Midlands Business Journal September 20, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 38 issue by Midlands Business Journal

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Executive Director Jim Smith … Rural broadband access first of 1 initiatives to attract business, boosting Nebraska’s productivity. Page 2

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Atlas MedStaff eyes expansion of Omaha facility in fast-growing industry by Richard D. Brown

Omaha chapter of global Women in Machine Learning and Data Science gains momentum. – Page 2

BBB emphasizes community, values at 24th Annual Integrity Awards. – Page 4

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Metro momentum spans diverse sectors; initiatives focus on labor shortage. – Page 24

Omaha-based Atlas MedStaff, a provider of temporary contract health care professionals to hospitals across the country, is receiving recognition as one of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The firm's two top executives — President Steve Ryan and co-founder/Vice President of Brand and Content Strategy Rich Smith — cite an important organizational strategy decision they've made as crucial to their firm's success. They operate their 850-employee firm with a strict separation between the company's 16 client managers and 56 recruiters operating out of their offices at 11159 Mill Valley Road. “The responsibility of the recruiters is only to find the best nurses for us to employ while the client managers' only job is to communicate with hospitals and vendor partners for both nursing and allied health staffing assignments,” Ryan said. The arrangement, while someContinued on page 10.

From left, President Steve Ryan and Rich Smith, vice president and co-founder … Health care staffing firm is seeing fast-paced growth as demand is strong for traveling professionals. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Omaha Community Playhouse programs spotlight accessibility in its 95th year by Michelle Leach

Now in its 95th year, the Omaha Community Playhouse is staying true to the original mission: “To raise the drama from a purely amusement enterprise into an educational, cultural force.” Today, the organization’s mix of diverse performances, offsite and onsite programs, and apprenticeships are developing talent and engaging community members.

“Under new leadership, OCP intends to erase any perception of inaccessibility that currently exists through increased community outreach, programming that appeals to a wider cross-section of community members, formal diversity and inclusion initiatives, and efforts to engage younger audiences,” said Artistic Director Kimberly Faith Hickman, who also alluded to the importance of Continued on page 12.

From left, Talia McGill, director of strategic communications, and Nancy Williams, co-founder and executive director … nonprofit combats food insecurity and economic disparities through education, opportunity.

No More Empty Pots opens Food Hub, brings programming under one roof by Savannah Behrends

F rom left, Artistic Director Kimberly Faith Hickman and Executive Director Katie Broman … … Building upon celebrated history with array of youth, artist and patron opportunities.

After nine years No More E m p t y P o t s h a s o ff i c i a l l y opened its Collaborative Community Centered Food Hub, a $4 million community investment aimed at fighting poverty through education and economic opportunity. The facility, dubbed the “Food Hub,” houses the second Cups Café location, the Culinary

Workforce Training Program, the Food Entrepreneur Program and all community outreach programming. NMEP co-founder and CEO Nancy Williams said that while raising the funds was in no way easy, the hardest work begins now. “There’s still a lot to be worked out because we’ve not seen all of these things in one Continued on page 11.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Omaha chapter of global Women in Machine Learning and Data Science gains momentum by Michelle Leach

Data science is among today’s most sought-after professions, and at the heart of Women in Machine Learning and Data Science, a New York City-based nonprofit that has in roughly six years expanded to chapters worldwide, including Lagos, Nigeria; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Ankara, Turkey; Manila, Philippines; Mumbai, India; Madrid, Spain; and Melbourne, Australia. Now, Omaha is among their ranks, thanks to the efforts of Mutual of Omaha Associate Data Scientist Emily Kenney and WiMLDS Omaha’s early supporters. “When I started this, I wasn’t sure what the interest was, and if we had 10 people that met once a month, I was going to be super-happy,” Kenney said. “As I started forming it, I found people wanted something exactly like this. And we have people who come from Creighton, UNO, and recruiters from businesses that don’t have females who apply for data science. They want to know how we can get more people to apply.” Interest is illustrated in participant numbers at meet-ups, signature events that include

Correction

Leadership Resources provides leadership development, coaching, and strategic planning services for organizations throughout the Midwest. An article in the Sept. 13 issue inadvertently misidentified these services as counseling, of which the company does not provide.

Founder Emily Kenney … New group supports data science professionals, gets support from global network of likeminded women. presentations, panels, and networking. tend, we encourage all men and women to “Our second meet-up was a panel of come,” Kenney said. “I want to encourage speakers who were data scientists,” she said. people to attend a meet-up, even if they don’t “They talked about how to get a job in data feel like they’re qualified and even if they science, and a lot of myths in data science. We feel like they don’t know anything about had about 40 people come to us.” data science.” In some cases, she noted how attendees A nod to this notion, she said there is no would find the meet-up, even before it was “straightforward path” to data science; her posted. team’s members include those with history, “We have a variety of people who at- physics and math degrees.

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A Nebraska City native, Kenney’s path has very much informed her present-day passions. “In my high school, we didn’t have programming classes,” she said. “They say ‘mom is always right,’ because my mom said I would like programming, and I thought, ‘Those people just sit at a desk all day!’” Sure enough, what started as math studies for Kenney transitioned to bioinformatics and her first exposure to programming. “I was afraid it was something I wasn’t going to be good at,” she said. “But it was so much fun. It was like solving a puzzle, and it really changed my view and my perspective. I want to give that to students, and I regret I wasn’t able to find that passion sooner.” Access to high-speed internet in rural or Greater Nebraska communities is the start, as well as access to equipment that can bridge the miles and allow for remote learning and collaboration, according to Kenney, who also referenced that bridging of the miles through WiMLDS’ global footprint. “We have all these ties and relationships across the globe,” she said. “We can find out what other chapters did for their first meetups, share information about conferences and available job postings across the country. If you want to partner with another female, you can write a proposal with someone on the other side of the country. We have a strong group to lean on.” Kenney’s leaning on co-workers for suggestions of podcasts to listen to during her commute from Elkhorn to Mutual of Omaha, ended up being the inspiration for the first meet-up and succeeding ones thereafter. “One of those podcasts was put on by DataCamp, which does data science learning materials, and they had a podcast [episode] on Women in Machine Learning and Data Science, and it was a really well-done description of the program,” she said. “They talked all about the benefits they’d seen come out Continued on page 12.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

Founded by Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

How I got into the business: Although products have changed, I have always enjoyed the challenge small and medium businesses bring. They need to stay ahead of their competitors, and I enjoy helping make that happen. First job: My first paying job was with a park district in Minnesota. My first professional job was an administrative assistant at a bank in Chicago. Biggest career break: Becoming a classroom trainer. It was the most rewarding position personally, as well as professionally. I worked hard to help people succeed

and have confidence when it was their time to shine! The toughest part of the job: Painting a mental picture for clients of the success they can achieve by matching up their business goals with technology and communication tools which keep them competitive. The best advice I have received: You can do anything you want to, if you are willing to listen and learn. About my family: My husband and I have been married 17 years. We have an 11-year-old boy and an energetic English Springer Spaniel. Our son plays baseball for Millard United, so we spend a lot of time at the baseball fields. Something else I’d like to accomplish: Illustrate a children’s book. Book I finished reading recently: Fiction: “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” by Dalia Owens. Non-Fiction: “Traction” by Gino Wickman. Something about me not everyone knows: I love lake life — fishing, boating and swimming. It’s the one place I relax the most. How my business will change in the

next decade: The IT security threat landscape will continue to progress, change and evolve. As a technology partner to small businesses our tools and staff resources will change with it. Enhanced security will become all that more important and working with an IT partner actually makes protecting your business more affordable. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: My dad. He’s calm, a great listener, and problem solver. I always look forward to chatting with him about anything personal or work related. Outside interests: Drawing, music, reading, tangrams and puzzles. Pet peeves: Not asking for what you want or need. Favorite vacation spot: Any lake location that includes a dock or boat. Other careers I would like to try: Entrepreneur. I would own a book shop. Favorite movie: “Moneyball.” Favorite cause or charity: Project Pink’d. Favorite app: LinkedIn and Goodreads.

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

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Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

2019 40 Under 40 Winners Jennifer Anderson

Cameron Gales

Shawntea Moheiser

Kristen Seda Kampfe

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Jacobs

ITS Healthcare, LLC

The Scoular Company

Bianca Harley

Crystal Archer PJ Morgan Real Estate

Greater Omaha Chamber

Whitney Baker

Jamie Hopkins

MENTOR Nebraska

Lisa Marie Barton Makovicka Physical Therapy

Jamie Blanchard Schneider American Heart Association

Carson Group

Kristopher Montgomery McCarthy Building Companies

Elizabeth Kraemer Kari O’Neill Potts Valmont Industries, Inc. Iowa Western Community College

Marco Kpeglo LeRoc Prime Choice Insurance

Michelle Diaz Immanuel Communities

Dr. Stephanie Dredge

Karine Sokpoh Sokpoh Law Group

Lockwood Development

University of Nebraska Foundation

Midwest Laboratories

Courtney Callaway

NoteWorthy

Emily O’Connor

Jenny Kruger

Dana Burkey

Jeff Skalberg

Stephanie Moss Stephanie Moss Salon and Skincare

Zachory Klebba LEO A DALY

Cortney Sells The Firm Advisors, LLC

Erin Pogge

Carolyn Sutton

N & M Brokerage Services, LLC

Marco Leroc & Company

Laurie Matthews Tullius UNO/Nebraska Business Development Center

Jeff Spiehs Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency

Carolyn Sutton PR

Sara Porter

Bentley Swan

Heartland Properties

Swan Development

Andrea Purdy

Brandy Wallar

Omaha Performing Arts

New Visions Homeless Services

Lynn Schneider

Meaghan Walls

Jodie McGill

Green Hills Area Education Agency

McGill Law, PC, LLO Nebraska Collaborative Center

Emspace + Lovgren

Laura Essay

Kellee Mikuls

Allison Schorr Zach

Scott Yahnke

CBRE

ICAN

Omaha Home for Boys

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

Woman of Distinction: Cella Quinn

Assistology, LLC

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Colin Nabity LeverageRX

Meet our 2019 class of 40 Greater Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executives and professionals under the age of 40. Greet them in person on Friday, November 8, at our luncheon awards ceremony at Embassy Suites-La Vista, 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista NE 68128. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. Reservations are now open. Reserve your tickets on MBJ.com. We are expecting several hundred guests, including winners and business and government leaders.

2019 Ask us about advertising & sponsorship opportunities Contact Catie Kirby at (402) 330-1760 or email directly Catie@mbj.com

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

BBB staff, from left, President and CEO Jim Hegarty, Communications Director Margo Riekes, keynote speaker Walter Robb, and BBB Senior Communications Director Jeff Niebaum.

KETV Anchor Rob McCartney presented the Business Integrity Awards.

BBB emphasizes community, values at 24th Annual Integrity Awards by Becky McCarville

demonstrated to independent panels of judges that they have gone ‘above and beyond’ in serving their customers, employers, vendors and community,” said BBB President Jim Hegarty at the event. Vision2Voice (11-24 employees), a health care communications company, received an Integrity Award in the small for-profit business category. Autism Action Partnership received an award in the category for charities with fewer than 24 employees. In the large for-profit and not-forprofit categories, Integrity Awards were presented to Bridges Trust (25-99 employees), The Schemmer Associates, Inc. (100249 employees); Seldin Company (250-499 employees); and notfor-profit organization WoodmenLife (500+ employees). Heartland Family Services won an award in the charity category with more Walter Robb, former co-CEO of Whole Foods, took to the stage than 25 employees. “To see this many to talk about living your values in your personal and business life.

people here to do something so important, to celebrate marketplace role models which is a very integral part of the way in which BBB fulfills its mission, is super gratifying for me and it’s extremely gratifying for our whole team,” Hegarty said, adding that over the past 24 years, the organization has grown from about 600 Omaha members to four offices serving four states and about 10,000 accredited businesses. Silver Awards of Distinction and a Bronze Award of Merit were given to recognize other applicants that demonstrated a “significant commitment to ethical business practices” (Silver Award) and “striving to exemplify the values of the BBB” (Bronze Award), according to a BBB statement. Silver Award recipients include: Physicians Thrive, Total Construction Services, Inc., Oxbow Animal Health, Florence Home Healthcare Center, and Travel and Transport. Miller Electric received a Bronze Award. Msgr. James Gilg, who delivered the invocation, accepted the first Sapphire Decade Accredited Business award for Boys Town for its 80th year as a BBB member. Keynote Speaker Walter Robb, former co-CEO of Whole Foods, talked about his start in the natural food industry, the lessons he learned, and the importance of exploring and living one’s values personally and pro-

Msgr. James Gilg, at left, received a special plaque for Boys Town’s 80th year as a BBB member, the first organization to receive the designation as a “Sapphire” Decade Accredited Business.

The Schemmer Associates won an Integrity Award in the category of 100-249 employees. Back row, from left, Jason Heinze, Steve Kathol, Charly Huddleston, Dan Kerns and Tracy Mumford. Front row, from left, Mark Higgins, Matt Sutton, Katie Morris and Jeff Wageman.

The Better Business Bureau recognized business and nonprofit organizations that go above and beyond in serving all of their stakeholders and community at the 24th Annual Integrity Awards, held at Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista on Tuesday, Sept. 10. “These awards are not based on popularity, the size of the company or its profitability, but are presented to organizations that have

fessionally. “The two certainly overlap for me,” Robb said, referring to values he shared both in his personal and professional life. “At Whole Foods I felt like I was called to the work of bringing healthier food to the world, so it never felt that there was a separation between my personal life and my business life.” After decades of corporations placing shareholders first before community, he said that people in the U.S. are having conversations about capitalism and the purpose of business because of rising inequality and disparity in our society. “Surely the society … we want to create is one that’s going to be more inclusive, and more supportive, and more caring of all our citizens and not just some,” he said. “I’m sure everybody wants that in some way, shape or form.” He referred to a business roundtable group of prominent executives led by JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon that has asked, “What is the purpose of business?” “What are companies for?” Robb said that leaders have a responsibility to “recognize that we’re part of a larger community and we have a responsibility to be part of that community and to participate. Let’s recognize that there’s more that we can do. “In the end, whether you’re large, whethContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

From left, Pamela Finn, Kevin Jackson and Ginger Dobson.

Annual Integrity Awards Continued from preceding page. er you’re small, whether you’re nonprofit, for profit — it doesn’t really matter. If you have the values and you use them, and you walk them and you demonstrate them and you live them, it’s pretty simple. Mostly it’s when times get tough, you either lean on them or run away from them. The winners today are [the former], and listening to their speeches on the film, they’re obviously walking in those values as a good example for all of us.” The BBB also recognized Rotary Honor Roll students with the Student Service Excellence Awards, funded by the BBB Foundation.

A $200 donation was sent to each student’s designated charitable organization. Winners include: Jayleesha Cooper, Duchesne Academy, Pear Tree Performing Arts; Dustin Hatch, Millard West Senior High School, JDRF; Ramya Iyer, Westside High School, Project Nanhi Kali; Aditya Jain, Millard North High School, Shriners Hospitals for Children; Laura Kirshenbaum, Burke High School, Partners in Health; Benjamin Lyons, Creighton Prep High School, Heart Ministry Center; Bryce Melis, Bennington High School, Foundation for Suicide Awareness; Josie Parker, Millard North High School, Seventy Five North; Kenny Zhu, Millard North High School, Legal Aid of Nebraska; and Joseph Zong, Millard

Physicians Thrive, led by President and CEO Justin Nabity, received a Silver Award of Distinction in the category of five to 10 employees. North High School, Orphans and Widows of Omaha. The 2019 BBB Scott Mecham Students of Integrity awards honored students who “walk their talk” with a $2,000 scholarship. Winners include: Kamryn Buntrock, Red Oak High School; Ethan Chen, Millard North High School; and Kelly Elizabeth Barton, BBB Omaha Board of Directors chair and Mahoney, Duchesne director of customer relations at Nebraska Furniture Mart, left, Academy. and Kim Wessel of McKinnis, Inc.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

September 20, 2019

Event planning is geared toward engaging guests, employees by Gabby Christensen

When it comes to perfecting a holiday office party, there are many pieces to consider. However, experts say one of the biggest elements is offering engagement for guests. According to Amanda Glazebrook, sales director at Scott Conference Center, simplicity and comfortability are important as of recent. “One of my favorite events was incorporating childhood favorite board games as centerpieces for a cocktail reception activity,” she said. “There was even a tournament for the Hungry Hungry Hippos game with a small trophy for the winner. This helps attendees become part of the event or meeting and become more engaged and invested.” Looking ahead, Glazebrook predicts that interactive activities, such as giant Jenga sets, board games, as well as longer cocktail hours and less formal settings will be trending. Ann Pitschka, vice president of Abraham Catering, said companies really want to treat their employees to a fun experience at annual gatherings. “To implement the corporate events, employers often select a theme and then they incorporate it into every aspect of the event from entertainment to stations

Ann Pitschka, vice president at Abraham Catering. to mixology,” she said. “They do not want tarian or gluten free options and focus is anything standard or that their guests have put on specialty stations where they take seen before.” center stage,” she said. With that being said, Pitschka said it’s Additionally, with the latest craze also important for employers to be consci- in fast food delivery, Pitschka said late entious of specialty diets as a whole. night snacks are gearing towards favorites “Most events include specialty vege- like Taco Bell delivery toward the end

of the night. She said she’s also noted the popularity of hard seltzers at events. Roxanne Kahn, guest services manager at The Jewish Federation of Omaha, said multifunctional is a huge trend, and it’s important that a venue can handle all aspects of an event. Because of this, Kahn said The Jewish Federation of Omaha provides a value-added multifunctional experience. “The facilities include a 350 seat Glazebrook t h e a t e r, f l e x i b l e meeting or entertaining space to accommodate 10 to 400 people, a community space for art gallery presentations, fitness center with outdoor and soon new indoor pools with water features and kid’s birthday party space,” she said. Additionally, Kahn said the The Jewish Federation of Omaha is currently in the next phase of campus renovation to further meet the needs of visitors. Along with multifunctional, Kahn said technology is another trend on the horizon. “Event technology is playing a vital role in reaching more participants through live video conferencing and streaming,” she said. “Companies are looking for travel cost savings and eco-friendly venues.”

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Holiday Office Parties Guide •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

Local restaurateurs offer tips on dishes for holiday festivities by Michelle Leach

No holiday office party would be complete without festive food. Restaurants and venues abound in the metro to suit varied tastes and teams. “Over the years we have seen and done it all — from elaborate ice sculptures featuring huge seafood selections all the way down to custom salad stations,” said Ellen Osborne, director of group sales and catering with Restaurants, I n c . “ We a l w a y s have fun incorporating specialty food items and custom holiday drinks. There are so many Osborne fun ideas for rich winter cocktails.” Charlie’s on the Lake has brought in DJ’s, special tables, chocolate fountains, and Nebraska-themed and vegetarian food for large groups, according to Chef and owner Yves Ménard. “We can have a dance party, we can make any menu, we have two private rooms, and we have done parties for 300 guests,” he said. Chief Operating Officer/Owner Anthony Hitchcock emphasized Flagship Restaurant Group’s ongoing menu reviews and updates. “So, things never get stale and there may be a new item that you haven’t seen before,” he said; for instance, its Blue Sushi Sake Grill is poised to debut vegan caviar made from seaweed. “If you want to support a place that is doing good for the holidays, we have a sustainable seafood program at Blue,” he said. The program includes sourcing humanely-raised eels, and tuna from among the most regulated waters in the world in Hawaii. Private Dining Director Mara Taylor-Mejstrik referred to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar’s two on-staff sommeliers, a kitchen team with 50-plus years’ experience, and everything from a cocktail hour with limited pairings for 10 guests to a grand wine experience for up to 200 guests. She encouraged readers to consider a holiday party isn’t just a dinner for “the staff.” “It is an experience where lifelong memories can be made, and you should trust that experience to a person and a venue that is experienced in anticipating your needs and eliminating the stress of the event,” Taylor-Mejstrik said. “This is a relationship before it is a transaction, and for every dollar spent both you the client and your guests should find the food and service to be exemplary.” Ménard of Charlie’s on the Lake encouraged party planners to ask their prospective venue partner: “Do you have a minimum charge? Do you have a room charge? Can you provide vegetarian and keto meals? The function is for guests — what do you want to do for them?” “We only add 15% gratuities,” he said. “We do not charge for the room for groups

Anthony Hitchcock, COO/owner at Flagship Restaurant Group. of 30 or larger, and we can let you bring 300 of your friends.” A full-service caterer, Restaurants, Inc. provides assistance with decorations, rentals, menu planning, cocktail creations, and entertainment ideas across its four concepts and five chefs, according to Osborne. “Most companies still have budget in mind, so we are proud that we offer party rooms with no room rental and very reasonable minimums,” she said. “Our party rooms are at both Stokes locations and Taxi’s.” Flagship Restaurant Group’s Hitchcock noted its venues can accommodate everywhere from 15 to 150 guests — its 144th Street and Eagle Drive Run Blue Sushi party room and Old Market event facility respectively. “We can host events at Flagship Commons,” Hitchcock added, a reference to the Westroads Mall concept. “We just had a bar mitzvah there where the whole facility was rented out. If you have a large office, it’s a fun place to have a holiday party — you can take over the whole center.” He also noted validated parking is available in the Old Market, due to Flagship’s relationship with Landmark Garage. Taylor-Mejstrik, who highlighted Fleming’s long-time relationship with a client on their 175-plus guest, threecourse holiday office luncheon, suggested companies inquire of how allergies may be accommodated, as well as if other large groups will be onsite during their event such as “Will their noise

affect our evening?” “What is your private room — Is it a specific area of the restaurant or something that is merely sectioned off with large curtains? Is there something the venue can do for my guests; for example, can your venue offer my guests chocolates, or glassware, or other gifts that I don’t have to think about?” she said of additional questions to ask. “Do you charge me to set up or break down the room? Do you charge for audio-visual?” Additional considerations noted by Taylor-Mejstrik include: cancellation Ménard policies, number of servers for one’s group, valet availability, type of music and lighting, and access to visiting one’s site and rooms at a convenient time.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Holiday Office Parties Guide

Fun corporate parties and events don’t have to cost you a fortune munications with No More Empty Pots. by Dwain Hebda Every company planning a corporate “Using local and seasonal ingredients, event wants it to be enjoyable for the at- we’re able to stretch [clients’] catering tendees. But all companies that have gone budget and provide a menu that highlights through the planning of such an event our local food system.” The café features two spaces, each acknow how difficult it is to create something unique and fun while staying on a budget. commodating about 20 people. Room bookCarrie Dayton, president of Carrie ing rates start at just $25 with discounts available for nonprofit organiDayton Events and Consulting, zations. Full-service catering is said some budget-wrecking areas available using seasonal, local include corporate logo’d swag ingredients that can be adapted and waiting too long to plan the for dietary needs, all for an avevent. Poor attendance manerage of about $15 per person. agement can also have a major “Cups Café is tucked away in budgetary impact. the quaint and historic Little Ita“Often a company will not ly neighborhood,” McGill said. obtain an accurate count of at“The café has a cozy vibe, which tendees leading up to the event,” is great during the holidays.” she said. “They guess a number For more information on that is too high and end up payDayton Cups Café, visit nmepomaha. ing for food and/or bar packages org/cups-café. for a larger guest count than attends. A bowling center is another unique “I strongly recommend that companies reach out to their preferred venues, caterers setting for a corporate event, one that more and entertainers and obtain some rough companies are experiencing. Jeanne Belitz, pricing before they draft a budget. This will general manager of Maplewood Lanes, said give them a realistic view of what it will bowling keeps things casual while providing the necessary amenities. cost to have a party.” “Bowling is great team building,” she Dayton said as counterintuitive as it may sound, hiring a party planner is ac- said. “First of all, it’s fun. Second, anyone tually a good way to make the budget go can bowl, from age one to 101 together and participate on the same playing field. farther. “It can take upwards of 40 to 80 hours Individuals with disabilities can participate to plan a large holiday party,” she said. as well; aids are available as needed.” Maplewood Lanes provides multiple “The biggest financial loss comes in the form of labor and time to plan and execute meeting spaces from the bowling lanes to the party. This is one area that makes sense a party room complete with audiovisual to spend a little [on a party planner] to equipment. On-site catering and beverage services are also available, providing familsave a lot.” A unique setting for a party is a way iar favorites that put guests at ease. “Bowling itself is casual, which lends to improve attendance and can be had for reasonable cost. Finding a way to support to casual food and beverage options,” a nonprofit, for instance, can make employ- Belitz said. “A company that used to ees feel good about attending knowing the take everyone to a $50 dinner can get a event supports a worthwhile cause. That’s better level of value in a bowling center exactly what you get at Cups Café, a pro- as they can get entertainment, food and beverage for that same price. Many emgram of No More Empty Pots. “Companies experience community ployees are happy with bowling, pizza while supporting a nonprofit and local and beer.” Learn more about Maplewood Lanes at farmers when they book this space,” said Talia McGill, director of strategic com- maplewoodlanesomaha.com.

Holiday Office Parties Guide •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

The issues party planners often overlook and how to handle them by David Kubicek

A holiday party is a great way for employees to relax and for the company to thank them for their hard work, but parties can be fraught with potential issues, which are sometimes overlooked by event planners. Doug Pedersen, owner of HR Systems, suggests making a good plan and monitoring it throughout the evening so if a problem arises, it can be handled privately. Communicating with the employees is important. A well-thought-out plan should take into consideration where the event is being held, such as at a restaurant or on company property, and inform the employees about what is expected of them. “Really lay out that you want everyone to be responsible for so it will be an enjoyable event for you and anyone you bring,” Pedersen said. “I have a client that looks at parties as major team-building events, from the president down to the hourly workers. I think that works out really well. I’ve gotten to know people I wouldn’t have interacted with otherwise.” Have a couple of individuals there through-

out the evening to monitor the event. Their job is to make sure the attendees are enjoying themselves and, if there is any inappropriate behavior, it can be dealt with in a quiet and respectful way. “If alcohol is involved — and with most holiday events it probably will be — you want to deal with the person quietly so it doesn’t spoil the party for others and to help that individual understand his or her behavPedersen ior isn’t appropriate,” Pedersen said. “Someone from HR needs to be involved. You should enjoy yourselves, celebrate the season, but if a problem arises, you need to have a plan about how to remove that person.” Some firms have non-alcoholic parties. “One of my clients has a no-alcohol policy, and some employees think that’s great,” Peder-

Specially treated avocados last twice as long. And that’s only the start for the plant-based coating. by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz

Many an avocado lover has waited for the right moment to cut into the creamy fruit only to discover the fleeting window of perfect ripeness has passed. A new technology that extends the life of avocados and other produce promises to save millions of avocados from an untimely end in the trash, and it’s coming soon Trends to grocery stores nationwide. Apeel Sciences, a California startup that aims to reduce food waste by giving produce a spoilage-resistant skin, announced Wednesday that its longer-lasting avocados will be sold at more than 1,100 Kroger grocery stores across the country. Avocados treated with Apeel’s protective coating tend to achieve ideal ripeness for four to six days, double the regular window of two to three days, saving many from getting tossed. Pilot tests of Apeel avocados conducted over the past year at 109 Cincinnati-area Kroger stores, plus some Costco locations and other retailers, found they reduced food waste in the avocado category by 50% and increased sales by 10%, the startup said. Apeel has created plant-based coatings for 50 different categories of fruits and vegetables, tripling the shelf life of some when it’s applied shortly after harvest, founder and CEO James Rogers said. A pilot test of asparagus and limes treated with Apeel will launch this fall at Kroger stores in Cincinnati, which the chain called a milestone in its Zero Hunger, Zero Waste initiative. Apeel, which launched in 2012 with a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was initially focused on helping poverty-stricken small farmers across the globe whose food goes to waste because they aren’t part of refrigerated supply systems. But extending the life of fruits and vegetables, nearly half of which never make it from the farm to people’s mouths, also addresses a massive food waste problem in rich countries. In the U.S., supermarkets lose $15 billion annually in unsold fruits and vegetables, according to the Department of Agriculture. Billions more dollars in natural resources are squandered

to grow produce no one eats. Apeel now has $110 million in funding from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, with the latest round led by Viking Global Investors. Apeel’s protective coating keeps produce looking and tasting fresher longer by slowing the water loss and oxidation that contributes to deterioration. The edible coating, which has no taste or texture and can be applied to organic produce, also preserves nutrient density, Rogers said. Entirely plant-based, the coating is derived from discarded peels, pulps and stems, often sourced from winemakers with leftover grapes or sauce makers with remnants of tomatoes. Unlike chemical products designed to make bigger, prettier produce, Apeel harnesses nature’s existing processes to create a heartier skin, he said. “We think we are at this unique time in human history not to make new stuff but identify the building blocks that nature has been using and reusing,” Rogers said. “We can create products that solve problems that don’t also create new problems.” Apeel’s product did create a business model challenge. The supplier must spray or dip the produce in the formula at the packaging stage just after harvest, but the retailer benefits from the reduced waste and cost savings — so who should pay for it? The solution was for Kroger to pay Apeel to install its treatment equipment at all Kroger avocado suppliers in Mexico, Peru, Chile and California, Rogers said. The startup hopes to have similar relationships across all other fruit and vegetable categories. “We’re imagining a future where Apeel produce is its own category,” Rogers said. Consumers should pay no more for the longer-lasting produce, he added, because the retailer saves money by wasting less. Rogers is particularly excited by the pilot launch of Apeel asparagus, which he says is the No. 1 polluting vegetable in the world because it must be air freighted from suppliers in Peru to U.S. markets to keep from spoiling before hitting consumers’ dinner plates. Treating asparagus with Apeel’s formula at Continued on next page.

sen said. “They can enjoy the evening and not have anything to worry about.” “From a legal perspective, we see a lot of complaints of harassing and/or inappropriate behavior during holiday party season,” Baird Holm Attorney Kelli P. Lieurance said. “They usually involve an employee who had too much to drink and either says something inappropriate, gets overly ‘touchy feely,’ or otherwise forgets Lieurance to respect workplace boundaries.” Liability doesn’t end when a guest leaves the party. For instance, if an employee has an accident while driving home drunk, a victim might attempt to hold the company liable for over-serving the employee. Employers should also be careful about making attendance at holiday parties or other social events mandatory. “If mandatory, employees may be entitled

to pay during the event, and any injuries that may occur during the event could be considered work-related and therefore potentially fall under workers’ compensation,” Lieurance said. Companies should consider limiting alcohol use at work-related events. This can be done by limiting the number of drinks a guest may have either through issuing drink tickets or limiting the hours of the party. Some firms offer to reimburse employees for taxi or ride-sharing expenses so no one drives home after drinking. “Organizations should remind employees that the same standards of behavior expected during work hours apply during holiday parties, and that any inappropriate, harassing, or problematic behavior will not be tolerated,” Lieurance said. If there is a problem, a company’s response will depend on the nature of the issue. If the concern relates to inappropriate or harassing behavior, HR should investigate as soon as possible. For other issues, such as DUIs or property damage, the firm should report the potential issue to its insurance company. “In any event, contacting counsel from the outset is recommended to ensure the response is appropriate,” Lieurance said.

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• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Atlas MedStaff eyes expansion of Omaha facility in fast-growing industry Continued from page 1. what different for the medical staffing industry, makes for both better decision-making and more effective communication, Smith said. In addition to Smith and Ryan, the Atlas MedStaff ownership team also includes Hank Anderson, an investor who does not work in the firm. Last month Inc. magazine ranked Atlas MedStaff number 1485 on its annual Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing privately held companies. Smith said the Omaha company, which did $88 million in revenue in 2018, hopes to hit $100 million this year. Ryan and Smith tout their firm — with a rolling three-year growth of 277% rate — as taking a non-conventional approach to many aspects of its operations. “It shows that our industry is stronger than ever,” Ryan said. “There's nothing more important than our nurses, therapists and techs (the latter two categories were added for clients earlier this year).” Smith said Atlas MedStaff views its status as Nebraska's fastest growing staffing firm for the fourth consecutive year as a green light to

forge ahead to greater things. Nationally, the Omaha-based company now has grown to win a 2% market share, up from 1% a year ago. The number of competitors has grown to more than 300, up from 225 or 250 five years ago. Atlas MedStaff is ranked 18th largest in the traveling nurse category, and Ryan said he hopes the 15th largest rank can be attained in 2020. The industry rankings are compiled by California-based Staffing Industry Analysts, an entity of Crain Communications, Inc. “It's a validation of our belief system,” he added. “Traditional recruiting is dead — the new world is here and we're leading the way.” F i r s t , t h e r e ' s A t l a s M e d S t a ff ' s 19,000-square-foot unconventional office that is a fully open concept, with one of the only private rooms being essentially a media studio, which has been used to record more than 1,000 videos in the past 18 months. “Most of our nurses, techs and therapists work 12-hour nighttime shifts and this is how we connect with them,” Smith said. Ryan and Smith said such communication tools enable Atlas MedStaff to more effectively communicate and promote their brand

to potential health care workers. There's a ny that uses a flat business model,” he said. YouTube channel and a website that promote “There are no layers of management or private “the adventures of nursing” with interviews equity firms calling the shots and this results in of employees with their pets — including a better pay for our nurses and freedom for our kangaroo — as well as beers being enjoyed recruiters to operate in a happier environment for all.” in various parts of the He said some excountry, and numerous Atlas MedStaff pansion of managehighlights of the off- Phone: 855-884-2360 ment and executive time hours of health Address: 11159 Mill Valley Road, Omapositions has been industry travelers on ha 68154 inevitable due to the assignment. Service: provider of contract health care firm's fast growth. Atlas MedStaff em- professionals to hospitals nationally Positions added have ployees are on assign- Founded: 2012 by Rich Smith & Steve included two brand ment in all 50 states. Ryan specialists, a brand The largest share — Employees: 850 (150 internal staff) production manager, 25% — is in California, One-year goal: Expand into another a controller in the acfollowed by Texas and 5,000 square feet to the north of current counting department North Carolina. building. and an additional huThere have been Industry outlook: Demand for traveling man resources profesfew placements in Ne- health care professionals continues to sional. braska hospitals. rise, especially for evening and all-night The talent being While the average shifts. developed in Omaha age of an RN is about Website: www.atlasmedstaff.com will be important next 50, Smith said the 24 to 30 demographic is finding traveling temporary year when Atlas MedStaff plans on opening assignments to be more popular. The 45 to 60 a 12,000- to 15,000-square-foot southern satellite office in Dallas. Staffing will include age range is the second most prevalent. Atlas MedStaff invests from $600 to $800 from 30 to 40 employees. Ryan said one of the top sales people at in each hire, which includes, among other things, credential evaluation and verification, Atlas MedStaff — while still working for a background checks, and sometimes as many tire store — received a call at 9 p.m. Sunday as seven or eight shots that are mandated. The evening from a good customer who needed caregivers are employees of Atlas MedStaff an immediate tire replacement. He drove to and receive in addition of pay, health care the store, got the person the tire and demonstrated what Smith and Ryan cite as going the coverage, 401(k) and other benefits. Smith said hires for Atlas MedStaff's extra-mile to satisfy the customer. Smith cites a Mark Cuban quote as sumOmaha headquarters, which will grow by a 5,000 square foot expansion next year, go to marizing the firm's philosophy: “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to about one of every 30 applicants. “We're a veteran-owned mid-size compa- take it away from you.”

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

No More Empty Pots opens Food Hub, brings programming under one roof Continued from page 1. place before,” she said. Now brewing at Cups Café In 2015 NMEP took over management of a small coffeshop located directly across the street from the former Grace University in south Omaha’s Little Italy neighborhood. “One of our major supporters lived in that multi-use building and she wanted [the coffeeshop] to have more purpose,” said Talia McGill, director of strategic communications. Originally Echo Coffee, then No More Empty Cups, the shop temporarily closed SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 12.

at the beginning of 2019. It reopened as Cups Café Little Italy with a redesigned food and beverage menu that aligned with NMEP’s mission, using fresh, local foods to curate an Italian-inspired menu to complement the neighborhood’s history. “But, we noticed that it wasn’t in a high traffic area,” McGill said. “Grace University had closed and in previous years that was a lot of our traffic.” However, across the hall, the CO2 community room that NMEP managed was being booked regularly as an event and meeting space. “Because we saw such rapid response SETTING OUT TO SIEGE

in that we decided that the best use of that partners for a four-week internship. space was as an event space,” McGill said. “Wes [Zollicoffer] was in our program The space is now regularly booked for six-months ago and now he’s our youth parties, retreats, book clubs and more. culinary instructor,” McGill said. “He also Lessons learned from Little Italy have started his own in-house table side dinner been put to use at Cups Café Florence, service, [Feeding Royals].” which opened at the beginning of AuOther educational programs include gust and is located within the Food Hub demonstrations at libraries and schools, building. youth summer camps, cooking classes and Simple, traditional coffee offerings are kids birthday parties. paired with fresh, seasonal grain bowls and “We’re hoping to have a pay-it-forpastries that are baked in house, either by ward model with the kids birthday parties a food entrepreneur because we know renting space in the No More Empty Pots there’s lots of kids commercial kitchen Phone: 402-502-1642 that can’t afford a or by NMEP catering Address: 8511 North 30th Street, Omaha party,” McGill said. staff. In the kitchen 68112 Sharing the same Founded: 2010 Prior to May building has allowed Service: offering underserved communities 2019 Nebraska held NMEP to integrate access to local foods, education and entrestrict laws regarding the Culinary Work- preneurship assistance foods baked in a perforce Training Pro- Employees: 20 son’s home, othergram into Café op- Goals: Addressing and improving regional wise known as “coterations. tage food.” These food security and economic resilience of Serving up op- urban and rural communities through advolaws barred cottage portunity food entrepreneurs cacy and programming. Students from the (those who bake and Culinary Workforce Training Program prepare certain foods in home kitchens to have been able to learn front-of-house sell on small scale) from selling anywhere skills by serving at the Café. but a farmers market. “They’re getting to see the process As farmers markets are seasonal, and from beginning to end,” McGill said. often only available on weekends and at “They get to help make the food and now a cost, these laws posed a clear problem hand it over to a customer.” for food entrepreneurs who were already The program, in its eighth cohort, working at a disadvantage. is a 16-week program that helps preIn 2015, on the heels of taking over pare individuals from underserved areas Cups Café Little Italy, NMEP started to enter into a career in the food and construction on its commercial kitchen to beverage industry. NMEP has part- provide these entrepreneurs a space. When nered with Metropolitan Community the commercial kitchens opened in 2016 College to provide curriculum and a it not only gave renters access to space, certificate that teaches the basics: knife but storage and large-scale equipment skills, sanitation, cooking techniques and as well. basic nutrition. With the Food Hub completed, Wil“What we’re trying to do is recognize liams said the challenge is pulling all of were the gaps are in service and try to find the core programs together and adapting the best people to partner with to fill that to their needs. gap,” Williams said. “How we use [the space] is based on With several community partners, how we operate the space,” she said. “How NMEP is able to take what students are we engage people will determine what else interested in and match them to industry needs to happen with the space.”

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Omaha Community Playhouse programs spotlight accessibility in its 95th year Continued from page 1. meeting the needs of long-term patrons with shows that appeal to a more traditional audience. Located at 6915 Cass Street, Omaha Community Playhouse got its start in 1924. Its first show, the Arthur Wing Pinero romance, The Enchanted Cottage, starred Dodie Brando, mother to then-one-year-old Marlon Brando. “There have been many prominent figures that got their start at the Playhouse,” said Executive Director Katie Broman. “Most notable was Henry Fonda. His children, Peter and Jane, also performed for the Playhouse at different times. Marlon Brando’s mother, Dodie, was one of the Playhouse’s founders.” At least one of the Playhouse’s signature programs pays homage to alumnus Henry Fonda. “The Henry Fonda Theatre Academy was founded in September of 2016 as a way of honoring OCP’s past by saluting its future,” Hickman said. “With a mission of teaching ‘life skills through stage skills,’ the Henry Fonda Theatre Academy (HFTA) aims to provide quality firsthand experience with theatrical arts and further develop skills that will be useful in all aspects of a participant’s life, such as self-confidence,

collaboration, accountability, self-expression and improved literacy.” Hickman described how its Collective for Youth partnership provides free, extended exposure to theater arts for children at public elementary and middle schools who otherwise might not have the opportunity. OCP’s in-school residencies tie to school-day curriculum and grade-appropriate learning objectives. “Additional plans for a greater number of HFTA residencies at youth-based nonprofit organizations are also in development for the upcoming season,” she said. The latter onsite classes, workshops and camps provide broad skill-based education for youth and adults, ranging from acting to dancing and playwriting, while Hickman noted one-time workshops tied to specific season productions are offered throughout the year. According to Hickman, each season OCP strives to offer “something for everyone,” from classic musicals to contemporary world premieres. “Because first-hand participation is a key element of OCP’s mission, it is also important that programming includes opportunities for all performers in our community — ensuring

the inclusion of strong roles for women, minorities, and those with disabilities — as well as opportunities for both new and seasoned performers,” she said. “Likewise, artistic staff looks for playwrights, composers, and lyricists of all genders/ethnicities/races.” The Alternative Programming Series offers unique, one-time theatrical experiences to community members, free of charge. “Staged readings, special events, and new work development provide a setting for community collaboration; a venue for new directors, writers, and performers to safely hone their craft; and a place free of the financial risk associated with a full production,” Hickman said. OCP further offers the two-year Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Metropolitan Community College for area high school and college students interested in the technical areas of theater, and launched the Omaha Community Playhouse Directing Fellowship in 2018 for early- to mid-careerists to direct an OCP Alternative Programming production and/or assist with directing a regular OCP season musical or play. A nod to expanded access, Hickman said that, unlike typical signed performances,

by Liz Reyer

they can. You won’t win by confronting her directly. However, you can matter-of-factly employ some tactics that take back control of your time. If you get to her desk and she is not there? Leave a note. You really do not have to choose to wait. -If she is not ready? Have a document with you to read while she fiddles around, and ask her to let you know when she’s good to go. -If she is enjoying her lunch while you wait? Have a plan for something you can explain to her so that she can chew while you talk. Hopefully she will be able to multi-task. Try suggesting that meetings be held at your desk. This may feel awkward if she has a higher position in the corporate hierarchy. It will send a point, though, if you point out that it’s a better use of time since she is so often running late. You can soften it with the “I know you have so much on your plate” line. Also consider how often you actually work with her. If it is only occasionally, prepare yourself with tactics like those above and then let it go as best you can. If she is a regular partner, consider a conversation to clear the air. Choose a time when you are not annoyed with her, and then use “I statements” to share your experiences. These help minimize defensiveness by keeping the focus on you rather than sounding like finger-pointing or an attack.

All of these steps have the secondary benefit of reclaiming your power and putting a power-mongering colleague on notice that you won’t accept second-class status. Just keep the focus on getting business needs met and maintaining the high ground while looking out for your own needs. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How to handle a co-worker who always makes you wait Q: I have a colleague who wastes my time when we work together. For example, she will set up a meeting at her desk and will not be there so I have to wait, will be unprepared, or have food that she eats instead of getting down to business. I don’t have time for these games. There is a shortage of Workplace meeting rooms, so I can’t counter her desk meeting invitations to “neutral territory.” How can I manage this? -Nita, 36, senior analyst, finance A: Clueless or intentionally rude? That will help you figure out the right path to address her behavior. Think about how well you know this colleague. She may be one of the perpetually flyaway people who inconveniences others through her own disorganization. Obviously, then, it’s not personal. Disruptive, yes, but not a message about your relative power or importance. The steps below will likely be better received because the person has generally positive intent. But what if she is normally prompt and put together? Pay attention if you see a gap between how you’re treated and the way she interacts with others. It won’t serve you well to let behavior that could undermine you go unchecked. Because, let’s face it. There are people who enjoy keeping people waiting just because

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Women in Machine Learning and Data Science Continued from page 2. of the program. It was really inspiring and I thought, ‘Omaha needs this.’” To get started, Kenney leaned on colleague, Shonna Dorsey, the former managing director and co-founder of Interface Web School, to form what would become the Omaha chapter. “We had our first meet-up three or four months ago with Crysta Price,” Kenney said. “She runs a company that started as a data science research project on networking and building the networks that represent human

trafficking. She does a lot for the Omaha area, especially around the [College World Series].” That company, HTI Labs, uses the power of data to address sexual exploitation. “Our next meet-up is going to be a networking event,” Kenney said. “Part of our goal is not just having presentations; it’s learning and building a community of people.” She encourages businesses who want to engage in sponsoring meet-ups, and welcomes businesses who, like Benson’s women-owned Hardy Coffee Co., are willing to host meet-ups.

American Sign Language interpreters shadow actors onstage, allowing audience members to stay focused on the action instead of splitting focus between performers and signers. At one scheduled performance each season, she said audio description (verbal narration of all aspects of production for visually-impaired patrons) is available whereby a trained audio descriptor conveys visual elements from backstage through an individual listening device provided by OCP. She noted OCP is working on a bilingual translation program, too. Broman attributes OCP’s long heritage and strength through the years to countless dedicated volunteers, staff and artists. “It is incredible to hear from community members the impact that the Playhouse has had on multiple generations of their families over the past 95 years,” she said. At present, Broman said its 37 staff members are further supported by 1,000 to 2,000 volunteers, which vary by season. Patrons can engage with OCP through the BizTix subscription spanning vouchers to 10 season productions that may be used as client gifts, staff perks or sales incentives. “As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on sponsorships and donations,” she said. “Sponsorships are a great way for a business to support OCP’s mission while also receiving recognition, marketing exposure and tickets.” Many businesses, Broman noted, have pre-parties or dinners at OCP lobbies, especially around the holidays. Hickman referred to access efforts, including discounted student tickets, low-cost young professional subscriptions, and free after-school programs and need-based scholarships for eligible schools and students.

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144. For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week). 2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. Payment options are cash or check. 3. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday. 4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts. 5. You will receive a paid invoice copy and a courtesy proof of the notice the first week it runs and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week.

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION United Distillers Products Company, a Nebraska corporation, has been dissolved pursuant to the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The corporation has collected its assets, disposed of its properties which were not distributed in kind to its shareholders, discharged or made provision for the discharge of its liabilities, distributed its remaining property among its shareholders according to their interests, and done every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs. Edward C. Friedland, President of the corporation, was the person who was responsible for winding up and liquidating the business and affairs of the corporation. The corporation has no remaining assets or liabilities. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION United Distillers Products Company LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 10039 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Edward C. Friedland, 10039 Frederick Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 Notice of Organization of the Formation of Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC Notice is hereby given that Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office 17605 Wright St., Omaha, NE 68130. The initial agent for service of process is Orion Advisor Solutions, LLC, 17605 Wright St., Omaha, NE 68130. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WILLEY RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Willey RE, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall provide real estate services. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13340 California Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on August 29, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SEVENTY-TEN OPPORTUNITY I, LLC The name of the Company is Seventy-Ten Opportunity I, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1915 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Benjamin A. Katt, 1915 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The purpose is to invest in qualified opportunity zone property by acquiring qualified opportunity zone partnership interests or qualified opportunity zone stock in one or more first-tier subsidiaries or by directly acquiring qualified opportunity zone business property and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. The Company intends to be a qualified opportunity fund and cause any first-tier subsidiaries it invests in to meet the requirements for a qualified opportunity zone business. This limited liability company commenced business on August 30, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SAKOON MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS LLC Notice is hereby given that SAKOON MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS LLC (the “Company”) 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 1529 S. 203rd Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process for the Company is Mary E. Vandenack, VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SAKOON THE SPA LLC Notice is hereby given that SAKOON THE SPA 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 1529 S. 203rd Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process for the Company is Mary Vandenack located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KENNEDY LEGACY 178, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KENNEDY LEGACY 178, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 467 County Road K, Yutan, Nebraska 68073. The Registered Agent of the Company is Scott A. Kennedy, 467 County Road K, Yutan, Nebraska 68073. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 LAW OFFICES OF EVELYN N. BABCOCK 16264 Rolling Ridge Road Omaha, Nebraska 68135 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hauder Farms, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on September 3, 2019. The street and mailing address for the initial designated office is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska. The street and mailing address for the initial agent for service of process is 16264 Rolling Ridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The name of the initial agent for service of process is George T. Babcock. The general nature of the business is any and all business which is lawful under the Uniform Limited Liability Act of the State of Nebraska. The business of limited liability company will be conducted by its Members. George T. Babcock, Organizer First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), WOUR J WICHAR You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 05/01/2019 on Case Number CI19-10207, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $2,268.66, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/20/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), KEVIN J SHAFER You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 05/22/2019 on Case Number CI19-11770, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $233.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/20/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 FRANK X. HAVERKAMP P.C. LLO, Attorney 12929 West Dodge Road, Suite 201 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that THE FARM: SENIOR DOGS SANCTUARY, INC. was incorporated under the Nebraska Non-Profit Corporation Act. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation, under the Nebraska Non-Profit Corporation Act which purpose will be to administer and disburse funds related to the operation of a dog sanctuary. The registered agent is Frank X. Haverkamp and the registered office is located at 12829 West Dodge Road, Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect. Frank X. Haverkamp, Incorporator First publication August 30, 2019, final September 13, 2019

HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF KEY PERSON, INC. Notice is hereby given that Key Person, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was dissolved effective as of August 15, 2019 (the “Dissolution”). The terms and conditions of the Dissolution are that all outstanding liabilities have been paid or otherwise adequately provided for, and the assets of the Corporation have been distributed to the persons and/or entities entitled thereto, leaving no liabilities or assets in the Corporation. The person who is to wind up and liquidate the business and affairs of the Corporation is Carl J. Troia, Jr., Secretary of the Corporation. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF DKPKAHT, LLC. Notice is hereby given that DKPKAHT, LLC (the “Company”) filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 7, 2019 and is effective August 7, 2019. The name of the Registered Agent of the Company is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. Any person having claims against the Company must present such claim to the Registered Agent within five (5) years of the third publication of this Notice. Such claims must be in writing and should include the amount, date and description of items asked for on the claim. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BURWICK FARMS SPE, LLC. Notice is hereby given that Burwick Farms SPE, LLC (the “Company”) filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 7, 2019 and is effective August 7, 2019. The name of the Registered Agent of the Company is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68127. Any person having claims against the Company must present such claim to the Registered Agent within five (5) years of the third publication of this Notice. Such claims must be in writing and should include the amount, date and description of items asked for on the claim. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF SPE GARDEN GATE, LLC. Notice is hereby given that SPE Garden Gate, LLC (the “Company”) filed a Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 7, 2019 and is effective August 7, 2019. The name of the Registered Agent of the Company is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68127. Any person having claims against the Company must present such claim to the Registered Agent within five (5) years of the third publication of this Notice. Such claims must be in writing and should include the amount, date and description of items asked for on the claim. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF R TRUCKING, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of R Trucking, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is R Trucking, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 18930 Grant Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Roy R. Robinson, 18930 Grant Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 10, 2019, Skyydex Concealment, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office in Omaha, Nebraska. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Christopher D. Curzon, 8712 West Dodge Road, #400, Omaha, NE 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION WALNUT GROVE HOLDINGS, INC. 1. The name of the Corporation is Walnut Grove Holdings, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 100,000 Shares having a par value of $.10 each with 1,000 shares designated as voting common stock and 99,000 shares designated as nonvoting common stock. 3. The Registered Office of the Corporation is: 1125 S 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 September 3, 2019, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. 5. The name and address of the Incorporator is: Michael J. Keblesh, 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCM 10X MISHAWAKA III, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SCM 10X Mishawaka III, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72 Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SCM 10X MISHAWAKA II, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SCM 10X Mishawaka II, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72 Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TODD GARRETT You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 05/28/2019 on Case Number CI19-12318, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $330.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/20/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Spielcraft Games, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 6723 S. 109th St., Omaha, NE 68137. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Alex Wolf, 6723 S. 109th St., Omaha, NE 68137. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 FRANK X. HAVERKAMP P.C. LLO, Attorney 12929 West Dodge Road, Suite 201 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that AHACE, 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 registered agent is Frank X. Haverkamp and the registered office is located at 12829 West Dodge Road, Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68154. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect. Frank X. Haverkamp, Incorporator First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Affiliated Reproductive Health Providers of America, Inc., has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 08/20/2019 with its designated agent and office: Chelsea Souder, 1002 W. Mission Ave. Bellevue, NE 68005. The General Nature of Business: employing/contracting health care providers in clinical settings. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHI EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SHI Equity Holdings LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11516 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on August 29, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SHI HOLDING COMPANY LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SHI Holding Company LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11516 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on August 29, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ALLEN AMERICANS HOCKEY CLUB, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Allen Americans Hockey Club, 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 DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SPIRE ENTERPRISES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Spire Enterprises, 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 DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DOMESTICATION OF SOUND MEDICAL DEVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sound Medical Devices, LLC, has been domesticated into the State of Nebraska by filing Articles of Conversion with the Washington Secretary of State and Articles of Domestication with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 622 N. 50th Street, #202, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Jin Yuan, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 15414 Weir Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on August 28, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SFF NE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SFF NE, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on August 22, 2019 (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Sower Farmland Managers, LLC, with registered office at 13575 Lynam Drive, Omaha, NE 68138. The Company’s initial designated office is at 13575 Lynam Drive, Omaha, NE 68138. The Company shall be governed by one or more managers. The general nature of business is any lawful purpose. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that ANT & VZ REALTY, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S 44th Street Omaha, Suite 101, NE 68108, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 8/14/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Khanh Tran, Member First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Havic Realty, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th St, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 7/9/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Khanh NgocLuu Tran, Member First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 Notice of Merger Notice is hereby given that Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been merged with F T J FundChoice, L.L.C., a Missouri limited liability company, and that Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC, shall be the surviving entity, with its designated office at 17605 Wright St., Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process is Orion Advisor Solutions, LLC, 17605 Wright St., Omaha, NE 68130. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

Notice of Amendment to the Certificate of Organization for Orion Advisor Services, LLC Notice is hereby given that Orion Advisor Services, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has amended its Certificate of Organization to reflect a new name, Orion Advisor Technology, LLC, effective on September 1, 2019. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 JAMES R. SACOMAN, Attorney 14707 California Street, Suite 5 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1313 Estate of PATRICIA M. CLANTON, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on August 28, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Clerk-Magistrate issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased, and that MARY ANN GLEASON, whose address is 15102 Robin Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68138 and NANCY L. RUNYON, whose address is 227 E Hoover Drive, Nineveh, IN 46164, have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of this estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 6, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that iWise, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 4258 N. 143rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent of the Company is Jeff Ingraham, 4258 N. 143rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The Company was formed on September 3, 2019. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that GK Hospitality, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent of the Company is Geeta Chokkara, 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company was formed on September 6, 2019. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that ZGL Medical, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on September 9, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company. Azra Emily Bauman, Organizer First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NW OMAHA KIDDIE ACADEMY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NW Omaha Kiddie Academy, 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 DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SARAH JANE HUNT FOODSTYLIST, LLC A limited liability company has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska which shall have the name SARAH JANE HUNT FOODSTYLIST, LLC. The address of the registered office is 3111 South 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108. The general nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business, other than banking and insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. The company commenced on September 3, 2019 when the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska. The period of duration of the company is perpetual from the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of the State of Nebraska. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by a Board of Managers. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF OMAHA Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Roncalli Catholic High School of Omaha (the “Corporation”) have been amended and restated by the Directors as of September 10, 2019, and filed with the Secretary of State on September 13, 2019. The Articles of Incorporation have been amended to generally provide as follows: 1. To clarify the power of the Board of Directors, and specify that certain powers are reserved to the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha. 2. To eliminate certain ex-officio positions on the Board of Directors. 3. To expand the number of officers and revise designations. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF DANIEL J. GROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF OMAHA Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School of Omaha (the “Corporation”) have been amended and restated by the Directors as of September 10, 2019, and filed with the Secretary of State on September 13, 2019. The Articles of Incorporation have been amended to generally provide as follows: 1. To clarify the power of the Board of Directors, and specify that certain powers are reserved to the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha. 2. To eliminate certain ex-officio positions on the Board of Directors. 3. To expand the number of officers and revise designations. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AMES INDUSTRIAL PARK, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AMES INDUSTRIAL PARK, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and regis¬tered office at 2821 Caldwell Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, JUSTIN MOORE. 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 August 29, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. JUSTIN MOORE, Organizational Member 2821 Caldwell Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131 First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SEVENTY-TEN OPPORTUNITY II, LLC The name of the Company is Seventy-Ten Opportunity II, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1915 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Benjamin A. Katt, 1915 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on August 30, 2019. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TREEFORT DROP IN HOURLY CHILDCARE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Treefort Drop In Hourly Childcare, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 4110 South 148th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice is hereby given that Sukoon, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”) filed an Amended Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 21, 2019, changing the name of the Company to Sakoon, LLC. The address of the designated office of the Company is 1529 S. 203rd Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC, c/o Mary Vandenack located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. First publication September 6, 2019, final September 20, 2019

DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ALERIC INVESTMENTS, 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 Aleric Investments, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 3, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF GROUPSYNC, INC. Notice is hereby given that GROUPSYNC, INC., a Nebraska Corporation, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated agent Sean D. Moylan and designated office at 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The purpose for which GROUPSYNC, INC. has been established is to engage in the consulting business, and any and all lawful businesses for which a corporation may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Perpetual existence commenced on September 4, 2019. Management of the company shall be vested in its Board of Directors. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF BRANCHING OUT, INC. Notice is hereby given of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Branching Out, Inc. as follows: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide that the name of the Corporation shall be TAW INTERIORS, INC. The Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska on September 4, 2019, with an effective date of September 5, 2019. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 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 SUPERIOR DENTAL HEALTH – OMAHA, P.C. AND ORGANIZATION OF SUPERIOR DENTAL HEALTH – OMAHA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Superior Dental Health – Omaha, P.C. has been converted into Superior Dental Health – Omaha, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company shall conduct the practice of dentistry. The Designated Office of the company is 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 105, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. 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 corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 4, 2019. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STONE DEVELOPMENT LLC The name of the Company is Stone Development LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on September 5, 2019. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 SAMUEL J. TURCO, SR., Attorney 2580 South 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1340 Estate of Audrey E. Piccolo, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 5, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Deceased, and that Joan M. Sanders, whose address is 2835 South 165th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130, Omaha, NE 68130, telephone number 402-334-2596, 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 November 13, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ALLUVIUM CO., INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the corporation is Alluvium Co., Inc. 2. The address of the initial office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400, Omaha, NE 68114, and the Registered Agent at that address is Edward F. Pohren. 3. The general nature of the business to be transacted is operation of a food vendor and all activities related to such endeavor and any other lawful purposes. 4. The authorized capital stock of the corporation is 10,000 shares of common stock with a par value of 1.00 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 the filing and recording of its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and it shall have perpetual existence. 6. The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and such subordinate officers and agents as may be prescribed by the bylaws or appointed by the Board of Directors. Edward F. Pohren, Incorporator First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is ADAM WHITE PAINTING, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 1620 South 162nd Circle, Omaha, NE, 68130. The registered agent is Adam White and the Registered Agent's address is 1620 South 162nd Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. 3. The general nature of the Company is painting services. 4. The Company commenced on September 9, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is GREENFLEX PROPERTIES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 2506 South 95th Circle, Omaha, NE 68124. The registered agent is Kirk Estee and the Registered Agent's address is 2506 South 95th Circle, Omaha, NE 68124. 3. The general nature of the Company is a real estate holding and investment. 4. The Company commenced on September 6, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is TJV ENTERPRISES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 7902 S. 193rd St., Gretna, NE 68028. The registered agent is Jeffrey T. Palzer and the Registered Agent's address is 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6, Omaha, NE 68154. 3. The general nature of the Company is general business. 4. The Company commenced on August 23, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. 5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 MARK J. LAPUZZA, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 N O T I C E O F I N C O R P O R AT I O N O F P I E R 1 5 V I L L A S HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Pier 15 Villas Homeowners Association. 2. The Association is a not-for-profit corporation. 3. The address of the registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the registered agent at that office is Mark J. LaPuzza. 4. The name and street address of each incorporator is as follows: Ralph Marsco, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118 Nico Marasco, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118 5. The Association will have members. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Family Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Family Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Family Landscaping, LLC at 6839 S 147th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. Initial members: Elida Altagracia Santos de Rodriguez. 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 August 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SARAH STATION You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 06/03/2019 on Case Number CI19-12662, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $146.63, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 11/27/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF HUTCHINSON CAPITAL LLC TO HUTCHINSON CAPITAL INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HUTCHINSON CAPITAL LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed Articles of Conversion and Articles of Incorporation with the Nebraska Secretary of State converting the limited liability company to HUTCHINSON CAPITAL INC., a Nebraska corporation, effective September 5, 2019. The Company has designated its registered agent as Steven Hutchinson, with registered office at 220 S. 31st Avenue, Apt. 3800, Omaha, NE 68131. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TIFFANY L FLORES You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/30/2019 on Case Number CI19-10205, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $275.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 10/27/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Pittsburgh North, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Pittsburgh North, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Pittsburgh East, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Pittsburgh East, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 ROBERT J. KMIECIK, Attorney STINSON LLP 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68102-1818 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Milan Laser Pittsburgh West, LLC Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska limited liability company named Milan Laser Pittsburgh West, LLC (the “Company”) was formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and the Company’s initial agent for service of process is Capitol Corporate Services, Inc., Suite 800, 1125 S. 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019

PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF V. J. & ANGELA SKUTT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF OMAHA Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of V. J. & Angela Skutt Catholic High School of Omaha (the “Corporation”) have been amended and restated by the Directors as of September 10, 2019, and filed with the Secretary of State on September 13, 2019. The Articles of Incorporation have been amended to generally provide as follows: 1. To clarify the power of the Board of Directors, and specify that certain powers are reserved to the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha. 2. To eliminate certain ex-officio positions on the Board of Directors. 3. To expand the number of officers and revise designations. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 GENE ECKEL, Attorney Goosmann Law Firm 17838 Burke St., Suite 250 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY Pursuant to the Nebraska Disposition of Personal Property Landlord Tenant Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2301 et. seq., public notice is hereby given that the following describe property abandoned by Neil Kotera is believed to be worth more than two thousand dollars and will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash only at The Villas at Falling Waters, 6601 S. 94th Terrace Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, on September 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.: Lawn chairs, Coolers, Car seats, Foldable picknick table, Air compressor, Bike, Lawn mower, Snow blower, Scooters, Bicycles, Chairs, Metal storage shelves, Televisions, Beds with frames, Dressers, Desk, Male’s clothing, Children’s toys, Children’s clothing, Kitchen ware, Living room furniture, Dining room table and chairs, Movies, Grills, Patio Furniture Questions regarding the above-described property shall be directed to the landlord/landlord’s property manager at the address or phone number listed below. Jeremy Yosten, Property Manager The Villas at Falling Waters, 6601 S. 194th Terrace Plaza, Omaha, NE 68135 (402) 298-5390 First publication September 13, 2019, final September 20, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-100 Estate of Robert J. Wolff, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of September, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, that Ramona S. Halpenny, whose address is 818 Palmetto Terrace, Oviedo, Florida 32765 has been appointed Successor Personal Representative of this estate. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC 2. The period of duration for OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC is perpetual. 3. OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, 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 OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC in Nebraska is 8974 J Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. 5. The name and address of the registered agent for OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC in Nebraska is David Baratta, 8974 J Street, Omaha NE 68127. 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. David Baratta and Erick Anderson, organizer(s) of OLD WORLD CUSTOM CABINETS, LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 5th day of September, 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIAMOND COUNSELING, LLC Notice is hereby given that Diamond Counseling, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated agent Sean D. Moylan and designated office at 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The purpose for which Diamond Counseling, LLC has been established is mental health counseling, and any and all lawful businesses for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Perpetual existence commenced on September 11, 2019. Management of the company shall be vested in its Members. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC 2. The period of duration for COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC is perpetual. 3. COLONY INVESTMENTS 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 COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC in Nebraska is 14436 Weir Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. 5. The name and address of the registered agent for COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC in Nebraska is Cindy 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. Kyle Colony, organizer(s) of COLONY INVESTMENTS LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 5th Day of September 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that SOG Logistics, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 3334 N. 125th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent of the Company is Max Lau, 10685 Bedford Ave, #120, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Company was formed on September 11, 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE WALLING COMPANY OF IOWA The Walling Company of Iowa amended its Articles of Incorporation effective July 30, 2019, to change Article I to provide that the name of the corporation shall be RDH Holdings, Inc. Robert D. Henrichs, President First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 FRANK X. HAVERKAMP P.C. LLO, Attorney 12929 West Dodge Road, Suite 201 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that MSSL, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-2601 et seq. The registered office is 12829 West Dodge Road, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Frank X. Haverkamp. The nature of the business to be transacted is Business Management. The business commenced on September 4, 2019. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF J&J ASPHALT AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that J&J Asphalt and Construction, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 3312 Craig Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68112 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF THE JESSICA NIELSEN FOUNDATION, A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The name of the corporation is THE JESSICA NIELSEN FOUNDATION, A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION, with a registered office at 7515 North 155th Terrace, Bennington, Nebraska 68007, and the registered agent is BRIAN CHILDERS. The general nature of the business is a public benefit corporation and shall have for its additional purpose to provide an annual scholarship for nursing school students at U.N.M.C.; to provide funding to help with research for a cure and/or treatment for Batten Disease; to provide funding for Project Pinkd; providing for managing any benevolent, charitable, civic, educational, fraternal, athletic, patriotic, social and labor organization or society, as well as the making of donations to the public welfare or for charitable or educational purposes, and to perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The corporation commenced August 1, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The corporation will have members. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Discreet Paws Name of Applicant: Discreet Paws, LLC Address: 7210 N. 171st St. Bennington NE 68007 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: July 24, 2019 General nature of business: Provide private drug dog for hire to search homes, businesses, or schools Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative AMY L. MECHAM September 20, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Cafesoule, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 2516 South 155 Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is John David Price, 2516 South 155 Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The company is member-managed. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Amiable Properties, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on 9/1/2019 with its initial designated agent and office: Robert D Richardson 21501 Honeysuckle Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The general nature of the business is property management. The business shall be Member-Managed. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SW Writes5, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SW Writes5, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7233 S.35th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Sherry Weber, at 7233 S. 35th Street, Lincoln NE 68516. The limited liability company commenced business on August 15, 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF ODOO GAMES LLC Notice is hereby given that ODOO GAMES LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has changed its name to ODOOH GAMES LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 5th, 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Chedel Law Group, LLC, a domestic professional limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Marc Chedel, 837 South 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The nature of the business to be transacted is the practice of law. The business commenced on August 28, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BLUE MALLARD SUPPLY, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blue Mallard Supply, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 10, 2019, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. Jeffrey Feldhacker, President of the Corporation, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION 1. The name of the Corporation is Rylee’s Salon, Inc. 2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares having a par value of $1.00 each. 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 September 12, 2019, 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, Nebraska 68124. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ANW, LLC ANW, LLC has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The designated office of the company is 19609 Decatur St., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The registered agent of the company is Tim Waggoner, 19609 Decatur St., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The company commenced business on September 3, 2019. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PATANEL PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Patanel Properties, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 18802 Josephine St., Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA B, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omaha B, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 11516 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 202, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLACK DOG DEVELOPER, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Black Dog Developer, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1536 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MILLWORK LAND COMPANY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Millwork Land Company, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1536 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Feeding Royals, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Feeding Royals, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 4517 N. 37th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The Registered Agent of the Company is Candy Zollicoffer., 4517 N. 37th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: RENEE L. RUDD, 2437 S 24th St Apt 2, Omaha NE 68108, you are hereby notified that on July 26, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-16520, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $2,398.05, 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 11th day of November, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 11, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 502 Code LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 502 Code LLC has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its designated office at 21204 Buchanan Pkwy, Box 299, Gretna, NE 68028. The registered agent is Danielle Towey, 21204 Buchanan Pkwy, Box 299, Gretna, NE 68028. It is organized to transact any and all lawful business for which Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws. The LLC was organized on February 27th, 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication September 13, 2019, final September 27, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SUDZ Name of Applicant: ANW, LLC Address: 19609 Decatur St. Elkhorn NE 68022 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: September 2018 General nature of business: Manufacture and sale of soaps, and bath bombs, body scrubs and related products. TIM WAGGONER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 20, 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Sofra Creperie Name of Applicant: Crepa, Crepa, LLC Address: 11639 Monroe St., Omaha, NE 68137 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: September 20, 2019 General nature of business: Fast-casual type of restaurant KRIS LAMLIKA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 20, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Greenlight Natural Name of Applicant: Potratz Marketing, LLC Address: 5402 S. 77th St Apt. 9 Ralston NE 68127 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraksa Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Natural General nature of business: Health and Wellness/Herbal Supplements CHRIS POTRATZ Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 20, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: blowin' up Name of Applicant: Antoinette Bell Address: 1710 N. 58th St. Omaha NE 68104 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 9/1/19 General nature of business: balloon decor, balloon art balloon colums & arches A BELL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 20, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: MARY ELLEN CUNNINGHAM, 600 S 27th St #1014, Omaha NE 68105, you are hereby notified that on July 15, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-15425, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $29,536.54, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 11th day of November, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 11, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: DANIEL E SCIBEK, 4813 Boyd St Apt 2, Omaha NE 68104, you are hereby notified that on May 23, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-11400, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $4,000.00, 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 11th day of November, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 11, 2019 Charles E. Dorwart, Attorney MASSIH LAW, LLC 226 N. 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-302 Estate of Darlene K. Gilmer, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Darrell C. Gilmer, who was previously appointed as Special Administrator, of 6363 Grover Street, #19, Omaha, NE 68106 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before November 20, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: CALVIN SCHAFFER, 6516 Delilah Rd #2095, Egg Harbor Township NJ 08234, you are hereby notified that on July 15, 2019, Shelter Mutual Insurance Company filed a suit against you in the Douglas County District Court at docket CI19-5495, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $83,827.97, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County District Court on or before the 11th day of November, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 11, 2019

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: TYLER ROSS, 14487 Wyoming St, Bennington NE 68007, you are hereby notified that on August 15, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-17931, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $8,095.70, 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 11th day of November, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 11, 2019

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION JoanG LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SENIOR SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Senior Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3345 N. 107th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ASHLEY SWOBODA & ROGER SWOBODA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 04/17/2019 on Case Number CI19-9479, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $156.53, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 11/04/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Pattavina Creative Studio, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 1829 N 111th St, Omaha NE 68154. The registered agent of the Company at such address is Mary Pattavina. The purpose for which the Company is organized is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was executed on August 12, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence. Mary Pattavina Member/Manager. First publication September 20, 2019, final October 4, 2019

Stay in your home as you age: A checklist by Carla Fried

Baby boomers are united in their intent to stay put in their homes. A 2018 AARP survey reports that about three in four participants (all at least 50) want to stay in their current home as long as possible, and 46% expect to never budge. But desire is not the same thing as a real esTaTe plan. Anyone who wants to age in place should start planning now: Will your retirement income easily cover your home’s insurance, property tax and maintenance? A clear-eyed assessment today can save you (and your family) anxiety and heartache down the line. You want to avoid realizing five or 10 years into retirement that you can’t keep up with the costs of staying in your home. By then, making a move will be even harder. Your 50- and 60-something self will be more resilient emotionally and physically to take on a move – if financially warranted. On the financial side, keep in mind that starting with your 2018 federal tax return, the maximum deduction for state and local tax is capped at $10,000 per household. That includes your property tax. If you typically have deducted more than that, your housing costs essentially are rising due to the tax law. It’s one thing to be able to handle that when you are still working, but are taxes going to eat up too much of your retirement income? Are you car-dependent? Will the house you love so much today be a great house when you are in your 80s and 90s and don’t want to drive, or can’t? (As you can learn from a longevity calculator, there is a very good chance you could live well into your 90s.) It’s not just about your mobility; what about your friends? This is why so many baby boomers are moving into cities; they can rely on public transportation – and Uber and Lyft – and socialize without any great effort. Is your home age-in-place friendly? The odds suggest the answer is no. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies estimated that by 2035 there will be 17 million older households where the current layout of their home will become a problem. Stairs that can no longer be easily navigated. Narrow doorways and bathrooms that can’t easily accommodate a walker or wheelchair. The JCHS says less than 4% of U.S. housing is age-in-place ready, with such features as zero-step entrances into the home, single-floor living, and wide doorways and hallways. That’s not necessarily a reason to move. There are renovations you can do today to make your home age-in-place friendlier. The time to do it is before you need it. Consider this scenario: You are 75 and have an illness or injury that makes it impossible to navigate the stairs – at least temporarily – but there is no bed or bath on the first floor. So you end up in rehab, rather than able to quickly return home, with care that comes to you. Age-in-place projects can range from small but vital – grab bars in the bathrooms – to larger projects, such as reconfiguring a bathroom to accommodate a walker and installing a shower that has room for a bench or stool. If you’re planning to renovate the kitchen, double down on great lighting; your age-80 eyes will thank you. And consider some lower counter space where it’s easy to pull up a chair. The grandkids will love that today, and at some point you may enjoy being able to sit to do kitchen prep. ©2019 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Specially treated avocados Continued from page 9. supplier facilities in Peru doubles its shelf life and allows it to travel by ship rather than plane, which results in a tenth of the transportation costs and an eighth of the greenhouse gas emissions, Rogers said. Limes, the other product in the coming pilot, are not known for rotting so swiftly, but they present a waste challenge for retailers because consumers pass over those with yellowing skin even though they are still good, Rogers said. While food waste in developing countries often results from harvesting techniques or cooling restraints, a big contributor in higher-income countries is an over-emphasis on how produce looks. ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

Entrepreneurial Family Business Success A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Current entrepreneurial climate • Seed funding • Branding for success Business plans • Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem • Trademarks/patents

Family Business Milestones • Culture • Innovation Business Succession • Finances

Issue Date: September 27 • Ad Deadline: September 19

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

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Hospitality industry • Local experience • Innovative technology Health and sustainability conscious experiences • “Bleisure” travel

Residential Real Estate overview • Mortgage lenders Residential developments • Homebuilders Strategies for buying a home • Apartments/rentals

Issue Date: October 4 • Ad Deadline: September 26

To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below. Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Catie Kirby - Catie@mbj.com • Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com • Joe Misiunas - joe@mbj.com

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Tzadik Management closed on its first community in Nebraska, acquiring City View Apartments, a 221-unit building located in downtown Omaha. This is the latest acquisition in line with Tzadik’s recent investment strategy, further adding to its rapidly growing Midwest portfolio. A “Melt-Up” projection aligned with lowering interest rates helped spark the company’s interest in the market in 2017. Women in Agribusiness recognizes women’s exemplary achievements in ag with the Demeter Award of Excellence. This year’s recipients include Sandra D. Hulm of Conagra Brands Corporation. Hulm is from Omaha and is vice president of procurement for Conagra Brands. She has a long and storied career in the food industry, which first saw her rise through the ranks at Archer Daniels Midland. At Conagra, Hulm has led mission-critical projects, including managing more than $800 million of annual commodity spend and acting as the project lead for Conagra’s Integrated Margin Management program. Former Nebraska State Senator Tanya D. Cook was appointed by the Metropolitan Utilities District board of directors to fill the board vacancy for Subdivision 5 created by the recent death of Tom Dowd. Cook will serve the remainder of Dowd’s term, which runs through 2020. Cook served two terms for the Legislature’s District 13 from 2009 to 2017, co-chairing the Business and Labor Committee and serving on the Appropriations, Urban Affairs and Long-Term Planning Committees. Cook is president of City Girl

Communications. NP Dodge Insurance Agency Inc. and Peterson Bros. Insurance Inc., two long-standing Omaha insurance agencies, have formed Dodge Partners Insurance LLC. All employees from both companies have joined Dodge Partners Insurance and will be led by Marcus Haith, former president of NP Dodge Insurance Agency, and Carly Thomas and Rob Schmitt, former principals of Peterson Bros. Insurance. Dodge Partners Insurance is a subsidiary of the NP Dodge Company, an Omaha fixture since 1855, whose portfolio includes residential and commercial real estate, title services, property management and corporate global relocation.

Health care notes…

Mutual of Omaha will offer a new healthy lifestyle program, called Mutually Well, to its Medicare Supplement customers beginning Oct. 1 under a new three-year agreement with Tivity Health. The new program provides customers access to a comprehensive wellness program, including Tivity Health’s Prime Fitness network of more than 10,000 fitness locations. Customers will also have access to a mobile app that will offer personalized daily plans, exercise programs, wellness tips and recipes, as well as discounts on healthy living products and services such as acupuncture and massage. It will also include access to Tivity Health’s WholeHealth Living Choices complementary and alternative medicine and discount network of more than 20,000 providers. The Visiting Nurse Association has begun providing flu shots for this season.

All proceeds are reinvested to support VNA services for vulnerable individuals in our local communities. VNA offers flu immunizations through community clinics at VNA Headquarters, 12565 West Center Road, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday through Thursday; no appointment is necessary. VNA flu immunizations are available to anyone, including seniors and children six months of age and older. In addition to the community clinics, VNA offers workplace clinics, and is still accepting new businesses.

Education notes…

Robin Farias-Eisner, M.D., Ph.D., who joined the Creighton University School of Medicine as director of the Hereditary Cancer Center and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been named the Charles F. and Mary C. Heider Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. Before joining Creighton, Farias-Eisner was the chief of gynecologic oncology and vice chair of administration in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of California, Los Angeles, where he started his own laboratory specializing in women’s cancer research. Farias-Eisner has discovered new genetic markers for ovarian cancer that are extremely accurate in distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian cysts. The recent installation of an Interactive Digital iWall at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Northern Division in Norfolk enables UNMC to enhance student learning and engagement across the state. The technology enables users to present content in real time, transforming collaboration and

communication at all of UNMC’s nursing divisions in Omaha, Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln and now in Norfolk. The iWall is another tool UNMC faculty will use to help prepare students for professional nursing practice.

Activities of nonprofits…

Heartland Family Service is looking FORE! sponsors and golfers to help drive out domestic violence and sexual assault by participating in the 26th Annual Safe Haven Golf Tournament at Eagle Hills Golf Course on Sept. 23. Participants will receive a boxed lunch, drink tickets and dinner. Golfers will also have a chance to use the Golf Pros drive for $5 a play. The winning team will win a foursome at Oak Hills Country Club and the second place winners will be awarded a foursome to the Field Club of Omaha. There will be prizes for the longest drive, longest putt, a Hole-in-One car prize and a raffle drawing. Open Door Mission’s annual Love Your Neighbor Gala is taking place on Sept. 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. The gala includes a silent auction, live auction, and dinner. This year is very special for the Mission, as its celebrating 65 years. The event helps fund over 37 programs that serve the hungry, homeless, and poverty-stricken. The Completely KIDS Guild will host the third annual Night in the Neighborhood on Sept. 27, to raise money for the agency’s mission of educating and empowering kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community. The evening’s theme is “Light the Night.” The event will be held at Completely KIDS, 2566 St. Mary’s Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening includes hors d’oeurves and dinner by John F. Benker Catering; beer, wine and specialty cocktails; live music by Bozak and Morrissey; a special performance by Completely KIDS youth; tequila tasting; and live and silent auctions. The event is open to the public. Reservations are online.

Arts & events…

Catholicism and racism are topics at Creighton University’s annual Markoe-Deporres Social Justice Lecture on Sept. 24 from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. in the Hixson-Lied Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. The lecture will discuss the U.S. Catholic bishops’ 2018 document, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.” Presenters are The Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, and chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ ad-hoc Committee Against Racism, and Maria Theresa Dávila, Ph.D., lecturer of theology and religious studies at Merrimack College and past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. Nationally renowned broadcast journalist Susan Stamberg, a special correspondent for NPR, is speaking at an event at the Joslyn Art Museum on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. The first woman to anchor a national nightly news program, she has won every major award in broadcasting, and has been inducted into both the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame. Stamberg has been on staff since the network began in 1971. The event is part of KIOS 91.5 FM’s 50th anniversary. Tickets

are available online. Nebraska Shakespeare is hosting the 2019 gala, “Shakespeare: Shaken and Stirred,” on Sept. 26 at the Lauritzen Gardens. The event will honor Nebraska Shakespeare supporters, Harold Rock and James Keene. The evening begins with cocktails coupled with the opportunity to explore the gardens, encountering characters from Shakespeare’s plays. The event culminates with an autumn-inspired, farm-to-table dinner, program emceed by local celebrity, Rob McCartney, and keynote speech by the Shakespeare expert and author of “Women of Will,” Tina Packer. Proceeds will support Nebraska Shakespeare’s year-round education programming. Military service members transitioning to the civilian workforce and civilian jobseekers are invited to attend a career fair, which will be held on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bellevue Lied Activity Center. The fair is an opportunity to research and explore new careers, start learning about the civilian workforce culture, have one-on-one conversations with human resource representatives, and identify potential career paths. The fair will have 150 employers from across the Omaha and Midwest region participating in the event. Kaneko is presenting its sixth annual Open Space Soirée on Sept. 27, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Open Space Soirée is Kaneko’s only annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting community programming. Gather for an evening to explore its through stunning visual art and a one-of-a-kind dining experience. This Soirée will mark the opening of the “Influence” exhibition, which will examine Kaneko’s history and hold a mirror up

to the community to see how we can benefit from living within a creative environment. Tickets are available online. The concept of “being you” is everywhere but who’s helping people clear through all of the cultural and family conditioning to get to their deepest desires? A class called Being You aims to do just that. This class, facilitated by Sarah Grandinetti, and based on the book Being You Changing the World by Dr. Dain Heer, will introduce participants to the pragmatic tools of Access Consciousness that help each person discover how they can impact their own lives and those around them when they are truly themselves. It will be held at the Omaha Marriot, starting on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m.

and will continue on Saturday and Sunday. Registration is online. The Durham Museum will open “RACE: Are We So Different?” developed by the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota, on Sept. 28. It is the first national exhibition to tell the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view. Combining these perspectives offers an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States. As a companion to the RACE exhibit, a family guide will be available to all visitors and is designed to help answer questions that may arise after visiting the exhibit.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, Sept. 24 The Sarpy County Chamber’s 2019 Guys Event will take place at Oak Creek Sporting Club. The event will start with lunch at 11 a.m. followed by clay course. Gold and Silver Sponsorships are available and individual tickets cost $125. Registration is available online. JM Advancement is hosting a workshop on “How to Display U.S. Census Data in Excel” at the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands at 9 a.m. The goal of this workshop is to help companies convert raw data into insightful, custom reports. Registration is available online. Wednesday, Sept. 25 The Fall MindSet Leadership Series is taking place at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., continuing

the following day. The MindSet Leadership Series is a leadership development program for executives, directors and key decision makers. The two-day workshop includes topics like: leadership and culture setting; recruitment and selection; building star employees; instilling pride & ownership; and compensation. Registration is online. Thursday, Sept. 26 The Nebraska Enterprise Fund is hosting a workshop on “Borrowing Basics - What You Need to Know About Credit and Loans” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seventy Five North. Participants will learn to: define credit and loan; differentiate between a secured loan and unsecured loan; identify three types of loans; and identify costs associated with getting a loan. Registration is available online.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BANKING

Hired

Mark Canney Design Manager Ochsner Hare & Hare, the Olsson Studio

Regional Manager, Omaha-Council Bluffs

Vice President, Residential Construction Lending

Veridian Credit Union

First Westroads Bank

Mark Canney joined Ochsner Hare & Hare, the Olsson Studio, as design manager. Canney has over 20 years of landscape experience, most recently with Lincoln Parks & Recreation. He specializes in park and recreation master planning, urban streetscapes, public gardens and residential design. He collaborates with public and private sectors to develop, create and implement functional, sustainable and meaningful designs.

Hillestad, a resident of Omaha, was the large branch manager at First National Bank of Omaha. He has 21 years of financial industry experience. Hillestad has a degree in business with a concentration in marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Subscribe and pay online

Brent A. Frahm

Matt Hillestad

Frahm comes to First Westroads Bank with over 30 years of experience in all facets of banking including residential construction, small business banking, and mortgage banking. His responsibilities will include working directly with builders and customers to assist them with their construction needs. Frahm’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration specializing in finance & banking from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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Midlands Business

Journal • NOVEMBER 24, 2017 •

November 2 4 , 2 0 1 7

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

Unique Midlands by Michelle Leach

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

features, robust economy

Sandhills Publishing Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

result in multi-sector

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

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

opportunities

Architecture — inside

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgra by Richard D. Brown

r 40 de Un

des keep Interstate

$2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 47

Printing competitive

Interstate Printing ha-based firm founded Co., an Omaby a German immigrant with a special interest in publishing ethnic newspapers, has used its family-owners hip as an anchor, placed strong equipment upgrades, emphasis on and maintained a comprehensive Green Arrow Junk list Co. aims to reduce has enabled it to growof services that household, landfill clutter. – Page of its commercial with the needs 2 printing clients, which are located throughout much of the country. “For our 100 years we have maintained a low-key approach, which has enabled us to attract business clients with jobs that we can on,” said William do a good job F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago. Business & Industrial “With each job we Parks/Leasing to say, ‘This came want to be able from us’ and that both our client and Persistence paves way for will be pleased with their customers for Contemporary Art’s The Union the results,” he community continued. impact. – Page 3 Peter, who formerly practiced law full-time before Business & Industrial uncle Eugene Peter succeeding his Park/Leasing who retired from the business at age — inside 88 five years ago, From left, Senior OCTOBER Continued on page VP of Sales20, 8. reached its Jim2017 Mancuso centennial year THE BUSINESS with investments and President William NEWSPAPER Peter … in new tech. The printing OF company GREATER OMAHA, has LINCOLN AND THIS WEEK 'S (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) 28

CTOBER 20, 2017 • Midlands Business

Journal

October 2 0 , 2 0 1 7

No slowdown in demand by Michelle

A section prepared by the staﬀ of the Midlands Business Journal

as availability presents

ongoing challenges

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

in en s es Womsin Bu

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

Archrival updates 10-year-old Haymark et space, establishes Los Angeles presenc by Michelle Leach e

in Omaha

ISSUE:

Archrival’s renovated space as one space,” said Clint! RunLincoln ge, headquarters at 720 founder and the unique mix of O St. speaks to director. “We managing creative a mature wanted our space years old and counting firm — 20 be a little further to along the — and r 40 getic startup spirit de ener- chain … and at one point business that has resulted an ‘aspirational’ that was in campaigns with 40 Un Redbull, space, it became Motorola, and expansion Adidas, us and we outgrew with sister mature it. It’s more offices and teams of a business than in the space gon, and Los Angeles.Portland, Ore- felt like.” Locally owned Aksarben “We’ve been here The Haymarket serves large demographicCinema for over 10 breathes with years, and wanted Archrival’s niche space amenities. to rethink the entire in youth culture– Page 2 Continued on page 10.

Lamp Rynearson by Richard D. Brown

COUNCIL BLUFFS

$2.00

competes with innov

VOL. 43 NO. 42

ative technology

Drone and innovative scanning technology is giving Lamp Rynearson, Omaha-based civil engineering, a 58-year-old landscape architecture, construction and surveying firm, administration a competitive advantage as it completes a wide range of private and public sector projects. Nancy Pridal, a professional engineer and 20-year son employee who Lamp Rynearto president of the was promoted firm in August, stresses that leading President Nick with the use of Cusick latest technology … Equipment upon 30-plus yearsthe has enabled manufacturer of innovation employee-ow builds with soccer; tennis courtthe nedsafety company features to in volleyball, renovations increase its revenues to accommodat sports like pickleball. by more than e rising interest 100 percent over in the while the employee past 10 years e ye creased by 45 percent.count has inplo Em nefits “With the investment Be we’ve made, we want to Harness technology be viable in the to overcome future by Michelle Leachwith the technology capacity constraints, attract businesson vided,” Pridal pared to that,”proDepending year-round where one looks said. “For example, said President Nick across Bison’s we can scan a mound Cusick, who indicated – Page divisions 6 and prodand get the its focus uct lines, the Lincoln-based typographic was on other areas. “Even in scanning manu-dataaand without facturer’s growth stockpiles lot of direct is up at least 5we marketing emphasis, get quantities.” to canour 10 percent to 30 percent The purchase furnishing business, of asite following second drone BRP, or amid dealer base was Continuedup to 10 percent.” President Nancy and ownership on5page 12. Founder/Managing transitions, and Pridal … Leveraging Falling under custom a business unit Creative Director tech investments Communications redesign. trial job shop manufacturerindusClint! Runge with for variety of projects. Amy Head of with focus on youth Filipi … Brand communicati IM“Bison overall, its SCORP’s holding (Photo by MBJ / ons firm flourishes culture. company umBecky McCarville) line, had an incredibleown product brella, wholly-owned year prior subsidiary and this last year Bison is joined bycomwas flat by SNA Sports Michelle Leach Continued Jesse. La Casa Pizzaria “Being on page is evolving 10. a family restaurant, with offerings on Nebraskan Michael wheels — its food our staff lives for interaction.” Forsberg focuses truck — and via lens on Great Plains She indicated there technologies such conservation. is a balas online ordering, ancing act for the third-genera– Page 34 focused on customerwhile staying tion, family-owned service from and operated the family that restaurant, which has out its Neapolitan-st been dishing 4432 Leavenworthis still located at yle pizza for St. in Omaha — almost 75 years. the same location that reportedly “Technology plays caught on so well General Manager/Trea a part,” said Patane and his that Founder Joe family “ran out surer Nicole of Continued on page 18.

Bison makes gains as new gyms built amid popularity of sports like pickleba ll

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

ACCOUNTING Hired

Brad Yoder, CPA Shareholder, tax and advisory DeBoer & Associates, PC

Yoder brings 20 years of experience in the field of accounting and tax advisory services. He has spent this time in the Omaha area, where he will continue to provide tailored accounting and

tax solutions for small and medium sized organizations in a wide variety of industries. In addition, he has experience working with individuals, trusts and estates, assisting each client with their unique needs. Yoder received both his BSBA and MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Founded in 1989, DeBoer & Associates, PC is a Certified Public Accounting firm serving both individuals and a broad range of businesses

throughout Omaha and the greater Midwest. The firm provides quality, personalized tax and financial guidance to our clients, with expertise in areas ranging from tax planning and preparation services, management and accounting services, auditing, preparation of financial statements, consulting and financial planning. The firm is held to the highest of accounting practice standards, receiving the highest professional rating possible from outside peer reviews. It’s a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Nebraska Society of CPAs.

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

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

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

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

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Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content PUBLIC UTILITIES

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Promoted

Jason Stanek

Andrew Melville

Shalon Buffum

William Rice

Director, Marketing and Builder Services

Vice President, Field Service Operations

Director, Customer Service

Director, Gas Production

Metropolitan Utilities District

Jason Stanek was promoted to director, marketing and builder services (marketing). Stanek joined the District in 1997 and most recently was manager, commercial and contractor services (marketing). He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The board of directors promoted Andy Melville, to vice-president, field service operations. Melville joined the District in 1999 and most recently was director, Construction. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and holds a professional engineer certification.

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Promoted

James Bewley

Ronald Schell

Director, Gas Distribution

Director, Enterprise Services

Metropolitan Utilities District.

Metropolitan Utilities District

James Bewley was promoted to director, gas distribution. Bewley joined the District in 1984 as a meter reader and advanced through customer service technician positions in Field Services. He was promoted to foreman, field services administration, in 2007 and advanced to foreman, gas distribution, in 2012.

Ronald Schell was promoted to director, enterprise services, Facilities Management. Schell joined the District in 2008 and most recently was manager, enterprise applications, information technology services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

PUBLIC UTILITIES

ENTERTAINMENT

Promoted

Hired

Shane Docken

Ryan Querry

Manager, Safety and Security

Chief Revenue Officer

Metropolitan Utilities District

Shane Docken was promoted to manager, safety (safety and security). Docken joined the District in 2018 as a safety specialist. He earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in security management and another in criminal justice, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The Omaha Storm Chasers, USL Omaha

Querry, a 2002 graduate of PapillionLa Vista High, boasts more than 15 years of experience in sales execution and management. Before returning to Omaha, Querry served as founder and president of Great Plains Sponsorships, a naming rights and sponsorship consulting firm, after working for Legends Global Sales, serving as part of an elite sales team with the San Francisco 49ers that generated one billion dollars in revenue. Before Legends, Querry was senior sales executive at Applied Underwriters in Omaha, where he led the company in sales.

Shalon Buffum was promoted to director, customer service, Customer Services. Buffum joined the District in 2007 and most recently was an SAP CRM business analyst, Customer Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Penn Foster College.

Metropolitan Utilities District

William Rice was promoted to director, gas production. Rice joined the District in 2008 and most recently was manager, gas plants, gas production. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

OMAHA

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

September 20, 2019

Metro momentum spans diverse sectors; initiatives focus on labor shortage by Michelle Leach

Regional partnerships are addressing persistent talent challenges, while traction persists across sectors and a myriad of indicators are used to gauge the metro’s growth. “We’re constantly finding new partners, there may be opportunities to get into a space we’re already in, in a new way,” said Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown. “With all the work we do with the Lincoln Chamber on policy and infrastructure, and even entrepreneurial work with startups opening here or in Lincoln, we’ve realized there is a need for us to have a stronger partnership in the talent attraction space.” Ensuing meetings with tech companies in both cities resulted in OPTiN: Opportunities in Tech; a July Chamber announcement deemed it a “comprehensive talent-attraction initiative that attacks the challenge by leveraging the advantages of both Omaha and Lincoln.” Brown noted the initiative is social mediaand website-driven; for instance, a list of tech jobs is at www.optinomalnk.com. “The barriers are down, this notion that Omaha and Lincoln compete with each other,” he said. Broadly, in a message associated with the Chamber’s 2019 Barometer report, Brown noted: “After comparing ourselves to these high-performing cities, the 2019 barometer

panies in our client backlog now.” Furthermore, Brown noted the opportunities within the Chamber’s Startup Collaborative remain robust with 20 or 30 companies as accelerator “graduates,” and another roughly 50 in the accelerator. “Those are bigger numbers than we’ve typically seen,” he said. Brown spotlighted tech firms, as well as

David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. shows that Omaha performs well across preneurship and low costs of doing business. several areas and often ranks in the middle.” We’re constantly evaluative and have identiHe continued: “While Omaha has per- fied room for growth in innovative capacity, formed consistently well, it has advanced at infrastructure, aspects of human capital and a slower pace than our aspirational cities. Our in job growth. Even with the perceived talent strengths include abundant arts and cultural challenges, the work we’re doing is resonating opportunities, high standard of living, entre- in the market with the sheer number of com-

Milobar Knowles financial services firms that might be supporting the growth of such businesses. “We think in terms of our bank’s role in the ‘virtuous cycle’ that takes place in the communities we serve; for example, we invest in business and personal construction projects, home ownership, business expansion [et cetera] via loans,” said First National Bank of Omaha Executive Vice President, Retail Banking Sean Baker. “The revenue generated from those loans and other accounts allow us to invest in community development, supporting a whole host of organizations dedicated to improving the education, housing, health and financial wellness of individuals in our communities. As these individuals thrive, the cycle continues.” Baker further described the positive credit environment among both business and consumer customers due, significantly in Nebraska, “because of banks’ general conservative approach to risk.” “Our market’s strength resides in our faceto-face experiences with our customers, and continues making strides in digital customer experiences compared to other larger/peer markets,” he said. U.S. Small Business Administration Nebraska District Office Director Leon J. Milobar gauged the current climate based on loan activity of its top lenders. “Omaha’s loan activity is up 14.1% this year after a slow 2018,” he said. “Dollar amount of loans is up 30% year-to-date, reaching $60.2 million in the metro area … We continue to see the majority of our loan Continued on page 26.

Omaha Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Omaha Growth Report

Metro momentum spans diverse sectors Further, from a labor perspective, Continued from page 24.

activity in our urban communities — 80% Knowles cited federal data that shows more both dollars and volume for FY 2019 — like people working on building construction in Omaha. Omaha consistently has a signifi- the metro than ever before. cant number of our top lenders in the state “Average hourly earnings for all employheadquartered here, or may have offices in ees in the metro continue to hover near the the community.” all-time highs that we’ve seen in the last 12 Furthermore, while counterparts in other months,” she said. “Metro-area building perstates say they’ve seen softness in attendance mit data indicates that things could be leveling at trainings among SBA resource off in 2019, however. Through partners, Milobar said he continues July, the data shows local permit to get more invitations to attend volume for new construction is various outreach programs. down $200 million from the same “They all seem well-attended,” period last year, when nearly $500 he said. “Omaha loan activity million worth of new construction among startups continues to track permits had been issued.” the state with a 50% of the guaranImprovement permits are up tee loans going to startups. This is about $100 million over a year due to the variety of local resourcago, while Knowles said there es, including financial and techniaround $30 million less activity cal assistance to help entrepreneurs in the multifamily sector in 2019 Engdahl and the growth businesses that versus same period 2018. stimulate new startup business growth.” An indicator of a robust economy and When asked about the vitality of the mar- quality of life, Metropolitan Entertainment ket, Boyd Jones Director of Preconstruction and Convention Authority (MECA) Director Leila Knowles described an “unprecedented of Communications Kristyna Engdahl said its territory,” boasting dozens of $50 million to Fiscal 2017-2018 was “strong as ever, report$1 billion-plus projects coming out of the ing profit for the 15th year in a row — every ground, with still others under development. year we’ve been in operation.” “From our perspective, we’re seeing A January announcement attributed continued tightness in the local labor market “marquee events and repeat business” to which, combined with the volume of large- annual successes; in part, repeats reportedly scale projects happening, has stretched avail- accounted for more than half of convention ability for subcontractors in certain trades,” center clientele. she said. “Currently, earthwork, utilities and “I would interpret the community’s willplumbing are the most difficult to receive bids ingness and ability to continue patronizing on; however, which trades have availability our facility as a sign of overall economic for new work is constantly fluctuating.” strength,” she said.

Jay Lund, principal of GreenSlate Development, at the Blackstone District.

Revitalization at the city’s core expected to continue for Omaha by Gabby Christensen

Major redevelopment of some of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods and buildings has been seen throughout the city in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. Jay Lund, principal at GreenSlate Development, said it’s exciting to see continued interest in revitalization projects in and around

the urban core. “Saving these old buildings is so important in preserving our history,” Lund said. Lund mentioned that the The Auto Row area is now officially being referred to as Farnam Hill. “There’s a ton of potential here for another Continued on next page.

Omaha Growth Report •

Revitalization at core

Continued from preceding page. great mixed-use district in midtown Omaha along the Farnam corridor,” Lund said. Lund said t Blackstone Hotel construction is well underway, which is expected to open next spring. “Omaha, along with the rest of the country, after many decades of neglect is finally realizing the importance and value of investing in its urban core,” Lund said. “A city is like a person,

Mason Goodwin without a healthy core the rest of the body is going to suffer. With a coordinated strategic plan for urban development and robust public transportation these projects with the rest of Omaha will be very successful.” Patrick Mason, director of business development at Dicon Corp., said other recent downtown redevelopment projects include the Freiden Apartments located at 17th and Jackson streets and the former Bohemian Café on 13th and William streets. “We also had the pleasure of converting a portion of the Automatic Printing Building on 17th and Cuming streets into a private residence in 2018,” Mason said.

Mason said the primary commonality among the owners and developers involved in areas like the Flatiron District, Little Bohemia and north Downtown is a commitment to maintaining the historical relevance of buildings and neighborhoods that played a role in the early stages of growth and development in the city. “We are also seeing great efforts by the stakeholders in these areas work to capture their own identity while bridging the historical gaps in Omaha’s landscape,” Mason said. Yet another project underway is the North 24th Street Business Improvement District, which is actively in collaboration with the city of Omaha. LaVonya Goodwin, interim board president for the project and co-owner of Goodwin’s Spencer Anderson Street Barbershop, said the first goal is basic beautification. “The initial impact so far has been a strong collaboration between both for-profit and nonprofit organizations on North 24th St., as we work to develop not only infrastructural revitalization but also economic development,” Goodwin said. “Our long term goal is to see an area that is economically strong, with viable housing, as well as commercial industry that contributes positively to the city of Omaha.” According to Goodwin, one of the primary goals of this project is to communicate to the Omaha area that North 24th Street is not only critical to the city’s history by way of civil

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

rights, jazz, cultural and sports history, but also because it is a family friendly place where businesses are actively developing. Troy Anderson, deputy chief of staff at the city of Omaha Mayor’s Office, said in Downtown Omaha, the city is seeing the renovation of the old World Insurance Company Building located at 18th and Douglas streets, which is an adaptive reuse of a century old historic structure into a 90-room Curio hotel. Anderson said the city is also seeing a number of retail, office and residential projects arise, as well.

“Unlike other communities across the nation, Omaha is poised to respond to any and all development needs — we have it all,” Anderson said. “If you’re looking for a single-family home in a low-density suburban neighborhood with access to good schools and a neighborhood park, we have it. If you’re looking for an apartment in either an urban or historic neighborhood within walking distance to food, entertainment, and employment, we have that as well. Or if you’re just looking to visit and want to surround yourself with a bit of culture, ambiance, and history, we’ve got that too.”

Both commercial, residential real estate sustaining active levels in metro market by Jasmine Heimgartner “Omaha has done a good job of positionThe real estate boon seen in the past few ing itself as a stable place to invest in,” said years doesn’t appear to be slowing down too Trenton Magid, executive vice president, much. Both commercial and resiNAI NP Dodge Real Estate. “The dential real estate continue to be in economy is strong and doesn’t high demand. have the wild swings that other “In residential, the overall markets do. We are getting a lot outlook is similar to the past 12 of inquiries from the coast and months,” said Susan Clark, presnational market. It’s a great time to ident of Omaha Area Board of be a seller of investment properties. Realtors. “With the lower interest There is still a great demand for all rates, we are seeing more sellers things commercial.” come to the market with a slight With the many positives hapincrease in inventory.” pening, there is a slight downside The healthy real estate industry for people trying to find the perfect Clark can be seen as a reflection of the home or business space at the right many positive things happening price and in the right area. Unfortuin the Greater Omaha area. Increased wage nately for both, the high demand is not matched growth, low unemployment and new business with a high inventory. — including Facebook and Google data centers “Baby boomers are looking to downsize — have had a positive effect. Continued on next page.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Omaha Growth Report

Local health care institutions see growth in services, facility upgrades by Gabby Christensen

Health care organizations across the metro continue to expand to better serve the needs of patients. According to Andrea Skolkin, CEO of OneWorld Community Health Centers, OneWorld opened its second Teen and Young Adult Health Center this summer, located in west Omaha. “Our Teen and Young Adult Health Centers are intentionally designed to be warm and welcoming, and they provide critical primary and behavioral health care for

patients who speak multiple languages and live in varied neighborhoods throughout the Omaha metro area,” Skolkin said. Skolkin said both clinics focus on physical, emotional, mental and sexual health for young people ages 12-24. “By specifically serving teens and young adults, we are addressing a pressing community issue by increasing health knowledge and improving health outcomes for young people,” Skolkin said. “We are able to provide access to confidential testing for sexually transmitted diseases and

pregnancy, STD treatment, educational ma- the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center terials, condoms and birth control — all at at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, has had no cost to young people, whether an annual economic impact of they have health insurance or $246.8 million. not. We are here to be a support“The facility is shaping canive, non-judgmental resource cer care, research and education and to help teens and young in Nebraska, the region and the adults make informed decisions world, and includes the medical about their health.” center’s healing arts program, As a result of the services which is anchored by the Chihuly provided at the new clinic, Sanctuary,” Cerino said. Skolkin said teens will miss Additionally, Cerino said the fewer school days, young adults $121.8 million Dr. Edwin G. & will be more productive at work Dorothy Balbach Davis Global Skolkin and, overall, the health of the city Center, scheduled to open in the will improve. spring, will help transform how health sciSince opening in 2017, Vicky Cerino, ence education and clinical care is delivered media relations coordinator at UNMC, said Continued on page 30.

prisingly, a simple drive around town makes it evident that developments are happening everywhere. The West Dodge Corridor has significant activity, as well as redevelopments in Midtown and Downtown. New construction has to go where the land is, which has meant growth on the southern and western edges of town. In the commercial sector, new buildings Alloway and repurposing existing sites have created new opportunities. “Although we are seeing low demand of retail going into middle to larger boxes,

meaning an anchor or junior anchor space in shopping center or freestanding, we have seen Shopkos and Kmarts repurposed,” Magid said. “There are alternative uses for some of those, whether it’s light industrial and distribution or self-storage conversions. There are a lot of mixed-use projects going on. The more residential there is, the more it helps the retail developments.” Regardless if buying a home or looking for new business space, buyers are facing more challenging times. Before jumping in, buyers should understand the process, their expectations and what they can afford. “Get a good handle on where you want to be on monthly payments and align that with your expectations,” Alloway said. “Once those are aligned, you can start searching. When one comes, you have to move quickly. The caution is that there may be multiple offers.

Both realms of real estate sustaining active levels Continued from preceding page. in a lot of cases, millennials have entered into home buying en masse the past few years, and the conditions are right for many investors,” said Andy Alloway, president and CEO of Nebraska Realty. “The problem is not enough homes for under $200,000, so many of them are vying for same properties. Prices have appreciated, but we don’t Magid have the ability to put affordable new housing on the market.” Along with high appreciation, the cost of land and construction has increased. Sur-

Don’t get too excited and then significantly over pay.” For local businesses looking to expand, the competition can sometimes be a little less. National or bigger local chains tend to want a specific location and will wait for the right opportunity rather than take an inferior location. Although never a guarantee, the fall and winter months tend to provide more opportunities for homebuyers. Historically, sellers are willing to give a little more and negotiate more in the fall than any other time of the year. Still, with the way the market has been, buyers need to be prepared. “Be patient and don’t settle,” Clark said. “It is taking some time to secure that perfect house, but it is possible. You need to work with an agent that is an advocate for you. Once that is committed to finding you the right property, not just getting the deal done.”

Omaha Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

Booming commercial construction brings challenges, forces innovation by Dwain Hebda

Commercial construction is booming across nearly every sector, putting the squeeze on available resources, say local contractors. “Most parts of the Omaha Metro are enjoying the construction boom right now,” said Jay Matz, principal with Darland Construction. “For us, we’ve seen an uptick in Sarpy County over the last year or so.” Darland’s current projects include MHC Kenworth’s new location near Highway 370 and Interstate 80, a 107,000-square-foot building featuring 43 service bays and geothermal heat. Another project, CHI Health Matz Clinic Millard near 153rd and Q streets, is a 38,844-square-foot clinic featuring 60 exam rooms, which will focus on primary care with specialties including radiology, ultrasound, nutrition and physical therapy. “We have seen a shift in how things are built,” Matz said. “For example, health care has really shifted to focus on more accessible, community-based clinics over massive hospital expansion projects.” Brian Mahlendorf, vice president and general manager for The Weitz Co., said the pace of projects and the tight labor market have pushed operational efficiency to the maximum to keep pace. “Scheduling remains a critical factor for

likely remain at the top in 2020 for the entire greater Omaha area,” Mahlendorf said. Ryan Felton, project director with McCarthy Building Cos., said building product technology is assisting the company in managing projects. “We have been implementing many prefabrication practices to ensure projects prog-

The Weitz Company Project Manager Jason Crosier, left, with Trane’s Project Manager John Moore at Gretna Elementary School, a project that was completed in just three months, where Trane acted as the construction manager and Weitz the general contractor. clients as they seek to save time and money iff’s office, county courtroom and expanded on their projects,” he said. “The shorter the county attorney offices. Another major projduration of construction, the faster they can ect is University of Nebraska at Omaha’s occupy or lease their buildings and a smaller Mammel Hall addition, considered one of the amount of financing may be required to fund university’s priority projects. The space will the project.” provide classrooms, faculty offices, research The company’s high-profile projects in- laboratories and a multi-purpose room seating clude the Washington County Justice Center 180 people. in Blair, set for a May 2020 completion. That “Office and higher education have outproject includes an 88-bed jail, a new sher- paced most other sectors in 2019 and will

Felton Field ress as quickly as possible,” he said. “This practice allows various building components, from mechanical systems to exterior walls, to be assembled in a controlled offsite environment and then transported to a construction site for installation.” Major projects include VA Omaha Ambulatory Care Center, scheduled for completion in March 2020; expansions to CHI Health facilities in Grand Island and Kearney; and Omaha Public Schools’ new high school at 60th and L streets. “There’s a growing craft labor shortage that threatens the success of building projects,” Felton said. “We’re pleased to be part Continued on next page.

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Omaha Growth Report

Local health care entities see continued growth Continued from page 28. through competency-based learning and assessment. In the fall of 2020, Cerino said the Munroe-Meyer Institute will move to a newly

remodeled facility adjacent to the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Scott Campus. Cerino said renovation of Wittson Hall, Williams Science Hall and the McGoogan Library of Medicine will provide upgrades,

more education space, office space, research laboratories and support space. Furthermore, Cerino said UNMC is building the 10,000-square-foot Wigton Heritage Center, which will celebrate and memorialize UNMC’s history. By late September, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine will have a new south “front door” at 42nd and Leavenworth streets, which will feature landscaping, benches and a winding walkway with pieces of artwork by Omaha artist Jun Kaneko. Josh Olson, system manager of Capital Projects at CHI Health, noted a number of projects underway, including the new CHI Health Clinic Millard. The clinic will be approximately 37,000 square feet in size with 60 exam Olson rooms and is scheduled to open summer of 2020. Olson said primary care, specialty services, physical therapy, lab and diagnostic services will be provided at this new location. Additionally, Olson said the CHI Health Lakeside Breast Health Center is scheduled to open in September 2019. Recently, Olson said the CUMC Bergan Heart and Vascular Institute renovated the south wing of the 5th floor to convert administrative space into a functional patient ICU unit of 18 beds. Yet another project slated to be completed next year, is the CUMC Bergan Core Lab Relocation, which will provide a high volume, low cost, high quality service lab. “This project will consolidate specialized testing across CHI Health and will reduce purchased services for reference testing; increase staffing, instrumentation,

and volume related efficiencies; and improve turnaround times for esoteric testing,” Olson said. “The project will allow CHI Health to leverage new technology with a smaller footprint, faster throughput, and greater capacity through automation to manage increased volumes. This will help drive down costs.” Rodrigo López, interim president/CEO of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, said the organization recently raised the final beams to top off the new Hubbard Center for Children, a nine-floor, clinical facility set to open in 2021. “This is an important growth milestone celebrating a project that is going to improve pediatric care in our region and benefit countless children and families López in our community,” López said. López said the Hubbard Center for Children will nearly double Children’s physical capacity, creating space for expanded programs and enhanced services that will make life better for children and families throughout the region. According to López, a strong children’s hospital is a critical community asset, as it helps ensure stronger and healthier children in our community. “People want to live in a place where their children have access to the very best care,” López said. “This contributes to the quality of life that residents demand and attracts both new business and new residents. Our growth directly boosts economic development, creating jobs and preventing ‘brain drain.’ Access to a full-service, high-quality pediatric health care center is — and will continue to be — a valuable, tangible benefit to the Omaha community and the greater Midwest region.”

Challenges, innovation Continued from preceding page. of proactive workforce development solutions such as the ACE Mentor program and the Chamber’s REACH Beyond Mentoring program for small and diverse construction businesses.” Curtis Field, principal with Prochaska & Associates, said despite the tight market, many clients aren’t willing to sacrifice certain building practices just to get their project done. “We have found most of our clients today do have a higher expectation of green practices in the building design and performance categories,” he said, adding however, as for LEED certification, “many clients care less today about this, due to the additional expense, but most do still want energy efficiency.” A sampling of the company’s recent projects includes Marshalltown Police and Fire Headquarters in Marshalltown, Iowa and Floyd County Law Enforcement Center in Charles City, Iowa. “We have seen slightly more interest in re-habbed or re-purposed use of older buildings over new construction,” Field said. “[We have] completed a number of re-purposed, school-to-residential use projects to date and several prominent historic register building remodel projects.”

Omaha Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 •

Representative of a standout sector, financial reps remain optimistic amid volatility by Michelle Leach

Despite seemingly unprecedented divisiveness the local financial services firms that play such a big role in the metro economy are generally upbeat about the market. “People from all walks and in all stages of life need help making good financial decisions and avoiding costly mistakes, regardless of locale,” said Foster Group Lead Advisor-Business Development Ross Polking. “You can see how much growth is taking place in Omaha right now just by turning your head as you drive around.” Polking referenced an abundance of investment and capital — demand for objective advice and solutions. “We in this industry also benefit from a heightened ‘trust’ factor that may not exist at the same level in other markets,” he Polking said. “We are Midwesterners and neighbors all looking to help one another out. What’s critical in our business is to not take that for granted, but instead do what’s best for one another — serve as a fiduciary.” Notably, Omaha’s characteristic philanthropy provides an opportunity for industry professionals to facilitate giving, according to Polking. “Here is both a lot of wealth and a lot of need,” he said. “We can be a vital conduit to marrying the two through effective planning and tax-efficient gifting vehicles.” When comparing the local market to the national landscape, Lutz Financial Investment Adviser and Principal Justin Vossen referenced financial institutions as being well-positioned due to their “fairly conservative” nature. “However, given our greater exposure to the struggling agriculture sector it may be straining those relative conservative positions,” he said. Citing Greater Omaha Chamber statistics, Vossen said more than 8.9% of jobs in

the metro are in financial services. “This compares to 5.8% in the United States,” he said. “So, the field is extremely important to our community’s economic well-being.” To that end, Vossen mentioned how vibrant banking and financial services reflect a community’s economic and financial well-being — how one doesn’t exist without the other. “Strong local financial services companies not only create jobs, but also invest back into the community making it stronger,” he said. “The Omaha area is very fortunate to have a strong core of local financial services companies that serve our community and the nation as a whole.” Tagge Rutherford Financial Group Executive VP of Marketing and Partner Vossen Chad Peterson referred to a large number of well-run firms, both large and small. “One tremendous advantage those of us in the Midwest have, is a better sense of self and country,” he said. “There are several polarizing figures and events that have commanded most of the headlines but, in reality, most people are generally good. Different opinions are good. Dialogue is good. What isn’t good is when people stop talking to those they may disagree with. That does no good and sets us even further back.” How do these sentiments apply to investment firms in Omaha? “If you based your market decisions off of what you read and hear, you’d go crazy,” Peterson said. “The lines between news and opinion are too blurred. Most news starts on the coasts and moves towards the middle of the country. Many times, though, the news of events on the coasts seems as if it’s more important.” The sense of reality in Omaha and other peer markets represents an advantage, according to Peterson, who said one can

watch and read and make decisions on things happening in the world and country without “being blinded by politics and aggressive press.” “You want your adviser to be able to make reasonable decisions for your portfolio and find opportunities when they arise,” he said. “As cliché as it sounds, slow and steady usually wins the race. Living in a part of the country that is not as fast-paced or as populated gives you an opportunity

to breath, relax and, hopefully, make good decisions.” Obviously, he said, there are issues that need to be fixed before some of the market volatility subsides. “What is important to remember, though, is that things are really good,” Peterson said. “Unemployment, wage growth, tax reform [and so on] are all good news for the markets … there are many advisers in Omaha that would feel the same way.”

• SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Omaha Growth Report

The Lincoln

SEPTEMBER 2019

BUSINESS Vol. 22 No. 9 $2.00

Journal

Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing........Pages 4-5 Insurance .........................Page 7

Executive Director Jim Smith … Rural broadband access first of 15 initiatives to attract business, boosting Nebraska’s productivity. Page 2

President and CEO Boyd Ober … Broadened client base and proprietary software has boosted the coaching and leadership development organization. Page 3

• SEPTEMBER 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Blueprint Nebraska embarks on initiatives to grow the state economy by Michelle Leach

Around 16 months after Gov. Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Slone and then-President of the University of Nebraska Hank Bounds, Ph.D., announced Blueprint Nebraska, coalition members have crafted a 66-page report to guide growth that is now, according to Executive Director Jim Smith, “on the threshold of moving into the implementation phase.” “So many times in business, we see well-meaning reports,” Smith said. “Our leadership team is determined to take the report into action. Yes, we have created a very strong report and road map. But the implementation is where the heavy lifting occurs.” Named executive director in July, the former Papillion senator and business owner got to work assembling teams, digging into research, and soliciting insights based initially off of Bounds’ involvement with Blueprint Mississippi and conversations in 2018 where he and Gov. Ricketts determined that rather than a combo of government and education-driven effort: “They wanted the private sector to drive the effort,” Smith said. Union Pacific Corp Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz and Scottsbluff’s 21st Century Holdings President and CEO Owen Palm were tasked, as steering committee cochairs, with assembling a 21-member team that reflects a statewide effort. Committee members range from Omaha Public Power District President and CEO Tim Burke and CEO David Graff of Lincoln’s Hudl, to Intellicom President and CEO Dan Shundoff of Kearney, and Holzfaster Farm in Paxton owner Jon Holzfaster. “They set up 16 teams built around areas of the economy — manufacturing, ag, technology and so on,” Smith said. “We had over 300 to 325 people directly involved with Blueprint, doing their own analyses and building out these initiatives.” To assure Blueprint reflected the opinions of Nebraskans, 60-plus events were held last year, whereby they engaged directly with 2,000-plus Nebraskans. “We also had a survey where we solicited input of more than 5,000 Nebraskans,” he said. Smith spotlighted a few high points that came out of the report, available in its entirety at Blueprint-Nebraska.org. “With 150 years of statehood, we wanted to reflect on what made us strong and build on that,” he said. “We asked all of our teams, ‘What do we have to leverage as a state?’ It’s our people, our land and our location.” He described Nebraska’s workforce as the “envy of the Midwest,” while referencing

Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing ....... Pages 4-5 Insurance ............ Page 7

Executive Director Jim Smith … Rural broadband access first of 15 initiatives to attract business, boosting Nebraska’s productivity. robust natural resources and a logistically-fa- But we bump up against them many times vorable location in the dead center of the U.S. in attracting and competing for business.” Smith referenced finding best practices “Then we went into deeper dives in each in these economies. of those areas of focus, and we arrived at To drive up long-term GDP growth, one key growth themes around people, places, must drive up productivity by partnering with government and sectors,” Smith said. Driving up productivity and higher-pay- strong sectors like banking and finance, and ing jobs with technology and innovation investing in R&D, according to Smith. “It’s also about building our places and addresses a challenge: Nebraska’s GDP is slightly lower than that of what Smith amenities so we can be more attractive to characterized as “core peer states” of Iowa, that 18- to 34-year-old age group,” he said. In part, this involves promoting diverKansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, sity and inclusion so Nebraska is seen as a Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “Our economies are relatively of equal “welcoming state,” and developing transporsize, so we can make comparisons,” he tation and broadband connectivity in rural, explained. “But we have extended peer depopulated areas. Smith anticipated rolling out five of the comparisons. Throughout our process, we compared ourselves to Texas, Utah, North 10-year plan’s 15 initiatives in the next three quarters. Carolina and Colorado. The reasons those “It’s still big picture,” he said. “We will are not in the core is they are much larger.

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build out task teams under each of those, and these teams will go into communities to make sure it reflects a statewide effort.” It’s critical, he noted, that teams reflect the aspirations Blueprint Nebraska has for the future workforce. “If we want to be attractive to the 18- to 34-year-old age group, we must have the 18- to 34-year-old age group engaged in teams,” he said. Smith said rural broadband access will be one of the first initiatives to be rolled out. Likewise, he indicated diversifying and expanding productivity through innovation and the incorporation of technology in the ag business cluster and manufacturing will be priorities. “We are going to get started on an exhaustive, very deep dive into tax policy, making sure that incentives reflect what we want to become,” Smith said. A privately-funded initiative on a “relative shoestring budget,” Smith emphasized Blueprint Nebraska’s dependence on engaging with the best business minds. “We have to limit the number of people engaged on one team, but if you do feel strongly about being involved, we will find a way to plug people in,” he said. Smith indicated they will promote ongoing speaking engagements, and can be requested for events. “Just because we’ve rolled out the report, doesn’t mean the engagement stops there,” he said. “Nebraska is relatively small and I would say undervalued. Sometimes there are little hidden gems that, with a little bit further investment, could outperform that giant company. “Nebraska has great things going for it. We have a nimble economy and great business leaders. We can all pull together, and this gives us direction.” The Lincoln Business Journal Established in 1996

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Leadership Resources differentiates with proprietary leadership development software by Richard D. Brown

President/CEO Boyd Ober, who started Leadership Resources 17 years ago with a Lincoln office and a handful of employees, now heads a 17-employee leadership development and coaching venture that has opened an Omaha office, and over the past

Leadership Resources Phone: 402-423-5152 Address: 1248 O St., Suite 1140, Lincoln 68508; 1045 N. 115th St., Suite 350, Omaha 68154 Services: professional coaching in leadership development, strategic planning and the Entrepreneurial Operating System, as well as proprietary software Founded: 2002 by Boyd Ober and Dan Sedor Employees: 17 One-year goal: Expand strategic planning services and regional leadership development offerings. Industry outlook: Positive growth opportunities encourage professional coaching companies that also offer employee-tracking software. Website: www.lrsuccess.com

three years doubled its billings. “Success isn’t a secret formula — it’s generated by leaders who are equipped to manage the demands of today’s work environment,” Ober said. With a downtown Lincoln office at 1248 O St., Suite 1140, and a three-year-old office at 1045 N. 115th St., Suite 350, in

President and CEO Boyd Ober … Broadened client base and proprietary software has boosted the coaching and leadership development organization. Omaha, Ober said Leadership Resources is pany’s growth has come from the quality seeing much of its growth in working with of people it has attracted to its team and client firms in the 200 to 2,500-employee the overall culture that has been created. range. “They’re great listeners, inquisitive, Leadership Resources initially had cli- deep in understanding and patient,” he said. ents in just two states, but it is broadening “They bring to us backgrounds in both the its geographic area to include about five public sector and private industry.” states. Due to acquisitions and mergers Ober and Dan Sedor — minority ownamong its clients, some of the Nebraska er, strategic growth advisor and Certified firm’s tutelage has spread beyond our Entrepreneurial Operating System Implecountry’s borders. menter — use the company’s core values Ober said much of the Nebraska com- to “hire, coach and part ways if necessary.”

Success comes from the values being intentionally integrated into the culture. Ober, who earned an undergraduate degree in ag science and a master’s in economics, both from South Dakota State, said about 60% of his firm’s billings come from leadership development services. A recently-signed client is expanding in Grand Island, Kearney, the Columbus area and in Holdrege. In such cases, the focus is on development services — identifying and creating new operational habits to ensure personal, business and leadership success. Concepts include leadership of others, employee empowerment, delegating and inspiring others. “We’re becoming a multi-service line organization that helps clients develop high-performing leaders, build strong strategic and operational plans and create cultures of accountability,” he said. He added that companies, in addition to making judicious hiring decisions, need to invest in those hired for the next 20 to 30 years. For example, Ober cited two years of work with a regionally-based energy sector client that wanted to focus on, among other things, enhancing its safety record. The program included training an executive in charge of the initiative, the setting of personal goals and identifying through development new things that could be done to create a safety “habit.” Ober, who spent about a dozen years Continued on page 8.

• SEPTEMBER 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing A section prepared by the staﬀ of the Lincoln Business Journal

September 2019

Demand for logistics, passenger travel point to continued strength of economy by Michelle Leach

Indicators of a flourishing transportation, distribution and warehousing industry range from the abundance of summer travelers, to demand for square footage and shipping services driven by varied sectors — like pet food and fitness firms. “We’re up around 15%,” said Lincoln Airport Executive Director David Haring, who referred to passenger numbers of around 165,000 to 170,000 (versus around 145,000 last year). “The last couple of years we were down.” Haring noted United in particular had pulled a significant amount of capacity; it’s a different story today, with the airline adding 25 to 30% more capacity. Summer flights were up to around 90% full.

Ongoing improvements to the passenger experience include growing its therapy dog program to four or five handler teams, via its partnership with Healing Heart Therapy Dogs; a private mother’s room in the VIP lounge area; and the Haring ever-expanding list of ideas generated by LNK VOICE [Visions of Impeccable Customer Experience] — a focus group of Lincoln citizens ranging from a former University of Nebraska president to a Hudl representative, selected to craft a

unique experience at this gateway to the community. Examples of ideas not seen at airports elsewhere include a station for refreshing towels to be provided to disembarking passengers. Some ideas “we can implement tomorrow,” Haring Eschliman said. These changes are coupled with significant terminal improvements, designed to consolidate the security checkpoint — eliminating a “choke point” and producing a true TSA precheck; expand holding space; and

providing services such as a bar/restaurant past security. Haring indicated one may see services such as a gift shop and dining option within the next six months. The terminal project itself spans two or three years. Additionally, Haring noted the Lincoln Airport is poised to accept military aircraft from Offutt later next year, as the Bellevue-based Air Force base is slated to relocate its craft during construction on Offutt’s new runway. Construction costs to demise a space push expenses up “unnaturally high,” according to Certified Commercial Investment Member and Grow Lincoln Host Robin Eschliman of Eschliman Real Estate, resulting in a supply and demand issue for warehouse spaces under Continued on page 6.

Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing •

The Lincoln Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 2019 •

• SEPTEMBER 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Vendors offer best tips on setting up, equipping a new office by Dwain Hebda

Opening a new office takes a lot of work. Fortunately, vendors across multiple service segments have the know-how, products and expertise to help even small companies get off to a fast start. “Businesses are looking to reduce waste, reduce power consumption and have a smaller carbon footprint,” said Chris Bell, vice president of sales for Bishop Business. “Copier dealerships are all talking about optimizing, but that is not a reality for some companies. We recognize this reality, so we are able to offer solutions that meet our customer’s needs in both multifunction and supplies. “We are one of the only independent copier dealerships left in the area. We believe local ownership still provides the best environment to deliver the best customer service and quality products.” Bell said copiers of today feature electronics and smart technology that help an office run smarter and more efficiently. Apps are available for a variety of custom functions.

“Copier manufacturers are creating apps on multifunction devices to allow everything from end users placing service calls directly from the device to redaction of scanned images to translating documents,” Bell said. “Xerox is one of the leading manufacturers that are creating their own apps. “We also have alerts that let us know when toner is needed and we then auto-ship toner prior to the device needing it. Meters providing print and copy usage from devices are reported directly into our acBell counting/inventory management software, eliminating the need for us to contact customers to get monthly meter reads.” Lori Heger, business sales manager-Nebraska for Kinetic Business by Windstream, said client expectations for internet and telecommunications systems have also become

more demanding. The company’s signature product bundles a variety of business services into one seamless solution. “Technology changes rapidly and we at Kinetic Business by Windstream embrace that evolution and work to integrate new solutions that make the most of these technological advances,” she said. “Meanwhile, we’re keeping it easy for your business to adopt and use our products with the scalability to grow as your business needs evolve.” Heger said all Bolding specific product differences aside, what gives one provider a leg up on another is the way they handle issues after the sale. Customer service, she said, is the true differentiator for most clients, not price. “It’s all about the customer experience with a vendor that is responsive and local,” she said. “Plus, a partner who is committed to and investing in modern communications with the security and reliability required to enable continued operations.”

Even the very configuration of offices can be optimized for maximum efficiency, according to Hunter Bolding, senior account manager with Bold Office Solutions. “Many companies today are looking for ways to redesign and renovate their office spaces to better suit their organizations and appeal to workers,” he said. “Offices are continuing to change by incorporating modern kitchens with counter-height seating, collaboration areas made for informal meetings and adaptable office furniture with electronic standing-height desks. These have all become the new standard for office renovations.” At the same time, companies are looking to minimize their overall footprint and thus, square footage is shrinking — 151 square feet for employee workspaces, 176 square feet for offices. This provides other challenges as office designers look to fit as much or more in a smaller area. “Adaptable space has become more of a priority,” Bolding said. “With workers more nomadic, many new offices are currently designed to allow for rearrangement of the furniture layout and changes to walls and partitions. It is a sign of our times that workplaces are so agile and really adapting to how people work best.”

Demand for logistics, passenger travel point to continued strength of economy Continued from page 4. 3,000 square feet. “Warehouse spaces for very small businesses … are probably the most common request we get, but are extremely difficult to find,” she said. “Activity is brisk in the 5,000 to 15,000 square foot-range, which I would categorize as a small- to medium-sized user.” As owners of very small businesses are extremely price-sensitive, she said they won’t rent or buy a space unless the price fits the budget. “They will stay where they are and they won’t grow their company,” she said. Owners of small businesses love the idea of purchasing a building, and Eschliman said they often quality for Small Business Administration loans with favorable interest rates and long terms. “I am seeing medium-sized businesses more willing to bite the bullet and pay these prices if they think they can own the building,” she said. “Steel costs, due to the tariff taxes, and labor shortage and immigration restrictions, have made building prices shockingly high.” For instance, a new warehouse that cost around $90 per square foot a couple of years ago, Eschliman said, now goes for $100 to $110 per square foot. She did note escalating new construction costs give older buildings a “fighting chance” to be renovated — as long as ceilings are high, they don’t have too many support columns, and they don’t need too much rehab. “We’ve had a record number of requests from sports team and fitness firms looking for open spaces and high ceilings so that they can hold practices and classes,” she said. “Like the very small business owners, they are extremely price-sensitive, because they depend on local parents for their fees.” Lincoln TDW is in good hands, according

to Distribution Inc. Account Manager Michael Winter. “Several manufacturers we deal with are booming, and we deal with a pretty wide margin of manufacturers — from tech to food, to just general industry and petroleum,” he said. Notably, year-on-year, a pet industry client has grown at least 15 to 30%. “As the economy grows, people tend to buy better dog food, and tend to pay for nicer things, whether it’s clothing or food, or technology like better phones and iPads,” Winter said. Its warehouse storage and trucking/transportation solutions are tailored to each clients’ needs but, generally, the warehousing space is very competitive versus trucking, he said. Winter indicated one must have the mindset of using 100% of his or her building to generate revenue, rather than having the maker of that widget also store his or her widgets onsite. “Smart manufacturers realize the opportunity that is lost outweigh the cost of outsourcing to someone like us,” he said. He encourages one to consider the true cost of less-than-truckload [LTL] services, too. “A lot of times, customers pay a little bit more for a full truckload but the overall cost is less, because the cost per pallet goes down, and the damage and claims also go down,” Winter said. For instance, a cross-country LTL pallet might be unloaded and reloaded at two to 10 different terminals, increasing the risk that an entire pallet may be damaged or rejected. Likewise, Winter said products that aren’t similar may be placed together — also increasing the risk of damage. “A food product might be right next to an engine block, and it gets greasy or dirty,” he said.

The Lincoln Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 2019 •

Insurance A A section section prepared prepared by by the the staﬀ staﬀ of of the the Lincoln Lincoln Business Business Journal Journal

September 2019

Recent storms and flooding drive property insurance changes by David Kubicek

Storms and flooding over the past five years have led to increasing property insurance costs. “There has been increasing frequency and severity of hail and wind-related losses, starting with the May 2016, storm,” said Colten Zamrzla, an account executive with Copple Insurance. Over the past few years, many carriers have stopped writing any sort of property coverage in Nebraska and surrounding states. If they do, it’s much more expensive and may have a separate deductible for wind and hail losses. It’s common now to see deductibles of 1 or 2% of the building value. “I believe this is a correction in the market, and carriers have gotten scared,” Zamrzla said. “Over this past year we noticed that rates are

stabilizing. The new normal will be paying Bill Unger, senior vice president at Harry more than you were four years ago with A. Koch Co., suggested firms have a process higher deductibles, but it won’t be as hard to in place to review their policy coverages and find coverage as it was a couple of exclusions. years ago.” “People often don’t realize that Insurance companies are also flood and earthquake coverages requiring HVAC systems, electrical are always excluded from a policy panels and electrical wiring, plumbunless they’re added back in,” he ing and roofs to be updated recently, said. “In the past seven years we’ve sometimes even to offer coverage. had two 100-year floods and one The industry has also seen an 500-year flood.” uptick of miscellaneous professionProperty rates are changing al liability purchases. weekly, and wind/hail deduct“Typically you’d think of a ibles are becoming standard — doctor or lawyer, but there are $100,000, $150,000 and $250,000 Zamrzla many other professionals — such for large commercial buildings. as technology firms and consultants — where Social engineering claims — such as cyber financial damages won’t be covered by their fraud — are also becoming more frequent. regular policies,” Zamrzla said. “We used to get one out of 10 customers who had a social engineering claim,” Unger said. “Now it’s probably three out of 10.” Alan Kuzma, owner and president of Kuzma Financial Services provides a financial wellness benefit program for employers. “Employers have given employees tools to construct their retirement but haven’t given them the instruction manual,” he said. “I go into the companies and do classes that provide people with information to make smart decisions about retirement.” The program involves six hours of classroom instruction and three to five hours of

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one-on-one coaching with Kuzma. Topics include Social Security, why employees need to have a plan, hybrid retirement, planning for guaranteed income, investment, how home equity fits into a retirement plan, long-term care, health insurance and Medicare options. Kuzma brings in guest speakers like estate planning attorneys, life coaches and health care experts. Once class is over, everyone gets three reports. “The first is a Social Security timing report,” Kuzma said. “A married couple has 254 choices about what to do with their Social Security. The difference between making the correct selection and making a different selection can mean tens of thousands of dollars.” The Riskalyze report will verify if their asset allocation is in line with their risk tolerance, and if it is not, it shows them how to make the correct allocation. The third report answers six important questions: When can you retire without running out of money? How long can your lifestyle last in retirement? What happens to your retirement when the first spouse dies? What options do you have if there’s another stock market correction like in 2008? And what happens if there’s a chronic illness? What are your options? “Seventy percent of Americans over 65 will need skilled nursing care in retirement, but only 7% have a plan,” Kuzma said.

• SEPTEMBER 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal

Navigating the ever-changing world of health insurance and its costs by Jasmine Heimgartner

Health care for employees is the most prominent employee benefit. Balancing the right coverage and costs isn’t always easy. Different companies face different challenges, so a one-size solution doesn’t always work. Luckily, there are options and ways to find a balance that can benefit the employee and employer. Companies first need to understand their employees and their needs. “When you look at group health insurance options, consider the age and demographics of your workforce; a younger predominately single male group won’t use the insurance as much as a younger predominately female group with children,” said Amber Vrana-Anderson, employee benefit specialist at Northwestern Mutual. “Employers want to consider what is important to their workforce such as office or prescription copays, or health savings account contributions. I recommend employers offer two to three options for employees with a lower deductible, mid-range deductible and major medical catastrophic plan.” It’s also important to consider the ever-changing world of health care, including the ways people approach it. “The right plan needs to include an

Leadership Resources Continued from page 3. early in his career in the direct-mail and dot-com industries, said the strategic operational planning, while at present accounting for 35% of Leadership Services revenues, is getting bigger its being propelled into much greater recognition in firms. “In the past such big things lacked executive leadership and frequently involved creating a manual that was never looked at,” he said. “Today we’re taking an integrated approach that advocates exercising the plan live.” Sedor is charged with directing Leadership Resources’ strategic planning business including client implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System, which accelerates a client’s leadership development program. “Am important component is accountability and with Accelerate we’ve designed something with which positively helps people change habits to get a better result,” Ober said. More than 90% of Leadership Resources' clients retain its services after the initial agreement is signed and Ober has targeted a 96 to 98% range as attainable. Ober emphasizes that a differentiating factor in Leadership Resources’ growth has been the coupling of leadership development and strategic planning services with SMART goals software such as Accelerate, which encourages accountability and goal achievement through positive daily affirmation notifications and daily attention to meeting goals. Two months ago HR Tech Outlook, an industry publication, recognized Leadership Resources as one of the nation’s Top 10 leadership development companies for its training and transforming business coaching. “We’re widening the footprint as to where our services are being used,” Ober said.

emphasis on improving the effectiveness of primary care physicians. Plan designs without that emphasis have reached their limit and are becoming unaffordable for employees,” said Brad Utoft, director group sales at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “For employers, finding a plan that is heavily focused on value-based care programs (Accountable Care Organizations and Patient-Centered Medical Homes), where providers are rewarded for higher quality, care support and cost management, is the way of the future. Rewarding physicians for getting their patients into their offices for the care they need leads to significant cost savings because they can address health conditions before they become chronic. With this approach and increased diabetic testing, cancer screenings and other key preventive measures, we’re seeing fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions, which is a win/win for employees and employers.” While successful companies understand the importance of a good health care plan to retain employees, the most ideal plan

may not fit in the budget. Different funding options have proven to be a good way to keep costs down while keeping employees taken care of. “There are unique funding options, such as level funding, that allow qualifying smaller employers to benefit from their healthy employee population,” Utoft said. “This should include the use of value-based care providers and smaller network options to achieve savings through higher quality care and better discounts. Adding lower cost smaller network options in addition to a full network option for employees can bring significant savings to the employer.” New options are becoming available thanks to an executive order issued in June that will allow employers who do not offer any group health insurance the option to reimburse employees tax-free dollars for health plans purchased on the marketplace. In addition, there are two new companies coming to Nebraska who will offer an Affordable Care Act alternative for individual health insurance: Armor Health and Bright Health. These individual plans will be non-

ACA compliant and will work and feel like many of the individual health insurance plans used to look like before the ACA. “Employers can better budget for their own company expenses by choosing a flat dollar amount for an employer contribution versus a percentage,” Vrana-Anderson said. “If only a small percentage of your employees really utilize the health insurance, I recommend that employers don’t overpay for a rich benefit. Bringing in voluntary supplemental options that allow employees to purchase hospital, cancer or accident plans can help bridge the deductible gap for health insurance plans that may have a higher deductible.” Encouraging preventive care, the use of technology tools like provider care apps can benefit both sides. Educating employees on cost savings options — such as using generic prescription drugs, stand-alone diagnostic imaging centers for MRI, CT Scans and X-Rays versus a hospital, 24/7 Telemedicine, walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics versus emergency rooms — also can help keep costs down.

How is the U.S. economy doing? Here are 5 key signs to watch right now by Sarah Foster

If the U.S. economy closely resembled any object, it’d probably be a broken traffic light. That’s because the overall financial and economic system is flashing every color possible, from healthy green glows and yellow warning lights to heavy recession-red colors. With so many mixed signals, it isn’t exactly easy to tell just how strong any underlying momenEconomy tum may be. “Right now, economic growth is decent, but once you dig below the surface, things look a little bit more fragile,” says Scott Anderson, chief U.S. economist at San Francisco-based Bank of the West. “It’s a bifurcated expansion. We’re really looking at a tale of two different realities.” Here’s what’s happening in the U.S. economy right now based on five main tiers — as well as what’s making or breaking it. 1. The U.S. job market is still on firm footing, but hiring has slowed The job market has provided a comforting steadiness for those trying to spot check the health of the U.S. economy during such turbulent times. The unemployment rate is at 3.7%, the lowest since Dec. 1969, while employers have added positions for a record 107-straight months. “It’s a labor market that continues to defy expectations of softening,” Anderson says. But it’s evident that the pace of job creation is slowing. At this time last year, the U.S. economy had added nearly 1.87 million new positions. That total year has fallen by 32% this year, with employers creating about 1.27 million positions. But with the U.S. expansion now in its eleventh calendar year — the longest on record — some slowing is to be expected. In August, U.S. hiring totaled 130,000 new positions, bringing the three-month average to nearly 156,000 positions, a slower but still-healthy pace. It’s still puzzling economists why wages haven’t picked up more than they already have throughout the current expansion, but through the first half of 2019, workers in the

U.S. saw some of the strongest wage growth yet. Average hourly earnings on an annual basis rose in February to an expansion high of 3.4%, and they’ve been holding above 3% since October. “The tightening labor market was starting to have some impact on employers having to boost their wages for their new hires,” Anderson says. “They were finding some creative ways to avoid that, but they have been doing that to more extent.” 2. Consumers continue to prop up the U.S. economy Broadly speaking, that’s keeping the American consumer intact, an important component for the economy. Two-thirds of the U.S. economy is based off of consumer spending, so growth relies heavily on how willing consumers are to spend. Case in point: The U.S. economy grew by 2% in the second quarter of 2019. Net exports and private, fixed investments weighed on growth, but the U.S. consumer kept it on solid footing. That’s because consumption grew by 4.7%, contributing more to growth than any other category. It’s the same story for U.S. retail sales, which jumped in July by the most in four months. After several months of volatility, retail sales have also grown for five-straight months, offering economists a sigh of relief. Personal-consumption expenditures also grew in August. “The consumer has been a big part of this story,” Anderson says. “They’re definitely the bright spot still.” 3. Consumer confidence is starting to slip But if you want to know how much longer consumers are going to remain upbeat, it’s good to keep an eye on confidence. For the most part, sentiment among Americans has remained historically elevated throughout 2019. Though a measure of consumer sentiment out of the Conference Board showed that Americans’ confidence declined slightly in August, their perception of current conditions reached a 19-year high. But signs of more worrisome moderation have also appeared, when a widely watched

measure of Americans’ sentiment out of the University of Michigan fell by the most since 2012. It showed that consumers were starting to react to the rocky events surrounding the broader economy. President Donald Trump on Aug. 1 announced that he’d slap tariffs on an additional round of imports from China, fueling market volatility. In the preliminary reading of the report, consumers were also worried about the expansion’s future after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade. “Consumers strongly reacted to the proposed September increase in tariffs on Chinese imports,” said Richard Curtin, who leads the survey, in a statement accompanying the preliminary reading, released Aug. 16, while “the main takeaway for consumers from the first cut in interest rates in a decade was to increase apprehensions about a possible recession.” That doesn’t bode well for the future of consumer spending, Curtin said, with consumers concluding that they may “need to reduce spending in anticipation of a potential recession.” “Consumers really were a more optimistic bunch last year, and that carried over into this year as well,” Anderson says. “But the consumer isn’t immune to these confidence effects. We’ll see that more as data comes in. As soon as you start to see the market volatility hitting people’s 401(k) or see more visible layoffs and less hiring, consumers are going to have a rethink.” 4. Trade wars are causing a slowdown in business investment, manufacturing That’s not the only aspect of the U.S. economy struggling to parse through trade disputes. Manufacturing activity is in the midst of a slowdown, with the Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing manager index fell for a fourth straight month in July and contracted in August for the first time since 2016. A Federal Reserve gauge of industrial production has also dropped off after peaking in December 2018 at 110.6. Between Continued on page 10.

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The ultimate guide to virtual trading and stock market simulators by James Royal

Stock market simulators are a great way to get a feel for what it’s really like to trade stocks, whether you want to do that as a full-time job or as a hobby. You can get into virtual trading for free and not risk losing any money, but the real appeal is often the ability to simply track your progress, keep up with some of your favorite stocks and dream a little bit about making InvEstIng outsized returns on your mock portfolio. Stock simulators come in two main types: -Stock market games, where you compete with friends or strangers to pick the top-performing stocks within a portfolio you manage. The emphasis is less on trading and more on buy-and-hold investing over the life of the game. Mostly, you’re just there to have fun. -Virtual trading, where you’re tracking the market closely and actively trading stocks for virtual profit. These simulators typically use a broker’s actual trading platform and get you comfortable with the various tools that are available. For the most part in virtual trading, you’re using it as a way to practice real trading and test-drive a platform. Here are several of the top stock market games and virtual trading platforms available online for those who are interested in getting started. TOP STOCK MARKET GAMES Wealthbase is the newest entrant into the world of stock market games, and it’s one of the most fun games out there. Wealthbase marries a stock-picking contest with social media, and the result is a match made in heaven. You can create a game, set the rules for playing and then email your friends to join – and you’ll have a full virtual contest going in just a few minutes or less. And the game is not limited to desktop, with all the slickness available in a cool mobile app, too. The game interface is silky smooth – everything loads so quickly – and the social elements make competing more fun. You’ll have a live feed of the stocks your rivals are picking, and you can talk a little trash, if that’s your thing. End-of-day updates track your progress, while you can use charts and a news feed to stay ahead of your competition. Simply put, Wealthbase makes stock-picking fun. Investopedia Investopedia offers a classic take on the stock market game. After signing up for Investopedia’s Stock Simulator, you’ll get $100,000 to invest in stocks and options, or you can go short or even trade on margin, depending on the kind of game you set up. Entering your trades feels a lot like placing trades at your broker, too, with the same kind of interface. The stock simulator is useful even if

you’re not playing the game or are in between games. You can set up watchlists to track your potential picks, and a couple basic stock screens let you sift through the market on some basic criteria. A portfolio page tracks your portfolio’s progress and ranks you against the rivals in your game. Tutorials can help you get started, if this is all new to you. Virtual Stock Exchange Virtual Stock Exchange is offered by Marketwatch, and it allows you to create your own game or you can join one of the tens of thousands of games that are currently in play. If you’re designing your own game, you can set whether players can trade on margin or short-sell stocks, how long the game lasts and how much virtual money players begin the game with. You can buy stocks traded on American exchanges, and simply have to type in the ticker symbol to get full details on the company. Players have a page devoted to their portfolio, and they can set up a watchlist to track stocks for later research. This portfolio-building competition is a solid addition to the field. Motley Fool CAPS The Motley Fool was founded on the principle of crowd-sourced investment wisdom, and its CAPS service does much the same, allowing you to see why a player has made a pick. Players can write a short pitch for any given stock, and these can be a great tool for sourcing ideas. When you join, you’ll be thrown into a giant game with tens of thousands of players, and each entry is ranked according to their performance. Looking for a great stock idea? See what the leaders are buying and why. CAPS tracks your performance over time, giving you a score based on how well you do relative to other players in the game. It’s not about making money so much as about earning points based on whether your pick is right and by how much it beats the stock market overall. But the real value is watching top performers in action and even asking them questions. TOP VIRTUAL TRADING PLATFORMS AND SIMULATORS TradeStation

TradeStation is well-known as a broker for high-volume professional traders, and its virtual platform – called TradeStation Simulator – offers the full features of its real-life trading platform. After registering online, you can start trading with any amount of virtual money you want. The platform will provide you with details of your day’s trades, and you’ll see a report of your gains and losses. Another advantage of TradeStation is that you can test out your hunches, creating automated trading strategies and then using the platform’s real-time data to validate them. TD Ameritrade TD Ameritrade’s virtual trading app – paperMoney – puts you in the game with $100,000 in virtual currency, and you’ll be working with the broker’s highly regarded thinkorswim trading platform right from the start. If you don’t already have an account with the broker, you’ll have to register to download the platform, but then you’re cut loose into the whole suite of tools. If you’re not a customer, you’ll get 60 days to test-drive everything and see how you like it. The thinkorswim platform is fully featured, and it’s one of the aspects that were highlighted in our comprehensive review of the broker. Besides the tools, you’ll get streaming news and can watch markets as well as your watchlist. You can backtest strategies and access technical studies and charting, and you’ll find most of the platform’s features enabled in the simulator. Interactive Brokers Interactive Brokers brings the functionality of its high-caliber trading platform to virtual trading in what it calls its Paper Trading account. You’ll start as a high-roller with $1 million in paper money available for trading, and you’ll be able to use the broker’s full range of trading tools. While the environment is simulated, the market conditions are real, so you can get a feel for how you might respond under the pressure of the real thing. If there’s a downside to the broker’s virtual trading simulator, it’s that you have to be a customer to give it a go. You’ll not only have to open an account, but fund it, too. While that requires a little legwork for using

the simulator, Interactive Brokers may be the most popular choice of the pros. WHY YOU SHOULD USE A STOCK MARKET SIMULATOR Stock market games and virtual trading really have different purposes and audiences, and they’re both well-suited to their aims. For those looking to have fun and test out a few stock ideas, stock market games make it easy. You can get in the game with your friends, win some virtual money and just generally have a good time. Bragging rights are nice, but it’s really about learning and fun. On the other hand, virtual trading or simulators are for serious traders. Virtual trading is all about testing strategies and evaluating a broker’s platform, with the possibility that you might take your business there, if you like what you see. So a broker’s virtual trading platform is going to throw you into a real market environment. Sure, the money isn’t real but the market quotes are! Virtual trading can be a great first step into the market, because you can get a feel for how things work. If you make a mistake, it’s all just paper money anyway. That gives you a sense of calm that you’ll never experience when real money is on the line. While virtual trading can be useful to find your trading groove, the experience will be more intense and emotional when you’re trading with real money and have something to lose. That doesn’t minimize the value of starting with virtual trading, however. Just know the limitations. BOTTOM LINE Whether you’re playing a stock market game or using virtual trading, it’s important to remember that they’re never quite like the real thing. You’ll react differently when you’re playing with fake money than when you’ve got real dough at stake. So even if you’re familiar with how the market works or how a given broker’s trading platform operates, it’s a good idea to start small and work your way up. You’ll always have the opportunity to invest more money at a later time. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How is the U.S. economy doing? Here are 5 key signs to watch right now Continued from page 8. then and July 2019, the most recent reading, production has fallen for two straight months to 109.2. With the current declines, it’s safe to say we can call this a global manufacturing recession, says Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM. That’s comes with implications for the broader U.S. economy. “All the janitors, all the window washers, accountants — you go through and think about what it takes to maintain a factory,” Brusuelas says. “We’re concerned that the manufacturing recession will spill over into the service sector area because of the unusually large contribution the manufacturing sector makes toward the establishment and support of service sector jobs.” Businesses are also holding back on making investments. During the third quarter of 2018, private, fixed investment contributed 2.27 percentage points to gross domestic product. It’s since moderated, and shaved more than 1 percentage point off of growth in the second quarter of 2019.

Businesses and producers are set back by the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, as well as a slowdown in the broader global economy. Though much about trade policy is up in the air, minutes from the Fed’s July 30-31 rate-setting meeting show that businesses throughout the country are operating under the assumption that these disputes won’t get resolved. “The causal linkage is that trade policy is imposing an uncertainty tax on the economy,” Brusuelas says. “Firms are now exceptionally concerned about the direction of that policy. Therefore, they’re pulling back on investments. If they don’t make those investments, productivity slows, hiring slows, and compensation begins to fall back.” 5. Financial conditions are tightening due to trade wars Most economists would say that the markets aren’t the U.S. economy — but the tightening of financial conditions is an important part of the narrative. The 10-year, 2-year Treasury yield curve inverted Aug. 14 for the first time since the

financial crisis, a recession indicator that’s widely watched by markets and economists. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has since rallied after falling as much as 5% in trading during late August, but is still down by about 3% as of Wednesday trading. Markets took a beating Aug. 1 after fresh escalations in the U.S.-China trade. They were also already down on July 31, after investors struggled to interpret Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments about future Fed moves. “Financial conditions are becoming much more important now,” Brusuelas says. “Excluding housing and tech, financial conditions are negative. They’re a drag on growth. When you get that sort of volatility in financial markets that we’ve seen caused by the trade wars and tariffs, upper and middle-income households are notoriously sensitive to swings in equity prices. It will tend to slow the pace of spending.” ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The Lincoln Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 2019 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Bellwether Wealth, a comprehensive investment wealth management practice based in Lincoln, has registered Bellwether Advisors, LLC as a Registered Investment Advisor and has selected Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. as custodian of its accounts and assets. The transition to Schwab will cause no disruption to the processes or operations of Bellwether Wealth. Landscapes Golf Management, LLC, a division of Landscapes Unlimited, LLC based in Lincoln, has extended its relationship with Tippecanoe Lake Country Club in Leesburg, Indiana and signed on to provide management services to Indian River Club in Vero Beach, Florida. Lincoln Electric System’s 2019 rates ranked eleventh lowest among 100 cities surveyed in a nationwide study. The overall ranking is down three-positions from the 2018 study ranking. Between LES’ 2018 and 2019 rate studies — which evaluated 100 utilities in cities with populations greater than 100,000, including at least one city from each state — Lincoln’s electric provider fell three spots from eighth to 11th for the overall lowest average electric rates.

Education notes…

Doane University is set to launch a Professional Cannabis Certificate Program on DoaneX, the first of its kind offered by a university in Nebraska. The program, titled “Cannabis Science and Industries: Seeds to Needs,” is a series of three self-paced, online courses designed by experts in the cannabis industry and academia with Ph.D.

and M.D. credentials. Courses are expected to be available on DoaneX later this fall. The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan to guide the system’s work over the next five years. The 2025 Strategic Plan sets the following operational goals for the NSCS: Student Success & Completion; Institutional & Academic Quality; Workforce & Economic Impact; and Access & Affordability. Thirty stakeholders across the system were asked: “What are the critical outcomes that the citizens of Nebraska expect for the investment they make into our three Colleges each year.” Once the operational goals were identified, a task force narrowed a pool of nearly 100 possible metrics to a set of twenty metrics.

Health care notes…

Tabitha recognized a group of donors and volunteers. The Commit Award, honoring an organization that devotes its time, talent and treasure, was presented to Sowers Club of Lincoln. American Lutheran Church received the Care Award for its dedication and compassion to Tabitha’s Meals on Wheels program. The Connect Award, honoring a volunteer who builds relationships rooted in love, was presented to Marv Lyman and his family. Judy and Bill Lewis received the Cultivate Award for nurturing an environment of innovation and growth. The Courage Award was presented to D.A. Davidson & Co. and its employees for their longstanding support of Tabitha.

Activities of nonprofits…

As part of U-Stop’s Kicks it Back to the Community program the Boys & Girls

Clubs of Lincoln/Lancaster County will be receiving September’s charitable donations. For the month of September all U-Stop locations in Lincoln will contain a coin receptacle for customers to donate directly to the Boys & Girls Club. Those looking to participate in the Kick it Back to the Community program can go to www.u-stop.com to find their nearest U-Stop location this September.

Arts & events…

The 5th annual Piedmont Oktoberfest is being held on Sept. 21. Piedmont Oktoberfest will feature 18 different brews, live music, multiple food vendors, pretzels, and contests. Packages start at $25 with VIP packages priced at $40. Any additional beer tickets will be $6 each. The door fee is $7 and you can then buy domestic brews for $6 each. Lincoln Children’s Museum announced year two with the LPS Family Literacy program. This program is for immigrant and refugee families with elementary aged children in LPS Title One schools. The program is a family-centered approach to education. Parents meet daily for English classes, job skills, community resources, and parent and child together time. The kick-off event, scheduled for Sept. 24, includes an evening of play, free transportation to the Museum, and free memberships. The Science Café will tackle climate change on Sept. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Happy Raven. Ramesh Laungani, associate professor of biology at Doane University, will be giving the talk “Climate change. It’s happening. It’s us. It’s bad (for

Nebraska). The experts agree.” Author C.J. Janovy will speak about her experiences writing “No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism from LGBT Kansas” at a Paul A. Olson lecture at the Center for Great Plains Studies. In the book, Janovy, an editor for public radio in Kansas City, Missouri, shares the diverse voices and experiences of LGBT community members living on the plains and working for social change. Leymah Gbowee, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, will be speaking at the E.N. Thompson Forum on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. She currently serves as executive director of the Women, Peace and Security Program at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, and is the founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, the founding head of the Liberia Reconciliation Initiative, and co-founder and former executive director of Women Peace and Security Network Africa. The Lincoln Walk Like MADD & MADD 5K Dash 2019 will be held on Oct. 6. Participants can register to walk or run as a team captain or individual in our signature fundraising event. The event helps raise both awareness and funds to end drunk driving and fight drugged driving. Sarah Pandith, author, foreign policy strategist, and former diplomat, is speaking at the E.N. Thompson Forum on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. A world-leading expert and pioneer in countering violent extremism, she is a frequent media commentator and public speaker.

• SEPTEMBER 2019 • The Lincoln Business Journal