Midlands Business Journal December 6, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 49 issue

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DECEMBER 6, 2019

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VOL. 45 NO. 49

Anderson Industrial Engines expands footprint with acquisitions

by Richard D. Brown

Denker aims to put client health and financial needs first for self employed.

– Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Rural upbringing prepared Kampfe for growth at Scoular Co. – Page 3

ty un r t C o ep o y R rp S a ow t h r G

Sarpy County buzzing with development, making strides in infrastructure. – Page 4

Anderson Industrial Engines, a 45-year-old family-owned firm specializing in industrial engines and generators, serving 600 dealer locations and more than 400 original equipment manufacturing accounts, has expanded into 11 additional states, including Guam and Hawaii. The expansion has taken the company past $50 million in annual revenues, up from $30 million six years ago.

Employee ranks have increased from 34 to 79, with a few positions still to be filled.

In February, Anderson Industrial Engines purchased the assets of H.G. Makelim Co., a Modesto, California firm that will operate with the AIE name and 18 employees there. An earlier acquisition brought AIE into the Kansas City market with the purchase of KC Power Products.

CEO Doug Turner, who is joined in the business by his sons Zach and Matt — president and director of marketing/dealer develContinued on page 7.

From left, President Zach Turner, Director of Marketing and Dealer Development Matt Turner and CFO Emily Andres … Growing geographic footprint while building up training program.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

OABR Diversity Committee seeking minority applicants for scholarships

by Becky McCarville

The Omaha Area Board of Realtors’ Diversity Committee is working to boost ethnic and racial minority representation in the local real estate industry by offering scholarships for the startup costs of obtaining a real estate license.

“When it comes to diversifying real estate it’s not only getting more Realtors in, but you’re ac-

tually helping other communities become homeowners,” said Ervin Youmans, Realtor and chair of the OABR Diversity Committee. “A lot of the things that we see when we interview different people, they want to get their license not only for them and their careers but also to educate the people in their communities.”

The Ethnic Minority OutContinued on page 9.

Franchisees Kate and Curt Anthony … Seasoned entrepreneurs bring massage and facial services concept to Nebraska.

Couple opens first Hand and Stone Massage location in Omaha; sets sights on three more

by Michelle Leach

Realtor Ervin Youmans, chair of OABR’s Diversity Committee …

Investing in people to create a diverse membership that represents all communities in Omaha.

When Curt and Kate Anthony opened Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa around three and a half weeks ago at One Pacific Place in Omaha, it represented the first Nebraska location for the Greater Toronto-based brand. And the husband-wife franchisees say it won’t be their last in the area.

“My goal is to have four

locations in the metro area … and, possibly, Lincoln,” Curt Anthony said, referencing possible sites such as Papillion and, generally, west Omaha.

Founded in 2004 by physical therapist John Marco, the franchise whose services include its signature hot stone massage has grown to span more than 430 franchise units in 33 states and Continued on page 9.

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Denker aims to put client health and financial needs first for self employed

by Gabby Christensen

For Vicki Denker, licensed health insurance advisor for USHealth Advisors, income is the outcome, not the objective.

Denker, who began her business in 2016 with the intent to help self-employed individuals and small businesses find health care coverage solutions, said this journey has been the start of a turning point in her own life.

Vicki Denker Phone: 402-681-8540 Address: 14707 California St., Suite. 11, Omaha 68154 Service: health insurance options for self-employed/business owners Founded: 2016 Goal: To expand reach, grow customer base.

Website: https://www.vickidenker.com

“This career is actually more of a lifestyle for me, as it’s all about helping people build a protective wall around the potential cost of their health needs and their savings,” she said. “This includes creating a health plan that works to keep their out-of-pocket low for today’s needs. This option also protects individuals from the costs of simple accidents and provides access to telehealth services to avoid paying doctor visits for minor needs. This includes making sure a client is taken excellent care of should they need to suddenly grow to a major level.”

Through USHealth Advisors, a UnitedHealthcare company, her firm offers affordable and flexible health care solu-

Owner Vicki Denker … Growing in niche area of health insurance for self-employed and business owners. tions to those who are relatively healthy other options available, but after speaking and in need of coverage. With this state with me, we are able to build an ideal plan compliant plan, coverage can be increased that works well for them from both a health when needed. and financial standpoint.”

Primarily, Denker serves those who are According to Denker, health care is a self-employed and exceed the guidelines personal issue and one thing that sets her for subsidies. business apart is the local aspect, as clients “When people come to me, they are are able to sit down face-to-face with her generally frustrated that they’re paying verus speaking with a national represenmore than their mortgage for health insur- tative over the phone. ance,” she said. “They don’t think there are Although reinventing her career has

Business Minute

Paid Content

Jazmine Everett

Job Readiness Coordinator, YES (Youth Emergency Services) Associations/Titles: Bike Union – Board Member; YMCA Member; Nebraska Art Council – Grant Interviewer; Parent Teacher Association. Hometown: Norfolk, Nebraska. Education: Bachelor’s in journalism from Wayne State College, master’s in communication from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

How I got into the business: I was a juvenile parole officer for Douglas and Sarpy County for four years. I have a passion for helping youth become productive citizens.

I wanted to assist with additional services to help keep the youth out of the juvenile

justice system.

First job: Full-time cashier at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The toughest part of the job: Gaining trust from the youth, especially as an adult.

The best advice I have received: Do less talking and more listening.

About my family: Married for 16 years with two children — son, 16, and a daughter, 21 — and a dog name Marco.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: Become a professor for a University.

Book I finished reading recently: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg.

Something about me not everyone knows: I have run four half marathons.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: My mother.

Outside interests: Enjoy tent camping, running, watching soccer games and hanging out with family and friends.

Favorite vacation spot: Miami, Florida.

Favorite movie: Willow by: George Lucas.

Favorite cause or charity: Santa’s Workshop that YES puts on every year for the youth that we serve.

Favorite app: FaceTime.

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

been challenging, she said the biggest hurdle she’s faced is getting people to be open-minded to a different approach to health insurance.

Additionally, Denker said there continues to be more uncertainty in the health insurance industry, which can be difficult at times.

Despite obstacles, she has found success through advocating for clients.

Denker said this sometimes means referring clients to another professional who has an option that works better for them.

Over the years, she said her business has grown largely due to networking and referrals.

Moving into the new year, Denker has plans to continue expanding her customer base by continually putting her clients’ needs first.

“I believe in customer service, and I work to treat my clients the way I would want my loved ones to be treated,” she said. “I offer full transparency and no surprises. I also let them know there is no perfect plan. We just want to create the best option possible for their needs.”

Follow us on @mbjpublications Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

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Rural upbringing prepared Kampfe for growth at Scoular Co.

by Dwain Hebda

Growing up on a small central Nebraska farm near Albion may not have felt like a training ground for a career at an international company, but that’s precisely what 30-year-old Kristen Kampfe points to as one of the most salient components of her success.

“Agriculture has always been something that I’ve had a lot of interest in and my whole family works in agriculture,” she said. “That drew me to the Scoular Co. because I could merge my background in ag with my training in finance.

It also plays to my small town background; I like a smaller, private, family-owned company like Scoular that had a lot of opportunity for growth. I like the company culture.”

Although she’s been in the industry just six years, Kampfe has thrived in the role of controller, providing financial leadership for important market segments in both the U.S. and Canada across two different divisions of the company’s North American Grain and Oilseeds and Specialty Food and Feed divisions.

Along the way, she’s developed IT projects that have improved efficiencies, implemented multi-currency system capabilities, and inte-

grated a manufacturing system with a grain accounting system. In addition, she’s led a team of three direct reports and developed and coached a group of more than 20 merchandising assistants.

Her successes have made her a well-known figure in her field as a woman in an industry where leadership roles are still overwhelmingly held by men. She said she’s never felt held back by gender at Scoular and sees the company’s growth as an opportunity to help set the example in the industry.

“One thing that’s great about working for a private company is that we can take more of a long range view and I feel that’s been true in my tenure with the company,” she said. “Management isn’t doing something just to appease shareholders in the short term.

They’re doing what’s best for the company and the employees in the long term. I find that exciting.

“I also think since we do have such a great culture that it’s fun to bring people in from other companies and blend cultures.

Most people, once they start at Scoular, they like it and they stay for a long time, which I think speaks to our great culture. Here in the Omaha office, there are some day-to-day challenges but overall I think it’s been positive and exciting to bring other people in.”

2019

Proud Sponsors of the 2019 40 Under 40:

Controller Kristen Kampfe … Leading projects to improve efficiencies.

Kampfe’s job performance and innovative more real to me.” thinking have not gone unnoticed by company The work of the foundation is just one leadership. She was selected for the firm’s way Kampfe directly impacts the community.

Emerging Leaders Training Program, focused She’s also active with Platte Valley Institute of on developing the next generation of influential Management Accountants, United Way of the company leaders. She topped that by being Midlands Bridgebuilders Society and chairs elected to the Scoular Foundation Board of Scoular’s Green Team.

Trustees, one of only two trustees who do not Kampfe graduated from University of simultaneously reside on the company’s senior Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011 with a degree in leadership team or board of directors. accounting, along with minors in finance, eco“I was extremely honored to be selected nomics and psychology. In 2012, she earned a for that position,” she said. “Scoular has a very master’s degree in professional accountancy, active and generous foundation. One of our maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average [company] pillars is stewardship and giving throughout her collegiate coursework. She back to the communities we’re located in, so also spent time abroad studying international being part of the foundation made that even economics at Oxford University in England.

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

SARPY COUNTY

GROWTH REPORT A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal • December 6, 2019

Sarpy County buzzing with development, making strides in infrastructure

by Michelle Leach

From data centers to flex spaces for businesses, bright spots abound in Nebraska’s fastest-growing county; infrastructure and workforce needs remain works in progress.

“Landing the Google data center at Highway 50 and Schram Road was a big win for us,” said Sarpy County Economic Development Rainbolt Corporation Executive Director Andrew Rainbolt. “This project represents hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, hundreds of jobs and the continued growth of our data center cluster.”

Not yet visible as a construction site, Rainbolt said the plan to build the south Sarpy sewer system was a “huge feat of intergovernmental cooperation,” made possible by the data center development along Highway 50.

“Those data centers will eventually connect to the system and the payment in-lieu of taxes that OPPD makes to the county and cities will help fund the startJanicki up of the system,” he said.

With its solidified plan, the new sewer agency will implement the project in the 2020.

Hillcrest Health System Shareholder and

Kevin Hensel, president of the Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce.

Vice President of Marketing Jim Janicki also of interest in that space.”

Earlier this year, Boyce underscored isolated the announcement of Facebook’s Sarpy data center and Google’s data center, the project’s notability as the first develalongside other businesses gobbling up land opment inside the city’s limits in years, as lots in the perimeter of Gretna are being along the Highway 50 corridor.

“There are many new neighborhoods in snatched up.

“The Gretna Chamber was very busy this development and new schools being built to support the influx of new families coming to year,” he said of Chamber-specific initiatives. the county,” said Janicki, an SCEDC board “We had 11 ribbon-cuttings, three coffee and member. “Our census projections are very connections, three business after-hours, and favorable in terms of predicting the future five community events.”

Boyce indicated multiple events will be needs for senior care and housing.”

Present in 11 counties (from western Iowa on the 2020 schedule.

When reflecting on 2019, Greater Belto west of Lincoln), Hillcrest has cared for levue Area Chamber of Commerce President aging adults in Sarpy for 30-plus years.

“The growth of our home county has Kevin Hensel isolated its members and other enabled us to more than double our services organizations’ and individuals’ responsivein Sarpy over the past five years, and we’re ness to flooding.

“There was virtually no one in our comcontinuing that growth into Gretna — Sarpy’s fastest growing city — with our recent acqui- munity who was not impacted by the floodsition of Silver Ridge Assisted Living and ing in one way or another,” he said. “If not the further expansion of our home care and personally, almost everyone knew of a friend, hospice services in western Sarpy County,” relative or co-worker who was somehow affected by the flooding.”

Janicki said.

As the new Bellevue chamber president Gretna Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Boyce, who owns B Douglas Construc- (as of September), Hensel represents signifition Solutions, highlighted the Inter-Tech cant leadership changes for the organization Collision Centers building near Highways in 2019.

“A great opportunity is getting our mem6 and 370.

“It will be 17,000-square-feet of new bership acquainted with and engaged with business in Gretna,” he said, referencing our new staff, new board members and the an additional 17,000 square feet at the flex excitement that change and new ideas bring,” building to the west, and 6,000 square feet he said. “The chamber events the community spanning B Douglas Construction’s new has come to know and enjoy are still around office. “The remaining 11,000 square feet is but people will be able to enjoy many of them Continued on page 6. available for lease. We have had quite a bit

Sarpy County Growth Report •

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• Sarpy County Growth Report

Large tech company projects bolster growth

by David Kubicek

This fall Google announced the construction of a new data center in Papillion. The facility represents a $600 million investment

in Nebraska’s internet infrastructure and will allow the firm to service more users in the region, according to Dan Harbeke, Google head of public policy and external affairs.

Sarpy County buzzing with development Continued from prededing page. in 2020 with a few new twists.”

While Hensel is encouraged by “great alignment between all entities in the community,” he noted a major challenge: community identity.

“We are the third-largest city in the state of Nebraska and our community is somewhat segmented,” he said. “It’s difficult to clearly define who we are as a community as a whole, so the chamber is a partner in a community branding initiative. We have a request for proposal out with the goal to select a firm to help us market our community in the first quarter of 2020.”

SCEDC’s Rainbolt referenced opportunities for entrepreneurs with immediately available, zoned and entitled for industrial use sites — and high-quality buildings for immediate occupancy.

“On the office side, we are in the process of developing some really desirable mixeduse developments for new multi-level office buildings, including La Vista City Centre along 84th Street,” he said. “Sarpy continues to be the hot area for out-of-market projects that are considering Omaha and need land, labor and Interstate access. The entrepreneurs that we’ve met with choose Sarpy for affordable flex space that allows them the opportunity

to have some office, but also large open areas with drive-in doors where they can test and build their products.”

The biggest challenge, Rainbolt said, is staying in front of infrastructure needs.

“We need to get wastewater and/or water extended in all of our major corridors in order to open new sites to development,” he said.

“We also need to start the build-out of Platteview Road into a corridor connecting I-29 in the east and to I-80 on the west side of the metro area. The last few years have proven to us that if we build it, they will come. Our challenge is that it’s really expensive to build this stuff.”

Hillcrest’s Janicki said Sarpy has unlimited potential as long as the sewer system is developed south of the natural ridgeline, bringing more development to the southern portion of the county.

“Sarpy County is really in a favorable position compared to other markets that don’t have the winning combination of Sarpy’s land availability, proximity to Omaha, high-quality schools and excellent health care services,” he said. “The biggest challenges facing Sarpy County right now are related to workforce. The business community is growing a bit faster than the workforce can support which is making the employment market extremely competitive.”

The center will create many full time jobs in addition to hundreds of construction jobs to build the new data center over the next couple of years.

At the Oct. 4 groundbreaking, the firm also announced a $200,000 grant to Springfield Platteview Community Schools to support the continued growth and development of the region’s STEM programs.

On Nov. 13, the firm announced the Google.org Impact Challenge Nebraska, inviting local nonprofits to submit their best, most ambitious ideas to create economic opportunity.

Whiteside “Once we’ve received an application, Google and a panel of local judges evaluate them based upon community impact, innovation, reach and feasibility,” Harbeke said. “The top five ideas will receive $175,000 of grant funding and the best of Google’s training and tools through Grow with Google. The public will then vote from among five selected projects for the one they believe will have the greatest potential to create economic opportunity in their communities. The winner will be awarded an additional $125,000.

Google.org will award a total of $1 million in grants to Nebraska nonprofit organizations. Applications are due on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2019, and winners will

be announced in the spring of 2020.

The Metropolitan Community College Facebook Digital Marketing program begins on January 6, 2020. It is a nine-month certificate program consisting of six core modules, which provide practical experience and information on skills necessary to succeed in digital marketing.

“Students will learn marketing content strategy, marketing analytics, social media tactics and more,” said Kim Whiteside, MCC director of workforce and IT innovation for Corporate Online. “Individuals skilled in digital marketing help businesses establish and maintain a positive image online while communicating with the public and Burke customers.”

To support Sarpy County’s tremendous growth over the past several years from residential, commercial and industrial customers — especially along the Highway 50 corridor — OPPD is constructing a new high voltage overhead transmission line called the Sarpy Transmission Project, OPPD President and CEO Tim Burke said.

The new line will extend from a substation located near 114th Street and Giles Road in Papillion, to another substation located near Highway 50 and Schram Road.

“Upon completion by the end of the year, OPPD will have increased capacity and reliability to support existing businesses and Continued on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

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Anderson Industrial Engines expands footprint with acquisitions Continued from page 1. opment, respectively — and daughter Emily Andres as CFO, said the values of his family, strong industry knowledge and penchant for customer service, plus the insatiable appetite to tackle innovative projects will be important factors in considering any future acquisition opportunities.

Anderson Industrial Engines Phone: 402-558-8700 Address: 13423 Lynam Dr., Omaha 68138 Services: supplier of industrial engines, generator sets, parts and service for construction, agricultural and turf equipment, irrigation, and specialty OEM power systems; design of custom power products Founded: 1974 by John Anderson Employees: 79 One-year goal: Achieve greater employee training while keeping options open to explore new territory.

Industry outlook: Opportunities for growth for companies moving into offering more finished products, such as G-series of electrical generations sets with from 5 to 50 kilowatts and designed for more general purpose uses.

Website: www.ai-engines.com

Industrywide, family-owned firms are reaching a maturity point where younger generations are not interested in continuing in the business; such instances are often attractive to regional companies with strategic growth plans.

“The message we’re giving our customers is ‘If you can imagine it, we can build and deliver it,’” the elder Turner said.

AIE distributes and packages industrial engine and electrical generator sets and represents names such as Kubota, American Honda, Fiat Powertrain, JCB, Ford Motor Company, among others. Industries supplied include industrial engines, power units, generator sets, parts, services for construction, agriculture, and turf equipment, irrigation, as well as specialty OEM power systems.

“Among our capabilities are to design customer power products to fit a customer’s specific needs,” said Zach Turner, who joined the family business in 2007.

“Today’s engines are not installed — they are integrated,” he added.

Doug Turner, 72, said a succession plan is in place that will place more responsibilities

for the day-to-day decision-making on Zach, Matt and Emily.

“The challenge of rapid growth, which we are facing, is how to maintain the feel and environment of a small, family-owned company that’s getting bigger, more diverse and with a larger footprint,” he said.

Among the important practices being passed on to the next generation leaders are the commitment to promoting employee empowerment to take care of the customer and a culture to go outside the lane to get answers for specific projects.

AIE took a major step forward three years ago when it left its long-time home at 5532 Center St. As the firm outgrew its 28,000-square-foot offices, showroom and manufacturing facilities that later would extend into leases on several nearby structures, attention was given to moving from the landlocked Center neighborhood.

In September 2016 the firm moved operations under one roof into its own 78,000-squarefoot building at 13423 Lynam Dr. The spacious Sarpy County structure features not only most of the amenities needed for manufacturing, customization, trials and demonstration of machines, but also ample room for AIE’s multi-million parts inventory and to accommodate upgraded infrastructure.

That’s of great importance to Andres, who now uses a ERP enterprise system for running the business. Fiber optic technology has made it easier to add the Kansas City and Modesto operations for tracking. Since March, she noted, Kubota and JCB orders have been fulfilled in California, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Wyoming, Hawaii and Guam, as well as from JCB territory of New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and Washington.

“Our new software purchased enables us to connect with multiple facilities and better manage production time with job management tools,” Andres said.

Matt Turner, who joined the family business in 2018, said the new facilities have greatly enhanced AIE’s customer training and field support initiatives aimed at a dealer network of 600. Two months ago the company became the first among 15 Kubota distributors in the country to gain Master Training Status.

“We’re now training all dealers and retail store employees on how to maintain their engines,” he said.

Training facilities at each of AIE’s branches can accommodate from 30 to 35 persons

Patrick Star pre-tests a generator.

John Bol builds a Wacker engine. who learn about a wide range of equipment sion of all Kansas City employees to remain; that range from 25 horsepower units retailing only one worker in the California operation for as little as $200 to 200 horsepower units left and that was due to a planned retirement. costing $40,000.

“Product complexity is a challenge for the While the education initiatives were future,” Zach Turner said. “That will include once handled by the service department, a the design, testing, parts and training — all of five-person training department has assumed these will become more complex.” the responsibility.

Andres said she’s hopeful that University “Our vendors have online training but the of Nebraska at Kearney’s manufacturing techcapstone training here or in one of our other nology administration program will continue facilities is hands-on and goes for two or three to grow. AIE is holding some training classes days,” Matt Turner said. at Ames Community College, located outside Doug Turner, a Vietnam vet, said AIE’s Des Moines, and is looking for additional training commitment has gained an additional avenues to promote the need for technical importance with the Environmental Protection education.

Agency’s slow rollout of its Tier IV classificaIn-house training is still important to as tion that imposes stricter standards. firms such as AIE compete for technical work“We’ve spent four or five years getting ers in a limited pool of applicants. ready for the standards and we will have three “We may hire an electrical engineer and of the highest-trained engineers on our engine then train them on a specific product,” she said. line,” he said. “They will also travel all over “Many of those we’re hiring are under 40 and the country.” many are under 30.”

Matt Turner has come into the family AIE, at present, has an engineering staff business when several new departments have of eight. been added. Among them are separate entities Earlier this year, AIE received a nationfor training, marketing, dealer development, al award from Diesel Progress Magazine, design/engineering, and a one-person IT de- an industry publication. The Omaha-based partment. company was named Engine Distributor “We’ve seen a huge organizational shift,” of the Year in a results-based competition. he said.

Among the reasons for the selection was AIE’s Doug Turner said a promise to make no initiatives on employee empowerment and additional changes at the Kansas City and continual training.

Modesto branches was important in the deci-

Junior Green clears the workspace.

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal guidance helps both franchisor and franchisee grow businesses

by David Kubicek

Franchising is a good business model with benefits for both the franchisor and the franchisee — the franchisor can expand a successful business to several locations with minimal capital investment, and the franchisee can own a business with a proven track record.

“The goal for the franchisor is to build a network, and the bigger the network, the more name recognition you’ll get,” said John Passarelli, a partner in Kutak Rock. “By franchising, you can expand quickly and not inject a lot of capital into the business.”

Franchisors need an attorney to help navigate the myriad state and federal regulations that pertain to operating a franchise and an accountant to help develop the financial systems to expand the concept’s success.

“If the franchisor is doing their job, the franchisee won’t need these professionals involved at first, but as the franchisee expands the number of locations, they will need the same expertise as the franchisor to grow,” Passarelli said.

Franchisors are required to provide prospective franchisees with a franchise disclosure document (FDD), which contains information about the franchise system, according to Christopher O. Estwick, an attorney with Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman. One of the most important disclosures required in the FDD is Item 2, which provides the business background of the principals.

The prospective franchisee should evaluate the reliability and success of the franchise system by looking at the number of existing franchised units, the rate of closures and/or resales and past financial performance of the franchised units.

“The franchisee should participate in Discovery Day, an event held by franchisors that provides prospective franchisees the opportunity to learn more about the franchise system and meet the franchisor,” Estwick said.

Prospective franchisees should talk to a few current and former franchisees to learn more about the challenges new franchisees face in the franchise system and how much support they can expect from the franchisor. Contact information for current and

Passarelli Estwick former franchisees is required in Item 20 of the FDD. “Before purchasing a franchised unit, the franchisee should understand every part of the FDD, the franchise agreement and any ancillary agreements,” Estwick said. “The franchise agreement will impose certain obligations on the franchisee, such as requiring the franchisee to meet minimum royalties and/or sales milestones.”

The FDD will provide the range of the initial capital investment for the first three to six months of operation, which will include such items as the franchise fee paid to the franchisor, the acquisition of a commercial space from Eversden which the business will be operated and the procurement of any software or equipment necessary to operate the business.

Potential franchisees should get to know the franchisor and the franchise system to determine whether the good concept is in the hands of people who can make it successful, McGrath North Attorney Michael T. Eversden said.

“In the FDD, a prospective franchisee

will find information about the franchisor’s history, management, and financial condition, as well as the growth trends of the franchise system,” Eversden said.

“Valuable information about the franchisor and the system may also be obtained from current franchisees. Prospective franchisees should try to weed out franchisors that would not be a good fit at this stage, in order to avoid being stuck in a bad franchise relationship that cannot be easily ended.”

Before executing a franchise agreement, a prospective franchisee should have a franchise lawyer review the FDD and franchise agreement to identify any pitfalls and deal points that might be negotiated.

“Franchisees may also find growth opportunities along the way, such as adding more units,” Eversden said. “When adding units, it’s usually best for franchisees to fill out the market where their initial location is, rather than entering a new market.”

No matter the budget, interactive booths key to engaging potential clients

by Jasmine Heimgartner

If a convention or trade show booth only has a few posters in front of a drape, a table with brochures and a video, there is a high likelihood that attendees will take one glance and keep walking. Bringing foot traffic into that approximate 10-by-10-foot space requires creating something that captures attention and engages attendees.

“Re-thinking how companies design their booths for a trade show or convention is becoming critical for their success,” said Laramy Pieper, event producer at planitomaha. “Creating a space for attendees to interact with your company and reps that promote networking, brand visibility and engagement is becoming the norm. At the end of the day, human interaction is the most important key to success. First impressions and holding attendees’ attention are the two biggest opportunities with traditional trade shows and conventions.”

Though typically the flashier it is the more it costs, businesses can still make an impact on a small budget. The smaller and more efficient technology gets, the easier it is to incorporate eye-catching displays.

“It’s about how to use the technology

in the booth and make ways to visit with people,” said Janet Denison, president at Vision Exhibits. “We do a lot of 3D graphic standouts and LED lighting, which is coming down in price. There are also a

Pieper Denison lot of touch-screen monitors, kiosks and augmented reality. Even having a computer game available while people are waiting allows the staff to mingle and talk with attendees. Interactive options put the attendee in charge of something, and people like to do things themselves.”

The rise of social media plays a role in creating buzz around a booth both with preshow marketing and during the event.

A prize drawing or other interactive game tied to a business is one way to draw people in.

“Lead capture is another resource that creates the most optimized conversation with attendees,” Pieper said. “Lead capture is a technology-based tool allowing exhibitors to capture attendee contact information and questions in a way that they can follow up post event to create a more customized attendee list.”

While technology is useful, it isn’t the only way to create an interactive booth.

Creativity can mean endless opportunities including branding and food and beverage items. This could include anything from a popcorn bar to specialty drink during evening exhibit hours or interactive branding pieces such as a prize wheel, word wall or prizes for using hashtags.

“Displaying the food beautifully is key here,” said Kaylin Wilken, director of marketing and sales at Attitude on Food.

“For example, we recently worked with a construction company and used items from their industry to tie together the theme and food. We had food flowing out of wheelbarrows and displays sitting atop cinder blocks.”

F o r n e w b u s inesses or ones ready to bring their booth into the modern era, doing a little research is worth the time.

“It’s important to attend shows and see what competition is doing,” Denison Wilken said. “This lets you know how far you need to raise your bar.

You don’t want to copycat. You want to be different and unique. You also have to know your audience. A display should create curiosity. You want people to know your story, but you want them to ask questions.”

Surprisingly, simplicity can be just as engaging as over-the-top flash and pizazz.

Keeping it clean and simple can make it easier to tout a brand or a message.

“This can be as simple as having a unique approach to the item you’re handing out at your booth or staying away from a standard table set,” Pieper said. “Instead of an eight-foot banquet table use two cocktail tables to promote conversation in your booth. Furthermore, color, branding and emotional response can subconsciously impact someone’s decision to visit your booth.”

For any business hosting an event, food can play a big part in how it is perceived and how likely people will attend another one.

“Anytime you are hosting an event is an opportunity to put your best foot forward and make an impression with your guests/clients,” Wilken said. “Doing this through a creative and unique menu shows that you put time and effort in to making it a memorable event worth their time.”

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

9

Couple opens first Hand and Stone Massage location in Omaha; sets sights on three more Continued from page 1.

Canada. The brand owes its name to Marco’s son, Nicholas, who was 14 when he suggested “Hand and Stone” as a reference to the “tools of the trade” for its signature massage, while its logo “honors indigenous people with their history of healing.”

“Hand and Stone, right out of the gate, was very attentive, upfront and honest about their growth and plans, and I had some familiarity in that salon and spa environment,” Anthony said.

While readers may recognize Anthony as the previous owner of the Omaha branch of staffing provider Express Employment Professionals, the Las Vegas native’s roots

are in the salon industry.

“I grew up around hair and nail salons, and my mom was a manicurist for many years,” he said.

He and Kate, a Grand Island, Nebraska native, ended up working as hairstylists in Vegas for a decade.

“I wanted something with flexibility and to be able to control my own schedule,” Anthony said.

As the couple’s family grew, however, they sought the security of careers with benefits and, eventually, Curt would return to school to earn a master’s degree while also working as a sales and marketing professional for a physical therapist. While

OABR Diversity Committee seeking minority applicants for scholarships Continued from page 1. reach Scholarship currently helps about 12 people every year. Recipients must meet certain criteria and pay for their first class to ensure that they’re committed, and they have one year to complete the tasks to obtain their license. The committee has added mentorship opportunities to help build a solid foundation for a successful career.

Youmans said that in some Omaha communities, people might not know that real estate is a career option and they don’t know how to get started, or even that home ownership is possible.

“Even for myself, I can talk from that perspective because I come from a single parent home,” he said. “For the longest time my friends and I didn’t even know about home ownership or anything like that. The more people we can get in to educate and learn, the more all of us can live and be positive.”

Startup costs — classes, prep tests, the licensing exam, possible retake exam, insurance, dues and fees — run about $2,500 and can be a barrier to entry.

“We feel like if [scholarship applicants] can come in and interview well, we can help offset that cost, make an investment in them and then they can turn around and hopefully pay it forward and join the committee,” he said.

In fact, two committee members have received scholarships and are active in real estate. One of them formed their own team at Nebraska Realty.

Sewa Mensah, who is originally from Lomé, Togo in West Africa and graduated from Bellevue University with a bachelor’s degree in management information

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systems, became a Realtor to have his own business.

The scholarship helped him start and complete real estate school. Now he’s a Realtor with eXp Realty and is on the OABR Diversity Committee.

“Giving back to the community is the best way to show my gratitude,” he said.

OABR President Susan Clark and Past President Doug Dohse have empowered the group to grow the committee and membership has increased from three members when Youmans first started to eight currently.

To increase awareness, committee members attended two events in 2019: The Urban League of Nebraska’s Celebrate Diversity Job Fair and the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Conference on Opportunity, Diversity and Equity.

The group has also created a brochure that explains the goals of the scholarship program as well as the history of Fair Housing laws in the U.S. When large corporations like Union Pacific take the lead on diversity and inclusion initiatives, other companies follow, Youmans said.

“In a place like Nebraska, it’s very important that you talk about diversity,” he said. “With all the different companies that are coming to the city and all the different changes that are being made we don’t want to be the city that’s behind.”

The committee is at the beginning stages of growth and is seeking anyone who has a passion for diversity and inclusion.

“We’ve had some committee members say, ‘you know, we should be doing more,’ and they were right,” he said. “It takes time … but we finally got to those steps. We’re making our imprint on the outside.

“The more inclusion and the more we all come together, the more we’ll be able to understand each other and the more progress and positive energy we’ll be able to have.”

Youmans, a former basketball player for the University of North Dakota who hails from New Mexico, has been on the Diversity Committee since he began his real estate career five years ago and became chair three years ago. He wanted to get more involved after he obtained his license, and someone suggested the Diversity Committee.

“I fell in love with it and have been representing ever since,” he said.

still in Vegas, the couple got the ball roll- [membership].” ing on opening an Express Employment Services are customizable, too, AnProfessionals location in Kate’s home state thony said, from the lighting and the tem— what would turn into an eight-year run perature to the volume of the music, and whereby the Omaha staffing professionals the variety of massage services available. worked with more “We have an atthan 2,000 business- Hand and Stone Massage tention button,” he es in the metro. said. “In light of and Facial Spa “Kate and I were Phone: 951-9335 some of the things at a place where she Address: 10341 Pacific St., Suite 13, that have gone on in was ready to phase Omaha 68114 the massage world, back into the work- Services: professional spa massage we have taken some place and we had a and facial offerings, including signature serious steps to be desire to get back hot stone massage and month-to-month ethically sound and into the beauty and memberships to protect our [memwellness space,” he Founded: 2019 (Omaha); 2004 (compabers].” said.

Anthony also nywide) In March they Website: https://handandstone.com/lonoted that they’re sold Express Em- cations/omaha-one-pacific-place-ne interested in explorployment Professioning partnerships with als and went about securing a space that employers; for instance, an organization was the “right fit” for a Hand and Stone may host an onsite event whereby Hand spa; the One Pacific Place location would and Stone massage therapists bring in open on Veteran’s Day. their portable massage chairs and block “My expectations were pretty moder- off a full day for some relaxation time for ate, and I would say the foot traffic and companies’ respective associates. interest has exceeded those expectations,” “At the end of the day, we’re trying to he said. “With any new business, it takes treat people the right way,” he said. “That time to have a presence in the community has been important my whole life — to and I was really impressed with the shop- treat people with a high level of customer ping center, how many walk-ins we get who service and they will come in to get a masare stopping by to say hello.” sage or facial.”

Anthony noted efforts to stand out from Named by Entrepreneur Magazine as the crowd.

No. 1 in the spa category for 2019, Hand “That’s what we really wanted — to and Stone was reportedly ranked No. 8 on set ourselves apart from some of the other Forbes’ Best Franchise to Buy List this year spas,” he said. “We offer a month-to-month (in the high-investment category) and is the membership and some of our competitors “fastest growing spa concept in the counwill lock in with a six-month or 12-month try,” according to corporate information.

10

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Technology Topics may include the following: Training & Career Development overview • Leadership training Retaining good employees • Soft skills • Skilled labor • Certificate programs

Issue Date: December 13 Ad Deadline: December 6

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Technology trends overview • Commercializing tech • Hyperautomation Mobile tech trends • IT troubleshooting tips • Tech careers A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Issue Date: December 20 • Ad Deadline: December 13

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Cybersecurity

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

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Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Workplace Trends overview • Employee engagement • Closing the talent gap Remote working • Hiring efficiency • Training programs

Cybersecurity overview • Cybersecurity insurance • Phishing scams Create a response plan • Training employees on cybersecurity prevention

Issue Date: December 20 • Ad Deadline: December 12

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Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

11

Independent retailers launch ‘pop-up’ shops to extend their reach during holiday season

by Lorraine Mirabella

Susannah Siger had been coming up with ideas for “pop-up” shops for years before the term existed. One temporary store sold candles in a former mall pizzeria. Another sold menorahs.

Retail Now, Siger has transformed a vacant spot at The Mall in Columbia in Columbia, Md., into the place to go for socks. At Socks Appeal, shoppers will find shoes, ponchos and headbands alongside novelty socks with portraits of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“If you’re a retailer who has a lot of creative ideas, you constantly want to try SUPER CROSSWORD

out new things,” said Siger, the owner of Ma Petite Shoe, a shoes and chocolate boutique she has run in Baltimore for nearly 18 years.

“This is the perfect opportunity. You can try out brands that you’re interested in, and with so much traffic at the mall, you know right away what’s a hit and what’s not.”

This holiday season, it seems that small retailers’ short-term concepts are sprouting all over the Baltimore region as they aim to capture their slice of as much as $730.7 billion in spending the National Retail Federation expects for November and December.

Of the more than 165 million people expected in stores between Thanksgiving FUNNY CARS

and Monday, according to the retail trade group, more than 66 million likely will shop Saturday, when “Small Business Saturday” events typically urge consumers to shop local.

For “indy” retailers, pop-ups at the holidays offer a way to test new markets, attract customers and promote existing stores and brands without committing to long-term space or staffing. Landlords like them because they keep centers fresh, help draw traffic and fill gaps left by chains paring down or closing.

The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, Md., has introduced four local pop-up retailers this fall. The Mall in Columbia has brought in six holiday pop-ups, both in mall store space and common areas, and this year launched a weekend-only pop-up program to feature local artisans and entrepreneurs. And shopping center owner Kimco Realty, which runs centers in the Baltimore area, has had success in attracting more unique tenants through a pop-up branding campaign launched in 2018.

“We’ve interjected a lot of flexibility” in temporary leasing, said Barbara A. Nicklas, the Columbia mall’s senior general manager.

“It’s all part of the process as the mall has evolved and we’ve been looking at other ways to enhance the customer experience.”

Greenberg Gibbons, landlord of Kenilworth and Hunt Valley Towne Centre in Hunt Valley, Md., sees pop-ups as incubators for new concepts and possible future tenants.

Besides offering temporary leases for several months, Kenilworth also has hosted occasional “posh pop-ups,” where small merchants gather in a space for as briefly as a day or two.

“It’s really giving local retailers an opportunity to validate their concepts, and if they are successful and we like the use, we try to convert them to full-term tenants,” CEO Brian Gibbons said. “And it’s an opportunity during the holidays, not just to fill vacant space, but to add excitement and new offerings for customers.”

Sometimes pop-ups can help spur online sales. Melissa Bona launched web retailer Mint & Major in Baltimore in 2018, marketing a brand focused on women’s clothing, beauty products and jewelry through Instagram and by participating in local pop-up events.

“The more we would do these fun events and pop-ups, the more success we would have online, because we would be able to connect with people, and they felt like they could put a face to the name of the business,” Bona said.

Large tech company

Answers on page 12.

Continued from page 6. residences and new load growth well into the future,” Burke said.

In addition, OPPD has worked with La Vista to support the city’s economic development efforts, including the addition of the new City Centre project along 84th Street.

As part of this effort, a 69,000 kilovolt (kV) transmission line was removed from a dense residential neighborhood and business area and relocated to the roadside of 72nd and Harrison streets, with project completion wrapping up this fall.

The new location will reduce disruption to property for maintenance of the transmission line and provide greater accessibility to equipment during a storm event.

“The new infrastructure will accommodate the current growth and ensure reliability for years to come,” Burke said.

“They trusted the product. … It gave us a lot more credibility.”

Running a pop-up in Kenilworth from September through the spring will help Bona determine whether the time is right to pursue a permanent location.

“Retail is so volatile,” said Bona, a former buyer for South Moon Under. “Right now we’re trying to establish ourselves as a brand. … (At Kenilworth) I’m able to connect with all those existing customers as well as meet new people that have never heard of us.”

Pop-ups have turned into an industry of their own, popular with retailers small, large and even web-only, such as Amazon and Zappos shoes.

Though specialty leasing, including short-term, has been around for years, “popup is a newer, trendy expression … and it finally caught fire in terms of an expression and started attracting bigger brands and new concepts,” said Jenny Westbrook, managing director for specialty leasing for Kimco.

Pop-ups can crop up in almost any setting and increasingly have been used not only as sales outlets but as marketing tools to promote products, brands and entertainment.

They count on the element of surprise.

“There’s this new thing that’s come into your neighborhood,” said Matthew Glass, senior vice president of New York-based Allied Experiential, a marketing division of Allied Global Marketing that creates promotional pop-ups. “That’s one of the reasons why it’s not up for very long. … You have to see it before it leaves.”

Allied Experiential created more than 200 “pop-overs,” a term for using functioning rather than vacant space, for Netflix in 2016 to promote the streaming service’s reboot of the popular “Gilmore Girls” television series. The agency transformed coffee shops in each state, including the Daily Grind and three other shops in Baltimore, for one day into the show’s Luke’s Diner.

A decade or so ago, “it was hard to find a landlord that was willing to rent you a space” short term, and risk losing a longer-term tenant, Glass said.

“Landlords have realized there’s a business here,” he said.

Ten Thousand Villages in Fells Point, Baltimore, an independent, nonprofit store that sells handcrafted goods such as jewelry, scarves and home goods, branched out this fall with a pop-up shop at Hunt Valley Towne Centre.

Managers began scouting potential sites for a pop-up in March, driving around to area malls to observe customer traffic. They leased space in Hunt Valley in a former Gymboree, a children’s chain that filed for bankruptcy early this year and closed hundreds of stores.

Ten Thousand Villages will stay in Hunt Valley at least until Jan. 15.

“It’s a good way to test the market in that area, to see if it’s a good fit,” said Dora Zimmerman, manager of Ten Thousand Villages’ permanent and temporary stores. “It’s a great way to promote our mission of helping our artisans to a whole new community.”

Another pop-up, Match Made Stores, at Kenilworth through Dec. 31, aims to appeal across generations, especially to mothers and daughters shopping together for unique apparel and accessories. Owner Brittany Parry has run a permanent store by the same name for two years on 36th Street in Hampden.

“It’s such a great opportunity to just bring Continued on next page.

12

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

The Oprah effect has helped this small pajama company more than triple in size

by Catherine Roberts

The Oprah effect is real.

At least for the Murphy family, whose Edina pajama company Softies has one of its lounge tunics featured as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” in O, Oprah Winfrey’s magazine, for the third year in a row.

The company has grown threefold since the first designation, which was at a low point for Tim Murphy, the company’s president.

Murphy in June 2017 was Trends at what he said was “the last hour of the last day of the worst trade show — one of those times when you ask yourself what you’re doing with your life.”

Vendors were not logically organized. He was by a beer cooler vendor in a corner. Many had left early, and he was packing up himself.

Then two people walked up with their badges turned around and were carefully studying Softies’ stock and asking questions.

In Murphy’s experience, this meant the two were either competitors or were interested in making a big order, so he started asking questions himself.

The two turned out to be from the magazine, including creative director Adam Glassman, scouting out items for the favorite things list. The conversation began a two-

month back-and-forth, and in late August, while standing in the Jerry’s Foods parking lot in Edina, Murphy received the call that the Softies “Snuggle Lounger” had made the 2017 list.

Then the challenge became predicting how much sales would increase because of the recommendation and ramping up manufacturing and delivery to meet the need. And it was a different type of delivery, Murphy said. Up until that point, Softies had been mainly a wholesale vendor to catalogs and small retailers, so sending 10,000 items to one customer instead of one item to 10,000.

“It was very nerve-racking,” he said. “We had no purchase order.”

The family drew up the plan and brought it to a bank for financing. And while Murphy had to put his house up for the loan’s collateral, the banker also “didn’t bat an eye” in approving the loan once he saw that it would be on Winfrey’s list. “I couldn’t believe how much it worked.”

The company made the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s list of fastest-growing companies with $1.3 million in sales in 2016 and $3.2 million in sales in 2018.

Murphy said sales have grown more this year.

The company’s origin was the desire of Murphy’s father, Dennis, to help his wife,

Peggy, feel better. Dennis Murphy had a 40year career in women’s clothing, at the time with Jockey. Peggy Murphy was having night sweats because of chemotherapy treatments for leukemia, and her husband recognized that the moisture-wicking material in underwear could help make her more comfortable.

He fashioned pajamas out of it for her.

Then, Dennis Murphy and designer Lily Nguyen decided to make a company out of the moisture-wicking pajamas, not only for chemo patients but for menopausal hot flashes and women who had just given birth.

Softies was born in 2006.

Shortly thereafter, Tim Murphy found out his corporate job was being moved to Virginia. He and his wife wanted to stay in the Twin Cities, so he sat down with his dad to see if the venture had room for him. It did, and in the ensuing years until his father retired in 2014, Tim Murphy learned all the ins and outs of the clothing business from working a trade show floor to managing inventory, he said.

The Murphys expanded the line from the original pajamas, but kept the philosophy of producing clothes with a soft, comfortable fit and feel. They developed a loyal customer base, some using the Softies brand, some having Softies produce a private-label brand, and the company grew slowly. The business

How to stop underselling yourself at work during annual review time

by Liz Reyer

Q: It is annual review time, and I am overdue for a promotion. As I do my self-assessment, I wonder about the best way to position my value while I write up my submission. I don’t like to look braggy so am worried that I undersell myself.

-Kim, 39, finance analyst A: Start with a list of contributions you have made over the past year. This may not be as easy as it sounds. For Workplace one thing, memories fade, and for another, it sounds like you may tend to underestimate the value you bring.

To get a jump-start, try working backward through your most recent projects. Make a much longer list than you’ll actually share, just to build momentum. Refer to your calendar, looking at meetings you had and people you engaged with.

Independent retailers Continued from preceding page. awareness to the other store,” Parry said.

“Even if I get one customer that shops with us here in Kenilworth to come to Hampden, it’s worth it.”

Siger, owner of Socks Appeal, said she developed the sock store idea last year, approached the Columbia mall and opened there for the first time last holiday season. This year, mall leasing agents invited her back, and she will stay through Dec. 29.

Running the temporary store is part of Siger’s larger effort to compete. Besides the Columbia pop-up and Ma Petite Shoe, she runs a second sock pop-up in Hampden, sells products online and works to promote Hampden’s neighborhood shops.

As a small retailer, she said, “you can no longer sit behind the counter and twiddle your thumbs. You really have to go out for business in every way possible.” ©2019 The Baltimore Sun Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Then enrich the story of what happened in each situation.

You might start with a simple statement: I completed Analysis X. Go on to explain why this mattered. How did it help someone?

Keep the business perspective front and center. Be sure you know your company’s goals so that you can make statements like, “By completing Analysis X, I enabled the team to reach its goal on one of our company’s key revenue objectives.”

Your statements about your value should lead the reader to conclude that you already are performing at a higher level.

When you write up your self-review, you can use the business perspective and the future-looking perspective to frame your input.

Bring in the voice of your customer. Do you have quotes you could take from thank you e-mails or other feedback from internal or external clients? Use them sparingly, perhaps only alluding to the direct positive feedback you have received, but be ready to share them in more detail.

Use strong, direct language. Avoid passive phrasing, and employ action verbs that communicate your integral role.

Get feedback on your draft from someone who understands your work. In particular, ask them to point out gaps and push you to courageously own the value you bring.

Once your content is complete, get a good polish on it. If you are given a format, make sure that everything is perfect — no typos or format inconsistencies. This may sound trivial but it sends a message.

If you can create your own format, adopt a layout that you think best represents the value you bring. In fact, you may want to create a one page “Kim’s contributions” document to bring to your actual review.

Prepare for the review itself. Write talking points that provide a brief summary of your year and practice them out loud. This will help you be more fluent when the time comes without being overly rehearsed.

Finally, own it. Remind yourself throughout

this process that you are a valuable employee and that you bring your best to your job. Bring a spirit of confidence and joy that will be infused throughout the process. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

moved from his parents’ basement to an Edina warehouse, which subsequently has grown to 3,500 square feet.

Then came the Oprah nod. The company quickly had to choose a marketing partner to ramp up a consumer website, court a deal with Amazon and hire a third-party distributor in Maple Grove to help fulfill deliveries.

With the expanded sales also came more feedback. Customers wanted a hood. They also wanted pink as a color option. Both were accommodated, and when O reached out again — Tim Murphy said he didn’t know Softies could make the list twice — he had a good pitch.

He again found out the company made the list with the “Hooded Snuggle Lounger” in the Jerry’s parking lot, this time in June.

This year, the company pitched O in January. However, few companies make the list a third time so Softies did not find out until late September the “Marshmallow Hooded Lounger” had been chosen, so it has once again been a logistical challenge this year.

Last week, both “The View” and “Good Morning America” chose the Softies lounger as one of their picks from the O list.

Other challenges include rising costs and the trade war, both in terms of higher tariffs and keeping supply from Asia flowing.

Earlier in the decade, Softies tried to move manufacturing back to the United States as shipping from Asia became more complicated. However, Murphy said the company found that Asian companies had more expertise. For example, a notched collar became an issue for a bulk order at one of the U.S. manufacturers it tried.

Pricing also is a gamble. Softies tries to Continued on page 19.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

13

Trump dispenses billions of dollars in aid to farmers, hoping to shore up rural base

by Don Lee

Moving to offset the impact his trade war has had on rural America, President Donald Trump has bypassed Congress to send some $20 billion in aid to farmers, mostly going to a bundle of states that are essential to his reelecEconomy tion chances next year.

The payments have ranged from as little as $2 for some small-scale farmers to more than $1 million each for some corporate agricultural enterprises.

To sidestep Congress, which has long considered price supports for farmers its exclusive domain, the administration cited an obscure law from the 1940s that was passed in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

Until Trump, no president had ever used that law to make direct payments to farmers, let alone tens of billions.

The strategy bears some resemblance to the one Trump used to shift millions of dollars that Congress appropriated for the military to pay for sections of his border wall.

Unlike the border wall money, however, the farm aid has not drawn challenges from Congress, perhaps because Democrats have their own political reasons for not wanting to oppose help for rural areas in politically important states.

The payments are likely to reach nearly $25 billion by early next year, making them roughly twice the net cost to taxpayers of

former President Barack Obama’s auto industry bailout during the Great Recession of 2008. Even so, they may fall short of fully covering farmers’ losses from the trade war with China or fully mitigating the political fallout Trump has faced in some Midwestern communities.

It’s not that farmers are in open revolt against Trump. Surveys and interviews suggest most are sticking with him and hoping for the best. But the trade war’s impact — especially the uncertainty about future policies — could dampen enthusiasm come Election Day next year.

“Turnout is the key question: Are they just going to stay home or are they going to vote for Trump?” asked Katherine Cramer, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin who has researched rural attitudes and the political and cultural divide between rural and urban Americans.

If farmers feel too pinched by the trade conflict, “the greatest impact will be a lack of enthusiasm — and they’ll stay home and not vote — which could make a huge difference,” she said.

For farmers, the cost of the trade war can be measured in lost markets in China, which has been by far the largest buyer of the soybeans and other grain crops that are the lifeblood of agriculture across the Midwest and Great Plains.

U.S. sales of soybeans to China exceeded $14 billion in 2016, but prices fell as trade tensions mounted. Soybean exports

to China plunged to $3.1 billion last year.

Early last month, Trump announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would shortly be signing a “Phase 1” agreement in which China would buy $40 billion to $50 billion of U.S. farm goods a year, about double the annual amount before exports to China plummeted last year.

That hasn’t happened.

And some farmers say they are wearying of Trump’s on-again, off-again rhetoric, with its still-unfulfilled promises of an imminent end to the conflict with Beijing.

Some farmers worry that China is developing new supply chains in Brazil, Argentina and elsewhere that may be hard to break even if the trade war ends.

Scott Henry of Nevada, Iowa, a small town roughly 40 miles north of Des Moines, backed Trump in 2016. And the 29-year-old, third-generation corn and soybean grower hasn’t given up on the president yet. Neither is he certain to vote for him.

“Trump has done just enough with tax policy and business regulations to keep people” supportive, he said.

But, he added, “I have no confidence that we’ll actually get anywhere on trade.

What we’ve learned is there’s a lot of talk from this administration and very little action.”

Trump has “bought some votes from farmers” with the added farm spending, he said, adding that he’s a little troubled

Tariffs will boost prices on toys and smartphones — but not until next year

by Samantha Masunaga and Priscella Vega

Over the last year and a half, retailers have watched the dizzying pace of the U.S.-China trade war with a growing sense of trepidation.

When the Trump administration announced this year that consumer goods such as shoes and clothing could face a 15% duty, companies chose to get ahead of the tariff price hikes and stocked up on items as early as the summer. That means shoppers shouldn’t see Economy higher prices reflected on their receipts on Black Friday or during this holiday season.

But if a new round of tariffs goes into effect in mid-December as planned, people could begin paying more for toys or big-ticket items such as laptops and smartphones by early next year.

“In 2020, it will be a big deal,” said James Bohnaker, economist at research and analysis firm IHS Markit.

Earlier rounds of tariffs levied by the Trump administration on Chinese goods largely targeted so-called intermediate goods, such as aluminum and plastic sheets, which are not finished products that can be bought in stores.

The Trump administration originally intended to subject consumer goods such as toys, laptops, smartphones and digital cameras to a 15% duty by Sept. 1, but put that off until Dec. 15, citing the potential effect on American shoppers during the holiday season.

Even with the delay, the impending tariffs have still been a major concern for the consumer electronics industry.

Since the tit-for-tat trade war began in

spring of last year between the U.S. and China, that industry was hit by $15.5 billion in tariff costs that were either absorbed by manufacturers or passed on to consumers.

The higher costs mostly applied to components and tech accessories such as cables and cellphone cases, said Rick Kowalski, senior manager of industry and business intelligence at the Consumer Technology Assn. trade group. In September alone, the consumer tech industry shouldered $2 billion in tariff costs.

If the new tariffs on consumer goods go into effect Dec. 15, companies up and down the supply chain, as well as retailers, will have to decide how they’ll handle the additional costs.

“Everybody is in a pinch,” Kowalski said. “That $15 billion has to come from somewhere.”

For some companies, that might mean passing the cost on to the consumer. JLab Audio Chief Executive Win Cramer told CNBC in August that the Carlsbad, Calif., company’s headphones would probably cost more as a result of tariffs. He also predicted that discounting would not be as strong this holiday season as it has been in the past.

“We’ve never seen this before,” Cramer said. “We don’t have a playbook to follow.”

The toy industry is also grappling with how to plan for the unpredictable. Companies have held off on investing in new product lines because of uncertainties over tariffs and pricing, said Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs for the Toy Assn. trade group.

In some cases, companies have chosen to absorb the cost of the tariffs, rather than risk losing customers.

Tom’s Model Inc., a 39-year-old toy company in downtown Los Angeles, upped its orders for a signature product, a battery-operated canine called the Lucky Dog, and ate a 10% price increase. The company has sold the $5.99 toy since its early days and it has nostalgic appeal, said Tommy Yip, owner of Tom’s Model and son of the founder.

“My father was known for that specific piece of toy,” he said. “I do want to retain our customer loyalty.”

Sometimes, though, negotiations with other players in the supply chain don’t go as expected.

Eric Tung of Torrance-based Fera, a ski clothing specialty company, thought he was in the clear when he ordered this year’s batch of insulated apparel from his vendors in China. The goods were in transit before Sept. 1, when the first round of tariffs on consumer goods was implemented.

But his items were hit with the 15% markup anyway. Tung tried negotiating with retailers in hopes that they would share the burden but was told they didn’t want their margins affected.

As a small, niche company, Tung said, Fera was forced to absorb some of the cost and pass the rest to consumers. A ski jacket that would cost $200 at wholesale is now priced for retail at $220, a 3% to 5% price increase, Tung said.

“I’m not Patagonia or North Face,” he said. “I can’t say I’m raising my prices and you’ll still buy from me. It’s not good for anyone — consumer or business — when you have big dramatic price increases.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

by the scale of the expense.

Blake Hurst, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, said he was “very pessimistic about any progress being made on trade.”

“So I think the conditions will be there for another round (of aid) in 2020. Politically, I’d be surprised if we don’t get some attention next year.”

In launching the new payment program, administration officials used a “truncated rule-making process,” said Jonathan Coppess, an expert in agricultural law at the University of Illinois. That’s raised concerns about the administration’s legal authority and methodology.

Trump justified the spending by claiming that he was using tariff money collected from China to pay for it.

But U.S. importers and American consumers, not China, foot the bill for tariffs on Chinese imports. And the cash payments to farmers actually come from taxpayer funds through the borrowing authority of the Commodity Credit Corp., acknowledged Richard Fordyce, the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency administrator.

In an interview, Fordyce said the administration moved ahead of Congress because it saw the need and wanted to respond directly to the impact from retaliatory tariffs.

“The payments are coming at a time when the farming years are very cyclical,” he said. “These payments are coming at a time when it’s critically important for them and their farming operations.”

Even before Trump launched the trade war with China in 2018, many American farmers were struggling. Total net farm income dropped in 2014 and every year since. Farm bankruptcies have been rising.

Taken together, federal subsidies may end up accounting for roughly a quarter of the nation’s total farm net income this year, agricultural experts say.

The problem was partly of farmers’ own making: The industry had become so productive through years of automation and consolidation that it was yielding larger and larger supplies. Yet domestic demand wasn’t keeping up, creating surpluses that have led to lower commodity prices and profits.

“It’s the export market that helps re-balance supply and demand,” said Chad Hart, an ag economist at Iowa State University.

Undoubtedly Trump’s cash injection has been important and life-saving for some farms. Without it, Ron Moore, 63, reckons he and other farmers would be driving their tractors to Washington in protest, as they did in 1979.

The Chinese “really like our soybeans, but we were told they can’t buy any soybeans from the U.S.,” said Moore, a farmer in Roseville, Ill., recalling his visit a year ago to China where he met with buyers.

After 42 years of farming, banks and other lenders are starting to lean on him, Moore added.

“They never used to ask me what my grain sales were. Now they’re asking, ‘How many contracts do you have? What have you sold?’”

Helpful as it’s been, he said, Trump’s aid “absolutely hasn’t made us whole.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

14

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES MBJ legal notice instructions The following are some guidelines to consider when posting legal notices with the Midlands Business Journal: 1. Submit a written notice in either Microsoft Word or as a PDF document to Beth Grube at legals@mbj.com, fax to 402-758-9315 or mail: 1324 S. 119th St. Omaha, NE 68144.

For trade names, submit a copy of approved (bar code in upper right hand corner) Application For Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State to the same email address. Please include your billing address and the desired duration you’d like your notice to run (trade names run for only one week).

2. You will receive a confirmation and price quote. Legal notices, except for trade names, are charged per line. The flat fee for a trade name is $50.

Payment options are cash or check.

3. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday.

4. All costs include fees to file the notice with the Secretary of State and/or any appropriate courts.

5. You will receive a paid invoice copy and a courtesy proof of the notice the first week it runs and a copy of the affidavit filed with the courts the last week.

RICHARD A. DEWITT, 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 ROLLING PRAIRIE SOLAR, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Rolling Prairie Solar, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1209 Harney Street #400, Omaha, NE 68102. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Richard A. DeWitt, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 RICHARD A. DEWITT, 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 BURT COUNTY SOLAR, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Burt County Solar, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1209 Harney Street #400, Omaha, NE 68102. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Richard A. DeWitt, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 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 STARDUST INDUSTRIES, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 18605 Cornish Road, Springfield, NE 68059.

3. The registered agent is Rachel E. Breitkreutz and the Register Agent's address is 18605 Cornish Road, Springfield, NE 68059.

4. The general nature of the Company is the practice of limited medical practice.

5. The Company commenced on November 8, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACKERMAN HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ackerman Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 13, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAG MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MAG Management, 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 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TRUCKY’S CREATIONS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Trucky’s Creations LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 4811 North 139th Street, Omaha, NE 68164 and its Registered Agent being Donald Truckenbrod.

The company was organized and commenced on October 22, 2019, and its duration is perpetual. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its sole Member, Donald Truckenbrod.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019

THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Indian Creek Nursery, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business will commence on January 1, 2020, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Indian WAIIC Properties, LLC, has organized pursuant to R.R.S. Section 21-101 et seq. The registered office is 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and the registered agent is Thomas H. Penke. The nature of the business to be transacted is any lawful business. The business will commence on December 1, 2019, and is perpetual. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the President, Secretary and Treasurer.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 THOMAS H. PENKE, Attorney 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE The following described property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the Roskens Room, on the Farnam Street level of the Douglas County City County Building, 1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska on the 7th day of January, 2020, at 9:00 o'clock a.m.: The South 34 11/16 Feet of the West 170 Feet of Lot 14 and the North 13 15/16 Feet of the West 170 Feet of Lot 14½, Millard and Caldwell’s Addition to the City of Omaha, as surveyed, platted and recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska.

The highest bidder will deposit with the Trustee on the date of sale the sum of $5,000.00 with the remainder to be received by 5:00 o'clock p.m. on the sale date, at the office of the trustee, 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska, except that this requirement waived for the beneficiary.

Thomas H. Penke, Trustee 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 402.330.6860 First publication November 29, 2019, final December 27, 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 Willa J Collection, LLC. Its designated office is 15606 William Plaza #106, Omaha, NE 68130.

Its purpose is any lawful business. It commenced on October 29, 2019. Its affairs shall be managed by a Member/Manager. Jennifer J Seay, Organizer First publication November 29, 2019, final December 27, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that KWill, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 3721 N. 75th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The registered agent of the Company is Kevin A. Williams, 3721 N. 75th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Company was formed on November 22, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Slattery Luck, 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 November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 AMERICAN RISK CONSULTANTS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that American Risk Consultants, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 20, 2019, and effective November 20, 2019 and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. John H. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer 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 November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 AMERICAN RISK, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that American Risk, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 20, 2019, and effective November 20, 2019 and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. John H. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer 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 November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 SILVERSTONE GROUP, INCORPORATED AND ORGANIZATION OF SILVERSTONE GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SilverStone Group, Incorporated has been converted into SilverStone Group, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 11516 Miracle Hills Drives, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Office of the company is 1125 S 103rd Street Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 and the Registered Agent at such address is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. 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 November 25, 2019 and effective November 25, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 CLF ENTERPRISES LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CLF Enterprises LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 19202 Binney Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on November 20, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 WILLIAM 12, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that William 12, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas H. McLeay, 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The limited liability company commenced business on November 21, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 ACCURATE CALIBRATION AND SCANNING, LLC The name of the Company is Accurate Calibration and Scanning, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 14540 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 November 21, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE (402) GIRL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The (402) Girl, 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 4128 Terrace Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68134 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 November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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 THOMPSON SILVER SPUR LODGE, LLC The name of the Company is Thompson Silver Spur Lodge, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9102 North 225th Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. 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 November 5, 2019.

First publication November 15, 2019, final November 29, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), LATRISHLA S HOLLINGSWORTH & THOMAS HOLLINGSWORTH You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 08/21/2019 on Case Number CI19-19179, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $285.35, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/06/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 MYRON J. KAPLAN, Attorney McGILL, GOTSDINER, WORKMAN & LEPP, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, First National Plaza Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2584 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RLB HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RLB Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 11404 W. Dodge Road, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company was formed on November 22, 2019, and its duration is perpetual. Management of the Company shall be vested in its Managers.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 RADLEY E. CLEMENS, Attorney 5717 North 127th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68164 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1350 Estate of Joseph J. Welter, III, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 4, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, William D. Welter 1st, whose address is 22935 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251, was informally appointed by the Registrar asPersonal 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 January 29, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1812 Estate of Annechien Wilhelmina Jones, Date of Death: August 20, 2019 Decedent.

Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of November, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Testacy of the Estate of Annechien Wilhelmina Jones and that that the following sole surviving daughter was appointed Personal Representative of this estate: Ramona Poelmans-Powers 7419 N. 155th Terrace Bennington, NE 68007 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 January 29, 2020 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JC LAWN AND LANDSCAPING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JC Lawn and Landscaping, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10313 Fowler Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jamie Florian, 10313 Fowler Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.

First publication November 15, 2019, final November 29, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACKERMAN FAMILY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ackerman Family, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 14, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Four Seasons Lawn & Lighting, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 4415 Decatur Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68111. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on November 12, 2019.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that All Clean, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 4648 Douglas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132.

The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on November 12, 2019.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Everest Food Service & Catering, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the Company is 17207 Shirley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent of the Company is Sarita Rai, 17207 Shirley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Company was formed on November 15, 2019.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 BROWN & WOLFF, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1925 North 120th Street, One Bennington Place Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 186 BASKETBALL FACILITY, LLC NOTICE is hereby given that 186 Basketball Facility, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of its registered office is 1925 North 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The purpose of the Company shall be to have such purposes and to engage in such activities with the exception of banking and insurance as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced on the 24th day of October, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its Members and/or Managers as set forth in the terms of the company’s Operating Agreement from time to time.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JSPRH ENTERPRISES LLC Notice is hereby given that JSPRH ENTERPRISES LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 1439 S 87th St., Omaha, NE 68124. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118-3121.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Cisneros Tree Service, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Cisneros Tree Service, LLC. Registered agent and office of Cisneros Tree Service, LLC at 1010 S 25th Street, Omaha, NE 68105. Initial members: Luis Alberto CisnerosReyes. 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 November 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 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: LONNIE D. STUBBLEFIELD, 3512 4th Ave,, Council Bluffs IA 51501, you are hereby notified that on October 1, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-21585, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $18,158.56, 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 13th day of January, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 13, 2019

15

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that STL Enterprises, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with it's designated office at 19807 Buffalo Road Gretna, NE 68028. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and it's duration is perpetual commencing from October 1, 2019. It's affairs are to be conducted by the manager Kara Torczon. It's registered agent is Kara Torczon and her office is located at 19807 Buffalo Road, Gretna, NE 68028.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that CBT Custom Dream Homes, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with it's designated office at 19807 Buffalo Road, Gretna, NE 68028. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and it's duration is perpetual commencing from October 1, 2019. It's affairs are to be conducted by the manager Chris Torczon. It's registered agent is Chris Torczon and his office is located at 19807 Buffalo Road, Gretna, NE 68028.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MCR, LLC Company Name and address: MCR, LLC located at 12105 West O Street, Lincoln NE 68528.

Nature of the business: Real estate investments, and engage in any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

Duration: Perpetual Commencement: November 5, 2019 Management: Member managed First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 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 GEM HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is GEM Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 144 Ginger Cove, Valley, Nebraska 68064. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Dick R. Pierson, 144 Ginger Cove, Valley, Nebraska 68064. This limited liability company commenced business on November 19, 2019.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of NORTHWOODS ESTATES, INC., as of November 22, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that MPB Real Estate Solutions, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The address of the Company’s designated office is 16090 Girard Circle, Bennington, NE 68007, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Melissa Haugen. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 9/30/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its members.

Patrick Bauer, Member First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 CUTCHALL MANAGEMENT CO. 13305 Birch Drive Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68164-5443 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that CPM BIRCH, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 13305 Birch Dr Ste 201, Omaha, NE 68164. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Greg Cutchall, 13305 Birch Dr Ste 201, Omaha, NE 68164 First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 CUTCHALL MANAGEMENT CO. 13305 Birch Drive Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68164-5443 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that OMV-2, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 13305 Birch Dr Ste 201, Omaha, NE 68164.

The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Greg Cutchall, 13305 Birch Dr Ste 201, Omaha, NE 68164 First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019

16

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Greenarrow GP, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 14, 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. If you have a claim against Greenarrow GP, LLC, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: (1) your name or the name of your entity; (2) the nature of your claim; (3) the amount of your claim; and (4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to 1806 N 169th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. A claim against Greenarrow GP, LLC is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Chokkaras Properties, 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 V. Chokkara, 19020 Nicholas Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company was formed on November 22, 2019.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 JUDITH A. WELLS, Attorney 1603 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1471 Estate of STEPHEN POPE, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 23, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Fredrick Popew, Sr., 5315 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68104, was appointed by the court 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 January 29, 2020 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 2019 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR THE MIDWEST PLAINS CHAPTER OF CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGERS (A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MIDWEST PLAINS CHAPTER OF THE ACADEMY OF CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGERS is amending its Articles of Incorporation. The purpose of the amendments is to change the Chapter name to MIDWEST PLAINS CHAPTER OF CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGERS. The amendments also update the name of the national organization, whose name has changed since the initial incorporation of this Chapter in 1999.

References to the national chapter have been changed to the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, AHMP, or Alliance. The current registered agent is Brian Gorman and the organization address is P.O. Box 541202, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication November 29, 2019, final December 13, 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: FRANCISCO E. HUPP, SR., 1404 Savannah Dr, Papillion NE 68133, you are hereby notified that on September 20, 2019, CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-20885, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $10,556.80, 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 13th day of January, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication November 22, 2019, final December 13, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: Tree of Life Church Type of Corporation: Nonprofit Religious corporation Registered Agent: Tower Kountze Registered Office: 209 South 19th Street, Suite 150, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68102 Members: Corporation will have Members Incorporator: Tower Kountze, 209 South 19th Street, Suite 150, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68102 First publication November 22, 2019, final December 6, 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 TACOS Y TACOS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Tacos Y Tacos, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5936 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68117. 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 December 6, 2019, final December 20 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 SUPERIOR LIQUORS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Superior Liquors, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5936 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68117. 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 December 6, 2019, final December 20 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 SJK RETAIL, LLC The name of the limited liability company is SJK Retail, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2219 North 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68134. 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 December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 DANIEL R. CARNAHAN, Attorney DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STADE HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Stade Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 19, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 12118 S. 213th Avenue, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 DANIEL R. CARNAHAN, Attorney DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STADE REAL ESTATE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Stade Real Estate, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on November 19, 2019. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 12118 S. 213th Avenue, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PWC PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PWC Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 451 South 46th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68117. 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 November 27, 2019.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF AZ CAR RENTS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AZ CAR RENTS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general car rental business, to own, operate and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law, which are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the operation of a general car rental business. The authorized capital stock is $10,000.00, consisting of 10,000 shares of stock having a par value of $1.00 each, which stock shall be paid for wholly or partly by cash, by labor, by personal property and by real property. The corporation became a corporate body on October 28, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of Sun Mesa, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on August 30, 2019, Sun Mesa, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 16216 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Joseph Grimaldi, whose address is 16216 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CUTTING EDGE SURGICAL, INC., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVE, Cutting Edge Surgical, Inc., filed Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2019. The corporation is authorized to issue 10 shares of common stock. The Initial Registered Agent and Office is Catherine Grimaldi, 16216 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116. The Incorporator is Catherine Grimaldi, 16216 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LC NOVA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LC NOVA, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office address of the Company is 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. The name and address of the registered agent of the Company is Zachary A. Wiegert, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 W. ERIC WOOD, Attorney Downing, Alexander & Wood 2800 South 110 Court Omaha NE 68144 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF Boat, Motor, Trailer Sales, Inc. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Boat, Motor, Trailer Sales, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on December 3, 2019. The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The registered office is located at 10702 South 144th Street, Omaha NE 68138 and the registered agent is Scott D. Stevens. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a corporation may be organized under the laws of Nebraska.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 CAMERON M. RIECKE, Attorney LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CBAHA, 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 CBAHA, 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 investing in Miller Veterinary Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on November 26, 2019 and shall remain effective until Miller Veterinary Holdings dissolves and liquidates at which time CBAHA, LLC shall dissolve unless unanimous consent by the Members is given to remain in existence in perpetuity. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BEYOND GOLDEN PRODUCTS, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Beyond Golden Products, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 9691 Meadow Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 27, 2019. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members.

Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Petrovich Team Home Loan, 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 Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 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 Andrew P. Deaver and Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

SCOTT D. JOCHIM, 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 SGS PROPERTIES, LLC The name of the limited liability company is SGS Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Scott D. Jochim, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF SONLIT, INC. SONLIT, INC. has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation is a Public Benefit Corporation. The street address of the corporation’s initial registered office is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Mary E. Vandenack. The corporation is organized for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. The corporation commenced on November 22, 2019. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation is Mary E. Vandenack, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118. The corporation will not have members.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SILVER BULL HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Silver Bull Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Thomas H. McLeay, 3814 Farnam Street, Suite 201, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The limited liability company commenced business on December 2, 2019.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Community Self Storage Name of Applicant: Peelz Real Estate, LLC Address: 20120 Veterans Drive Elkhorn, NE 68116 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 8/31/2012 General nature of business: Self Storage LINDSAY PEEL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative December 6, 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 Hula Lacrosse.

2. The Corporation is a public benefit corporation.

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

5. The Corporation shall have no members.

6. The corporate existence began on November 25, 2019, when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: RCG Advertising and Media Name of Applicant: Redstone Communications Group, Inc. Address: 10031 Maple Street, Omaha, NE 68134 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 11/21/2019 General nature of business: Advertising Agency and Related Endeavors JIM SVOBODA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative December 6, 2019

TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Robertson Enterprises, 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 10, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Tienda Rosy Name of Applicant: Maria Bruno-Brito Address: 2207 Pierce St., Omaha, NE 68108 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Up on filing General nature of business: Clothing and Mischellaneous retail store MARIA BRUNO Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative December 6, 2019

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MWC HEART, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of MWC Heart, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is MWC Heart, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 14110 Franklin Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

Attention Law Firms

LEGAL NOTICES

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), BARBARA SIMS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 08/21/2019 on Case Number CI19-19169, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $5293.20, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 01/20/2020 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Bang, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 9201 N. 156th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The registered agent of the Company is Blake Banghart, 9201 N. 156th Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Company was formed on November 27, 2019.

First publication December 6, 2019, final December 20 2019

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17

Manufacturing slumps in Midwest and across the country

by Dee DePass

Midwest manufacturing conditions sank to their lowest levels in three years in November amid trade wars, drooping sales and anemic hiring, but they were still better than the country as a whole.

The Mid America Business Conditions Index, a widely watched Creighton University report that tracks manufacturing conditions in Minnesota and eight other central states, fell into negative growth territory for the third time in four months.

November’s index slumped to a worrisome 48.6 from 52.6 in October.

Economy Any index below 50 signals economic contraction, so economists were not excited to see November’s decline — especially after conditions appeared to have rallied in October following disappointing indexes in August and September.

“Slow global growth and trade skirmishes and wars are negatively affecting growth among manufacturers in the region,” said Ernie Goss, director of Creighton’s Economic Forecasting Group. Minnesota’s index slipped to a tepid 50.9 in November from 51.3 in October.

The Institute of Supply Management reported a national index of 48.1, down from 48.3 in October. Bloomberg reported that Wall Street was expecting a bump up to 49.4. Of concern was weakness in inventories and new orders, which is a predictor of future conditions.

The markets were down widely on the news, as well as President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would raise tariffs on steel and aluminum from Argentina and Brazil and his reiteration that if talks with China break down tariffs on that country would rise as well.

The nine state region — which also includes the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma — suffered one of its worst employment declines in years and saw significant declines in new orders, overall sales, and imports during the month.

Factory heads and supply managers reported in surveys that they continue to be hurt by the inability to find new workers to hire. Goss said the region lost jobs at a pace of 0.1% for the year, while U.S. manufacturing as a whole saw job growth of 0.04%.

The Midwest factory managers also said that the trade war with China and uncertain trade policies with Mexico and Canada have affected business and boosted price tags of supplies needed to operate their factories. It also affected their ability to sell abroad.

Regional export orders in November plunged to an index of 39.1 from 44.7 in October.

At the same time, import orders jumped to an index of 52 in November as factory heads ordered raw materials and other supplies ahead of a new round of U.S. trade tariffs that take affect later this month for Chinese made goods.

Goss noted that many factory heads acknowledged the pain of the trade tariffs but said they support the tariffs because they hope they will eventually lead to better and fairer trade policies down the road.

“Despite the negative impact of the trade war on jobs, 60% of supply managers in our survey support continuing, or even expanding, trade restrictions and tariffs on imports from China,” Goss said. “As one supply manager responded, ‘Tariffs should be applied to combat unfair trade practices (dumping) or due to adequate domestic supply.’ ” Even so, some 77% of those surveyed said they will pass along the increased cost of the tariffs to consumers.

The Midwest manufacturers also injected a dose of optimism. for the next six months, supply managers were upbeat, creating a business confidence index of 52.9. That was up substantially from October’s very weak 47.3, Goss said.

“I expect business confidence to depend heavily on trade talks with China, and the passage of the nation’s trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, or USMCA,” Goss said. “Quick passage of USMCA is very important for the regional economy and business confidence.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

18

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

From perks to calling back loyal former employees, stores struggling with hiring for the holidays

by Jackie Crosby

A mixed picture of holiday hiring is emerging, even as mega-retailers such as Target Corp. aim for a record number of temporary workers to handle a hoped-for sales surge in the next two months.

Retailers added 18% more Jobs workers in October than they did during the same month a year ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But jobs in transportation and warehouses plunged 17%, running counter to years of growth fueled by booming e-commerce sales.

Signs point to a holiday hiring season that could stagnate or even decline this year.

“It says more about the labor market than it does about the desire to hire,” said Andrew Challenger, vice president of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which suspects that traditional retailers might never again hire the numbers they once did, particularly as warehouse work becomes more automated.

Yet staffing remains the critical component for retailers of all sizes in what can be a make-or-break shopping season. Consumers said they plan to spend an average of $1,047.83 this holiday season, up 4% from last year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

The battle for workers is well underway. Stores at the Mall of America have put up signs and set up application tables as the retail workforce amps up from 11,000 to about 13,000 during the holidays, a mall spokeswoman said. Kohl’s began recruiting last summer to get a jump on the season and start training workers. The Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based chain held its first-ever national hiring day in October to try to land 5,000 of its 90,000 holiday workers in a single day.

Target said it’s on track to hire about 133,000 seasonal workers in stores and distribution centers, the most of any retailer to date. It will double the number of temp workers dedicated to filling online orders through curbside and in-store pickup.

Richfield-based Best Buy Co. Inc. doesn’t release holiday hiring numbers, but held job fairs with on-the-spot interview opportunities the second week of October at all stores and 11 distribution centers.

The nation’s largest consumer electronics retailer said that 30% of its current fulltime store staff got a foot in the door as holiday hires, one of several retailers this year promoting their record of turning temp jobs into permanent ones.

Michael’s boasts it has held onto 40% of holiday hires, while Macy’s reports that nearly a third of its store managers started with seasonal work. At delivery service UPS, where the company’s chief executive began as a part-timer, 35% of seasonal workers have been hired on for good.

It’s one way retailers are trying to attract a more loyal base, said Kimberly Schneiderman of outplacement firm Randstad RiseSmart, who urges job seekers to consider their holiday jobs as an audition.

Small independents face similar hiring dilemmas with higher stakes.

For the past few years, Aaron Meyerring, co-owner of the Electric Fetus music and gift store, has turned to loyal former employees and current workers to handle extra hours during the holiday crush. “We had to get creative over the years because we’re such a peak and valley type business around Christmas and Record Store Day in April,” he said. “It’s hard to get temps trained properly to provide the customer service we expect.”

Some are students who worked at the

store during the summer and are returning for the holidays. A loyal cadre of past employees, some with ties going back 40 years, also get back into mix for the busy gift-giving season.

The holidays bring in 15% to 20% of combined annual sales at its flagship stores near downtown Minneapolis and in Duluth.

“Our busy time is one week before Christmas,” Meyerring said. “We’re a procrastination destination.” At that point, it’s “all hands on deck” for the 60 employees, many of whom will get paid overtime.

Retailers are looking for any edge to attract and hang on to good workers. For the second year, Target has set aside $2 million in “team member appreciation” bonuses that will give two workers at each store a $250 Target gift card and a matching $250 charitable donation. Others are promoting brand love to woo their customers as temporary workers, Schneiderman said. Dick’s Sporting Goods is highlighting flexible scheduling and discounts of up to 25%. A job posting for a seasonal sales associate at the Mall of America blared in a headline: “Do you LOVE Victoria’s Secret PINK?” Many are scaling back. Gap slashed its target of seasonal hires to 30,000 from last year’s goal of 65,000 and plans to offer current employees a chance to pick up more hours. Walmart, now the world’s

second-largest retailer behind Amazon. com, has been using this approach for the past four years.

Noticeably missing among the seasonal-hiring announcements is Amazon. Last year, in a quest to add 100,000 seasonal workers, Amazon raised the bar on wages by bumping all entry-level wages to $15.

Target is at $13 an hour; Walmart has been at $11 since early 2018.

Amazon has been hiring aggressively for several years and announced plans this summer to hire 30,000 permanent workers.

Some economists suspect the online retail giant may no longer need the same level of temps.

Last year, holiday hiring fell more than 6% during the third quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, the lowest number of jobs added since 2009. A better view of this year’s hiring landscape could come after November’s employment numbers come out. But it may also portend a broader shift in the industry.

“This year is more a function of a tight labor market and why hiring is going down,” Challenger said. “It’s possible we’ll look back and say this was the year when automation started to affect retail.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

by Bruce DeBoskey

billion on costumes for people, and $2.6 billion on candy treats. Billions more were spent on decorations.

-In November and December, Americans are expected to spend $730 billion on holiday buying of gifts (often unneeded or unwanted), food, greeting cards and wrapping paper.

-The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sent each year in the United States could fill a football field 10 stories high. Nearly all of them become trash — and few are recyclable.

-Up to 40% of the food produced in the United States ($160 billion worth) is never eaten. The carbon footprint of that discarded food is 3.3 billion tons.

In the midst of this over-indulgence, many in the United States are in need: -Ten% of employed adults — a total of nearly 15 million people — live in homes that can’t always afford enough food.

-One in six children lives in a food-insecure household, meaning that the supply of food is inconsistent.

-In 2018, the federal poverty level was $25,750 for a family of four. Almost 40 million Americans live at or below that level of income.

Now, I am not a Grinch. I would never suggest that we abandon the joys and meaningful traditions of the holiday season. However, I am suggesting that we consider approaching the holidays with a lens that focuses intentionally on excess.

-What if we consciously cooked, ate and wasted less at Thanksgiving — and donated the difference to a local food pantry, to groups that feed veterans or seniors, or to a “backpack program” that feeds hungry school children over the weekend or in summer?

-What if, at the Thanksgiving dinner table, families intentionally discussed giv-

ing fewer gifts to each another — jointly selecting one or two charities to which family members could donate? Options include combating climate change, funding research to cure a disease that has affected the family, and supporting urban gardening programs.

-What if we devoted a portion of our gift budget to a high school for teenage parents and preschoolers; or a homeless shelter for women; or a medical and dental clinic for underserved families? If U.S. families diverted just ten% of their holiday spending to philanthropy, that would equal $75 billion of assistance to worthy causes.

-What if we spent only $1 billion on wrapping paper this year — freeing up the additional $1.5 billion to help feed our neighbors, conserve open lands or support after-school programs for girls?

-What if we culled our holiday card list to include fewer recipients — or, even better, used online cards — and gave this repurposed money to support the arts in schools, fund clean waterways, or promote First Amendment or voting rights?

A pledge to spend less and give more can bring families, friends and co-workers together with a shared purpose. It can help children focus on giving as well as getting, spread the true spirit of the season and make our communities better places for everyone. Plus, there is an excellent chance that – by season’s end – you will feel considerably less stuffed and uncomfortable.

A Haitian saying sums it up: “If you get a piece of cake and eat the whole thing, you will feel empty. If you get a piece of cake and share half of it, you will feel both full and fulfilled.” ©2019 Bruce DeBoskey Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Suffering from seasonal gluttony syndrome? Here’s a cure The winter holidays are right around the corner. Soon, many Americans will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks for abundant blessings and freedoms Philanthropy as they indulge in a surfeit of delicious traditional foods. Leftovers will last for days.

In December, people of different faiths and traditions will celebrate religious or cultural holidays – enjoying more festive and plentiful food and the added indulgence of gift-giving. This season can leave many of us feeling stuffed and uncomfortable – in more ways than one.

As you plan for this “season of excess,” consider a few eye-opening facts: -Over Halloween, Americans spent $490 million on costumes for pets, $3.2

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Brown bananas and squishy avocados no more? Food tech could keep your produce from going bad

by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz

Imagine bananas that never go bad. To Aidan Mouat, CEO of Chicago-based Hazel Technologies, it’s not so far-fetched.

His company makes a product that extends the shelf life of all sorts of produce — avocados, cherries, pears, Trends broccoli — by slowing the chemical process that causes decay. Some of the world’s largest growers are using it to send their produce longer distances or reduce how much retailers throw away, and Mouat says a consumer version could be next.

“I envision, in the next 18 months or so, literally selling a banana box to consumers,” Mouat said from Hazel’s growing office space at University Technology Park, a startup innovation hub on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus. “You keep it on your counter, put a (Hazel) sachet in there once a month, and you have bananas that last forever.”

Hazel Technologies is part of a new wave of innovation seeking to slow spoilage of produce and other perishables, which experts say is a key weapon in the battle against massive food waste in the U.S. As much as 40% of food produced annually in the U.S., and nearly half of produce, goes uneaten, according to government estimates. While the waste happens throughout the supply chain, the vast majority of the $218 billion worth of uneaten food annually gets tossed at home or at grocery stores and restaurants, according to ReFED, a Berkeley, Calif.-based nonprofit that seeks solutions to reduce food waste.

Stop underselling yourself Continued from page 12. keep its costs under $100 — charging more than a big-box store hoping to emphasize the higher quality and less than luxury satin pajamas, Murphy said.

Softies also figures it will need to live without another year on the Oprah list in 2020. It would be unprecedented to make the list four years in a row.

That means building new avenues to sell the products. “It will be back to boots on the ground,” ramping up participation in the trade show circuit and courting more wholesale customers, Murphy said. The company will be hiring to help with that. It also means building off its current customer lists to increase repeat sales through its direct-to-consumer channels.

One plus that will carry into next year is that Softies is now a platinum brand for Amazon, which means more exposure by the online giant.

It also means trying to grow Softies’ medical business. In the year before the first O nod, a friend recommended Softies to Nicollet Health’s mammography unit when it needed new robes. Murphy worked with the system to create what the unit needed. The commercial laundry Nicollet uses recommended Softies to a few other local systems.

Since then, “we haven’t had a minute to pursue,” he said, but thinks it’s a business line that could see steep growth.

If there’s anything Murphy and his parents have learned through the business venture: “The harder we work, the luckier we get.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The average American family throws away 25% of groceries purchased, costing a family of four an estimated $1,600 annually, ReFED said. U.S. supermarkets lose $15 billion annually in unsold fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, uneaten food is the No. 1 component of landfills and squanders the water and energy used to grow and transport it.

Routing unused food to charities can help keep it out of the garbage, but solutions to prevent waste at the source, such as by extending its shelf life, “have some of the greatest economic value per ton and net environmental benefit,” said Alexandra Coari, director of capital and innovation at ReFED. Spoilage prevention packaging has the potential to divert 72,000 tons of waste and 330,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, plus save 44 billion gallons of water a year, she said.

Technology that extends shelf life has been around for a long time, but there has recently been a “huge uptick” in innovations that expand the options, helping to drive the $185 million in venture capital invested in combating food waste last year, Coari said.

Hazel, founded in 2015 by a group of Northwestern University graduate students, has raised $18 million so far, including nearly $1 million in grants from the USDA. It has 100 clients in 12 countries in North and South America.

The company makes small sachets, the size of a salt or pepper packet included with a takeout order, that can be thrown into a box of produce to shut down the food’s response to ethylene, a chemical naturally emitted by many fruits and vegetables that triggers the loss of firmness, texture and color. The sachets continuously emit a small amount of an ethylene inhibitor, changing the atmosphere in the storage box but not the food itself.

While ethylene management technology isn’t new, Hazel’s sachets are gaining fans because they are easy to use, whether in okra fields in Honduras or avocado packing houses in the U.S., Mouat said. The company also is working on anti-microbial reactions and will soon bring to market anti-microbial liners for packages of berries, to ward off the white fuzz.

“We can extend the shelf life of practically any perishable by targeting the specific mechanism that causes it to go bad and integrating it with the packaging that already exists today,” said Mouat, who graduated from Northwestern with a doctorate in chemistry in 2016.

How much Hazel can extend the shelf life depends on the type of food. For example, tests show an unripened pear gets an extra seven to 10 days after being treated with a Hazel sachet, plus an extra three to four days once ripe, Mouat said. Testing on packaged chicken, beef, fish and pork suggests the sellby date could be pushed back by four to six days, he said.

Mission Produce, the largest grower, packer and shipper of Hass avocados in the world, found that ripe avocados, which normally would have to be sold in two to five days once in stores, lasted seven to 10 days when treated with Hazel’s product, said Patrick Cortes, senior director of business development at California-based Mission. Once they’d achieved maximum ripeness, some treated avocados kept at room temperature were still good when they were sliced two weeks later, he said.

Mission, which has developed a branded product with Hazel called AvoLast, has com-

pleted one retail trial and is about to launch two more, as well as a food service trial, Cortes said. So far he prefers it to other shelf life extension treatments the company has tested because it is easy to use.

Mission is investing in the technology to help retain the freshness of avocados that travel long cross-ocean journeys and help U.S. retailers save money by throwing fewer avocados away, Cortes said. On average U.S. retailers waste 5% of avocados, which also has an environmental impact, he said.

“We took a retailer we sell to and said, if we can reduce their shrink (wasted produce) by 2% it would be the equivalent of powering 26 homes for a year,” Cortes said. “It just makes perfect sense to do the right thing.”

It also makes business sense, and investors are starting to take notice, said Coari at ReFED. California-based Apeel Sciences, which has created an all-natural coating that gives produce a spoilage-resistant skin, last year landed a $70 million funding round that included Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm that has backed some of the biggest tech companies.

Apeel installed its coating equipment along Kroger’s avocado supply chain and this year rolled out longer-lasting avocados at hundreds of Kroger stores. It is also starting retail tests on asparagus, which are the produce industry’s biggest carbon emitters because their shelf life is so short they have to travel by air.

Other movers in the industry include Massachusetts-based Cambridge Crops, which makes an edible protective coating from natural silk proteins and recently got $4 million in seed funding from MIT’s venture fund; and U.K.-based It’s Fresh, a maker of ethylene filters that last year sold a 15% stake in the company to AgroFresh, a longtime maker of freshness products, for $10 million.

Yet adoption by the industry has a long way to go. Suppliers pay for the technology but the benefit is felt downstream at retail, complicating the business model, Coari said.

It is unclear if shoppers will be willing to pay more for longer-lasting produce or will respond to branding of products long considered commodities, she said. It’s also unclear how much more it might cost them.

Prices vary so much because of weather or other production issues that consumers may barely notice, Hazel’s Mouat said. Apeel, in its pilot with Kroger, found no price increase was necessary because sales increased and waste declined.

In addition, it can be complicated and expensive to introduce shelf life extension technologies into the supply chain if it involves installing equipment or training seasonal workers.

That’s where Hazel has a leg up. Growers and suppliers that have tried numerous alternatives say they have been attracted to the flexibility and user-friendliness of Hazel’s technology.

“It has to be simple to use or may not be worth doing,” said David Ortega, director of packing operations at Orchard View Cherries in Oregon.

Orchard View conducted a small trial with Hazel two years ago and this year has more than doubled its use, primarily for cherries embarking on ocean trips to Asia that can take up to 23 days.

It found cherries treated at the end of the packaging process were firmer than untreated cherries after 20 days, and had fewer inden-

tations and greener stems. Consumers often reject produce that doesn’t look perfect, even if it is still perfectly good, so aesthetics matter.

“It was definitely noticeable. The fruit looked fresher, more appetizing,” Ortega said.

“It allows us to feel more confident in where we can ship our product.”

That could mean exploring new markets, such as India and Africa, which is a 35-day transit.

At WP Produce in Miami, the largest grower and importer of tropical green skin avocados in the Western Hemisphere, Vice President Chris Gonzalez hopes using Hazel will allow it to increase market share in the U.S. Tropical avocados, currently less than 1% of the U.S. avocado market, have a shorter shelf life than the much more common Hass avocado, though they last longer once they are cut open because they don’t oxidize as fast, he said.

Treating tropical avocados with Hazel adds an additional four to five days of shelf life, and “that’s going to help us out shipping to Malaysia, to California, to the West Coast,” said Gonzalez, whose company grows avocados on 500 acres in the Dominican Republic.

As U.S. consumers get to know the larger, firmer alternative to Hass, he believes there will be fans, especially among millennials who like to try new things.

“There’s a lot of market share to be gained there,” Gonzalez said.

Mouat declined to disclose Hazel’s revenues, but said sales have grown threefold over the past year. The company, which is not yet profitable, started 2019 with 14 people and will more than double to 30 employees by the end of the year. Hazel also will have increased its office space by more than a third, to 14,000 square feet, by year’s end.

Four of the five original founders — who were graduate students in engineering, law and chemistry when they met at an interdisciplinary course at Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation — occupy Hazel’s C-suite.

The company has grand ambitions. India, for example, grows more mangos than anywhere in the world but exports only 10%, leaving many to go to waste, Mouat said. Using Hazel’s sachets to extend shelf life in countries that lack stable supply chain infrastructure could allow them to sell their fruit to new markets without investments in pricey equipment, he said.

Mouat also hopes to create a consumer-focused sachet that people can throw into the veggie crisper in the fridge, or the aforementioned banana box.

And then there’s the booze.

An irony of operating an anti-food waste tech company is that food is tested in a lab to ensure the technology works, creating waste of its own. Mouat has addressed that by taking discarded passion fruit and making a sour IPA, and discarded bananas and making a banana rum. He has a fridge full of dragonfruit and is considering making a dragonfruit beer.

The company sends bottles to investors and customers as gifts for the holidays, but they have proven so popular that Mouat is looking into working with distillers or brewers to transform Hazel’s food waste into alcohol.

“There is a surprising amount of appetite among our investors to add it as a legitimate arm of the Hazel business model,” he said. ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 13

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TRAINING & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

DECEMBER 20

TECHNOLOGY

WORKPLACE TRENDS DECEMBER 27

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CYBERSECURITY

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

Arbor Bank opened its newest location at 18924 Evans St. in Elkhorn. Arbor Bank’s new location in one of Omaha’s fastest-growing business, entertainment, and residential areas will showcase many advanced technology capabilities and features while continuing to provide customer service.

Access Systems has been recognized as a 2019 Sharp Platinum Level Service Provider and 2020 Ricoh RFG Circle of Excellence Certified Dealer. This is the fourth year in a row Access has been honored with these awards. As a Sharp and Ricoh copier and printer dealer, Access Systems strives to provide the best service possible. Both the Platinum Level Service Provider and the RFG Circle of Excellence are the highest copier service recognition from Sharp and Ricoh. These awards are given based on meeting and exceeding Sharp and Ricoh service guidelines.

LTi Technology Solutions announced that Key Equipment Finance, one of the largest bank-held finance companies and an affiliate of KeyCorp, is now live on the ASPIRE platform. With ASPIRE, KEF is able to reduce disparate systems and improve organizational transparency and data accuracy, while reducing operating costs. The platform also provides flexibility and a depth of functionality that helps KEF increase operational efficiencies and support its diverse portfolio.

BMG Certified Public Accountants, LLP of Lincoln announced a merger with Strain, Slattery, Barkley & Co, P.C. of Lincoln effective Jan. 1, 2020. BMG and SSB have a long history of working together and both firms can trace their roots back to the same firm that was started in Lincoln in 1924.

Following the merger, Rachel Ficek and Ed Bates will join Todd Blome, Sarah Boehle Pool, and Trudy Meyer as partners in BMG. Werner Enterprises was recognized as a returning winner of the 2020 FreightTech 100 Awards by FreightWaves. The FreightTech 100 Awards highlight innovative companies across the freight industry. Winners of the FreightTech 100 Award will be judged by an external panel of industry experts, who will rank the companies to showcase the top 25. This year’s FreightTech 100 includes 70 returning companies from last year’s awards and 30 newly selected companies. More than 1,200 nominations were submitted.

Slated for an early 2020 opening, PJ Morgan Real Estate broke ground on a new professional office building located just north of Veterans Drive in Elkhorn. The office building will be 12,650 square feet with ample parking for customers. Businesses will join P&P Insurance, a Farmers Insurance Group agency, owned by Eric and Jen Petersen. Property details include: Lease rate: $19.00 NNN; one floor; 1,500 to 10,6000 square feet available; and lease term of 5-10 years.

The Omaha Association of Health Underwriters (OAHU), an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and professionals, installed its 2019-2020 board. The 2019-2020 Board: Paul Scholz, president; Cara Kirsch, past president/professional development chair; Wendi Peterson-Stott, president elect; Ashely Adam, secretary/treasurer; Monica McDonald, awards chair; Molly Stickels, communications/media relations cochair; Sara Fleming, communications/media relations co-chair; Jessica Colo, legislative

chair; Mitch Friehe, membership co-chair; and Dan Swanson, membership co-chair.

A Place at Home opened its doors in North Texas. It is the 10th APAH location to open its doors nationwide. The physical office is located at 550 S. Watters Rd., Suite 116, Allen, Texas. The new location serves Allen, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and Richardson.

APAH has launched other franchise locations in Austin, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, California, Oregon, Arizona, Arkansas, and Papillion, Nebraska. The corporate headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska. It offers four service lines: in-home care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing.

Omaha Public Power District was honored at the American Public Power Association’s Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards. The utility received an Award of Excellence in the Print/ Digital category of the Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards. OPPD was awarded for its efforts chronicling this past spring, which provided a greater view into the jobs of OPPD employees as they worked with communities affected by flooding, restoring power, preparing for spring storm season, and going about everyday behind-the scenes assignments to keep the power on. This work was shared over a six-week period with the public in near real-time photos through various media.

Josh Larsen of NorthMarq’s Omaha regional office negotiated the $4.025 million refinance of New Keystone Apartments in Omaha. Financing details: 10-year term; 30-year amortization schedule; NothMarq arranged the permanent-fixed loan for the borrower through its relationship with Freddie Mac. Property details: located at 7311 Wirt St., containing 72 units. Amenities include: pet friendly policies, parking, trash pick-up, units with decks/patios, ability to add washer and dryers to all units, free laundry on-site.

Westin Foods purchased Mr. Dell Foods, Inc., of Kearney, Missouri. Mr. Dell Foods is a manufacturer of frozen hash browns sold to grocers, food manufacturers and foodservice companies.

Amur Equipment Finance, a nationally ranked top five independent equipment finance company, opened a new office in Omaha. The new office, located at Westroads Office Park, not only provides a quality permanent location for AmurEF’s current staff in the area but is also well suited to accommodate future professional expansion in the area across many functions, consistently with AmurEF’s continuing national expansion strategy. AmurEF’s key management, credit processing, underwriting, servicing, and finance functions are located at its headquarters in Grand Island. The address of the new office is 1111 North 102nd Court, Suite 222.

Health care notes…

The American Medical Association honored Dale Mahlman, former executive vice president of the Nebraska Medical Association with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. As EVP, Mahlman created a set of guiding principles related to public health advocacy and partnered with the state of Nebraska to tackle the opioid epidemic. Mahlman developed and implemented the NMA Health Plan, which provides member physicians, staff and their Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

21

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. families with affordable health care options.

He also created and shepherded the work of the NMA Task Force on Health Care for All, which established principles related to advocacy for the public health of citizens.

Residents of north Omaha have voiced the need to address mental health in the community. In response, four local health care systems will work with Heartland Family Service, Douglas County Health Department, and several other local organizations in a first-of-its-kind partnership as part of the BUILD Health Challenge, a national program focusing on bold, upstream, integrated, local, and data-driven projects that can improve community health. As Nebraska’s first BUILD Awardee, HFS and its project partners will address social determinants of health contributing to mental health disparities in northeast Omaha’s 68111 zip code.

Two patients at Nebraska Cancer Specialists are receiving a phase I cancer trial, and are the first two patients in the world to receive this treatment. Only three other sites in the country are recruiting patients for this trial located in Michigan, Ohio and Texas.

Nebraska Cancer Specialists was the first of the four U.S. sites to enroll not just one, but two patients for this trial that just opened in August 2019. The trial is targeted towards patients who have advanced stage cancer in an area of the body in which the cancerous tumor can be injected with the drug by means of ultrasound guidance.

Education notes…

Doane University has formed a Division of Health Sciences in the School of Integrative Learning, providing the university with a new infrastructure to create, revise, and retool Doane’s academic programs in health sciences. The majors currently offered are Health and Human Performance, Nursing, Health Sciences - Pre-Health Professions, and Health Sciences - Leadership. Emphasis areas within the Health Sciences - Pre-Health Professions program catering to students’ various interests. The emphasis areas include: Pre-Dental, Pre-Med, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Physician Assistant.

The James R. O’Dell Endowed Professorship has been established in honor of Dr. O’Dell, one of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s most recognized faculty members and administrators. The professorship will be awarded to internal medicine residency program directors for MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Monday, Dec. 9 The Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Professional Development Luncheon at Bellevue University from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. December features Maria Valentin and Michelle Andahi presenting facts and information regarding the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census. Registration is online.

Monday, Dec. 16 Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Open Sky Policy Institute, Nebraska Appleseed, and Voices for Children Nebraska will give insights into what is coming up in the next Legislative Session from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Living Room at Mastercraft.

Registration is online.

continued development of the program. The professorship was established through a gift of $500,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation. O’Dell is the Stokes Shackleford Professor, vice chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, and chief of the UNMC Division of Rheumatology. Over the past 35 years, he has overseen the training of more than 600 internists and 1,000 residents.

Construction activities have begun to build the geothermal system that will heat and cool the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business Administration addition. This system will benefit UNO and its College of Business Administration by lowering operating costs. Drilling and geopier foundations both started on Oct. 31 for a 42,000-square-foot addition of Mammel Hall. Omaha Public Power District and The Weitz Company are coordinating work to deliver the geothermal system. Project occupancy is scheduled for January 2021.

Certified LEED Gold when originally built in 2010, Mammel Hall will become the third University of Nebraska at Omaha facility to have geothermal.

Michelle Trawick, Ph.D., has been nominated as the next dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She will assume her new role on Feb. 1, 2020. Trawick comes from Western Kentucky University, where she currently serves as the associate provost for faculty and academic excellence. Her leadership at WKU led to the extensions of accreditations in accounting and business; new academic initiatives that provided students with new and expanded academic and internship opportunities; and further philanthropic support of scholarships.

The master’s in epidemiology program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health has been ranked 16th out of 25 programs nationally by MPH Online. Epidemiologists study diseases, injuries, natural disasters, contaminations and other things that impact the health of various populations. Those populations can include neighborhoods, states, countries and even the global population. Current epidemiological studies prepare students for that research in the field.

Activities of nonprofits…

Jet Linx and The Tutu Project, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients, celebrated five years of partnership with a record-breaking fundraising effort, raising over $86,000.

This year, Jet Linx introduced the Traveling Tutu to raise funds for breast cancer patients and families. The company sent more than 2,200 Traveling Tutus direct to its members and owners to encourage participation in the #Dare2Tutu campaign. Jet Linx donated $20 for each photo submitted by clients using the Traveling Tutu, as well as photos taken at any of its 18 Base locations nationwide featuring the pink tutu.

Omaha Home for Boys announced its new brand, OHB. OHB’s new identity encompasses the organization’s rich 100-year history while also taking OHB into its next century with a fresh, simplified look. The mission of OHB remains the same while the organization’s new, modern identity embodies all of OHB’s programs and services and reflects their commitment to evolve and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Learn more at OHB.org.

All 17 Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics will be collecting diapers for the holidays as part of the Makovicka Cares! program. All size diapers are needed but sizes 4, 5, and 6 are needed the most. Diapers may be dropped off at any of the Makovicka clinics between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The 11 Makovicka clinics located in Douglas, Sarpy and Cass counties are participating in the 17th annual Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive. The diapers will be collected on Dec. 13 and delivered to the Lydia House. The six Makovicka clinics located in Lancaster and Saunders counties are collecting diapers for Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders counties.

Arts & Events…

Holiday Under Glass, Joslyn Art Museum’s annual holiday luncheon concert series, returns this season every Wednesday and Friday through Dec. 20 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Optional tours of special exhibitions and the permanent collection follow the concerts at 1 p.m. Joslyn’s Café Durham will offer a limited lunch menu. Conagra Brands is a sponsor of Holiday Under Glass as part of its Shine the Light on Hunger campaign. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the Museum to donate to Food Bank for the Heartland to receive $1 off their same-day purchase of tickets to the special exhibition “Word and Image: The Saint John’s Bible.”

Concert schedule is online.

Restoration Exchange is hosting a holiday tour of the Historic Florentine Apartments from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8. The Florentine Apartment building was designed by Italian immigrant Vincent P. Chiodo and originally built in 1911. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and was part of a trio of buildings also built by Chiodo. The other two buildings, the Carpathia and the Leone, were demolished in the early 1990s. The tour will include several apartment interiors as well as a presentation by owner John Schmidt at 3:30 p.m. Hot cider and cookies will be provided. Tickets: $5, cash only.

Lincoln Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, LLC has moved. The new location is 2550 Superior St., Ste. 100. To celebrate the

move, there will be an open house on Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and guests will enjoy food, drinks, and the opportunity to meet the professionals.

Lincoln Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, LLC has provided physical therapy services since 1984 and currently has four Lincoln locations with multiple board-certified therapists. Specialties include sports, orthopedics and hand/upper extremity.

Join the Kaneko team for an evening of drinks and entertainment Dec. 13. December Kaneko After Hours will feature a holiday market of local creators with all items under $100 to fit any guest’s gift-giving budget.

It will feature winter wonderland themed cocktails from Monarch Prime & Bar. Spend the evening shopping and exploring our INFLUENCE exhibition and at the end of the night, head home with a personalized KANEKO gift. Registration is online.

Join tbd. dance collective for their first workshop within the MOVEMENT Series at Kaneko on Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

During this interactive workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to not only learn about but also to engage with tbd.’s process of creating movement influenced by objects.

The artists will demonstrate choreography created in response to various props and share how they were utilized within performance. Then, through a series of guided exercises and improvisation, attendees will interact with props + objects to create their own movement. Space is limited and registration is required.

Stacey Abrams, author, entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and political leader, will be the featured speaker at Girls Inc.’s 19th annual Lunch for the Girls. The luncheon will be held on Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CHI Health Center Omaha.

Abrams served 11 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, before becoming the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia.

She was the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States and won more votes than any other Democrat in the state’s history.

Reservations for Lunch for the Girls are now available.

Grainbridge LLC seeks Senior Software Developer in Omaha, NE. Analyze, design, & implement application software. Req’s Bach or frgn equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Eng’g, or rltd, & 5 yrs exp as Software Developer, Software Eng’r or rltd eng’g occup. Apply online: www.grainbridge.com/

22

• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

December 6, 2019

Gifting in 2019: Thoughtful, personalized items popular

by Michelle Leach

Personalized gifts that show appreciation to employees, peers, or workmates, as well as gifts designed or made locally, are among those sought-after items and experiences for holiday 2019.

“Gift trends favor wines that are unique and have a pedigree and story behind them,” said original Omaha Wine Company owner John Draney. “We specialize in wines from the Napa Valley and, since our pricing on the hard-to-find items Sadler is lower than online or direct, we now represent the largest selection of Napa Valley wines in the world.”

For tea drinkers, The Tea Smith’s Tim Smith said people are looking for items that are a bit unique and personal.

“Especially those that can be consumed, shared, or experienced,” the owner said. “We also see a trend in gifts that are healthy.”

Smith noted tea has been recognized for many years as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Quality teas are still a bit new to the American consumer, so it is a fresh and unique gift that reflect thought and care in the selection,” he said.

As it relates to promotional/company-branded products, Prism Signs owner Curt Heggemeyer indicated gifts have trended toward “high-end lasered gifts;” for instance, glass or stainless-steel water bottles and tumblers, tech products, leather accessories and embroidered items.

“Which we all do here, in-house,” he said.

Accordingly, Heggemeyer noted the company works with many large vendors and nationwide businesses to offer products and quantities

Omaha Wine Company's owner Michelle Hyder and original owner John Draney. that work for each company’s specific needs. with an LED light,” she said. “Another popular “We help drive these trends by showcasing unusual gift is the Mova Globe, which rotates available products and attending many different constantly.” conferences during the year to keep up with Generally, gifts that move are big; for intrends and the types of products available,” he stance, Clifford noted the lantern that appears said. to enclose a burning fireplace, or the animated The “outstanding trend” to Marie Clifford, skating rink or ski slope. president of The Afternoon, was apparent: Ne“Every holiday season we sell tons of mugs braska-themed items. and the most popular one is the ‘Hand Warmer,’ “We have devoted a whole section to them, which has a shaped handle that encloses your including books, mugs, glasses, coasters and fingers next to the cup,” she said. dishtowels,” she said. “Our most popular item is Over the past few years, Westroads Mall a Nebraska cutting board, which has the names of Senior General Manager Jim Sadler has seen cities and points of interest burned in the wood.” demand for making gifts “more personable.”

Over the past several years, candles have “Start to pay attention to your boss or embeen increasingly popular. ployee or uncle’s hobbies, what are they into?

“People come to us looking for something That makes a big difference for people,” he said. different or unusual, and so they like the water For instance, instead of just getting a generic wick candle, which has bubbling water along sweatshirt, get an associate a “Notre Dame”

sweatshirt (if that’s their favorite team).

“People are spending a lot more time and are shopping smarter — it’s not just spending money,” he said.

The mall has evolved to demand for local artisans’ and crafters’ wares with weekend, holiday makers events.

“It doesn’t have to necessarily be Nebraska-made or Nebraska with a big red ‘N’ on it,” Sadler said. “But it’s about seeing those local artisans at work, and their selling unique and one-of-a-kind [items].”

And, if buying for the person who truly has everything, consider making a gift in his or her name to a great cause; for instance, Sadler referred to Westroads’ partnership with the Annual Ruth Sokoloff Christmas Party, which pairs 100 to 150 visually-impaired children with high school volunteers who serve as shopping buddies, helping them pick out holiday gifts.

Or, Sadler noted, there is The Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family Radiothon, whereby company teams and offices may “adopt” a family or families to assure they have gifts under the tree and food on the table for their holiday celebrations.

“We see a trend in that, and people giving back — and Omaha is famous for that,” he said.

To “food for thought,” Draney suggests one begin the gift-giving process by setting budgets based upon each recipient.

“Great wines come in all price ranges,” he said.

Smith suggested “small amounts” and “discovery sets,” which he said work well since they offer a great variety that allows one to find something they truly enjoy.

“Gift baskets and samples can be built for any budget and in any quantity,” he said.

Start early, Heggemeyer emphasized, and make sure that if one is going with the “branded trend,” to allow enough time for the product to be customized and delivered when you want it to be.

“Know what you want or know your budget and we can help with some ideas,” he said.

Midlands Business Journal • DECEMBER 6, 2019 •

23

In the Spotlight Paid Content

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

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Brandon Warrington

Jay Linton

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Attorney

Adam Craig

Attorney

Husch Blackwell

Director of Marketing and eCommerce

Facilities Manager

Crosby Guenzel

Warrington is member of the firm’s Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Securities & Corporate Governance and Startups teams. He assists clients ranging from emerging-growth companies and startups to established national and international corporations with a variety of due diligence provisions and commercial contracts. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. summa cum laude from Creighton University.

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Jennifer Atwood Commercial Litigator Husch Blackwell

Atwood, a commercial litigator, assists clients and legal teams with pretrial matters of due diligence and discovery. She obtained her J.D. with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law and her B.A. from University of Miami, and served a clerkship under The Hon. Cheryl R. Zwart, U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska.

Crosby Guenzel LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Jay Linton as an Attorney of the Firm. Linton joined the Firm as a law clerk in 2018 and received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Linton’s practice will focus on commercial law, civil litigation, entity formation and governance, cooperative law, creditor’s rights, and wills and probate. Linton is a native of Dalton, Nebraska and resides in Lincoln with his wife, Nicole. Crosby Guenzel LLP is celebrating over 70 years of providing legal services to its clients.

The Firm offers a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals with an emphasis on agricultural, cooperative, corporate formation and governance, nonprofit, employment law, commercial litigation, and probate and estate planning matters. To learn more, visit www.crosbylawfirm.com

Borsheims

Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts promoted Andy Brabec to Director of Marketing & eCommerce, where he will oversee the newly combined departments. Brabec has been with Borsheims three years as its Director of eCommerce, helping Borsheims to double its online revenue in that time. With his 12 years of experience in marketing management, Brabec was a natural fit for the new role of Director of Marketing & eCommerce. The change in structure at Borsheims will allow the Marketing and eCommerce departments to work together on the store’s strategy of ensuring all customers have the same signature Borsheims experience whether they shop online or instore. Prior to joining Borsheims, Brabec held a number of marketing and communication positions throughout the Omaha area. He is a graduate of Doane University and lives in Omaha with his wife and son.

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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 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 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 comremodel market Palandri has seen areas,” is also strong and nials and a lifestyle trying to attract millenthe uptick in growth J. this will He also referenced he said. 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.

opportunities

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

r 40 de Un

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)

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 for Contemporary Art’s The Union community impact.

– Page 3

n in me ess Wo sin Bu

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

– Page 4

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 this real estate market as “very tight.” loans is very strong,” 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 to are up year over year and using third-partyAmazon are growing and commercial Moline providers. more construction 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 an increase in new 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 50 length, rental rates and operating working capital Edney referred to said. and money that can expenses continue cap rates and for new projects and “This will break way be used for acquisitions to steadily rise.

ROI as lower on industrial parks in or additional investment the coasts, making one’s area.” that Omaha 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 Haymarke t space, establishe s Los Angeles presence

by Michelle Leach

in Omaha

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 r 40energetic startup spirit chain … and at one deresulted 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 the Cusick latest technology … Equipment upon 30-plus years 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 its Em nef “With the investment Be we’ve made, we want to Harness technology be viable in the to overcome

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

President Nancy and ownership on5page 12.

Founder/Manag transitions, and Pridal … Leveraging Falling under custom indusing Creative Director a business unit tech investments Communication redesign. trial job shop manufacturer Clint! Runge for variety of projects. s Amy with focus on youth Filipi … Brand communications with Head of IM“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/Treasur Patane and his family Founder Joe er Nicole “ran out of Continued on page 18.

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

Awarded

Real Estate Attorney

Shop Assistant Manager

Husch Blackwell

Borsheims

Tim Curran has been awarded the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation. An Omaha native, Tim has been working in the financial industry for 29 years.

Tim has a BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and for the past 12 years he has served his clients as a Financial Advisor. Tim works directly with the Randels’ Team at the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.

today at MBJ.com

Smart-enabled apartmen t community delivers plug and play app to renters

by Becky McCarville

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Northwestern Mutual

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Marti Stephens

Wealth Management Advisor

Adam Craig joins Borsheims Fine Jewerly & Gifts as Facilities Manager, overseeing the functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of the Borsheims building. Craig comes to Borsheims from The Boeing Company in St. Louis. He is a graduate of Lewis and Clark Community College and volunteers his time at a food bank and walk to end prostate cancer. He recently moved to Omaha with his fiancée and their two dogs.

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

David Lopez

Tim Curran

Borsheims

Lopez, a member of the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Construction group, comes to the firm after serving as Nebraska’s assistant attorney general and deputy solicitor general.

He maintains a robust appellate practice, counseling clients through all stages of appeals including briefing and oral argument. In addition to the firm’s Appellate practice, he is also a member of the Environmental, Government Compliance, Investigations & Litigation, Government Solutions, Litigation and Public Law practices.

He earned his J.D. from University of Nebraska College of Law and his B.A. from University of Nebraska Omaha.

Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts promoted Marti Stephens to the Shop Assistant Manager at Borsheims, where she will help to oversee the jewelry shop, including appraisals, custom work, and repairs. She has held several different positions within the shop at Borsheims, most recently as Shop Support Supervisor. Stephens has her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and a degree in Jewelry Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She lives in Omaha with her husband and two children.

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

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.

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• DECEMBER 6, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal