Midlands Business Journal September 27, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 39 issue

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

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VOL. 45 NO. 39

City+Ventures activates diversified portfolio of regional projects

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

Grand Island-born Clearwater Counseling opens second location in Omaha metro.

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Entrepreneurial interest, quality of startups reigns in Omaha metro.

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Family businesses have sunny outlook nationwide; leverage inherent strengths. – Page 24

Omaha-based City+Ventures is a seven-year-old real estate development firm with ownership in diversified sectors including automotive, private airline and construction. Owners Christopher Erickson and Daniel White currently employ about 170, but are targeting the creation of up to 1,000 new positions in the next few years.

Erickson, a Nebraska native said much of his time is focused on the buzz surrounding City+Ventures’ work on the $200 million-plus mixed-use La Vista City Centre project, which is benefiting from the population and strong demographics of the South 84th Street corridor. His company is also working on projects throughout much of Lincoln and Omaha — and beyond.

One is the purchase of Southlake Technology Park in Lenexa, Kansas. The $88 million deal includes 784,557 square feet among 11 Class A buildings.

“We’re focusing largely on Continued on page 10.

From left, co-owners Daniel White and Christopher Erickson … Rapid growth is attributed to the company’s investment in a wide range of projects.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Kelly’s Carpet Omaha focuses on growth in commercial segment

by Becky McCarville

With a commercial design gallery for owners, architects and interior designers along with vignettes to showcase residential fashion and flooring, Kelly’s Carpet Omaha continues to gain market share.

General Manager Tommy Hughes, whose parents, Mike and Jody Hughes, founded the flooring company in 1986, said that

the business started primarily in residential replacement flooring but over the past seven to eight years there has been a strategic jump in growth on the commercial side. The commercial department brings in about 35% of sales.

“I would say that the biggest change we’ve had for the past five years is in the growth side of things,” he said. “We’ve Continued on page 11.

Managing Partner Craig Moody … Sustainability consulting firm gains national clientele, expands into zoo and aquarium, aviation space.

Verdis Group celebrates 10 years, eyes national and diverse clientele

by Savannah Behrends

General Manager Tommy Hughes … Focusing on flooring for continued year-over-year growth and gaining market share.

When Craig Moody and Daniel Lawse started Verdis Group in 2009, the push for corporate sustainability came from a desire to save money, not the planet. That script has flipped in recent years as more organizations, not just companies, consider climate change and how it relates to their community and business.

One recently announced project with the city of Lincoln exemplifies this change. The Climate Action Plan looks at how the climate is changing, what the implications are and how Lincoln can prepare and adapt. “[Lincoln’s] water infrastructure is not as robust as Omaha’s so when there’s a draught the city has to limit the amount Continued on page 12.

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Grand Island-born Clearwater Counseling opens second location in Omaha metro

by Michelle Leach

In its fifth year, Grand Island’s Clearwater Counseling has expanded to Omaha — a Westside School District-area location spearheaded by Benson native, CEO and Clinical Director Kayla A. Leddy.

Clearwater Counseling Phone: 308-210-8487 Address: 7701 Pacific St., suite 100A, Omaha 68114 Services: mental health, including wide-ranging expertise with depression, grief, addiction and recovery, anxiety and phobias, physical abuse and violence, professional development, marital and parenting problems, coming out, family conflicts, self-harm, sexual abuse, cultural adjustment, and anger and aggression Founded: 2014 by Cindi McDowell; 2019 (Omaha location) Website: clearwatercounselingpc.org

“I want clients to feel comfortable and safe, and to find therapy useful,” she said.

“I don’t want to be put up on a pedestal; I want to make those connections with clients and have that small town feel of

CEO/Clinical Director Kayla A. Leddy central Nebraska successes in metro. central Nebraska here.”

While juggling grad school, a full-time job working for Child Protective Services,

Business Minute

… Mental health practice set to replicate and parenting two young children in central Nebraska, Leddy met Cindi McDowell, the late founder of Clearwater Counseling

Paid Content

Kimberly Varnado

Associate Professor/Program Director/Physical Therapist, College of Saint Mary Associations/Titles: American Physical Therapy Association (member, Arizona Chapter Delegate), American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (member, fellow).

Hometown: Chicago. Education: BS (Biology), Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Health Sciences.

based in Grand Island at 1811 West 2nd St. “Cindi was looking for another therapist,” Leddy said. “I took a leap of faith, because I had a full-time job and a stable schedule.”

Within a few months of Leddy’s start in 2016, McDowell was diagnosed with cancer — a battle she would wage until March 2018.

“My business partner, Nikki Frenzen, and I purchased Clearwater Counseling from Cindi’s estate,” she said. “Neither of us had ever owned a business before.”

During the course of navigating the ins and outs of business, Leddy met her future husband in Omaha.

“In the December/January timeframe, I approached Nikki and said it was time to go back to Omaha,” she said.

Before plans would be put in motion for a second, metro location, Leddy sought the blessing of an important person.

“Cindi was definitely a major supporter for me in my personal and professional life, and what was really awesome, was in every decision we made, we invited her husband to meet with us,” she said. “I remember telling [her husband] Brice that I needed to be back home and this is where I pictured Clearwater going, and this is the area we’re looking at, and how important it was for him to be a part of it.

“He was the main supporter for Cindi opening [Clearwater] … He told us, ‘We didn’t tell anyone this, but Cindi was looking to open a location by Westside school.

That was Cindi’s goal to expand.’ I had goosebumps. It brought me some peace.”

The office at 7701 Pacific St. opened in July.

“As the city continues to grow, this really is becoming more of that ‘midtown’ compared to Midtown,” Leddy said. “The location is convenient for families to get to, and there are lots of different schools Continued on page 22.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

Founded by Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION

How I got into the business: I wanted to help people diagnosed with movement disorders reclaim some sense of normalcy. At the recommendation of one of my mentors, I shadowed a physical therapist at Cook County Hospital and I immediately fell in love.

Accomplishments or milestones: Completing two doctorate degrees was challenging, but definitely a major accomplishment.

I also completed an orthopedic physical therapy residency, and two fellowship programs (orthopedic and education leadership).

Less than 1% of physical therapists complete residency and/or fellowship training after completing their entry-level degrees.

First job: I worked as a cashier for Walgreens.

Biggest career break: My current position, developing a blended DPT Program at College of Saint Mary. The blended learning model (online and in-person instruction) is

very new in PT education. At CSM we have an amazing opportunity to explore the possibilities of this model.

The toughest part of the job: There are several moving parts to this role, leading and managing each section can be challenging.

So much of what we are doing has not been done before. But it’s a fun challenge. The ideas that we want to implement to improve PT education are uncommon in traditional DPT programs.

The best advice I have received: One of my mentors asked me to pray and ask God to give me a vision for the DPT program at CSM. Initially when I interviewed for the position, I had ideas but since receiving that advice, those ideas have grown into a larger vision to address many pressing issues in PT education.

About my family: I have been married to my husband Carl for 13 years. We have an amazing six year-old daughter named Elizabeth who keeps us on our toes. My family resides in Phoenix, Arizona; we’ve lived there for almost 11 years.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: I would like to publish several articles about the DPT program we are developing at CSM to

share ideas with the PT education community and other health education professions.

Book I finished reading recently: “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni.

Something about me not everyone knows: My top 5 strength talent themes are restorative, learner, achiever, analytical, and relator.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Dr. Emmanuel John, the DPT Program Chair at Chapman University. He was the first person who encouraged me to step into leadership roles in PT education (specifically a Program Director role).

Outside interests: I enjoy running and resistance training. Spending time with my family.

Pet peeves: Incomplete work.

Favorite vacation spot: Antigua, Guatemala.

Other careers I would like to try: I would like to help develop policies that will improve population health.

Favorite movie: Jaws.

Favorite cause or charity: Hearts in Motion.

Favorite app: Pandora.

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

VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

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

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

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

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

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Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

2019 40 Under 40 Winners Jennifer Anderson

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Cameron Gales Jacobs

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

Dana Burkey

Courtney Callaway

Prime Choice Insurance

Michelle Diaz

Immanuel Communities

Dr. Stephanie Dredge

ITS Healthcare, LLC

Kristopher Montgomery

McCarthy Building Companies

LEO A DALY

Kari O’Neill Potts

Valmont Industries, Inc.

Iowa Western Community College

Karine Sokpoh

Sokpoh Law Group

Jeff Spiehs

Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency

Erin Pogge

Carolyn Sutton

Carolyn Sutton PR

Sara Porter

Bentley Swan

Heartland Properties

Laurie Matthews Tullius

Andrea Purdy

Swan Development

Brandy Wallar

Omaha Performing Arts

New Visions Homeless Services

Lynn Schneider

Meaghan Walls

Jodie McGill

Green Hills Area Education Agency

Emspace + Lovgren

Laura Essay

Kellee Mikuls

Allison Schorr Zach

Woman of Distinction: Cella Quinn

NoteWorthy

N & M Brokerage Services, LLC

Marco Leroc & Company

CBRE

Jeff Skalberg

Lockwood Development

McGill Law, PC, LLO Nebraska Collaborative Center

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

Cortney Sells

The Firm Advisors, LLC

Emily O’Connor

Elizabeth Kraemer

UNO/Nebraska Business Development Center

The Scoular Company

Stephanie Moss

University of Nebraska Foundation

Marco Kpeglo LeRoc

Kristen Seda Kampfe

Stephanie Moss Salon and Skincare

Zachory Klebba

Jenny Kruger

Midwest Laboratories

Shawntea Moheiser

ICAN

Assistology, LLC

Scott Yahnke

Omaha Home for Boys

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

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

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

September 27, 2019

Entrepreneurial interest, quality of startups reigns in Omaha metro

by Michelle Leach

In the Greater Omaha Chamber’s 2019 “The Barometer: An economic scorecard of the Omaha region,” report author Dr. Eric Thompson of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research found that the metro ranks third in entrepreneurship after “aspirational” cities Austin and Nashville, and exceeds aspirational city Raleigh, and “peer” cities Salt Lake City, Louisville and Colorado Springs; as well as “competitor” communities Des Moines, Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

Reportedly, Omaha’s successful entrepreneurs tend to make more money than their counterparts in the other communities; however, there are fewer entrepreneurs in the metro than elsewhere.

The Omaha chapter of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SCORE business

mentorship program measures the health of entrepreneurship in the metro from inquiries handled at its two offices — the SBA office at 10675 Bedford Ave. and the Commerce Village location downtown, according to Marketing Chair Allan Hale.

“We helped 141 new businesses and helped create 234 non-owner jobs,” he said. “Our workshops have impacted 2,500 people in the last year.”

Hale referred to “tremendous interest” in starting businesses of all types.

“The service industry seems to be getting significant traction this year,” he said. “We continue to get inquiries on workshops and online education. We have a full schedule of educational opportunities for all stages of entrepreneurial startups.”

SCORE’s hallmark remains its free

Melissa Glenn, SBA relationship manager at Core Bank. one-on-one mentoring.

When asked about trends, Glenn noted “A business at any stage from startup to many entrepreneurs follow their craft into busimature is welcome to use our resources,” he ness — not necessarily the other way around. said. “Nationally, 71% of SCORE’s clients go “To me, that’s an exciting prospect and into business after initial mentoring. We have opens a lot of doors in virtually every indusdozens of volunteer mentors from every walk try,” she said. “Demand for certain industries of life that are available to assist your specific will ebb and flow with the economy, but right business.” now there is interest in industries all across the As Core Bank’s board.”

SBA relationship Glenn is encourmanager focused on aged to see the number Small Business Adof small businesses ministration loans, thinking ahead, workMelissa Glenn serves ing through plans to as a “connector and diversify their offeradviser,” helping small ings and capitalize on businesses start, grow, future trends. restructure and add “This is a very value back into the positive sign for two local community. reasons: One, business Hale Brown “Metro Omaha has owners are willing to enjoyed a historically stable economy fueled innovate and change, they aren’t caught playing by hard-working individuals in all industries, ‘catch up,’” she said. “This mindset is pure focused on providing a superior product or entrepreneurialism and can propel a business service and making smart, forward-thinking forward in a big way. Two, planning for the decisions,” she said. “I am very excited to meet future shows a willingness to invest back into with individuals whom mastered a trade and are the community through jobs, projects and creating a business of their own. The biggest community support. These factors are evidence fear or concern I hear from a potential or new of a cyclical economy, which showcases the business owner is that they know their craft/ strength of the Omaha metro.” trade/industry, but they don’t know business.

More to the aforementioned Barometer That’s OK, as long as they’re willing to learn report, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s President from others and utilize the resources available and CEO David G. Brown emphasized that, Continued on page 6. in the city.”

Entrepreneurial Success •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Entrepreneurial Success

Entrepreneurial interest Various seed funding options available for entrepreneurs in metro Continued from page 4. when compared to high-performing aspirational, peer and competitor cities, the metro performs consistently well — often ranking in the middle, while advancing at slower pace than aspirational cities.

He isolated “entrepreneurship” as among Omaha’s strengths, alongside low business costs, high standard of living and arts and culture.

Brown indicated the chamber is in a constant evaluative mode, and has identified room for growth in innovation, infrastructure, human capital and job creation. Its efforts, he indicated, have resonated, even in the face of perceived talent challenges.

He referred to a client backlog at the end of the second quarter that is already almost 27% higher than what is typical of the entire number of companies the chamber might work with for the year.

“The opportunities we’re seeing in The Startup Collaborative continues to be robust,” Brown added.

The “on-demand” accelerator has reportedly graduated dozens of companies since its establishment in 2017 — the result of a merger among a traditional 90-day accelerator, an incubator and a community-building organization.

Furthermore, Brown referenced another 50 or so companies in the accelerator that are trying to become like those who have gone on to complete the program.

All of the aforementioned numbers are bigger than what the Chamber typically sees, according to Brown, who further noted traction driven by technology and financial services sectors.

by Gabby Christensen

When starting out, some local entrepreneurs look for ways to gain capital for their business through seed funding options.

Stephanie Luebbe, executive director at Nebraska Angels, said many entrepreneurs seek capital at some point during the life cycle of their business, but where the capital is sourced often depends on the industry and maturity of the business.

“The various sources of capital include grants, friends and family, angel capital and venture capital,” she said.

“Seed funding is the initial capital reLuebbe quired to start a new business, and often filled by the founder and potentially friends and family. Seed capital is frequently used to complete prototype work and enable the company to develop to the point of having some level of user base.”

Once they’ve been able to validate product market fit, Luebbe said entrepreneurs will likely seek angel funding to scale market penetration, customer acquisition and build out key roles on their teams.

“One avenue that entrepreneurs can take is participating in incubator or accelerator programs that offer funding upon completion,” she said. “These programs are valuable in that they not only offer funding, but they connect founders with resources,

organizations and investors that are helpful to early-stage companies.”

Allie Esch, associate at Dundee Venture Capital, said businesses are well-positioned for seed capital when there is an existing solution with happy customers and the solution is ready to scale.

“A trend that we’ve seen and think we will continue to see is an elongation of the seed round,” she said. “Across the venture capital landscape, more money is chasing fewer deals.

The hurdle to raise a Series A is higher than ever. As a result seed funding has turned into a phase Hoffman spanning multiple rounds; we intend to invest throughout this phase, sometimes partnering with companies at the pre-seed level or companies who are raising their second seed (post-seed) to get to a Series A.” Locally, Esch said The Startup Collaborative launched a small pre-seed fund to fill part of this gap, as well.

Valerie Rivera, city leader at Bunker Labs, said it’s important that entrepreneurs don’t let the lack of cash keep them from testing out their ideas.

“In fact, the easiest and most economical path may be to use a tactic called pretotyping,” Rivera said. “This is different from prototyping, and defined by former

Googler Alberto Savoia as ‘a set of tools, techniques, and tactics designed to help you validate any idea for a new product quickly, objectively and accurately.’”

Once the idea is ready for prototyping, she said there are several spots locally where one can gain cheap access to expensive machines and technology. In Omaha, there’s Do Space, and Metropolitan Community College’s Prototyping Lab, and in Lincoln, there’s the Nebraska Innovation Studio.

Daniel Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska, said seed funding is often obtained in exchange for an equity stake in the company.

“A seed round of funding is after a pre-seed round — often times non-dilutive funding — and before a Series A round,” he said. “The uses of capital include covering initial operating expenses, taking a product to market and growing revenue to attract new or additional venture capital funding.”

As a venture development organization, Hoffman said Invest Nebraska partners with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to administer the Nebraska Innovation Seed Fund, which is a program under the Nebraska Business Innovation Act. “We provide seed capital up to $250,000 as either convertible debt or equity and must be matched by private investors,” Hoffman said. “Other existing seed funding options include the Nebraska Angels, Kaapa Coop in Kearney, Dundee Venture Capital in Omaha, M25 Ventures in Chicago and the Invest Nebraska angel network.”

Entrepreneurial Success •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

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Business plans still important and with technology, easier too

by Dwain Hebda

While much has changed in the startup world — from staffing models to financing sources — a sound business plan is one oldschool element that’s still critical to an entrepreneur’s success. But how such plans are formulated and for what audience is something that continues to evolve, say experts.

“Business plans remain important, especially for entrepreneurs,” said M. Tyler Johnson, associate attorney with Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman.

“They force the entrepreneur to analyze the risks against the Palzer potential upsides of the venture at the outset, which allows the entrepreneur to make well-informed decisions as he or she moves forward.

“They also help entrepreneurs create and implement a strategy to support the entrepreneur’s short-term and long-term goals. To the extent an entrepreneur’s business will rely on outside capital, a business plan is a critical element in securing funding and other required investor support.”

Conversely, lack of a plan — or a poorly-constructed one — presents the new business owner with a myriad of potential problems.

“Inexperienced business owners will often underestimate initial startup costs,” Johnson

said. “Website development, employee salaries, benefits and the purchase or lease of space all cost money that usually must be spent before the business earns a cent. Failing to properly account for these items could bring the venture to a halt before it even begins.”

But where business plans were once written along very rigid guidelines, today’s plans maintain a measure of flexibility in how they are constructed, based on the entrepreneur’s individual circumstances.

“An informal business plan is a must for any entrepreneur,” said Jeff Palzer, partSedor ner with Kellogg and Palzer. “However, the use of business plans has changed over the years. For smaller entities that do not seek investors or outside financing, a formal written business plan is not essential or required. So, in that sense, a formal business plan is less necessary now than it was in the past.”

Palzer said the content of business plans has continued to evolve in step with changes in the marketplace.

“There has been a change over the years placing a greater emphasis on the marketing plan, both traditional marketing and social media,” he said. “If the individual can start some social media interest early, this can help

M. Tyler Johnson, associate at Abraham Kaslow and Cassman. bolster the business plan by showing customer free. There are some you can buy for a small or client interest in the business before it has price, which I think are worthwhile, and you even started.” can buy some templates for your specific niche Another big change is how technology is or industry that others have done. You don’t helping even rank amateurs create a salient have to reinvent the wheel.” business plan.

Sedor is quick to point out that profes“In the old days, business planning was sional expertise is still important over the long looked at almost as a necessary evil to go to a haul, even as online tools have become more banker, to go to a lawyer, to incorporate, to get accessible. a loan,” said Dan Sedor, director of strategy “Think about any industry of any kind; for Leadership Resources. “What I like about there are experts out there who help bring the what’s changed, which makes plans even more knowledge of things,” he said. “They often useful today, is that they’ve become your natu- have the relationships or knowledge in certain ral strategic planning document to work from industries. And they’re an objective side party, for a good period of time. asking you the tough questions, making you “And, because of online resources, there’s think beyond what you would push yourself an abundance of templates out there that are to do.”

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Entrepreneurial Success

Staying authentic to mission, vision key to branding success

by Jasmine Heimgartner

More than just a logo, branding is a venue to share the essence of a company and help it stand out from the competition. Regardless of size or years in business, achieving branding success begins with the foundations of the business.

“Broadly speaking, we approach branding with a clear understanding that rather than change who you are or what you say you are because of outside pressure, the most successDavies ful are focused on who you are and what you are,” said Drew Davies, owner/designer at Oxide Design Co. “It’s distilling who you already are internally and putting that out into the world rather than just making up a story that might be what people want to hear.”

Strong branding can help define what a company or organization is, what they do and

what they stand for, which are important for both consumers and employees to understand.

This foundation often starts with a clear mission, vision and core values.

“A successful brand is one that is authentic to the mission and values of the business,” said Erin Eckerman, co-owner/brand strategist at FOLK. “Consumers will spot an inauthentic brand a mile away, and this will lead to a lack of trust and believability in the brand. Understand audience needs and McBride mindset. Consumers need to believe they need a business or product before they will try it.”

While competition can be healthy, most businesses still want to stand out in the crowd.

Developing a branding strategy pushes a business to consider the bigger picture of its place in the market and where it wants to be.

“Being deliberate about your brand is an

Erin Eckerman, co-owner and brand strategist with FOLK. extreme advantage to any size business and, in findings are communicated, along with finding some cases, can be even more advantages to the right audience to communicate them to. small businesses because branding helps com“While it’s important for most businesses panies break through the competition,” said MJ to have a logo, it’s also important to think McBride, brand evangelist at Rebel Interactive. through messaging strategy, tone of voice “Branding is a modern business strategy. Big and a comprehensive visual identity that will or small, if you manage on brand, your brand set the tone for all interactions with consumwill tell you what to advertise, where to market, ers,” Eckerman said. “Keep it simple. Overly what to charge, how to innovate, what vendors complicated branding can be confusing to are good for you and especially who to hire. consumers. Be consistent. Every interaction a There’s nothing better than brand fans promot- consumer has with a business should result in ing your brand, and they can come from lots a similar feeling or emotional reaction.” of sources: employees, vendors, community While there may be different reasons for and customers.” developing a branding strategy — such as profOften forgotten is that branding isn’t just it, growth, alignment or fulfillment — if done external. It can often lead to finding the right right, they provide a means to communicate people to make a successful team. and connect with like-minded people.

“Branding can also be as valuable inter“When your brand is at the heart of evnally as externally in terms of that being clear erything you do or say both internally and about who you are,” Davies said. “With this externally, the investment in branding has an type of job market, if you can differentiate your infinite ripple effect,’” McBride said. “Think company and really help people get a sense of of brands just like people. There are people you your culture and how you function, it can help are attracted to and some not so much. Brands future employees resonate with you rather than work the same way. When you put your brand other companies.” out there authentically, you attract customers Once a brand’s foundation has been es- who will value what you value, and it makes tablished, the marketing aspect is how those all the difference.”

Entrepreneurial Success •

Trademarks and patents protect a firm’s brand and inventions

by David Kubicek

Trademarks and patents provide intellectual property protection for unique brand marks and innovations.

A trademark identifies a company or brand, and it isn’t limited to an identifiable symbol — the color of a shoe or the design of a store may also be trademarked.

A trademark provides protection from the first time it is used in commerce, according to Karine Sokpoh, principal with Sokpoh Law Group.

Sokpoh Registering a trademark through the Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is just a formality, but registration gives the trademark owner a stronger claim in case of infringement.

Firms can fill out the application online and provide proof that they are using the trademark in commerce. It is reviewed and published for 60 days, allowing anyone with a similar trademark to dispute it. If someone claims to be using the trademark already, the applicants must explain how their trademark differs.

“A trademark must be distinctive,” Sokpoh said. “For instance, if you have a delivery service, you can’t just call it ‘delivery service.’”

The registration must be renewed every 10 years, at which time the firm must provide evidence that the trademark is still being used.

Although applicants may file the registration themselves, an attorney can help them get better protections, Vandenack Weaver Attorney Alex Rainville said.

“Elements of the application require you to limit exactly what you’re protecting,” Rainville said. “An attorney can give you guidance about what can be protected and the kinds of tools you can use.”

There’s a filing fee and typically some costs associated with making the application at the federal level.

Patents are grants from the government to stop others from making, using and selling an invention — which can include new

Swantz Rainville and useful machines, systems, processes, products, and the ornamental design of such products.

Although trademarks can live forever as long as they are used, patents are limited to either a 20-year term or a 15-year term, and may be subject to maintenance fee payments at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years after the government grants the patent, according to Husch Blackwell Patent Attorney Liam Reilly.

“Patent rights cannot arise, and can actually be lost, without filing a patent application,” Reilly said. “Generally, in order to be patentable, an invention must be new, ‘non-obvious,’ and useful.”

“Non-obvious” essentially means that the invention must be a meaningful improvement over existing technology even if the invention is otherwise new and previously unknown. In the United States, an inventor must file a patent application within one year of publicly using or disclosing the invention.

When financial resources are limited or development of technology is ongoing, a provisional patent can be obtained, according to Chad W. Swantz, a patent attorney and co-owner of Suiter Swantz.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

A provisional application may establish a priority date for an invention, acting as a one-year placeholder for the subsequently filed non-provisional patent application.

A non-provisional, or “regular” patent application, must include a formalized written description, formalized drawings, and claims.

There are three types of patents — utility patents, design patents, and plant patents, each of which provides a different type of protection. The review process by the Patent Office may takes at least a year, and can be greater than three years

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in some instances, particularly for utility patent applications.

Someone interested in trademarks and patents should also consider other intellectual property rights that might be relevant, such as copyrights and trade secrets.

“The different types of law offer different kinds of valuable protection,” Swantz said. “For example, trade secrets can be used as an alternative to patents, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of both when deciding how to strategically deploy intellectual property to your advantage.”

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

City+Ventures activates diversified portfolio of regional projects Continued from page 1. infill development projects that matter,” Erickson said.

White, a New York native and former professional hockey forward who came to Omaha nine years ago to be closer to the family of his wife, views the potential for City+Ventures as that of a forward-thinking developer that’s not afraid to create or invest in businesses that operate at the level of best-in-class and meet the needs of area residents.

He said the aim of the firm is to become the premier investment and development company in the market.

Inc. magazine recently listed City+Ventures in the No. 207 spot on its annual Inc. 5000 list of the top 500 fastest growing privately-held companies in the country. The Omaha firm’s 2018 ranking was No. 915.

The company’s three-year revenue growth, as reported by Inc., grew by 1,968%.

Erickson, a Holdrege native with a civil engineering degree from Iowa State, said City+Ventures had across-the-board sales of $113 million last year, a figure that could double this year with both its real estate/ development work and operating businesses enjoying great successes.

City+Ventures owns and operates an array of businesses including automotive dealerships in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas and Pittsburgh, car washes, a private jet management and charter company, real estate management, and construction in addition to its real estate portfolio.

Notable projects, which are largely concentrated within Omaha’s I-680 loop,

include a renovation of a 60,000-square-foot of eco-friendly high-end washes, which neighborhood shopping center on nine acres utilize a proprietary water-recovery system, at 50th & Grover streets, completion of 100 snow-melt boilers, and other energy saving rental units on three acres at 60th Street & enhancements.

NW Radial Highway and plans for another “We have three existing locations here and 50 units within five five under construcyears, and a $35 mil- City+Ventures tion,” White said. lion investment what Phone: 402-902-4025 In June, White is now being called Address: 222 S. 15th St., Suite 1404S, said City+Ventures The Leighton District, Omaha 68102 purchased Husker Car in Lincoln.

Wash, a 50-year-old Services: real estate portfolio with The latter project, developments in businesses primarily facility at 6135 O St. finished this sum- in automotive, airline and construction in Lincoln. That famer, is near Nebraska sectors cility is receiving a Wesleyan University Founded: 2012 by Christopher Erickson $5 million renovation and University of Ne- & Daniel White and will utilize a wabraska-Lincoln’s East Employees: 170 in Omaha and Lincoln ter recovery system Campus, providing a One-year goal: Establish and expand that will recover and younger demographic Rocket Carwash brand in Lincoln and clean water — up to that Erickson said was Omaha markets.

60% of which will be not being met. The Industry outlook: Strong opportunities used by the car wash mixed-use develop- exist for forward-thinking, diversified equipment. ment includes new developments.

“It is a way of residential and com- Website: www.city-ventures.com reducing water conmercial space with a sumption and sewer strong emphasis on merging retail and dining loads to the local infrastructure,” White said. to create an entertainment district.

“Included are CO2 reduction of 233,138 White, a 1998 business graduate of Skid- pounds, LED lighting, HVAC units, roof more, is on his way as a national expert in insulation and weatherization.” automotive-related businesses. One of his first Existing Rocket Carwashes, which feature post-college ventures was purchasing, with quick washes and monthly memberships starta friend, a car wash and later, a BMW store. ing at $19.95, are operating at 8007 S. 84th St. White told Midlands Business Journal in La Vista, and 3711 N. 90th St. in Omaha. one of City+Ventures’ fastest-growing en- Additional locations in Fremont, Bellevue and tities — and the need to ramp-up hiring in Council Bluffs are coming soon and two stores the local Omaha and Lincoln markets — is at 72nd & Dodge streets and 204th Street & its ownership of Rocket Carwash, a chain West Dodge Road are under construction.

Rocket Carwashes are highly utilizing technical enhancements that include a double-tunnel concept that allow a driver to get out of the car and to use a conveyor belt to move the vehicle through the process.

License-plate recognition readers are also utilized to speed up the overall process that can include the option of detailing.

When applicable, tax-increment financing and Petros Pace Financing is being used. The latter provides long-term financing to commercial property owners who seek to lower energy costs, reduce carbon footprint and increase property values.

Erickson and White bring complementary skillsets to their partnership. One excels at specializing in the capitalization of complex real estate endeavors while the other identifies the strategic direction of the firm and its trajectory.

Erickson lists knowing the calculated risks and the need for attracting good people to City+Ventures and its entities as being of the utmost importance.

“It’s the work being done,” White said.

On a recent trip he flew to Los Angeles and San Diego to deal with operating matters at car dealerships.

City+Ventures is a business partner of Heliwalls, an outsource manufacturer of shoring products that are used as a cost-effective and efficient strengthener of walls for excavation products. The brand was used in work done at Capitol Place, a mixed-use building at 10th & Capitol streets.

Another City+Ventures entity is Millbrook Air, a private aviation/jet management company headquartered in Newburgh, New York.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

11

Kelly’s Carpet Omaha focuses on growth in commercial segment Continued from page 1. continued to grow the residential side, but the biggest growth has been because of the focus on the commercial side. We’ve seen a lot of opportunity there.”

Refacing the front of the 144,000-squarefoot building two years ago, remodeling the 35,000-square-foot showroom and adding the design gallery for commercial clients have helped the company grow.

Kelly’s Carpet Omaha employs five fulltime project managers and two full-time estimators on the commercial side and 57 people total.

“We’ve got a good team of people,” he said.

“We’ve had people who have been with us for a long time.”

Larry Owens, commercial sales director, SUPER CROSSWORD

was hired seven years ago to help grow the commercial department.

The idea of having a design gallery was two-fold, Owens said.

“A business owner can walk in and make their selections based on something that’s not a little sample out of a book. They can see it on the floor, and they can make a selection based on that and the idea is they can design their entire space for finishes,” he said. Secondly, “…it allows the designer and owner and architect all to sit there and make selections right on the spot with the materials on the floor … [and] it allows the design team to come together and shorten the timeframe as in what kind of options they’re looking at, what kind of direction they want to go and so forth.”

HOT TICKET From left, Commercial Sales Director Larry Owens, and estimators Veronica Anderson and Heather Davis.

In terms of competition, Hughes said Interior designers, who often work from home and don’t have space to store sample Kelly’s Carpet Omaha focuses solely on flooring.

“We can only worry about ourselves and books, can use the design gallery “like a public we stay focused on ourselves,” he said. “Our library.”

He said the division works with “pretty focus is on flooring and our employees are much all of the major companies,” general professionals on flooring. Everybody has their contractors and developers for jobs with schools, niche, everybody does certain things for a reahospitals, tenant improvement, hospitality, son, and all competition is good. The better the multi-family, retirement centers, assisted living competition the better it makes you.”

One of the major business challenges is — all types of commercial properties. Most of the projects are in Omaha but the company having enough people in the trades industry, travels with locally based general contractors especially in flooring.

“I think it’s a challenge in all segments of that have projects in western Nebraska or eastern the construction industry — is having enough Iowa, for example.

Carpet tiles and luxury vinyl tile, which are trades to get the work done,” Hughes said. in the waterproof flooring category, are popular “It’s figuring out, how do we as an industry get more people involved in the trades. It’s a choices over porcelain tiles.

“It’s a new trend because it’s quicker to in- great income for these guys and there’s a lot of stall, more cost effective and easier to replace,” opportunities.”

Flooring installers don’t have apprenticeOwens said.

Luxury vinyl products have crossover ap- ships similar to plumbers or electricians, so peal in residential homes and in the main living much of the training is done in-house.

The company is focused on future growth spaces of multi-family residences, and carpet is still prevalent in bedrooms and basements, and gaining market share.

“We’re constantly looking at, how are we especially in the Midwest.

Hughes said that he loves to sell carpet going to be in business a year from today; what because it’s a great value with stain resistant do we need to do to be in business five years, 10 years from today,” he said. “Short-term, fibers and varied styling and colors.

“People follow the trends they see on mid-term, long-term — what do we need to be HGTV,” he said, adding that he thinks people doing, how are we going to get there and what are our processes to get there.” will cycle back to carpet eventually.

Answers on page 12.

12

• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Verdis Group celebrates 10 years, eyes national and diverse clientele Continued from page 1. have missions that align with conservation of water people use,” said Moody, who and sustainability. He spoke to Verdis’ operates as the firm’s managing principal. long-standing relationship with the Omaha “That’s a case in point with how climate Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as well as a presence at industry change can affect conferences as facVerdis Group citizens.” tors that have helped The partnership Phone: 402-681-9458 open doors. with Lincoln also Address: 950 S. 10th Street, Omaha “The [zoo and demonstrates a di- 68108 aquarium space] is versifying field of Founded: 2009 a tight knit commuc l i e n t e l e t h a t i n - Service: sustainability and climate resiliennity,” he said. “For cludes the Dallas cy planning, waste reduction and recycling, us, business develZoo, Seattle Aquari- sustainable behavior change programs, opment is all about um and the Minneap- and transportation demand management personal contact.” olis-St. Paul Interna- Employees: 8 As organizational Airport. His- Industry outlook: Within the last five years tions become more torically the firm has companies have become more aware of aware of their waste done a lot of work in climate change and are looking at ways to streams the very the higher education, reduce waste, pushing the industry to condefinition of “sushealth care and K-12 sistently debate what defines sustainability. tainability” shifts, markets but has seen Website: verdisgroup.com moving the industry an increase in work for municipalities, cities, counties, and into a constant state of evolution.

“Sustainability is something that not government agencies.

In particular, Moody noted that zoos everyone agrees upon in terms of definition and aquariums are a natural fit since most and that definition is always expanding,”

Moody said. “Part of the challenge is keeping up with the changing definition, and altering and refining our services to stay on top of it.”

Recycling was one area the firm didn’t anticipate doing a lot with until recent changes in legislation and decreasing market values began to challenge clients.

Moody said that 10 years ago companies like First Star could make money off recycling, but since major countries like China have stopped purchasing U.S. recyclables it has become harder to offload.

Organizations like the University of Nebraska, which recently hired Verdis, are now left trying to reimagine their waste and recycling streams.

“For many of our clients that’s been a meaningful portion of what we do — helping them navigate through those changes,” he said.

Several clients, he noted, are also “knocking on the door” of being zero waste

companies, which still allows for 10% of waste to go landfills. Metropolitan Utilities District is very close with about 79% of waste being redirected at last check.

While the firm has steadily grown, opening a Lincoln office, additional employees and servicing a variety of national clients, Moody said Omaha will always be home. As such the team is donating 24-hours of consultation and help to an area nonprofit who is striving to become zero waste in honor of its 10-year anniversary.

The project, called LOVErdis Strive for Zero, has in a way always been a part of the firm’s mission.

“We’ve always set aside a percentage of our annual revenue and gave it away but this is the first time we’re actually intentionally going out and doing something hands on,” Moody said.

Verdis announced on Sept. 20 that the firm selected Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum and will begin working with the museum in October.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 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.

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 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 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), SCOTT A SHELTON & KATHLEEN A JACKSON 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 CI19-11769, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $170.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 11/11/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), EMMA E GOLLEHON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/02/2019 on Case Number CI19-14947, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $346.93, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 11/11/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication September 27, 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

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

13

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

14

• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES 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 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 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 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ATLASPRO, INC. Notice is hereby given that AtlasPro, 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 AtlasPro, Inc. has been established is to engage in a commodities trading 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 20, 2019. Management of the company shall be vested in its Board of Directors.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 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

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

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 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 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 27, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Signature Performance Healthcare Administrative Services, 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 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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

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

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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 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 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

16

• SEPTEMBER 27, 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

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SAQUIB AND SONS L.L.C. A Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of SAQUIB and SONS, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is SAQUIB and SONS, LLC. Registered agent and office of Juliann Saquib, 3004 South 46th Ave. Omaha, NE 68106. Initial members: Juliann Saquib, 3004 South 46th Ave. Omaha, NE 68106 and Abu Tayab Md. Nazmus Saquib 3004 South 46th Ave., Omaha, NE 68106. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on September 11, 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. The initial designated office address of the principle place in Nebraska is: 3004 South 46th Ave., Omaha, NE 68106 Organizer, Jim DiPrima First publication September 27, 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 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ERVIN’S HOME SERVICES, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Ervin’s Home Services, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 7520 S. 171st Street, Omaha, NE 68136.

Mark Ervin, Member First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LMC REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is LMC REALTY, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 14767 Eagle Street, Bennington, NE 68007.

Lindsay Rzemyk, Member First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that VFCM, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on September 12, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE IMPULSIVE, LLC Notice is hereby given that THE IMPULSIVE, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3012 Oak Street, Omaha, NE 68105. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf , 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 192, LLC Notice is hereby given that 192, LLC (the "Company") has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 13974 Hickory Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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

HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Spruce Acquisitions Group, Inc. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. The street address of the corporation's initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Howard J. Kaslow. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Common Stock. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation are D. David Slosburg, 10040 Regency Circle, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 HOWARD KASLOW, Attorney ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Spruce Capital Group 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 W. 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 Howard J. Kaslow, 8712 W. Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WOODSONIA WENDY’S, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Woodsonia Wendy’s, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent of the Company is Drew Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HIRECHRISTMASPRO.COM, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that hirechristmaspro.com, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8821 Greenfield Street, 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 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 ENTERPRISE INDUSTRIAL PARK, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Enterprise Industrial Park, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 10220 F Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 18, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 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

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRIPLE B ENTERPRISES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Triple B Enterprises, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4021 North 158th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Elliot Bassett, 4021 North 158th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The limited liability company commenced business on September 18, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 MADISON VENTURA FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Madison Ventura Financial Solutions, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the limited liability company is 13512 Seward Street, 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 September 20, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that G & S Realty, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 20, 2019, effective on October 1, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Members. The Manager will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against G & S Realty, L.L.C., please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose.

All claims shall be mailed to 31622 South Hackberry Lane, Oracle, Arizona 85623. A claim against against G & S Realty, L.L.C. is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 SNC INSURANCE LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SNC Insurance LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1120 S 101st Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O, 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 19, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF JANCO ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Janco Asset Management, Inc. The corporation is authorized to issue 25,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication September 27, 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: Nicholas Yaksich, 15205 Elmwood Drive, Bennington NE 680071719, you are hereby notified that on July 26, 2019, FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY, LLC filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-16571, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $11,632.60, 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 18th day of November , 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 18, 2019

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FALCON PRIDE BOOSTER CLUB 1. The name of the Corporation is Falcon Pride Booster Club.

2. The Association is a not-for-profit corporation.

3. The address of the registered office is 401 S. Pine Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064 and the name of the registered agent at that office is Chantz Hanson.

4. The name and street address of each incorporator is as follows: Chantz Hanson, 401 S. Pine Street , Valley, NE 68064 5. The Association will have members.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 JOSEPH J. SKUDLAREK, Attorney 1055 North 115th Street, Suite 301 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is J&A Development, LLC. Its designated office is 19501 Poppleton Circle, Omaha, NE 68130.

Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced September 17, 2019. Its affairs shall be managed by a Member/Manager. Joe Hartman, Organizer First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 JOSEPH J. SKUDLAREK, Attorney 1055 North 115th Street, Suite 301 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LLC The Nebraska limited liability company’s name is CM Works, LLC. Its designated office is 14811 Manderson Plz #203, Omaha, NE 68116. Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced on May 9, 2019. Its affairs shall be managed by a Member/Manager. Reid Brandstetter, Organizer First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 RUSSELL J. KREIKEMEIER, Attorney KREIKEMEIER LAW OFFICES 126 East Grove Street West Point, Nebraska 68788 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of NORTH SIDE ATHLETICS, INC., with its registered office address at 222 South 15th Street, Suite 316, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. This nonprofit corporation is organized and operated as a Public Benefit Corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The purposes for which the nonprofit incorporation is formed is to promote and support youth sports and athletics; to train and teach and coach your athletes in their respective sports; to promote and develop sportsmanship and teamwork among the boys and girls through their participation in athletic events; to solicit, collect, and raise funds to support such activities; and to buy, sell, lease, mortgage, and exchange any and all real and personal property which may be necessary, advantageous or proper in the conduct of said activities. The Corporation will conduct any other matter(s) including the transaction of all or any lawful business or engagement in any commercial venture permitted by the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act, as amended, and all other applicable law. The Corporation commenced doing business on September 17, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, and such officers as provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.

DATED the 20th day of September, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Hemp Ag Services LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 4720 Parker St. Omaha, NE 68104. The registered agent and managing member of the Company is Jeremy Mullen, 4720 Parker St. Omaha, NE 68104. The Company’s primary activities include but are not limited to providing ag consulting services, input sales and marketing.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MONROE STREET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Monroe Street, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3419 S. 94th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019

17

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

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 HASCALL LAB SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hascall Lab Services, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 8260 Hascall Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on September 18, 2019.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FRANKLIN PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that FRANKLIN PROPERTIES, LLC (the "Company"), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office and Registered Office Address is 111590 West Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE 68154. The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 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 GOD MADE DAD & MOM, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 7202 Giles Road, Suite 177, LaVista, NE 68128. The registered agent is Amber Dee Parker and the Registered Agent's address is 7202 Giles Road, Suite 177, Omaha, NE 68128.

3. The general nature of the Company is publishing, marketing, and public speaking.

4. The Company commenced on September 24, 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 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHALICE PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Chalice Pharmaceuticals, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 19067 Greenleaf Street, Omaha, NE 68136. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication September 27, 2019, final October 11, 2019

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 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: 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 27, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: BRONCO'S Name of Applicant: BRONCO'S HOLDING COMPANY Address: 1123 S 120TH ST OMAHA NE 68144 Applicant is an S CORP If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 11-1959 General nature of business: FAMILY FAST FOOD RESTAURANT STEVEN BARNES Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative September 27, 2019

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

How to keep your money from losing purchasing power

by Matthew Goldberg

Tony Soprano stashed his money in a bag of bird food outdoors. This may make you laugh, but if you’re keeping money in a bank account that isn’t paying interest, your future purchasing power may also take a hit.

Financial In fact, according to a Bankrate survey in May, nearly a quarter of people weren’t earning any interest at all, and another 20% were getting an interest rate of less than 1 percent.

Let’s say you had $40,000 hidden outdoors in 2002, and the money was still there today. Turns out you’d need $56,606.95 to purchase now what you could then, according to the CPI Inflation Calculator from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s about a 41% increase in around 17 years.

So while the crime boss of the television series, “The Sopranos,” knew about many of his enemies — inflation probably wasn’t on his radar.

YOUR MONEY NEEDS TO (AT LEAST) KEEP UP WITH INFLATION Over time, inflation eats away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.

That’s concerning since, going back to 1959, there’s never been this much money in savings deposits at commercial banks.

A commonly used inflation gauge currently sits at 1.6 percent. Meanwhile, the national savings average yield is only at 0.1% annual percentage yield (APY).

What this means for you is if your money is yielding less than 1.6% APY, you’re losing purchasing power.

It’s true that savings, money market account and CD rates have decreased recently. But after nine Fed rate increases since 2015, and only one rate decrease in July, some high-yield savings accounts are still keeping up with inflation. Though if there’s another rate cut on Sept. 17-18 when the Fed meets again, that could make keeping

up with inflation a little more difficult.

But if you have an account earning anything near the national average, you can easily obtain a higher APY. Remember, most interest you can withdraw without a penalty is taxed as ordinary income in the year you receive it. So you have to factor this into whether you’re staying ahead of inflation or not. The more time your money sits in a low-yielding account literally collecting dust, the less purchasing power you’ll have in the future.

Usually when clients see the benefits of a high-yield account they wish they took action sooner, said Paul Fenner, certified financial planner, president at TAMMA Capital.

“Taking that first step for folks is usually, always the hardest part,” Fenner said.

People generally don’t like change, especially when it comes to their bank account. A 2017 survey conducted for Bankrate and Money found that the average U.S. adult used the same primary checking account for about 16 years. Direct deposits and bill payments are some possible reasons why people hold on to those accounts so long. Savings accounts earning a low yield should be easier for people to part ways with, since generally they won’t have multiple bill payments or direct deposits attached to them.

“Technology has greatly enabled consumers in this area,” said Mark Meredith, certified financial planner, Meredith Wealth Planning, in Maryville, Illinois.

“It’s so easy to see what rates are nationwide.”

(You can compare rates on savings accounts and money market accounts on Bankrate to find the right account for you.)

WHAT INFLATION DOES TO YOUR PURCHASING POWER The only return that matters is what you earn after inflation, Meredith said.

“If you’re not even keeping up with that, then you’re destroying your wealth slowly over time,” Meredith said. “You’re

not building any real wealth and local banks, around here, are really paying low rates on savings accounts compared to what you could get through an online bank.”

Sometimes when people see a monthly interest credit, they may say that they’re ‘earning’ a certain amount each month.

Yes, a person earning 0.01% APY receives interest credits. But when comparing the APY to inflation, the result is a negative return.

“You’re just losing less,” Meredith said.

If inflation is currently around 1.6 percent, and your APY is less than this, Meredith said this is like an invisible tax on your money that’s not going to show up on a bank statement.

“But if their brokerage account goes down 1 percent, they definitely notice that,” Meredith said. “If you don’t see it, it doesn’t hurt as bad.”

While inflation is invisible, it can have real consequences over time.

For some, credit card rewards and signup bonuses can be an easy way to apply credits toward your travel. Or a sign-up bonus can help you apply money to charges you’re going to make anyway. Assuming you’re paying your statement balance each month, and not paying interest, these can save you money.

“People obsess over their credit card rewards,” Meredith said. “But they might have a hundred grand sitting at 0.25% (APY). So you’ve got to look at every detail. And if you’re not, you’re missing out.”

IF YOU’RE IN A LOW-YIELDING ACCOUNT, HERE’S HOW MUCH INFLATION IS COSTING YOU Many people are content with their money sitting in a low-yield account. But seeing how easily purchasing power can deteriorate, might lead some to take action.

There are a few ways to do this.

Personal finance articles talk about giving up a latte a day to save money. A

How to balance aging parents, young children, demanding work

by Liz Reyer

Q: My life is challenging right now. My mom lives in another state and is having serious health issues. I have kids at home, and to top it off have a lot going on at work.

What can I do to make sure all these areas get the attention they Workplace need? I feel like it’s all getting away from me.

-Karla, 50, epidemiologist, too many kinds of stress A: Start by focusing on you and taking care of your own needs.

Seriously. Amid all of the demands, you need to maintain your own health and sanity. While we often feel like we should be superwomen, it is just not possible.

Recognizing that, be kind to yourself.

What would you say to a friend, sister or cousin who was in this position? What steps you would suggest and what support would you offer?

I’m sure that you wouldn’t judge her or think that she is falling short. At the same time, I’m willing to bet that your fear of letting people down is a powerful part of your stress.

What happens if you give yourself permission to not do everything? If you figure out your priorities, you will be able to focus on the top needs and ease some of the stress in all aspects of life.

This will require asking for help, which can be hard because we then show our vulnerability. Keep in mind that people genuinely do like to help others. If they are aware that you are struggling, they may already be wondering what they can do to help. Do them a favor and let them know some specifics.

On the family front, this might be as simple as getting carpool support to get your kids to activities. It might involve hiring help to clean your house (recognizing that cost may be a barrier). It may also require a family conversation about what is needed, what is feasible and brainstorming ways to work together.

At work, take a new look at options you may have. Maybe you have been turned down about having more flexibility in the past. However, times of need like a parental illness can change the equation and elicit a more accommodating response.

Your best option for work is to figure out exactly what you would like and then present it to your boss as a win-win proposal.

This brings us to the most tender of all your issues — being away from your mom when she needs you.

It is a really hard thing. Let yourself feel the grief and pain, and figure out the best sources of comfort.

If she would like it, perhaps you could go stay a while, work remotely, and have flexibility to be involved in her care (this is an example of a workplace win-win). Or help arrange more support for her at home.

Spend the time you can with her to provide the emotional support that she undoubtedly needs as well.

Finally, coming back to you, eat healthy and delicious foods, spend time outside, and find things that make you laugh. Everyone around you will benefit when you invest in your well-being. Then be honest about what you can and can’t do, and let your community help. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

different take would be comparing the cost of a pound of 100 percent, ground roast coffee over the years.

-In September 1988, the cost was $2.840 per lb.

-In September 2018, the cost was $4.306 per lb.

That means, the price of coffee increased a little more than 50% during those 30 years, according to data from the BLS. During that same period, $5,000 in September 1988 has the same buying power 30 years later as $10,535.85, using the CPI Inflation Calculator.

This is why keeping up with inflation is so important. If your $5,000 didn’t earn any interest during that 30-year period, you’d need more than twice the money to purchase the same goods 30 years later.

A 30-year CD generally doesn’t exist.

But if you had a $5,000 CD for 30 years earning 2.52% APY, you’d have around $10,549. That would help your money maintain its purchasing power during that time.

MAKING THE CHANGE TO A HIGHER YIELD CAN BE EASY A few years ago, Meredith said that he and his wife were saving a large amount of money to build a home. This wasn’t money he could afford to potentially lose in investments. But he also didn’t want to continue earning 0.25% APY, which he said was his bank’s yield at the time. So he put in about a half hour of work and switched to an online bank. He was rewarded with an APY four times his previous yield.

Some banks say you can open up an account online, or apply for an account, in around five to 10 minutes. But some may have a longer process.

“I always try to state the dollar amount of interest they’re costing themselves because percentages don’t always speak as loudly to the customer,” Meredith said.

“But if you say you’re earning $100 a year on ($100,000) and you could be earning $2,200 a year with 30 minutes of work, that a lot of times gives people a nudge to actually do something.”

If you already have an emergency fund or enough cash in savings, you may find that some money in a bank account should actually be invested to keep up with inflation. There are ways to potentially score higher returns through investments, such as stocks, which can be traded with a brokerage account.

But you could also lose some or all of your money going this route. Money that can’t be risked needs to be in an FDIC-insured account within insurance guidelines. When you’ll need to use your money and the amount of risk that you’re comfortable with will determine whether investments or bank accounts are the best fit.

You don’t have to constantly check the inflation rate, but being aware of both the APY you’re earning and inflation are important to at least maintain your current wealth. If you don’t, your hard-earned money won’t be able to purchase as much in the future, and that could put you in a real pinch down the line. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

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:

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

Issue Date: October 4 • Ad Deadline: September 26

Technology

Business and Industrial Parks/Leasing A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

• Business Parks and Industrial Parks/Leasing Overview • Choosing an industrial location for your business • Growth of e-commerce driving demand for space • Trends in Design/Features Requested

Issue Date: October 11 • Ad Deadline: October 3

Issue Date: October 18 • Ad Deadline: October 10

Technology overview • Connected retail • Digital privacy Analytics • IT outsourcing • Drone technology/AI

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

20

• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

OCTOBER 4

HOSPITALITY

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE OCTOBER 11

TECHNOLOGY

OCTOBER 18

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK/LEASING 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 Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date.

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

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Travel and Transport has been named to MeetingsNet’s 2019 CMI 25 list. As a group, the companies on the 2019 list executed almost 150,000 corporate meetings and nearly 7,000 incentive travel programs in 2018, and together those events booked over 24 million room nights at hotels and resorts around the world. The MeetingsNet editors selected the 2019 companies based on the number of meetings and incentive travel programs managed in 2018, total number of room nights represented by those meetings and incentives, full-time employees and the percentage of the company’s 2018 revenues that came from organizing corporate meetings and incentives.

T h e G re a t e r O m a h a C h a m b e r launched the 2019-2020 session of its Omaha Executive Institute. OEI is offered exclusively for senior-level executives who are new to their positions and/or new to the community. Over eight monthly sessions, participants explore the community’s issues, challenges and opportunities to better understand the environment in which they are now doing business. The 2019 cohort includes: Aaron Austin, Janice Austin, Mike Brookes, Wendy Brookes, Courtney Burnette, Shannon Cotsoradis, Jessica Dennis, Shawn Dennis, Liz Durham-Ruiz, Rich Ruiz, Naomi Hattaway, Mike Hilt, Sacha Kopp, Claudio Laterreur, Mike Lucas, Clark Ponthier, Lisa Ponthier, David Ridgeway, Daphne Ridgeway, Todd Sears, Brenna Sears, Mart Sedky, Kristi Thornton, Randy Wood and Candace Wood.

Health care notes…

Boys Town National Research Hospital provides a new pediatric mental health service to the community. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Center is now open. The new facility is connected to Boys Town National Research Hospital-West on the Boys Town Campus. The 16-bed Psychiatric Inpatient Center will provide care and safety for children, ages 5-18, who need psychiatric hospitalization.

The Psychiatric Inpatient Center includes classrooms, a gymnasium, living spaces and recreational areas. Patients receive treatment and care from a multidisciplinary team of board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians and pediatric specialists, highly trained psychiatric nurses, and social workers.

The Department of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has received a grant of $10.3 million — the largest single research grant in university history — surpassing its own previous record that lasted five years. The award is the Phase II of the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence grant mechanism from the National Institutes of Health.

