysis (JSA) app, observation app, incident app, scan app, forms app and PrecipAlert.

Erik Robinson, vice president of business development, said the goal is to be a one-stop-shop for all safety products. “It’s a click and play system for all of our mobile apps, making it extremely easy for the end-user to utilize,� Robinson said. “Our system is so scalable that it can be a single-user app or it can be a complete enterprise solution for large corporations. Our products save time and we can literally feel the weight lift from our customers’ shoulders as they witness how much our system can alleviate hours

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee� Hoig

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

ADVERTISING

From left, Steve Polich, president/co-owner, Erik Robinson, director of business development and Chet Slump, CEO/co-owner‌ Creating apps to help companies, with a focus on remote capabilities during the pandemic. of manual work.�

Another one of the company’s prodCurrently, the business has grown to ucts that has been helping to combat the 12 employees with nearly 15,000 licenses, COVID-19 crisis is its scan app. serving customers in every state. “Using our admin site, users have the As a business owner, Polich said capability to assign each employee with there’s the constant challenge of trying a specific barcode or QR code and have to stay ahead of the curve in the market. a custom COVID checklist pull up in the “We work to constantly keep our app,� Robinson said. “This lets our cusproducts updated with new and fresh ideas tomers perform paperless health screens that simplify and improve user interaction for their employees and compile that data making our apps more likely to be used in electronically.� the field,� Polich said.

Additionally, the company recently inWhen COVID-19 hit, Safety Reports troduced a new feature to its “safety talks,� started building a virtual inspection app also known as safety huddles. that allows users to sit at their desktop and “Since many are not meeting with their complete a remote inspection. employees in-person as much anymore, “We’ve always wanted to develop we added the ability to email or text those this capability, but the pandemic defi- ‘safety’ talks to employees,� he said. nitely pushed us, as we built the app and “Employees just have to answer a few had it on the market within six weeks,� questions and then it will confirm that he said. they’ve read it, taken the test and trained

Subscribe and pay online today at MBJ.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT, Julie Whitehead OFFICE OFFICE ASSISTANT, Rosemary Gregurich

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

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

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

-The Publisher.

The Lincoln

BUSINESS

APRIL 2018

Vol. 21 No. 4 $2.00

Journal

SAVE

Erickson Sullivan

Architects finding

ready market for

its Foodlines services.

Page 2

New owners of The

Printer invest in

technology, equipment

and innovation.

Page 3

Lincoln Real Estate . Page 5 Insurance...........

Pages 6 - 7 Banking .............Pages 17-19

Cooper & Co. creates shopping services. experience, expands

inventory and

“Any government big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take all you’ve got.�

design Page 4

Lincoln Business Journal — inside

APRIL 20, 2018 THE BUSINESS

20%

y log no Tech

NEWSPAPER OF

by Richard D. Brown

40 OCTOBER 11,

2019

THE BUSINESS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

NEWSPAPER OF

As residential DFFHSWDQFH RI and corporate UHF\FOLQJ JDLQV momentum, one ODUJHVW SOD\HUV of the state’s LV LWVHOI IRU JUHDWHU SRVLWLRQLQJ SURGXFWLYLW\

LINCOLN AND

Om rna Jou

VOL. 44 NO. 16

ling for greater accura

LINCOLN AND

COUNCIL BLUFFS

proposes visual impac

LQ /LQFROQ LV LQYHVWLQJ DW OHD VW million on one of the sophisticated sortingregion’s most mines. $2.00 The installation VOL. 45 NO. of the 41 ment, which is projected equipto take from six to eight weeks at the ¿UPœV VSUDZOLQJ SODQW DW , St., has begun and President/CEO 'DOH *XEEHOV VDLG WKH LQY LV JLYLQJ WKH \HDU ROG EHVWPHQW for XVLQHVV ing nt D SHUFHQW LQFUHDVH LQ est me WKUX SXW Inv tire DQG UHSODFHV D Re V\VWHP LQVWDOOHG in 2005.

Today’s retirement increasingly )LUVW 6WDU 5HF\FOLQJ holistic as cyberthreats LQWURGXFHG WKH ¿UVW URERWLF ZKLFK reign.

V WR LWV – Page 5 SURFHVV LQ JDLQHG D S LQJ IHDWXUH ZLWK WKDW LQYHVUHYLHZWPHQW “The equipment coming down the can see what’s line such as President Continued on page a 22. SURYHG HIÂżFL and CEO Dale Gubbels ‌ Investment HQF\ in a new

cy

t to Omaha’s skylin

e

HDM Corp adds new cloud-based, health products to enhance services

Graphite Lock startup takes modern approach, targets real estate market. – Page 26

$2.00

LQ sorting a wider range of material.

Read it )LUVW 6WDU 5HF \FOLQJ ZLWK LWV PDLQ

r 40 de Un 40 Jilek builds E&A environmental services from ground up. – Page 4

Father-son team ha and Jason LanohaDavid Lano— owners of Lanoha Real Estate Co. — are focused on what they term “good projectsâ€? and an overall portfolio of development s with an almost even split between single/multiple IDPLO\ DQG RIÂżFH UHWDLO XVH V Under new ownership However, Vice GrandBox son Lanoha admits President Jadevelops new products, programs. which was founded the business, – Page 2 in 1988, is venturingby his father to the next level — and then some proposed 1416 Dodge, — with its 730,000-square-foot a two-tower, will include office, endeavor that parking and retail space. “We’re getting good traction with a lot of really ess attracting tensin n y Bu tio ants since we announced our log all tra no plans Sm minis earlier this year,â€? ch Ad Jason Lanoha Te

by Michelle Leach said. “It is our commitment Interest in new, international Wealth of data, digital to pro+,3$$ WUDLQLQJ New General Manager vide something markets processes DQG WKRVH W\SHV and entrepreneurs that Chris of things,â€? underscore evolving hip drives demand Woodhouse expects a pride and enhance will garner Woodhouse said. customer 50 percent there for programs. the perception “But boost to just one experience, in-demand [is not] a lot of of downtown Omaha.â€? – Page 26 of compliance skills. ÂżYH GLYLVLRQV E\ HDM Corp.’s management.

As proposed, the We saw a need for UHYLHZLQJ WKH development – Page 6 on the a likes of production QHZ FORXG EDVHG V\VWHP site of the former schedules, WR PDQand ramping up Union Pacific headquarter and making good DJH HYHU\WKLQJ RQOLQH ´ adjustments to Headquartere construction begin s could see products, as early as 2022, DVNHG DERXW KRZ WKH \ when Mill Road, HDMd at 10828 Old 9LFH 3UHVLGH Continued on page Corp. has been 2PDKD EDVHG KHDOWK GDWD HDU ROG LQQRYDWLQJ VROXWLRQV IRU WKH 13. WRZHUV DQG P QW -DVRQ /DQRKD ÂŤ $PR L[HG XVH GHYHORSPHQW QJ SURPLQHQW SURMHFWV LQ ÂżUP LV FDUH LQGXVWU\ KHDOWK EHLQJ UHMXYH 2PDKD LV WKH ÂżUPÂśV SURS QDWHG VLQFH 'RGJH RVHG RIÂżFH “Quite a few people “Our mission (Photo by MBJ / statement ess are doing Becky McCarville) sin Continued on page is Bu es 22.

Pag aha l

sletter our new r fo p u get a Sign om and at MBJ.c code for coupon a 1-year 20% off tion! ri subsc p

COUNCIL BLUFFS

ns First Star Recyc

and plant in southwest Omaha and Reap! D VTXD UH IRRW IDFLOLW\

GREATER OMAHA,

Lanoha Real Estate

by Richard D. Brown

r 40 de Un

GREATER OMAHA,

New equipment positio

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

FireSprint diversifi es with in equipment to accomm investments odate growth

by Michelle Leach

the winter.�

If not for FireSprint’s LQVXUDQFH FKHFN WKH UHVXOW R $5,500 It was around this same time I LWV ÂżUVW period screen-printer getting that FireSprint freight, the trade-only damaged in Hamzhie had originally was born; sign printer shop started the probably wouldn’t as TargetOmaha have Marketing in go on, roughly eight survived to 2007 and brought on brother, Direcbe named among years later, to tor of Customer Inc. Experience James est-growing companies 5000’s fast- Hamzhie, and longtime friend in America, fellow and according to CEO owner/COO, Gene as partners a year Mark Kistler, “We ran out of cashHamzhie. later. in 2011,â€? he said. “That check “Prior to 2007, got us through I had an eBay Continued on page 14.

Agency Principals *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU &KULV : from left, Marcus Rob Schmitt ‌ Haith, Carly Thomas RRGKRXVH  +HDOWK GDWD Rooted andduce HIPAA Vault, among ¿UPV OHYHUDJH FRPELQHG in family real estate businesses, ¿UP WR LQWUR products designed insurancecomplex processes.

GHSWK RI LQGXVWU\ H[SHUW to simplify historicallylogical assets.

LVH DQG WHFKQR-

From left, co-owners

the company for im(Photo by MBJ / Noel Hoig)

Principal Julie Stavneak at the Centerline on multiple commercial projects and adding project site ‌ Focusing company to the a property management roster.

J. Development Co. expands with projects in Omaha, Council Bluffs and Sioux City

by Becky McCarvill

Veteran Omaha firms join forces to form Dodge Partne rs Insurance

by Michelle Leach

Hamzhie ‌ Nebraska-ba Gene Hamzhie, Mark Kistler and James YHVWPHQWV IRU RQH RI WKH F sed Durst printer among RXQWU\œV IDVWHVW JURZLQJ W recent major inbusiness.

UDGH RQO\ SULQWLQJ

sorting mine poises

e RQ KHOSLQJ QRQSURÂżWV From the Centerline EXLOG DIalong South 72nd complex fordable housing and completing the Rise mixed-use Street, to KLVWRULF UHQRYDWLRQV 3ULQFLSDOV building in Council apartment -XOLH 6WDYQHDN KLVWRULF SUHVHUYDWLRQBluffs, to set their sights DQG -LP 5R\HU on adding more SURMHFWV commercial LQ GRZQWRZQ 6LRX[ &LW\ projects and market WR WKH Sheltering Tree near 72nd and rate housing in Omaha and Sioux $PHV VWUHHWV - &LW\ ,RZD 'HYHORSPHQ W is expanding its “One of our goals portfolio was to clude more commercial to in- ramp up and do more projects RZQ and market rate SURMHFWV ´ 6WDYQHDN of our housing. Âł7KDW UHDOO\ JRW XV PRWLY VDLG While past projects focused DWHG WR Continued on page 31.

in the future,� said With each firm boasting a Agency Prinreported 60-plus cipal Carly Thomas, year formerly a the metro, NP Dodge heritage in Peterson Bros.

Insurance princiInsurance Agency Inc. and Peterson Bros. pal. “Ultimately, we decided we Insurance Inc. have were stronger together.� joined their complementary Over the past year, clientele, carriers and cultures indicated the companies Thomas to worked Partners Insurancecreate Dodge together to align LLC. which are now basedtheir teams, “We both were at the point of out of 8701 deciding where we wanted to be West Dodge Road in Omaha Continued on page — 24.

• Midlands Business Journal/one year ($75) • MBJ/two years ($140)

SAVE TIME, MONEY AND HASSLE WITH Midlands AN ANNUAL Business Journal SUBSCRIPTION

• MBJ/three years ($190)

LOOKING FOR BACK ISSUES OF THE MBJ AND LBJ?

NOW ORDER THEM ONLINE AT MBJ.COM

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

3

Residential Real Estate A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

October 2, 2020

Various corners of the real estate industry reflect on how to address major challenges specific vanline agencies – not the vanline as a

by Michelle Leach The current climate is rife for new and inno- whole – and to tour the warehouse if one needs vative approaches to how the built environment storage.

Also, make sure estimates are “apples-to-apis designed, developed and marketed, as well as opportunities for services that support the real ples” comparisons in terms of services, he said, and evaluate whether the estimate is “non-bindestate industry.

“The key to our industry is continued growth ing” or “fixed” price. Reach out to movers early, and schedule dates as soon as possi[and] innovation in the form of techble as they are first come, first serve. nology,” said Jeff Nogg, co-owner “Make sure you start planning and vice president of sales and busiwhat is going in the move and what ness development with I-Go Van and is not, as well as what items you want Storage Co. “The latest technology the moving company to pack into includes virtual survey capabilities, boxes for you,” Nogg said. artificial intelligence estimating proFSBOHOMES Omaha is cedures, electronic logs, e-signature among those organizations facilifor documents, and driver inventories tating the transactions that ultimately completed on an iPad.” lead to the need for relocation and Nogg noted, in early 2020, the storage services. market was following its “typical Tabaka “The home selling market has cycle.”

“A little slower in January and February, but been very strong for several years — certainly starting to ramp up into March and April, as we since we have opened our doors in June of 2017,” were getting closer to the peak moving season,” said owner Ted Tabaka. “For example, our home sellers have averaged less than 30 days on the he added.

Then, military moves and moves related to market since we opened and this year it’s less than half of that.” corporate household goods came to a stop.

While home selling and buying activity has “The typical, every day person not in those worlds has continued to move pretty much in step been “as active as ever,” Tabaka said, it has a with last spring and summer,” Nogg said. “The “different feel.”

“The biggest change in activity is maybe pandemic can’t stop house closings.”

Nogg encouraged those with upcoming the most obvious one,” he said. “Because of the closings and moves to read reviews online for pandemic, more people have appreciated our

Michelle Sawicki, VP/mortgage division manager, at Five Points Bank. use of technology to vet out potential buyers. No buyers schedule an in-person showing,” he said. one wants dozens of people going through their “On average, FSBOHOMES clients only have home, especially in a pandemic.” three showings before they receive an offer.”

At FSBOHOMES, described as offering Additionally, Tabaka noted how each client consumer-to-consumer real estate services, receives professional photography, schematic Tabaka said the company uses a 3D virtual floor plans, a certified home inspection and open house. certified appraisal before the home goes on the “The result is that only the most interested Continued on next page.

4

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Residential Real Estate

Various corners of the real estate industry reflect on how to address major challenges Continued from page 1. market.

He described a need for a more modern and streamlined process.

“One of the lasting effects of the pandemic is that we were all reminded that good things can come to an end very quickly and that we need to be prepared,” Tabaka said.

As it relates to the financing front, Five Points Bank Vice President/Mortgage Division Manager Michelle Sawicki described an “unprecedented time” of refinancing and purchasing, as lenders are busy with refinances to lower house payments, change the terms of loans (shortening the life of the loan), cashing out for home improvements or debt consolidation.

She encourages being patient with lenders and everyone involved with the transaction.

“They are all working very hard to get your file complete in a timely manner,” Sawicki said.

“Whether you are refinancing or purchasing, getting your documentation as quickly as possible to your lender helps move your file in a timely manner, along with keeping lines of communication open with everyone is also important.”

Realtor Aimee Ketcham of Better Homes and Gardens, The Good Life Group, highlighted the Courtyard on Park, a dozen two-bedroom townhomes spanning 1,640 square feet on historic Park Avenue.

“Each unit has its own gated courtyard and balcony,” she said. “Starting at $315,000, newly built townhomes are extremely affordable.”

In turn, Ketcham described an “eclectic group” of owners.

“We have two doctors, a pharmacist, personal trainers, businessmen — even pets,” she said.

More broadly, Ketcham said Park Avenue in south Omaha has come a long way.

“Specifically, the area from Dodge to Center and 30th to 42nd streets has seen a substantial increase of rehabilitation and new construction,” she said. “From Jan. 1 to Sept. 24, 2019, as compared to Jan. 1 to Sept. 24, 2020, we have seen an increase in sold properties rise 96%. Likewise, we have seen the average home sales increase 10.7%.

Ketcham “This is evidence that, even with the increase in home sales, combined with the low interest rates, people are continuing to still invest in home ownership. Courtyard on Park townhomes are just a part of the many projects promoting an active, urban, lifestyle that fits almost anyone.”

Family-owned SL Jensen Construction is the builder force behind the Courtyard on Park as well as other projects in the area.

“We developed our first building down in that area at 30th and Mason back in 2012,” Alex Jensen said. “We renovated an old vacant

apartment building.”

Built in 1915, the structure’s roof was literally collapsing in.

“There were lots of challenges,” he said.

“We did fill those apartments with students and young professionals.”

The company also opened up another new construction apartment building near 38th and Pacific streets.

At the time, they were drawn to the momentum in the area as organizations such as Urban Village were replacing rundown houses and vacant spaces with structures built or renovated to stand the test of time.

“There is no parGray ticular stamp we put on things,” he said. “We do these projects with the idea they are going to be landmarks for the next 100-plus years. We think there are quality materials that will hold up over time.”

The aforementioned townhomes represent the latest example of the draw and investment in a historic neighborhood with lots of character.

“We wanted to do something to revive the neighborhood,” Jensen said. “We want to bring in homeowners that are invested financially and emotionally in the areas to keep them up, and so they continue to grow.”

Additionally, Jensen noted how the company recognized the good things inCOMMON Community Development was doing when it entered the neighborhood; the creation and sustainability of affordable housing is among the organization’s efforts.

“We’re working with them on concepts — we’re not fighting with their concepts,” Jensen said.

Christian Gray is the director of inCOMMON. “We have two apartment complexes,” he said. “One is on Park Avenue and the other is on 29th Street.”

InCOMMON has worked in the Park Avenue neighborhood for around 10 years. The 1029 Park Ave. space (Bristol Apartments) was acquired in 2015, while the 1040 S. 29th Street building (Georgia Row) was acquired the following year.

“Both of them are on the historic registry,” Gray said. “The Bristol will have 65 units and the Georgia Row will be 11 or 12 units.”

The former structure spans efficiencies to one-bedrooms, while the latter space is geared towards families and will boast two- and three-bedroom units.

With a construction timeline of 18 months, these properties are going through the process of receiving low-income housing tax credits.

Housing is one vital part of what inCOMMON does.

“We take a holistic approach to neighborhood development,” he said; for instance, Gray referred to the creation of a community center, community garden, playground, and mural project. The organization is also installing a soccer field.

Its work on Park Avenue is further informing its current and future efforts in Walnut Hill, another historic neighborhood in north Omaha.

“We want to see people benefit, not be displaced, forgotten or disinvested,” he said.

At the time of this writing, inCOMMON was identifying and securing a building in the neighborhood for a community center. Alongside partners like the Jensens, it is discussing how to bring resources together for these projects.

“There is a belief in the power of the market to do good, and to redevelop communities in a way that actually makes a transformative difference in the lives of people,” Gray said.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

5

6

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

After 50 years, Futuramic’s Clean Water Center holds onto history, focuses on steady growth Continued from page 1. tems, which are made in the U.S. “A lot of people tell me they like doing business with a local family business instead of other options,” he said. “More and more, this trend is becoming noticeable and we value it.”

The majority of customers are homeowners and most business comes directly from referrals, Rhodes said, which also can

Futuramic’s Clean Water Center Phone: 402-453-5730 Address: 1514 S. Saddle Creek Rd., Omaha 68106 Founded: 1969 Service: sales, service and rental of custom-built water treatment systems Employees: 16 Website: https://omahawater.com

be attributed to the business’ reputation and longevity.

While the industry is constantly evolving, he embraces the challenge.

“The job constantly keeps me learning, as new situations arise,” Rhodes said. “I love solving problems for our customers and being able to see the result — which is happiness and appreciation. Everyone deserves to drink good, clean water and it feels really great to be able to help those who were having issues.”

For the company, educating others on water treatment and its importance has been challenging at times.

“Water affects so many things that people might not even think or know about,” he said. “Water treatment can solve a lot of problems and we want others to know about it.”

As people become more health and environmentally conscious, there’s been an increase in awareness for making better water choices.

“A lot of people don’t want to use bottled water and waste plastic,” he said.

“This trend has definitely changed our product offerings a bit and has also al-

lowed us to serve a whole new group of customers.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Rhodes said business has remained steady, but there has been some staffing challenges, as some employees needed to be placed at home due to risk of exposure.

Additionally, new protocols have

caused jobs to take a bit longer at times.

Yet, the business has been fortunate to remain open and operating.

Still to come, he expects the business to continue its growth and legacy.

When the time comes, Rhodes has plans to hand over the reins to the third generation of the family.

“We have some specific growth goals, but we don’t want to grow too fast,” he said. “We want steady, slow growth, while remaining on the cutting edge of new developments in the industry. We also really just want to keep our family of employees and continue to be a family business.”

Strategic planning essential for defining roles, navigating family dynamics

by Jasmine Heimgartner

While the rewards of being part of a family-owned business may be immeasurable, it does come with some nuances that are inherently part of family dynamics.

“The more we know people and the closer we are to them, there is a lesser chance we may have those important conversations,” said Jeff Shannon, partner at Bravium. “If you never sit down and scope out the work that your son, daughter, parent or sibling does — actually sit down and say this is your domain, this is mine, this is where we overlap — it is difficult to be aligned. If 10 hats are needed to run a business, who is in charge of each specific hat and what does it look like?

What are the help points? Just having a conversation and writing it down adds a lot of clarity.”

Any company faces challenges when defining a vision and shared plan for reaching that vision, but family-owned businesses often have to ask some additional questions to ensure that it thrives.

“Every business needs to grow and break through ceilings, or it risks becoming stagnant or even dying,” said Amanda Temoshek, CEO of Temoshek Strategic Consulting. “In the case of a family-operating business, it is vital to have a plan that goes beyond just revenue and profit growth but also addresses succession planning and how an owner will eventually step away and pass the business on to the next generation.”

That process requires ensuring family issues are handled with the family and

business issues are addressed in the business, making decisions about hiring and firing based on what is best for the future of the company, and separating decisions regarding who runs the business from ownership issues.

“Just because someone is an owner doesn’t mean they are the best person to run the company or take it to the next

Shannon Temoshek level,” Temoshek said.

Surprisingly, putting down everything on paper doesn’t have to be a complicated, long and expensive process that results in 200-plus pages no one wants deal with. In most cases, a little goes a long way.

“Even one page is better than nothing, you just have to be clear, concise and thoughtful,” Shannon said. “Where are we going? How are we going to get there? Those two questions are a great way to start. A short cycle also makes it a lot less daunting. It’s not much of a tool if you don’t look at it. You can eliminate confusion by frequently revisiting it. Get a framework and do the best you can, then keep an eye on it for the next 90 days. At

that point, make some changes and do it again.”

Another aspect of planning for growth and ensuring everyone is aligned is looking outside the organization, which can be difficult for a small, family-owned operation.

“The biggest challenge is being internally focused,” Shannon said. “There are so many things to be done, especially for family business when you have so many hats you wear. It can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind of the work. You are internally focused, so you may not spend as much time as you should being external and looking at the competition, the choices customers have and what motivates them to buy a service or product. How you get to where you want to be is about the choices, not the to-do lists.”

When developing a strategic plan, it should address the aspirations of the company, what must happen within the company to achieve that goal, how the company may need to change to accomplish it and what kind of culture is needed for everything to come together.

“I recommend they look at their vision and make sure it is clearly defined and shared by all, set both short- and long-term goals, and make sure they have a process for making sure the plan is actually implemented,” Temoshek said.

“Some businesses can develop a strategic plan and implement it on their own. Still, many companies — especially those that are family-owned — benefit from bringing in an outside coach to help them have hard discussions, navigate family complexities and hold them accountable.”

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

Ready to market a new business? Know your audience

by Jasmine Heimgartner

Taking the leap and starting a business is no easy task. After putting in so much time, money and sweat, ensuring people know about the product or service requires developing a marketing plan. Since most business owners are focused on their business, deciding where to start can be difficult. The first step is understanding the target market.

“When you start a business, you are doing so because you had an idea and got positive feedback, so go ask those people what things they read, watch and listen to,” said NaHadley talie Hadley, vice president at Outlook Business Services.

“Where do they go when making a buying decision? Have they ever made a purchase form a social media post? If they haven’t, that’s not where to spend the money. Do your research and get clarity around your target market.”

One trap that many businesses fall into is casting the net too wide and not reaching the right audience or delivering the right message.

“It’s like fishing and putting bait on the hook and finding different locations around the pond to see which bait works better,” said Armando Salgado, owner of LingoDocs. “At some point, depending on the product or service, you will have to split your marketing or advertising via different outlets. Learning how to split your marketing budget is important. If a friend of a friend or an acquaintance said something works, that may not mean it will for your company.”

After finding the target audience, reaching them does not always have to mean public relations, paid advertisements and commercials.

“Marketing your product should include tactics that are outside of the traditional channels such as radio and TV,” said Angela Ferguson, owner of Energize

7

done with the customer in mind, as well as building the business’s brand. From choosing the right name to a concise and thoughtful tagline, that itself can bring the audience closer.

“Branding is the foundation of every business,” Ferguson said. “Of course, you can drive traffic with a discount. If you haven’t properly branded your business, what are you going to have left if you stop those discounts? Focus on branding with a call to action — not including a discount — to get started and give people a chance to get to know your business. After you are established, you can always add discounts to spike business during nonFerguson peak times.”

When it comes to marketing, businesses need to expect some bumps in the road and wading through the clutter.

“One of the things to do is schedule your marketing budget,” Salgado said.

“Even if you are going to do it yourself, it will still cost you your time, so it’s important to set a budget, have a plan and be prepared to adjust that plan. If you are unsure at first and the plan doesn’t work, that helps you not put all your eggs in one basket.”

Armando Salgado, owner of LingoDocs.

Marketing Services. “It also includes you are an event venue and trying to get things you can do inside and around your business during COVID, you could include location, for example, signage in your an easy list for customers to download of store, banners, yard signs and window what you are doing to keep your facility clings. There are a lot of things you can clean. It is things like that that help during do within the four walls that are very the buying decision.” cost effective and will help your brand.

The message being sent needs to be You can also create awareness and drive traffic through your existing customers by setting up a referral program. The cheapest and easiest way to get new customers is through referrals, so don’t forget to use your current customers to help spread the word.”

In the age of the internet and social media, businesses can use that as a tool, but it has to be done the right way.

“You need to have a place for people to go to get more information,” Hadley said. “Doing a social post and expecting people to just call won’t happen. A buyer does 70% of their research and information Contact one of our ad representatives at (402) 330-1760 or email directly using the address below: online before calling. Wherever you are online, make sure you have good inforKarla Steele - karla@mbj.com mation that helps them decide if they want to do business with you. For example, if

Advertise in MBJ! Contact us to advertise in the Midlands Business Journal or one of our special sections today!

8

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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

October 2, 2020

Local mortgage industry experiences market at full capacity

by Gabby Christensen

According to area experts, the current mortgage market is extremely active right now with no signs of changing anytime soon.

Jeff Shapiro, executive vice president at Centris Federal Credit Union, said there has been a steady flow of mortgage applications for the past six months for both first and second mortgages.

“Existing home sales continue to be brisk, especially Shapiro under the $250,000 price range,” he said. “With COVID-19, people have had more opportunity to stay at home and realize they want to make improvements. They are tapping into their home equity and using it to improve or remodel, potentially increasing the value of their home. With the low rates, we are seeing people move their second mortgages into first mortgages, which can save the homeowner money.”

Shapiro said if homeowners have been in their current mortgage for the last threeto-five years and plan to stay in their home

for a few more years, it makes sense to review their loan and talk to a mortgage expert who may be able to guide them to deeper savings through a refinanced loan and a better interest rate.

Brad Flanagan, branch manager/ home loan advisor at Fairway Independent Mortgage Co., said it’s extremely important that consumers keep the future in mind when making decisions for the here and now.

“The Fed stated that rates are going to remain low Flanagan through 2023 and after, but unfortunately they are talking about the rate in which banks borrow money from each other,” he said. “It doesn’t have a direct correlation to mortgage rates.”

There are some impacts from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that consumers might not be aware of, so it’s critical to only take advantage of forbearance if needed.

“Some people who are buying new homes right now might have refinanced a couple of months ago or two years ago, and they didn’t take into consideration that it

Brent Rasmussen, president/owner at Mortgage Specialists. costs to redo a loan,” Flanagan said. “It’s Mortgage Specialists, said there’s never important to keep these thoughts in mind been a busier time for the local and nawhen making any choices. Take your time, tional mortgage market. work with someone you trust and don’t “Due to [an] all-time low inventory, rush through the process.” home prices continuing to rise, [and] so do Brent Rasmussen, president/owner of appraised values,” he said. “This at times can lead to appraised values being an issue for mortgage loans. But due to the all-time low interest rates, it allows borrowers to afford more of a house and to lock in low interest rates for possibly a lifetime. With rates being as low as they are, money is nearly free.”

Rasmussen expects interest to stay low for a long time and mortgage interest rates to stay below 4% for a couple years or more.

“So while the markets stay hot, we will see mortgage rates continue to drive the market,” he said.

Mortgages for lower credit individuals and jumbo loans are harder to come by due to the risk of borrowers missing future payments.

“We are also seeing home values at all-time highs, so we don’t anticipate the issues we saw in 2008 because borrowers will not be upside down in their home,” Rasmussen said. “If they get behind on their payments and possibly have an issue with being foreclosed, they can sell their house, breakeven and we will not see the massive foreclosures in Omaha.”

Mortgages •

Low interest rates drive refinance activity; don’t let rates be the only driver behind lender selection

by Michelle Leach

COVID-19 doesn’t have a corner on the term “unprecedented,” especially when local lenders describe refinancing-related activity.

“Families and individuals are taking advantage of the low rates to consolidate debt, improve cash flow or complete home improvement projects by refinancing,” said Access Bank Vice President Dave Saccoman. “The number of applications we’ve seen is unprecedented.”

At the time of this writing, rates remained at an “all-time low.”

“Over the last six months, interest rates have made dramatic swings,” Saccoman Saccoman said. “In February, interest rates hit an all-time low and then spiked in March, due largely to uncertainty in the economy. After news that the Federal Reserve was going to keep rates low for the foreseeable future, interest rates started to go come back down.”

Five Points Bank Vice President/Mortgage Division Manager Michelle Sawicki acknowledged most lenders are “extremely busy” with refinances.

“Whether it be to lower a house payment, change the term of the loan to shorten the life of the loan, or cashing out for home improvements, debt consolidation … now is a great time to visit with your lender,” she said.

A visit is worth it, she noted, to see if one’s current rate is too high.

“I talk to quite a few people that actually do not know what their rate is,” Sawicki said. “I would encourage individuals to pull their mortgage statement to see what their current rate is.”

Related activity is so strong that Branch Manager Brad Dexter said Regent Financial Group has experienced “record volume.”

“In 2020, our total loan production has easily doubled from last year,” he said.

“Typically, we see things start to slow down in August/September. But, this year, things have not slowed down as we are still Sawicki closing record numbers for purchase [and] refinance business.”

Dexter noted mortgage rates really started to drop once the COVID-19 situation started to take shape and have remained low since.

“If you currently own a home, it is definitely a good idea to reach out to a lender you trust to have them review your loan,” he said.

Two situations that might call for a refinance: home renovation and debt consolidation.

“We often see a request to reduce the term of the loan from a 30-year to 15-year, for example,” Saccoman said.

As a requirement with a new loan, Saccoman isolated escrows as an overlooked Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

9

10

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Mortgages

Don’t let rates be the driver behind lender selection

the higher payment. But, with a 30-year, one Continued from preceding page. consideration. can have the best of both worlds.

“At first glance, it can seem like they are “Lower [the] house payment and pay extra added costs; however, once your new loan and to the principle to eliminate years off of the escrow account are established, your former loan,” she said. “I don’t like to see borrowers loan is paid off and any funds in escrow asso- put themselves into a higher house payment just ciated to that loan will be returned to you,” he to say they got a really low rate.” said. “Usually, the amount to establish the new Dexter, too, noted customers can fixate on escrow account and funds from the former ac- the interest rate. count are nearly the same number.”

“There are other things to conOne of the most surprising sider when refinancing,” he said. things Access Bank has seen recent“You really need to look at the ly are appraisals not being required overall closing costs associated on all transactions. with the refinance. Some lenders “This can add up to a large savwill advertise very low rates to ings for our clients — somewhere in attract the customer; however, the neighborhood of $500 to $600 these low rates come with a hefty on average,” Saccoman said. price tag.”

Refinancing makes sense, While important, the payment Sawicki said, if one plans to stay difference between a rate of, say, in his or her home for at least two 2.75% versus 2.875% is $10 to $20 Dexter years. a month, depending on the size of “If you are thinking of selling and purchas- the loan. ing a new home in the next year, this would not “Do not use a .125% difference in rate as make sense as closing costs can add up,” she your sole reason for choosing a lender,” he said. said. “If you do choose to refinance, it makes “You need to consider [the] lender’s overall sense if you are going to save at least .75% in turn time for underwriting, the transparency rate change or if you are going to lessen the the lender offers throughout the process and term of the loan.” their reputation.”

For instance, if one is currently in a 30-year Dexter referred to other examples of benmortgage and chooses to go to a 20-year or a efits “in action;” for instance, customers who 15-year mortgage with a lower rate. save thousands of dollars in total loan repay“Each situation is different, but with the ment when reducing terms from 30 years to current rate environment there may be oppor- 15 to 20 years. tunities out there for you,” Sawicki said.

“Another example would be to refinance to Sawicki warns that, while attractive, going take out cash from the equity in the home to pay from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage will push for home improvements, pay off a second mortthe monthly payment up and some can handle gage or consolidate credit card debt,” he said.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

11

Mothers are 3 times more likely than fathers to have lost jobs in pandemic

by Tim Henderson

Mothers of small children have lost work at three times the rate of fathers in the pandemic, a situation that threatens not only progress toward gender equity but middle-class income gains Economy that have become increasingly dependent on working women.

Mothers of children 12 years old and younger lost nearly 2.2 million jobs between February and August, a 12% drop, a Stateline analysis found. Fathers of small children saw SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

a 4% drop of about 870,000 jobs.

The loss was even worse for single mothers of young children, who lost 16% of jobs they held in February, compared with a 6% drop for single fathers, according to the analysis of Current Population Survey data provided by the University of Minnesota at ipums.org.

Those losses are likely to have worsened in September as more schools opened and online learning puts more and more pressure on women to help young children with schoolwork.

ANALGESIC APPEAL

Angie Schmitt, a mother of two in Cleveland, Ohio, was shocked when she found out her kindergartner was expected to be in online video sessions for much of the 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school day. The reality was even worse, draining the time she needs for work as a transportation consultant, and she’s lost four months of pay.

Her school asked parents to learn one virtual meeting platform, but after an outage they switched to a different one, which times out after less than an hour, she said. The sessions require constant attention from her and her husband. She worries her 3-year-old daughter isn’t getting enough of her time and that she herself is not getting enough sleep trying to keep up.

“My husband and I both have master’s degrees and we are computer professionals and still the IT struggles are so intense and stressful and frequent,” Schmitt said. “I can’t imagine how others are navigating this.”

Her husband helps but has less flexibility. “Since I’m self-employed and make less money, I’m the main person” dealing with school issues, she said.

The changes threaten to reverse decades of progress, not only in gender equality, but also in overall household income gains for the middle class. Women’s rights advocates are calling for state and federal policies to help women weather the storm by mandating more flexible school and work schedules, requiring more paid leave for family care and establishing more protection against job discrimination because child care tends to fall to women.

“This will set gender equity back quite a bit,” said Ariane Hegewisch, a program director for the Institute for Women’s Policy Research in Washington, D.C., adding that many advocates also see the crisis as a chance to make important policy changes to improve the lives of working mothers.

“The energy is around for finally making big changes,” Hegewisch said.

Single mom Kelli Shelhorse of Frederick, Maryland, said a supportive work environment has been key to keeping her job as a middle school counselor, working at home while helping her daughters, 7 and 10, keep up with online schoolwork.

“I feel extremely lucky to have an understanding administration that always says, ‘You have to take care of you and your kids,’” Shelhorse said in an email to Stateline. “So they know that I am under a lot of stress and everything falls on me, so if I need to step away to help one of my daughters they understand.”

Across the country almost two-thirds of parents say their children have switched to online learning, and another 13% are using paper materials sent home by schools, according to a Census Bureau survey in early September. The sudden switch to virtual classes has required a lot of adult supervision, with common technology glitches a time-consuming dilemma.

Even when moms and dads are both working from home, women tend to get the brunt of child-care duties, including the new online school hassles. A July study by Washington University in St. Louis found that mothers of young children have lost four to five times more work hours than fathers in the pandemic.

Also, a third of working women said a spouse was not helping with child care during

the pandemic, according to a University of Southern California study, leading to higher levels of psychological distress among mothers than fathers or women without children.

In a survey of Wyoming women, more than two-thirds of mothers said school and day care changes in the pandemic had a “moderate or severe impact on daily life,” and a quarter of mothers were afraid of losing work because of a lack of child care. The survey was conducted in June by a group of nonprofits and the University of Wyoming.

Businesses owned by women also are taking an outsize hit. In a Hawaii state survey, female business owners were twice as likely to say their businesses will not survive the pandemic. Only 5% of female business owners said they were unaffected by the pandemic, compared with almost 23% of male business owners.

Schmitt said some of her friends have left jobs or moved children to private schools with in-person classes. She’s struggling to avoid quitting her job.

“Women’s earnings peak at (age) 40. I’m 38. I can’t afford to take a year and a half off,” Schmitt said. “I would never be able to retire or get back on my feet.”

Sarah Summerlin of Silver Spring, Maryland, also faced struggles to continue her part-time job as a tutor while overseeing remote schoolwork for an 8-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. Some of her clients with small children are hiring in-home help or forming cooperatives to hold schoolwork sessions.

“I took some time off,” Summerlin said, but after a period of adjustment, the computer work has proceeded smoothly. She and her husband can work or take walks to relax while the children do schoolwork online.

“They interrupt our work pretty frequently, but usually just with simple questions,” Summerlin said. “It makes for some long days but I’m nearly back up to my full caseload (of tutorial students).”

Without women’s contributions, middle-class income would have stagnated in recent decades, concluded a May Brookings Institution study of the pandemic’s effect on women in the workplace.

State and federal policy has been slow to react with more flexibility in job and school structure for working mothers, an issue now reaching a crisis because of the need to monitor in-home schooling for children, according to the Brookings study.

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research recommended “bold public policies at the state and federal level,” including closing the male-female pay gap, support for mothers unable to work because of the pandemic and more paid family and medical leave, in a September editorial.

State policy can help close the male-female wage gap with laws requiring employers to report pay disparity, laws that are already on the books in Alaska, Illinois, Minnesota and New Hampshire. Some states also have laws against wage secrecy and bans on asking new hires about past earnings, which can help equalize pay.

The left-leaning Center for American Progress also called for state and federal legislation to protect working parents from discrimination based on their caregiving responsibilities.

Among the states and cities that already Continued on next page.

12

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

COVID-19 is forcing small stores to try online retail, but ‘we’re not Amazon’

by Lauren Zumbach

Two years ago, Esther Fishman shut down her clothing and gifts shop’s online store.

Art Effect’s bricks-and-mortar business, operating in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area, was strong, and selling online seemed like more trouble than it was worth.

It seemed like the right call until this spring.

When the coronavirus pandemic forced all but essential retail stores to close, Art Effect rushed to get its online store back in business.

Fishman has since Small business hired a company to build a new, easier-to-use site.

Small neighborhood retailers used to compete with Amazon by catering to local shoppers who enjoy browsing in person. That’s still true — but in the six months since the pandemic began, a growing number are venturing onto Amazon’s turf.

Most say online sales are a long way from making up for sluggish in-store sales, and some struggled to shift businesses built for in-person shoppers online. Others say it’s a service they can no longer afford to avoid, especially if a surge in cases forces stores to shut down again.

“The old world doesn’t exist anymore. …

We’re training people now how easy it is to shop online. There are people who are not comfortable with that, but there are a lot of people with busy lives finding out it’s a good alternative,” Fishman said. “I think it’s only going to grow.”

Online shopping has boomed during the pandemic: Estimated U.S. e-commerce sales in the second quarter rose 44.5% compared with the same period last year, while overall retail sales fell 3.6%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Analysts say consumers are likely to shift some spending back to stores as concerns about shopping in person and capacity limits on stores ease.

“It’s a mistake to assume everyone getting online is happy about it,” said Brendan Witcher, e-commerce analyst at Forrester Research.

Still, the pandemic showed that even small shops can’t afford to ignore online retail, said Diana Smith, associate director at market research firm Mintel.

Big chains like Target and Best Buy reported triple-digit growth in online sales during the second quarter. Target reported especially fast growth in services that let shoppers get online orders the same day they’re placed, including a 700% increase in drive-up orders, where shoppers

can have purchases delivered to their car, and a 350% increase in same-day home delivery orders with Shipt.

Other major retailers that let customers shop online but lacked curbside pickup rushed to roll it out, including Ulta, Gap and Paper Source. So have several malls, including Hawthorn Mall and Fox Valley Mall in the Chicago suburbs of Vernon Hills and Aurora. This fall, customers will be able to shop any mall store from the shopping centers’ websites, said mall owner Centennial.

Meanwhile, ShopRunner, a Chicago-based service that gives members free two-day delivery when shopping at stores in its network, has added more retailers this year than any year since 2015 and plans to introduce same-day delivery at certain retailers in Chicago this month, said CEO Sam Yagan.

Smaller retailers that traditionally relied on bricks-and-mortar sales, meanwhile, were left scrambling.

“They’re going to be struggling the most because they’re the most behind and have the most challenges to get up and running and catch up with everybody else,” Smith said.

At Milk Handmade, which sells locally made women’s apparel and accessories in Chi-

Mothers are 3 times more likely than fathers to have lost jobs in pandemic

Continued from preceding page. have job protections for parents and other caregivers: Alaska, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Minnesota, New York state and New York City, according to a July report from A Better Balance, a New York City legal organization that lobbies for laws to protect families. New Jersey and the federal government offer similar protections to their own employees, protecting them from discrimination based on family duties, according to the report.

A temporary federal rule requires paid leave, subsidized with tax credits for employers, for parents forced to stay home because of school and child-care closings. New York state sued to get an August court order allowing the leave to be stopped and resumed when needed.

Some employers are trying to bridge the gap with subsidies for nannies and other in-home help for parents.

Women are more likely to work and to hold full-time, well-paid jobs than they were in the 1970s, according to the Brookings study. But that success comes at a price: Women are more time-squeezed than ever because they’re still expected to do more than their share of work in the home as well.

“Without new policies and practices that involve greater sharing of the burdens of unpaid work in the home, more support for time-squeezed working families, and higher pay for both men and women, whatever growth we have seen in middle-class incomes may disappear entirely,” the study concluded.

Some states have reacted to parents’ need for more help in the pandemic.

New Mexico amended rules in September to allow child-care subsidies for people working at home, and has also helped child-care providers with payments when they’re forced to close their doors. Michigan is considering a bill to extend child-care subsidies to people with incomes up to 250% of the poverty threshold during the emergency.

California’s budget passed in June included $152 million to help child-care providers affected by closings if they can provide distance learn-

ing services to children. Illinois set aside $270 million to help distressed child-care operations.

Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, a Democrat from Mesilla, one of only two New Mexico state legislators with children at home, said more needs to be done to reopen child-care centers and schools so life can return to normal for mothers like herself.

“This has fundamentally changed and disrupted the lives of working mothers. It’s going to take a lot of work to catch up and regain our position in the workplace,” said Lara Cadena, 37, who works at home both as a lawmaker and a magazine research director, while supervising two daughters, ages 13 and 9.

She feels fortunate to work for a female-owned company that already provides flexible schedules so she hasn’t had to lose work hours. Her partner, the father of her children, has often been on the road this school year for film industry projects.

Internet connections are crucial both for her work and her daughters’ schoolwork, she said.

But with only the bandwidth from a dial-up connection, she has to drop out of legislative committee meetings when her children need to do schoolwork. In the spring, one teacher held his Zoom meeting with students in a McDonald’s parking lot for lack of home internet access, she said.

Her new chores include going to one child’s school to pick up torn-out pages of a math book for daily lessons since the school is not allowed to send the textbook home. Pressing an online “Done!” button for assignments rarely works, so she has to help her younger daughter craft an e-mail with a screenshot of the finished work.

“This is not the district’s fault. The educators, the children, the parents are all trying to deal with this unknown technology,” Lara Cadena said.

“We now spend twice as long trying to turn in the work as we do actually learning.”

If working women continue to suffer losses, the current recession could mark a long-term setback. Just as the Great Recession forced older men into early retirement, this recession could be a setback for women with children, said Diane Lim, an economist and adjunct

professor at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “I can imagine a lot of working moms not being able to effectively keep working while their school-aged kids are stuck home with them, saying ‘Well, I guess I’m a stay-at-home mom now,’” Lim said. ©2020 Stateline.org Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

cago’s Uptown neighborhood, owner Hallie Borden spent the early days of the pandemic “panic-adding” items to the online version of her store. Before the pandemic, only about 10% of its merchandise was listed.

The online store brought in business from out-of-town customers who would likely never have visited in person, and web sales now account for about half of Milk Handmade’s business, Borden said.

Still, “we’re not Amazon,” she said.

Borden packs up all online orders on days the shop is closed, something that worries her headed into the holiday season. Shoppers concerned about crowds or whether local shops will struggle to get last-minute orders delivered on time might decide it’s easier to stick with Amazon.

“It’s frustrating big-box stores can get products to customers really fast and I can’t. We’re just trying to prepare customers and set expectations for how long something might take to arrive,” she said.

Some local business groups have launched directories to promote businesses’ low-contact shopping options. In west suburban La Grange, the website La Grange Delivers lets specialty retailers outline ways to place orders for curbside pickup or delivery and has lists of restaurants offering outdoor seating, pickup or delivery.

“A lot had an online presence, but it wasn’t a priority for them,” said Nancy Cummings, executive director of the La Grange Business Association. “That’s completely shifted.”

Still, some stores are easier to recreate online than others.

Bras Galore, a shop selling bras, intimate apparel and swimwear, has always emphasized the importance of getting an expert fit, said owner Kathy Bonifas. Even selling to existing customers Continued on page 26.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 • 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 the Legal Department 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).

As a publisher and not a legal advisor we print notices exactly as they are submitted and therefor only comp reruns when the notice was rejected or messed up due to a MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring the content fits with the State’s requirements and are responsible for the cost of republishing the notice if it is rejected due to misinformation or missing information 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 noon 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 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 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mobile Anesthesia Consultants, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall conduct the practice of medicine. The designated office of the limited liability company is 17330 West Center Road, Suite 110-340, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 8, 2020.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KROS STRAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kros Strain Management, Inc. (hereinafter the “Company”) was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska and commenced perpetual existence on September 4, 2020. The Company is authorized to issue 200 shares of common stock. The Company has designated its registered agent as Scott Strain with registered office at 10411 Portal Road, Ste. 102, La Vista, NE 68128. The incorporator is Colleen Tieman with address at 13330 California Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

DARREN R. CARLSON, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ESCAPE NETWORK, LLC Notice is hereby given that ESCAPE NETWORK, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 2002 Douglas Street, Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102. The initial registered agent is Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 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 Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on September 10, 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 Joel Jacobs, 2002 Douglas Street Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102. The initial Members of the Company are Joel Jacobs, 2002 Douglas Street Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102. Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is here by given that a limited liability company has been formed under the name of Pa Mas, LLC. The address of the registered office is 17102 Patrick Ave, Omaha, NE 68116. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company commenced on July 15, 2020 and has perpetual existence. The affairs of the limited liability company are to be conducted by its members until such time as their successors(s) are selected pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLSEN AND RIHA LLC Notice is hereby given that Olsen and Riha 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 12105 Wirt Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 706 N. 129th St., Suite 121, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Legalinc Corporate Services, Inc. First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JZ PROPERTY GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JZ Property Group, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 3031 NW 7th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521 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 September 18, 2020, final October 2, 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 MMMT HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is MMMT Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on September 14, 2020.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF True Splendor Diamonds and Gold, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that True Splendor Diamonds and Gold, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8702 N 30th St Omaha, NE 68112 The Registered Agent of the Company is Cornell T Garrett., 8702 N 30th St Omaha, NE 68112.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF B MORTON DESIGN, 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 B Morton Design, LLC. The initial designated office is 2305 South 191st Street, 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 to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 10, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM#715241 LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F I N C O R P O R AT I O N O F M A I N E L L I M E C H A N I C A L CONTRACTORS, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Mainelli Mechanical Contractors, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, have been amended to show that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue 1,000 shares of voting common stock and 19,000 shares of nonvoting common stock, each with a par value of $0.50. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 15, 2020.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RODFORCE 2, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rodforce 2, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

13

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ONE VISION PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that One Vision Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 12953 Ohio Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Registered Agent of the Company is James J Churray at 12953 Ohio Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68164.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF LUGER, 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 Luger, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 13006 Scott Street, Omaha, Ne 68142. 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 September 10, 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 September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CHROMATIC BLACK STUDIO, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of CHROMATIC BLACK STUDIO, INC. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the professional corporation is CHROMATIC BLACK STUDIO, INC. 2. The number of shares that the professional corporation is authorized to issue is 10,000 shares of voting common stock.

3. The name of the initial registered agent is Mark J. LaPuzza, and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is Mark J. LaPuzza, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

5. The general nature of the profession to be practiced by the Corporation is custom art and graphic design.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the limited liability company is Sarah Abegglen Professional Services, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 19820 Sherwood Circle Gretna NE, 68028 3. Agent of Service: Office: The initial mailing address of the initial agent for service 19820 Sherwood Circle, Gretna, NE 68028.

The name of the initial agent for service of the company at such address is Nicholas J. Abegglen First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ESHELMAN CHIROPRACTIC, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Eshelman Chiropractic, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 909 Capitol Ave apt 507, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Nebraska Registered Agent, Inc., 530 South 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O. 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DUNCAN 1305 MAIN STREET, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that DUNCAN 1305 MAIN STREET, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 19604 V Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, its registered agent is Frederick D. Stehlik, and its registered office located at 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 3, 2020, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence.

The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

14

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LHZ HOLDING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LHZ Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3105 N 84th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kyle Schaefer, 3105 N 84th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020 DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3833 VILLAGE DRIVE CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3833 Village Drive Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

Notice of Organization QSR Store 13, LLC Notice is hereby given that QSR Store 13, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 16379 Cheyenne Road Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and its registered agent is Bryce Bares. Its designated office is located at 16379 Cheyenne Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on May 12, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

Notice of Organization QSR Store 15, LLC Notice is hereby given that QSR Store 15, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 16379 Cheyenne Road Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and its registered agent is Bryce Bares. Its designated office is located at 16379 Cheyenne Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on January 23, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020 Notice of Organization Galaxy Ventures VI, LLC Notice is hereby given that Galaxy Ventures VI, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 16379 Cheyenne Road Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and its registered agent is Bryce Bares. Its designated office is located at 16379 Cheyenne Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on January 23, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

Notice of Organization QSR Store 14, LLC Notice is hereby given that QSR Store 14, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 16379 Cheyenne Road Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and its registered agent is Bryce Bares. Its designated office is located at 16379 Cheyenne Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on May 19, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Kleinberg Family Foundation has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation is a public benefit corporation.

The street address of the corporation’s initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114; and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is organized for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Cindy H. Levy, Zechariah 24, Efrat, Israel 90435. The corporation will not have members.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney JAKE T. HOULIHAN, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: STERLING RANDOLPH, 6417 N. 79th Avenue, Omaha NE 68134, you are hereby notified that on July 14, 2020, The General Insurance Co. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI2012643, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $12,481.17, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 9th day of November, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 9, 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 KBK INTEGRATED, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KBK Integrated, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 22145 West Maple Road, P.O. Box 131, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 9, 2020.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that South Creek Farms, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 3363 South 220th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent of the Company is William S. Black, 3363 South 220th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The Company was formed on September 9, 2020.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JAAK RESIDENTIAL HOLDINGS, LLC JAAK Residential Holdings, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated office of the company is 9856 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Amy C. Wiechmann, 9856 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACW, LLC ACW, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The purpose of the company is to render professional real estate sales services in the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office of the company is 9856 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Amy C. Wiechmann, 9856 Devonshire Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ROBERT J. LIKES, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F K AT I E B A U E R LY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC Notice is hereby given that Katie Bauerly Photography 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 1546 South 79th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 1546 South 79th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Katie Bauerly.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WICKERSHAM FAMILIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wickersham Families, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office address of the Company is 10580 South 147th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. The name and address of the registered agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

KARINE E. SOKPOH, Attorney SOKPOH LAW GROUP 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DOKS HOLDINGS, LLC Notice is hereby given that DOCKS HOLDINGS, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114. 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 September 8 , 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the managers Karine E. Sokpoh and Damilola J. Oluyole.

Its registered agent is Karine E. Sokpoh and her office is located at 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Merger of Pacific Springs Assembly of God, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, with and into Flatland Group, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 16, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The merger was effective upon the filing date. The surviving entity in the merger was Flatland Group, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys and Counselors at Law 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CUBBY’S-BELLEVUE, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Cubby’s-Bellevue, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of its registered office is 9229 Mormon Bridge Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68152.

The purpose of the Company shall be to have such purposes and to engage in such activities with the exception of banking and insurance as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on the 17th day of September, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, PHILLIP E. MORRISON, whose address is 9229 Mormon Bridge Road, Suite 6, Omaha, Nebraska 68152.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

RODNEY G. GNUSE, Attorney GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PURPOSE REAL ESTATE, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Purpose Real Estate, 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 3173 Meredith Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111. 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 Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 18, 2020. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: The Crossroads Omaha Name of Applicant: KJ Crossroads Venture, LLC Address: 12910 Pierce Street, Ste. 100, Omaha, NE 68144 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: August 2020 General nature of business: Real estate development and management BENJAMIN J. PICK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 25, 2020

FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 10050 Regency Circle, 200 Regency One Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION MDC ENTERPRISES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 6614 N. 105th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122. The name, street address and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are Michael D. Coughlin, 6614 N. 105th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122. Dated this 21st of September, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF AFFILIATED FARM MANAGEMENT, LLC Notice is hereby given that the Certificate of Organization of Affiliated Farm Management, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to reflect that the company renders professional services. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on July 27, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MACK RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mack Restaurant Construction, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6207 S. 180th Ave Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ALTON E. MITCHELL, Attorney at Law, LLC 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711 Omaha, Nebraska, 68102 Notice of Organization of Wisdom Sales, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Limited Liability Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial Registered Agent is: Alton E. Mitchell. The address of the initial Designated Office is: Wisdom Sales, LLC, 2107 South 214th Avenue, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State on September 17, 2020.

The Company has perpetual existence; the general nature of its business is operation of convenience store(s). Company business will be conducted by its Manager as described in the Company’s Operating Agreement. Alton E. Mitchell, Authorized Representative.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

KARINE E. SOKPOH, Attorney SOKPOH LAW GROUP 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ELEVATE OMAHA, INC. Notice is hereby given that Elevate Omaha, Inc. has been incorporated as a public benefit non- profit corporation under Nebraska laws, with its registered office at 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114. Its agent at that office is Karine E. Sokpoh. The corporation shall have members and its incorporator is Karine E. Sokpoh and her address is 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247, Omaha, NE 68114. The corporation’s principal place of business is 2921 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney JAKE T. HOULIHAN, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: RANDY NEELON, 3719 N 43rd St, Omaha NE 68111, you are hereby notified that on July 14, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-12621, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,563.74, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 16 day of November, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 16, 2020

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF SHAPING YOUR WORLD MINISTRIES Shaping Your World Ministries has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation is a Public Benefit Corporation. The street address of the corporation’s initial registered office is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Mary E. Vandenack. The corporation is organized for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. The corporation commenced on September 8, 2020. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation is Mary E. Vandenack, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The corporation will not have members.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

JAMIE M. HURST, Attorney MICHAEL F. KIVETT, Attorney WALENTINE O'TOOLE, Attorneys at Law 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-0125 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR GRETNA ELITE ACADEMY F/K/A GRETNA SOCCER CLUB Notice is hereby given that Gretna Soccer Club, a Nebraska non-profit public benefit corporation, filed its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation changing the name of the company to Gretna Elite Academy.

The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 18, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE BEDINGERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that The Bedingers, LLC, has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2566 Farnam St, Ste. 301, Omaha, NE 68131. The initial agent of The Bedingers, LLC is Northwest Registered Agent Services Inc., 530 S. 13th St, Ste. 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. The limited liability company commenced business on July 02, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

JEROME OKOLO, Attorney OKOLO LAW FIRM LLC 11605 W Dodge Rd, #5 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1352 Estate of HENRY EMODI, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 8TH day of September, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said deceased and that JUSTINA DONNELLY, whose address is 14102 Seward St., Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68154, has been formally appointed via Will as Personal Representative of the Estate of Henry Emodi, decedent named herein.

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 November 18, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLEY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Probate Court First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

CHRIS ABBOUD, Attorney ABBOUD LAW FIRM 6530 South 84th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68127 NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1363 Estate of BONNY BURGESS ABBOUD, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 8TH day of September, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, 17TH and Farnam Streets, Omaha, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written Statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said deceased and that ANDREW ABBOUD, 9 Club Vista Drive, Henderson, Nevada 89052, has been appointed Personal Representative of this Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 18, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLEY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Probate Court First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 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 DIVENTURES COLUMBIA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DiVentures Columbia, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4303 South 121st Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 21, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BUSINESS ETHICS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Business Ethics, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is Business Ethics, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 13716 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

15

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SANDRA ANN, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Sandra Ann, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Sandra Ann, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Benjamin J. Pick, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

JUDITH A. WELLS, Attorney 5062 South 108th Street, #246 Omaha, Nebraska 68137 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1281 Estate of MAMIE LEE CARROLL, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 8TH day of September, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said deceased and that CANZATER MCCARTY, whose address is 4265 Corby Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111, was informally appointed via Will as Personal Representative of the Estate of Mamie Lee Carroll, decedent named herein.

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 November 18, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLEY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Probate Court First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 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 METAL PETAL ART, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Metal Petal Art, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 618 South 184th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on August 10, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 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 BLUE POMEGRANATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blue Pomegranate, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 618 South 184th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on August 5, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STEINKEMPER INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Steinkemper Investments, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following initial designated office, registered agent and registered office: Molly Steinkemper, 1517 S. 152nd Cir., Omaha, NE 68144. Business to be transacted is any lawful business, excluding professional services. The business commenced on December 30, 2019, and is perpetual.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FIBRAFIL USA, LLC Notice is hereby given that FIBRAFIL USA, 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 Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on September 18, 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 Awad Qumseya 15606 Elm Street, Suite 105, Omaha, NE 68130. The initial Member of the Company is Awad Qumseya, 15606 Elm Street, Suite 105, Omaha, NE 68130. Matthew Wurstner, Organizer First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

16

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Eesley, Inc. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom P.C., a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 10,000 Incorporator: Charles V. Sederstrom, Jr. Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., L.L.O. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

CHARLES E. DORWART, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 North 114th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1364 Estate of ELSIE EMMA HICKS, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 8TH day of September, 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 DARREL LECHNER, 9111 Valley View Drive, La Vista, NE 68128, 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 November 18, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLEY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Probate Court First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE BEDINGERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that The Bedingers, LLC, has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2566 Farnam St, Ste. 301, Omaha, NE 68131. The initial agent of The Bedingers, LLC is Northwest Registered Agent Services Inc., 530 S. 13th St, Ste. 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. The limited liability company commenced business on July 02, 2020.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHMILY WOODS LLC Notice is hereby given that Shmily Woods 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 14918 Burt Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 14918 Burt Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Pam Hagge.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

DIANE B. METZ, Attorney 1823 Harney Street, ES 1005 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1440 Estate of Helen Goings, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition of Adjudication of Intestacy of said Decedent, Determination of Heirs, and Appointment of Harold Durman Goings, Jr. II, a.k.a. H.D. Goings as personal representative has been filed herein and is set for hearing in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska on October 16th, 2020 at 10:00 o'clock a.m. in room CR30.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

Extra Mile Holdings LLC 314 S 68th AVE Omaha, NE 68132 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Extra Mile Holdings LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Limited Liability Act. The address of the registered office is 314 S 68th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132 and shall be managed by member Chris Whirrett. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on in Nebraska as an LLC. The company commenced business as an LLC on September 11, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RODFORCE 1, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rodforce 1, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. The Registered Agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

MICHAEL S. MOSTEK, Attorney MOSTEK LAW LLC 1111 North 13th Street, Suite 305 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Travel Spotts LLC Notice is hereby given that Travel Spotts LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the initial designated office of the Company is 13952 Arbor Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name of the initial designated agent at that address is Sharon Potts.

The Company is organized to engage in any and all business, other than banking and insurance, for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced its existence on September 8, 2020, and its duration shall be perpetual. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member and/or Members as authorized by the Company’s Operating Agreement.

First publication September 25, 2020, final October 9, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF LANGDON & LEE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Langdon & Lee, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 23, 2020. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the Company and distribution of any remaining assets.

The Company requests that persons with claims against it present them in accordance with this notice. Any claimant shall describe the claim and the date on which the claim arose and mail the claim to the above address.

A claim against the company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication of this notice.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that True North Counseling, L.L.C., has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 5814 South 142nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Sally E. Hansen, 15248 W Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render services related to the providing of mental health services in this state. The Company was formed on September 22, 2020.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF 18TH & PIERCE, 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 18TH & PIERCE, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 13324 Chandler Road, Omaha, NE 68138. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 21, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the managers as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

The Law Office of Robert E. Burns 11330 Q Street, Suite 220 Omaha, Nebraska 68137 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OMAHA ONLINE BONDS, Inc. Notice is hereby given that Omaha Online Bonds, Inc. has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is to conduct any lawful business including but not limited to the business of the marketing and sale of surety bonds. Capital is 10,000 shares with a par value of $1.00 per share. The registered agent and Incorporator is: Robert E. Burns, Jr. and the Incorporator's office and corporation's registered office is located at 11330 Q Street, #220, Omaha, NE 68137. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect. The corporation commenced existence on July 30, 2020 with the filing and recording of its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, and will have perpetual duration.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

McGILL, GOTSDINER, WORKMAN & LEPP, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, First National Plaza Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2584 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KAREN AND DAVID, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KAREN AND DAVID, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 5101 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, and the registered agent is Natan Schwalb. Its initial designated office is 5101 Grover Street, 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 under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company was formed on September 22, 2020, and its duration is perpetual. Management of the Company shall be vested in its Managers.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

T. GEOFFREY LIEBEN, Attorney SLOWIACZEK ALBERS, PC, LLO 2027 Dodge Str., Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that dHALLOCK. LLC a Nebraska limited liability compaby, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 1510 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68124. The name and address of the initial registered agent for service of process is Dale D. Hallock, 1510 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to engage in and to do lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The limited liability company was formed on September 16, 2020. The period of existence shall be perpetual unless earlier terminated pursuant to its Operating Agreement or as otherwise provided by the law.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 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 MR INC. NO.3 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MR Inc. No. 3, a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 15, 2020, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President, Walter D Scott, 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 September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Seymour Property, 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 Andrew P. Deaver, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF THE BT RISE FUND Notice is hereby given that The BT Rise Fund has been incorporated as a public benefit non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 11818 I Street, Omaha, NE 68137. Its registered agent at that office is Nicholas Knihnisky. The corporation shall not have members. Its incorporator is Nicholas Knihnisky and his address is 11818 I Street, Omaha, NE 68137.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF THRIVING FUTURES, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of THRIVING FUTURES, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been amended (i) to designate the Company as a professional limited liability company and that the professional services to be performed are mental health therapy services, and (ii) to change the street and mailing of address of the designated office to 105 S. 126th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on September 18, 2020.

In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CANE Brewing Company Name of Applicant: Jason Black & Adam Dytrych Address: 2710 Canyon Circle Bellevue, NE 68123 Applicant is a Parternship If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 9/4/20 General nature of business: Brewery JASON BLACK Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative First publication October 2, 2020

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MINDMIXER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MindMixer, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 18, 2020 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Nathan Preheim, with registered office at 2012 N 55th Street, Omaha, NE 68104. The Company’s initial designated office is at 2012 N 55th Street, Omaha, NE 68104. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Crumb Roller, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Andrew P. Deaver. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are Chase P. Chartier, 2623 South 166th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TCB PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TCB Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 16258 Monroe Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability company with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Champions of Aging.

2. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation.

3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The name and address of the Incorporator is as follows: Nicholas W. O’Brien, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

5. The Corporation shall have no members.

6. The corporate existence began on September 25, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NICK R. TAYLOR, Attorney FITZGERAL, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 200 Regency One, 10050 Regency Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 20-1463 Estate of MARCELLA H. SYKORA, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 22, 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 MATTHEW G. SYKORA, whose address is 630 South 90 Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, has been appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of this estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before December 2, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: SHARLAY THOMPSON You are hereby notified that on, 06/15/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20 -10570. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $500.00, plus court costs and prejudgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable.

The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the petition on or before November 15, 2020, at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska.

BY: MEGAN L BISCHOFF, #25206 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: LHZ Homebuyers Name of Applicant: LHZ Holdings LLC Address: 3105 N. 84th Circle Omaha NE 68134 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 8/7/2020 General nature of business: Real estate acquisition KYLE SCHAEFER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 2, 2020

LINDSEY A. SCHULER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AUTOMOTO OMAHA, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Automoto Omaha, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2001 North 24th Street, Omaha, NE 68110. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney THOMAS H. PENKE, P.C., L.L.O 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR20-1459 Estate of DEREK K. GESCHWENDER, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 24, 2020, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, SUSAN G. GESCHWENDER, whose address is 1625 Crawford Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, has been appointed 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 November 30, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 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 CAP 1151, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CAP 1151, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 20740 Rawhide Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The limited liability company commenced business on September 24, 2020.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020 DARREN R. CARLSON, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP, Attorneys 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ESCAPE NETWORK CARAVAN, LLC Notice is hereby given that ESCAPE NETWORK - CARAVAN, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 2002 Douglas Street, Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102. The initial registered agent is Darren R. Carlson, 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 Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on September 25, 2020 and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is to be managed by the Manager, Joel Jacobs 2002 Douglas Street, Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102. Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

17

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: MYESCAPENETWORK Name of Applicant: Escape Network, LLC Address: 2002 Douglas Street, Ste. 102, Omaha, NE 68102 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: September 2020 General nature of business: Aviation JOEL JACOBS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 2, 2020

Notice is hereby given that Gifted Minds Learning Center LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 11235 Sahler Street, Omaha, NE 68164. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Beverly Tate, 11235 Sahler Street, Omaha, NE, 68164. The company is member-managed. Nature of the Company is childcare.

First publication September 18, 2020, final October 2, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION On September 18, 2020, Service Corps of Lutheran Business Executives, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (“Corporation”) filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of all liabilities of the Corporation and the distribution of all remaining assets to the Lutheran Church MissouriSynod Nebraska District. A. William Kernen as Chairman is to wind up and liquidate the corporate affairs and distribute its assets. The Corporation has assets totaling $34,410.11 and no liabilities.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020 JODIE HAFERBIER MCGILL, Attorney MCGILL LAW, P.C., L.L.O. 1411 N. 72nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68114 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 Offroad Fiasco, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 7915 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68144 and the initial registered agent is Jodie Haferbier McGill of McGill Law, 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 August 14, 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 October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP III PRESTON TRAIL GP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Preston Trail GP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRESTON TRAIL GP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Preston Trail GP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

Notice of LLC Dissolution Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 21-150 (RULLCA 704), please be advised that Good is Wood, LLC, doing business at 166625 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE 68118 has been dissolved by mutual consent of the members as of September 30, 2020.

1. All claims against the assets of the limited liability company must be made in writing and include the claim amount, basis and origination date.

2. All claims must be sent to the Registered Agent: Matthew J. Bock, 9802 Nicholas Street, #115, Omaha, NE 68114.

3. All claims against the company are barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

Dated: September 28, 2020.

By: Matthew J. Bock, Registered Agent First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

18

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GCP III PRESTON TRAIL LP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP III Preston Trail LP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRESTON TRAIL LP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Preston Trail LP, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

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

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Partners Bid, LLC Notice is hereby given that Partners Bid, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 11204 William Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized pursuant to Nebraska statute and its duration is perpetual commencing on July 9, 2020. Its registered agent is Daniel J Goaley 11204 William Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA HUSTLE, 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 Omaha Hustle, LLC. The address of the company’s initial designated office is 2719 North 141 Avenue, Omaha, NE 68164.

The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 25, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the manager as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

JENNIFER RATTNER, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TREATMENT QUALITY INSTITUTE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Treatment Quality Institute, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SEAL TEAM, LLC. Notice is hereby given that SEAL TEAM, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the designated and registered office of the company is 2609 Victoria Ave, PO Box 907, Bellevue, NE 68005. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by limited liability companies organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced on August 20th, 2020, and has perpetual duration. The manager and registered agent of the company is Jason McGee. First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JUSTIN R JULIAN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/23/2020 on Case Number CI20-13706, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $163.22, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 11/16/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 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 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Alyceum, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 28, 2020, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Member. The Member of the company will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs.

If you have a claim against Alyceum, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to 13030 Pierce Street, 3rd Floor, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. A claim against Alyceum, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Vapes & Tobacco 2, Inc., whose registered agent is Dennis Guinn and registered office is 9341 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, was formed on September 29, 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.

First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Lakeside, an Immanuel Signature Community Name of Applicant: Immanuel Retirement Communities Address: 1044 N 115th St. Suite 500 Omaha NE 68154 Applicant is a Other (specify): Non-profit Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/01/2020 General nature of business: Senior housing - independent living, assisted living ADAM B. KUENNING Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 2, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Pacifc Springs, an Immanuel Signature Community Name of Applicant: Immanuel Retirement Communities Address: 1044 N 115th St. Suite 500 Omaha NE 68154 Applicant is a Other (specify): Non-profit Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/01/2020 General nature of business: Senior housing - independent living, assisted living ADAM B. KUENNING Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 2, 2020 SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TJ HOLDINGS LLC Notice is hereby given that TJ Holdings 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 5237 S. 24th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 5601 S. 59th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Registered Agent Solutions, Inc First publication October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF KSM HOME RENTALS, 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 KSM Home Rentals, 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 September 29, 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 October 2, 2020, final October 16, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

Employee Benefits

19

Ag Trends Lincoln Business Journal Pages

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:

Topics may include:

Employee Benefits update • Changing views on paid leave How COVID-19 has changed employee benefits • Financial wellness benefits What employees should keep in mind during open enrollment

Ag Trends overview • Ag lending climate Tech trends • What is regenerative agriculture?

A look at how small farms in Nebraska are adapting

Issue Date: October 16 • Ad Deadline: October 8

Issue Date: October 16 • Ad Deadline: October 8

Investing in Home Nebraska Health Care 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:

Topics may include:

Investing market • Real estate investments - tips from professionals New to investing? How start on the right foot • Investing in entrepreneurs Wealth management • Investing tips to retire comfortably Where to invest right now - experts discuss best stocks to invest in and how much

Home health care outlooks • Careers in home health care Telehealth and equipment

Issue Date: October 23 • Ad Deadline: October 15

Issue Date: October 23 • Ad Deadline: October 15

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 addresse below.

Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com

20

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Baxter Auto Group has launched a new program that puts consumers in the driver’s seat and offers them a personalized car-buying or service experience. The initiative includes four new operational tenets, including at-home test drives, simplified buying process, hassle-free delivery and a seven-day return policy on pre-owned vehicles. As social distancing at home became the new normal, Baxter began morphing its in-store experience to a virtual one, allowing customers to complete a transaction 100% remotely — including digital signatures, over-the-phone consultations regarding protection plans and financing, and live-service consultations. As the brand continued to evolve, it decided to go ahead with a full campaign launch.

UBS Wealth Management USA announced plans to relocate its Lincoln branch office to the Firethorn Corporate Center. The building is being developed and constructed

by Manzitto Construction, Development and Real Estate. Expected completion is July 2021.The move will provide UBS adviser teams and clients new ways to interact

through enhanced technology in an easily accessible location in Lincoln.

Omaha’s bluest resident is now bilingual and can communicate with more families visiting the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Visit Omaha and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission worked together to create Spanish versions of the OMAR videos accessed through colorful signage placed along the bridge. The signs include QR codes that visitors can scan with their mobile phone cameras to watch OMAR come to life. These interactive videos can now be viewed in English and Spanish. Both versions include closed captioning for the hearing impaired. The OMAR Spanish videos were made possible in part by a grant from the Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund.

First National Bank of Omaha awarded $660,000 in grants to 37 organizations, including: AIM Institute; Autism Action Partnership; Child Saving Institute, Inc.; Completely KIDS; Credit Advisors Foundation; Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc.; Financial Hope Collaborative at Creighton University; Girls Incorporated of Omaha;

Heart Ministry Center, Inc.; Heartland Workforce Solutions Inc.; Kids Can Community Center; Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.; Metropolitan Community College Foundation; National Foundation for Credit Counseling; Nebraska Maintenance Academy, Inc.; New Visions Homeless Services; NorthStar Foundation; No More Empty Pots; Omaha Home for Boys; OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.; RISE; The Bike Union; Together Inc. of Metropolitan; Urban League of Nebraska, Inc.; YMCA of Greater Omaha and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund.

Education notes…

Students in grades K-12 from Nebraska and Iowa are invited to submit works of poetry on themes of emotion, connection, uncovering history, and becoming un-stuck. Selected poems will be set to music and premiered during a public concert in May 2021. From the pool of submissions, composers will select poems to set to music. Composers will select poems based on what inspires them. The selected poets will have the opportunity to participate with the composer in a workshop to further develop the piece with the composer and musicians, participating in the behind-the-scenes process. Poem submission deadline is Nov. 30, 2020.

The University of Nebraska will receive a $5 million gift to create a new program to address some of Nebraska’s most pressing public health issues associated with water and climate.

The Water, Climate and Health program will be based in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health and brings together experts from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska to conduct research and disseminate information on environmental issues related to water, climate and health.

A Creighton professor will lead a multi-university team of researchers charged with finding

pain therapies that will reduce the need for highly addictive opioids. Shashank Dravid, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and neuroscience at the Creighton University School of Medicine, will lead the five-year, $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Dravid and his collaborators will focus on pain-signaling mechanisms in the amygdala, which is an almond-shaped mass of gray matter found in both of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres. The amygdala is believed to play an important role in responding to such emotions as fear, anger, anxiety, depression and pain sensation.

Carson Group has teamed up with AAAA Foundation to support initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for helping more African American students forge successful careers in the financial planning profession. Carson Group will be donating $500,000 to the AAAA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of African American financial planners and engaging research that shifts the understanding and advancement of financial planning in African American communities.

Four HBCU CFP Registered Financial Planning Programs will receive funding through Carson Group’s gift to the AAAA Foundation.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Creighton University will continue to receive a federal Student Support Services grant of $339,512 annually over five years for a total of $1,697,560, to help more students succeed in and graduate from college. TRIO SSS supports Creighton college students who are low income, first generation, those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree, or students with disabilities. The array of services the grant provides are comprehensive and include academic resources, financial literacy training, career exploration, mentoring, regisContinued on next page.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Monday, Oct. 5 The Human Resource Association of the Midlands’ diversity and inclusion committee will host the organization’s October chapter program where diversity in Nebraska’s future workforce will be the topic. Bryan E. Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will keynote. His presentation will detail strategies laid out in a plan called Blueprint Nebraska, a longterm economic development plan aimed at boosting prosperity for all Nebraska communities and building the state’s economic prominence. Additionally, HRAM’s IDEAL Award winners will be announced during the virtual program. The webinar will be from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is online.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 Registration is open for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Outlook for 2020. The event, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will cover topics like: legislative updates; updates on local cities; COVID-19 updates and outlook from local health experts. The event will be online.

Wednesday, Oct. 7 Did COVID-19 catch your business off guard? The recent pandemic presented an array of challenges for business owners, many of which can be solved through the proper use of technology. Join Lutz Tech for a complimentary virtual seminar. Lutz experts will

share strategies and effective uses of various concepts to help position your business for success. From Microsoft Office 365 to data analytics, cybersecurity and more, this forum will be full of information your business can utilize to optimize functionality, increase profitability, and be better prepared for future curveballs.

Registration is online.

Thursday, Oct. 8 ExitPlaybook has teamed up with EXECSO President Rob Wellendorf for a virtual webinar on what you need to know when exiting your business. During the webinar, starting at 2 p.m., Wellendorf will help attendees explore the business owner’s readiness, making sure everything is properly aligned. Registration is online.

Friday, Oct. 9 The 23rd annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be held online from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General attendance for the conference is free. Continuing nursing education credit is available for select sessions at a cost of $30. The conference theme is “Pouring From an Empty Cup: Prioritizing Self-Care While Caring for Others,” and features three main sessions, six health education breakout sessions and a closing session. The conference offers health insights, as well as encouraging and empowering messages and meaningful information that attendees can immediately apply in their own lives. Register for the conference online.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

21

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. tration assistance, and other programming to support their educational journeys.

Results of a new nationwide survey of businesses with at least 500 employees place the University of Nebraska at Omaha among the top 20 employers in the state of Nebraska.

UNO comes in ranked No. 17 — the highest ranking for any institution of higher education in the state — in the ranking of “America’s Best Employers by State,” which is compiled and published by Forbes and Statista. This is the second consecutive year that UNO has been ranked in the top 20.

Metropolitan Community College is the recipient of a $60,000 grant from the Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation. The award will be used for career academy scholarships, tutors and classroom equipment for automotive technology, auto collision technology and diesel technology students. The grant will further bolster the curriculum and classroom settings at the new Automotive Training Center, a new two-story academic building that will be finished in 2021 at the South Omaha Campus.

Additionally, the $60,000 grant will be used for scholarships in the MCC Career Academy, a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to get a start on their postsecondary education.

Health care notes…

Scooter’s Coffee announced a partnership with The Pink Agenda and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Throughout the month of October, Scooter’s Coffee will be donating 20% of sales from their limited edition ‘Courage Cookie.’ The ‘Courage Cookie’ is a frosted

Sugar cookie that was created specifically to help raise funds for critical research and support breast cancer awareness.

Lincoln’s Gateway Sertoma Club and nonprofit Tabitha joined forces and welcomed golfers to play for a cause. While the 18th annual golf event at NuMark Golf Course looked and felt different due to COVID-19, golfers supported Tabitha Meals on Wheels. The event raised $65,000 for this program, which has served the Lincoln community for 53 years.

The donations from the outing help provide 10,400 meals, safety checks and friendly visits to over 500 Lincoln neighbors who rely on this daily delivery to remain independent and safe at home.

University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers are seeking participants for a research study aimed at understanding how diabetes affects driver safety. Though the study is not recruiting drivers with diabetes, it will look at how drivers without diabetes may improve the ability to understand how driving changes in people with diabetes. The study may help in the development of future driving safety tools and technology that support safety, mobility and quality of life in people with diabetes. The study is seeking people who are between the ages of 35 and 70 years old, have not been diagnosed with diabetes, and are legally licensed and active drivers. If you are interested in participating contact the Mind & Brain Health Labs.

Activities of nonprofits…

To support local teachers during this difficult time, local McDonald’s owner-operators are donating $2,781 to the Lincoln Public

School District. This donation is the result of the recent Fries for School Supplies Fundraiser. In total, the fundraiser raised more than $30,000 for local schools throughout Nebraska.

Union Bank & Trust took a different approach to its annual Customer Appreciation Day this year. Rather than the typical format of the annual event, in which customers and the general public were invited into bank lobbies for refreshments and fellowship, Union Bank made donations to food banks in the communities it serves. In Lincoln, the bank donated $5,000 to the Food Bank of Lincoln. Donations were also made in Omaha and in 15 communities across Nebraska. In communities that don’t have a local food bank, donations will go to the local backpack program or school system.

Northwestern Mutual – Nebraska has been recognized as a 2020 Childhood Cancer Impact Award winner, receiving a $50,000 grant. As part of this award, University of Nebraska Foundation received a $20,000 grant, and Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation, Lolo’s Angels and Camp CoHoLo each received a $10,000 grant. Throughout the year, the office also raised over $40,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, for which they received an additional $4,000. The team selected the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Nebraska Chapter as the recipient for this funding.

Arts and events…

Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue has moved its annual fall fundraiser and birthday celebration to a socially distanced drive-in movie event. On Oct. 8 the movie “Wasted!

The Story of Food Waste” will be shown at Falconwood Park in Bellevue. The movie,

produced by the late Anthony Bourdain, aims to change the way people buy, cook, recycle and eat food. Tickets are $50 each and include movie snacks. The event features a raffle and other donation opportunities, a cash bar and gourmet snack trays for purchase. Guests also will hear about Saving Grace’s work to combat food waste and provide healthy food to feed the hungry.

The Food Truck World Tour, Immigrant Legal Center’s annual fundraising event, will take place on Oct. 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This year’s FTWT will be held in a drive thru format, allowing attendees to remain in their cars as they pick up delicious food from local food trucks, which will be parked at the Mastercraft Building at Millworks Common. FTWT tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at immigrantlc.org/foodtruck. As in previous years, guests will sample fare from some of Omaha’s most popular food trucks, including Sweet Lime (Thai), Maria Bonita (Mexican), and El Arepon (Venezuelan).

Susan G. Komen Great Plains announced the 2020 Nebraska MORE THAN PINK WALK will be held virtually this year. Participants are encouraged to walk where they are — their neighborhood, a local park or another safe location — on Oct. 11 and tune in at 2 p.m. for a virtual Opening Ceremony broadcast from the Komen Great Plains Facebook page. There is no fee to register for the virtual fundraising event this year. Anyone who registers as a survivor or living with metastatic breast cancer will receive a t-shirt at no cost. Registered participants who fundraise $100 or more have the chance to earn a commemorative T-shirt.

BlandCPA.com/real-estate

22

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Object Partners on track for boost by joining forces with Improving Continued from page 1. it would make no sense to make radical changes.

“From a sales perspective, we’re ex-

Object Partners, an Improving company Phone: 402-350-3746 (Omaha) Address: 1303 S. 72nd St., Omaha 68106 Services: Development of custom software, web and mobile apps, platform engineering, modern APIs and real-time data architecture.

Employees: 69 (Omaha); 250 (total across OPI) Founded: 1996 (Object Partners), 2006 (Improving, as Blue Ocean Group) Website: objectpartners.com

cited about having a couple more tools in our belt,” he said. “We can cross-pollinate with some other companies inside the Improving portfolio.”

In an Aug. 27 press release, OPI President Chris Spurgat was quoted as saying, “Together, we’re a true midmarket player; that opens up a lot of possibilities to our consultants.”

COO Ehren Seim was also quoted as acknowledging OPI’s growth was “fueled by companies investing in digital transformations,” and how clients want the right talent “and are less concerned with where they’re located.”

He continued: “This has led to growth well beyond the Twin Cities and Omaha markets. Joining forces with Improving means we’ll have an even larger talent pool to bring to our clients across the country.”

In fact, Ruch referred to how, in addition to 69 Omaha employees, he oversees another roughly 22 employees in the south and west territories — markets such as St. Louis, Colorado and Texas.

“The south and west territories have been more about talent acquisition than client acquisition,” he said.

Ruch indicated that COVID-19 has been a driver to press into those markets; he alluded to Seim’s aforementioned statement.

“What he’s talking about, especially with some of these larger clients, they have these disparate systems and are being federally mandated to implement mechanisms,” he said. “COVID-19 is almost exploiting the gaps in current systems and the lack of ability to communicate with these systems. We have seen a lack of communication getting from one end of the spectrum to the other.”

For instance, with its niche in health care, Ruch indicated that facilitating systems improvements assures that data like patient information remains up to date.

Tellingly, in the Aug. 22 announcement, OPI reported that its highest quar-

Follow us on @mbjpublications

terly revenue was recorded for the second quarter of 2020. At the time of this writing, OPI was on track to record “its highest-growth year in its 24-year history.”

Furthermore, it was reported that the OPI-Improving transaction is expected to increase Improving’s annualized revenue by more than 25% in 2020 — for a collective annualized revenue in excess of $150 million.

It’s a situation that he described as “lighting a fire” under the firm to add manpower. The firm’s been challenged by the sheer size of the growth spurts in recent years; for instance, adding 30 or 40 people versus four to eight.

“The Omaha market has a good chunk of IT talent in the area, but we can’t recruit every single [person],” Ruch said. “We’re pumping the well so hard that we’re not allowing the pool to refresh itself. It’s a good and bad problem.”

Ruch noted they have had some conversations regarding talent with leadership at the Peter Kiewit Institute.

“We’d be more than happy to engage with the Chamber,” he said.

A nine-year OPI veteran, Ruch said he was drawn to the firm when he saw how much his friend enjoyed working for the company.

“He originally started in Omaha and moved up to Minneapolis,” he said. “They were looking for another person in Omaha.

I was just a couple of months into a new job, but I thought it doesn’t hurt to listen.

I knew how much he loved his job.”

Previously, the Midlands Business Journal featured OPI following its being named among the “Best Places to Work in Omaha” in February 2016.

“With this particular opportunity, there were two other people working full time for Object Partners in Omaha, and two

people came on at the same time,” Ruch recalled. “It was kind of a unique mix of feelings; having that bedrock employer that has been around for approaching two decades at that point and, on top of that, you’re getting this flavor of a startup.

“You can have some influence as Omaha gets bigger and bigger. It is the best of both worlds — the stability of Object Partners and having that entrepreneurial spirit.”

Ruch furthermore described how, in the tech world, one experiences “imposter syndrome.”

“You always feel like you don’t know as much as you should know,” he said.

“But everybody kind of fits in their own unique way. And you’re constantly working those muscles … Today, Ehren and myself manage 250 consultants over the entire roster. We operate as adults. There is a large amount of autonomy.”

Environmental stewardship program among services cultivated by Barcel Enterprises Continued from page 1. weight and diversion, which they can use for their zero-landfill initiative program or if they are working on a LEED program.”

Recyclable materials diverted from landfills include brush, concrete, block, brick and wood waste (such as pallets).

CRAP’s next step is converting organic recyclables to biochar, a reference to plantbased charcoal stored in the soil to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“We can convert the organic matter to sequestered carbon,” Barcel said. “So, we will be able to offer carbon offsets to companies interested in lessening their carbon footprint.”

With the interest in climate change and carbon emissions, he added its biochar product is “true carbon sequestration.”

“We can sequester carbon in the biochar for hundreds of years and its uses are amazing,” he said. “Companies have a desire to lessen their carbon footprint. Biochar can help them accomplish this goal.”

To understand present-day initiatives is to appreciate its roots. When Barcel’s grandfather, Anton J. Barcel, wasn’t playing bass horn with renowned artists like Lawrence Welk, he was farming and operating a sawmill part-time near Linwood, Nebraska, an 82-member community located 20 miles northeast of the mill and lumber business near Bellwood.

As B.J. Barcel puts it on the company’s website, the first sawmill was a joint venture; Grandpa owned the mill, while a farmer owned a Rumley Oil Pull tractor.

B.J.’s father, Donald, began cutting and hauling cottonwood in 1949. Its first custom sawing project involved making ammunition boxes for a Lincoln firm during the Korean War. When asked how people react to a sawmill in Nebraska, Barcel said the usual response is: “Really? In Nebraska? I’ve been there once. There aren’t any trees.”

Barcel answers: “We have been logging and sawmilling here for over 100 years.”

That said, Barcel has planted “tens of thousands of trees.”

“The most interesting specimens are planted in my personal arboretum on the property where the business and my home are located,” he said. “I have trees from all

is currently on the market,” he said, adding over the world.”

While lumber production hasn’t the stakes can be reused many times.

Some of Barcel’s businesses transcend changed much (“about 30% with increased efficiencies”), brick veneer production is wood products; for instance, Barcel and his son-in-law’s three-year-old gun shop, Gundown slightly.

“One brick plant closed completely, slingers, has a new location and plans to construct a live fire and another is runrange next summer. ning at reduced ca- Barcel Enterprises This year, Barpacity,” he said. “We Phone: 402-538-3895 cel and his oldest actually supply most Address: 304 41 Road, Bellwood, Neson started mosquiof the brick plants braska 68624 (corporate) to control services from Iowa south to Services: Family-owned and family-opfranchise Mosquito Oklahoma, out to erated cottonwood sawmill specializAuthority in Omaha, Utah and up to the ing in high-quality products, including pallets, veneer, lumber, landscape Lincoln and Grand Canadian border.”

Island. Columbus, Over 15 years, mulches and compost matter, as well as Nebraska-based the mill has evolved businesses in spaces such as mosquito truck wash facility, into a mostly region- abatement, truck wash and firearms.

East Side Truck Seral (Midwest) oper- Website: www.barcelmill.com vices, is planning its ation. The bulk of the manufacturers it serves are in heavy largest expansion to date with automation that allows employees to wash a semi in manufacturing, i.e. machinery.

Within the enterprise’s portfolio, Bar- three minutes.

“My wife says I love to start compacel Landscape Products started in 1996 and, two years later, debuted colored nies,” Barcel said. “I see business oppormulch to the Midwest. Initially, they had tunities every day.”

Barcel businesses have overcome fire difficulty getting nurseries and landscape and tornado damage and, now, a pandemic installers to bite.

“So, we went to homeowners and direct environment.

“This will sound strange, but … the sales to change the industry,” he said, adding housing starts and even issues like the most difficult problem I have experienced pandemic have driven demand, especially to date is labor,” he said. “Even though for cedar mulch, amid renewed interest in many of my employees have been with me for decades, the last five years in Nehome improvements.

Additionally, PLAY MAT playground braska have been extremely difficult for fall protection, and landscape and garden small businesses to find enough qualified compost products have experienced sales employees.”

Barcel’s key employees attend Globupticks.

“I am constantly searching for differ- al Leadership Initiative conferences to ent things to make from wood,” Barcel enhance communication and leadership said. “Some of our more unique products skills. On the production side, Barcel revisinclude a growing media for companies ited automation efforts to solve employee that produce mushrooms, and some new shortages.

A self-described “kid at heart,” Barcel products that we are currently testing include food for elephants and reptile was always building; for instance, 45 years after purchasing an antique cast-iron spibedding.”

Of aforementioned 2019 investments, ral staircase from a farmer, it’s a notable Barcel noted the mill completed an equip- component of a sophisticated, functional ment and building project to support pro- treehouse — a favorite haunt of children duction of bedding for cows and chickens. they’ve supported through area faith-based Alongside CRAP, investments included organizations.

“My wife, who is a saint, and I have equipment to launch wood stakes products cared for 47 children who have not been for construction and engineering.

“Our stakes are much heavier than what our own, some of them for years,” he said.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

23

Digital Marketing A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

October 2, 2020

How to create content that focuses on your customers’ needs

by David Kubicek

Know your customers and focus on what they want is the rule of thumb for marketing.

“If people are going to buy a drill, they’re not really buying a drill — they’re buying a hole,” said Bryon Hill, owner of I Sell Words.

“Focus on the problem that you will solve for the client.”

The size of the market will determine the kind of content marketing you do. For instance, in a larger market there is a larger pool of potential clients and more conflicting interests to navigate.

Another determining factor is your firm’s specific products and services.

Sponsored

Marketing experts offer small businesses advice

“When budgets are tight for B2B types of businesses, think small. Do a deep dive into the best clients you currently have, what is similar about them, what do you love about them, how profitable are they and what industry are they in? Then select the top 30-40 potential clients that you would love to work with. Do a micro-campaign for them using direct mail, email and phone calls to hit them in three different ways to let them know that they are exactly the types of company you want to work with.” — Steve Maly, owner, Maly Marketing “Now is a great time to take stock of what’s working and what isn’t. Use the time to plan, evaluate and measure past efforts against future goals. There are a wide variety of free (Google My Business, Google Analytics) and pay-as-you-go (Google Ads) tools available to help get organized and dip your toe in the water of reactivating marketing channels. Social channels are great for testing messaging, and a good paid strategy is built on the back of great content.” — Dave Klemencic, VP of digital strategy and operations, Smith Kroeger “The No. 1 rule during any uncertain time is to continue, the plan itself might shift, but don’t stop! Secondarily, experiment with different market groups that you may not have before, if you have a second or tertiary market that doesn’t get much focus turn up the digital ads to that demographic. Before either of these though you must start with a strategy” — James Duran, managing partner, KreativElement

“People will purchase different products for different reasons,” Hill said. “You might need multiple pieces of content for different products and service lines for different segments of your audience.”

Track your results for each piece of content so that you’re aware of what does and doesn’t work. You can duplicate some of the formatting and words from content that works and deploy it multiple times.

Angela Chaney, a partner at Pixel Fire Marketing, advised firms to create a strong brand that is embraced by everyHill one in the company, then determine the target market and what message the firm wants to send.

“Content marketing is not about constant selling,” she said. “It’s about creating trust and starting conversations with your target so when the time comes that they are ready to make a buying decision, they think of your company first.”

Industry and company size determine the type and tone of your content. For example, a large company may want to communicate experience and scale, but a small business may want to emphasize personal relationships and pride in being part of the community.

Similarly, a financial services firm is likely to communicate in a more professional, formal manner than a funky restaurant or kids’ gym.

“Put yourself in the customer’s shoes and think about what would resonate, then consider the platform to use,” GenR8 CEO

Angela Chaney, partner at Pixel Fire Marketing.

Make sure your site has Google AnalytJason L. Petersen said.

Social media is more casual and not ics. Check your email marketing stats and geared for hard sales. The audience responds social media insights.

“Social and email is about marketing to more to content that contains people rather than solely product shots. Use video in small people you know,” Petersen said. “Google is snippets, no more than one to one-and-a- about marketing to people you don’t know. half minutes, to help create a more personal You need a blend of each. Email marketing works great if it’s written in the style of being message.

For business-to-business (B2B) firms, social, not salesy.”

“Don’t just try to cobble random pieces posting content updates on LinkedIn is more important than other social media platforms, together to tell your story,” said Kate Reilly, but for business-to-customer (B2C) firms, director of content for SCORR Marketing. social media is a must. Use Facebook to reach “Let your content serve your story. Genuine, ages 35 and over and Instagram to reach ages effective content marketing is authentic, Continued on next page.

35 and under.

you do your thing, we’ll do the marketing Specializing in Nonprofit, Healthcare & Home Services

kreativelement.com

24

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

• Digital Marketing

Tips for achieving the ultimate marketing plan that works for your business

by Gabby Christensen

Editor's note: This article was originally published July 31, 2020 Local marketing professionals agree that a successful marketing plan should always be aligned with the overall objectives of a business.

Lauren Schuster, head of business development at Bailey Lauerman, said a sophisticated plan should provide a comprehensive view of the company’s points of difference or competitive advantage, the behaviors and attitudes of the core customer, trends and opportunities across the category and cultural context.

“Brands need to make sure they aren’t building a plan in a vacuum and the organization is taking an honest look at the broader marketplace, consumer sentiment and the core tensions in our world today,” she said.

According to Schuster, it’s important to have a long-term vision the organization is driving towards, whether that be increasing market share, launching a new product line or attracting a new customer base.

“During periods of rapid change, it’s

better to focus on 30, 60 or 90-day marketing priorities and action plans,” she said. “Ensure all external communications align with the

Bails Schuster brand’s purpose and core values and work towards very specific marketing goals such as improving the customer experience, providing educational resources or cross-selling to existing customers based on known preferences.”

Schuster said it’s also important to revisit your marketing plan every one to two years.

Ashley Bails, director of marketing at Ervin & Smith, said data should drive decisions.

“Use first-party data you’ve gathered or use third-party tools to get competitive or industry insights to drive your marketing strategies,” she said.

“Programmatic advertising is a tactic that we’ve been including in many of our marketing plans lately. As more and more data is becoming available, a brand’s marketing effectiveness will depend on their ability to target the right audience.”

Miller Bails said a marketing plan should always include business and marketing goals, success metrics and marketing strategies and tactics.

“Make sure your marketing goals ladder up to your business goals and that your budget is a realistic match to the goals you’re trying to achieve,” she said. “Let your data, goals and budget drive your marketing channels/ mediums.”

In today’s world, Bails said marketing plans really serve as a roadmap for a team to follow and track.

“In the ever-changing times we’re in, we have found it to be very important for brands that have not revisited their marketing and advertising strategies to do a mid-year audit,” she said.

Jackie Miller, chief marketing officer at Bozell, said great brands and great ideas come from a rock-solid strategy born from research, planning, expertise and insight.

“Start with business objectives and research-backed insights about your industry, your market and your consumers,” she said.

“Then, establish which channels will most effectively communicate your message at the right time, in the right place to the right people – intersecting consumers’ lives when they are not only ready but willing to take action.”

Miller said businesses should consider all the tools in their communication toolbox when creating a plan, including purchased media placements to ensure reach and frequency, public relations media placements and influencer outreach strategies and channels such as social media profiles and websites.

“The current state of the country and the world, with the pandemic and heightened conversations around equality, inclusion and diversity, has affected businesses large and small, in rural and urban communities alike,” she said. “And between fragmented, polarizing 24/7 news cycle, instant connectivity of social media and the prevalence of cell phone and real-time video feeds, the expectations of businesses and marketers to participate isn’t only relevant, it’s required.”

With a solid strategy rooted in actionable insights, Miller said business plans and marketing plans have become one. Now more than ever, it’s paramount to plan, adapt and innovate within business and communications to support customers, shareholders, employees and communities.

How to create content

Continued from preceding page. sincere and engaging.”

For a B2B organization with strong thought leaders, consider long-form written pieces that show the thought leaders’ original views on an industry topic.

Petersen Reilly Create written pieces and optimize web content to drive traffic to those posts through social media or an email marketing campaign. “[A B2C] firm is best shown through enticing visuals,” Reilly said. “Focus your content marketing on original content like videos or motion graphics right on a social platform to catch attention and engage your audience.

The more you get authentic, engaging, sincere content out that serves your audience’s needs, the more attention you’ll get — and the larger your audience will grow.”

Digital Marketing •

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

25

26

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

SENIOR CARE

LEGAL SERVICES

Hired

Hired

Promoted

Joined

Attorney

Nicholas J. Handrich

Susan Richardson

Dvorak Law Group

Attorney

VP Learning & Development and Performance Solutions

Sarah A. Wetzel

Sarah A. Wetzel joins the firm’s business and corporate practice group.

Wetzel’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and general business needs. She assists clients with various business issues, such as entity formation, regulatory compliance, intellectual property law, and the review, drafting, and negotiation of all forms of business contracts. Wetzel received her J.D. (with distinction) from the University of Nebraska College of Law. LEADERSHIP OMAHA Graduated

Itzel Lopez

Dvorak Law Group

Nicholas J. Handrich joins the firm’s estate/ wealth planning practice group.

Handrich’s practice focuses on estate and business succession planning. He advises clients in the structure and preparation of their estate plans, including the drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives/living wills and related estate planning documents. Nick also assists clients with estate and trust administration matters and sophisticated tax planning involving family business entities, sale and loan techniques, insurance planning and charitable giving.

Handrich received his J.D. (cum laude) from Creighton University School of Law.

Vice President of Advancement and Community Relations AIM Institute

Itzel Lopez, Vice President of Advancement and Community Relations for AIM Institute, recently graduated from Class 42 of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Leadership Omaha training, a 10-month program. Lopez contributed to the “Access” project, which connects students with community leaders to learn how to grow a network, land a job and understand the importance of community involvement.

Home Instead, Inc.

Home Instead, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Richardson to VP Learning & Development and Performance Solutions. In this role, she’ll be responsible for learning and development for the franchise network as well as the programs, resources and solutions supporting operations. As a member of the Leadership Team, she will assist in shaping and leading strategic initiatives for the company. Since 2016, Susan has served in the role of Learning & Development Director. She joined Home Instead in 2010 as a member of the business performance team supporting franchise owners. The Home Instead Senior Care network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with almost 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that annually provide more than 80 million hours of care throughout the United States and 11 other countries.

Emily F. Dickson Associate Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP is pleased to announce that Emily F. Dickson has joined the firm as an associate. Ms. Dickson was admitted to the Nebraska Bar in 2020. Dickson graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts with distinction in 2016.

She received her law degree from the Creighton University, magna cum laude in 2020. Her practice focuses on estate planning and wealth transfer, probate and trust administration, charitable planning, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and taxation. Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP is a full-service law firm that has provided legal services to its clients in extensive business and litigation matters for more than a hundred years, with roots of the law firm tracing back to 1894. The law firm of Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP offers a diverse group of partners, associates and legal assistants who have collective expertise in virtually every area of law - from complex litigation to complicated business and tax matters. Each attorney has a broad legal background with individual areas of specialized emphasis and expertise.

Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP serves local, regional and national clientele with a broad array of legal services necessary in an increasingly complex society.

Submit your company’s employee announcements to Spotlight@mbj.com

COVID-19 is forcing small stores to try online retail, but ‘we’re not Amazon’

Continued from page 12. who had previously been fitted would have been hard, because many gained or lost weight during the pandemic and were no longer sure what size they needed.

“That’s always been our adage: Don’t buy online or you’ll buy the wrong size,” she said.

Being limited to bricks-and-mortar sales makes the city’s 25% capacity limit especially challenging, she said. “How are you supposed to be at 25% of your sales and 100% of your rent, and no one is helping you out financially?”

AlleyCat Comics, in the Andersonville neighborhood, built an online store but most customers avoiding shopping in person still seem to prefer calling the store and having an employee serve as a personal shopper, said Selene Idell, who owns the shop with her husband, Nicholas.

People rarely come in search of a specific title, which makes buying online tougher, she said.

“They want to browse and look at the pictures and see if they like the art. Comic book shoppers

are particular about the book’s condition. It’s a very hands-on kind of business,” she said.

AlleyCat plans to hold online-only sales during the holidays to encourage shoppers to check out the online store.

“I think it’s beneficial for us for running the business, but it’s not making any money right now,” she said.

Selling online is also extra work, especially for stores with inventory that changes frequently.

“It’s a tricky balance. It takes time to take photos, edit them, write the copy, and put it online,” said Merl Kinzie, who owns The Shudio, a shop selling plants, vintage apparel and gifts in the Pilsen neighborhood.

A big chain that will sell dozens, if not hundreds, of a particular shirt only needs to put that effort in once. Vintage or resale clothing is usually one of a kind.

The Shudio had an online store before the pandemic but it wasn’t a priority because customers drawn to its focus on sustainability seemed to

prefer shopping in person.

Lincoln Park-area kids’ resale shop The Second Child is more optimistic about online sales even though it has the same challenges with one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Before the pandemic, The Second Child only sold its highest-end pieces — about 3% of the roughly 5,000 items in its bricks-and-mortar store — online. Now, owner Amy Helgren estimates shoppers can find 90% online.

Even before the pandemic, Helgren worried about competition from Amazon, a one-stop shop that lets busy parents buy whenever they have time, even if that’s the middle of the night, when her bricks-and-mortar store is closed.

“The first thing I do now when I wake up is check my phone for online orders,” Helgren said.

“It has to be at their convenience. They want what they need, and they want it now,” she said.

Richard Forsythe, who owns Lincoln Square pet supply shop Ruff Haus Pets, said online sales have been growing since it launched an online

store about a month into the pandemic, though the bricks-and-mortar store still generates most of the business.

He just hopes the online growth doesn’t come at the expense of sales at the store, which moved to a larger location last fall. When people come to the shop, they might pick up an extra treat or toy for their pet.

“When you’re online, it’s ‘What do I need?’” he said.

Jewelry and accessories boutique Embellish saw online sales slow once the shop reopened to customers, said owner Carrie Bowers.

She still thinks the days of getting up at 6 a.m. and working until 1 a.m. to get the online store in business were worth it.

“We’ve had a lot of new customers, and I think that’s being able to see what we’re about before you walk in,” she said. “And who knows if we’ll have to close down again? It’s something we have to have.” ©2020 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 2, 2020 •

27

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

BANKING

BANKING

Recognized

New Position

Hired

BANKING Hired

Amy Van Horne

Ryan Reeves

Nick Parker

Chad Tettenborn

Loan Officer

2020 Outstanding Contributor to Women in Law

Pinnacle Bank

Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Solutions Officer

Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer

West Gate Bank

West Gate Bank

Nebraska State Bar Association

Kutak Rock partner Amy Van Horne is the Nebraska State Bar Association’s 2020 Outstanding Contributor to Women in the Law. The award is presented by the Women in Law Section to a member of the NSBA to recognize the lifetime accomplishments of an individual who directly contributed to the active integration and participation of women in the Nebraska system of justice.

Ms. Van Horne is the first woman in Nebraska to be accepted into both the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and is an active member of the NSBA. She is currently the Chair of the NSBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. Ms. Van Horne has also been a member of the Legal Aid Board of Directors since 2015. She actively supports the NSBA Volunteer Lawyers Project.

The award will be presented at this year’s virtual NSBA Annual Meeting held October 12-16. Ms. Van Horne has successfully mediated a wide variety of disputes, including disability discrimination claims, personal injury claims, gender discrimination claims, wrongful death claims, invasion of privacy claims, defamation claims, medical malpractice claims, estate claims, landlord/tenant disputes and contract disputes, among others. She is on the panel of approved mediators for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska and is an approved Nebraska Parenting Act Mediator.

Submit your company’s employee announcements to Spotlight@mbj.com

Pinnacle Bank recently appointed Ryne Reeves to Commercial Loan Officer in Lincoln. He will office at the 27th and Pine Lake location.

In his role, Reeves will focus on building relationships with local businesses, offering a wide range of lending products, and assisting customers throughout the loan process. Reeves began his career as a lending intern at Pinnacle Bank in Crete. He then served as a commercial lender with the bank’s sister company, Bank of Colorado, in Lakewood, Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of NebraskaLincoln. Ryne is excited to return to the area. He currently serves on the board of advisors for NextGen Lincoln. He is also involved with LIBA.

The West Gate Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Nick Parker as an Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Solutions Officer. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Nick graduated from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He brings 15 years of banking experience to his role with the Business Banking Solutions team. As a Business Banking Solutions Officer, he will customize product solutions for customers to enhance business banking portfolios and create additional benefits for businesses, as well as developing and maintaining business account relationships. Nick served as Chairman of the Board for the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and 2020 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2011. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCAArmbrust Chapter and volunteers with the Gretna Volunteer Fire Department. He coached Millard United Elite Baseball from 2014-19 and was the assistant coach for Millard United Classic in 2020. Nick Parker is located at West Gate Bank at 9775 Q Street and can be reached at 402-731-2179 or nparker@westgate.bank.

The West Gate Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Chad Tettenborn as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. Tettenborn brings 15 years of experience in Financial Services to his new role at West Gate Bank. As Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, Tettenborn will develop relationships in the Omaha market to assist commercial lending clients with their business financing needs, including real estate lending. He will be available to council customers on different credit options and utilize West Gate Bank resources to help them meet other business needs. Originally from Omaha, Tettenborn received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and his MBA from Creighton University. He serves on the Finance Committee for Kids Can Community Center and is a past board member and treasurer; serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Nebraska Enterprise Fund; and is active in St Margaret Mary’s Church.

Chad Tettenborn is located at West Gate Bank Pacific Springs branch at 1020 South 179th Court and can be reached at 402-758-8723 or ctettenborn@westgate.bank.

28

• OCTOBER 2, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal