Midlands Business Journal October 23, 2020 Vol. 46 No. 43 issue

OCTOBER 23, 2020

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

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VOL. 46 NO. 43

American Machine Works melds history with growth plans

by Richard D. Brown

Contractor Solutions debuts industry innovations, grows by supporting underground utility safety. – Page 2

in ng ka i t es as Inv ebr N

What investing rules apply when the world is turned upside-down?

– Page 4

me are Ho th C l a He

Home health care sector grows as COVID-19 continues.

– Page 26

Whether the work order is for $1,000 in parts for a two-person machine shop or a Fortune 500 firm’s production line requiring more than $1 million worth of contract parts, the ownership team of Omaha-based American Machine Works credit melding the history of the 109-yearold business they own with a hefty investment in the latest technology for their continued success.

President/CEO Jesse Espinosa and his wife Sara Weeks-Espinosa, who in 2017 became the fifth owners of American Machine Works, head a 16-employee enterprise that is doing about $3 million annually.

“We’d like to have our revenues at $5 million in three years and within the next seven-to-ten years, eventually reach $10 million,” Espinosa said.

Jesse Espinosa, a 23-year banker who came to Omaha in 2010 as a business banking specialist, and Sara Weeks-Espinosa, who arrived in Omaha in 2013 to work in corporate accounting, were recently notified that American Machine Works has Continued on page 13.

Co-owners Sara Weeks-Espinosa and Jesse Espinosa … Finding opportunities abroad, eyeing possible expansion into Latin America, especially with food processing.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

FBG Service Corporation’s 60 years marked by innovative solutions, employee ownership

by Michelle Leach

Wayne Simmonds started Dust Tex in 1960, and the dust mop rental company has evolved into FBG Service Corporation, a national commercial cleaning and facilities management firm boasting almost 1,300 employee-owners, with more than 400 in the Omaha area alone.

“We continue to challenge ourselves to expand our capabilities, re-

main a respected leader in our industry and stay agile enough to meet our clients’changing needs,” said Simmonds’ daughter, President and CEO Terri Gogetap, when asked about the significance of its 60th year. “And, second, employee ownership is no small thing for us. Ownership motivates us to work together to solve problems. No matter what, we huddle up, get creative and Continued on page 24.

Owner Abiola Kosoko … Building a photo business by tapping into his artistic background, travel photography and nonprofit work.

Demo Lives captures growth in photo market via nonprofit network, travel

by Becky McCarville

From left, Vice President for Strategic Accounts Andy Petersen, President and CEO Terri Gogetap and Vice President Jim Simmonds … Cleaning, disinfection, property maintenance services essential in pandemics and more predictable environments.

Photographer Abiola Kosoko, owner of multimedia company Demo Lives, has worked with 40 to 50 clients this year alone — despite the slowdown in March due to the pandemic — and is poised for more growth. While the company specializes in photography, videography and marketing, Kosoko has talents in DJing, logo design, website design and other creative ventures.

He is also the director of marketing

and recruitment at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.

Since its inception in 2015/2016, Demo Lives (pronounced with a short “I”) has grown organically through his work with nonprofit organizations.

“A lot of work I do has been with nonprofits,” he said. “I not only have a large network of people in nonprofits, but those people are also people I really like to serve Continued on page 25.

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Contractor Solutions debuts industry innovations, grows by supporting underground utility safety

by Michelle Leach

When President Dave Hehr first started Contractor Solutions in Des Moines in 2006, the company had 35 trench boxes to protect utility employees and contractors as they completed underground work. Today, the firm boasts more than 100 trench boxes in stock across its locations in Des Moines and Gretna, and has bolstered offerings in numerous areas (notably, training) as it captures larger market share and

Contractor Solutions Phone: 402-880-0712 (Omaha office) Address: 21644 Williams Circle, Suite B, Gretna 68028 Services: rental and sales of trench boxes, trench shoring, and other products that protect workers when they install underground pipes and utilities Founded: 2006 by Dave Hehr in Des Moines, Iowa; 2016 Omaha office opens Website: cs-shoring.com

competes with national brands.

“We have also added to our fleet of slide rail shoring equipment for lift stations and gas station fuel tanks,” he said. “As we have grown and invested back into the company for equipment, our vendors have noticed that we have grown, and it has helped us bring on new equipment vendors such as Thompson Pump, Husqvarna, and Stihl (Des Moines) brands.”

Branch Manager Matt Kelly … In the past four years, the firm has expanded with a metro Omaha office, new equipment vendors and innovative customer partnerships.

With offices at 21644 Williams Cir. in boxes, trench shoring, and a variety of other Gretna and 5325 NW 2nd Ave. in Des Moines, products (such as culvert pipe, pipe lasers and Contractor Solutions was characterized by rotary lasers) to support safe underground work Hehr as a “one-stop shop” for contractors in installing pipes and other utilities. the sewer, water, plumbing, municipality and “We like to help the customer, and if there utility spaces. Customers may rent or buy trench is a new product that we feel will help them

Business Minute

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Gene M. Eckel Attorney, Goosmann Law Firm

Associations/Titles: Board member and Legislative Committee Chair of Apartment Association of Nebraska; Board member of Nebraska Association of Commercial Property Owners; National Apartment Association, NAA Lease Advisory Group and NAA Nebraska Lease Attorney Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Education: B.A. from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; J.D. from Creighton Law School

get their job done better or more efficiently, we will often do a ‘demo’ with that customer for a day or two, so they can get familiar with the product,” Hehr said. “If a customer has a project that they are unsure about the best way (or product) to use for trench shoring, we will come out and look at the project with them to try to come up with the best solution to get their job done safely.”

Additionally, in the past couple of years, Hehr and his team have come up with specialty trench boxes — completely new to the industry.

“They include a trench box with an inHehr tegrated, removeable mud plate that doesn’t have any brackets welded to the inside face of the trench box that often get bent,” he said. “We have an aluminum-style trench box with aluminum sheet panels that are removeable for crossing utilities that may come through the hole or trench box.”

Recently, one of Contractor Solutions’ customers partnered with the company to design a “piggyback” trench box that can add an additional four feet of box to an existing product that the customer already owns.

“Confined space air monitor LED battery technology has also improved,” Hehr added.

“We now have an air monitor that doesn’t need to be charged or calibrated, and will stay on for up to three years.”

For about four years, Contractor Solutions has had a physical presence in metro Omaha.

“I always wanted to have a second location, and Omaha seemed logical based on the two-hour distance for equipment utilization and customer base,” he said. “Our main manufacturer for trench boxes also had a territory Continued on page 15.

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

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How I got into the business: I wanted to be a lawyer growing up, because I wanted to help people solve problems. After graduating undergraduate school, I served as a Legislative Aid for a Nebraska State Senator for 2 years before entering law school.

Accomplishments or milestones: Some of my accomplishments include the following: Published in Creighton Law Review and receiving Best Student Article Award.

Successfully won case before the Nebraska Supreme Court in the case Denny Wiekhorst Equip., Inc. v. Tri-State Outdoor Media Group, Inc., 269 Neb. 354, 693; N.W.2d 506 (2005)

Drafted legislation that became State law to allow landlords to evict tenants that commit criminal acts with a 5-Day Notice to Quit; allow landlords to remove abandoned vehicles from their property; and remove commercial real estate from being subject to the Nebraska Disposition of Personal Property Landlord and Tenant Act. First job: My first job after graduating law school was serving 2 years as a Judicial Clerk for the Douglas County District Court.

Biggest career break: Judicial Clerkship for Douglas County District Court About my family: Wife Medea and son Ryan who is 10 years old.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: Creating a division within Goosmann Law Firm that focuses on the multifamily and commercial real estate industry.

How my business will change in the next decade: With the creation of the multifamily division of Goosmann Law Firm that will focus on the multifamily and commercial real estate industry, my business will change to include assisting clients with development, transactions.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: There is not one specific person that has helped me the most in my career.

My success has been influenced by several attorneys that I have worked with or met throughout my legal career.

Outside interests: Serving as an alumni volunteer nationally and locally for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Favorite vacation spot: Jamaica.

Favorite cause or charity: ALS. Favorite app: Facebook.

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

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

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Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Investing in Nebraska A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

October 23, 2020

What investing rules apply when the world is turned upside-down?

by Michelle Leach

Much of the world has been turned upside-down, and not just by a novel coronavirus. But how do the time-tested rules of investing play out during such an unproven time? Local financial and wealth management professionals weighed in on key takeaways from all of the unknowns presented by a global pandemic and volatility: Opportunities come in the most unlikely of forms, and the most unassuming or surprising of places. “ H i s t o r i c a l l y, there is always a reason to buy and a Bāzis reason to sell,” said Duane Bāzis, president, founder and chief investment officer with Bazis Young Investment Group LLC. “Today, the reasons are different. But investors should still be steered by a long-term investment plan.

Focus on the big picture, and leave emotions — and headlines — out of the investment equation.”

So, if there is one action to be taken in the current environment, it would be: “Avoid making emotional decisions,” Bāzis said.

Smart retail investors or not, Ameritas Investment Partners President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Mikus said they should all be engaging with investment professionals to develop those long-term investment plans that take into account the return objectives and amount of risk one is

willing to take as an investor.

That’s not to say you should just put the plan on a shelf and let it collect dust.

“Make sure you periodically meet with your investment professional and discuss any changes in circumstances that may require adjustments to the plan,” he said.

The “smart” investor will do this earlier in life.

“So, it is easier to make adjustments if need be,” Mikus said.

“The longer a person waits to develop a plan with an investment professional, the more difficult it may be to achieve Mikus one’s goals.”

Get started early. Create and agree on a plan. Periodically review the plan with a professional.

“And execute the plan to meet the agreed-upon goals,” he said.

Consider how Dr. Daniel Crosby, the psychologist/asset manager-turned-best-selling author, has dedicated an entire chapter in “The Laws of Wealth” to “Trouble is Opportunity.” He and an array of data scientists and prognosticators frequently refer to historical precedent, such as “trouble” in the form of the 2007 to 2009 recession. When the markets tanked, quality stocks were still standing — cheaply valuated. Likewise, the cycle gave birth to a number of innovative firms that were ripe for investment.

Crosby (by way of Forbes) and his ilk

Kasha Wilson, assistant vice president of retail services at Centris Federal Credit Union. guide readers on a walk through history stock market,” said Kasha Wilson, assistant by referencing the 123 stateside market vice president of retail services with Cencorrections that have reportedly occurred tris Federal Credit Union. “People may not between 1900 to 2013. In other words, if know that your local financial institutions they were any more frequent, they’d prob- can help you start small by investing your ably be compared to the certainty of death money in a traditional individual retirement and taxes. At worst, the author noted, view account. corrections as “natural.” At best, view them “Once this IRA account is opened, you as “opportunities.” can decide whether you want your funds in Also, opportunities to meet one’s goals a savings or a timed certificate of deposit.” may be far broader and more diverse than Wilson indicated members have apwhat was considered at first blush. preciated the unique advantages that come “When people think about investing with some of these products; for instance, money, their brain automatically goes to the Continued on page 6.

Investing in Nebraska • Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Investing in Nebraska

Invest early, long-term to maximize retirement

by Gabby Christensen

In order to retire comfortably, individuals must invest properly, financial advisers say.

Jeff Ziemba, senior vice president and financial advisor at D.A. Davidson in Omaha, said building a plan is important, and reassessing a plan at least annually and making course corrections over time is equally important.

“The reality for most investors is they need to save between 10 to 15% of household income annually in order to prepare for retirement, emergencies and other expenses,” he said.

Ziemba said there’s no shortage of investment options to choose from when implementing a strategy over time, and some will do better than others.

“It’s critically important to keep a longterm perspective when investing for your future,” he said. “If investors make short term, irrational decisions, they risk missing out on the recoveries and can disrupt their

long-term strategy.”

It’s also wise to avoid taking loans against a 401(k) due to the negative longterm implications on one’s nest egg.

your savings rate without disrupting your family’s budget in the short term.”

Kimberly Kropp, financial advisor and partner at Moylan Kropp, said having a

Kropp Dhabalt “Many 401(k) programs have a voluntary escalation feature that allows participants to increase their contribution rate by 1% annually up to a certain rate, recognizing that starting at 10 to 15% on day one may be unrealistic,” Ziemba said.

“This is an ideal way to gradually increase

Meneely McAllister financial adviser figure out risk tolerance at the beginning of the investment horizon and continuing to discuss throughout the years is vital.

“Avoid making emotional decisions,” Kropp said. “The market is emotional. Have an expert on your side to help you through

those times.”

She said it’s also wise to avoid waiting until close to retirement to seek advice.

“You need to know now what you need to save to have the standard of living you want in retirement,” Kropp said. “It is never too early to start a plan.”

Additionally, it’s best to not believe everything on the internet.

“Ask for solid advice from someone you can trust,” Kropp said. “Ask friends and family who they use for advice and seek out a partner sooner than later.”

Rick Dhabalt, financial representative/ investment adviser representative at DC Retirement Strategies, said the key is to create a plan today, with the end goal in sight. It’s also best to increase 401(k) contributions after receiving a merit increase from work.

“For example, a 5% raise means one should increase their 401(k) by 2%, and still net a 3% raise in take-home pay,” he said.

Don’t have knee-jerk reactions to the headlines or what others say.

“Work with a trusted adviser to create a plan and stick to that plan during times of crisis,” Dhabalt said. “Never fear volatile markets. No matter where you are in your retirement strategy, market downturns are great opportunities to buy low, to enhance your long-term goals.”

John Jay Meneely, founder/president at Lifetime Financial Group, said retirement planning should be a consistent, systematic approach.

“First make sure you are taking advantage of your company sponsored retirement plan and maximizing the company’s matching dollars if available,” he said. “Second, your plan should include both growth and income investments.”

Meneely said it’s also important to include risk management into retirement planning.

Teresa McAllister, vice president/senior financial adviser at Lifetime Financial Group, said developing a plan that ensures the unexpected doesn’t derail the future is essential.

“Once you start retirement, the order you liquidate your money can be even more important than how much you have invested,” she said. “Managing distributions based on current economic conditions along with your personal tax situation is critical. Including guaranteed income streams in your planning can help relieve the uncertainties for the future.”

What investing rules apply Continued from page 4.

Centris as an organization boasts its IRA savings account, IRA certificate account (for a higher dividend rate), and its jumbo certificate account characterized as a “competitive IRA account” for those who already have IRA funds saved.

“With so much economic uncertainty and many individuals losing their jobs, people are looking for safety and security,” Wilson said. “These members are placing their funds where the money can be easily accessed.”

In fact, prior to COVID-19 even rearing its society-altering head, the Federal Reserve in its 2018 to May 2019 “Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households” report had noted that almost 40% of adults didn’t have $400 socked away for emergency expenses, such as a major home or car repair.

Investing in Nebraska • Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

Wealth management about more than just money

by Dwain Hebda

Experts say wealth management, while similar to financial planning, is distinctly different in the scope and complexity of financial matters that these high net worth clients face.

“Wealth management covers every facet of our clients’ life,” said Cory Garlock, financial advisor with RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets.

“It is much more inGarlock volved, complex and continuous as clients enter different phases of life.

“When someone becomes more successful, their life gets more complicated. It doesn’t matter if you are a construction worker, engineer or accountant. The industry is also becoming more complicated — new products, changing regulatory landscape, new software. The No. 1 thing our clients ask us to do is simplify their lives. Our goal is to simplify our clients’ lives and equip them to pursue what they are most passionate about. We have designed a process called the G360 process that is comprehensive, dynamic and disciplined.”

RBC’s comprehensive approach addresses pillars of success, among them estate planning and risk management in addition to investment and financial consulting.

“Our process is fluid and dynamic and adapts as life changes,” Garlock said. “There

are parts of the process that aren’t relevant to every client today, but in time, critical life events can occur that can activate the need for you to put the next piece of the puzzle together.”

Polking Egermier Ross Polking, lead advisor - business development with Foster Group, said while clients may have more complex needs, what they seek in a wealth manager are fundamental.

“Clients want a trustworthy partner who they can be fully transparent with,” he said.

“Clients understand, and actually respect, the idea that their adviser doesn’t have all the answers, but knows that they will help them arrive at the very best solutions.”

Polking said Foster Group deploys a team approach to help bring the right expertise to bear on any given situation, enhancing that expertise via continuing education.

“Change is constant,” he said. “Our job is to remain nimble, flexible and proactive with what comes our way.

“But even more important, our job is to be educated and aware of potential impact to our clients, so we can help plan in advance. That

being said, some things within our industry seldom change. We still have to be incredible listeners and ask really good questions. We have to be excellent at extracting and understanding what’s most important to clients and then helping them pursue goals in line with those priorities.”

Certified Financial Planner Mike Egermier of Egermier Group Wealth Consultants, said client needs commonly call for a myriad of

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expertise while still keeping an eye on a fundamental goal.

“The marketplace of offering financial advice is a crowded arena and being labeled as a financial adviser can be a kind of catch-all umbrella,” he said. “The high-net-worth individuals tend to not only be focused on making smart decisions about their money, but also mitigating their taxes, taking care of their heirs and protecting assets from litigation or divorce.”

Egermier said the company has distinguished itself by handling the increasingly Continued on page 10.

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Investing in Nebraska

Investors support entrepreneurs with driving passions

by David Kubicek

Investors recognize that entrepreneurship is difficult, and it’s not for everyone, so they look for entrepreneurs who will pursue their visions relentlessly.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely, exhausting journey — the highs are high, but the lows are equally low, according to Dundee VC Partner Greg Beaufait.

Dundee VC is a venture capital fund focused on leading seed rounds with technology entrepreneurs in the “Mighty Middle”—the region consisting of 25 states in the middle of the U.S., bounded by the Appalachian mountain range on one side and the Rockies on the other.

“What we often look for is what we call ‘founder-market fit’ — is there a rea-

son that this particular founder is starting this business at this time?” Beaufait said.

“If an entrepreneur doesn't have that passion igniting them to build this particular company, if they are enamored with a particular solution instead of focused on solving a specific problem, no matter the right solution, if they are building a business just to make money and not for a specific reason, then it is not for us.

Beaufait There needs to be a clear driving force on those dark days that convinces everyone it is worth it to keep going.”

The firm typically invests $500,000 to $1 million into seed rounds, which is usually the first financing round that a company raises. He noted that Dundee VC believes that the best investor looks more like a founding team member and less like a pure financial partner at the earliest stages.

“We dive in and help our entrepreneurs wherever needed; that can take the form of recruiting key employees, building a strong investment syndicate, working through key strategic decisions, and just being a balancing force on the roller coaster of entrepreneurship — helping lift our founders up on difficult days, and making sure they

stay humble and recognize the work ahead on the best days,” Beaufait said. “The best entrepreneurs are tenacious, intelligent, and at the same time humble, willing to listen to what customers, the market, and employees are saying rather than believing they know everything.”

First Capital Partners provides private equity and mezzanine debt — which is a loan to a company that falls McLeese just behind, or is secondary to, a loan that a bank would provide — to companies with revenues of $10 million to $100 million and operating profits in excess of $2 million, according to Managing Partner David McLeese.

Since it was founded in 2006, the firm has invested over $160 million in 27 companies. It focuses on privately-held manufacturing, business services, and distribution companies across the U.S. “The entrepreneurs we work with are typically looking for a capital provider that adds value to their business in addition to providing money,” McLeese said. “Among other things, we help entrepreneurs refine their business strategy, improve their accounting and reporting, assist with mergers and acquisitions and serve as an Continued on page 12.

Investing in Nebraska • Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

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Ted Kaasch, managing director of Omaha REIA.

Real estate professionals offer investment tips for local market

by Gabby Christensen

Investing in real estate is a thoughtful process, which is why local real estate professionals say it’s critical to enlist the right group of individuals to assist.

According to Aaron Moser, president of Sage Capital Real Estate Investments, investing in real estate takes a tremendous amount of time and patience.

“The first thing that comes to mind, in regards to what to avoid when investing in real estate, is do not overpay for an asset,” Moser said. “This may sound simplistic but

at the moment we are seeing all kinds of investors overpaying for properties. The past three to five years have been a perfect storm of compressed cap rates, historically low interest rates and a robust economy.”

Additionally, he noted too often buyers are buying assets at artificial prices, because they are following the “market” trends, yet the best deals are the ones that are not highly publicized.

“Engage a competent real estate professional, as well as a good real estate Continued on page 12.

New Officer Announcement DeBoer & Associates, PC is pleased to announce a new slate of officers beginning September 1, 2020. Chris Wassenaar has been elected President, Brad Yoder as Vice President and Secretary, and Eryn Stevens as Treasurer.

They are excited to take on their new roles and lead DeBoer & Associates into providing the next generation of CPA services for the firm and its clients.

Chris Wassenaar has been with DeBoer & Associates for 18 years. He will be both the President and Quality Control Partner for the firm, while overseeing the audit & attest work. Chris stated “I am excited for the next chapter at DeBoer & Associates! I look forward to continuing to serve all of our amazing clients. We want to help them navigate the complex areas of tax, accounting, and auditing for the life of their business. Gene and Chery DeBoer have been terrific examples of what it looks like to treat people well and I look forward to this transition even as they continue to step back over the next few years.” Chris is looking forward to leading the firm through character and leadership, as well as working with the staff to develop their skills and exploring opportunities for them at the firm.

Brad Yoder will serve as the Vice President and Secretary for the firm. Brad has been with the firm for a year, and he has 15 years of public accounting experience and 5 years of private experience. He also serves as the Tax Director for the firm and works to help the firm’s clients with tax planning and accounting assistance. He recently led the firm on the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan assistance. Brad plans to enhance the firm’s service lines in the near future to better serve clients in more than tax advisory and accounting. “We are both experts in our profession and information brokers to help our clients be as successful as possible. I want to make sure we provide timely answers to our clients so that they can achieve the best results.”

Eryn Stevens will serve as the Treasurer for the firm. She has been with the firm for 13 years and works to oversee a significant portion of audit & attest work, as well as accounting work. “We understand what our client’s reporting needs are, and we work to ensure that our clients meet their deadlines and work through any problems they have.” Eryn has a commitment to excellence with the firm’s clients and projects. “We don’t accept mediocrity, we want to be the best with everything we do. When we had a random audit by a federal agency of our work, the agency said that our work was very high quality, among the best. That’s how we want to go about our business for our clients.”

The founders Gene and Chery DeBoer started the firm over 30 years ago, and are excited about the transition. “We have been able to establish one of the best CPA firms in Omaha, and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here!” We will continue our involvement with the firm in a part-time capacity and will help to provide our clients with insightful and timely tax, audit and accounting services.

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Investing in Nebraska

Fundamentals of investing help beginners get off to a proper start

by Dwain Hebda

Investing can be complicated, but even the greenest investor can get off to a solid start by paying attention to tried and true fundamentals of planning and saving.

“You don’t need to be Warren Buffet to be secure,” said Laura Beal, lecturer in the University of Nebraska at Omaha Finance Banking and Real Estate Department. “All it takes is looking at your budget to identify the free dollars you can create and setting aside $30, $40, $50 a month, or maybe setting aside $20 every paycheck.”

Beal, who created the UNO College of Business Administration’s Financial Literacy KEES program, said the market newcomer today isn’t much different than the newcomer of yesteryear.

“Students want to know where to start,” she said. “We start off with the basics of creating a budget, what goes into that credit score and how to improve that. Then we talk about ways to free up some excess cash and what to do with that excess cash.”

Ashley Peters, director of the Financial Planning and Applied Finance Institute at Metropolitan Community College, said she advises students to have their current expenses covered before looking

to invest.

“I tell people to first maintain an emergency fund for immediate needs,” she said. “The industry basically says three to six months’ worth of expenses.

You don’t want to have to get into these monies, your investment monies, for

Paul West, managing partner with Carson Wealth, advised to choose carefully.

“There are several qualities new investors should be looking for in a financial adviser,” he said. “First, your adviser needs to be able to communicate with you in common language, to make

Beal Peters short-term immediate needs.”

From there, Peters recommends seeking the help of a professional. Fees are a fact of life, but you should understand what you’re paying for.

“There’s different types of fees depending on what you’re buying,” she said. “Know what you’re paying and why you’re paying it and know that up front.”

Fees aside, the help of the right financial professional is critical to success.

West Foy the complex simple.

“They also need to be a fiduciary, which means they are legally and ethically obligated to make planning decisions in your best interests. Your adviser should provide value beyond a doubt; in other words, is he or she capable of providing value to you based on the complexity of your situation?

They also need to be someone you trust.

And beyond that, your adviser should be backed by a team, not a one-man band, so

they can address the full picture of your financial situation.”

Edward Foy, president and chief investment officer for Foy Financial Services in Lincoln, said research and professional advice will also help the newcomer determine which financial needs to address first and how to leverage opportunities.

“Don't be concerned that you are decades away from retiring; the funds you accumulate in retirement plans are more accessible than you think, under the right circumstances,” he said. “The important thing is that it is tucked away every time you get paid or pay yourself.

Start participating in everything you can, as soon as you can, except long-term care plans and company stock plans. There’s plenty of time for that later.”

Most of all, Foy said, be patient, a skill that many new investors find hard to master.

“The failure to understand investing as a very, very long-term business is a common mistake new investors make,” he said. “Some people just don't have the constitution for long-term stuff. If you are one of them, don't try to be an investor; you will get yourself killed and will lose your stomach for investing your entire life.”

Wealth management

Continued from page 7. complex needs of clients while communicating strategy in a clear, direct manner.

“The more layers of financial planning performed, the more complicated the planning becomes, so strategies for high net worth individuals typically include working with several experts to make sure all the bases are covered,” he said.

“It can be easy to fall into the trap of getting overly technical, so even though our clients are very intelligent by nature, we have found that most prefer to have a straightforward conversation covering key points, and not getting lost in the weeds of industry jargon.”

Investing in Nebraska • Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

Even in volatile times, focus on long-term investments

by Jasmine Heimgartner

Current events, especially a situation like an ongoing pandemic, often creates short-term volatility in the market. The human tendency may be to assume a misbehaving market may continue much farther into the future but staying focused on long-term objectives can make navigating a choppy short-term a little easier.

“Certainly, the stock market has experienced fluctuations Hunt and volatility since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Andrew Hunt, co-founder of Hiley Hunt Wealth Management. “Maybe more important than the fluctuations has been the fear that has been injected into investors who may have never experienced this type of market cycle. There is a significant difference between the stock market and the economy, and we see this now more than ever.

The many stock markets have rebounded so far this year, yet unemployment, job instability and a soft wage environment are all around us.

Investors should be reminded that these types of stock market cycles and divergence of the markets relative to the economy are a common history in investing — not usually because of a pandemic, but shared history, nonetheless.

Investors would do well to remember that historically the period following a downturn in the market can be a lucrative time for investing in equities.”

Even in more stable times, deciding where to invest can seem a bit tricky. Since the future can’t be predicted, approaching investments with a long-term view and understanding one’s comfort level is essential.

“Technology has been the hottest sector,” said Chad Clauser, CFA at Lawson Kroeker.

“There has been a lot of demand for companies that have made working from home a possibility. The other area is IPOs, which is when a private company gets listed on the stock market.

We are seeing momentum and new money chasing IPOs coming into the market. Those overlap a little since a lot of IPOs are tech. When that momentum cycle happens, traditional sectors often get left behind because they may not seem as exciting, but that can often create new opportunities for those.”

For younger professionals just starting their foray into investing, an employee-sponsored 401(k) plan is an easy and affordable option.

“The nature of compounding is that the longer the term you have the better,” Clauser said. “The earlier you start, the longer you have for your invests to compound in a positive way.

The most natural place to start is any type of employer provided plan, like a 401(k), especially since many of those have a match for the first few percentages. Any employer-sponsored plan that has a matching component is a great place to start. In essence, that is free money being provided by an employer and was created that way to encourage employees to save for retirement.”

Different stages of life require different approaches to investing. Experts recommend setting a goal to save a minimum of 15% of pre-tax income for wealth building. Over time,

that should be increased to 20%, 25% or higher depending on the person’s objectives. No matter how much is invested, diversification is essential.

“We believe in investing for the longterm and reducing the volatility of your investments through diversification,” Hunt said. “Because of this we find that risk-tolerance-based investment allocation with broad exposure to all asset sectors and classes is Clauser ideal. One could adjust their allocation to have more or less exposure to any one sector, but we believe that it is prudent to have some exposure to all sectors.”

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12

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal • Investing in Nebraska

Real estate professionals offer investment tips for local market Continued from page 9. attorney to review contracts,” he said. “Too often people engage a friend or family member

who happens to sell real estate to help them, while this person might be excellent in their main line of business, unless it happens to

line up with what you are looking to invest in, ask them for a referral to someone who is a specialist.”

Ted Kaasch, managing director of Omaha Real Estate Investment Association (REIA), said there are many types of real estate investing and each has their own technique.

“The most popular technique is flipping,” Kaasch said.

“You will find that it is very difficult to find a good deal on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) at this time. This is why most Omaha REIA members are looking for off-market deals. These are generally found through off-market wholesalDean ers, other REIA members or Real Estate agents like myself that focus on finding off-market deals.”

When investing, he said it’s important to invest with passion and comfort level in mind.

“Having an agent with investment experience and knowledge is invaluable,” Kaasch said. “Having someone on your side that knows the numbers and the market is key.”

Bob Dean, CEO of Metonic Real Estate Solutions, said diversification of investments is key.

“Investors shouldn’t put all of their eggs in one basket and should instead opt for different markets and different asset classes in order to protect their portfolio from market volatility,” Dean said. “Another thing to remember is that real estate investing is usually for the long term.”

It’s also wise to take a deeper look into the market, neighborhood, the potential work that needs to be done to the asset, as well as the upkeep.

“The great thing about investing in multifamily properties is that investors have the option to work with an investment company that specializes in this area, leaving them with very little to worry about,” he said. “For example, a real estate investment company like Metonic takes care of communication with investors, quarterly financial distributions, asset management, communication with tenants, maintenance and more.”

Dominic Vaccaro, president of real estate at Burlington Capital, said investing in real estate should be part of a diversified portfolio.

“Set clear objectives for your financial Vaccaro goals,” Vaccaro said.

“For example, are you looking for a steady source of recurring income, or are you looking for a property that will generate its return from appreciation over time? Conduct thorough due diligence.”

He noted it is important to understand the factors that will drive both the property’s revenues and expenses.

“Management is important,” Vaccaro said. “Real estate is a 24/7 operation. Having an experienced, local and trustworthy management team is vital to serve both residents and investors.”

Investors support

Continued from page 8. adviser where we can share best practices that we’ve learned from working with many other companies. We often serve on the board of directors of the companies where we make an investment.”

Some key factors the firm looks for in an entrepreneur are experience, track record of success, strong leadership and team building skills, and a focus on continuous improvement. One reason First Capital Partners may choose not to partner with an entrepreneur is if the business may not fit the firm’s investment criteria for its industry and financial profile.

“Many smaller companies are built by entrepreneurs that do not have a large management team, and they are accustomed to doing many of the key functions themselves,” McLeese said. “We often get involved when growth gets beyond what an entrepreneur can handle on their own and they need assistance with how to further grow the business.”

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Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

American Machine Works melds history with growth plans Continued from page 1. been certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the Colorado-based National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Weeks-Espinosa said the earned minority designation will enhance growth opportunities for American Machine Works, as it partners with industries “to keep their production lines moving.”

One of the largest customers is Kelloggs.

“We help them with the design and manufacture of parts like grinders and extruders that improve efficiency and minimize waste,” she said.

American Machine Works, located in a 20,000-square-foot facility at 803 S. 20th St., moved into its current building in 2006. Offices were remodeled in 2018 — it was the first of a multi-phase improvement project that will include an investment of $300,000 to $500,000 for four or five new CNC machines within the next 12 months, Espinosa said.

“The average age of our equipment is about 50 years, including a pre-World War I drill press,” he said.

The Espinosas believe their capital investment will speed up job turnaround by 20% to 30% in time saved while taking the load off other equipment that is sometimes stressed in scheduling bottlenecks.

Two new positions are being created: a national sales specialist and an international sales director who will be based in Latin America.

While American Machine Works has maintained longstanding relationships with many of its 110 customers, the Kelloggs association can be traced back to at least 1954 and service to the cereal maker’s plants in the U.S., Mexico, Sydney, Australia, and elsewhere. Espinosa said other opportunities abroad

are available.

Weeks-Espinosa said the Omaha firm is eyeing expansion into Latin America, especially in food processing. Within the U.S., opportunities are being identified in the energy sector, mining, baking/milling, and winemaking, among others.

Attendance at a recent International Manufacturing and Technology Show in Chicago helped the Omaha couple identify “common denominators” and make industry connections.

The latter can be important when their national sales rep needs to follow leads in finding used machining equipment that can be repaired and returned to productive use.

Major players on American Machine Works’ customer list include Lozier Corp., Cargill, Calgon Carbon, NRG Energy, Standard Iron & Wire Works, Eaton, Valmont Industries, Kiewit Corp., MUD and Tyson, among others.

For Seward-based Hughes Brothers, American Machine Works makes hardware for the electrical utility industry.

Projects for a variety of customers include tools, dies, machining, milling, stamping, repairs, fabrication and custom work. Materials commonly worked with include varying types of mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze and UHMW. A significant share of American Machine Works’ revenues over the years have come from custom design and fabrication projects.

“Our team can take your idea from concept to operation or any level in between,” Espinosa said.

“We assist the customer’s engineering department with ideas and finished assemblies.”

For example, Bob Cohn, a former owner of American Machine Works, founded a separate corporation for one of his inventions. The packag-

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

Topics may include: Franchising trends Tips to starting a franchise safely in current economy Experts offer advice on expanding a franchise concept Issue Date: November 6 • Ad Deadline: October 27 To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising at karla@mbj.com.

ing machine, which applies wax paper and seals cooked bacon is still used in plants.

“We still make parts for the machines still in use by bacon plants,” he said.

An existing machine can be modified to achieve gains in production, maintenance and safety.

The Espinosas, who married in 2017, said several of their customers have an in-house maintenance team that can send them a drawing of a part, perhaps a washer or a sprocket, to be made.

With a purchase order for two of each item, one is shipped immediately and the other is stored in American Machine Works’ warehouse for future use by the customer.

“We become their parts supplier,” Espinosa said.

Time is tight when a customer’s machine or production line is down.

The co-owners are assembling a file of “war stories” where their firm has had to go the extra-mile for customers. For a Mississippi carbon company, it involved a chartered plane for six that flew the part down the very next day for what became almost a weeklong installation and testing.

“We’ve gotten 1 a.m. calls at home from Kelloggs plants when parts have failed,” Weeks-Espinosa said. “Much of the success of our business is in our parts that are going to function as they need to.”

Sometimes crews of from two-to-four people assemble and deliver mobile equipment for use during a breakdown while repairs are being made.

American Machine Works benefits from stable employee ranks. Its senior employee is machinist Dennis Brightwell who joined the firm in 1988 and who is working for the third ownership group.

The newest of the machinists has five

13

years seniority.

While 40 hours is required of workers, each employee is allowed to have some flexibility in selecting and modifying their work hours to accommodate family and other needs. An enhanced benefit package enables those with seven years seniority to get four weeks of vacation.

Still, a shortage of trained machinists remains. By working closely with two community colleges, American Machine Works operates an apprenticeship program customized to its needs.

Space is also anticipated to become scarce as American Machine Works continues to increase its business volume. The firm is landlocked at its current site, which formerly housed Motion Industries. Ideally, the co-owners would like to relocate the business within a two-block radius of its current location.

The business suffered two major fires during its earlier years, but with each relocation it has remained downtown.

Espinosa credits his wife’s office management skills and sharp eye for processes with being important to the operation of the firm; Weeks-Espinosa said her husband’s analysis of the organization, its job flow and equipment performance has made huge improvements to the business.

Weeks-Espinosa cites one of American Machine Works long-time customers, Baum Hydraulics, another turn-of-the-century Omaha firm that provided settlers moving west with horse shoes, anvils, wooden spokes on wagons and buck boards with being an inspiration of sorts and a model to longevity.

“What’s been passed down to us is that we are stewards of something bigger,” she said. “We are the fifth stewards of American Machine Works — another great company — and we take that privilege very seriously.”

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Got stamps? Pandemic is fueling a boom in greeting card sales and some are pretty cheeky

by Katie Surma

Early this year, Lynda Junge watched her Downers Grove, Ill., wedding invitation business grind to a halt as the coronavirus pandemic caused couples to postpone their nuptials.

On a whim, she designed a handful of Mother’s Day cards for her business, Greenstar Paperie, riffing on social-distancing and other related themes. She Trends posted the cards to the online marketplace Etsy and started hearing cash register-like notifications on her smartphone.

“They went off like crazy,” she said.

Among her bestsellers are cards that say, “Hi friend, this is your snail mail sanity check.

You good?” and “Waving from a safe distance.

It’s just not the same over Zoom.”

Junge, 41, is expecting an even bigger boom heading into the holiday season as people socially distanced from friends and family look to connect during the emotional roller coaster that is 2020.

A July study by the online photo company Shutterfly found the number of people buying holiday cards this year is expected to increase by 7% compared with last year, and that about a third of consumers plan to send more holiday cards this year than last year.

Chicago-based Paper Source said customers are shopping for holiday cards earlier, with some requesting them as early as September. Etsy saw a 23% increase in searches for holiday cards last month compared with September of last year.

It’s a welcome turnaround for the $7 billion greeting card industry, which has been on the decline in recent years. Last year, Americans sent about half as many greeting cards in the mail compared with a decade earlier, according to U.S. Post Office data. That’s in part because of the rise of digital alternatives like email, social media and companies that publish photo cards online, like Shutterfly, according to research firm IBISWorld.

But the coronavirus has given an unexpected boost to the industry, with online sales soaring and increased demand from affluent shoppers.

Cardmakers expect higher-than-normal sales during the holidays as people shelter at home with more time on their hands to write and send cards, said George White, president of the Greeting Card Association.

“This could be a powerful moment for our industry,” White said, referring to the pandemic. “Greeting cards have a unique ability to forge connections.”

Many of those holiday card sales will happen online this year. Even before the pandemic, the way customers shop for greeting cards started to shift away from bricks-and-mortar stores and into e-commerce. The advent of online marketplaces like Amazon and Faire. com kick-started the shift to online card buying and in 2019, retailers like CVS Pharmacy and Walmart started giving less space in stores to greeting cards. As with other consumer goods, the virus accelerated the trend, and card retailers set up for online sales, pickup and delivery capitalized on the shift.

From April to June, Paper Source, whose 135 stores were affected by government shutdown orders, saw sales of greeting cards from its website increase tenfold compared with the same time period last year, according to CEO Winnie Park.

Hallmark’s chief marketing officer,

Greeting cards on display and for sale at Greenstar Paperie in Downers Grove, Illinois. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/TNS) Lindsey Roy, said business from hallmark. know what to say.” com increased threefold this year, which “People are afraid of saying something Roy attributed to demand for greeting cards. wrong and it prevents people from actually Hallmark, a privately held company that also reaching out and showing up,” McDowell sells small gifts, ornaments and home decor, said. “Cards are an opportunity to start a declined to disclose sales data. conversation and to connect at this time when Roy said the company’s market research we’re at our lowest and our loneliest.” shows people are gravitating toward buying Chicagoan Cat Hildner, who owns the oncards that reference connection, encourageline card boutique Kitty Meow, said her sales ment and gratitude — themes connected to jumped starting in March and have remained the pandemic. Paper Source also saw a large high. She credits her success to the presence increase in purchases of cards in those cateshe’s built on social media platforms Pinterest gories, according to Park. and Instagram, where she forges personal Emily McDowell, who sells her Emily connections with customers.

McDowell & Friends greeting cards through “I think giving people the opportunity to Paper Source and Chicago’s Foursided stores, get to know me, the person behind the small knows it’s difficult to find the right words to business, really, really helped sales,” said say to someone who has lost their job, a loved Hildner, 35. one or their source of community. She built One of Hildner’s coronavirus-themed her business around making sure people who cards says, “You’re essential every day. But don’t know what to say to a grieving friend especially this holiday season.” can find a way to connect.

Cardmakers set up for online commerce McDowell’s cards contain empathetic that cater to wealthier markets have fared the messages like, “No card can make this better. best. Those customers tend to shop at specialty But I’m giving you one anyway,” and “I’m stores and seek out cards with unique mesreally sorry I haven’t been in touch. I didn’t sages, which generally sell at higher prices.

Those markets are better able to weather economic downturns, which is a competitive advantage, said Kevin Kennedy, an analyst for IBISWorld.

Greeting cards range in price from 50 cents to more than $10, according to the Greeting Card Association. Most cards found in grocery and drugstores range between $2 and $4.

Searches for greeting cards on Etsy, where Junge’s cards sell for $5 to $7, have jumped 73% over the last three months compared with the same period last year.

Paper Source, where cards sell for about $5 to $12, bills itself as a lifestyle brand, curating cards from independent card makers.

That’s appealing for the demographic that spends more money on greeting cards than any other: millennials. Members of that group are more likely to opt for specialty goods than mass market brands, according to a McKinsey consumer study.

Park said the company’s overall greeting card sales, including in-store purchases, will reach $16 million this year, with income from online sales offsetting declines from the coronavirus’ effect on its bricks-and-mortar stores.

But while some card sellers have gotten a boost from the pandemic, much of the industry has experienced significant declines, according to Kennedy. He said revenue for greeting cards and related products declined 18.4% during the second quarter at the height of the pandemic, compared with last year.

In July, Hallmark announced plans to lay off 120 workers. In the same month, The Paper Store, which is a Hallmark partner and part of its Gold Crown stores, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the impact of the coronavirus on its bricks-and-mortar stores.

Todd Mack, who owns Foursided, a greeting card and picture framing shop, said sales from his four Chicago-area stores dropped close to 95% during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, with scant online purchases coming in, mostly for empathy-themed greeting cards.

“Thankfully, the human need is to still send cards to loved ones regardless of the current state of the pandemic,” said Mack, who reopened his store in late May. “Greeting cards continue to be the little rent payers of our businesses.”

Mack said as of September, card sales have come back to about the same level they were last year, but restrictions on how many people can enter the store and an unwillingness to shop in person are a challenge.

Although a number of locally owned shops near Foursided’s flagship location in the Andersonville neighborhood have closed under the strain of the pandemic, Mack said he has no plans to close and will “suffer through it at all costs.”

Paper Source, boosted by enormous online growth early in the pandemic, has no plans to close its bricks-and-mortar operations despite acquiring 27 stores from bankrupt greeting card and gift retailer Papyrus right before the pandemic. Park said 21 of those locations have been converted to Paper Source stores with the remainder opening by the end of October.

Still, the company has made adjustments like imposing pay cuts and reducing in-store staff.

“We’re just trying to survive this period and the down cycle in business because of COVID,” Park said. ©2020 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

How the office will change when everyone’s back

by Justin Fox

I’m writing these words at my desk in a large open-plan office in midtown Manhattan. Bold, no?

OK, not that bold. The office is mostly empty, and I can get Workplace here easily by bike.

Plus, hardly anybody in New York City has Covid-19 right now.

That may be changing, but for the moment the risks of going in to work seem quite low.

As for the rewards, well, on my three SUPER CROSSWORD

days in the office over the past couple of weeks I’ve gotten to see a few familiar faces, albeit mostly covered by masks. I’ve had not one but two in-person conversations with my boss. I’ve enjoyed the free snacks and lunch that my employer provides. (As internal Facebook communications recently leaked to the Verge reveal, I am not the only person in corporate America who has been missing them.) I have also appreciated sitting at a nice big desk staring at two nice big computer screens and using an in-house CITY SCRAMBLE

chart-making app that doesn’t work quite so seamlessly from home (I really like to make charts). The change of scenery is worth something, too. I don’t think that overall I’m more productive at the office than at home (note: I do not have small children), but switching to one location after a long time at the other does seem to have a positive effect. Getting home from work in the evenings feels surprisingly rewarding, too.

Then again, I am writing these words in my home office, which is equipped with an adjustable desk and a big computer screen (although not two) that I did not possess in March. Before then I worked from home an average of a little under one day a week.

Post-pandemic I’m guessing two days a week will be my norm (and I’m not the only one). The office is great for some things, but the saved commuting time and ability to focus at home are worth a lot. I also have a big home library that I often consult for work, and there’s a far bigger library a few blocks away that is currently off limits but presumably won’t be forever.

These are of course the considerations of someone whose employer allows him the flexibility to work at home. But all indications are that far more American white-collar workers will be given such choices post-pandemic than were before — and given the estimated 60 million commuting hours a day they have been saving by not going in, a lot more will take advantage of them. The potential consequences of this shift have of course been discussed for months now, but my return-to-the-office experiences have gotten me thinking a little harder about how things might play out.

Many of the key questions revolve around what exactly offices are for. In an interview published in the Harvard Busi-

15

ness Review in July, workspace researcher Jennifer Magnolfi Astill offered a helpful taxonomy of the “four primary work modes of an office”: —Focus —Socialization —Collaboration —Learning Right now, midtown-Manhattan offices are pretty great for hunkering down and getting stuff done — focus — but that’s partly because nobody else is there. Going into an office does help a lot in delineating between work and personal life, but the advantages of big modern open-plan offices over home in enabling focused work can seem pretty modest (and depend a lot on one’s home circumstances). Then again, focused work is hard everywhere these days: I am reminded of a years-ago interview with technology researcher Clay Shirky in which he described staying on a New York City subway train through 32 stops in order to finish a project without distraction.

The other three work modes all require connection with other people. A lot of collaboration in large organizations was already occurring across cities and continents before the pandemic, and the past six months have made clear that almost all such work can be accomplished virtually, at least for a while.

Socialization and learning, though, are much harder to do all-online. In-person seems clearly better for training new employees, building and maintaining a corporate culture, and just having colleagues get to know one another well enough to be able to work together effectively. Yes, there are companies that have managed to do all these things for years in entirely dispersed fashion, and I imagine there will be more of them in the future. But I don’t think most organizations are ready for this, meaning that they’ll still need spaces where employees congregate Continued on next page.

Contractor Solutions debuts industry innovations, grows by supporting underground utility safety

Answers on page 16.

Continued from page 2. opening for Nebraska. So, it seemed like the perfect time to open the second location.”

Additionally, one of Contractor Solutions’ customers offered to lease some land north of the Omaha airport, Hehr said, to keep costs down until they were able to move over to the current Gretna location.

“The first two to three years were challenging; however, we have a great team in place that has continued to grow market share,” Hehr said.

Led by Branch Manager Matt Kelly, the local office serves Nebraska and western Iowa, while its main office in Des Moines covers the rest of its neighbors to the west.

“We have our own trucks for transportation, so being only two hours away also helps with moving equipment back and forth,” he said. “We can share different specialty trench boxes or equipment between both locations.”

Regardless of where the team resides, Hehr indicated they take the “customer-first” mantra seriously.

“If the customer tells us what they need or want, we will try to bring it in or find it,” Hehr said.

For instance, as they have grown in the Omaha market, Contractor Solutions has consistently brought in new equipment from vendors.

“Or we are able to pull equipment from

our Des Moines location,” he said.

The aforementioned safety training has also grown “immensely” over the past three years.

“Between both locations, we normally train over 500 people per year,” Hehr said.

For example, sessions range from Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour and 30-hour construction courses, to CPR and first aid training, as well as specialized excavation trench and confined space entry training.

“As a Thompson Pump dealer in Omaha and Des Moines, we are constantly adding to our dewatering fleet and trying to help out with dewatering projects,” he added.

Also, during the summers, the business puts on “toolbox talks” that explore safety in partnership with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) of Nebraska and Iowa.

“We hit approximately 50 to 60 jobsites in seven to 10 days, offering free safety training to utility contractors,” Hehr said.

Hehr indicated the pandemic hasn’t required a dramatic shift in its operations.

“We don’t have a lot of walk-in traffic; however, we have incorporated the social distancing,” he said. “Also, the customer doesn’t have to come into the store. They are able to call ahead and they can stay in their vehicle if they wish to do so. We are trying to be proactive during this time of uncertainty.”

16

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

Pitney Bowes, turning 100, shifts to ecommerce as its trusted postage meter recedes into the past

by Stephen Singer

Pitney Bowes Inc., known for its postage meter that was a staple in the pre-digital age, turns 100 this year, just in time to prove it knows how to make money in ecommerce.

In the April-June quarter, the Stamford company’s shipping-related revenue was $398 million, or 51% of total Business sales, the first time most of its revenue was not from its mail metering business. The ecommerce business segment, established eight years ago, processed 82 million packages in the quarter.

Pitney Bowes’ work in ecommerce is to label and process items ordered online and ship them to consumers using the U.S. Postal Service.

The good news about its ecommerce business could not overshadow the $3.3 million loss Pitney Bowes posted in the quarter, with half due to COVID-related costs, or its announcement that due to the “continued level of uncertainty around the depth and duration of COVID-19” it suspended 2020 annual financial guidance.

Ecommerce — online commercial transactions such as retail purchases that are routed to warehouses and sorting centers before delivery

to the customer — has increased to 27% of total industry retail sales in the U.S., from 16% in 2019, Chief Financial Officer Stan Sutula told industry analysts last summer.

“Global ecommerce is a billion dollar-plus business,” said Gregg Zegras, executive vice president and president of global ecommerce at Pitney Bowes. “It’s been quite a fast ride.”

Pitney Bowes, which processes 17 billion pieces of mail a year, is capitalizing on a surge that’s lifting giants such as Amazon and other internet sellers popular with customers increasingly buying online while avoiding stores and malls where the coronavirus could spread.

Moody’s Investors Service said in May the transition to higher growth shipping is “strategically favorable over the long term given the growth potential in ecommerce,” particularly in comparison with declining mail volume.

But more time and investment will be required to achieve “targeted scale and profit margins,” the ratings agency said in its note.

David Souder, an associate professor of management at the University of Connecticut, said Pitney Bowes has succeeded because it stayed close to the evolution of its original business.

“Pitney Bowes would not make it 100

years if it had not evolved,” he said. “It certainly wasn’t smooth.”

Unlike companies with one durable product, Pitney Bowes had to adapt in the 20th and 21st centuries to technological change that has altered shipping, retail, mailing and printing.

“Coca Cola can do a lot of other things, but they still put cola in red cans and put it out there,” Souder said.

Beginning as a postal meter company in 1920, Pitney Bowes shifted to making sorters that separate letters by postal codes, wrote and sold software for businesses to post mail, ship packages and track where those packages have landed.

Pitney Bowes once competed with Xerox Corp. with its own copier division and tabletop office copier, acquired Dictaphone and entered the fax machine business.

Its postal meter is now SendPro, an online tool to calculate and buy postage and print postage stamps and shipping labels.

Pitney Bowes’ entry into ecommerce began in 2012 with eBay, a client of the shipping, mailing and data company and focused on “cross-border” shipping that Zegras said was complicated.

“How do you get the consumer in Ger-

No-reservation diners are restaurants’ latest problem amid COVID

by Carolina Gonzalez

Restaurants are already struggling to navigate coronavirus outbreaks and economic shutdowns. Flaky customers aren’t making things any easier.

Restaurants Amid the pandemic’s uncertainty, U.S. diners are dashing out for a bite in the spur of the moment, instead of the pre-pandemic ritual of a scheduled date night or lunch with a friend.

Data from OpenTable, a platform to make reservations, shows that fewer people are reserving tables more than a week in advance than they were a year ago.

That creates a tangible headache for restaurants, particularly in the dining mecca of New York, home to many of the world’s best-reviewed — and expensive — restaurants.

The industry can no longer rely on bookings, along with historical data, to plan their kitchen inventories.

“Most restaurants are doing walkups instead of reservations,” said Nima Garos, co-owner of the New York’s Jajaja Plantas Mexicana and Gelso & Grand restaurants. The city’s dining experience has become “very casual and on the fly and I think that has translated greatly into people’s trends in reservations.”

Garos said his restaurants now order less food than when they first opened following the pandemic lockdown; this prevents fresh food from going bad and prevents further losses. But now he faces an increased risk of not being able to keep up with demand.

OpenTable has previously estimated that 25% of U.S. restaurants may go out of business due to the pandemic’s impact, as consumers opt to make their food at home and social distancing rules place new limits on sales.

To encourage diners with reservations to keep them, some restaurants have started charging fees when diners cancel or fail to show up.

Roland Seeman, who owns the Balade Mediterranean restaurant in Manhattan, said he’s not a fan of cancellation fees. “But now with the pandemic and what’s going on, I have no other choice,” he said. He’s currently mulling whether a $15 to $20 charge would deter last-minute

cancellations and no-shows.

Mark Fox, president of Fox Lifestyle Hospitality Group, is also turning to cancellation fees to discourage no shows. The company, which operates the White Oak Tavern and Sapien Foods in Manhattan, is preparing to start charging a fee of up to $25 for indoor tables when eaters flake.

“If a reservation is a no-show, there’s poten-

How the office will change Continued from preceding page. regularly — AKA offices.

Still, if lots more employees are working from home or some other remote location two or more days a week, some things about these offices will have to change. One possibility is that employers will try to shrink their real estate footprints by turning to hot-desking, a practice already established at consulting firms and some other big companies in which one has no permanent personal workspace and just takes whatever desk is available. My London-based Bloomberg Opinion colleague Chris Hughes argues that in most cases this is a false economy that will cost more in lost worker morale than it gains in rent savings, but as someone who has effectively hot-desked his way around Bloomberg offices in multiple cities in the U.S. and abroad and gotten a lot of it, I do think there are ways to structure the practice that aren’t so alienating (but also less likely to result in big space savings).

Another challenge will be how to maximize the opportunities for in-office socialization, learning and collaboration when much of your workforce is only intermittently there. Do you have everybody come in on certain days? Impose a rotating schedule for different divisions and teams? Have lots and lots of offsites? Or just rent a big meeting space every couple of weeks?

Offices aren’t going away, and they shouldn’t. But they are going to face more competition than they used to, and employers will need to think harder about the purposes they serve. ©2020 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

tial that the table is sitting naked for perhaps an hour, and we might have refused two or three parties of walk-ins based on the expectation that guest will arrive,” he said. Walk-ins have helped to compensate for reservation no-shows this summer.

Tracking Behavior To give restaurant owners a little more Continued on page 25.

many and Japan to buy online from eBay in the U.S.? How does that handshake work?” he said.

The business partnership focuses on providing a secure and easy way for U.S.-based eBay sellers to “sell internationally and ship domestically” through eBay’s Global Shipping Program powered by Pitney Bowes technology and logistics services.

The rules and regulations of shipping parcels are part of “that capability we had under our hood,” leading to Pitney Bowes’ ecommerce business, Zegras said.

“We made a very complex transaction look easy,” he said.

When the pandemic struck in February and March, Pitney Bowes, which operates 18 parcel processing facilities, had to acquire personal protective equipment and “build from the ground up” defenses against the lethal virus, Zegras said.

Investors appear to like its performance, more than doubling Pitney Bowes’ share price since March when the coronavirus approached.

Pitney Bowes’ role in growing ecommerce is to label and process items ordered online and ship it to the consumer using the U.S. Postal Service. Zegras acknowledged the challenges facing the postal service and complaints about the pace of delivery.

“The entire marketplace of which USPS is a participant is dealing with the same record level of volume,” he said. “Everyone is working through capacity. The surge in demand has created an overall slowdown in the market. No company is immune to that.” ©2020 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 15.

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 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 INCORPORATION OF KJF HOLDINGS, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is KJF Holdings, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 Shares having a par value of $1.00 each.

3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on September 28, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Teresa Beaufait, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SEELHOFF & ASSOCIATES, LLC Notice is hereby given that SEELHOFF & ASSOCIATES, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Darren R. Carlson, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is 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 30, 2020, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Manager Managed Limited Liability Company. The initial Manager of the Company is Janet K. Seelhoff whose address is 450 Regency Parkway, Ste. 340, Omaha, NE 68114. Darren R. Carlson, Organizer First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF REKSUH DISMAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Reksuh Sandy Pointe, 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 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF JAMAICA INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPAND ORGANIZATION OF JAMAICA INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jamaica Investment Partnership has been converted into Jamaica Investment Partnership, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 11030 O Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Office of the company 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. The conversion of the general partnership into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 30, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 201 S. 16TH STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 201 S. 16th Street, 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, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130 Notice of Amendment – WRP ENTERPRISES, LLC Notice is given that on October 2, 2020, WRP ENTERPRISES, LLC, filed an amendment to its certificate of organization. The amendment stated the Company is to be managed by the Manager of the Company.

The Manager is Teresa A. Pfeiffer, 2904 B Road, Avoca, NE 68307. In all other respects the original certificate of organization remains unchanged.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

SCHMIT LAW FIRM, LLC 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 3 Papillion, Nebraska 68046 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAINE EVENTS CO., LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MAINE EVENTS CO., LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized, including but not limited to event planning. Its duration is perpetual commencing September 9, 2020. Its Registered Agent is Angela Schmit, Schmit Law Firm, LLC, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, Nebraska 68046.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

SCHMIT LAW FIRM, LLC 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 3 Papillion, Nebraska 68046 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ABBY’S CORNER, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ABBY’S CORNER, INC. has been organized as a public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office at 134 N. Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a public benefit corporation may be organized, including but not limited to a faith-based thrift shop. Its duration is perpetual commencing from August 27, 2020. Its Registered Agent is Angela Schmit, Schmit Law Firm, LLC, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, NE 68046.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

DANA ROCHE, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 222 S. 15TH STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 222 S. 15th Street, 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, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LEHOME RENTAL, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the Company is 11579 Rambleridge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent of the Company is Hannah Le, 11581 Rambleridge Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Company was formed on October 5, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KiSS Transport, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 10130 Grand Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The registered agent of the Company is Kyle Sheppard, 10130 Grand Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Company was formed on October 2, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

17

MATTHEW G. DUNNING, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RESTORATION STATION LLC Notice is hereby given that RESTORATION STATION LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 9663 "V" Plaza, Apt 43, Omaha, NE 68127. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

1. The name of the corporation is DR. SWIRCZEK DDS, PC. 2. The address of the registered office is 4879 S 132nd Ave, Omaha NE 68137, and the initial registered agent at the address is Cynthia Breasch.

3. The general nature of business is to provide dentistry services, and, in general, any type of service ancillary thereto, and to do business which is not forbidden by the laws of the State of Nebraska.

4. The authorized capital stock of the corporation is 10,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $1.00 per share, each of which may be issued for any medium permissible under the laws of the State of Nebraska and as is determined from time-to-time by the Board of Directors.

5. The corporation commenced existence on August 20, 2020 and shall have perpetual existence.

6. The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be chosen by the Board of Directors.

Holly Swirczek Incorporator First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020 SCUDDER LAW FIRM, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 411 S. 13th Street, Second Floor Lincoln, NE 68508 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for L Street Property Partners, LLC, with its initial designated office at 1125 S 103RD St., STE 800, Omaha, NE 68124. The registered agent and address for service of process is: Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., located at 1125 S 103RD St., STE 800, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KELVIN E TOLSTON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 05/18/2020 on Case Number CI20-9471, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $ 211.61, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before

11/23/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 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: ISSAK HUSSEIN aka Hussein Issak, 3306 Madison St, Omaha NE 68107, you are hereby notified that on August 5, 2020, Allstate Insurance Company filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-14012, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $13,579.69, 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 30th day of November, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 30, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Opportunities, 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 Andrew P. Deaver, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

18

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES 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 FAB PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the Company is FAB Properties, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 11826 North 178th Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. 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 October 6, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLDU, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is LLDU, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 28018 Heron Circle, Valley, NE 68064.

Brian Urban and Robert Urban, Member First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 ARBOR CARE CENTERS ORD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Arbor Care Centers – Ord, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kenneth W. Klaasmeyer, 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022.

The limited liability company commenced business on October 5, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 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: ADOLFO A LOZANO, 7910 Blondo St. Apt 20, Omaha NE 68134, you are hereby notified that on July 21, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-13075, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,070.03, 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 30th day of November, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 30, 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 TELEGRAPH LOFTS WEST, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Telegraph Lofts West, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 121 S 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. 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 October 5, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney THOMAS H. PENKE, P.C., L.L.O. 12010 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 20-1507 Estate of CELESTE M. MICEK, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on 2 day of October, 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 MICHAEL A. MICEK, whose address is 2429 Southern Hills Drive, Keller, Texas 76248, was informally 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 16, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

Notice Of Organization Of Axe Building Services, LLC Notice is hereby given that Axe Building Services, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office address of the Company is 1125 S. 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144. The registered agent of the Company is Philip S. Murante, whose mailing address is 1125 S. 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 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 TLCB, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, with and into AF Holdings, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 2, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The merger was effective as of October 2, 2020. The surviving entity in the merger was AF Holdings, Inc., a Nebraska Corporation.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

SAMUEL J. TURCO, SR., Attorney at Law 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, NE 68124 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR 20-1495 Estate of DONALD G. SKADELAND, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 30, 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 DEAN RAY SKADELAND, whose address is 8235 NW Birch LN, Kansas City, MO 64151, was informally 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 beforeDecember 16, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 ARBOR CARE REALTY - ORD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Arbor Care Realty – Ord, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Kenneth W. Klaasmeyer, 18807 Sahler Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The limited liability company commenced business on October 5, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GOLF ALCHEMY, USA, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is GOLF ALCHEMY, USA, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

The designated office is located at 18407 C Street, Omaha, NE 68130.

Scott Dannehl, Organizer First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that TNC LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. Thomas H. Penke is the incorporator and the registered agent. The incorporator’s address and the address of the registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is BLT Trucking, LLC. The name of its initial agent for service of process is Brian Hoffman. The street and mailing address of its initial designated office and of its initial agent for service of process is 84956 565th Avenue, Winside, Nebraska 68790. The Company is not organized to render a professional service. /s/ Joseph J. Skudlarek, Organizer First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF MERGER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Merger merging ZOMD, Inc., a Nebraska corporation into ZO Skin Health, Inc., a California corporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 30, 2020, in accordance with the Nebraska New Model Business Corporation Act. The surviving entity in the merger is ZO Skin Health, Inc. First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FREEBIRD FLOCK, 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 Freebird Flock, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 3443 Pershing Road, Lincoln, NE 68502. 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 October 2, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

KARINE E. SOKPOH, Attorney SOKPOH LAW GROUP 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 247 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LOZAFINA, LLC Notice is hereby given that LOZAFINA, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 1206 S 138th Street, Omaha, NE 68144. 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 30th, 2020. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Josefina Loza. Its registered agent is Josefina Loza and her office is located at 1206 S 138th Street, Omaha, NE 68144.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WHITMORE REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Whitmore Real Estate, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 2514 S. 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144 and designating its registered agent as Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C. with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STLLP GENERAL PARTNER, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of STLLP General Partner, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is STLLP General Partner, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 209 South 19th Street, Suite 150, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020 LAWRENCE F. HARR, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF SUMMIT SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Summit Specialty Insurance Company. The Articles of Incorporation are on file with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of common stock of $1.00 par value per share.

The address of the corporation’s principal office is 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3800, Omaha, NE 68102. The name and street address of the corporation’s registered agent and office is Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The incorporators are Patrick G. Vipond, Craig F. Martin, Andrew J. Huber, Andrew R. Wilkinson, and Lawrence F. Harr, located at 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RELAX LAKE LIVING, 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 Relax Lake Living, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 18608 Vinton 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 is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on October 6, 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 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that MNB LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. The incorporator and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke and the incorporator’s address and the address of the registered office is located at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Notice is hereby given that MNC LOGISTICS, INC., has incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Authorized capital is 10,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. Thomas H. Penke is the incorporator and the registered agent. The incorporator’s address and the address of the registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DOMESTICATION OF CUPID’S MIDWEST MATCHMAKERS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cupid’s Midwest Matchmakers, Inc. has domesticated to the State of Nebraska from the State of Nevada. The name of the Corporation will be Nebraska Expert Matchmakers, Inc. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $1.00 each. 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. The domestication was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Domestication with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 2, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

KATHRYN J. DERR, Attorney BERKSHIRE & BURMEISTER 1301 South 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JA BARRETT LAND COMPANY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JA BARRETT LAND COMPANY, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 1301 s 75th Street, Ste. 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered office of the Company is 1301 S 75th St. Ste. 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the agent at such office is Kathryn J. Derr. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by a limited liability company organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced operations on September 29, 2020, and shall have a perpetual duration.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF APOGEE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Apogee, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

The Registered Agent of the Company is Jaime Suarez Delgado, 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 QUANTIFY ROI LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Quantify ROI LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The registered agent is KENNETH GORDMAN and the address of its registered office is 13520 Discovery Dr., Ste. 221, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The purposes for which the Company is organized are to engage in any and all lawful businesses for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska including but not limited to sales, marketing and distribution.

The Company commenced on the 25th day of August, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members and/or Managers as set forth in the terms of the company’s Operating Agreement from time to time. The Company shall be managed by one (1) manager, KENNETH GORDMAN, whose address is 13520 Discovery Drive, Ste. 221, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC. 2. The period of duration for CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC is perpetual.

3. CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC in Nebraska is 4305 Barker Ave, Omaha, NE 68105.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC in Nebraska is Cynthia Breasch, 4879 S 132nd Ave, Omaha NE 68137.

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

7. Holly Swirczek, organizer(s) of CRAFTSMAN ENTERPRISES LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 19st Day of August 2020 .

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 M & S Binfield, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 8, 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 Members. The Manager will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against M & S Binfield, 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 Kurt F. Tjaden, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

A claim against against M & S Binfield, 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 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ORBITAL GLOBAL MEDIA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Orbital Global Media, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jaime Suarez Delgado, 13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HENNINGS ACRES, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Hennings Acres, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Hennings Acres, Inc. 2. The number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock.

3. The name of the initial registered agent is Patrick M. Flood, 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 Patrick M. Flood, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

5. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Corporation is to own and manage farm ground and operations and any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated in Nebraska.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

19

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF MERGER Notice is hereby given that Rogers Construction, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, has merged with Rogers Development, Inc., a Nebraska corporation. Effective October 2, 2020, Rogers Development, Inc. succeeded to all rights and interests, and all debts and liabilities of Rogers Construction, Inc. in accordance with the Articles of Merger which have been filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska. The surviving corporation is Rogers Development, Inc. First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020 AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEAVER PROPERTIES LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of WEAVER PROPERTIES LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) has been amended (i) to change the name of the Company to DREAM 2020, LLC; (ii) to change the street and mailing of address of the designated office to 659 North 63rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132; and (iii) to change the name and mailing address of the Registered Agent to Jeff Ferris, 659 North 63rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on October 6, 2020. In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

WAYNE S. RASMUSSEN, Attorney SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF KW EQUITY PARTNERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 8, 2020, the Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company for KW Equity Partners, LLC was amended by action of Kirk L. Meisinger, the Company’s Manager, to change the name of the limited liability company to: Blackstone Equity Partners, LLC. First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

DANA DOBROVOLNY, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PROPERTIES WITH PRINCE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Properties With Prince, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6109 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. 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 23, 2020, final November 6, 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: LARRY LAUTENSCHLAGER, 516 Wheeler, Grand Island NE 68801, you are hereby notified that on August 6, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-14095, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,350.63, 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 7th day of December, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 16, 2020, final November 6, 2020

SANDRA STERN, Attorney 1904 Farnam Street, Suite 701 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE On August 18, 2020, Antoinette Provencher, filed a Petition in Douglas County, Nebraska, District Court, Case No. CI 20 - 6528, on behalf of herself to change her name to Khadija Danielle Provencher. A hearing on the Petition will be held on November 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. before the Honorable James T. Gleason in Courtroom No. 505, 5th floor, Hall of Justice, 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Anyone objecting to the Petition may be heard. By: Sandra Stern, Petitioner’s Attorney.

First publication October 16, 2020, final November 6, 2020

20

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of Conquer Fitness LLC Notice of organization is hereby given that Conquer Fitness LLC has been organized in accordance with the laws of the state of Nebraska, commencing September 3, 2020. The designated office address is 2324 N. 113th St Omaha, NE 68164.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 2020

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROS Interiors, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ROS Interiors, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 10070 Garvin Road, Omaha, NE 68122 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, NE 68114.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 KOS ROOTS TWO, LLC The name of the Company is Kos Roots Two, 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 October 1, 2020.

First publication October 9, 2020, final October 23, 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 ACCESSORY.PARTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Accessory.Parts, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4537 S. 88th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O, 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 7, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

SCOTT A. MEYERSON, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 610 LLC Notice is hereby given that 610 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 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Maier Enterprises, LLC was organized as a Nebraska limited liability company. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 9936 Broadmoor Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Upon formation, the name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process were Christian R. Blunk, 1005 South 107th Avenue, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Effective as of August 31, 2020, the name and street and mailing address of the registered agent of the company for service of process are M. Tyler Johnson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman, LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Leick Realty, 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 5103 Hamilton Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The registered agent of the Company is Stephen C. Leick, 5103 Hamilton Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Company's members, managers, professional employees and agents are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the sale of real estate in this state. The Company was formed on October 7, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 A PLUS NEW AND USED TIRES LLC The name of the Company is A Plus New and Used Tires LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 5705 South 60th Street, Suite 109, Omaha, Nebraska 68117. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Thomas Hansen, 5705 South 60th Street, Suite 109, Omaha, Nebraska 68117. This limited liability company commenced business on October 9, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FLEX ENTERPRISES II, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Flex Enterprises II, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office address of the Company is 6324 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. 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 October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 HIDE-A-WAY 08, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hide-A-Way 08, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on October 8, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Hidro Framing, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Hidro Framing, LLC. Registered agent and office of Hidro Framing, LLC is Alejandro Norberto Hernandez at 2804 S 38th Street, Omaha, NE 68105. The designated address is 2804 S 38th Street, Omaha, NE 68105. Initial members: Alejandro Norberto Hernandez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in October 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Collaboration Matters, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 520 Shorewood Lane, Waterloo, Nebraska 68069. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154. Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Ervin Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Ervin Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Ervin Landscaping, LLC is Ervin Hernandez Ramirez at 4411 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 4411 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Ervin Hernandez Ramirez, Filiberto de la Cruz, Pedro Perez Hernandez, Eugenio Hernandez Lopez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in September 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Tavo Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Tavo Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Tavo Landscaping, LLC is Octavio Hernandez Ramirez at 4411 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. The designated address is 4411 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Octavio Hernandez Ramirez, Jose Luis Hernandez Lopez, and Hugo Hernandez. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on September 2020 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HEMPHILL-WILSON PROPERTIES, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HEMPHILL-WILSON PROPERTIES, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and registered office at 508 3rd Street, Waterloo, Nebraska 68069. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, MISTY J. HEMPHILL-WILSON. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law.

The Limited Liability Company commenced on September 3, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HONEST CARE, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HONEST CARE, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 2305 North 104th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The registered agent is LAUREN TAYLOR OGBORN. The general nature of the business is to operate a general home health care business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general home health care business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on September 3, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence.

The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the offi¬cers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SL Shillcutt, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 14301 FNB PKWY, Ste. 100, Omaha, NE 68154. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 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 Qinqiang International Development, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 13, 2020, with an effective date of December 31, 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. Joyce (Lan LU), as Manager, will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs.

If you have a claim against the company, 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 4611 South 96th Street, Suite #267-268, Omaha, NE 68127. A claim against the company 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 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Griffin Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 10009 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154 Aimee L. Lowe, Organizer First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROB 16119, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that DCM Strategies, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 3789 Buckthorn Dr., Blair, Nebraska 68008. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Aimee L. Lowe at 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 • LEGAL NOTICES 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 METTLE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mettle, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1111 N 99th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The limited liability company commenced business on October 9, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: LATASHA MITCHELL You are hereby notified that on 05/18/20, the Plaintiff, Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska against you shown as Case Number CI20-8980. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of $250.00, 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 11/29/20, at the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA, Nebraska.

BY: STEVEN J MORRISON, #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, Nebraska 68802 308 398-3801 Attorney for the Plaintiff First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Organization of The RBS Group, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company (the “Company”), have been amended and restated as follows: The name of the Company is The RBS Group, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company 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. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 14, 2020 First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020 .

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WHITMORE REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Whitmore Real Estate, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 2514 S. 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144 and designating its registered agent as Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C. with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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: EDWARD HENDERSON, 7407 N. 107th Street, Omaha NE 68122, you are hereby notified that on July 21, 2020, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI20-13070, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $3,486.35, 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 7th day of December, 2020, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 16, 2020, final November 6, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC This notice is published pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 21-193 and Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 21-117, as amended:

Name of Organization: SLCZ, LLC

Date of Organization: January 13, 2020

State of Organization: Nebraska

Initial Agent/ Registered Agent: Saul Chavez

Designated / Registered Office: 6223 N. 150th Street Omaha, NE 68116 First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Al Belt Custom Homes Name of Applicant: Belt Construction Company, Inc. Address: 7883 Hidden Valley Drive Papillion, NE 68046 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: January 1, 2012 General nature of business: Residential Home Construction ALLAN BELT Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 23, 2020 JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CAFE DIEM, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Cafe Diem, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Cafe Diem, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10518 South 125th Avenue, Papillion, Nebraska 68046, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: 93 Capital Group Name of Applicant: 93 Capital, 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: March 2020 General nature of business: Investing MATTHEW WURSTNER, Legal Rep. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 23, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: LINE Partners Name of Applicant: New World Group LLC Address:13340 California Street, Suite 100, Omaha NE 68154 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: upon filing General nature of business: commercial and real estate services THOMAS J. TWIT Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative October 23, 2020

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC This notice is published pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 21-193 and Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 21-117, as amended:

Name of Organization: CGLL, LLC

Date of Organization: January 24, 2020

State of Organization: Nebraska

Initial Agent/ Registered Agent: Cheri Lee Grossoehme

Designated / Registered Office 8116 Grand Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020 First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Organization of Century Development Company, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), have been amended and restated as follows: The name of the Company is Century Development Company, L.L.C. The Designated Office of the Company is 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Frank R. Krejci, 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 16, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ZL HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ZL HOLDINGS, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the company is 2014 S 88th ST., Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is MICHAEL GRIER, 2014 S 88th ST., Omaha, Nebraska First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

21

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF LINE PARTNERS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of LINE Partners LLC has been amended to change the name to: LINE Commercial Real Estate LLC. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 14, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given of the dissolution of ROGER KRUSE ASSOCIATES, INC., as of October 14, 2020. The affairs of the corporation will be wrapped up by Roger Kruse, Shareholder & Director. All creditors have been paid, and remaining assets have been distributed. Total assets: $0.00. Total liabilities: $0.00.

Roger Kruse, Shareholder & Director First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

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

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2918 S 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Registered Agents Inc., 530 S. 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 SJS AIR, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SJS Air, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3044 Bonacum Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502. 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 October 14, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 INCORPORATION OF UNITED METHODIST MINISTRIESMISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of United Methodist Ministries-Missouri River District, Inc. have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: The Big Garden. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 15, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FLEX ENTERPRISES II, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Flex Enterprises II, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office address of the Company is 6324 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. 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 October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 FreeFitness, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 14, 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 Members. Curt Peters will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, 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 11112 John Galt Boulevard, Omaha, NE 68137. A claim against the company 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 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

22

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF Francolini Enterprises, Inc. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Francolini Enterprises, Inc. The corporation is authorizied to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164, and its incorporator is Barb Medbery-Prchal, 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ISAIAH TRUCKING, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Isaiah Trucking, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on October 15, 2020 and shall have perpetual duration. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JJSpirit, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 5154 N. 151st Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on October 15, 2020.

First publication October 16, 2020, final October 30, 2020

EXHIBIT 12 NOTICE OF REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING OR PUBLIC MEETING ON APPLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 29th, 2020 at 2223 Dodge St.- Ste. 101, Omaha, NE, the Midwest Housing Development Fund & Arch Icon Development Corporation will hold a public hearing or meeting as applicable concerning an application to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for a HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), CDBG-DR or National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) award. This funding is available for local affordable housing activities.

Midwest Housing Development Fund & Arch Icon Development Corporation is requesting $500,000 (HOME) and $1,000,000 (HTF), for The Siena Francis Cottages development: new construction of affordable housing at 1528 N 16th Street – Omaha, NE 68110. The development will create 50 affordable “tiny homes”, for tenants earning below 60% of the area median income and 30% of the units will be rented to those below 30% of the area median income as required by HTF. Funds being requested which will benefit very low and moderate income persons and assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. There will be no tenant displacement.

The grant application will be available for public inspection at 2223 Dodge St., Omaha. All interested parties are invited to attend this public hearing at which time you will have an opportunity to be heard regarding the grant application. Written testimony will also be accepted at the public hearing scheduled for 10:00 AM, October 29th, 2020, at 2223 Dodge Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE. Written comments addressed to Darin Smith at 509 Walker Street, Woodbine, IA 51579 will be accepted if received on or before October 27th, 2020. Social distancing and facial coverings required due to Covid-19 precautions.

Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Darin Smith at 509 Walker St., Woodbine, IA 51579 or please call (712) 647-3355, no later than October 27th, 2020.

Published on October 23, 2020

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF K WALKER REAL ESTATE, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is K WALKER REAL ESTATE, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 2109 Drake Court Walk, Apt 301, Omaha, NE 68102.

Kail Walker, Member First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Organization of Krejci Development, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), have been amended and restated as follows: The name of the Company is Krejci Development, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Frank R. Krejci, 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 16, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Organization of FRK Development, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), have been amended and restated as follows: The name of the Company is FRK Development, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is Frank R. Krejci, 1505 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 16, 2020.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Opportunities Name of Applicant: Opportunities, Inc. Address:8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: September 30, 2020 General nature of business: To provide residential, day, and behavioral health services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

ANDREW P. DEAVER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative Published on October 23, 2020

MATTHEW BURNS, Attorney LEFLER | KUEHL | BURNS 1213 Jones Street Omaha, NE 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION: Automotive Integration Specialists, L.L.C. was formed pursuant to the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act on October 12, 2020.

The Company was organized to engage in all lawful business that a limited liability company may participate in under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Company’s affairs shall be managed by its members. The company’s initial designated office is located at 14656 Meredith Ave., Omaha, NE 68116. The Company’s Registered Agent for service of process in the state of Nebraska is Craig McGinnis, who may be contacted at 14656 Meredith Ave., Omaha, NE 68116.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VERTICAL BUILDING GROUP, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that Vertical Building Group, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of its registered office is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The purposes for which the Company is organized are to engage in any and all lawful businesses for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company commenced on the 15th day of October, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members and/or Managers as set forth in the terms of the company’s Operating Agreement from time to time.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BUCK’S HOLDCO, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is Buck’s Holdco, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 Shares having a par value of $0.01 each designated as common stock.

3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124, and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 4. The corporate existence began on October 16, 2020, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Brian L. Harr, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

DANA DOBROVOLNY, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F D U M A S D U M A S DEVELOPMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dumas Dumas Development, 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 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 AND AMENDMENT OF BUCK’S HOLDCO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Buck’s Holdco, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska and commenced business on October 15, 2020, and an Amended Certificate of Organization changing its name to RCS Holdco, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 16, 2020. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 300 Overland Wolf Centre, 6910 Pacific Street Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that JNA PROPERTIES, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial registered agent is John S. Kampfe, and the registered agent’s address is 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on October 14, 2020, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Manager.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ONWARD DEVELOPMENT, 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 Onward Development, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2361 S. 220th Ave, Omaha, NE 68022. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on October 16, 2020 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Morton Therapy Agency LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 05/01/2020. Designated office: 15345 Amy Plz Omaha, NE 68137. Registered Agent: Jamal Morton 15345 Amy Plz Omaha, NE 68137. General nature of business: mental health and physical therapy.

The company shall be Member-Managed.

First publication October 23, 2020, final November 6, 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 FB Holdco, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State effective October 17, 2020, at 12:02 a.m., 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 Members. The Manager will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against FB Holdco, 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 20516 Nicholas Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. A claim against against FB Holdco, 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 23, 2020, final November 6, 2020

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

23

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Beyond Dispensing Pharmacy & Compounding has opened in Bellevue at 2206 Longo Dr. Suite #209 and serves as a locally-owned pharmacy. The new pharmacy is owned by Rebecca Jones, Charles Tomlinson (pharmacist in charge), and Kristy Gustafson. Beyond Dispensing Pharmacy & Compounding helps providers and patients with customized medication solutions through its own in-house compounding services.

Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. is currently producing USP Grade Ethanol from its ethanol plant in Hastings, Nebraska. Chief Ethanol has modified its current process operations to produce higher grades of ethanol for use as the active ingredient in hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 health emergency as allowed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Chief Ethanol is able to provide long-term supply of higher grades of ethanol into industrial alcohol markets. This includes Specially Denatured Alcohol that passes FCC and USP purity testing. For sales inquiries contact Patricia Beard, Chief Ethanol Commodities Director, at 402-460-3263.

Corporate Travel Management Limited has acquired Travel and Transport, Inc. Founded in 1946, T&T is a U.S. travel management company headquartered in Omaha with large scale operations across the globe. Strong cultural alignment is a strategic driver of the acquisition alongside adding significant presence to CTM’s North American operations. For North American customers, the enlarged business offers an expanded and experienced team and technology suite, bolstered by CTM’s strengths in Europe and Asia Pacific. T&T will be rebranded to CTM. T&T’s leadership team will combine with CTM; Kevin O’Malley will become CEO North America, Maureen Brady will become COO alongside Josh Weiss as CFO and Tim Fleming as president and integration lead.

Education notes…

University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute has been awarded a new five-year, $92 million contract through the U.S. Strategic Command to continue its research in national security and defense. This is the third contract awarded to NSRI since the system-wide institute was established in 2012 to perform exclusive research to meet the needs of USSTRATCOM and the Department of Defense. In total, NSRI has received $298 million in research contract awards over the past eight years, with university faculty and NSRI researchers delivering on 110 contracts for national defense partners across the country.

Attorney General Peterson announced that his office has secured $1,982,088.64 in debt relief for approximately 200 former ITT Tech students in Nebraska as part of a settlement with 48 attorneys general and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Nationally, the settlement will result in debt relief of about $330 million for 35,000 former ITT students who have outstanding loan balances. The settlement is with PEAKS Trust, a private loan program run by the for-profit college and affiliated with Deutsche Bank entities. ITT filed bankruptcy in 2016, amid investigations

by state attorneys general and following action by the U.S. Department of Education to restrict ITT’s access to federal student aid.

Health care notes…

University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers have received a fouryear, $710,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to study why some patients with lung cancer develop brain metastases. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, accounting for about 24% of cancer-related deaths in both women and men.

The predicted five-year survival rate of one type of lung cancer — non-small-cell lung cancer — is 21%.

The Great Plains Institutional Development Award Clinical & Translational Research Network headquartered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a $180,000 grant to participate in a national effort to collect and share data on COVID-19-related patient outcomes for use in research. The funding from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences will support data transfer to the National COVID Cohort Collaborative Data Enclave — a registry of COVID-19-related information from patients across the country.

The enclave will enable researchers with data use agreements from UNMC and seven other IDeA-CTR networks — with support totaling more than $1.4 million — to track the disease in patients across the country.

Activities of nonprofits…

The Women’s Center for Advancement is hosting the 33rd Annual Tribute to Women on Oct. 29. The event, which will be virtual this year, will honor the following women: Sara Boyd, Dr. Barb Jackson, Samantha Koehler-Overton, Victoria Leuthold, Carolina Padilla, Jenni Shukert, Ashlei Spivey, Carmen Tapio, and Carolyn C.T. Williamson. Ticket reservations will be online and the presentation will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Holmes Murphy donated more than $100,000 to 29 different nonprofit organizations through the Holmes Murphy Foundation Giving Back Program. The Holmes Murphy Foundation elected to take a more localized approach to its giving strategy for 2020, allowing employees to select 501(c)(3) or nonprofit organizations in their specific geographical locations that align with the Holmes Murphy Foundation giving pillars of Youth Education (AtRisk), Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, and Diversity & Inclusion. This year’s local recipients include Nebraska Sports Council and ABIDE.

Arts & events…

Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.) has teamed up with Falconwood Park in Bellevue for a free screening of “Hocus Pocus” to kickoff Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon week awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs faced by individuals, families and communities. The first 100 cars will be let in free of charge and in addition to free entry, T.E.A.M. will provide each vehicle a complimentary goodie bag which includes a red ribbon. Anyone 18 and older can register or the event, which is taking place on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.

Marc Grossman, former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, under secretary of state for political affairs and special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, will speak at a noon webinar Oct. 28.

The webinar, “Reinventing U.S. Diplomacy: A Foreign Service for the 21st Century,” will address ways to build stronger connections between American citizens and U.S. foreign policy decision makers. Drawing upon his 29-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, Grossman will discuss how this can be accomplished through a Harvard University initiative he is involved with called the American Diplomacy Project. The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be completed at https://go.unl.edu/ upnm.

The Joslyn Art Museum Teens Council is hosting a free screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the sculpture garden. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and select a physically distanced spot on the law. Concessions include pre-packaged

popcorn, candy and kid-friendly drinks.

Hand sanitizing stations will be available, and guests will be permitted to use indoor restrooms with masks.

The Wildlife Safari Park Education Staff in Ashland is celebrating Halloween a little differently this year with its HowlO-Ween Safari on Oct. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be hayrack rides, Halloween-themed games, and a guided safari hike. This event is for children ages 3-12 and everyone will get a treat bag. Reservations are recommended since tickets are limited.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is hosting Monster Mash Trunk or Treat featuring a hot rod car show, dance party and costume parade on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can also decorate supplies, view the stars with Omaha Astronomical Society and observe science experiments. The American Red Cross will also be joining the event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to collect blood donations. Participants are asked to register and schedule their time slot.

24

• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

FBG Service Corporation’s 60 years marked by innovative solutions, employee ownership Continued from page 1. do what needs to be done.”

With a corporate office at 407 S. 27th Ave., the company’s services span cleaning, disinfection, and a full array of property maintenance solutions.

“FBG works diligently to address changes in the marketplace, maintain operational competitiveness and capitalize on disrup-

FBG Service Corporation Phone: 800-777-8326 Address: 407 S. 27th Ave., Omaha 68131 Employee-owners: almost 1,300 Services: including cleaning, disinfecting, full-service property maintenance, COVID-19 EDS (Electrostatic Disinfection System) Founded: 1960 by the late Wayne Simmonds as DustTex Website: www.fbgservices.com

tive technologies, such as the Electrostatic Disinfection System, which we introduced to our menu of services nearly four years ago,” Gogetap added. “Embracing a team approach encourages all of us to question the status quo and think of new and innovative ways of solving problems for our clients.”

A nod to its innovative and sustainable approach, Marketing Director Barbara Luna is also a Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) and U.S. Green Building Council LEED Green Associate.

According to information provided by Luna, EDS has been received “very positively” in the current environment. In fact, the system is listed under its COVID-19 tab on the FBG website.

It was noted that it’s one thing to wipe a surface with a microfiber and disinfectant; it’s another thing to treat a full office with EDS, equipment that reportedly produces small, electrically-charged micro-droplets that repel each other. This hospital grade application’s design allows for 100% of exposed (and hidden) surfaces to be reached.

By way of FBG, its disinfection specialists patrol high-traffic areas and respond to outbreaks will “full” EDS treatment.

“We had to adapt very quickly as the demand for our cleaning and disinfecting practices grew,” Gogetap said. “Our customers began to use their facilities differently, and our service programs changed to reflect their new needs.”

The business has followed guidance is-

sued by the industry’s Global Risk Advisory Coalition. Additionally, FBG’s emergency response teams specifically targeted those areas where individuals tested positive for COVID-19. High-touch points are continuously disinfected by its specialists in common areas where the facility is busiest, during the day.

“We are thankful to our key manufacturing partners who made sure we were able to buy the necessary equipment and products to maintain our workload,” she said. “The supply chain, as we have all experienced, has been challenged during this time. So, inventory management has been a huge focus for us. We need to make sure we’re ready for the upcoming cold and flu season.”

Vice President for Strategic Accounts Andy Petersen further noted that COVID-19 has brought about changes in its speed-to-implement, and in providing complete resources to handle customers’ cases.

“The pandemic forced everyone to approach their work differently,” Vice President Jim Simmonds added. “Now that many are working from home, the use of office space going forward will be different and we’re waiting to see what that looks like.”

Regardless of the new nature of the workplace, Simmonds indicated “cleaning for health” will remain a necessary and valued service.

And, leadership noted, the focus on

proper disinfection procedures and responses to viral outbreaks is becoming a “standard requirement” across industries.

They described the milestone year amid an industry-altering virus as “bittersweet,” possibly made more so by the passing of founder and chairman emeritus Simmonds last June. Its September anniversary also notably precedes employee ownership month this month, which is an endeavor of The ESOP Association.

Gogetap shared a quote from her father that read: “I learned the importance of working for more than just a salary long ago.

The thing I’m most proud of is being able to share ownership with the people whose hard work built our company.”

That quote was included in a “thankyou” note sent to each of its employee-owner’s homes. The note accompanied an FBGESOP-branded gift sent from its employee communications team, which was formed last year.

To further quote her father, Gogetap said: “Ownership is an important motivator.

When you own the company, you have a vested interest in its success.”

Leadership pointed to research that indicates employee-owned companies are more stable than their counterparts, and that indicates ESOP arrangements affect performance when combined with tools, training and other opportunities for employees to

take more active ownership roles.

They acknowledged how this structure and approach has contributed to FBG’s reduced turnover rate, and is coupled with extensive training, continuing education, and career advancement — the stuff that leads into higher job and client satisfaction.

The company is also giving thanks to an often unsung yet no less deserving profession in a highly visible way; billboards, some of which were bilingual, scattered throughout the city that read: “Thankful For Every Janitor.”

They plan on saving the big anniversary celebration for next spring, in conjunction with its Employee Stock Ownership Program celebrations, events that had been held annually since 1995.

As the company looks to next year and beyond, Petersen acknowledged the challenges presented to its industry as customers face many unknowns — from changing business models to staffing issues, work-from-home strategies, and flexibility within spaces.

“That said, FBG is in a very favorable position to handle growth of any size,” Petersen said.

In fact, essential in pandemics and otherwise, this cleaning/facilities management firm’s leadership note they are actively seeking new employee-owners at the time of this writing.

It’s a great time to get into residential real estate

by Dwain Hebda

Not every business has been crippled by the pandemic. According to local experts, now is an ideal time to get into residential real estate.

“It is a fantastic time to get into this business,” said Andy Alloway, president of Nebraska Realty. “In residential, there’s a housing shortage because there’s high demand and low inventory and we can’t put enough new construction back on the market to accommodate demand.”

Alloway said the uncertainty of the novel coronavirus has emboldened people of all ages to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

“A lot of people are getting in after a 20-year career in a corporate job,” he said.

“There’s also a big shift right now, in that it used to be only about 7% of residential agents were under 35. Now people are getting into the business much younger; people are

coming out of college looking at this as a potential career.”

New agents are also attracted to the

Woodke Alloway relatively low threshold for getting into the industry, said Seth Woodke, director of real estate at Metropolitan Community College.

“Real estate draws a lot of people in because while there are requirements to get, they don’t take a ton of time,” he said “To get a real estate license, you can take about four classes and be ready to go get that license.

You can be working in a matter of five or six months, maybe even less.”

On the other hand, people are often surprised at the demands of a career in real estate, something that weeds out the less-committed, even in a bull housing market.

“People see real estate and think, I just work whenever I want and count the money,” Woodke said. “That’s not the way it works.

You’re working with clients and if they call you on Sunday morning or Saturday night and say, ‘Hey, I want to go look at a house’ and you’re not willing to do that, you very well might lose that client and a lot of money.”

David Beberwyk, real estate program director at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said another misnomer is that dabbling in real estate part-time will yield

substantial reward.

“To really succeed, one must really be all-in and do it full-time,” he said. “There is a lot of competition and only about 20% of agents make it beyond five years. You have to really want to succeed and be disciplined to develop and adhere to a business plan.”

Beberwyk said there are also personality traits and qualities that often Beberwyk separate successful agents from the pack.

“One must have an entrepreneurial mindset and really enjoy working with and helping people attain their real estate objectives,” he said. “A practitioner only gets paid when they complete a transaction, so the successful agent must truly be empathetic to others’ needs, be able to listen and provide guidance.”

New agents can also take advantage of Nebraska Realtors Association training programs, which have been revamped to be taken via distance learning due to coronavirus.

“With this whole pandemic going on, we have a lot of members who did not want to be in a class,” said Christie Bevington, COO. “We have a big convention going on and a lot of people depend on that for their continuing education for their license renewal. We had over 1,000 Realtor members take advantage of those classes. It was phenomenal.

“The instructor was on the screen and everybody was on there. It was incredible.

We’ve never done anything like that before and it was huge, and the members loved it.

Kept them all safe and kept them separated.

It was a great experience.”

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

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Demo Lives captures growth in photo market via nonprofit network, travel Continued from page 1. working for Lifetouch, a national family/ just because I offer a premium service and school portrait company, Kosoko’s confidence a lot of times these nonprofits can’t really grew as he learned about studio lighting and afford it based on their budget … I really try portrait work.

“From there I found myself taking … betto provide something to those people who can’t, and that’s really the main place I try to ter portraits and working with people better,” he said. “It was never the original intention, but seek business.”

Nonprofit clients/events include the Urban it started spreading more interest. That’s when I saw more people take League, I Be Black notice.”

Girl, Children’s Hos- Demo Lives A s D e m o pital & Medical Cen- Service: multimedia company focusLives has evolved ter Gala, Young Black ing on photography, videography and and grown, so has and Influential Awards, marketing Kosoko’s photographthe YP Summit, What Founded: 2015/2016 ic style, although the YOUth Can Do, The Goals: To travel and to build a solid common thread has Culxr House, and the network in Omaha. been capturing vibrant Nebraska Democratic Industry outlook: Artists/visionaries/ colors that evoke emoParty, among others. photographers can set themselves apart, tion.

“It happened pretty even in a saturated photography market.

“It’s constantly organically, being in Website: demolives.com changing — I try not Omaha, being part of Social: @AbiolaKosoko/@demolives to get set into a style. many nonprofits growing up here and just seeing their message and Every year I really want to change my look seeing what they’re doing,” he said. “When and not to make it the same,” he said. “One of campaigns build and a look builds, people the main things that stays consistent between see them and then people want them and all of my edits is I really just try to get color in there, try to use as much color from the reach out.”

Kosoko’s passion for photography devel- surroundings, from the people, from their oped while growing up in Greenbelt, Mary- clothes, and try to maintain that same energy land, taking photos with disposable cameras that they brought or that was just in the area his brother had access to while working at a with the look of it all.”

Travel has been a major inspiration and CVS Pharmacy.

“So I remember every time he’d come he said he wants to inspire others to broadback on Friday, he’d bring disposable cameras en their horizons and to travel themselves back and he and I would use them and we’d — to have more experiences outside of shoot and get them developed,” Kosoko said, the Midwest.

In Dec. 2019 and early 2020, Kosoko adding that his dad also took photos at events and the like. “Since then we’ve always had traveled to the Bahamas, Ghana and Mexico, cameras in our hands. It was just something we capturing the vibrancy of those locales. He grew used to doing — capturing these events, capturing these moments.”

Kosoko moved to Omaha in 2000. He

by Dwain Hebda attended Creighton University for his college Remote working and social distancing years, majoring in communications and Spanish and graduating with a bachelor’s degree have upped the importance of technology for small business like never before. Experts say in 2009.

When he started out, candid photos and the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to push the landscapes were his primary subjects. After envelope for digital devices and technological tools well into the future.

“Typically, my clients are most interested in the idea of cloud computing and how they Continued from page 16. can utilize cloud services,” said Michael clarity, OpenTable says it has added new tools Abraham, owner of Your Tech Therapist. that let owners track aggregate dining patterns “This goes hand-in-hand with the current in an area. “A restaurant could zoom into their trends of managing IT infrastructure remoteneighborhood and say, ‘Gosh I look really slow ly through the cloud. The primary driving on Tuesday, is everybody else in my area look- factor for most of my clients is reliability.”

Abraham said as health concerns coning slow on Tuesday?’” said Andrea Johnston, chief operating officer at OpenTable. She said tinue and more employees opt to remain this information helps businesses see consumer working remotely, companies’ dependence on cloud services is likely to escalate. behavior shifts and adapt accordingly.

“COVID has caused a shift towards Meanwhile, restaurant owners remain focused on congressional discussions, with remote work, which means that I have supmany saying their business’s survival depends ported many of my clients transitioning away on a federal aid package. U.S. lawmakers have from their office space,” he said. “Especially failed so far to extend federal help for the with COVID, I believe that we will continue to see the current trend of utilizing cloud inunemployed and small businesses.

“We recognize the efforts that have been frastructures escalate, such as Google Cloud made by the our state and city politicians to try and Amazon Web Services.”

As reliance on such products and services to give us tools for success,” Fox said. “But none of them, unfortunately, even collectively, continues to go up, users are looking for are going to prevent huge loss of small, inde- enhanced features out of cloud infrastrucpendent operated restaurants in New York City ture, said John Gerdes, president of Ascend in the fall without increased dining capacity Technology Group.

“Security is probably the number one and the passage of the federal bill in Congress thing that people are aware of,” he said. “In right now.” the very early days of quarantine, of course, ©2020 Bloomberg News functionality was the thing everyone was Distributed by worried about. Security was sort of a distant Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

also helped raise money for kids in Ghana and West Africa, working through the organization The Freighter Good and serving the Good Shepherd orphanage.

“Ghana and Mexico City were incredibly colorful everywhere you go — the people, the outfits, the buildings, everything around it,” he said.

He’s looking to go back to Ghana and West Africa and wants to dispel stereotypes through his photographs. The people who live there, he said, have nine-to-five jobs, live in cities, go out on the weekends, have families and raise kids, and live routine lives — “it’s not all jungle and huts.”

“My parents are first generation,” he said.

“Just being able to show that life to people here in the states — that Africa is a continent that isn’t … fully understood just because of inaccurate portrayals in the media. So I just want to be able to show that life maybe because it’s just a fairly normal life, and people aren’t aware.”

Kosoko’s work and wanderlust might take him to different cities and countries in the future, but he still wants to come back to Omaha and serve his clients, and to help the people who have been helping him with photoshoots and design work. Kosoko actively mentors about three or four people and has taught photo editing classes at Metropolitan Community College.

“I want them to grow in the business of it and I want them to continue liking what they do,” he said. “There was a brief time there where I was generally over it because it was genuinely difficult.”

He has experienced first-hand the value of collaboration and of having other like-minded,

creative people in an artist’s orbit.

“It’s just necessary,” he said. “As long as it’s been going on there have been those points, those lulls where I have noticed a lack of activity, or lack of inspiration, but just having other people around, especially other talented people around to bounce ideas off of or learn from, that’s been really helpful.”

On advice to those looking to get into photography and the arts, he said that talking to people who are in the field is vital.

“You can do your own thing on your own and you could make it far, but you’re going to go a lot farther with collaboration,” he said. “And collaboration — a lot of people think collaboration kind of means giving up on yourself and just working on a group idea, but it’s not necessarily that way.”

One myth Kosoko wants to dispel is that there are too many photographers, that it’s an oversaturated market. He said that Omaha is a growing city and there’s enough work to go around for everybody.

“People get worried about it — about getting lost in the mix of everyone else, but there are still many ways to set yourself apart or make your things unique,” he said. “The market is oversaturated with people with their own cameras, that’s for sure, but as far as photographers and visionaries and artists, there’s always room for that.”

Growing up, Kosoko’s nickname was “Demo,” from his middle name Ademola.

Demo Lives is also a play on “dem olives,” referenced visually in the logo.

His photographs from Ghana and West Africa are on display at Jake’s Cigars in Benson through the month of October.

COVID driving demand for cloud products, services for small business

No-reservation diners

second or third on that. That came back to bite you when a security hole, like what was revealed in Zoom, showed up.

“That’s where certain other products, like Microsoft Teams that’s more security-focused and security-forward, is going to probably stand out from some other ones that are playing catch up.”

As for MS Teams, Gerdes said the product, while not new technology, is quickly garnering a lot of attention from business users looking to apply features in new ways.

“Microsoft Teams is probably one of the bigger things that we are working with our clients on,” he said. “Teams is a relatively new product in the Microsoft 365 world, replacing Skype, but it does so much more than Skype, in terms of video calling.

“It becomes sort of a collaboration hub for a lot of businesses where you create a team of individuals within the company that allows for collaborative work, chats and messaging, video calls and audio calls.

Teams has file storage that integrates share points and integrates with other Microsoft 365 products like Planner, which allows for project planning and various other applications.”

Eric Schram, president of Lyncstream, said apps are also an increasingly important tool for companies seeking to stay accessible and relevant to customers.

“There was already a push to have mobile apps. That was already there,” he said.

“But I think what companies are starting to recognize a little better now is where before they may not have valued a mobile app

for what they do, in the mobile era in this environment where there’s distancing and everything, that’s the way they’re reaching their client base.

“It’s just how they keep themselves relevant to their clients or how to keep themselves relevant in terms of the tools that they’re using and how it works with the outside world.”

As for internal operations, Schram said the migration to digital communications was relatively painless.

“Clients used to having face-to-face meetings to discuss project status or new opportunities were a challenge. But day-to-day, not as much,” he said. “We really focused on remotely accessing the resources for our clients prior to COVID, so that wasn’t a change for us. That part was pretty seamless.”

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal

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Health Care A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Home health care sector grows as COVID-19 continues

by Gabby Christensen

The home health care industry continues to see growth as more clients look to remain at home.

Due to the pandemic, Francie McNeil, vice president of program development at VNA, said home health is a more crucial option for vulnerable individuals needing post-acute assessment, education and rehabilitation.

“Hospice has not seen a COVID impact on our census, but we have had to reinvent our way of providing services to our patients and families,” she said.

The demand for Goetz expert, compassionate care that is patient-focused and most importantly, safe, will continue to grow, she said.

“As individuals and families explore options for recovery from illness or injury, they increasingly want professional services to be delivered safely at home,” McNeil said. “Collaboration between various levels of care, acute and post-acute, will continue to grow. Patients deserve and expect safe, well-coordinated and individualized care, so partnerships amongst acute and post-acute entities matter even more.”

Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of

Francie McNeil, vice president of program development at VNA. the HomeCare Advocacy Network, said the has also spurred franchise growth, as laid off growing senior population will continue to executives and entrepreneurs look for new opdrive the demand for quality in-home services portunities. As baby boomers age, the demand — from companionship to dementia-related for home care will increase, making home care care. an attractive investment.”

“We’re also seeing an increasing need There will be a shake-up in the way home for additional, in-home services within senior care services are delivered, he said, particularly living communities — especially those that within senior living communities. are restricting access to family members and “While many of their residents need adoutside caregivers,” Goetz said. “COVID-19 ditional services, senior living providers often

October 23, 2020

struggle with delivery,” Goetz said. “We created the HomeCare Advocacy Network to help communities effectively provide their residents with the care they need to age safely in place.”

As the demand continues to increase, there will be more entrepreneurs entering the in-home space.

Adam Walling, product performance director at Mutual of Omaha, said long-term

Walling Seelhoff and short-term care policies available today typically cover services received from home health care agencies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. However, the primary differences come down to elimination periods, benefit periods and optional riders.

“Most short-term care plans include a zero-day elimination period and offer up to one year of benefits,” he said. “These plans usually have less restrictive underwriting guidelines and are considered a good option for those declined for traditional long-term care or over age 79. While these plans are less expensive than their counterpart, the benefit periods are very limited. Most claims tend to last longer than a year and a short-term care policy likely won’t cover everything.”

As facilities have been hit hard with increases in COVID-19 cases and deaths, Walling said individuals are opting to age in place and remain at home as long as possible, which has driven a shift in claims experience from facility to home-based services.

Janet Seelhoff, executive director of Nebraska Association for Home Healthcare and Hospice, said the new Medicare reimbursement model (Patient Driven Groupings Model) for home health care services was implemented in January and agencies are still determining the financial impact of this new payment model and how to best manage for success.

“There will be introduction of more managed care insurance, putting pressure on the bottom line for agencies,” she said. “There will be more strategic alignment with hospitals to manage care of patients for 90-plus days post discharge. The industry will continue to experience evolution of technology to augment Continued on next page.

Home Health Care •

Midlands Business Journal • OCTOBER 23, 2020 •

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Aging population boosts demand for home health care workers

by David Kubicek

The demand for home health care workers will grow significantly over the next decade as more and more seniors opt to remain in their homes as long as possible.

It’s strongly believed that home health care will continue expanding at single- or double-digit rates over the next five-to-ten years as more people have access to medical care and medications that will help them stay healthy longer, according to Paul Davis, director of University of Nebraska at Omaha Health Careers Resource Center.

“Home health care workers can provide so much of what an aging population needs,” he said. “Based on studies I’ve seen, I expect there to be continued growth in this area locally and nationally.”

There are several levels for home health workers.

Home health aides, who don’t necessarily have a degree or any formal college training or accreditation, provide home health care in a variety of ways.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), which

Home health care sector Continued from preceding page. care and oversight of a client’s health when a clinician is not able to physically be present in the patient’s home. There will be continued growth overall, as home health care will continue to be where clients would prefer to remain independent and safe in the comfort of their homes and incur lower costs for health care services.”

are becoming increasingly popular, assist nurses.

Medical aids have authorization to provide prescribed medications to individuals in their homes. They need a short period of training and

Davis Kimmerling certification but don’t require a degree.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or other health care professionals.

Becoming an RN requires a degree from a nursing college.

Home health care also offers opportunities for physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and case managers, said Dr. Melissa Kimmerling, a licensed occupational therapist and program director for the Master in Occupational Therapy Program at Nebraska Methodist College.

In addition, non-medical caregivers are common in the home environment for individuals who need longer-term assistance or respite for a primary caregiver.

The standard license for occupational therapists in Nebraska qualifies them to work

Gift Guide A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include: Employee appreciation Corporate gifts during the pandemic Shopping small to help local economy Issue Date: November 6 • Ad Deadline: October 27 To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising at karla@mbj.com.

in the home health environment within their scope of practice. In addition to a license, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) are typically required. Practitioners and caregivers must also have reliable transportation and auto insurance.

“While 2020 is a difficult year to gauge demand, prior to the pandemic there was, and I believe continues to be, a demand for individuals to receive the care they need in Seim the least restrictive environment possible,” Kimmerling said. “The Affordable Care Act placed a higher emphasis on innovative models of care that focus on prevention and outcomes. For example, if someone after a total knee replacement achieves a functional level appropriate for a safe discharge home, it’s most appropriate for the client to receive the continued therapy they need in their home environment rather than a short term

stay in a much more expensive and restrictive nursing facility.”

C.N.A. Academy offers a 76-hour certified nursing assistant program and a 40-hour medication aid course, according to owner Chad Seim, who is a registered nurse.

Students can complete the CNA program in 10 weeks on the full-time weekday schedule or may take up to four or five weeks — an option popular with students who work full time but want to change jobs — if they attend class two or three evenings per week and on Saturday.

“I’m allowing students taking the medication aid course, because of COVID, to do some of that class at home, although they still must do some hands-on in the classroom,” Seim said.

“For the CNA class right now everything’s done in the classroom because students must practice clinical skills in front of an instructor.”

The number of jobs for CNAs far outnumber the CNAs available to fill them.

“Usually, I get one or two phone calls daily from employers who want to actively recruit students in class or who have completed class,” Seim said. “Many of my students have a position lined up before they complete the course.”

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• OCTOBER 23, 2020 • Midlands Business Journal