Funds from the grant will enable the department to further strengthen its research infrastructure by establishing three new research cores: The Movement Analysis Core, the Nonlinear Analysis Core, and the Machining and Prototyping Core.

Education notes…

Nicole Carritt has been appointed as the first director of rural health initiatives at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In the new role, Carritt, who holds a master’s of public health degree from UNMC, will work with UNMC’s rural partners to enhance the university’s impact

across the state. She also will help oversee and implement UNMC’s Rural Health 2030 Plan, which details how UNMC, its partners, and rural Nebraskans can together shape a new vision for a healthy rural future.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Colleges rankings included Creighton University, which made its inaugural appearance in the National Universities category as No. 104. Of the approximately 1,400 four-year colleges and universities nationwide ranked by U.S. News, only 381 are classified as National Universities.

In addition to the overall ranking, U.S. News also ranks Creighton No. 14 for service-learning opportunities, No. 63 nationally in best-value school, No. 23 for best undergraduate teaching, No. 21 for internship opportunities, No. 69 as a best college for veterans, and No. 90 for best business programs that includes finance at No. 20, accounting at No. 25, and management and information systems at No. 32.

Creighton University theology professor and documentary filmmaker John O’Keefe, Ph.D., was named the recipient of the inaugural Kingfisher Award.

O’Keefe is a scholar of patristic theology whose commitment to environmental justice has inspired his research in the area of eco-theology. This presidential award is given in partnership with the University’s Kingfisher Institute for the Liberal Arts and Professions. O’Keefe has expanded the impact of his research through the medium of documentary film, in partnership with colleagues and students across departments. The Kingfisher Award includes a $5,000 grant for research and scholarship, along with a Kingfisher statuette created by renowned wildlife sculptor Dan Ostermiller.

Activities of nonprofits…

Scooter’s Coffee added a new location to its hometown of Bellevue, with the company’s new store at 1040 Wolf Creek Dr. To celebrate, the drive-thru coffee location will be hosting a Grand Opening on Sept. 27. On this day, the company will donate 10% of proceeds from the day to Wounded Warriors Family Support, an organization dedicated to assisting the families of those wounded, injured or killed in action. In addition, on Sept. 27, customers who pay or scan for loyalty on the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app will earn 50 bonus smiles.

Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue has teamed up with Dante for a one-night dinner on Sept. 30 to increase awareness of food waste and hunger. Funds raised from the event will support Saving Grace’s work to connect nutritious surplus perishable food from local food purveyors with nonprofits that feed the hungry in the Omaha area. Dante Chef Nick Strawhecker will prepare a special meal for the event.

Reservation times for dinner are available between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, wine pairings and gratuity. Diners also will have the opportunity to purchase a Saving Grace Signature Drink. Tickets are online.

The Nebraska Recycling Council’s 2019 Annual Awards Luncheon & Workshops “Year of the Community” is a one-day event, packed with opportuniContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

21

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. ties for individuals and organizations from all around Nebraska and the surrounding region. Registration is open for the Oct. 4 event, which includes workshops, the vendor trade show, luncheon showcasing keynote Scott Mouw and this year’s award winners.

The Women’s Center for Advancement is hosting the 10th Annual tgif! on Oct. 4 at the Omaha Design Center. There will be a cocktail hour, silent auction, wine & whiskey games, dinner, a live auction and a program. All funds raised on that evening will go to support the programs and operations of The Women’s Center for Advancement. Registration for the event is available online.

The 3rd Annual Golf, Bowling, and Sand Volleyball Triathlon for Youth Emergency Services is taking place on Oct. 5 at The Mark and Indian Creek Golf Course. This time it’s nine holes of golf, two games of bowling, and a double elimination sand volleyball tournament.

A new format this year includes a team of

five. However, four players will play each event and at least one of the participating members must be female.

Heart Hero Colby Groom will be the featured guest at the Heroes’n Wine Tasting event. Heart Heroes is partnering with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Colby Red Wine to host this event on Oct. 6 at 140 Regency Parkway, Omaha from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The purpose of this event is to raise funds and awareness for congenital heart defects. Attendees will enjoy Colby Red Wine and over 50 select wines, hors-d’oeuvres, domestic and international cheese display, live music, and silent auction while learning about Heart Heroes, Inc. and the impact it has in Omaha.

The 3rd Annual FitGirl, Inc. and UP Ties Dodgeball Tournament will take place on Oct. 6 at D.J. Sokol Arena. This year the event is adding a co-ed league. Proceeds benefit girls ages 8-16 years, providing scholarships to summer camps and 12 week empowerment programs. FITGirl, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit youth wellness orga-

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, Oct. 2 Lutz will be hosting a workshop on Financial Statements 101 + How to Read and Use Your Balance Sheet in Omaha.

Data pulled financial statements can be used to calculate the basic financial ratios and track individual or company performance.

In this interactive workshop, Taylor Pugh and Aimee Trumbull will take participants through the basics of understanding and using a business financial statement, teach you how to read a balance sheet, and offer tips on utilizing the data to better evaluate your business financials and focus on growth.

Scott Mertz from Legal Aid of Nebraska will present on the current state of tenants’ rights in Nebraska with a special emphasis on changes to Nebraska Landlord-Tenant law taking effect in 2019.

Mertz is the managing attorney for Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Housing Justice Project and he will also address Legal Aid’s program priorities and referral process. There will be time for Q&A. The talk will be held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha at 3p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3 The University of Nebraska at Omaha is hosting a one-day workshop on Telling Your Program Story for Grants and Fundraising as a part of UNO’s Certificate in Fundraising Management. In today’s world, successful fundraising can be the difference between a nonprofit organization that makes it and one that does not. With nearly one million nonprofits competing for the same contributions and facing the same cutbacks, fundraising professionals need an advantage. Registration is online and the cost to attend is $279.

Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha Campus is hosting the first Council Bluffs/Omaha LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit. Presented by One Iowa and OutNebraska, this new half-day event provides resources and networking opportunities for employers and LGBTQ employees to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces. Employers will learn more about the LGBTQ community, how to make more inclusive policies, and retain LGBTQ talent. Registration is online.

Friday, Oct. 4 The Human Resource Association of the Midlands is hosting a workshop on Prescription Drugs in the Workplace at the National Safety Council, Nebraska office. This workshop will cover prescription drug education, recognition, legalities, and possible solutions. This program has been pre-approved for 4.0 PDCs from SHRM’s Professional Development Certification and 4 hours of HR recertification credit from HR Certification Institute. Registration is online.

nization. Cost is $40 and includes T-shirt, drink ticket and lunch for each participant.

Teams consist of six players (Dad/Daughter is three adults, three youth) with up to two substitutes.

Arts and events…

Opera Omaha is piloting a multi-generational Creative Aging Program with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Department of Gerontology. The program will consist of three sessions, starting on Oct. 3, to learn about the opera, share the opera experience, and participate in a collaborative workshop, all with UNO students. Workshops and conversation events are free. Participants are encouraged to attend all three elements of this program. To register and for more information contact: Lauren Medici, Opera Omaha’s director of engagement programs lmedici@operaomaha.org or 402-346-7372.

Nebraska Press Women’s Fall Conference features a lineup of presenters, including Kristin Gilger, the co-author of the new book “There’s No Crying in Newsrooms.” Additionally, a media panel’s topic is “When Disaster Strikes, Nebraska Strikes Back.” Other speakers include Sue Reyzlik, Erin Grace, Rose Ann Shannon, and Tammy Real-McKeighan. The conference, which is Oct. 12 in Fremont, is open to the public. Additional information and online registration is available. Registration deadline is Oct. 4.

Nothing is more valuable to your loved ones than you. That’s the message Nebraska Medicine health care providers and staff members want to share with busy women in the area who don’t always have time to put themselves first. For the

sixth straight year, Nebraska Medicine is hosting the Big Breakfast in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month. On Oct. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., dozens of volunteers will serve breakfast to women who drive through, encouraging them to schedule their annual mammogram. The Big Breakfast is held at two convenient locations, including Shadow Lake Towne Center and Village Pointe Health Center.

At 10 a.m. on Oct. 5 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Sapp Field House, Omaha Public School Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan will join with students, parents and other community leaders to celebrate the 7th annual Collective for Youth Lights On Afterschool Celebration. CFY is Omaha’s intermediary organization promoting out-of-school time programming across the Metro. The collaborative effort of OPS and CFY to make afterschool programs available to every public elementary and middle school student in Omaha is making notable progress. CFY currently supports 34 school-based out of school time sites serving over 7,500 Omaha youth. Nebraska is currently ranked eighth in the nation for afterschool.

Metropolitan Community College will host a Binational Health Fair on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mahoney Building at the College’s South Omaha Campus. Free services will include: vision and hearing testing, head and neck screens, STD and HIV testing, flu shots, health and safety information, dental screens and glucose and blood pressure screens. The health fair is made possible through a partnership between MCC, the Mexican Consulate and One World Health Centers.

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Can San Diego’s Brain Corp. become the Microsoft of self-driving robots?

by Mike Freeman

Ten years ago computational neuroscientist Dr. Eugene Izhikevich walked away from a successful career in academia to co-found Brain Corp. with the ambitious goal of building artificial brains for robots.

These days when Technology the Russian-born Izhikevich lands late at San Diego International Airport, he sometimes sees the fruits of that decision rolling along the airport halls.

The squat, half-ton robot powered by Brain Corp.’s technology isn’t sexy. It scrubs floors at a leisurely pace.

But under the hood, it does things that many robots can’t — navigate safely in unpredictable, public places with no driver.

“Anything with wheels can be turned into a fully autonomous, self-driving robot using the BrainOS operating system, provided that the speeds are slow and stopping is never a safety concern, which means we are staying away from driving on public roads,” said Izhikevich, Brain Corp.’s chief executive.

Self-driving cars get a lot of hype. But the technology and infrastructure needed for widespread adoption of autonomous cars is likely years away. The market is not a priority for Brain Corp. for now.

But a few under-the-radar industries are ripe to automate with self-driving robots, including large venue floor cleaning, retail restocking and health care equipment delivery.

Industrial/commercial robots have been around for years to help build cars or fetch merchandise at warehouses. But these machines are not well-suited to operate around people. They’re often caged

off from workers. The robots find their way by following wires in the floor on pre-programmed routes.

In the last five years, a new type of robot has emerged in commercial markets.

These robots aren’t tethered to specific routes. They can operate safely alongside people.

“If the robot encounters something and it doesn’t know what to do, it can stop and wait for people to walk away or the situation to clear up,” said Izhikevich.

Brain Corp. is a leader in this space.

It doesn’t build robots itself. It partners with firms that make manually operated machines and helps them convert the equipment into self-driving robots.

Its proprietary BrainOS operating system integrates off-the-shelf cameras and sensors with a cloud-connected software stack to provide a “brain” that enables robots to understand their surroundings.

Though small compared with the overall robotics market today, the market for these autonomous mobile robots is forecast to grow fast — notching a compound annual growth rate topping 50% over the next decade, according to ABI Research, a technology market research firm.

In April, Walmart ordered 1,860 self-driving cleaners for its stores powered by the BrainOS operating system.

This summer, Brain Corp. teamed up with Softbank Robotics to deploy autonomous Whiz vacuum cleaners, which are the size of an office trash can. Whiz robots target smaller retail and workplace spaces, with the initial roll out in Japan.

“We deploy 150 robots per month to Walmart, and Walmart is not our biggest customer,” said Izhikevich. “We have

Clearwater Counseling opens second location

Continued from page 2. and established businesses in the area.”

It typically doesn’t take Leddy longer than 20 minutes to drive from her Millard home, and its location near a bus route is accessible for clients.

“We have been meeting with different community providers,” she said, a reference to Open Door Mission and St. Gregory treatment facility. “A passion of mine is rehab after incarceration, and working with juveniles, and post-release, probation clients.”

The Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Independent Professional Counselor facilitated several classes for the Hall County Probation Office while in Grand Island, including relapse prevention, anger management and co-dependency.

“We always welcome different agencies,” she said.

Leddy emphasized how therapy services are one piece of transforming a person’s life; educational assistance, family assistance, support groups and other entities and services coalesce.

“Mental health still has a stigma attached to it,” she said. “I have a passion for mental health being treated the same as physical health.”

Leddy hopes for the day when one can freely, without fear of judgment or retribution, list her therapy appointment or her child’s therapy visit on the work calendar,

for instance.

“Therapy doesn’t have a deadline or an ongoing date,” she said. “If something else comes up, we can talk about the skills you have to work to address this life issue now, it’s about having that different perspective.”

Leddy gets satisfaction seeing positive change in people, regardless of budget.

“We offer a sliding scale fee, based on income level and family size,” she said.

“I’ve seen clients for as little as a copay amount and I’ve seen clients at full price, because of their income and situation. It’s very client-centered and client-specific.”

“Person-centered” is a thread running through the practice.

“I’m laidback, and present that way in my sessions,” she said. “When I was younger and pictured what therapy was going to be, I pictured this leather couch and old bald guy with these small glasses, who asked, ‘And how does that make you feel?’ I pride myself that I never ask, ‘How does that make you feel?’”

Frenzen continues to staff the Grand Island office alongside her sister, also a mental health practitioner, Jessica Frenzen.

Leddy’s focus areas include accurate assessments and evaluations, and therapeutic techniques to provide clients with healthy coping skills, positive cognition patterns, and relapse prevention plans for substance abuse and negative behaviors.

thousands of robots deployed out there.”

Mobile robotics today looks like the personal computer industry before Microsoft Windows, said Izhikevich. Every robot maker is trying to develop their own hardware, operating system, navigation, cloud infrastructure and other features themselves.

“That is why robots today are expensive and kind of clumsy,” said Izhikevich.

“I realized that a Microsoft of robotics is going to appear and unite everybody on this single platform. Robots will become cheaper, much more capable and ubiquitous. Brain Corp. has to become this Microsoft of robotics.”

The jury is still out on that. Several robotics rivals want to do the same thing, including BlueBotics, Balyo, Seegrid and Kollmorgen.

In addition, big companies such as Amazon and Google remain threats to enter the autonomous mobile robot market either through their current robotics operations — Amazon uses thousands of guided robots in its warehouses — or by pivoting their self-driving car initiatives toward other robotics markets.

“The desire of Brain, and many other companies, is to develop the common base platform that all robotics manufacturers will defer to when building a new mobile robot,” said Rian Whitton, an analyst with ABI Research. “Competition is increasingly fierce in this space.”

Whitton added that it’s not clear whether robotics manufacturers will flock to a common operating system when they can use existing, open source middleware to heavily tailor their own software.

Still, Brain Corp. has something to offer. The company “is amongst the most well-established, has the most comprehensive technology stack and is aiming to develop solutions across the widest range if verticals,” said Whitton.

Founded in 2009, Brain Corp. spent is first five years embedded inside Qualcomm, working on creating neuromorphic artificial intelligence silicon based on the wiring of the human brain. Known for his contributions to the theory of spiking neural networks, Izhikevich has authored two textbooks on computational neuroscience. He came to the region as a senior fellow in theoretical neurobiology at the San Diego-based Neurosciences Institute.

In 2014, Brain Corp. spun out on its own. It has raised $125 million to date from Softbank Vision Fund and Qualcomm Ventures. The company employs about 320 people globally — mostly in San Diego — but also in satellite locations in Japan and Europe.

“I want to see robots everywhere — in our homes, in the office, doing landscaping and agriculture and cleaning and deliveries, basically taking care of us,” said Izhikevich. “There is no way a single company can create all those robots. The only way for me to realize my vision is to build the software and then partner with other companies, each one focusing on their own type of robot, but each one will use our software.”

In commercial floor cleaning, Brain Corp. has signed on with four large manual equipment manufacturers — Tennant, ICE,

Minuteman and Nilfisk.

Tennant, a 150-year-old Minnesota company, got its first Brain Corp. enabled robotic floor cleaner to market in less than a year. Its customers are driven to automate not only to lower costs but also by labor shortages and safety concerns around operating hulking scrubbers deep into the night shift, said David Strohsack, vice president of product management and marketing for Tennant.

But autonomous floor scrubbers introduce complex technology into a non-technical work environment, said Strohsack.

For now, it remains unclear whether they will have staying power among Tennant customers.

“We monitor a number of factors to see if this a sustainable disruption or a blip,” he said. “I would say in certain industry segments — retail being one — the evidence is mounting that this is absolutely a sustainable disruption to the industry.”

In addition to Walmart and the San Diego International Airport, Brain Corp. provides its operating system to machines operating in Mall of America, Mitsubishi Property Group and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, among others.

“Running an auto scrubber is a really mundane task,” said John Beach, senior housekeeping manager at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. “Believe me you can fall asleep if you’re not careful. We wanted to reallocate our team to more high value tasks.”

It hasn’t all smooth sailing with the robotic scrubbers. The mall has glass railings on some upper floors. At first, sensors picked up the scrubber’s reflection in the glass and stopped, thinking it was an obstacle.

But that problem has been fixed, said Beach. The mall is planning to buy more autonomous machines next year. While they usually run on the overnight shift, Beach will bring them out occasionally during regular mall hours when weather is bad to clean snow and salt near entrances.

“The cool thing is parents and children, they love looking at these machines,” he said. “The machine looks like a normal scrubber. It has a steering wheel. It doesn’t look like a robot. It is just driving itself with nobody on it. People get a kick out of that.” ©2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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23

Nebraska tourism thrives on local flavor, interactive experiences

by Dwain Hebda

Today’s visitors to Nebraska aren’t interested in simply being spectators to the sights of the Cornhusker State. According to experts, vacationers want to be part of an experience, tasting as much local flavor as possible.

“A new economic impact report shows Omaha attracts 13.1 million visitors annually. That’s a 3% increase over the year prior,” said Keith Backsen, executive director of Visit Omaha, Omaha’s official tourism authority. “People visit Omaha for a variety of Backsen reasons but all visitors, despite their age, want to experience things they can only see or do in Omaha.”

Backsen said this desire is what feeds the popularity of Omaha’s one-of-a-kind attractions such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Joslyn Art Museum, Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Fontenelle Forest. It also carries over into tourists’ eating habits while visiting here.

“When people visit a new city, they want to eat like a local,” Backsen said. “Dining gets the biggest share of visitor dollars in Omaha.

Research shows out-of-town guests spend $325 million every year on food while visiting our city.”

The draw of tourist experiences is potentially so strong, Backsen said the city’s ability to manufacture new ones are a key determinant of whether tourism will continue to grow. It’s a

Alan Rust, chief experience officer with Nebraska Tour Company point that’s not lost at Omaha’s Henry Doorly state-of-the-art habitat featuring a 275,000-galZoo and Aquarium. lon pool with a 40-foot underwater viewing “We know a big reason our guests visit us window, is one major example, but smaller is to spend time together and create memories, events also fit the bill. while learning about wildlife,” said Dawn “We are also always looking to create Ream, director of communications, marketing new events that families can enjoy together,” and sales. “The zoo offers many experiences she said. “This year, a new Halloween event, families can share together such as riding the Ghouls and Glow, will make its debut offering train, feeding a stingray or interacting with a family-friendly event for all ages. There are animal care staff.” photography programs, family campouts and Ream noted new and special attractions events throughout the year, just to name a few of speak to visitors’ thirst for new experiences. the programs families can experience together.”

The forthcoming Owen Sea Lion Shores, a new Research from hotels breaks down Oma-

ha’s visitors by category. Overall, just under 40% were in town with groups, conferences, meetings and team sports; 36% were in town on business and one-quarter were leisure visitors.

Those traveling for conventions generally bring their family and extend their visit by an extra day or two, the data shows.

Individual tour and travel companies, while experiencing a different mix of annual travelers, find these audiences demand the same local touch in their trip.

“Guests have usually selected Omaha as Ream their destination and then contact us to discover the city with a tour,” said Alan Rust, chief experience officer with Nebraska Tour Company. “We also have a high number of local companies book tours for groups that are visiting the city for seminars or training.”

Rust said within this overall desire to experience the city as a whole, various demographics will then hone in on certain elements that match their interests.

“Tourists want to experience the area like a local, so they contact us to create a tour that matches their interests,” he said. “We find that younger guests select our walking district food tours to discover the best chef creations of the present along with a little story about the past.

Mature guests tend to book the walking history tours to hear the stories that shaped the city.”

24

• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Family Business

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

September 27, 2019

Family businesses have sunny outlook nationwide; leverage inherent strengths

by Michelle Leach

In its latest U.S. Family Business Survey 2019, PwC notes that 79% of leaders surveyed expect to deliver steady growth in the next two years, compared to the 64% of respondents who reported positive growth

over the last year. Another 16% of small business leaders anticipate “quick and aggressive gains.”

Locally, All Makes is among those family-owned and -operated businesses still going strong more than 100 years on.

Amee Zetzman, EVP and CFO, and Jeff Kavich, president and CEO of All Makes.

According to company information, ified to answer. Sharing equal amounts of Russian immigrant Harry Ferer founded All authority can be effective as well.”

Kavich encourages family businesses to Makes in 1918 as a typewriter company that sold, rented out and serviced typewriters. His focus on success, maintaining the lifestyle son-in-law, Lazier Kavich, joined the compa- all family members have enjoyed.

“Stick to what you know best,” he said. ny 20 years later and added office furniture to the company’s product line. Kavich’s son, “Nurture and care for your team members, as Larry, joined in 1965 — adding high-end they are members of your immediate family.”

Furthermore, Kavich said to go for “base contract furniture to All Makes’ offerings and hits.” expanding showrooms to Lincoln “You don’t need a ‘home run’ and Des Moines. His son, Jeff, and every time you are at bat,” he said. daughter, Amee, joined the com“Play your card up and give your pany in 1990 and 1994 respectivecustomers the best product at the ly, marking the fourth-generation very best price and you can stay of family owner-operators. in business for a very long time.”

“One asset of being in a famFrom their farmhouse in ily business is you have more Earling, Iowa, Greg and Nanthan just yourself sharing in the cy Thrasher launched Thrasher passion and dedication of working Basement Water Control — what with customers,” said Jeff Kavich, was to become a business with president and CEO. Thrasher five locations in Nebraska, Iowa, “Oftentimes, with family businesses, you have a ‘family’ of employees Missouri and Kansas. Thrasher remains with long tenures,” he said. “We’ve come family-owned, and is today led by the second to learn that people like to work for family generation as well as a team of leaders that businesses because they become like an are described as “like family.”

Leadership noted decisions are made extension of the family.”

Likewise, to challenges for family busi- under the assumption that the company will nesses, Executive Vice President and CFO still be around in 100 years, a different mindset than companies that are either thinking Zetzman referred to decision-making.

“Who makes the final call?” she said. about selling or looking for short-term gains.

“We don’t have pressure from outside “Positioning talent can help this situation.

Trying to separate the ‘objective’ and ‘sub- investors to provide quarterly earnings, Continued on next page. jective’ decisions to the person more qual-

Family Business •

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

25

Professional culture is critical in family business dynamic

by Gabby Christensen

Operating a family business can be very rewarding, but it can also sometimes be complicated, especially when it comes to the unique culture. Local family business owners say there are some important strategies to keep in mind when developing a strong professional work culture.

Brett Hoogeveen, co-owner of MindSet, a leadership training organization, said the culture of a family-owned business is rarely going

to be healthier than the underlying culture of the family itself.

“If a family is already dysfunctional, starting a business together is never going to be a good idea,” Hoogeveen said. “The elements that make a strong family function at a high level are all important factors that will also make a substantial contribution to the success of a business. Those would be things like: a deep commitment to mutual success, a genuine concern about the happiness of others,

Family businesses have sunny outlook nationwide Continued from preceeding page. which allows us to focus on providing a oneof-a-kind experience for our customers and employees,” said President Dan Thrasher.

He encouraged fellow family businesses to “be active in the communities you serve and hire people just as passionate about your company’s mission and values as you are.

“When you take care of your employees,” he added, “they’ll take care of your customers.”

The “Mangelsen” name is synonymous with Omaha family businesses and entrepreneurship. The man who started it all, the late Harold Mangelsen, Sr., opened his first retail store in 1961. Along with wife Berenice and the second generation, they quickly expanded into wholesale. Sons Bill and Tom started Makin’s Clay and Makin’s USA and several photo galleries respectively, while David and his family took over the original Mangelsen’s retail store. Meanwhile, Hal Mangelsen started Midwest Design Imports, which

celebrated its 20th anniversary last month.

“We really watch what trends are going on in the marketplace … and we’re always expanding,” said Kristin Mangelsen, Hal’s daughter and VP of marketing and merchandising. “The thing that we really try to push is where we don’t have it, we can get it for the customer.”

The grandfather Mangelsen never knew, Harold, Sr., in a nod to model customer service, boasted the motto: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it. But if you need it, we can get it.”

Mangelsen indicated success can further be attributed to relationships that are like family with vendors around the globe; for example, she referred to a vendor’s son who calls her his “big sister.” When she’s not visiting factories in Asia at two- to three-week intervals, or hosting vendors in Omaha, Mangelsen is bridging the miles with video chats.

“Their much more than our vendor,” she said.

open and trusting communication and always granting the assumption of positive intent to one another.”

Additionally, Hoogeveen said that favoritism is often a concern, and appropriately so in some instances. “ H o w e v e r, a n equally important concern is making sure that family members are not overly critical or harsh in holding relatives to a higher standard than they do for other employees,” Hoogeveen said.

Another factor often overlooked is the Hoogeveen importance of having the entire family unit committed to the operation of a successful business, Hoogeveen said.

“Often the business is damaged not by the individuals actually showing up for work every day, but by their significant others or extended family members who have not bought into the vision of the company and feel free to express their often uninformed opinions,” Hoogeveen said. “Many times those negative emotions of envy and resentment stem from such a family member who sits well outside the day-to-day business.”

Because of this, Hoogeveen said it is important that they either be brought fully into the circle or it is made clear that they should not and will not be involved in the work setting.

William ‘Bo’ Gratton, owner of Gratton Warehouse, said what grows a business can

also be what destroys one.

“There should be strength and unity of family going into a business together, and everyone should want it to grow,” Gratton said. “However, sometimes someone might think another family member is doing less or not enough, which can become a big issue.”

To avoid this from happening, Gratton said there should always be a family member who does have complete control of the company.

According to Gratton Gratton, divorce could be another potential cause of problems in family business.

“Be careful that everyone who invested in the company has a prenuptial agreement that keeps them away from the family business,” Gratton said.

Gratton said it’s also important to outline that at the time of death, stock gets returned back to the company.

“There needs to be an ongoing business plan in place and the owners need to be ready for some possible bumps in the road,” Gratton said. “It’s really important to remember that if a family member isn’t pulling their weight, you need to let them go. If you want the business to succeed, the best qualified person should always fill the role, regardless of whether or not it’s a family member.”

26

• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

BANKING

Promoted

Hired

Stephanie Gould Chief Communications & Talent Officer, Executive Vice President American National Bank

American National Bank has promoted Stephanie Gould to the role of Chief Communications & Talent Officer & Executive Vice President. In this position, Stephanie is responsible for ensuring that all communication and people-related practices reflect American National Bank’s commitment to client service, continual growth and community impact. Ms. Gould holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she studied Advertising, Marketing and Communications. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Business Leadership from Clarkson College.

Prior to joining ANB in 2017 as SVP of Talent & Organizational Development, Stephanie was the VP of HR at Midland University, and led both HR and quality improvement for OneWorld

Community Health Centers. Her career has roots in strategic planning, as well as organizational and business development in prior roles held at Nebraska Medicine and National Research Corporation in Lincoln, NE. Stephanie is active in the community currently as a member of the Urban League of Nebraska Board, leader in The Women’s Fund Circles Program and member of Leadership Omaha.

“Effective communication is critical to how we meet and exceed the complex and evolving needs of our current and prospective clients. It is also how we align teams towards success internally. This new role will help ensure that we all stay focused and aligned,” said Wende Kotouc, Executive Co-Chairman, American National Bank. American National Bank is the second largest locally owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. With $3.8 billion in assets and greater than 575 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and 7 locations in Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Minnesota, operating under Western Bank, a Division of American National Bank. American National Bank also has loan production offices in Kansas and Texas.

Ben and his team are creating partnerships with new and existing clients, as well as building commercial loan and deposit business.

Mr. Bemis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. In Ben’s more than 14 years of progressive and increasingly successful experience in the financial industry, he has been responsible for substantial growth in established, new and emerging markets.

He has also served as a trusted expert and advisor to clients and colleagues in areas such as capital and treasury structuring, economic conditions and financial innovation. Ben currently serves as part of the Floor Committee

for the Knights of Aksarben and is a board member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. “We are excited to welcome Ben to the Commercial Banking team. Under Ben’s leadership and expertise, we will continue to help businesses thrive throughout the region by providing innovative banking products and services. His significant banking experience in the commercial sector, together with his involvement in the community, will be invaluable to the bank and our clients,” said Jason Hansen, President, American National Bank. American National Bank is the second largest locally owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/ Council Bluffs market area. With $3.8 billion in assets and greater than 575 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and 7 locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, operating under Western Bank, a Division of American National Bank. American National Bank also has loan production offices in Kansas and Texas.

HEALTH CARE

BANKING

Appointed

Promoted

Ben Bemis Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Lead American National Bank

Kelly Dorfmeyer Director of Behavioral Health OneWorld Community Health Centers

Dorfmeyer comes to OneWorld with 22 years of experience involving working with underserved populations. Prior to starting her position at OneWorld, she spent more than 13 years at Telecare Corporation’s secure residential program serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Throughout her career, she has also worked with pregnant and parenting teenagers; children and families; adolescents and adults who have substance use or addiction issues; and adolescents and adults who have mental health difficulties. Dorfmeyer earned her undergraduate degree from the University of NebraskaLincoln, and she holds a Master of Science in psychology from California Polytechnic State University. She says she was drawn to work at OneWorld because she feels that, at OneWorld clinics, “everyone is accepted and everyone matters.”

Melissa Glenn SBA Relationship Manager Core Bank

Core Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Melissa Glenn to SBA Relationship Manager.

In this new role, Melissa will work side by side with Core Bank’s incredibly strong Small Business Administration lending team. Jerry Woods, National Sales Manager, said, “We’re very excited for Melissa to join our SBA lending team. Her deep roots and connections in Omaha will be instrumental to her success in bringing access to capital to the local businesses.” Melissa brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about Omaha’s business community and is dedicated to helping each client thrive and connect. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and earned her Executive MBA degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has served on various non-profit boards and is currently a board member for HOBY Nebraska and the UNO Executive MBA Alumni. Melissa is also a member of Leadership Sarpy class of 2020. As an SBA Relationship Manager, Melissa will help businesses start, grow, and restructure while they navigate the lending process.

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FINANCIAL & TAX PLANNING SELF IMPROVEMENT IN THE NEW YEAR WEDDINGS BUSINESS ANNUAL/PREVIEW RETIREMENT & SENIOR ISSUES OMAHA REAL ESTATE BUSINESS PLANNING IN 2014 SPORTS & RECREATION AIR HUB OMAHA VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE FINANCING STARTUPS TECHNOLOGY HEALTH INSURANCE PRINTING & GRAPHICS ENGINEERING PROFESSION BUSINESS SUCCESSION & TRANSITIONS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE HOME TRENDS INVESTMENTS OFFICE SERVICES GUIDE FASHION BANKING IN THE MIDLANDS GUIDE TO COMPANY PICNICS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE WORKSHOP FINANCIAL & TAX PLANNING SELF AG TRENDS IN THE MIDLANDS SAFETY & IMPROVEMENT IN THE NEW YEAR HEALTH SUMMIT BUSINESS APPEARANCE: WEDDINGS BUSINESS ANNUAL/PREVIEW INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TECHNOLOGY RETIREMENT & SENIOR ISSUES OMAHA SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION REAL ESTATE BUSINESS PLANNING IN 2014 INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT HOTELS AND SPORTS & RECREATION AIR HUB OMAHA TOURISM LEGAL BIG O! VALENTINE’S GIFT PROFESSION GUIDE FINANCING EXCELLENCE AWARDS COUNCIL HEALTH BLUFFS STARTUPS TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE PRINTING & CELEBRATE GRAPHICS GROWTH REPORT ENGINEERING BUSINESS CONSTRUCTIONPROFESSION MARKETING, SUCCESSION WOMEN’S ADVERTISING & & TRANSITIONS PROMOTIONS ENERGY & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE HOME UTILITIES SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS TRENDS INVESTMENTS OFFICE SERVICES COMPANY OUTINGS EDUCATION & GUIDE FASHION BANKING IN THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT SARPY COUNTY MIDLANDS GUIDE TO COMPANY PICNICS GROWTH REPORT HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE WORKSHOP GOING GREEN CONDO LIVING SAFETY HUMAN AG TRENDS IN THE MIDLANDS & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT HEALTH SUMMIT BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY APPEARANCE: TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TECHNOLOGY WAREHOUSING ARTS &ADMINISTRATION ENTERTAINMENT SMALL BUSINESS INVESTING FOR RETIREMENTCOMMERCIAL HOTELS AND ACCOUNTING PROFESSION TOURISM LEGAL PROFESSION BIG O! Midlands OFFICE SPACE DIRECTORY NONPROFITS EXCELLENCE AWARDS COUNCIL BLUFFS WORK RELATED INJURIES EVENT GROWTH REPORT CELEBRATE PLANNERS/TRADE SHOWS SENIOR ISSUES CONSTRUCTION MARKETING, HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTIES GUIDE LINCOLN ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS ENERGY & GROWTH REPORT TECHNOLOGY OFFICE UTILITIES SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS DESIGN TRENDS PROPERTY & CASUALTY COMPANY OUTINGS EDUCATION & INSURANCE CAREER TRANSITIONS & JOB CAREER DEVELOPMENT SARPY COUNTY SEARCH REPORT SHOPPING/MALL SPACE GROWTH HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY HOME GOING GREEN CONDO LIVING HUMAN Midlands Business IMPROVEMENT/MAINTENANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY Journal/one year ($75) GO TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & GREEN: INDUSTRY & THE ENVIRONMENT MBJ/two years ($140) LIFE WAREHOUSING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEBRASKA PRODUCTS SHOW ACCOUNTING PROFESSION COMMERCIAL INSURANCE WEB years DEVELOPMENT MBJ/three ($190) & Midlands OFFICE DIRECTORY NONPROFITS SOCIAL SPACE MEDIA HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTIES WORK RELATED INJURIES EVENT GUIDE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BIG PLANNERS/TRADE SHOWS SENIOR ISSUES O! SHOW PROGRAM AVIATION IN THE HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTIES GUIDE LINCOLN MIDLANDS OMAHAFOR GROWTH BACK REPORT GROWTH LOOKING REPORT TECHNOLOGY OFFICE ISSUES OF THE MBJ? WOMEN IN BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURIAL DESIGN NOW TRENDS PROPERTY & CASUALTY ORDER THEM ONLINE SUCCESS TECHNOLOGY RESIDENTIAL AT MBJ.COM INSURANCE CAREER TRANSITIONS & JOB REAL ESTATE SHOPPING/MALL BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL SEARCH SPACE

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Midlands Business Journal

• NOVEMBER 24, 2017

•

27

November 24, 2017

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

Unique Midlands

by Michelle Leach

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

features, robust economy

Sandhills Publishing Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

result in multi-sector

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

Private giving and an economy that any one industry isn’t may be Midlands stays,” but the level “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 that withsprung up on streetcar phenomenon for area firms. 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 John Sullivan, principal things happening good “Several projects and director at

by Sullivan: “One in the metro, and designed recently BCDM Architects. of that’s not necessarily true still in hopes of breaking are about Omaha is therethe things that’s unique across the state, environments, and ground this fall especially if you’re in an ag many of the large a shift in what and private support is strong philanthropic area and go into Downtown Lincoln and expect.” people for central or western Nebraska ects are gaining inertia,” projAO’s Managing key projects.” … and some of the he said. “The interior Palandri speaks to Principal Randall modities-driven areas,” comremodel market Palandri has seen J. is also strong and nials and a lifestyle trying to attract millenthe uptick in growth He also referenced he said. this will keep contractors busy shift, whereby the became noticeable that the many pockets urban centers are during winter months.” more around two years growth, from newer of in demand from Many large-scale main steady in more ago areas such as Blackstone a housing perspective and recent months, which reto Aksarben Village, Telegraph District’s projects, such as the offices attributes particularly he at the stage where generation are in-demand that speak to this to sion of that development extenSchool/YMCA, Hudl,Marilyn Moore Middle from a workplace “There is a lot more infill-type projects. perspective. He also and Nelnet, have of the projects featured is occurring. Some emphasis on redevelto form; however, come speaks, not necessarily opment,” he said.

Smith said there here in this section to “vintage” or “What really drove reflect another prominent mains work in the still re“traditional” construction there was a pent-up it was, build-outs. He referenced materials but to, trend mentioned demand for market-rate work at Bryan Health’s perhaps, more “traditional” apartments and neighborhoodEast Campus, in more walkable-type new LES Operations and community-building, of Center, and projects the with areas such Eustis Autobody as Benson, Blackstone for at 98th Street and and Highway Continued on next page.

opportunities

Midlands Business Journal • SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 •

In the Spotlight Paid Content

Architecture — inside

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgrad

THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

40

der Un

40

es 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-ownership as an anchor, placed strong equipment upgrades, emphasis on and maintained a comprehensive list has enabled it to growof services that with the needs of its commercial 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 do a good job on,” said William F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago.

Business & Industrial “With each job we Parks/Leasing want to be able to say, ‘This came from us’ and that both our client and will be pleased with their customers the results,” he continued.

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 8.

Jim2017 reached its centennialVP of Sales20, Mancuso and President THE BUSINESS year with investments William NEWSPAPER Peter … in new tech.

The printing OF company GREATER OMAHA, has LINCOLN AND THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE: (Photo by MBJ / COUNCIL BLUFFS Becky McCarville)

27

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

– Page 2

28

•

OCTOBER 20, 2017

•

Midlands Business Journal

October 20, 2017

No slowdown in demand

by Michelle Leach

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

– Page 3

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

as availability presents

ongoing challenges

More buildings may economy with upside be coming out of the 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 market as “very tight.” real estate loans is very strong,” this is driving projects, “At any given and landlords leasing available for tenants said Stephanie Moline, such as the aforementioned executive vice president to them. time, there are around R&R. These challenges ing with First National of Enterprise Lendaren’t limited to 100 properties, give Bank. “Commercial A; Edney recalled Class or and industrial loan how the Kellogg take, listed/available demand is growing, building at 10203 Crown at a much slower but Point Ave. near in the Omaha/Council 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 absorbed. said “There isn’t much “It would appear of that type of product that, finding the out there, either,” coris lagging the capital the anticipated revenue he said. rect square footage, expenditures,” Moline He also spoke to said. location, rental rates tures, such as greater demand for certain feaGrowth of C&I clear heights and and building layout dock doors — driven larger about the same as loans, she said, remains can be very difficult.” by requirements a year companies such as “Agribusiness loans ago. as He referred t are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline more construction o providers. real estate is up Edney “We’re also seeing in the last year — year over year,” she said. more owner/user Pelster a lot of interest from investors that “We are finally seeing buildings but some with Generally, businesses are looking to invest buildings as well. an increase in new spec spec industrial space in industrial properties,” are optimistic about potential tax on the market again “The new Facebook he said. “A reform. after a slowdown of that interest is project will add in “This would cause coming from outside lot new infrastructure past,” he said. “The new spec projects in the some monies to the Midwest.” of along the Highway repatriated and improving increases in term be corridor,” Pelster rental rates and operating length, working capital Edney referred said. “This will break 50 and money that can expenses continue for new projects way be used for acquisitions to steadily rise.

ROI as lower on the to cap rates and one’s and industrial parks or additional investment coasts, making Omaha area.” in that attractive as a secondary “The rest of the market in equipment and/ or people,” she said. seems to be catchor tertiary market He said Thrasher ing up with the rental to Chicago, New and Freightliner more entrants into “There continues to be rates we are seeing York or Denver. created large new have of the new construction out Regarding “behind-the-scenes” buildings for themselves, from loan productionthe local market; both projects.” leaving vacancies offices OMNE Partners indusin their previous locations.

Moline is encouraged and FinTechs.”

EVP Matt Edney Continued on page “Brook Valley continues Class A industrial said by new market 30. entrants as: “People availability remains to be the leader in new industrial believe this is a vibrant hard to find.” “really construction projects,” Pelster said. “The “And that type R&R Commerce of product is moving Park is pretty quick,” he said.

in Omaha

Subscribe and pay online n in me ss Wo ine Bus

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

– Page 4

Archrival updates 10-year-old Haymarket space, establishe s Los Angeles presence

by Michelle Leach

Archrival’s renovated space as one space,” said Clint! RunLincoln headquarters at 720 ge, founder and O St. speaks to managing creative the unique mix of director. “We wanted a mature firm — 20 our space to years old and counting be a little further along the business — and40energetic startup spirit chain … and at one derresulted that has point that was in campaigns with 40 Un an ‘aspirational’ Redbull, Adidas, space, it became Motorola, and expansion us and we outgrew with sister offices and teams mature of a business it. It’s more in than the space gon, and Los Angeles.Portland, Orefelt like.”

Locally owned Aksarben “We’ve been here The Haymarket serves large demographicCinema for over 10 space breathes with years, and wanted Archrival’s niche amenities. to rethink the entire in youth culture– Page 2 Continued on page 10.

Lamp Rynearson

by Richard D. Brown

competes with innova

$2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 42

tive 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 builds of innovation employee-owned with safety soccer; tennis courtthe company features to in volleyball, renovations increase its revenues to accommodate sports like pickleball. by more than rising interest in 100 percent over the while the employee past 10 years yee count has increased by 45 percent. plo s Em efit “With the investment Ben we’ve made, we want to Harness technology be viable to overcome

by Michellefuture with the technologyin the capacity constraints, Leach attract businesson vided,” Depending pared to that,”proyear-round where one Pridal said President “For looks said. across Bison’s we can scan Cusick, example, – Page divisions 6 who indicated its Nick a mound and and prodget focus the uct lines, the Lincoln-based typographic datawas on other areas. and in scanning “Even without manufacturer’s growth stockpiles a get lot of direct marketing is up at least 5we quantities.” emphasis, to canour 10 percent to 30 percent The purchase furnishing business, of asite following second drone BRP, or amid dealer base was up Continued to 10 percent.”

President Nancy and ownership on5page 12.

Founder/Managi transitions, and Pridal … Leveraging Falling under custom indusa business unit ng Creative Director tech investments Communications redesign. trial job shop manufacturer Clint! Runge with for variety of projects.

Amy Filipi … Brand Head of with focus on youth IMcommunications “Bison overall, its SCORP’s holding (Photo by MBJ / culture. firm flourishes own product company umBecky McCarville) line, had an incredible 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 our staff lives for wheels — its food Forsberg focuses interaction.” truck — and via lens on Great Plains She indicated there technologies such conservation. is a balas online ordering, ancing act for the – Page 34 focused on customerwhile staying tion, family-owned third-generaservice from and operated the family that restaurant, which has been dishing is out its Neapolitan-style 4432 Leavenworth still located at St. in Omaha — pizza for almost 75 years. the same location “Technology plays caught on so well that reportedly that a part,” said General Manager/Treasure Patane and his family Founder Joe r Nicole “ran out of Continued on page 18.

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

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

today at MBJ.com

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 apartmen t community delivers plug and play app to renters

by Becky McCarville

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

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

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

• NOVEMBER 24, 2017

•

27

November 24, 2017

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

Unique Midlands features, robust economy

by Michelle Leach result in multi-sector opportunities Boys Town Clinic (Courtesy of Calvin L. Hinz Architects)

Sandhills Publishing Cyber Center Rendering (Courtesy of Sinclair Hille)

Mixed use building rendering (Courtesy of Studio 951)

Private giving and an economy that any one industry isn’t may be Midlands stays,” but the level “mainof cross-sector activity and the sheer need 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 John Sullivan, principal to good things happening “Several projects and director at

by Sullivan: “One in the metro, and designed recently BCDM Architects. of that’s not necessarily true still in hopes of breaking are about Omaha is there the things that’s unique across the state, environments, and ground this fall especially if you’re in an ag many of the large a shift in what and private support is strong philanthropic area and go into Downtown Lincoln and expect.” people for central or western Nebraska ects are gaining inertia,” projAO’s Managing key projects.” … and some of the he said. “The interior Palandri speaks to Principal Randall modities-driven comremodel market Palandri has seen areas,” J. is also strong and nials and a lifestyle trying to attract millenthe uptick in growth He also referenced he said. this will keep contractors busy shift, whereby the became noticeable that the many pockets urban centers are during winter months.” more around two years growth, from newer of in demand from Many large-scale main steady in more ago a housing perspective and recent months, which reto Aksarben Village, areas such as Blackstone Telegraph District’s projects, such as the offices attributes particularly he at the stage where generation are in-demand that speak to this to sion of that development extenSchool/YMCA, Hudl,Marilyn Moore Middle from a workplace “There is a lot more infill-type projects. perspective. He also and Nelnet, have of the projects featured is occurring. Some emphasis on redevelto form; however, come speaks, not necessarily opment,” he said.

Smith said there here in this section to “vintage” or “What really drove reflect another prominent mains work in the still re“traditional” construction there was a pent-up it was, build-outs. He referenced materials but to, trend mentioned demand for market-rate work at Bryan Health’s perhaps, more “traditional” apartments and neighborhoodEast Campus, in more walkable-type new LES Operations and community-building, of Center, and projects the with areas such Eustis Autobody as Benson, Blackstone for at 98th Street and and Highway Continued on next page.

Architecture — inside

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

Technology upgrade s keep Interstate

by Richard D. Brown Printing competitive

THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE:

40

er 40 Und

$2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 47

Interstate Printing ha-based firm founded Co., an Omaby a German immigrant with a special interest in publishing ethnic newspapers, has used its family-ownership as an anchor, placed strong emphasis on equipment upgrades, and maintained a comprehensive list has enabled it to growof services that with the needs of its commercial 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 do a good job on,” said William F. Peter, a third generation family member who became president five years ago.

Business & Industrial “With each job we Parks/Leasing want to be able to say, ‘This came from us’ and that both our client and will be pleased with their customers the results,” he continued.

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 2017 8.

Jim reached its centennialVP of Sales20, Mancuso and President THE BUSINESS year with investments William NEWSPAPER Peter … in new tech.

The printing OF company GREATER OMAHA, has LINCOLN AND THIS WEEK 'S I SSUE: (Photo by MBJ / COUNCIL BLUFFS Becky McCarville)

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

– Page 2

28

•

OCTOBER 20, 2017

•

Midlands Business Journal

October 20, 2017

No slowdown in demand A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal as availability presents

by Michelle Leach ongoing challenges in Omaha

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

– Page 3

n in me ss Wo ine Bus

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

– Page 4

More buildings may economy with upside be coming out of the 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 market as “very tight.” real estate loans is very strong,” this is driving projects, “At any given and landlords leasing available for tenants said Stephanie Moline, such as the aforementioned executive vice president to them. time, there are around R&R. These challenges ing with First National of Enterprise Lendaren’t limited to Class 100 properties, give Bank. “Commercial A; Edney recalled or and industrial loan how the Kellogg take, listed/available demand is growing, building at 10203 Crown at a much slower but Point Ave. near in the Omaha/Council 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 absorbed. said “There isn’t much “It would appear of that type of product that, finding the out there, either,” coris lagging the capital the anticipated revenue he said. rect square footage, expenditures,” Moline He also spoke to said. location, rental rates tures, such as greater demand for certain feaGrowth of C&I loans, clear heights and larger and building layout dock doors — driven she said, remains about the same as can be very difficult.” by requirements a year companies such as “Agribusiness loans ago. as He referred t are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline more construction o providers. real estate is up Edney “We’re also seeing in the last year — year over year,” she said. more owner/user Pelster a lot of interest “We are finally seeing from investors that buildings but some with Generally, businesses an increase in new are looking to invest buildings as well. spec spec industrial space in industrial properties,” are optimistic about potential tax on the market “The new Facebook he said. “A reform. after a slowdown of that interest is project will add in new spec projects again “This would cause coming from outside lot new infrastructure past,” he said. “The in the some monies to the Midwest.” of along the Highway repatriated and improving increases in term be corridor,” Pelster length, rental rates and operating working capital said. “This will break 50 Edney referred and money that can expenses continue for new projects way be used for acquisitions to steadily rise.

ROI as lower on the to cap rates and one’s and industrial parks or additional investment coasts, making Omaha area.” in that attractive as a secondary “The rest of the market in equipment and/ or people,” she said. seems to be catchor tertiary market He said Thrasher ing up with the rental to Chicago, New and Freightliner more entrants into “There continues to be rates we are seeing York or Denver. created large new have of the new construction out Regarding “behind-the-scenes” buildings for themselves, from loan productionthe local market; both projects.” leaving vacancies offices indusOMNE Partners in their previous locations.

Moline is encouraged and FinTechs.”

EVP Matt Edney Continued on page “Brook Valley continues Class A industrial said by new market 30. entrants as: “People availability remains to be the leader in new industrial believe this is a vibrant “really hard to find.” construction projects,” Pelster said. “The “And that type R&R Commerce of product is moving Park is pretty quick,” he said.

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

by Michelle Leach

Archrival’s renovated space as one space,” said Clint! RunLincoln headquarters at 720 ge, founder and O St. speaks to managing creative the unique mix of director. “We wanted a mature firm — 20 our space to years old and counting be a little further along the business — and getic startup spirit er 40enerchain … and at one that has resulted point that was in campaigns with 40 Und an ‘aspirational’ Redbull, Adidas, space, it became Motorola, and expansion us and we outgrew with sister offices and teams mature of a business it. It’s more in than the space gon, and Los Angeles.Portland, Orefelt like.”

Locally owned Aksarben “We’ve been here The Haymarket serves large demographicCinema for over 10 space breathes with years, and wanted Archrival’s niche amenities. to rethink the entire in youth culture– Page 2 Continued on page 10.

Lamp Rynearson competes with innovat

by Richard D. Brown ive technology $2.00

VOL. 43 NO. 42

Drone and innovative scanning technology is giving Lamp Rynearson, Omaha-based a 58-year-old civil engineering, 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 builds of innovation employee-owned with safety soccer; tennis courtthe company features to in volleyball, increase renovations its revenues to accommodate sports like pickleball. by more than rising interest in 100 percent over the while the employee past 10 years yee count has increased by 45 percent. plo s Em efit “With the investment Ben we’ve made, we want to Harness technology be viable to overcome

by Michellefuture with the technologyin the capacity constraints, Leach attract probusiness vided,” Depending pared Pridal to that,” said President year-round on where one looks said. “For example, Nick across Bison’s we can scan a mound Cusick, who indicated – Page divisions 6 and prodits focus get the uct lines, the Lincoln-based typographic was onand areas. “Even without inother manu-dataa and scanning facturer’s growth stockpiles lot of direct is up marketing emphasis, get at least 5we quantities.” to canour 10 percent to 30 percent The purchase furnishing business, of asite following second drone BRP, or amid dealer base was up Continued to 10 percent.”

President Nancy and ownership on5page 12.

Founder/Managin transitions, and Pridal … Leveraging Falling under custom indusa business unit g Creative Director tech investments Communications redesign. trial job shop manufacturer Clint! Runge with for variety of projects.

Amy Filipi … Brand Head of with focus on youth IMcommunications “Bison overall, its SCORP’s holding (Photo by MBJ / culture. firm flourishes own product company umBecky McCarville) line, had an incredible 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 our staff lives for wheels — its food Forsberg focuses interaction.” truck — and via lens on Great Plains She indicated there technologies such conservation. is a balas online ordering, ancing act for the – Page 34 focused on customerwhile staying tion, family-owned third-generaservice from and operated the family that restaurant, which has been dishing is out its Neapolitan-style 4432 Leavenworth still located at St. in Omaha — pizza for almost 75 years. the same location that reportedly “Technology plays caught on so well that a part,” said General Manager/Treasurer Patane and his family Founder Joe “ran out of Nicole Continued on page 18.

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

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

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

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

by Becky McCarville

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

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

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

ENGINEERING

Honored

Appointed

Justin Gibson

Michael P. McMeekin

President

Executive Director

Silverleaf Wealth Management

Engineering Change Lab-USA

Silverleaf Wealth Management is proud to announce that Forbes Magazine has included Justin Gibson in their 2019 rankings as a BestIn-State Wealth Advisor and Top-250 Next-Gen Advisor. Gibson, President of Silverleaf Wealth Management, celebrates 15 years of providing personalized, fiduciary advice in the financial services industry. His team of 13 includes 7 advisors collectively responsible for managing over $560 million in combined assets. Justin is dedicated to the highest standards when delivering investment services and this recognition is a testament to that effort. His passion is evident in his collaboration with clients to achieve their personal and financial goals.

Michael P. McMeekin, PE, ENV SP, Chairman of the Board for Lamp Rynearson, has been selected as the Engineering Change Lab-USA’s (ECL-USA) first Executive Director. The ECL-USA is a social change lab seeking to connect, share information, and collaborate with individuals and stakeholder groups within the engineering community.

It is made up of change leaders and explorers committed to benefiting society by unlocking the full potential of engineering. McMeekin, who was an initiator/founder of the ECL-USA, was instrumental in the recent award of a major grant to the organization.

His leadership and commitment to educating others in the mission

of furthering the advancement of engineering are attributes that make this new role an exceptional fit.

McMeekin’s drive, vision, advocacy, and leadership will create a solid platform to move the not-for-profit’s goals forward. He will continue his position as Lamp Rynearson’s Chairman of the Board on a part-time basis. As a civil engineering firm offering planning, design, survey, landscape architecture, and construction contract administration services for public infrastructure and private development and redevelopment projects, Lamp Rynearson’s purpose statement is to “Leave a Legacy of Enduring Improvements to Our Communities.” The firm has four office locations and over 180 employees, with headquarters in the greater Omaha area since 1959.

Submit your company’s employee announcements to

Spotlight@mbj.com

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• SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal