Midlands Business Journal June 14, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 24 issue by Midlands Business Journal

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Architecture June 14, 2019

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Partnerships, ‘well’ workplace design flourish amid favorable borrowing environment by Michelle Leach

The recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture 2019 explored the theme of a “blueprint for a better future,” design that takes on critical challenges to healthy, inclusive communities with the likes of artificial intelligence, 3D concrete printing, WELL design and zero net energy affordable housing — approaches that speak to some of the ways the robust architectural landscape is evolving. Sara A. Kay was among AIA Nebraska leadership in attendance. She noted loKay cal architecture firms remain busy with a variety of public and private partnerships, and initiatives that promote new industry and talent. Kay, executive director of AIA Nebraska, which is celebrating 100 years (and honoring a grandfather of Nebraska architecture and Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas Kimball) from its home base in Lincoln, underscored several types of member projects. Activity surrounds everything from Haymarket and downtown housing, and Lincoln Public Schools’ two new high schools, to Antelope Valley development

Nicole Malone, Associate AIA and LEED Accredited Professional at AO. and the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging needing to hire more architects,” she said. “It Media Arts project — formerly the Nebraska is a good time to be an architect. Enrollment Bookstore. at the University of Nebraska College of “Due to an abundance of work, architec- Architecture continues to grow.” ture firms in Lincoln and across Nebraska are Robert Franco, vice president-business

DLR Group

Architecture Engineering Planning Interiors

Elevate the Human Experience through Design offices worldwide dlrgroup.com

Reaanddit

development and marketing and executive director with Omaha-based firm Prochaska and Associates, said local city and county government and school districts are spending on civic projects. “Oftentimes, this sector has lagged behind, but attempts to catch up in surges,” he said. “Our firm is significantly involved with county government and school district projects at this time.” As the architecture business market closely follows the economic cycle, with the construction and architectural markets flourishing when businesses and government feel the cost of borrowing is lower, Franco said architects are in demand. “At present, interest rates remain relatively low, and business [and] government remains cautiously optimistic,” he said. “Wages in the Midwest are beginning to climb.” Midwest corporations have built up larger-than-normal increases in revenues, Franco emphasized, so lenders are eager to loan capital. “Bond rates are still reasonable, so government projects funded by bond sales are still being planned,” he said. “Our practice has done fairly well due to project type diversification, but has definitely benefitted from the pent-up government demand. Many existing county facilities are older and significantly outdated, so our firm’s experience with this type of work helps us market work more successfully.” Associate AIA and LEED Accredited Professional Nicole Malone, of planning, architecture and interiors firm AO, emphasized as one updates his or her office building, employees must be involved in the process to have an understanding of how they work. Private areas such as telephone booths and small conference or work rooms are all the rage, as she indicated they address a potential source of planning-related pitfalls. “Everyone works differently and having multiple different areas to work within is important for a happy workforce,” Malone said. “Phone booths and conference pods are becoming popular ways to give office users quiet areas to make phone calls and have a group conference call.” She said they also add interest to open floor plans; for instance, Malone referenced manufacturer Framery’s booths and pods of different sizes, colors and features, some of which are furnished with workspaces that can be transformed into sofa sets (NapQ). Malone also reinforced the importance Continued on next page.

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Architecture — inside JUNE 14, 2019

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

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VOL. 45 NO. 24

MetLife ramps up at new Omaha global customer care center by Richard D. Brown

Elkhorn-based Husker Hammer Siding, Windows & Roofing grows with evolving industry. – Page 2

40 er d Un 40 Korth created winning formula with Zen Coffee Co. – Page 3

ss ine us ges B a a ah al P Omourn J

The Local Locale gains traction with ethical screen-printing for businesses. – Page 26

MetLife, a provider of insurance, annuities and employee-benefit programs to more than 90 million customers globally, is ramping up its operations since opening its Omaha customer care center nine months ago. About 175 employees have been or are in the process of being trained and Omaha Site Lead Jill Davis expects that number to reach 250 by the end of summer. “Over 85% of our hires are coming to us with experience in the call center business or from the hotel or retail service industry,” Davis said. The phone associates take inbound customer calls mostly from MetLife customers or members of their families. MetLife, founded in 1868, is leasing 40,000 square feet on the fourth and fifth floors of the Gavilon Building at 1331 Capitol Ave. Brian Stout, of Dayton, Ohio, who is vice president of MetLife global customer care, said his visits to the downtown Omaha facility Continued on page 9.

Omaha Site Lead Jill Davis … Expanding footprint with growing Omaha-based customer care center. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Demand from diverse industries drives need for trained workers at Omaha Steel by Michelle Leach

The return of work that was formerly off-shore, alongside the diversity of Omaha Steel’s clients and capabilities, has boosted the company’s hiring. CEO Kevin Brown said Omaha Steel’s 165-member team had the capacity to employ at least 25 to 30 more people at its current space — without additional growth. “There are plenty of additional

opportunities for us, we’re having a great year this year,” Brown said. “Our largest struggle is bringing on and finding staff that can keep up with our growth.” The steel casting operation’s roots trace back to 1906. Over the decades, Omaha Steel Works evolved and, as of five years ago, relocated to a $20 million campus in Wahoo, Nebraska. In early Continued on page 9. Founder Rory Sherman and Vice President Julie Sherman … After 40 years in the water treatment industry, a passion for providing solutions to water issues propels Clean Water Guys into the future.

Clean Water Guys leveraging 40-year industry knowledge to propel growth by Becky McCarville

Vice President of Operations Barry Craig, left, and CEO Kevin Brown … Formerly offshored work returns stateside, as steel casting operation leverages capabilities in the likes of pressure-bearing valves, shipping reliability.

Forty years after United Distributors, Inc. was founded, the company has rebranded as Clean Water Guys, a name it’s always used for its website. The corporate name remains United Distributors, Inc., but a new logo, updated website and social media presence has “really driven our business to a different level,” said founder Rory Sherman.

For at least the last five years, the company has experienced double digit growth, not just in water treatment but also in its distribution, wholesale and consulting work. As a large Master 3M Water Distributor as well as an OptiPure and Pentair distributor, the company assists and consults for various types of water treatment applicaContinued on page 10.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Elkhorn-based Husker Hammer Siding, Windows & Roofing grows with evolving industry by Gabby Christensen

Over the course of a 21 year span, locally owned and operated exterior home remodeling company, Husker Hammer Siding, Windows & Roofing, has transitioned from a one man show to a 10 member team by continuously evolving its services and offering a unique perspective

Husker Hammer Siding, Windows & Roofing Phone: 402-894-9525 Address: 1406 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn 68022 Founded: 1998 Service: exterior home remodeling Employees: 10 Goal: to further promote brand recognition and expand team Website: https://huskerhammer.com

to clients. Since coming on board five years ago, President Matt Cradick said he’s utilized his background in retail to place emphasis on customer service and client ownership, which has significantly helped to grow its clientele. Cradick noted that the business, which specializes in roofing, siding, windows and gutters for both commercial and residential projects, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List. The company, which serves within a 60mile radius of Omaha, has also received a Better

President Matt Cradick … Aiming to boost brand recognition for longtime home exterior remodeling business. Business Bureau Integrity Award twice, as well and commercial clients. We’re steady, reliable as Best of Omaha awards multiple times. and we continue to be there for both current and “We’re extremely proud of these achieve- previous clients so that they’ll spread the word ments and we work diligently to continually to potential clients.” challenge our business model,” he said. “We The business, which first opened in old strive to deliver consistent dedication and crafts- downtown Elkhorn, is currently housed at 1406 manship standards to all of our homeowners Veterans Drive, where employees work from

Business Minute

Correction

Alec Hogan

Sales executive, The Harry A. Koch Co. Associations/Titles: Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS), Life and Health. Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska. Education: Creighton Preparatory High School; Loyola University-Chicago.Systems from Bellevue University.

How I got into the business: I had a high school friend in the industry. The stories they shared piqued my interest, and I was familiar with commercial insurance from prior jobs. It became the industry I felt I could build a career with. Accomplishments or milestones: Various academic achievements in high school and college. Additionally, several sales achievements, including being recognized as a top sales performer with a President’s Club award. First job: Lanoha Nursery. Biggest career break: Departing from a job after 11-plus years and challenging myself to find other skill sets and interests. The toughest part of the job: Accept-

ing rejection and hearing “no” as an answer. Over time I have learned that this is not a “no” for eternity, but an opportunity for the future. The best advice I have received: The best advice I have ever received is to never give up and to stick with something to see if you are going to like it or not. This advice was given to me by an old friend and manager, and it just so happened that I spent 11 years at a company after wanting to leave after my first month. About my family: Married to Talia (Carmicheal) for 12 years, and we have four beautiful children, Jude, 9; Jonah, 7; Benny, 6; and Téa, 3. Something else I’d like to accomplish: When my kids are older and I am nearing retirement age, I would like to do more volunteer work with kids that have lost a parent. Book I finished reading recently: “Extreme Ownership.” Something about me not everyone knows: I have an Adidas tattoo. How my business will change in the next decade: Technology will aim to make companies safer in the commercial insurance

a 12,000-square-foot facility and interactive showroom. According to Cradick, one of the company’s main objectives is to partner with exceptional vendors and suppliers. “Due to our reputation, we are one of 2% of all contractors who can offer specific kinds of warranties,” he said. Additionally, Cradick said Mother Nature remains one of the biggest hurdles for the business, and this year’s conditions have been especially impactful due to the historic flooding, ice jams and spring rains. Yet another challenge the company has continually faced is the competitive nature of the industry. However, he said competition can also be viewed as a compliment. Easily though, Cradick said working with fantastic customers and employees outweighs any obstacles. “We are very fortunate to have our customers and we work hard to ensure that we educate all homeowners and clients so that they are able to make the best decisions for their properties,” Cradick said. “We also listen to exactly what they want so we can deliver on that promise.” Looking to the future, he said the company is focusing on further building brand recognition. “We are continuing to grow a strong name and a strong team,” Cradick said. “Our goal is to let the public know about us so if they ever need a hand, they know who to call.”

industry and help them be more aware and involved with their employees while operating company automobiles. Automobile accidents continue to be the big bad wolf in the industry due to distracted driving, and companies are looking for new and inventive ways to make driving safer. Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Clyde Wilberger, senior vice president, The Harry A. Koch Co. Outside interests: Sand volleyball, coaching kids in various sports, anything sports related. Pet peeves: Ask any of my four children and it is having to clean up spilled milk before 7 a.m. on a workday. Yes, this tends to happen quite frequently at the Hogan household. Favorite vacation spot: Cayman Islands. Other careers I would like to try: Working for a nonprofit. Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.” Favorite cause or charity: Lane Thomas Foundation. Favorite app: Facebook.

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

The Ignite Women in Insurance Symposium was sponsored by: Aetna, Allstate, Ameritas, Assurity, BKD, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska, Delta Dental, Gallagher, The Harry A. Koch Co, Kirsch Transportation Services, Mutual of Omaha, OCI, Pro Insurance Resources, Strada and UnitedHealthcare. An article in the May 24 issue inadvertently left out UnitedHealthcare.

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Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Korth created winning formula with Zen Coffee Co. Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of profiles featuring Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winners — entrepreneurs, business owners, managers and professionals under 40 years of age.

by Dwain Hebda

Abby Korth started her career in the coffee business working part-time for a chain. She was good enough at it to advance to regional manager, supervising 14 locations, but she wanted to run a business on her own terms. She started Zen Coffee Co., located near 25th and Farnam streets in 2017. “I wanted to do my own thing, a lot of that being specialty coffee and being able to source and focus on sustainability and green business,” she said. Until that time, Korth had a hunch she would be an entrepreneur — her grandfather and father were entrepreneurs in their own right and business ownership was a way of life. But she didn’t necessarily think it would be in the coffee business. When she did decide to strike out on her own, she favored the high risk of a standalone company over the relative security of a franchise, again, for the freedom to chase her vision. “When I went into it, I knew I was very confident in what I was doing,” she said. “I knew that not using a franchise could make or break my business depending on whether I did it right. We have a lot of really great connections and we’re also located downtown in between Creighton University and

Owner Abby Korth … Taking a mindful approach to growing coffee shop. businesses nearby.” er than cowering in fear of the unknown. Korth also had the benefit of honing She sought out and partnered with Dapper her people skills through her career as a and Wise Roasters in Portland, a move regional manager, both on the customer that not only landed her premium coffee, side and the employee side. but also helped her distinguish her product “I knew how to train people; I knew from everyone else. how I wanted my staff to treat my customers and I knew what was behind that,” she said. “I felt very confident with the fact Proud Sponsors of the 2018 that we were going into it knowing what we were doing and not just going into it totally blind.” Korth embraced the details of building her business as a journey of discovery rath-

“This coffee has never been in Omaha,” she said. “I owe a lot of the company’s success to the fact that we have really good coffee that stands up to the chains. I got linked up with some amazing farmers and so we’re able to offer a lot of what [the chains] offer, but also give the customer delicious coffee from a really good source. That was a huge benefit for me.” The combination is obviously working. Zen Coffee Co. employs seven and recently expanded its square footage to include the Zen Room, nearly doubling the seating to 90. True to form, Korth has a unique vision for the added footprint. “Most of the time it’s going to be extra seating, but also we’re doing yoga. I’ve teamed up with some cool yoga instructors who are going to be offering that every day,” she said. “We’re also able to do event space. “We’re also looking at some additional locations, but I don’t know when or where or how that’s going to happen yet. It’s on the horizon. I obviously want to hold onto what I have and not get lost in the money aspect of it. I want to stick to my values.” Korth earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University in 2015 and she also holds an MBA, also earned from Bellevue University, in 2018. The Omaha native is the mother of three children and stepmother to a fourth.

40 Under 40:

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Architecture June 14, 2019

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Partnerships, ‘well’ workplace design flourish amid favorable borrowing environment by Michelle Leach

DLR Group

Architecture Engineering Planning Interiors

Elevate the Human Experience through Design offices worldwide dlrgroup.com

Architecture •

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

WE DESIGN S O LU T I O N S

Kevin Strehle, principal at BCDM Architects.

Virtual reality, technology tools lend opportunities for architecture industry by Gabby Christensen

As new technology enters the architecture scene, area experts say it’s critical that firms take advantage of these new tools in order to remain relevant in the industry. Dave Lakin, CEO and director of sales and marketing at VirtuActive, said the most impactful evolution he’s seen recently in the architectural/drafting world is in the visual space. “3D technology has really changed the game,” he said. “We find that clients are able to communicate their wants and needs much more clearly and that the experience in designing their home becomes much more enjoyable. Lakin We’ve also introduced a new visual product that has allowed Realtors to take an outdated existing home that may be tougher to sell or to get prospective buyers through, and visually update that space to show an idea of what it could look like if a buyer bought the home and put some TLC into it. We think this is going to really change the real estate game.” On a residential customer level, Lakin said the technology is saving customers 20% to 50% in change orders/overages during the build process. On the builder level, Lakin said he’s

Borrowing environment Continued from preceding page. of planning for acoustics. She referred to materials on floors, walls, ceilings, furniture and light fixtures as influencing how sound is absorbed. Generally, Malone indicated the AO team has been busy with flexible, mobile furnishings for a range of meeting types and working situations, a nod to how agile software development in the IT world has slowly migrated over to design for office environments.

found that those plugging 3D into their plans are creating a competitive advantage over the builders that aren’t. “On the developer level, we’ve been able to show what a new development will look like with the actual houses we’ve designed all before it’s been built,” Lakin said. Rich Onken, vice president/senior project manager at Calvin L. Hinz Architects, said a clear cut goal with VR technology is to smooth the design and construction process by getting users to fully comprehend their future environment. “We’ve all had that experience with a user that you showed 2D plans to regularly during the design Onken stage and then once the project begins to get built, he or she says it isn’t at all what they imagined,” Onken said. “If we can avoid this difficult situation just a couple of times it will be worth it.” Another benefit is assisting clients as they sell the project to their extended team. “Not everyone in a department or company can participate in the design process, and sometimes those not actively involved become skeptics,” Onken said. “At a recent project to renovate an inpatient mental health unit in Minneapolis, we utilized our mobile VR kit with their full team to immerse them into the design.” Kevin Strehle, principal at BCDM Architects, said technology in the architecture sector is evolving faster than ever. “It’s an exciting time in architecture,” he said. “Virtual reality has been a great tool to help clients better understand what they’re getting and also help us in the industry to solve problems in advance to prevent them from happening. It gives us confidence that what we’re providing is meeting the client’s needs.” Strehle said he predicts that augmented Continued on next page.

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• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Architecture

Incorporating nature and recycled materials in designs benefits environment by Jasmine Heimgartner

While protecting the environment and thoughtful use of materials gains momentum in the modern world, the benefits of nature itself on humans is often not on the forefront of people’s minds. Architecture, however, happens to be an industry in sync with both. In the 1960s, the term “Biophilic Design” worked its way into the design community and continues today, albeit somewhat modified. It is based on the biophilia hypothesis Janousek that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. “Today, we take a more quantitative view of biophilia and use evidence-based practices to make design decisions that affect health and well-being,” said Martin Janousek, senior design architect, Leo A Daly. “The WELL Building Standard is the first global rating system to create a set of evidence-based recommendations that address the intersection of design and

April Kick, architect at Jackson-Jackson & Associates. health. The standard identifies 11 parameters and innovations. We use these principles in of wellness in the workplace: air, water, every design, whether or not we’re seeking nourishment, light, movement, thermal WELL accreditation.” comfort, sound, materials, mind, community One of the easiest ways to bring nature

Virtual reality, technology tools lend opportunities to architecture Continued from preceding page. reality will come into play more in the near future. “This could really impact the construction site and really help to make jobs easier. Technology can help process things that the human brain can’t. This will help problem solve so much quicker,” he said. Warren Curry, architect at Holland Basham Architects (HBA), said machine learning, optimization solvers and artificial intelligence are additional new technologies that are impacting architecture and design. “These new technologies enable architects to manage and process the large amount of data that would take an unrealistic amount of time to handle by hand,” he said. Curry said machine learning is used to find relationships within the various datasets,

Curry

Neaderhiser

while artificial intelligence (AI) has made advancements in video game technology. “This same technology that is controlling the computer characters can be used by architects to create simulations ranging from solar studies to optimized wayfinding within

a building,” he said. Matt Neaderhiser, associate/director or innovation at HBA, said occupancy and building sensors can record several details about a space, such as the type of use, duration of use and number of participants. “That data can then be combined with machine learning to identify relationships that are beneficial when determining the best use of rooms within a building,” Neaderhiser said. “Data informs and provides backup of the designs by adding objectivity to the highly subjective field of architecture. These technologies give leadership the means to initiate change within their organization by providing the research behind the solutions. Clients and their stakeholders are asking for and embracing the technologies as they see the value that comes from the improved designs.”

indoors is through designing with light in mind. “The biggest request we often have for classrooms, offices, and generally any occupied space, is to provide plenty of natural light,” said April Kick, architect, Jackson-Jackson & Associates. “At the Wayne State College U.S. Conn Library in Wayne, Nebraska, a large open entry with a lot of glass was incorporated with an area where students can relax and enjoy views of the central campus. As we learn Ginn more about the influence and positive impact of our connection with nature, the affinity to work nature into our designs also increases.” Using natural materials like wood and stone, or products that mimic their appearance, are a way to connect nature to a human-made structure. “We emphasize the interior and exterior relationship,” Steven Ginn, architect/ founding principal, Steven Ginn Architects. “When we design something, we are always thinking how to situate the house on the site to bring the outside in and to make the most of the site in a number of ways. We can do that by using large windows to blur the lines between inside and outside or carry the same type of flooring from outdoor in. Even designing a window to highlight a specific tree is a way to bring nature in.” With nature typically on an architect’s mind, it’s only natural that considering the use of recycled materials in a design is part of the process. Nowadays, the options are increasing for manufactured materials with recycled content including carpeting, ceiling material and flooring. “We look at both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled material content in products, as it is beneficial to recognize that there is not only waste from the products that we have used but also waste that is Continued on page 8.

Architecture •

Local architects take design beyond tenant comfort with focus on wellness by Dwain Hebda

Architecture and building design have always aimed to create comfortable buildings, but increasingly, design professionals have set their sights higher, focusing on wellness. According to Chandler Sanders, interior designer with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the two concepts are related but not the same. “Comfort is just one element of wellness,” she said. “Wellness deals with our body’s various systems: limbic, digestive, nervous, et cetera. Comfort is a lot about how you feel in the moment, but wellness is Sanders how something is better for you over time.” Wellness architecture designs spaces addressing inhabitants’ overall well-being and not just how good they feel during working hours.

It’s a much more comprehensive concept than mere comfort, Sanders said. “Wellness architecture is design-focused; creating a healthy environment for all users,” she said. “Wellness elements can include things like an efficient HVAC system that generates an optimal temperature and allergen-free air. It can design access to healthy drinking water, light at levels that reduces eye strain or opportunities for exercise and fitness. Wellness architecture can and should apply to all spaces where people spend time.” The practice of wellness architecture started with the rise McClure of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) more than a decade ago, whereby significant numbers of employees reported feeling unwell and suffering from nonspecific symptoms that had no medical explanation.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded a correlation existed between building materials and tenant health. In the wake of these findings, architects and interior designers started considering more carefully the compounds that were being utilized within new spaces. “Progress began to be made to greatly eliminate SBS,” said John Hrivnak, architect with Hrivnak Associates. “Several key elements come to mind among many, such as a well-designed HVAC system, which can do a great deal to provide clean air and comfortable ambient environments. Avoiding such things as volatile organic compounds (VOC) in paints and other materials help maintain a clean, healthy environment. Natural light and the integration of nature into design has greatly enhanced an architect’s ability to create wellness.” Design that promotes wellness at work has reached an unprecedented level of attention. “Every architect I know or that I’ve trained as a professor is aware of designing for wellness and comfort among a host of other considerations,” he said. “Architects sculpt buildings that are ‘behavioral sculpture,’ integrating human interaction throughout and within.” Kayla McClure, interior designer with DLR

Group, said numerous studies support wellness architecture as a major component of overall occupant health. “Your physical workplace is one of the top three factors that affect performance and satisfaction, so keeping an employee healthy and happy reduces sick days, increases productivity, keeps health care costs down and increases employee retention,” she said. “When business owners consider that their personnel make up 90% of their building costs over a 30-year period, it quickly becomes obvious that these savings can be significant.” Wellness concepts have become so important, buildings are now scored via the WELL building standard in much the same way LEED measures sustainable building practices. McClure pointed out the ratings system is positioning itself for much wider applications in the future. “The WELL building standard gave us the research to validate and measure our efforts. This was launched in 2014,” she said. “WELL incorporates all elements of design and how they can be optimized to improve human health and wellbeing. “The WELL standard is mainly focused on commercial and institutional buildings, but there are also pilot programs for other sectors including multi-family residences, education, retail, restaurants and commercial kitchens.”

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• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • Architecture

Designing secure buildings presents unique challenges by David Kubicek

Designing secure buildings without making them look like prisons is a major challenge for architects. Landscaping is one way to control access, according to Corey Hess, a project architect and designer with KPE Engineers. “Instead of high walls, we design with trees, berms, water features and other things that can prevent trucks from running into buildings,” he said. Strengthened glass and reinforced doors are

used, and barricading devices in high security facilities. A combination of any of those technologies enhances what Hess calls “the strengthening or hardening of the facility.” Schools and offices are designed with lecture-style halls, closed offices, secure classrooms and hardened walls. “We incorporate our main offices and lobbies with line-of-sight visibility into interior access-controlled vestibules that help navigate individuals to certain spaces, and other spaces are locked down so no one can enter without

clearance,” Hess said. “We incorporate layered security where certain areas of the building can be locked down or access-controlled separately.” Schools and workplaces are more open. The firm avoids dead-end hallways and isolated classrooms and offices. Because security is always changing, architects incorporate technology that allows for easy upgrades and easy installation of new tech when it becomes available. Jeffrey Day, principal and founder of Actual Architecture, said government buildings have stricter security requirements. For instance, they may have bollards hindering access, no vehicle drop-off underneath the building, and fewer points of entry and fewer security checkpoints. “Architects must deal with not only accommodating those needs, but making them appear more natural,” Day said. “One of the bigger chal-

Hess Day lenges is to make a building entry pleasant for the users while maintaining the required security.” David A. Streebin, principal in RDG Planning & Design, said architects think about the building and campus as a whole, designing around the operations and function of the facility and balancing security with building aesthetics. Most security and safety measures involve a balance of operational, technical and physical safety methods. For example, an operational approach might stress the deployment of guards around the clock, a technical approach might focus on camera surveillance and warning sirens, and a physical approach might stress locked doorways and vehicle barriers. “In practice, a combination of approaches is usually employed to some degree, and a deficiency in one area may be compensated for by a greater emphasis in the other two,” Streebin said. Other design features include rain gardens

with deep basins to hinder vehicles driving toward the building, eight-inch high curbs rather than the standard six inches, natural stone pillars or benches in lieu of steel bollards, hardscape see-through features and softscapes set away from the building so unknown packages can’t be left against them. “Using glass at entrances and giving building occupants good sightlines to entry points increases security because building users can see what is going on around them,” said Sara A. Jansen, architect with Avant Architects. “We try to keep tall dense landscaping and built obstructions away from entry points to maintain better visibility of surroundings. We look to design building and site lighting to provide night-time visibility and maintain security to, from and within a building.” To address information privacy concerns, the firm uses more acoustic insulation in walls and higher performing ceilings to minimize audio transfer from one room to another, as well

Streebin Jansen as white noise systems integrated into the space. “For applications requiring high levels of secured entry, we’ve created video vestibules where identity must be verified before entry is permitted by using a combination of windows and building layout for visibility, security cameras, and remote unlocking of the doors from a controller,” Jansen said. “We’ve designed these types of entry vestibules for banks and night entry into a medical facility.”

Nature in design

Continued from page 6. created during the manufacturing process,” Kick said. “Many of the recycled products that are offered are also recycled at their end of life, reducing the amount of waste that is sent to the landfills. Additionally, these products can also require less maintenance and may have a lower cost due to the lack of virgin raw materials.” Using recycled materials not only is good for the environment, but also can create a surprising connection to nature and history. “We are always transplanting trees and shrubs from projects,” Ginn said. “If they are big enough to make it worthwhile, we help them find a new home, especially when there are some rare Japanese maples that need to be removed. Other ways we have used recycled materials, which we use a lot of, have included using stone and heavy timber from mills being demolished.” For businesses, there are additional benefits to having a nature-driven building. “A wellness-oriented workplace is a practical way to improve the health and engagement of employees and is a strong message to recruits about the type of company culture you hope to create,” Janousek said. “When considering biophilic design, one needs to remember it’s not a singular item. It’s a combination of many things in the built environment. It also involves the spatial experiences of the architecture and the use of natural materials.”

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Demand from diverse industries drives need for trained workers at Omaha Steel

Continued from page 1. January, the company announced Brown purchased ownership from Allan Lozier — a transaction effective as of 2019. “The company has grown tremen-

Omaha Steel Phone: 402-277-7400 Address: 921 East 12th St., Wahoo 68066 Service: capabilities include engineering, quality, metallurgical lab, rapid prototype, metals poured, pattern shop, molding, melting, cleaning, heat treatment, inspection, pouring, facilities/equipment Founded: 1906 as Omaha Steel Works by John W. Towle and Fred K. Smith Employees: around 165 Website: www.omahasteel.com

dously and was in a very healthy position to make the change of ownership a little easier,” said Brown, CEO since 2014. “For the last four years, we’ve really been

focused on diversifying the customer base in the markets that we serve and we serve four core markets, versus when Allan first purchased the business, Omaha Steel was primarily focused on mining and construction and heavy equipment. That is actually our fourth market and the smallest.” At present, Brown said its work in the high-pressure valve, oil and gas, and trucking and transportation industries lead the heavy equipment market. “Our strategy going forward will continue down those four market verticals, and we will grow within each one of those market verticals versus trying to identify another area,” he said. When asked about tariffs, Brown indicated the competitive environment is favorable — due to much of the company’s growth over the last three years coming from product formerly manufactured offshore or nearshore. “Work has come back to, at least, Oma-

ha Steel,” he said. “We’re still pulling in work done in Mexico and a ton of work last year came from India and China. That was more directly associated with those markets that we serve and our quality. So, we may not be able to compete price per pound but total cost — tied to quality, lead times and shipping reliability — that’s where we’ve won much more work.” To these points, Brown explained offshore customers have two choices: to inventory excess parts because of the lead time required to receive castings, or to bring the work back “onshore.” “Also, if they have a quality defect and they’re not inventorying parts, they then have to reach back out to the supplier offshore, and communicate that and get a new part coming in,” he said. “That is extremely costly and takes a significant amount of time to receive that part … so, if you roll all that up into total costs, there is a value proposition for foundries that

MetLife ramps up at new Omaha global customer care center Continued from page 1. during remodeling, and most recently, operations, provide a capstone for his almost 30 years of experience in the industry. “We’ve wanted to be sure that what is emerging is state-of-the-art and fosters innovation and creativity among our associates,” he said. He said what he’s seen in recent visits more than compensates for the two-degree weather he had to encounter at the building’s ribbon cutting. Stout told Midlands Business Journal in a phone interview that the Omaha facility is a model project among MetLife’s eight call centers. “We’re constantly looking at our footprint,” he said about the eventual expansion of the facility or the possibility of opening a second Omaha building. The firm’s most recent call center — its ninth — was opened in Cary, North Carolina. Both Stout and Davis tout the meticulous planning behind the Omaha renovation project and say the total atmosphere created is meant to speak volumes about employee support and a rather large — at least by insurance industry standards — total investment in both training and employee retention. “Our strength is our people,” Stout said. He said MetLife’s decision to locate the call center in Nebraska was due to a number of factors including a strong, stable regulatory environment, the digital and global infrastructure in the state, a reputation for nurturing a bevy of call center talent, and the futuristic vision for growth. Stout and Davis echo an important mantra for the applicants being interviewed and trained at the new facility: “We don’t want to be a job but rather a career for you.” Stout said much of the reason for MetLife’s choice of Omaha was due to the leadership of veteran Nebraska Commissioner of Insurance Bruce Ramge, director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. “What differentiates us from many other companies is our commitment to our people and their continued growth — both professionally and personally,” Stout said, noting that MetLife nationally has won six J.D. Power customer service awards over the past three years in customer service categories.

Davis, a ‘99 business administration graduate of Pittsburgh State in Kansas who traces her career with MetLife back to a summer job while in college, said her eight company stops before the Omaha relocation demonstrate that she thrives on being in a buzzing atmosphere and helping associates succeed. She cites the tutelage of Karen Hemingway, her mentor and former site leader in Tulsa, for how she approaches each new leadership position: as a “servant leader.” “Getting into the trenches with the employees is important,” Davis said. For the 44-year-old Davis, that means choosing employees with empathy from the applicant pool and guiding them in effectively communicating and serving customers who need guidance in navigating life’s challenges. “From death to root canals,” she said. Calls are answered by live operators and callers are not confronted with a lengthy menu of services and expectations to push phone buttons to explain their needs. Cogito, an artificial intelligence platform introduced a few months ago, uses human voice analysis to determine via the agent’s phone voice how well they are communicating with the caller. For example, an agent talking too fast will receive a slow-down message on their screen. Vocal qualities such as tone and modulation — among others — are measured so as to enhance a more effective conversation with the caller. Mock interviews are used in training and later in-service sessions to simulate the need of phone associates to readily adapt to new situations introduced by each caller and especially replicate stress that might be displayed by demanding callers. The empathy model can be applied when a caller’s exact needs can’t be delivered immediately. For example, an injured party seeking policy coverage during rehabilitation might, as a last resort, have to be told that MetLife will need to contact a case worker first. “When we can’t deliver it today it is important to calmly listen and de-escalate the situation,” Davis said. Davis said internal processes have been developed that give phone workers more

empowerment so they don’t have to pass a caller off to a case manager. In Omaha, about one out of four of the applicants interviewed are hired. Applicants range from their early 20s to those over 65. Those working with disability products receive four weeks of paid product-specific training; six weeks of education is offered to those specializing in long-term care products. Attrition rates among those who complete one-year on the job are under 25% going forward. Calls at the Omaha center are received from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays. “Many of our workers find options such as split shifts to be a good fit,” Davis said. “No weekends is a big perk.” The number of disability-related calls are up by 15% and typically involve people who are injured or ill and their medical information is taken by phone agents who submit it for claims. “Everything from hip replacements to terminal cancer,” Davis said. The second highest volume of calls involves long-term care situations, followed by the needs of MetLife’s group service clients. The latter calls come from human resource persons or brokers representing small businesses that seek to add or delete employees from company benefits. Teams of associates huddle for 15 minutes twice a week to discuss “pain points” brought up in the phone interactions and possible solutions. Designated meeting rooms can be used for “focus sessions” and murals and white-board walls promote creativity in a layout and decorating concept promoting an “open atmosphere.” Employees work from sit or stand desks that can be raised or lowered. Space for break or leisure activities abounds. An open cafe and wellness wall is popular as is an outdoor patio on the north side of the building. Both Stout and Davis said MetLife puts a lot of validity in tracking a loyalty index among its customers that are asked how likely they are to refer family members and friends to the firm’s products. Given the complexity of products and the specifics of callers’ situations, Stout and Davis said results are among the highest in the industry.

produce in the U.S.” Brown also noted the largest market Omaha Steel serves — the valve industry — spans pressure-bearing parts for oil, natural gas, water and other applications that can’t afford to have leaks and failures. “A significant number of certifications are required,” he said. “Domestically or worldwide, it’s very difficult to compete with us in that particular arena.” Another nod to personnel investments that reflect its depth of expertise, Brown said they went from a one engineer four and a half years ago to a team of seven. “For our size, that’s a large volume of metallurgical engineers,” he said. “We’ve done that so we can assist our customers in new product initiatives, to determine how to design and cast a new valve, and go through a lot of iterations to help on the front side.” Brown noted a video on its website, which features an Omaha Steel approach to client relationships called “Ascend E2” (for E-Squared). In the video, the collaboration with engineers is described as understanding customer needs through every part of the process to eliminate the risk that often arises when things are lost in communication and when one’s needs aren’t adequately understood. Much more effort, and a significant amount of resources, are also being invested in culture and training to draw needed talent from Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont and Saunders County; for instance, Brown said they offer a ride share program with vans that travel from Lincoln and Omaha for different shifts. “We weren’t doing that previously,” he said. With a shortfall of welders and electricians actively looking for jobs in the region, Omaha Steel is open to individuals who may not have that experience or background. “We put a significant amount of energy towards training and developing associates versus, when I started, that wasn’t as large of an emphasis and we also weren’t growing at this pace,” Brown said. A formalized mentoring program exists for new employees and Omaha Steel remains small enough that those in leadership positions spend a substantial amount of time on the floor, getting to know team members, what they’re capable of, identifying “high potential individuals” and determining what they want to achieve their goals, according to Brown. “As a company, growth creates significant opportunities for all those employees that are taking it the distance — or driving and helping with that growth,” he said.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Clean Water Guys leveraging 40-year industry knowledge to propel growth

Continued from page 1. water — it’s like buying an insurance policy tions for engineers and architects, and ships — it’s peace of mind and it does take those impurities out.” equipment across the United States. Ozonated water, a newer technology that The company services six states including Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota sanitizes by way of an electric current that splits the oxygen molecule to form three and part of Illinois. Residential work has remained at around atoms of oxygen, has many applications for 55% of the business and commercial/industrial the food and medical industries as well as in residential homes. work around 45%. For example, after installing an ozone “When we started many years ago, it was hand washing system the residential marat long-time customer ket,” he said. “It’s real- Clean Water Guys (United Streck Labs, lab tests ly transitioned over to Distributors, Inc.) for contaminants in the where the markets have Phone: 402-330-6440 sink drains dropped, opened up astronom- Address: 13336 Industrial Road, Suite 106 Sherman said. ically — commercial, Omaha 68137 “There’s newer industrial, medical.” Product/services: water conditioning and technology, ozone, Notable projects treatment solutions for residential, industhat’s really becominclude a large instal- trial/commercial, food service and medical ing more relevant in lation of high puri- markets our water industry for ty water for Smeal, a Founded: 1979 by Rory Sherman not only simple things company that builds Employees: 14 to 15 such as disinfecting fire trucks in Schneider Industry outlook: Water quality concern is and washing our hands and Neligh, Nebraska. growing over contaminants like chemicals with ozonated water,” When the Scott from pharmaceutical waste, PFCs, chemihe said. “Ozone is Data Center called be- cals from decomposing plastic bottles and 3,000 times faster and cause it was having microfibers from clothing like fleece jackets. 50 times more powerissues with the build- Website: cleanwaterguys.com ful than chlorine and ing’s humidification, its byproduct is oxygen. There’s no chemical, Clean Water Guys built a system. On short notice, Clean Water Guys made no residual. If you had bacteria on your hand 7,000 gallons of deionized water (deminer- and you hit it with ozonated water, it kills it alized water) in just three days for Baxter immediately.” Ozonated water systems pay for themArena’s hockey rink when it was built. The water was pumped from a stainless-steel ko- selves, he said, because it doesn’t need desher (chemical free) tank from trucking part- tergents and hot water to disinfect things like ner JASA Transit of Blair into a closed loop fountain soda lines, wine barrels, or sheets and system underneath the arena floor and then linens in hospitals and hotels. “A lot of facilities are going to ozone mixed with glycol — a system that freezes which is non-chemical,” he said. the arena’s ice. Just running foods like lettuce, seafood The company has also worked with Facebook, Google, Verizon, Oriental Trading Co., and poultry under ozonated water kills bacScooter’s Coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts, PepperJax teria, not only adding shelf life but also food Grill, Runza, Hy-Vee, the University of Ne- safety. It can also get rid of smells like garlic braska at Omaha, the University of Nebras- and onion. Reducing plastic consumption is a goal of ka-Lincoln, Creighton University and Tyson, many businesses. among others. “They’re really trying to go green — tryAt the recent Water Quality Association’s annual convention in Las Vegas, one of the ing not to use plastics. So how can you avoid major concerns was contaminants in water that and have [purified water at] point of use,” — microfibers from clothing, pharmaceuti- Julie Sherman said. A commercial reverse osmosis system can cal waste from medications that people take, which end up passing through the body and send purified water to ice machines, coffee into the water supply, as well as chemicals machines and taps throughout an entire buildfrom plastics breaking down in the environ- ing, replacing bottled water and plastic cups. Technology is making systems more ment and agricultural runoff. “We’re in the Midwest so we have pesti- efficient. Old reverse osmosis systems could cides and runoffs,” said Vice President Julie take four to 10 gallons of water for one gallon Sherman. “Nitrates is one thing you can’t of purity water made. Now efficient systems taste or smell, but we know health-wise it’s can reduce waste water down to a 1:1 ratio or not good for you. So having purified drinking lower and some recycle the water to reduce

waste. There are also on-demand systems, ideal for small spaces. Residential customers can visit the showroom to pick out their water treatment system, just like picking out carpets, faucets and fixtures, a trend that’s changed over the years as more focus is placed on water quality. “I see the time coming when we’re going to have disinfection systems in our homes because of all the stuff we put in our water today with chlorine and ammonia,” he said. Rory Sherman, who is a Level VI Water Quality Association Certified Water Specialist and recognized as a Master Water Specialist, is in demand — from site surveys for engineering companies to continuing education for plumbers to taking phone calls from customers. “His phone rings 24/7,” Julie Sherman said. “I think just because he’s been in the

business for so long and [because of] his knowledge. He may get calls out of our area to help spec jobs or even help with the jobs that even our competitor brands will come into the area and will ask him to site survey. They reach out to him for that knowledge.” Julie Sherman said that even after 40 years in the business, they still wake up excited to go to work, ready to “help people in all walks of life.” Sometimes Rory Sherman wakes up in the middle of the night with inspiration on how to solve a problem, she said, joking that he shows photos of installations as if they are grandkids. “I have more fun today than when I first started in the business,” Rory Sherman said. “I wish I was 20 again because of the opportunities and the different applications and there’s so many things that we work on … and a lot of exciting ones that are coming up.”

In-demand recycling programs in Omaha resale through its stores. Textiles, for examby David Kubicek Many organizations around Omaha ple, go to other vendors, and any electronics recycle materials ranging from electronics that can’t be sold on the sales floor go to to textiles, and the list of recyclables is Dell ReConnect, which is in partnership with Goodwill Industries International. Ingrowing. Cross Electronic Recycling is associated dividuals who drop off computer equipment with Cross Training Center, which provides at participating ReConnect locations will job training to disadvantaged men and wom- receive a tax receipt, regardless of the brand and condition of the equipment. en in the Omaha metro. Equipment that can’t be refur“When you choose to recycle bished will be broken down into with Cross, your unwanted elecparts for resale. tronics provide job training for Revenue from recycled our students and helps prevent equipment supports Goodwill’s unwanted electronics from ending job training programs, employup in our landfills,” Business Relament placement services and tions Director Mike Bunach said. other community-based programs Cross accepts anything with for individuals with disabilities a battery, cord or motor, whether or who lack education, job expeit’s working or not. Recyclables rience or face other employment can be as small as a cell phone Bentlage challenges. battery or as large as a car. This Creighton University adopted a single include computers, laptops, servers, televisions, monitors, cell phones, household stream recycling (SSR) program in 2010, electronics, large appliances, mowers, weed with the goal of achieving climate neutrality eaters, snow blowers, power tools and com- by 2050, according to Sustainability Coordinator Belyna Bentlage. SSR means the mercial equipment. Processing of most items is free, but program accepts fiber — paper, cardboard, there are a few exceptions which are listed newspaper — plastic and aluminum in the on the organization’s website. Pickup ser- same bin. Bins are located in offices and in comvices are available. “We assist neighborhoods with their mon spaces. Custodians empty the bins into Keep Omaha Beautiful events and conduct rolling totes, which are taken to a centralized employee and customer appreciation colla- location within each building. From there the recyclables are delivered to a compactor tion events,” Bunach said. Cross has been operating for 11 years. in a campus warehouse. Once the compactor Recently the organization restructured its is full, a contracted hauler picks it up and business services, making it easier and more delivers it to First Star Recycling. Through a separate program, Creighton cost-effective to process business electronics and other items, and it is raising funds to add works with DataShield to recycle electronics 10,000 square feet to its recycling operation. like laptops, monitors and other e-waste “We don’t contribute to dumping, either items. “Our average diversion rate for our SSR locally or overseas,” Bunach said. “All of the items we collect are properly recycled, program over the past eight years is around 18 to 20%,” Bentlage said. “Zero-waste refurbished or reused.” Goodwill Industries recycles metal, is often defined as 90% of waste diverted plastic, cardboard, books, textiles and from the landfill. This means we have a lot electronics, according to District Manager of room to improve, largely with training and communication of how to effectively Shantel Featherson. “Our computer recycling program is free recycle on campus. We have people on of charge for area individuals and business- campus who are interested in finding ways to recycle materials not accepted in Omaha’s es,” she said. The organization, which accepts recy- SSR program, such as glass, Styrofoam, film clable electronics at every location, refur- plastics, pens and markers. For example, bishes the equipment for resale through its the Creation Care Team at St. John’s hosts Styrofoam collection events at certain times GoodBytes store. Not everything Goodwill recycles is for of the year, such as Christmas.”

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

You are planning to retire soon. When should you let the boss know? by Liz Reyer

Q: I’m part of a small team where I am an informal leader based on seniority and expertise, and am planning to retire within the next year. I care about this company and my co-workers, and I want to make sure that my co-workWorkplace ers are prepared for my absence. The flipside is that I don’t want to be considered a “lame-duck” employee for months on end. Given this, when should I inform management of my planned retirement date? — Phoebe, 66, business analyst SUPER CROSSWORD

A: Consider the benefits and risks of your various options. At one extreme, you could let them know now with nearly a year to go. On the positive side, this enables in-depth knowledge transfer to your colleagues. This would be especially beneficial if your team has tasks or deliverables that are on a periodic cycle, such as quarterly reporting. You could fully transfer tasks you are currently responsible for and provide oversight, letting the new task owner work through any complexities, building THINK FAST

comfort and ensuring a smooth transition. At the same time, you are concerned about becoming irrelevant. Think more about that and whether it has practical implications. Are there decisions you currently help make that you would be excluded from? If so, I wonder if your concerns are driven more by ego and less by actual need. Or do you perceive a risk that they would decide that they don’t need you and would push you out sooner than you prefer? This would be an excellent reason to delay your disclosure. Then think about your shortest feasible timing. It’s probably longer than two weeks, a typical notice period. Count back from your imagined last day and list the steps that need to be done to figure out how much time you need. This includes the types of work transfer we have already discussed. Add in the administrative aspects of moving into retirement to make sure you are building in enough time for paperwork. Get input from others who have been through this. This could include those with specific knowledge of you and your

situation such as friends, family or your financial planner. You can also learn from others who have written about their move into retirement, finding books or searching online for articles about the challenges they faced. As you assess your options, keep in mind that the external environment, particularly the economy, could have an impact on your decision. If you need to defer your retirement, it may be harder if you have already given your company a date. On the other hand, you might be excited about this next step and want to be able to be open about it. Consider the social pluses and minuses, as well. While you are in this interim period, whether or not you have shared your decision, also spend time reflecting on and planning for your next phase of life. Think about the social, emotional and practical aspects of life outside the workforce. Then, once you are fully prepared, you can have a sense of control of the situation, sharing your decision at a time that best meets your needs. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Home flips less common as profit margins drop in Dallas-Fort Worth and across US by Steve Brown

Answers on page 12.

Home flips across the country were down in the first quarter from a year ago, according to a new report by Attom Data Solutions. Nationwide home resales by investors and fixer uppers Real Estate dropped 8% from first quarter 2018. Attom Data counts flips as a single-family home or condo sale that was any arms-length transaction that occurred in the quarter where a previous arms-length transaction on the same property had occurred within the last 12 months. The volume of home flips around the country has fallen in the last few years as home prices have risen and the inventories of low and moderate priced houses available to buy have fallen. Some investors may have decided to go to the sidelines, Attom Data analysts say. “With interest rates dropping and home price increases starting to ease, investors may be getting out while the getting is good, before the market softens further,” Todd Teta, chief product officer at Attom Data Solutions, said in a statement. “While the home flipping rate is increasing, gross profits and return on investment are starting to weaken and the number of investors that are flipping is down 11% from last year. “Therefore, if investors are seeing profit margins drop, they may be acting now and selling before price increases drop even more.” Attom Data found that 7.5% of total Dallas-Fort Worth home sales in the first quarter were flips. That’s about the same as the nationwide share. The average North Texas property flipper made a profit of $30,588 — down from almost $39,000 a year ago. Nationwide the average gross flipping profit was

about $60,000. The time it took to flip the house also was up in D-FW area from a year ago to an average of almost six months. Attom Data found that the metros with the most flips were Phoenix, New York, Atlanta and Miami — all with more than 1,500 first quarter sales. Some markets saw big year-over-year percentage gains in home flips including Columbus, Ga. (up 83%); Raleigh, N.C. (up 73%), and Charlotte, N.C. (up 65%). Among the major Texas metros, San Antonio had the largest share of first quarter home flips (8.1%) and flips were the smallest share of the market in Austin at only 4.9%. Statewide more than 3,000 houses were flipped in Texas during the early months of 2019, Attom Data Systems found. ©2019 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Five years and over 300 applications: For those with autism, landing a tech job ‘like winning the lottery’ by Nara Schoenberg

Justin Pierce fought long and hard for a seat in this gleaming downtown office building. Pierce, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, laid out the numbers: 328 applicaCareers tions, 135 rejection letters and 14 interviews, resulting finally — after almost five years — in his first professional job offer, as part of a technology team at the Chicago office of EY, a professional services firm formerly known as Ernst & Young. “It was like winning the lottery or finally getting your Cinderella story happy ending,” said Pierce, 31. The unemployment rate is estimated at 66% or more for people with autism — a developmental disability that affects communication and social interaction — but thanks to a new program at EY, Pierce and 14 of his Chicago co-workers are beating the odds. They were chosen for their abilities in areas such as computer programming and cybersecurity, and hired after a weeklong on-site interview process that stressed technical skills and teamwork, rather than verbal agility and charisma. The EY program, which employs 60 people in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and San Jose, began about four years ago, when the company was looking for new talent, new ways of thinking and ways to diversify its workforce, according to Hiren Shukla, director of the program, which is known internally as the Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence (NCoE). The company tried recruiting high-functioning people with autism, who can have

very strong technical skills and the ability to manage large amounts of data. In a pilot program, employees with autism showed they could learn new technologies very quickly and apply them in powerful and unexpected ways, Shukla said. “This is a talent pool that we think can be an integral part of helping us build and thrive,” he said. Employees with autism said the EY program has brought an array of benefits: meaningful work, intellectual challenge and financial independence after years of underemployment. Simple accommodations at work, including noise-canceling headphones and a job coach shared among neurodiverse employees in the four cities, help people who may be sensitive to noise and light or need extra help in navigating the workplace. “(They) support people with autism and help people with autism thrive in the workplace,” said Christopher Easton, 23, who is on the autism spectrum and works in cybersecurity. “It allows me to bring my full self to work,” he said of the neurodiversity program. EY is one of a small number of companies — along with Microsoft, Ford and the software company SAP — that are leading the way when it comes to hiring people with autism for white-collar jobs, according to David Geslak, president of Autism Workforce in La Grange, a company that helps businesses employ people with autism. His blue eyes twinkling behind wirerimmed glasses, Pierce joked about coming to Chicago in the midst of a historic cold snap, throwing in a musical flourish from

Interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain? Wharton has a new online course, for free by Sam Wood

Get a free crash course in the new financial technologies this summer from one of the world’s elite business schools. The Wharton School announced recently that it is offering a new online package of courses focusing on cryptocurrency, blockchain, crowdfunding, and insurance technology. Each class features lectures and case studies from the school’s faculty and business luminaries. Technology Registration began June 5. The online course is offered for free, but for $79, students can get a certificate of completion if they finish the course in a month. The course is primarily designed for working professionals looking to add new skills to their resumés, but it’s also suitable for investors interested in Bitcoin, and students who want a taste of a financial-technology class before dropping thousands of dollars on tuition. Fintech: Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies is available on Coursera and will take about a month to complete. There are no hard deadlines to meet, so students can learn on their own schedule. It does not require any prerequisites, but each segment of the course builds on the previous course. Some basic financial knowledge will be helpful. “We’ve been seeing a growing demand for information about financial technologies

for the past two years,” said Anne Trumbore, senior director of Wharton Online. “We really saw a huge demand from our own M.B.A. students. A lot of our graduates are going to work in fintech, and our grads are starting these companies and inventing the future. We thought it would be good to put this program together for understanding from a trusted source.” Classes include FinTech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations with Natasha Sarin of Penn Law and Chris Geczy of Wharton; and Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies with professors Jessica Wachter and Sarah Hammer of Wharton. The second modules include Lending, Crowdfunding, and Modern Investing with David Musto, chairman of the Wharton finance department; and Fintech Specialties: InsurTech, Real Estate Tech, and Artificial Intelligence with Geczy and Warren Pennington, global head of Vanguard’s Office of Investment Management Fintech Strategies. Wharton, part of the University of Pennsylvania, launched the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance in April. Wharton Online also offers a series of core classes on business essentials. About 100,000 students have enrolled in the Wharton program and earned about 250,000 certificates, Trumbore said. ©2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

the movie “Frozen”: “The cold never bothered me anyway!” he sang as he spun a full circle in his swivel-seat. But despite his energy and charm, Pierce had trouble landing a job via the standard interview process. Like many people with autism, he has some difficulties with language, sometimes pausing for a few seconds to find the right word. It’s like reading a book and the words start disappearing midsentence, he said. Other people with autism may have trouble making eye contact or reading social cues. Some rock in their seats. An employee at the Chicago office jerks his arm unexpectedly. Such behaviors may eliminate you from consideration during the standard job interview process, said Shukla, even if you’d make a great employee. The interview process at EY is different. “We don’t care about the eye contact,” Shukla said. “We care (whether) you are eager to learn, and can you apply it?” Employees with autism are hired via an intensive process that includes a week of meetings and exercises that test ability and teamwork. There’s feedback tailored to people with autism, who tend to be quite direct and to appreciate directness in others. And, in the end, there are job offers. Pierce, who graduated with a degree in applied statistics from Grand Valley State University in 2014, and has worked as a kitchen aide and a wine-tasting associate, was living in his parents’ basement when he learned that he’d gotten the job. Ian Nancarrow, 30, who has Asperger’s, paid the bills with jobs in restaurants and retail during an approximately six-year search

for a professional tech job. “It’s going to be emotional to recall every little detail,” Nancarrow said of his EY job offer. “Let’s just say it was very hard to keep my composure as I was trying to walk out of the building so I could call my family. My mom was jumping, hooting and hollering in the background, as my dad was saying, ‘Don’t let this go to your head.’” The employees with autism are hired as account support associates and are paid the same as other employees who hold that title, Shukla said. Autism is a complicated and widely varying condition that comes with strengths, disabilities and differences. Employees in the neurodiversity program described challenges, with Nancarrow saying that at times it can be difficult to form words or represent himself in a way that’s understandable to others. But at the same time, Nancarrow said, he’s capable of a laserlike focus that can be very helpful when it comes to mastering a new skill. “I wouldn’t call it a superpower, but it is an advantage in its own way,” he said. Because people with autism often bring a different way of thinking to a problem, they can find solutions that others miss, Shukla said. For example, in month three of the pilot program in Philadelphia, a trainer was teaching the employees a very complex form of technology used in the financial services sector. Halfway through the training, the employees with autism suggested another approach to learning the material — one that cut training time in half for the entire firm. “We realized that we’re on to something here,” Shukla said. “Their ability to Continued on next page.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Survey: Nearly 1 in 3 side hustlers needs the income to stay afloat by Amanda Dixon

One big takeaway from the government shutdown that ended months ago: Many Americans are still living paycheck to paycheck. Despite a healthy economy and a strong labor market, 3 in Trends 10 working Americans with a side hustle say they need the extra income to help cover the cost of regular living expenses. That’s one of the key findings from Bankrate’s latest Side Hustle Survey of 2,550 adults. Wages have started to tick up, but they’re no match for the rising cost of living. “We have seen income stagnation for quite some time,” says Alexandrea Ravenelle, an assistant professor at Mercy College. “And even though incomes are finally back to where they were before the Great Recession, there’s still a perception for a lot of people that their income is just not hitting their expenses. Even if incomes are going up, expenses seem to be going up even faster.” Overall, nearly half of working Americans (45 percent) report having a gig outside of their primary job. That’s true for 43% of full-time workers. Why we’re side-hustling Though many families rely on side hustles to make ends meet, the most common reason workers take on side gigs is they need a source of disposable income. That’s the reality for 34% of the survey participants. And it helps explain why many people aren’t going on vacation this summer. Millennials are more likely than older Americans to say they have a side gig because they want to save more money. Thirty-one% of young adults (ages 23 to 38) work extra hours to boost their savings versus 16% of Gen Xers and 18% of baby boomers. “Because millennials experienced the Great Recession and saw their parents going through it, they probably are more

Landing a tech job Continued from preceding page. consume and apply (new information) was faster than we’d ever seen before.” Easton said he is pleased that EY provides him with all the resources he needs to do high-quality work in cybersecurity. Pierce’s current duties include spot-checking computer code, looking for errors. When the code is wrong, he somehow intuitively knows, he said: “The best way I can describe it is I can see concepts linked together like you see constellations in the sky: how three or four ideas connect to form a pattern.” Nancarrow is working on a computer program that compiles data and presents it visually. “Each and every day, there’s a new skill to pick up, there’s a new person to meet, there’s a new challenge to take on,” he said. “It’s thrilling. I get to be here and gain skills, gain all of these aspects of myself that I never really had an opportunity to pursue: meeting, talking, being verbal, communicating.” ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

aware than other generations about the importance of having a financial safety net,” Ravenelle says. A snapshot of who has a side hustle Compared to their parents and grandparents, millennials are generally more likely to have a gig on the side. Moreover, younger adults rely on side gigs to provide a larger portion of their income. About 40% of millennials with a side hustle say it’s the source of at least half of their monthly earnings. “Between the ever-changing nature of jobs and the stagnant wages in much of the past decade, young people have turned to side hustles to generate needed income and utilize skills and talents that are in demand,” says Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst. Bankrate’s survey also finds that wealthier households and more educated Americans are more likely to have a side job than the poorest respondents. Some 43% of households earning at least $80,000 per year have a side gig, compared with 37% of households with incomes below $30,000. “One of the principles of accumulating wealth is to have ‘a lot of lines in the water,’ meaning multiple sources of income,” McBride says. “Those with a higher level of education and unique skills and talents are in the best position to capitalize.” Having a side hustle gives workers room to explore personal passions and

hobbies, too. In fact, 27% of workers say they’re more passionate about their side gig than their primary job or career. More than chump change Working Americans spend an average of 12 hours per week completing tasks related to their side hustle and earn an average of $1,122 per month. That means there’s an opportunity to make over $13,000 over a year. For households in need of additional income, that amount of money can be significant. But it all depends on the type of work you’re taking on and the demand for those skills. Overall, most Americans with a side gig aren’t getting rich off their extra earnings. Indeed, by taking on a side hustle, you could find yourself paying for additional expenses, such as car maintenance costs if you drive for Uber or Lyft. Plus, there are benefits tied to full-time work that are not available to those in the gig economy. Having a side hustle could mean you’re taking on more risk and losing access to workplace protections like insurance, Ravenelle says. Consider the financial implications It doesn’t hurt to have a second source of income outside of your primary fulltime or part-time job. But those interested in starting a side hustle should consider the consequences. For example, you may be required to make estimated payments if taxes are not

being withheld. It’s best to be organized and keep track of all of your business-related expenses. Abby VanDerHeyden, a certified financial planner professional with Bedel Financial in Indianapolis, recommends opening a new savings account and checking account so that you’re keeping your personal and business expenses separate. Creating a savings plan is also a good idea, she says. That way, you’re not taking on too much debt to finance your new endeavor. If your goal is to save money, make sure your extra earnings are going into a high-yield savings account (if you’re saving for the short term) or a retirement plan like a Roth IRA. Automate your savings so you’re not tempted to spend the money you intended to save. Methodology Bankrate.com commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,550 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken on May 8-10, 2019. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It employed a non-probability-based sample using both quotas upfront during collection and then a weighting scheme on the back end designed and proven to provide nationally representative results. ©2019 Bankrate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Exiting a timeshare could be another route to a rip-off, Better Business Bureau says by Susan Tompor

Getting smooth-talked into buying a timeshare after a free weekend stay at a resort condo is one thing. But consumers increasingly are being ripped off when they try to unload or get out of a vacation-related contract, as well. Financial The problem often starts when the annual maintenance fees inevitably skyrocket for timeshare owners. Many retirees who already are living on a fixed income say they cannot afford to dish out $800 to $1,500 a year for a timeshare that frankly they hardly ever use. Sometimes, the consumer owns more than one timeshare so they’re looking at even more money in fees. Enter the scammers who roll out free dinners and slick slideshows to trick you into spending money on something else. Paying up front One Detroit area couple complained that they attended a presentation in Troy, Mich., for a company called The Transfer Group. After a high-pressure sales pitch, the couple paid $14,000 upfront when they were convinced they needed help to get out of a timeshare, according to a complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau. The couple thought they were handing over a fat five figures to dissolve three timeshare contracts within a year. Nothing happened. After a year went by, the man even ended up driving to Springfield, Mo., where the Transfer Group is located. Some issues were resolved but other headaches continued, according to the BBB. Two contracts ended up being dis-

solved long after they were supposed to be completed. But the couple received a refund check for about $1,300 that ultimately bounced. The check was supposed to be for maintenance fees that they also had paid to The Transfer Group. Eventually, after complaining more, they did receive that money. But the third timeshare was never dissolved. The couple is still paying maintenance fees on that contract with no sign of anything being resolved. The Better Business Bureau said Wednesday that more than 350 consumer complaints have been filed against a string of timeshare-exit businesses based out of Springfield, Missouri, over roughly a twoyear period through March 1. Unfinished work Consumers said they paid out more than $2.2 million for timeshare relief work that was never done or completed. We’re looking at losses that range from $1,000 to $30,000 a pop after failed efforts to get out of their timeshare contracts. In some cases, consumers have complained that they were encouraged to put that money on a credit card. “These companies may be headquartered in other states, but they are seeking out residents all across the country,” warned Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO for the BBB serving eastern Michigan. Consumer complaints online also involved companies called Mutual Release Corp. and the Principal Transfer Group. One couple said they attended a seminar given by the Mutual Release Corp. on how to exit your timeshare about a year ago. They paid a fee of more than $7,600

to work with the Principal Transfer Group, a team of lawyers. After a year went by, the couple said they had not heard anything, according to an unresolved complaint filed with the BBB in April. The couple said someone from the Principal Transfer Group later informed them that the company was no longer in business. “We have a document stating Money Back Guarantee,” the complaint said. Another online complaint filed in late March relating to the Mutual Release Corp. said: “We went to a dinner and this company promised to get us out of our two timeshares. We paid them $10,049 upfront.” Nothing was done. Then, another group demanded an extra $5,300 from the consumer to finish the file. “They said they were not associated with Mutual Release and they didn’t know where they went,” the consumer said. “I cannot afford to pay $5,300 more. My husband is very sick now and I can’t even use them.” Resale scams Retirees are also warned to watch out for unexpected calls from companies that claim to have a buyer for your timeshare. The Federal Trade Commission took action a year ago against Florida-based Timeshare Resales, which called consumers and claimed it had a buyer on the line. All the consumer had to do was hand over $500 to $2,500 for fees to start the process. But, according to the FTC, the company did not sell the property quickly — or even at all. And, no surprise, the company would find reasons to ask for additional Continued on page 20.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

No George Washington, no America

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood And fired the shot heard eorge round the world.” ill — Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Concord Hymn” After the morning bloodshed on Lexington green, on the first day of what would become a 3,059-day war, there occurred the second of what would be eventually more than 1,300 mostly small military clashes. Rick Atkinson writes: “A peculiar quiet descended over what the poet James Russell Lowell would call ‘that era-parting bridge,’ across which the old world passed into the new.” Here again is Atkinson’s felicity for turning history into literature. Many who have read his Liberation Trilogy on U.S. forces in World War II’s European theater (“An Opinion Army at Dawn,” “The Day of Battle,” “The Guns at Last Light”) will already have immersed themselves in his just-published “The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777,” the first of what will be his Revolution Trilogy. It is a history of the combat in which the fate of a continent, and an idea, was determined by astonishingly small numbers of combatants, and one astonishing man. As London came to terms with the fact that Boston is farther from Charleston than London is from Venice, it slowly dawned on Britain’s government that it was fighting not just a nascent army but also a nation aborning. And that it had the daunting, and ultimately defeating, logistical challenge of maintaining an army across an ocean in the age of sail. When its North American commander asked London for 950 horses, more than 400 died en route and others, weakened by the voyage, died on shore. America’s shores — most Americans lived within 20 miles of Atlantic tidewater — were home to people made restive, then violently belligerent by a vibrant print culture: “Philadelphia . . . boasted almost as many booksellers — 77 — as England’s top 10 provincial towns combined.” The war would be won largely by the deft retreating of George Washington, who, as Atkinson demonstrates, several times came “within a chin whisker of losing the war.” Approximately 250,000 Americans served for some period in some military capacity, and more than 1 in 10 died, a higher proportion of the nation’s population than perished in any conflict other than the Civil War. They died from battle, disease or vile British prisons. Few battles produced mass carnage. (One in 8 of the British officers who would die in the eight years of war died in four hours at Bunker Hill.) Inaccurate muskets (Atkinson says, “The shot heard round the world likely missed”) often were less lethal than the primitive medicine inflicted on the victims of muskets, cannons and bayonets. Only the fortunate wounded got “their ears stuffed with lamb’s wool to mask the sound of the sawing.” Amputations above the knee took 30 seconds; about half the amputees survived the ordeal or subsequent sepsis. Washington rarely had more than 20,000 soldiers and often had fewer: On one December day during his late-autumn 1776 retreat from New York City across New Jersey, he lost about half his “threadbare and dying” army to expiring enlistments, and he crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania with fewer than 3,000. Later that month, however, he recrossed the river with 2,400 and in less than two hours at Trenton (where Lt. James Monroe was wounded) and, eight days later, in an hour at Princeton, saved the idea of a continental nation based on republican ideals. One lesson of “The British Are Coming” is the history-shaping power of individuals exercising their agency together: the volition of those who shouldered muskets in

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When Democratic Candidates Talk Sense When the sacred cow is a pet and you twist her tail, you can expect booing, not mooing, from the cow’s friends. That’s what happened at the California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco over the weekend when two presidential candidates took a turn twisting uzanne the cow’s tail. John Hickenlooper, the forields mer governor of Colorado, and John Delaney, a former congressman from Maryland, learned that anyone trying to inform and persuade best be careful in such a crowd. They misjudged their audience by a mile. “Medicare for All sounds good, but it’s actually not good policy, nor good politics,” Delaney told the crowd to a flood of boos. He got nary a moo. He tried an amplification to reassure the reasonable, but reason is scarce in a time and place that grooves on slogans and liberal nostrums. “We should have universal health care,” Delaney persisted, “but it shouldn’t be the kind of health care that kicks 150 million

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opposition to an empire. Another lesson is that the democratic, sentimental idea that cobblers and seamstresses are as much history-makers as generals and politicians is false. A few individuals matter much more than most. Atkinson is clear: No George Washington, no United States. Washington, writes Atkinson, learned that “only battle could reveal those with the necessary dark heart for killing, years of killing; that only those with the requisite stamina, aptitude, and luck would be able to see it through, and finally — the hardest of war’s hard truths — that for a new nation to live, young men must die, often alone, usually in pain, and sometimes to no obvious purpose.” The more that Americans are reminded by Atkinson and other supreme practitioners of the historians’ craft that their nation was not made by flimsy people, the less likely it is to be flimsy. The Washington Post

Americans off their health care.” The fierce booing resumed. When Hickenlooper said socialism is nice but the wrong way to persuade an American audience, his remarks were drowned in a chorus of Bronx cheers. Joe Biden, the grown-up resting comfortably on a double-digit polling lead over his primary rivals, knew better than to taunt this crowd with good sense. He stayed away. The old pol knew a California crowd would be dominated by activists of the left in a place where there’s no center-left. Medicare for All is the soup du jour. So popular is the slogan it’s becoming legislative language. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and, above all, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are the icons who make Democratic hearts flutter this season. The average age of the delegates in San Francisco was hard to discern, but it’s an educated guess that many of them learned economics and American history from the textbook “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn, a leftist historian who died in 2010. The book is widely used in both high schools and colleges. It’s a volume with lots of misinformation (and disinformation) about how socialism is cool and American capitalism is wicked. It offers economic insights like this: “Why should we accept that the ‘talent’ of someone who writes jingles for an advertising agency, advertising dog food and gets $100,000 a year, is superior to the talent of an auto mechanic who makes $40,000 a year? Who is to say that Bill Gates works harder than the dishwasher in the restaurant he frequents, or that the CEO of a hospital who makes $400,000 a year works harder than the nurse or the orderly in that hospital who makes $30,000 a year? The president of Boston University makes $300,000 a year. Does he work harder than the man who cleans the offices of the university? Talent and hard work are qualitative factors which cannot be measured quantitatively.” Many of the kids, alas, eat this up. Help is on the way. Wilfred McClay is a history professor at the University of Oklahoma. In an article in The Wall Street Journal, “Reclaiming History from Howard Zinn,” he Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Automakers say Trump’s plan to weaken emission standards risks crippling industry by Anna M. Phillips

Some of the world’s largest car manufacturers have delivered a unified message to President Donald Trump: Go back to the negotiating table on vehicle emission standards or risk crippling their industry. Seventeen major automakers, including General Motors, Ford, BMW and Toyota, wrote in a letter released Thursday that the administration’s plans to weaken car pollution and fuel efficiency standards would hurt their Automotive bottom lines and could produce “untenable” instability. “We encourage both the federal government and California to resume discussions and to remain open to regulatory adjustments that provide the flexibility needed to meet future environmental goals and respond to consumer needs,” the companies wrote. The current regulations, put in place under President Barack Obama, were designed to cut down on production of planet-warming greenhouse gases. They require car manufacturers to produce increasingly fuel-efficient vehicles so that by 2025 the nation’s cars and trucks would average more than 50 miles per gallon. The regulations are widely considered one of the country’s most effective steps to fight global warming, an issue Trump has derided as a hoax. Unhappy with the requirements, automakers had petitioned the Trump administration shortly after it took office in 2017 to loosen the rules. But even they were surprised when the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a complete rewrite of the regulations. Under Trump, the agencies proposed freezing mileage targets at about 37 miles per gallon for cars after 2020. In addition to ending California’s unique authority to set its own tougher greenhouse gas emissions standards, the plan would nullify the state mandate that automakers sell a certain number of electric vehicles. Official projections show the administration’s plan would increase daily gas consumption across the United States by about 500,000 barrels a day, worsening greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The final version of the plan is expected to be released this summer. Xavier Becerra, California’s attorney general, has said the state will sue the federal government if it moves forward with weakening the rule.

Democratic Candidates Talk

Continued from preceding page. argues that simplistic socialist (slogans) parading as critical thinking is not thinking at all, and it’s the opportune time to persuade the young to look beyond victimhood, beyond ideology, beyond socialism. “We historians have for years been supplying an account of the American past that is so unedifyng and lacking in larger perspective that Zinn’s sweeping melodrama looks good by comparison,” he writes. “We can do better.” He tries to do better with a new history of America, “Land of Hope,” a deeper examination of that history, arguing for an open mind about changing contexts that require a mastery of detail, and expanding discussions that have been narrowly limited to race, class and gender. His assessment of Christopher Columbus, a favorite foil of the politically correct who scorn Columbus as a plunderer of “Native Americans,” for example, is fresh, even-handed and lively. “Columbus had trouble seeing America for the new thing that it was, and could be, and eventually would become,” he writes. “The fresh start for the world came at a heavy price for those who were already settled on the land, men and women for whom San Salvador was not a New World being discovered but an old and familiar world about to be transformed.” History teaches by experience, and it’s a mistake for both Democrats and Republicans to think that national elections will conform to the ideas of party activists. George McGovern imagined that. His party may be doomed to learn again what he had to learn. A recent Gallup survey found that nearly half of the Democrats polled say they would consider voting for a socialist. You could call it their last boo. Copyright 2019 Creators.com

That could lead to a nightmare scenario for car companies, where they would have to produce different vehicles for a divided U.S. market — one class of smoke-belching cars that would meet the Trump administration’s scaled-back standard, and cleaner vehicles for California and the states that follow its regulations. Many states have adopted California’s strict emission rules. Together, they make up about one-third of the U.S. auto market. The auto companies seek to avoid an “an extended period of litigation and instability,” they wrote in their letter to Trump. The car manufacturers also wrote to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, asking the state to reach a compromise with the Trump administration that would lower the annual vehicle fuel economy targets without completely gutting the current regulations. “It is our view that the best way to ensure continued success is a final rule supported by all parties — including California — that includes annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions midway between the existing standards and the preferred path” outlined by the EPA, they wrote to Newsom. But reaching such an agreement will not be easy. Talks between the Trump administration and California air quality regulators broke down in February, with both sides accusing the other of being unwilling to negotiate. “We know that reaching an agreement has been challenging, but the stakes are too high and the benefits too important to accept the status quo,” the automakers wrote in their letter to Newsom. Other automakers who signed the letter include Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan. One notable exception was Fiat Chrysler, an Italian-American

company that has been more supportive of the administration’s regulatory rollback efforts. The two letters echo complaints that car manufacturers have made previously as the possibility of drawn-out litigation has become more likely. Their efforts have failed to persuade the administration to change its plans. Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign of the Center for Auto Safety, said the letters amounted to little more than political posturing. “The reality was if they had sent these letters months ago, there might have been a possibility of doing something,” Becker said. “But doing it at the last minute when they know the administration is poised to issue this rule any week now … it’s just so they can say to people who object: ‘Oh, we were opposed, we weren’t in Trump’s pocket.’” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the EPA have continued to support locking car pollution targets in place. The agencies claim that doing so would save lives because, without the higher standards, more Americans would be able to afford new cars with better safety records. Environmental advocates and many outside scientists dispute that reasoning, pointing to extensive studies done during the Obama years that found that higher fuel standards could be achieved without compromising safety. The EPA’s own scientists also have questioned the administration’s position. Andrew Wheeler, who took over the EPA after Scott Pruitt resigned amid multiple scandals last year, warned during recent internal administration debates that the evidence behind the proposal was questionable and might not stand up in court, administration officials have said. ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tech giants under fire: Is antitrust action the answer? by Levi Sumagaysay

Ever since revelations of Russian interference in U.S. elections and a host of privacy scandals, tech’s titans have faced increasing pressure from Congress, the public and Democratic presidential candidates. But now that lawmakers this week turned up the heat by announcing a broad inquiry into digital competition, some experts questioned whether applying an antitrust lens to public concerns about tech companies’ actions Technology and missteps is the right approach. The House Judiciary Committee this week announced that it will start an inquiry into digital competition amid reports that the federal government is preparing antitrust investigations into Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon. The lawmakers said they will try to determine whether tech companies, which they did not name, are engaging in anti-competitive behavior. But that may be a challenge under existing antitrust law, some experts say. The size and reach of the big tech companies are undeniable. Amazon sells almost everything you can imagine. Two of the world’s most widely used sites, Facebook and Google, dominate online advertising, commanding more than 60% of the market. And both Amazon and Google now provide cloud services for companies big and small. “Elizabeth Warren says break up tech companies because they’re big, which is not something antitrust law could inherently do,” said Mark Lemley, professor of law at Stanford University, referring to the senator and presidential candidate’s call to rein in the power of the big tech companies. “It is not antitrust law driving this necessarily. It’s a combination of political and social factors. The tech industry is much less the golden child it was before the election…because of the role it may have played in allowing Russia to influence the election.” Donald Polden, emeritus professor of law at Santa Clara University, said it is “fashionable to hate tech companies right now,” but that “antitrust laws as we know them today are not very well designed for tech and platform markets.” Proving harm to consumers, a key tenet in antitrust law, may not be easy. “The rub here is that Google, Facebook and Amazon customers are not paying higher prices,” Polden said. Plus the public may not care much, he said. Despite pri-

vacy scandals and data breaches involving the tech giants, and reports on poor labor conditions for Amazon warehouse workers or about Google’s handling of workplace sexual harassment allegations, a Pew Research poll last year found that 63% of Americans think technology companies’ impact on society as a whole has been more positive than negative. Despite the challenges, Polden said U.S. antitrust inquiries are “overdue,” particularly considering that European regulators have been looking into the tech giants’ practices for years. They have fined Google three times in the past three years, for a total of $9.3 billion, doling out the latest fine in March over the company’s online ad practices. If anything comes out of U.S. antitrust efforts, it “could be legislation that buffs up antitrust laws with a consumer protection act,” Polden said. The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and Reuters have reported that the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice have divided up the work of overseeing the four tech titans: The FTC supposedly is getting Facebook and Amazon, and the DOJ is handling Google and Apple. That could mean antitrust investigations are imminent, although Lemley said, “Sometimes it just means, hey, we are the people who will look at what’s going on.” Google, the FTC and the DOJ all said they had no comment. Facebook and Amazon did not return requests for comment. In a Monday interview with CBS News, Apple CEO Tim Cook denied that his company is a monopoly, pointing out that Apple does not lead the market in smartphones worldwide. NetChoice, an e-commerce trade group, slammed the reported antitrust investigations. “Pointless antitrust attacks on American businesses risk stalling out America’s tech leadership as competition from China is fiercer than ever before,” said Carl Szabo, NetChoice vice president and general counsel, in a statement. The growing backlash against tech giants is also coming from advocacy groups, shareholders and current and former employees. Complaints range from the companies having too much power — 68% of Facebook’s independent shareholders last week voted to separate the role of CEO and Chairman Mark Zuckerberg, but the social networking firm’s voting structure made their efforts moot — to repeated violations Continued on page 21.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

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ADAMS & SULLIVAN, P.C., Attorneys 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1 Papillion, Nebraska 68046-2843 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION GUINAN MORTGAGE, INC. Notice is hereby given that Guinan Mortgage, Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on April 10, 2019 when Articles were filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares. Patrick J. Sullivan, Incorporator, 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046 Registered Office: 1246 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1, Papillion, NE 68046-2843 Registered Agent: Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. First publication May 17, 2019, final June 7, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KARST NIELSEN, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Karst Nielsen, 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 322 N Molly St., Bennington, Nebraska 68007 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 May 31, 2019, final June 14, 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: ANDREA S. ARON, 2705 North 45th Street, Omaha NE 68104, you are hereby notified that on April 2, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-7322, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $14,638.67, 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 15th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication May 24, 2019, final June 14, 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: MICHELLE RECKINGER, 5453 S. 50th St, Omaha NE 68117, you are hereby notified that on April 11, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-8044, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $2,595.80, 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 15th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication May 24, 2019, final June 14, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Screaming Meadows, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 14817 Parker Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent of the Company is Scott Maupin, 14817 Parker Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Company was formed on May 24, 2019. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE In the District Court of Hall County, Nebraska. PR17-523 STATE OF NEBRASKA, on Behalf of EMANUEL ANTONIO RIVERA, Minor Child, Plaintiff, vs. ANTONIO JAMES RIVERA, Defendant, MARTHA ROMINA RIVAS, Defendant. TO: ANTONIO JAMES RIVERA, Defendant: You are hereby notified that Defendant Rivas has commenced an action in the District Court of Hall County, Nebraska, the object and prayer of which is for Defendant Rivas to obtain legal and physical cusody of the parties' minor child; establish parenting time and that the parties should share in the daycare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses of the minor child; for a modification of child support effective May 1, 2019; for attorney fees; and for such other and different relief as the Court may deem just and equitable. You are required to answer said Complaint on or before July 10, 2019, or an order will be entered against you. MARTHA ROMINA RIVAS, Defendant Joshua A. Johnson, #25260 CONWAY, PAULEY & JOHNSON, P.C. P.O. BOX 315 Hastings, NE 68902-0315 402-462-5187 jjohnson@hastingslaw.com Attorney for Defendant Rivas First publication May 31, 2019, final June 21, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of GAEL's Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is GAEL's Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of GAEL's Construction, LLC at 1122 N 29th Street, Omaha, NE 68131. Initial members: Jose Hugo Sarmiento Canales. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 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 INCORPORATION OF PLB, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PLB, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68154. The general nature of its business is any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation commenced its existence, which is perpetual, on May 20, 2019. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, and by the officers which shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers as shall be designated in the Bylaws. Myron J. Kaplan, Incorporator First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that 6646 Binney, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 2214 S 86th Ave, Omaha, NE 68124, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Yuri Paskar. 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 5/24/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Yuri Paskar, Member First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIRTY DEVIL DETAILING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dirty Devil Detailing, 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 19463 Orchard Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135 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 May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MEA HOME INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MEA Home Investments, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on May 22, 2019. Its designated office is located at 11630 Tyler Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. Its initial registered agent for service of process is Allen Mayville with an address at 11630 Tyler Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. Gerard T. Forgét, III, JD, MBA, LLM (Taxation), Organizer First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 SUSAN J. SPAHN, Attorney FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-737 Estate of Marianne Murray, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 24, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Maureen O'Connor, of 12911 Nicholas Street, Omaha, NE 68154, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 31, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR Greater Omaha Paint & Design LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Greater Omaha Paint & Design LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The office of the Company is 5017 Underwood Ave. #12, Omaha, NE 68132 and it’s registered agent is Jennifer A. Hughes. The general nature of the company is residential paint and interior design and was organized in May 2019. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Sunhouse Global, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S. 44th St, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 5/03/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. Khanh Tran, Member First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE POMERLEAU GROUP LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of The Pomerleau Group LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is The Pomerleau Group LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Amanda M. Forker, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of JRS Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is JRS Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of JRS Construction, LLC at 5838 S 13th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Jonathan Rivera Sanchez. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 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: DESHAUNA M. STARKS, 10365 Hamilton Plaza Apt 308, Omaha NE 68114, you are hereby notified that on March 26, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6818, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $8,858.07, 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 22nd day of July , 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 21, 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 PARAMETRIC RESEARCH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Parametric Research, 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 May 24, 2019, and its duration is perpetual. Management of the Company shall be vested in its Managers. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Palacios Patios & Landscaping, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Palacios Patios & Landscaping, LLC. Registered agent and office of Palacios Patios & Landscaping, LLC at 5641 S 49th Street, Omaha, NE 68117. Initial members: Nemorio Lemus-Romero. General nature of the business is the general construction, landscaping and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), JACOB D WEES You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/15/2019 on Case Number CI19-1857, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $162.70, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs. You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 7/14/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly. CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 MICHAEL D JONES, Attorney ELLICK, JONES, BUELT, BLAZEK AND LONGO, LLP 9290 W. Dodge Road, Suite 303 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-714 Estate of Robert G. Hoig, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 22, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decedent and that Oliver E. Hoig, whose address is 321 Laurel Ridge Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 31, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 CHARLES E. DORWART, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-677 Estate of Jimmy R. Martin, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 20, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Intestacy of said Decedent and that Janis C. Martin, of 3303 Curtis Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate. Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 31, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 JAMES WALTER CRAMPTON, Attorney 1904 Farnam Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE SALE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby notified that the following described property will be sold by James Walter Crampton, Successor Trustee, at public auction to the highest bidder at the Douglas County Civic Center, Farnam Street Level, 1819 Farnam St, in the City of Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska on July 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. Lot 9, and the East 40 feet of Lot 10, Block 126, South Omaha City Lots, now a part of the City of Omaha, as surveyed, platted and recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska. DATED, at Omaha, Nebraska May 20, 2019. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given that MG PAINTING, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Marcelo Felipe Gallardo at 2705 H St. Omaha, NE 68107. The general nature of the Company's business is to engage in any lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized on April 22, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. In general, the Company's business is to be managed by its primary member Marco Felipe Gallardo in accordance with the Company's operating agreement. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF 20 TWENTY VIDEO, INC. Notice is hereby given that a corporation has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is 20 TWENTY VIDEO, INC. The corporation is authorized to issue 10,000 shares of common stock. The name and street address of the corporation’s initial registered agent is USCA (United States Corporation Agents), INC., 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, and its incorporator is Bryan Smith, 2906 Mason Street, Omaha, NE 68105. Bryan Smith, Incorporator First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Papa Rico’s, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 24, 2019, Papa Rico’s, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 7804 South 71st Street, LaVista, NE 68128. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Donna M. Garcia, whose address is 7804 South 71st Street, LaVista, NE 68128. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 2019 BRANDON K. DICKERSON, Attorney LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MITCH KAVANAGH LLC Notice is hereby given that Mitch Kavanagh LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office and registered office of the Company is 5745 N. 79th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Mitch Kavanagh. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF WILLIAMS AND FENSKE, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WILLIAMS AND FENSKE, INC. has been incorporated as a corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska (the “Company”). The Company has designated its registered agent as Zach Williams, with registered office at 1706 North 203rd Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Company was organized and commenced perpetual existence on May 30, 2019. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 Notice of Organization Platinum Interiors & Design Notice is hereby given that Platinum Interiors & Design, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as John Diamantis, and with its initial designated office at 8213 N 127th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68142. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF TONEY’S ENTERPRISES, INC. Notice is hereby given of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Toney’s Enterprises, Inc. as follows: Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended so that, as amended, said Article shall provide that the name of the Corporation shall be J3 Roofing and Contracting, Inc. The Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of Nebraska on May 30, 2019. In all other respects, the Articles of Incorporation remain unchanged. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 21, 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: JOSHUA CASE, 2501 Poppleton Ave Apt 3, Omaha NE 68105, you are hereby notified that on February 18, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corp. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-3961, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $8,818.36, 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 29th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JH Jorgensen, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 23, 2019, JH Jorgensen, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 14216 Huntington Avenue, Omaha, NE 68164. The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Jerry Jorgensen, whose address is 14216 Huntington Avenue, Omaha, NE 68164. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 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: LONDAN YANCY, 221 E Mckinley Ave Apt 202, Des Moines IA 50315, you are hereby notified that on January 3, 2019, American Family Mutual Ins. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-254, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,171.85, 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 29th day of July, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 7, 2019, final June 28, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FOR POINTE HC4, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Pointe HC4, LLC (the “Company”) on April 19, 2019. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. First publication May 31, 2019, final June 14, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION CSI Auto Sales & Service 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 Robert M. Schartz, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Chemocharity has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation is a public benefit corporation. The street address of the corporation’s initial registered office is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at that office is Kathryn A. Glissman. The name and street address of the sole incorporator of the corporation is Kathryn A. Glissman, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The corporation will not have members. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF PHYSMED INCORPORATED Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Physmed Incorporated, were adopted on December 17, 2018 to increase the amount of authorized shares. The name and street address of the corporation’s registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The full text of such Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation is on file with the Secretary of State. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 DANIEL J. WATERS, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF SERENECARE, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Serenecare, Inc., were adopted on December 17, 2018 to increase the amount of authorized shares. The name and street address of the corporation’s registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The full text of such Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation is on file with the Secretary of State. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of JLC Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is JLC Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of JLC Construction, LLC at 2020 Oak Street, Omaha, NE 68108. Initial members: Juan Luis Aguilar Ceballos. General nature of the business is the general construction and to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on May 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF NATURE HILLS NURSERY, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nature Hills Nursery, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on May 23, 2019. Its designated office is located at 2336 South 156th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. Its initial registered agent for service of process is CorporAgent, Inc. with an address at 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. Ronald L. Eggers, Organizer First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 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 WG FULL SERVICE SALON SUITES, LLC The name of the Company is WG Full Service Salon Suites, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 4605 North 172nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Eric Renner, 4605 North 172nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. This limited liability company commenced business on June 5, 2019. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF EPPLEY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 4573, A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The name of the corporation is EPPLEY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 4573, A NEBRASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION, with a registered office at 5111 Boeing Ct., Omaha, Nebraska 68110, and the registered agent is NICHOLAS HOWE. The general nature of the business is a public benefit corporation and shall have for its additional purpose providing for managing any benevolent, charitable, civic, educational, fraternal, athletic, patriotic, social and labor organization or society, as well as the making of donations to the public welfare or for charitable or educational purposes, and to perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The corporation commenced May 3, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The corporation will have members. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BIDMYBEATS.COM, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BIDMYBEATS.COM, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 17273 Adams Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The registered agent is ADRIAN A. THOMPSON. The general nature of the business is to operate a general e-commerce 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 e-commerce 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 March 1, 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 June 14, 2019, final June 28, 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 605 GROUP LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 605 Group LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 605 North 65th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. 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 June 6, 2019. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4310 N. 24TH STREET, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4310 N. 24TH STREET, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and regis¬tered office at 2821 Caldwell Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, JUSTIN MOORE. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced on April 27, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. JUSTIN MOORE, Organizational Member 2821 Caldwell Street, Omaha, NE 68131 First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GCP II East Park, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 17, 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. Zach Wiegert will wind up and liquidate the company’s business and affairs. If you have a claim against the company, please provide the following information with respect to your claim: 1) your name or the name of your entity; 2) the nature of your claim; 3) the amount of your claim; and 4) the date your claim arose. All claims shall be mailed to GCP II East Park, LLC, 10340 North 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68122. A claim against the company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the publication date of the third required notice. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ANTHONY EVANS CLINICAL, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ANTHONY EVANS CLINICAL, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 15468 Harney Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent is ANTHONY W. EVANS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general clinical specialist 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 clinical specialist 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 April 29, 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 June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PHAM TRAN, INC. Registered Office: 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154 The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Authorized capital stock is $10,000 to be fully paid and non-assessable on issue. Perpetual existence commenced June 5, 2019, when articles were filed with the Secretary of State. Affairs are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and Officers authorized by the Bylaws and the Board. Rodney G. Gnuse, Incorporator First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: KWDDSSDC, P.C. Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Authorized Number of Shares: 1,000 Incorporator: Karry Whitten, 1111 N. 102nd Ct., Suite 214, Omaha, NE 68114 First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF K9 CUISINE, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that K9 Cuisine, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on May 23, 2019. Its designated office is located at 2336 South 156th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68152. Its initial registered agent for service of process is CorporAgent, Inc. with an address at 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. Ronald L. Eggers, Organizer First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: iDeal Home Team Name of Applicant: Frans Real Estate Pros LLC Address: 536 S. 185th St Omaha NE 68022 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 5/2019 General nature of business: Real Estate Transactions BRANDON L. FRANS Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative June 14, 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: FELICIA R GLASS & KHADIJAH MILLER, 12130 Anne St Apt 1, Omaha NE 68137, you are hereby notified that on January 2, 2019, SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY filed a suit against you in the Douglas County DISTRICT Court at docket CI19-31, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $61,141.00, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County DISTRICT Court on or before the 5th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 14, 2019, final July 5, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given that BEAUTY SCAPES OF OMAHA, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Jim Simmons at 5034 Corby St. Omaha, NE 68104. The general nature of the Company's business is to engage in any lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized on May 17, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. In general, the Company's business is to be managed by its primary member Josue Lopez in accordance with the Company's operating agreement. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF SCRIBE GREETINGS, LLC TO SCRIBE GREETINGS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SCRIBE GREETINGS, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed Articles of Conversion with the Nebraska Secretary of State converting the limited liability company to SCRIBE GREETINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, effective June 6, 2019. The Company has designated its registered agent as The Corporation Trust Company, with registered office at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 DIANE B. METZ, Attorney 1823 Harney Street, ES 1005 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-760 Estate of Lucille Cochran, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 31, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Charles Cochran whose address is 6304 North 40th Street, Omaha, NE. 68111 has been appointed 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 August 14, 2019 or be forever barred. CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: MAYRA ALFARO You are hereby notified that on 01/20/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 1762 . The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 9,467.00, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 07/28/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Megan L. Bischoff #25206 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: KEVIN BLACKEMCCLAIN You are hereby notified that on 12/31/18, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 15 . The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 235.00, plus court costs, pre-judgment interest and attorney fees, if applicable. The Complaint prays that judgment be entered against you. You are hereby notified that you must answer the Complaint on or before 07/28/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska. Steven J. Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF NEBRASKA PAROLE BOARD HEARINGS NOTICE A total of 157 cases will be heard by the Board in June, 2019. The following case(s) sentenced in Douglas County will be seen by the Board of Parole. June 19, 2019 – 8:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center - Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska Devers, Ennis 78534 Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana Hurst, Joshua 81269 Forgery 2nd Degree, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop (2 counts), Viol of Financial Trans Device Booker, Chaz 82777 Burglary, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Cuevas, John 83323 Robbery (2 counts) Young, Kevin 87237 Assault 2nd Degree, Terroristic Threats Do, Antonio 87521 Robbery ( 2 counts) Reis, Michael 88032 Poss/Receive Stolen Prop Bass, Lorenzo 88089 Sexual Assault 1st Degree Lampkin, Maurice 88355 Robbery Stevens, Parrish 88541 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Stugart, Adam 88818 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (3 counts) Smothers, Edward 89122 Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp June 20, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. Community Correctional Center - Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska Holt, Kalan 44535 Murder 2nd Degree, Pos Firearm by Fugitive/Felon, Use Firearm to Commit Felony Swope, Christopher 84733 Domestic Assault, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Mitchell, Davante 85825 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Armstrong, Charles 86458 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (2 counts), Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana, Tax Violation Jaramillo, David 88353 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug June 24, 2019 – 8:30 a.m. Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln, Nebraska Hill, Samuel 57182 Murder 2nd Degree, Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Preston, Dean 70365 Assault 1st Degree, Use Deadly Weap to Commit Fel Brown, Datrel 83672 Robbery Holmes, John 84762 Visl Depict Sexl Explicit Cond Milton, Gene 86012 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Timm, Adam Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I Taylor, Stanley 88048 Pos Firearm by Fugitive/Felon Gregory, Bryant 88383 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I, Terroristic Threats Duran-Contreras, Jose 88900 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I (2 counts) Holmes, Jonathan 88119 Burglary, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Durand, Jesse 85335 Burglary, Escape, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp June 25, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, Tecumseh, Nebraska Richart, Jason 72669 Sexual Assault of Child 1st Degree Koeppe, Fred 86001 Sexual Assault of Child 1st Degree June 25, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln, Nebraska Flowers, Sean 77312 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Terroristic Threats Fountain, Robert 76343 Sexual Assault 1st Degree Naraine, Jonathan 87107 Sexual Assault 1st Degree Martinmaas, Christopher 68521 Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp Orozco, Alexis 89142 Burglary Rowe, Dustin 89359 Child Abuse, Domestic Assault, Strangulation June 26, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, York, Nebraska Ortiz, Yadira 99116 Robbery (2 counts), Use Deadly Weap to Commit Felony Fleissner, Chasady 99301 Escape, Pos Cntrl Sub Except Marijuana (2 counts) Ixta, Milea 99968 Accessory to Felony, Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp June 28, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. Omaha Correctional Center, Omaha, Nebraska Coleman, James 47612 Assault by a Confined Person, Escape, Robbery (5 counts), Sexual Assault 1st Degree, Use Firearm to Commit Felony (6 counts) Cowart, Shawn 75279 Escape Patterson, Nathaniel 78335 Forgery 2nd Degree, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop (2 counts) Cuevas, Arturo 81807 Driving While Intoxicated, Robbery Thomas, Aaron 82451 Assault 2nd Degree, Poss/Receive Stolen Firearm Hardeman, Braylon 82682 Assault 1st Degree Thomas, Adam 83943 Burglary, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Poss/Receive Stolen Prop Taylor, Justin 85310 Manu/Dist/Del/Disp or Poss W/I, Operate Motor Veh/Avoid Arrest (2 counts) Eschliman, Nathan 85455 Escape Perry, Delano 85689 Assault 3rd Degree, Failure to Appear, Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug Ross, Alexander 86082 Sexual Assault of Child 1st Degree, Sexual Assault of Child 3rd Degree Harlow, Kenneth 87662 Assault 2nd Degree, Burglary Hayes, Domaneke 87763 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Strangulation Pemberton, Jason 87767 Poss Deadly Weap by Felon/Fug, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop Berney, Jacob 85771 Child Abuse, Theft by Receiving Stolen Prop ((2 counts), Theft by Unlwfl Taking or Disp ROSALYN COTTON, CHAIR NEBRASKA BOARD OF PAROLE June 14, 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: KALVIN J PAGE, 8920 Read St, Omaha NE 68122, you are hereby notified that on March 25, 2019, SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6690, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $29,860.61, 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 5th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 14, 2019, final July 5, 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: MARIO ROJAS LOPEZ, 106 N 9th St, Tecumseh NE 68450, you are hereby notified that on March 27, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-6966, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $7,375.77, 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 5th day of August, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly. First publication June 14, 2019, final July 5, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ETC CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ETC CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, L.L.C., is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a designated and regis¬tered office at 3454 South 82nd Street, #3, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by the manager and registered officer, ELIJAH T. CHILDERS. The Limited Liability Company is organized to transact any and all business, and perform services of every kind and nature whatsoever, which are not inconsistent with law. The Limited Liability Company commenced on April 30, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. ELIJAH T. CHILDERS, Organizational Member 3454 South 82nd Street, #3, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 SMITH SLUSKY POHREN & ROGERS LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF R & C WEISS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 8, 2019, R & C WEISS, LLC was organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, with a designated office at 14121 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164 The Company’s initial agent for service of process is Christine Weiss, 14121 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 10305 Joseph Circle La Vista, Nebraska 68128 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MALOLEY MARKETING AND CONSULTING, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Maloley Marketing and Consulting, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 10305 Joseph Circle, La Vista, NE 68128. The designated office is located at 1004 S. 211st Street, Elkhorn, NE 68118. Ann Maloley, Member First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Global Claims, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 19258 Spencer Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The initial agent for service of process is Kyle Maring, 19258 Spencer Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. First publication June 14, 2019, final June 28, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Redwood Design and Construction Name of Applicant: Sylvan Peak Investments LLC Address: 6828 N 264th Cir Valley NE 68064 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: April 29, 2019 General nature of business: Construction Contractor MICHAEL B. WETTA Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative June 14, 2019

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Ride-sharing was supposed to cut traffic congestion and supplement public transit. But has it worked? by Mary Wisniewski and Jennifer Smith Richards

Ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft promised they would supplement public transit and help ease traffic congestion. But data collected by the city and now made public shows almost Trends half of Chicago’s millions of monthly ride-share trips are taking place in just a few wealthy, crowded and already transit-rich areas. A Tribune analysis of ride-share trips that occurred in March shows that more than four of every 10 passenger pickups happened in five of the city’s community areas — the Loop, the Near North Side, the Near West Side, Lakeview and West Town. Many of the drop-offs were concentrated in those areas, too. A more granular look at ride pickups and drop-offs by Census tract, which can be areas of just a few blocks in a dense city like Chicago, shows that aside from airport trips, the most popular ride was a short one between the Loop and the Near North Side. Nearly 1 in 5 trips in March occurred during rush hour, when trains and buses are most readily available. Ride-sharing services have ushered in new convenience for residents trying to get around the city and represent another transportation option in lower-income communities. But the city’s data also reflects ride-sharing’s impact on city streets and balance sheets — Uber and Lyft drivers competing with taxi cabs in already congested neighborhoods and millions in dollars of lost revenue at the Chicago Transit Authority as people shun public transportation for a solo ride in the back seat of a stranger’s car. The release of the data comes as new Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot considers new fees for ride-share trips. Chicago already imposes a 72-cent-per-trip fee, which helps fund the CTA. Lightfoot has not specified what new fee the city could impose, though her transition document suggested exploring additional funding for transportation, including congestion pricing and a new Loop ride-share surcharge. “We will continue to look at creative ways to address our challenges and to improve transportation access in Chicago, including as it relates to ridesharing,” a spokeswoman for Lightfoot said in an email. Transportation experts who have reviewed the data say that it appears some people are choosing ride share over transit. “We’re definitely seeing trips that could have been served by transit — people are taking Uber and Lyft instead,” said Elizabeth Irvin, transportation director for the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a sustainable development nonprofit. An unintended consequence Ride-sharing companies started operating in Chicago in 2011 and have expanded rapidly. As of March, there were 66,562 active ride-share drivers who make 4 or more trips a month, compared with 15,078 in March 2015, according to the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Uber and Lyft say that most Chicago

drivers work part-time. Although the number of cabs operating is limited to 6,999, there is no cap on rideshare vehicles. Ride-share trips are far outstripping cab trips — with almost 10 million rides just in March, compared with 21 million taxi trips for all of 2018, according to the city. Taxi trips have dropped from 33 million trips in 2015, according to the city. The services have changed the way people get around the city and, for some, have opened up an opportunity to earn extra income as a driver. But they may also have an unintended consequence: more traffic congestion. Ride-sharing makes it easier to have a car-free life. A study last year by the Chicago-based Shared-Use Mobility Center found a correlation between heavy ride-sharing use and lower rates of car ownership. And ride-sharing companies have said they want to help take private cars off the street. “We want to make sure we’re broadening the reach of transit,” said Lyft Chief Operating Officer Jon McNeill. “We want to be additive to transit.” He said that transit stops are among Lyft’s most popular pick-up and drop-off locations. “All of us want cleaner, less-congested cities where everyone can move freely — and we want to partner with cities and public transit to achieve that,” said Josh Gold, senior manager of public affairs for Uber, in a statement. But research on other cities has found that ride sharing is contributing to traffic

congestion, and anecdotal reports in Chicago suggest the same. A May University of Kentucky study found that the services are the biggest contributor to growing traffic congestion in San Francisco, and a 2018 study by New York-based Schaller Consulting found that ride sharing has added 5.7 billion miles of driving annually in the Boston, Chicago, New York and six other cities. The same study found that people are making trips by ride share they either otherwise would not have made or would have made by public transit, biking and walking. It is difficult to say exactly how ride-sharing has increased congestion in Chicago, because the city’s Transportation Department does not have estimates on the total number of vehicles on roads over time, but professional drivers say areas around downtown and at the airport have become intensely crowded. “During rush hour, there’s crazy congestion, more than there used to be,” said Rocky Orok, a cabdriver and chairman of the United Taxidrivers Community Council. He said that a trip to O’Hare from downtown used to take an hour during rush hour, and now can take 90 minutes because of congestion at the airport. “All these people are waiting for Uber pickups,” Orok said. “The traffic is insane,” said Eli Martin, who drives for both Uber and Lyft and is co-founder of Chicago Rideshare Advocates, which has pushed for higher driver wages. He said part of the problem is that Uber and Lyft offer promotions that encourage drivers to stay in high-income

areas so that they can make consecutive trips. Martin pulled up recent promotions for drivers on his phone. One from Uber offered an extra $25 for trips in a North Side “boost zone.” “So you have drivers idling, driving empty, they’re waiting for that consecutive trip bonus,” Martin said. “They’re driving around, waiting for that ride.” Representatives for Uber and Lyft said that they try to match drivers with demand. Orok said another cause of congestion is that ride-share drivers are not welltrained. “Sometimes they’re slowing down to look at the phone, sometimes they take a wrong turn, stop at the wrong spot, stop in the middle of the lane,” said Orok. “Those are things you’re not taught to do as a cabdriver.” Ride sharing’s popularity Why do people who could use transit use ride sharing instead? Those interviewed cited convenience. Allison Kaplan, 36, of Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood, said she mostly works remotely, but when she does go downtown she chooses ride sharing because it’s less trouble. “I don’t have to drive and deal with parking, but also because it’s less of hassle and quicker than walking to public trans, waiting, et cetera,” she said. She added that if she worked downtown every day, ride sharing would not be sustainable, both in terms of the environment and the cost. A typical Chicago ride-share trip is Continued on next page.

Targeting consumers who skip commercials, brands turn to sponsored documentaries by Wendy Lee

Harbinder Singh was skeptical about arranged marriages, but when he received a photo of his potential wife-to-be, he was wowed. “The charm, the smile, the personality … it shines right there,” he said. Arvinder, a young Consumers woman in her early 20s in India, was also love-struck by Harbinder’s picture. She saw the New Yorker’s kind, loving eyes — a smile that seemed to be directed at her. A thing as simple as looking at an old-fashioned, physical photograph sparked a whirlwind romance and a lifetime of love — all of it captured in a five-minute documentary, “At First Sight,” posted online and shown as part of a larger series at the Tribeca Film Festival in April. But it wasn’t just a heartwarming tale — it was also a subtle pitch for photo printers, with the YouTube version ending with the tagline, “What memories will you print?” followed by “HP keep reinventing.” Since the dawn of TV, entertainment and advertising have been closely intertwined. In the 1950s, companies sponsored programs such as “The Colgate Comedy Hour,” where it was common to hear pitches for household products before the show and even see them mentioned in the program’s narratives. But as technology evolved, more consumers fast-forwarded through ads and cut the cord altogether. Brands sought out viral video content that they could sponsor on social media, fueling the growth of companies such as BuzzFeed and Vox. Now, they are going a step further by partnering directly

with filmmakers. Whether the aim is to encourage people to buy photo printers, athletic shoes or even fried chicken, companies such as HP, Nike and Church’s Chicken are increasingly pouring money into documentaries in hopes of capturing the attention of consumers who shun traditional commercials. The trend has been a boon to filmmakers such as East Hollywood’s Dirty Robber. But it has also stirred debate over the role of advertising in nonfiction storytelling. “As most audiences have fled (watching commercials on traditional television), you really have to reimagine how you are going to communicate with people. … A documentary is a really nice way,” said James DeJulio, chief executive of Tongal. The Santa Monica firm runs a platform that connects creators and other talent with entertainment companies and brands. Funding remains a challenge for documentary filmmakers, who often rely on grants. Corporations can provide an additional investment boost, said Caty Borum Chattoo, director of American University’s Center for Media and Social Impact in Washington, D.C. Last year, 26% of documentary directors and producers said they planned to work on branded documentaries sponsored by a company, according to a study by the center. “Documentary filmmakers are interested in diversifying their potential forms of revenue and funding,” Borum Chattoo said. For their part, companies say they believe sponsored documentaries are effective at reaching newer audiences.

“The key to standing out from the noise is to tell stories that are genuine and connect with people,” said Angela Matusik, HP’s head of brand journalism. The Palo Alto company, which sells photo printers, is hoping its films will “encourage people to print more photos.” Already, 77% of viewers who were surveyed said “At First Sight” was effective in making them feel that way, Matusik added. In the HP films, New York-based Redglass Pictures promoted the power of printed photographs through three real-life tales — a Continued on page 22.

Exiting a timeshare

Continued from page 13. fees and refuse to grant refunds. What should you do? Don’t send good money after bad. Typically, you should avoid spending money to hire a third party to negotiate relief from a timeshare. Talk with the timeshare operators first. It may be possible, according to the BBB, that the business offers a deed-back or exit program already. If not, consult with an attorney to see if there are other options. Remember a written guarantee isn’t worth much if the company is not legitimate. Be very skeptical about offers to trade out timeshares for vacation clubs or points programs with low-cost travel services. ©2019 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Raytheon and United Technologies are merging, with a focus on R&D by Samantha Masunaga

As the U.S. military looks to buy more cutting-edge technology, bulked-up research and development capabilities could give defense companies a better chance at landing lucrative Pentagon contracts. Size doesn’t hurt either. Technology With this in mind, aerospace firms Raytheon Co. and United Technologies Corp. joined the ever-growing horde of defense firms that are undertaking mergers or acquisitions. The all-stock deal, billed as a merger of equals, would create a new company known as Raytheon Technologies Corp., which would have about $74 billion in annual sales. In a joint news release, the two firms touted the new company’s “expanded technology and R&D capabilities.” The two companies have diverse portfolios — Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon is known for making Patriot missiles, radar systems, cyber defense and sensors for spacecraft and aircraft, while Farmington, Conn.-based United Technologies makes commercial airline components and fighter jet engines. That diversification could make the combined company “more resilient across the business cycles” and give it breathing room to “support significant R&D investments that will help drive sustainable growth,” United Technologies Chief Executive Gregory Hayes said in an investor call recently. It is also unlikely to attract anti-trust concerns because their businesses don’t overlap much, said Stephen Perry, managing director of Janes Capital Partners, an Irvine-based investment firm focused on the aerospace and defense industry. Raytheon already had made “substantial” investments in research and development with the belief that would help it win Pentagon contracts, said Andrew Hunter, director of the defense-industrial initiatives group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. The U.S. military has been increasingly interested in developing technology such as hypersonic weapons, which would fly at speeds of Mach 5 or faster, and laser weaponry. Hayes said during the call that the combined company would be in a position to “immediately address” research and development priorities in those areas. “Merging our two companies brings Raytheon’s deep expertise to vehicle integration, advanced guidance and control and payload and combines it with UTC’s world-class propulsion technology,” he said. Countries such as Russia and China are also investing in hypersonic missile development, and U.S. military officials are concerned that the United States is falling behind. During the investor call, Raytheon CEO Tom Kennedy said the combined company would have a total of $8 billion a year to spend on company- and customer-funded R&D. The merger, which is expected to close in the first half of next year, is just the latest consolidation deal in the defense

industry. Last year, United Technologies completed the acquisition of aviation communications and electronics supplier Rockwell Collins in a $23-billion deal that increased United Technologies’ aerospace offerings. Also last year, military communications companies L3 Technologies Inc. and Harris Corp. announced their intent to merge, and Northrop Grumman Corp. acquired spacecraft and rocket motor manufacturer Orbital ATK Inc. But whereas the Northrop-Orbital deal vastly expanded Northrop’s presence in the space and missile businesses, Raytheon’s merger with United Technologies is merely a “marriage of systems suppliers,” Cai von Rumohr, managing director at Cowen, said in a recent note to clients. The deal probably won’t enable Raytheon Technologies to enter “large new markets” or to start selling items such as aircraft, rather than supplying components to other companies, he wrote. The two companies’ “technologies look complementary and should be helpful,” he wrote. “However these synergies don’t look transformative.” The size of the combined company could help it compete against aerospace heavyweights. Von Rumohr’s note said

Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co. and Northrop Grumman stocks could fall because the merger would create “a stronger competitor.” United Technologies is one of Boeing’s largest suppliers of components for its commercial airplanes, but adding Raytheon into the mix would make the combined company one of Boeing’s “most significant competitors on the defense side,” particularly in the missile business, Perry said of Janes Capital Partners. Last year, Raytheon landed $18.1 billion in federal defense contracts, ranking No. 3 in the nation, according to federal procurement data. Only Boeing and Lockheed Martin ranked higher. United Technologies ranked eighth. “The combined entity will be an absolute behemoth in the aerospace and defense industry,” Perry said. “All roads that matter are going to lead through Raytheon Technologies.” As the defense industry has consolidated over the years, the Pentagon “is in a weaker and weaker place when it comes to negotiating and holding contractors accountable,” said Mandy Smithberger, director of the Center for Defense Information at the Project on Government Oversight watchdog group.

President Trump weighed in on the matter in a call with CNBC recently, saying he was “a little concerned” about the Raytheon-United Technologies deal. “When I hear they’re merging, does that take away more competition? Does that make it less competitive? It’s already not competitive,” he said. The Raytheon-United Technologies deal needs customary regulatory approvals, as well as sign-off from both companies’ shareholders. Before the deal can close, United Technologies also must finish spinning off its Otis elevator and Carrier air conditioning and heating systems businesses into separate entities; that’s expected to happen in the first half of 2020. After the deal is complete, United Technologies shareholders would own about 57% of the combined company and Raytheon shareholders would own about 43%. Hayes, the United Technologies CEO, would lead the combined company. Raytheon’s Kennedy would be executive chairman for two years, after which Hayes would hold both roles. ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ride-sharing was supposed to cut traffic congestion and supplement public transit Continued from preceding page. 3.6 miles and costs about $10, compared with $2.25 for a bus or $2.50 for a train on the CTA. Lucas Stephens, 31, of the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood, is a sustainable transportation researcher who knows the downsides of ride sharing, but sometimes uses Uber, Lyft or Via to and from the airport, or when coming home after going out at night in bars and restaurants in Pilsen or Logan Square. “Ride share can cut 30-plus minutes off of those trips,” Stephens said. Ride-sharing services “are used so much because they provide a good service,” said Sharon Feigon, CEO of the Shared-Use Mobility Center. City data also backs up claims by ride-share companies that they are serving low-income areas where cabs have been historically less likely to go. In March 2019, for example, ride-share drivers made more than 47,000 pickups in the low-income, majority African-American neighborhood of Englewood, compared with 85 cab pickups in March 2017, the most recent comparable information available. Lyft said in its economic impact report that 37% of rides in Chicago begin or end in a low-income area. A Lyft spokesperson said that 40% of all its rides are shared. Gold said that Uber is seeing the most growth in Chicago in poorer neighborhoods such as West Garfield Park, Englewood and West Englewood. Ride-sharing services “do seem to be filling some holes for some folks,” said Irvin, of the Center for Neighborhood Technology. She noted that average trip distances tend to be longer for trips to

and from the South and West sides than in other areas close to transit. “It seems like people are using these services to get to places they might not have been able to get to before.” The city data also indicates that ride-sharing services are being used to get to and from evening entertainment, and therefore possibly removing drunk drivers from the road. More than one in four ride-share trips between November 2018 and March were taken between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Fees and a cap Ride sharing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to urban transportation. The challenge is getting all those piece to fit together. Total ridership on the CTA has fallen 12% between 2012 and 2017, with bus ridership tumbling the most, by almost 21 percent. Transit officials have cited ride sharing as a factor, along with slow bus speeds, which are a byproduct of increased congestion. “We recognize that the changing transportation landscape comes at a price to public transit,” said CTA spokesman Brian Steele. “Specifically, we estimate that the CTA and the city have lost tens of millions in revenue due to the growth of the ride-share industry.” In 2017, Chicago became the first city to increase fees on ride-share trips in order to give money to public transit. The CTA is using the money for track and security improvements. New York has gone further, becoming the first city in the nation last summer to cap the number of ride-sharing vehicles on its streets and require Uber, Lyft, and other companies to pay drivers a minimum rate. Irvin said the risk of a cap is that if

there are fewer drivers, they will stick with the busiest areas and not serve low-income neighborhoods. Regarding the possibility of new local fees for ride sharing, a Lyft spokeswoman said that Chicagoans already pay the highest ride-share fees in the nation. McNeill said that Lyft wants to make sure ride sharing stays affordable in low-income areas. Cities must look at the transportation system holistically, with an eye toward getting single-occupant cars off the road, said Feigon, of the Shared-Use Mobility Center. This includes improving bus and rail service to make it more reliable and attractive to those who may want to take ride sharing. “When you have to stand the whole way home, it’s not necessarily a good ride,” Feigon said. ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tech giants under fire Continued from page 15. of user trust. But even a Google engineer who is involved with the Tech Workers Coalition, which advocates for fair treatment of employees and other issues, expressed doubt that antitrust action would be helpful in the long term, noting the U.S. antitrust action a couple of decades ago against Microsoft. “Eventually you end up with other monopolies,” said the employee, who didn’t want his name used. “It’s inevitable.” ©2019 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Later than almost ever, Minnesota farmers hustle to get crops into rain-soaked fields by Adam Belz

Brent Fuchs raced all day Saturday through to the early hours of Sunday planting corn. Last night, he stayed up late again, hoping to get his last 250 acres of soybeans in the ground before rain arrived today. Farmers across Agriculture Minnesota are rushing this week to get the last of their corn and soybeans in the ground after a cold, wet spring delayed planting past Memorial Day and into June, busting their plans and threatening to reduce growing times. As of Sunday, 20% of the soybean crop and 8% of the corn crop in Minnesota were yet to be planted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s way behind the average of the last five years; statistically, Minnesota farmers two weeks ago should have been where they are now. Harvests are sure to be reduced as a result, and so may farmers’ crop insurance coverage. For Fuchs, this has been the latest planting in his 21 years as a farmer. Two weeks ago, he hadn’t even started. “I don’t remember a year where on Memorial Day weekend we had nothing planted,” he said. He and his neighbor Larry Salaba are helping each other by sharing the workload — one tills the fields ahead of the other, who runs a tractor pulling a planter on the freshly-prepared ground. Salaba was planting on Monday morning on a field west of Dundas while Fuchs stood on the edge of the field, scooped a handful of dirt clods into his hand and squeezed. Blessedly, the clods broke apart in his hand. “Two weeks ago, it would have been like a ribbon,” said Fuchs, explaining how the dirt responds to being squeezed when it’s still too wet. “This is not what I’d call an ideal seed bed, but it’s too late to wait for the perfect field.” The week ending June 9 was good for farmers in other parts of the Midwest, where farmers were able to quickly make up lost ground. The corn crop in Indiana went from 31% planted to 100% planted in one week. The progress was similar in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan, where farmers had been even farther behind schedule than in Minnesota. Just over half of the corn acreage in the 18 major corn-producing states was planted after May 25, according to the USDA, compared with the average of 16.8% from 1986 through 2018 Corn yields drop a little when the plant-

ing is delayed until mid-May. After that, yields drop dramatically. Past studies show farmers can lose up to 24% of their harvest if they don’t plant corn until June 4, and up to 31% if they wait five days longer, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Soybean planting can happen later, but a June 9 planting loses farmers roughly 24% of their harvest and a June 14 planting loses them 30%. Deciding when, what and whether to plant has been like putting together a moving puzzle for Fuchs and farmers across the Midwest who’ve had to juggle planting schedules to account for the wet ground, change the type of seed they plant and calculate the effects of market prices, insurance penalties and weather risk later this summer. “We’re going to need to have some things go in our favor,” Fuchs said. “We could still have a decent crop.” Fuchs had to switch out his typical seed for seed with an earlier maturity date, and

in his job selling seed for Pioneer, he’s been helping farmers farther south switch out their seed for seed with earlier maturity dates. Seed that’s usually planted in west central Minnesota has been planted in southern Minnesota, and seed typically targeted for southern Minnesota has been planted in Iowa and Illinois. Fuchs considered not planting some of his fields, given how low the yields will be. But when the corn and soybean markets rallied in May, he decided to go for it, even though he’s planted so late that he’ll be penalized in his crop insurance coverage on his corn. Each day into June that the corn is planted subtracts a percentage from his coverage, and he didn’t start planting until June. “I lost 5% to 8% of coverage, but I was willing to roll the dice that it was better than not planting at all,” Fuchs said. The wet spring has also clogged shipping routes on the nation’s rivers. Hundreds of barges are held up at locks on the southern Mississippi River because of high water and

fast currents, keeping supplies from farmers and limiting crops sent to market. By this time in a typical year, about 1,400 barges laden with fertilizer, cement and rock have made it to St. Paul. This year, only 90 barges have made it up the swollen river, said Molly Isnardi, vice president of Upper River Services. Farmer cooperatives had to use trucks and rail to ship fertilizer to farmers, which makes it more expensive. “It’s systemwide, so it’s really hurt the farmers in the entire Midwest region, because a lot of that fertilizer was stopped from getting to them,” Isnardi said. As for grain headed south to market, there’s been none of that this spring, Isnardi said, even though some farmers would have liked to sell their grain after holding on to it through the low commodity prices that lasted into May. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Targeting consumers who skip commercials, brands turn to sponsored documentaries Continued from page 20. love story, a mystery and a discovery. “An idea of love at first sight felt like such a great way to honor this idea of love through photographs,” said Sarah Klein, co-founder of Redglass Pictures. “We wanted to tell the story of a version that really did happen through a photograph that did result in true love.” For brands, paying for documentaries can be cheaper than paying for TV ads in large national markets. Church’s Chicken said it spent $10,000 to $20,000 for each of the several documentary videos it has commissioned. In 2016, the Atlanta fast-food chain posted a five-minute YouTube video on Compton, highlighting community members explaining what Compton means to them and briefly touching on the role of Church’s Chicken in their city — as one of the few establishments that survived the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Church’s also launched a docu-series on the World’s Fastest Drummer competition — because drumming could be loosely tied to drumsticks. The drumming series allowed the company to get in front of a younger, 18-to-35 male demographic that it wouldn’t have been able to reach with traditional media, said Georgia Margeson, senior director of

advertising at Church’s. “This is a way that you can reach out to communities and establish a voice among consumers that you may not have reached otherwise,” Margeson said. Local documentary filmmakers such as Martin Desmond Roe, a co-founder of Dirty Robber, have benefited from the increased interest from brands such as Nike. Last year, brand-related projects made up half of his production company’s yearly revenue — in the range of roughly $15 million. His company has worked on branded documentaries including “Breaking2,” a film about marathon running paid for by Nike that has received more than 5.5 million views on YouTube. “It’s where our skill set meets their need,” Roe said. “People don’t care who is paying for it, so long as it’s meaningful … so long as it’s storytelling.” Roku, a Los Gatos-based maker of TV-connected devices and host of its own ad-supported streaming channel, says there is strong demand among consumers for branded videos. Last year, the company launched its own branded content hub on the Roku Channel, getting content from brands in front of Roku customers and on the biggest screen in their living rooms. In return, Roku receives revenue based on how many households the branded content hub could reach. “For them, it was truly an opportunity to not only get scale to an audience they were looking to reach but to find a more engaged user, a cord cutter, someone they simply couldn’t reach in the living room any other way,” said Alison Levin, Roku’s vice president of ad sales and strategy. The first videos to launch on the Roku Channel’s branded hub were explorer stories sponsored by beer company MillerCoors. Roku viewers watched about 70% of those videos to completion whether they were one or six minutes long, Levin said. Customers spent more than 851,000 minutes with the videos from September through December, she said. “The fact that we saw consumers pick to watch it and almost watch it to completion shows how much they value that content,”

Levin said. But branded video challenges the very nature of documentary storytelling, said Simon Kilmurry, executive director of the International Documentary Assn. “The strength of documentary film is that it’s independent,” Kilmurry said. “When you begin to get brands involved, it becomes much murkier in terms of what the motivations are.” Traditional outlets that broadcast documentaries, such as PBS, have strict requirements for sponsor disclosure, often vocally disclosing major sponsors at the start of films. But when it comes to social media or some streaming platforms, those disclosures may not be as obvious. With branded content, filmmakers have to balance sponsor visibility with effective storytelling. In 2017, Dirty Robber released a 55-minute documentary for Nike that illustrated athletes attempting to run a marathon under two hours. None of them met the goal, with one runner missing it by just 26 seconds. The company said it shot footage of Nike shoes getting made for the marathon but opted to not include it because it took away from the storytelling. Nike agreed, and the documentary that ran on YouTube instead focused on the struggle the runners faced to beat the clock. (Nike did not respond to a request for comment.) Dirty Robber held similar conversations with stakeholders in a docu-series on rapper Wiz Khalifa that was distributed on streaming music platform Apple Music in April. The series of videos, which ran less than 15 minutes each, were originally envisioned to show Khalifa’s activities over a week. But Dirty Robber wanted to tell the story of Khalifa’s relationship with his friends, parents and son and how that has evolved as he’s become a prominent rapper. The company declined to disclose the cost of the project, which was financed by Apple. “Now it’s not just branded content for the fans,” Roe said. “Now, it’s real storytelling.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Human Resource

Management

Technology

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include the following:

Topics may include:

• Overview • Job market • Employee benefit • Employment law experts Strategies for building employee engagement • Social media policies Performance reviews • Employee handbooks• Leadership development/training programs

Technology trends overview • Augmented reality • Virtual reality The latest in the cloud • Big data/analysis • IT job market overview Protecting your online privacy/app security • Disaster recovery services

Issue Date: June 21 • Ad Deadline: June 13

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & WAREHOUSING

PRINTING &GRAPHICS

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Transportation, Distribution & Warehousing Overview • Trucking industry outlook Air travel overview • Transportation planning, traffic engineering Roadway design services • Warehouse/industrial space • Logistics services providers Eco-friendly transportation options • New technology

Overview • Sign design update • Creative ways to promote your business “Cross-media” services • Web design

Issue Date: June 28 • Ad Deadline: June 20

Topics may include:

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

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 21

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

TECHNOLOGY

JUNE 28

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & WAREHOUSING

PRINTING & GRAPHICS To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact one of our MBJ advertising representatives at (402) 330-1760 or at the email addresses below. Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Catie Kirby - ads@mbj.com Space and materials deadline is the Friday prior to the publication date. You may email us your insertion orders directly, or fax them to us at (402) 758-9315. We will acknowledge receiving your instructions.

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for its Annual Awards. The chamber is looking to recognize excellence in the Sarpy County business community for the following categories: Business of the Year (25+ employees), Business of the Year (1-24 employees), Business Leader of the Year, New or Emerging Business of the Year, and Non-Profit of the Year. Nominations are being accepted online until June 28. OBI Creative was named Agency of the Year at the 2019 Pinnacle Awards Reception. OBI also took home a Pinnacle Award for public relations for its Cobalt Credit Union rebrand. OBI was also recognized for the following: A Gold in the Small Business category in both public relations and digital media for its “Old Rules, New Rules” campaign; A Silver in the Digital Media, Small Business category for its Okoboji social media campaign; A Bronze in the Total Marketing Campaign, Large Business category for its AgVenture “You’re Not Just a Farmer. And We’re Not Just Seed” campaign; and a Bronze in the Digital Media, Small Business category for their Hightower Reff Law social media campaign. Makovicka Physical Therapy has promoted Lisa Barton to chief financial officer and Lauren Watson to director of practice management. Barton has been with the company for six years, providing leadership and financial acumen. Watson began working at the company in September 2015 and has served as clinic director of the Aksarben clinic since it opened in November 2015. The OMA Tourism Awards honor workers for their contribution to tourism and showcases the enormous impact tourism has on our economy, businesses and personal well-being. President and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Dennis Pate was honored as Tourism Hero of the Year. The awards celebration is a three-county partnership with Visit Omaha, the Council Bluffs County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Sarpy County Tourism. Founded by serial entrepreneur John Wanninger, Venture Out has been in business for three years and has partnered with James Duran and Rich Streif. This trio of business owners have started, acquired, or sold over 40 companies in over ten different industries. As partners, they bring real life experience, knowledge and relationships throughout the region to the table. Duran and Streif are both part owners of local marketing firm KreativElement. KreativElement has been in business for over six years and has handled marketing for many companies in the Midwest. Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott R. Frakes announced a partnership with Gallup to enhance the agency’s culture and provide employee engagement opportunities. Frakes said money provided by an anonymous donor, in addition to some funding provided through the agency will allow teammates to take advantage of the Strengths program. Already, approximately 400 teammates have taken the initial Strengths assessment. The next phase of the program is underway, which will involve having all NDCS team members participate in a brief assessment. Supervisors will receive leadership training and tools for employee engagement.

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska has elected two new members to its board of directors. Emily Maxwell of Lincoln serves as compliance manager at Ameritas where she is primarily responsible for HIPAA privacy compliance and the new law implementation process for dental, vision and hearing products. Colleen Maciejewski, from Elkhorn, serves as vice president of information and technology at Immanuel. She was previously employed by Seren13 and WoodmenLife, and she started Red Basket, a nonprofit crowd-funding organization. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and development partner Tetrad Property Group, LLC, broke ground May 8 on a new office building and warehouse that will serve as the national construction company’s new local office location. McCarthy located in Omaha in 2007. The company is currently overseeing more than $200 million in construction work throughout Nebraska. Situated at the intersection of 132nd Street and I Street in west Omaha, the 15,000-square-foot industrial-flex office development will include a single-story office building, warehouse and adjacent construction yard. The office will include conference facilities and flexible gathering spaces. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was presented with the Employer Partnership Award from the Autism Center of Nebraska. The zoo was recognized for its number of successful job placements through Connections, ACN’s employment program. Connections is a program used to help place ACN jobseekers into career paths. ACN is a certified developmental disabilities service provider under contract with the State of Nebraska Health & Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. Nearly 150 individuals receive services from ACN, ranging in age from 5 to 65. Although ACN specializes in autism, they serve persons with a variety of developmental disabilities. The Iowa Chapter of the American Marketing Association held its 14th annual NOVA Awards. OBI Creative placed in the top of the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for its work on the Cobalt Credit Union rebrand. OBI also placed at the top of the Non-Profit Marketing category for its work on the Nebraska CASA Campaign. Marketing Executive of the Year was awarded to Emily Abbas, senior vice president, chief marketing and  communications officer at Bankers Trust  and Marketer of the Year was awarded to Abby Delaney, digital marketing manager at Bankers Trust.

Health care notes…

Four fourth-grade boys from Prairie Lane Elementary School have raised $200 for Alzheimer’s disease research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They raised the money by teaching children in K-4th grade in their school how to play sports. The boys charged $10 per person and provided a two-hour training session after school with assistance from their fathers. In addition to the donation for Alzheimer’s research, the boys also raised $400 that will go towards a special project for the new Prairie Lane School. The school will be under construction next year and is expected to be completed in about 15 months. Max Kurz, Ph.D., an associate professor of physical therapy at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, received a two-year grant for more Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. than $400,000 from the National Institutes of Health to explore how children with cerebral palsy perceive pain. The grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development will let him and his collaborators examine how the brains of children with cerebral palsy process sensory information. Data released by the United Health Foundation’s 2019 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report reveal there are 550,000 more home health care workers than last year — a 21% rate increase per 1,000 adults age 75 and older. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program now serves 5.4 million eligible seniors, a 13% increase since 2015. The senior population has grown 45% since 2000, with more than 50 million seniors living in the United States today. The report noted depression increased 19% in the past year, with significant increases in 11 states. Nearly 8% of seniors reported frequent mental distress, with female seniors reporting a higher prevalence of frequent mental distress (8.7%) compared with male seniors (6.8%).

Education notes…

On June 21, more than 400 volunteers are partnering with United Way of the Midlands during the 4th annual Day of Action to reinforce the importance of summer reading with approximately 575 children in the Omaha — Council Bluffs metro area. When the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle, not only with basic needs like healthy food, but also to continue their learning. Day of Action volunteers will act as “reading buddies” for children at a number of UWM’s partner agencies and two corporate locations. Each child will receive a literacy kit, provided by Sojern, which includes three books per child, reading activities and information about summer reading programs. There are still volunteer opportunities available. The renovation and addition of Chadron State College’s Math Science building is now a reality thanks to the recently approved budget by Nebraska State Senators. Included in the state’s budget is the bond repayment for the $28.5 million project at Chadron State College to renovate and expand its existing Math Science facility. The project will renovate the existing east and west wings, while adding a northern wing. Construction will begin in the spring of 2020. Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante signed Nebraska Legislative Bill 610, promoting Nebraskans’ access to higher education through innovative college savings incentives. The legislation establishes the following programs: The Meadowlark Program, The Employer Matching Contribution Incentive Program and The Low-Income Matching Scholarship Program. Details about each program can be found online. Incentives and scholarship contributions for the Employer and Low-Income Matching Programs will be allocated from a private-public partnership with no funding from Nebraska’s taxpayers. The Omaha Outward Bound School has elected Brandon Kyle to its board of directors. He received a B.S. degree in architectural engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering from Kansas State University, and an M.S. degree in civil engineering from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating from KSU, he returned to Omaha, where he worked for a local architecture and

engineering firm and concurrently completed his graduate studies in Civil Engineering at the UNL. Kyle is currently a forensic engineer with Rimkus Consulting Group.

Activities of nonprofits…

LB641 was signed into law, ensuring United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline will receive $300,000 in state funding each year for the next two years. The 2-1-1 Helpline is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Nebraska residents to health and human services, community and disaster response and government programs. The 2-1-1 Helpline provides support statewide, serving people from every legislative district in Nebraska. Through a designation by the Nebraska Public Service Commission, United Way of the Midlands has operated the helpline for 15 years and has served the entire state since 2010. The Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art Building Bridges Program has awarded grants totaling approximately $2.49 million to initiate arts and media projects designed to create experiences that advance relationships among communities of U.S. Muslims and their neighbors. Lutheran Family Services in Omaha will receive $244,000 to support traveling, multi-disciplinary and refugee arts festival. The grants are announced as anti-Islam sentiment in the U.S. is rising according to a report released this month by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Americans across the country surveyed by ISPU stated that Muslims — at 62% — are the group most likely to experience religious discrimination.

Arts & Events…

The Healing Arts Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine opened a new exhibition, “Amy Westover: Time Untethered,” in the gallery space on Level 1 of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 4. The work for this exhibition explores cosmological themes in works on paper and kiln-formed art glass. Her work is inspired by scientific fields such as astronomy, quantum physics and mathematics, coupled with the esoteric, the mystical and the spiritual. The dichotomy of these methods is expressed through concepts of duality and the use of multiples with similar forms and imagery. The exhibition will be included in docent-guided Healing Arts tours. Docent-led art tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for 15 people from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Restore Ribfest returns this year on June 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Restore Chiropractic, 8318 Lakeview Street in Ralston. This BBQ challenge fundraiser benefits Angels Among Us and will include bounce houses, games, raffle prizes, live music and BBQ samples from over 10 amateur vendors. Guests are asked to vote best in four categories: best poultry, best pork, best beef and best ribs. The Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce will be serving drinks. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids over the age of 13. On July 19 and 20, the Empire Room in Midtown Crossing will be home to Omaha Crush, a two-day wine and art festival. The event will feature fine wines, fine food by Sam Nasr and Chef Lionel Havé (formerly of the French Cafe), and an art show curated by the Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery. Tickets are available online. The Greater Omaha Chamber is hosting a meet and greet with Chamber President David G. Brown from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at

Charleston’s on June 20. This is a chance for members to connect with the chamber, talk about business and share insights on how the chamber can better help businesses. Registration is available online. Creative Mornings Omaha will feature Stuart Chittenden on June 21 at Midtown Crossing. Born in sight of England’s Canterbury Cathedral, Chittenden has called Omaha home since 2004. Formerly a London lawyer and an Omaha brand consultant, since 2016 he has focused his time and efforts to Squishtalks, a conversation social practice he founded in 2010. Chittenden’s conversational endeavors include Lives with Stuart Chittenden on Mind & Soul 101.3 FM, a talk show and podcast. He also collaborates with creativity expert Dan Gilbert

using design thinking to help individuals and organizations creatively realize their best futures. His poetry and other writing have appeared in several literary journals. The League of Women Voters Nebraska will be meeting for it’s monthly Dine & Discuss event on June 24 at the Exchange Room. The featured speaker is LWVNE Co-President Linda Duckworth, who will be sharing her experience visiting El Paso, Texas, border region while volunteering for the Annunciation House. Annunciation House is accepting 400-700 refugees per day that have been released from ICE and helping them reach relatives and support communities while they wait for their judicial hearings. Pizza will be provided and registration is available online.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, June 18 The Greater Omaha Chamber has teamed up with the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development to host the fourth installment of the Expanding Talent Pools Series, “Hiring Youth,” from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Greater Omaha Chamber, 808 Conagra Drive, Ste 400. Presenters will include: Chad Mares, Greater Omaha Chamber; Rhonda Newman, Project Everlast; and Bradley Ekwerekwu, United Way of the Midlands. Presenters will discuss how youth can be an important part of a talent pipeline but are often overlooked. The Ralston Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Member Luncheon at the Ralston Arena starting at 11:30 a.m. This month’s speaker is Mike Henke who will be talking about attracting candidates during challenging times and what potential employees are looking for. The cost to attend is $15 and registration is available online. Wednesday, June 19 Several Omaha area nonprofits have teamed up to offer a two-day QuickBooks training event at the Holiday Inn Omaha Southwest. This program is customized to meet the needs of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups. The presenter will be Jacob Malousek with Ark Financial Services who will cover everything from setting up QuickBooks to accepting credit cards and doing payroll. The event will continue on June 20. Registration is available online. The Miller Financial Group is hosting Lunch and Learn: Non-Profit and Charitable Entity Challenges Resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Miller Financial Group in Bellevue. This workshop is designed to help educate charitable organization staff, and board members. It will also provide basic information about some financial planning strategies that may help to offset the tax implications for donors. In lieu of a registration fee, please consider a donation of $15 to the Bellevue Community Foundation for flood relief efforts. No cash, please. Checks made payable to the Bellevue Community Foundation. Thursday, June 20 The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is hosting Grant Writing Palooza, a full day workshop for nonprofit professionals. Participants will learn from local experts, hear from local experts, and network with peers to share ideas on grant writing best practices. This year participants can choose to attend just the morning session, just the after-

noon session or the full day. Registration and a full list of breakouts are available online. Friday, June 21 The Nebraska State Bar Association is hosting a seminar, “2019 Annual Government & Administrative Practice Seminar,” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. Sessions will include: Election Law 2020 and Beyond; Election Laws — A Local Perspective; Elections and Campaigns: A National Perspective; It’s Always Election Season: An Overview of Nebraska’s Campaign Finance Laws Applicable to Businesses and Other Organizations; Ethical Issues for Lawyers in Election Campaigns; and Defining the Scope of the Government and Public Sector Attorney’s Duties: Responsibilities, Conflicts and more. Registration is online. The Human Resource Association of the Midlands is hosting a workshop on Bullying in the Workplace from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. Bullying in the workplace is an emerging issue that is being examined by employees and employers. During this session attendees will be presented information on what constitutes bullying and how it adversely affects the workplace with lost productivity and engagement of employees. Lastly, how to engage senior leadership to engage and educate the workforce. Registration is available online. The Greater Omaha Chamber is hosting Business on the Green at the Tiburon Golf Course. The annual four-player scramble includes a shotgun start, 18 holes of golf and a networking reception with prizes. Slots are still open for the PM Flight, which begins with lunch at 11 a.m. Registration is online and costs $175 for members and $200 for non-members. Sunday, June 23 A national workshop dedicated to childhood agricultural safety is scheduled for June 23-24 in Des Moines, Iowa. The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center will co-host the event. The Child Agricultural Injury Prevention Workshop is designed for those who work in or with the agriculture industry, and want to establish and enhance child injury prevention strategies for their organizations. Registration fee is $249. Scholarships are available to assist with the cost of registration. The workshop is expected to draw participants from producer groups, insurance, FFA, health care, extension, agribusiness, public health and media.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• OBJ Pages

The Local Locale gains traction with ethical screen-printing for businesses by Savannah Behrends

Scott Allison has lived in Benson almost his whole life; in fact he lives across the street from his childhood home. His passion for Benson prompted him to pick up screen-printing, eventually opening The Local Locale to help promote local organizations and businesses. It all started with fundraising in the spring of 2017 for the Benson High School boys varsity soccer team where Allison is head coach. Benson High, located at 5120 Maple Street in Omaha, is largely comprised of

minority students, 79% of which are economically disadvantaged. “The [boys varsity soccer] team is 100% immigrants and refugees,” Allison said. “They’re awesome kids.” The money being raised was to help pay for food before or between games, especially during tournaments when “I knew most of them either hadn’t or couldn’t eat breakfast at home.” The first round of T-shirts, inspired by the sports brand Puma, featured a bunny — Benson’s mascot — hopping over ‘Benson.’ About a year later Allison launched

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Owner Scott Allison … Fundraising efforts for Benson High School’s boys varsity soccer team sparks entrepreneurial venture. The Local Locale offering screen-printing, work with organizations like Amplify Arts branding and website design, but it wasn’t and Servais Sports Performance. quite smooth sailing. “One of the hardest things early on was His first order of T-shirts fell apart the reaction to new designs that I really after the first wash and Allison had to liked,” he said. “We’d get tons of “likes” re-make them. Through trial and error he and big jumps in web traffic, but that didn’t found the perfect balance between mate- translate into a lot of sales out of the gates.” rials, which are all He’s hoping to eco-friendly and eth- The Local Locale add two downtown Founded: spring 2018 ically sourced. Benson staples to Allison prints on Service: screen-printing, web design his lineup — Parlour Bella+Canvas prod- and branding for small businesses and 1887 (Benson was ucts. Bella+Canvas is organizations founded in 1887) and a Platinum W.R.A.P. Goal: Continue to grow small business Hardy Coffee Co. (Worldwide Respon- accounts, support more nonprofits “I love being s i b l e A c c r e d i t e d through limited edition T-shirts and evenaround cool people Production) certified tually sell items in local businesses. doing cool stuff,” he company, meaning it Website: thelocallocale.com said. “Its fun to be doesn’t source from able to play a role in sweatshops, it has high safety and health what they are building.” standards and it promotes environmental Building the community up also means and eco-friendly practices. building up local nonprofits. So far in 2019 The Los Angeles based company em- Allison has teamed up with the Nebraska ploys 1,000 at its manufacturing plant, AIDS Project and the Women’s Center where water and energy are used minimally for Advancement, offering limited edition and nearly all scraps are repurposed. T-shirts with a percentage of profits bene“Honestly, the world doesn’t need more fitting the organization. T-shirts. But the world does need things “If I can help create a little more awarethat make people happy,” he said. “In that ness of a [nonprofit’s] mission, I have the process, it’s important to put as little impact responsibility to do it,” he said. “Those of as possible on the environment and people. us in position to help need to however, and That’s why I make a quality product that wherever, we can.” I want people to love and keep forever.” While the next nonprofit partnership Orders for businesses, although slow in has not been selected, The Local Locale the beginning, have steadily grown to a few will be doing on-the-spot printing at Benorders a week and Allison has been able to son Days this July.

Nebraska Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries - Page 27

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Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

Omaha Business Journal Pages

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Jour nal Customers love IPAs and they love fruited sour beers, which is perfect because there is so much room for experimentation,” she said. Omaha Beer Fest Event Director Christy Harris also noted the trend toward more IPA-, hoppy West Coast-based brews. “And the trend of the ‘hazy IPA,’ with

Lindsey Clements, co-founder of Vis Major.

From ‘hazy’ to fruited sour, experimentation on tap for state’s buzzing breweries industry by Michelle Leach

Nebraska may rank 37th in terms of population, but the state is No. 22 in terms of breweries per capita — and 17th for per capita economic impact, according to Brewers Association data. “The industry created over $465 million in revenue,” said Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild Executive Director Gabby Ayala, a reference to the 2018 Nebraska Craft Beer Sales Statistics report. “It’s an exciting time for craft beer in Nebraska, and the industry is poised to continue to see steady growth.” With a reported 50 craft breweries churning out almost 55,000 barrels of beer annually, Ayala noted breweries are positively impacting local economies. “That impact is trickling out into other industries, especially tourism,” she said. “Breweries in rural areas are seeing their business become a destination spot for people from all over the state.” This brewery-based buzz is positively impacting other small businesses in Nebraska communities, Ayala said. Consistent, steady growth — especially in those more rural towns — is familiar to Vis Major Brewing Co.’s co-founder Lindsey Clements. “I see more breweries opening with a

focus on the taproom, rather than a distribution model,” she said. “The taproom model focuses on fostering culture and community within the taproom, which has a greater success rate as finding room on grocery store shelves continue to be more competitive.” More to this notion, Clements noted the consumer still associates “success” with distribution. “We are often asked if/when we at VMB will begin distribution, and for us it’s no longer a priority, because we have been successful in growing our consumer base,” she said. In fact, Clements referred to a 25% year-on-year increase in business, as she said consumers appreciate the creativity demonstrated in its evolving beers and pizza. “Since we have a small brew system, our taps change weekly which allows us to explore the trends we see on the coasts,” she said. “Recently, we have made Brut IPAs from the West Coast and Milkshake Sour IPAs coming out of the East Coast.” There is a ton of play with IPAs to the degree, Clements said, that it’s questionable if it still should be categorized as such. “But why not push the boundaries?

June 14, 2019 more hops — it’s not a clear beer and it gives it a different taste,” she said. “Drinkers nowadays, in the 25- to 35-year-old range, want something different. They don’t just want the regular beer taste. They want it more healthy, flavored and more citrusy and those kinds of flavors — rather Continued on next page.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

• OBJ Pages

Wineries, breweries see opportunity for growth by Dwain Hebda

Area breweries and wineries report the health of the local industry is good, but that physical growth might be some time off. Richard Hilske, who co-owns Cellar 426 with his wife Amy, said the winery continues to see growth in its clientele. “The main trends in our clientele we see is we’re getting a lot more people coming out from Omaha and/or Lincoln for a couple hours to enjoy a glass of wine, cheese plate or whatever and the peace and quiet out here. We’re getting a lot more of that,” he said. “More and more younger folks are coming out and experiencing wineries and getting their feet wet drinking a glass of wine.” The company wasn’t directly damaged by the recent flooding, but Hilske said the additional moisture means they will be on the lookout for fungus affecting the grapes. Any serious talk of expansion is on the backburner for now. “There are a couple of directions we can go,” he said. “We’re looking at some short-term and long-term plans as far as increasing space here but nothing concrete yet. We definitely can increase our wholesaling. As far as product expansion, this summer we’re going to be introducing hard cider to our lineup.” Prairie Crossing Vineyard and Winery in Treynor, Iowa, also wasn’t directly damaged by the spring floods. Co-owner Julianna Hrasky said the company is gearing up for a big summer, even though expansion is not in the immediate plans. “We’re where we want to be with physical land and facilities,” she said. “The state of Iowa realizes that this is an agri-tourism business and it helps promote the industry and that helps connect visitors with us.” Also driving traffic is the creation of the Loess Hills District American Viti-

cultural Area. Being included in the AVA, Prairie Crossing works to educate guests on grapes and wine produced there. “About three or four years ago, we received federal approval for the AVA. It was a five-year process just to get to that point,” she said. “Our winery and our vineyard, as well as many of our partner wineries and vineyards through this corner of the state, are all included within that geographical area. It’s a challenge to promote that, helping people understand what that is, where it is and what makes this area special.” Craft beer also continues to grow, according to Trevor Schaben, brewmaster

with Thunderhead Brewing. “People who think the market is saturated don’t have a good understanding of the size of the market,” he said. “At the size we are as brewers, compared to the overall beer market, there is only one direction to go. What’s driving it is limitless variety combined with a growing pool of high-end brewing talent.” Schaben said expansion in the beer business is a balancing act — breweries want to be consistent in their branding while still rotating in brews that are new and interesting. “Constantly changing [beers] is counter-productive,” he said. “At the same time,

California has too much solar power. That might be good for ratepayers by Sammy Roth

California set two renewable energy records recently: the most solar power ever flowing on the state’s main electric grid, and the most solar power ever taken offline because it wasn’t needed. There’s no contradiction: As California utilities buy more and more solar power as part of the state’s quest to confront climate change, supply and demand are increasingly out of sync. The state’s fleet of solar farms and rooftop Energy panels frequently generate more electricity than Californians use during the middle of the day — a phenomenon that has sent lawmakers and some climate advocates scrambling to find ways to save the extra sunlight rather than let it go to waste. But for ratepayers, an oversupply of solar power might actually be a good thing. New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Solar Energy suggests California should embrace the idea of building more solar panels than it can consistently use, rather than treating oversupply as a problem to be solved. It sounds counterin-

tuitive, but intentionally overbuilding solar facilities — and accepting they’ll often need to be dialed down in the absence of sufficient demand — may be the best way to keep electricity prices low on a power grid dominated by renewable energy, the research found. In a study published in March, New York-based researchers Richard Perez and Karl Rábago argue that solar power has gotten so inexpensive that overbuilding it will probably be the cheapest way to keep the lights on during cloudy or overcast days — cheaper than relying entirely on batteries. Solar power can meet high levels of daytime electricity demand without energy storage, the researchers say, as long as there are enough solar panels on the grid during times when none of them are producing at full capacity. “It’s not like solar is going to be available all the time,” said Perez, a solar energy expert at the State University of New York at Albany. “At night you will need storage, and on cloudy days you will need storage. But you will need much less of it.” California has set a target of 60% re-

From ‘hazy’ to fruited sour, experimentation on tap for state’s buzzing breweries industry Continued from preceding page. than the coffee-type, heavy-type of beer — like lemon, orange or blueberry.” Harris noted the fest on June 29 at Horsemen’s Park affords the opportunity for beer-lovers to try a 2-ounce sample, rather than having to choke back a pint at the bar that they don’t like. “And, when you go into different bars, they still have regular brands for those who are dead-set on their basic beer, they’ll still have that on tap, but they offer more craft beers on tap,” she said. “As the seasons flow, they may have a citrus-type on tap that’s light and refreshing for the summer, and in the winter a creamiertype beer.” New this year, Harris said it’s introducing a couple of wineries, to have something to offer that’s different than craft beers. There is also a larger space in front of each vendor’s booth for festival games or to present on their brews. Tickets to the oneday festival support the nonprofit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Omaha Beer Fest also features the likes of jumbo games (human-sized beer pong), a “battle of the beards” competition, live music, an onsite beer academy for special-

we love making new beers and playing with new processes and ingredients. We can’t stop ourselves. In the end, about half our faucets [10] are rotating one-time brews.” As for physical growth, Thunderhead recently opened a new location in downtown Omaha at 1037 Jones St. and is planning a new taproom in Axtell, Nebraska. The Kearney and Omaha locations are sufficient to meet current needs at the present time. “Distribution is an uphill climb right now with a small number of distributors dealing with massive numbers of new beers,” Schaben said. “I’ll happily sell any distributor as much beer as they want, but I don’t see a lot of demand in that direction.”

What's on tap at Vis Major. ty food and brew pairings, a cook-out and its save rides program, and designated onsite merchandise sales. driver tickets for safe transportation Sponsor Hauptman O’Brien is offering are available.

newable energy on the power grid by 2030, as well as a longer-term goal of 100% climate-friendly energy, a broader definition that could include hydroelectricity or nuclear power. A dozen other states and U.S. territories have adopted or are considering similar 100% clean energy goals, and they’ll be watching California’s progress as they try to figure out how to make those goals a reality. The Golden State’s success depends in part on achieving its goals without sending energy prices soaring. California already has some of the country’s highest electricity rates, although low levels of energy use mean monthly bills are relatively low. Perez and Rábago coauthored their study with analysts at Clean Power Research, a company with offices in California and Washington state. The study built on an earlier Clean Power Research report, which showed that in Minnesota — a state not known for abundant sunlight — the cheapest way to run the power grid with solar panels, wind turbines and batteries involved building so many solar panels that their output would have to be “curtailed,” or reduced below what they’d otherwise be capable of producing, by around 30%. Under a range of high-curtailment scenarios, the report found, electricity would be slightly cheaper than it is today in Minnesota — a conclusion that Perez and Rábago found to hold true for many power grids. Models run by the California Public Utilities Commission, examining the state’s options for reducing planet-warming emissions while maintaining reliable and affordable electricity, have also found that a surplus of solar power makes sense. “What the models said was dramatically overbuild solar, and either export it when you have excess production or curtailment,” said Edward Randolph, who leads the regulatory agency’s energy division. “Curtailment makes economic sense.” The argument for overbuilding solar power isn’t new, nor is it especially controversial among researchers who study the logistics of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. Utility regulators have always built extra power into their planning, requiring enough electric generating capacity on the grid to ensure there will almost always be sufficient power on hand to meet energy demand. Traditionally, that reserve margin has Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

You have been laid off and need to find a job fast. Here’s what to do by Liz Reyer

Q: I was laid off this week and was not prepared for it. I knew it could be coming, but didn’t face it. I’ve got a small financial cushion but really need to get a new job fast. What should I do? -Rene, 44, customer Workplace service supervisor A: Before you jump into next steps, take some time to catch your breath. It’s really important to process what happened, especially since you weren’t ready for it. It would be natural to be angry, sad, afraid or a combination thereof. Don’t be hard on yourself for these feelings; just notice and let yourself feel them. Keeping them in or denying them will only make you feel worse in the long run. You may also be surprised to feel some relief or exhilaration. Let yourself enjoy the possibilities that the layoff opens up for you without second guessing it. While you are at it, think about your pre-layoff denial. If this is your typical response to challenges, it would be a good pattern to break. Now it’s on to action. First of all, let people know. Sometimes people are ashamed and hide the news about the layoff. The problem with this is that other people are the best source for new opportunities. But if they don’t know you are on the job market, they won’t mention possibilities that may be a good fit. Plus, talking about it can help normalize the experience and take out some of the sting. You may be surprised by how many people

have been in your shoes. Figure out what you would like to do next. Do you want a similar job or would a change suit you better? Consider if the layoff is an indicator of a dying line of work or if it’s just a company-specific event. If your industry is eliminating jobs like yours, it might be wise to look at alternatives. At the very least, build that into your midto long-term plan so that you are not caught in a preventable cycle of layoffs. Make full use of any resources you have. Often layoffs include career-planning

by Ally Marotti

the grief and anxiety that goes with it, you probably can’t solve it overnight. Structure your time to ensure you are doing the work of job searching. But take advantage of your flexibility to do some fun daytime activities with family and friends. You can always respond to e-mails in the evening! Stay focused on finding a new job while doing your best to have a healthy, happy life. This is the best path to a positive outcome. ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

California has too much solar power. That might be good for ratepayers Continued from preceding page. come from fossil fuels. Overbuilding renewables is a similar concept. Some experts, though, are skeptical about the sheer scale of overbuilding contemplated by Perez and Rábago. Wade Schauer, a Sacramento-based researcher at the energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, said Perez and Rábago didn’t take into account the costly transmission lines that may be needed to accommodate an overbuild of solar, or the landowner opposition that has frustrated solar farm developers in California and elsewhere. The researchers also assumed energy storage costs will remain “laughably high,” Schauer said — an assumption that makes batteries look less attractive compared with overbuilding solar. California got 34% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2018, the state’s Energy Commission estimates, not counting

Data center boosters hope new tax incentives ‘stop the bleeding,’ keep tech sites in Illinois Illinois lawmakers approved a data center tax incentive proponents say could make tech giants and other firms think twice about locating their data storage facilities anywhere else. The incentive, passed as part of a $45 billion capital construction plan, would exempt qualifying data centers from state and local sales tax on equipment inside the facilities, such as cooling and heating equipment, servers and storage racks. Technology To qualify, a data center must invest at least $250 million in the facility and hire at least 20 full-time employees over five years, among other qualifications. The bill, which is awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature, also includes an additional benefit for locating in an underserved area. “Hopefully this legislation will stop the bleeding and stop those companies from going to rural Iowa and instead go to rural Illinois,” said Tyler Diers, executive director of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce technology council. The Chicago area ranks third in the country for data center capacity, but industry experts have long said that without a tax incentive to continue wooing the facilities, Illinois is at risk of falling behind. “Other states have gotten proactively aggressive on the incentives to make it a more economically efficient place for data centers,” said Andy Cvengros, senior vice president and co-lead of the Midwest data

and transition services. Don’t let these go to waste. If your company isn’t helping, check with your state and local governments. Typically there will be an agency that focuses on workforce development and job placement. They are a wealth of information and support. They may also have group meetings for people who have been laid off, which can provide additional support. This can also ease some of the emotional burden from people close to you. Give yourself permission to enjoy yourself. This is a serious situation, but despite

center practice at real estate firm JLL. “(Now) Chicago is on a level playing field.” The area developed as an attractive market for data centers for the same reason it became a hub for railroads: its central location. Much of the fiber optic cable the internet runs on was laid along railroad tracks, and Chicago acted as the connector between east and west. Plus, the city has reliable electricity and isn’t at risk for the hurricanes or earthquakes that threaten the coasts. The only markets in the country with more data center capacity – measured in megawatts — than the Chicago area are Northern Virginia, home to many of Amazon’s data centers, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to information from real estate firm CBRE. But Northern Virginia’s market is much larger and growing much quicker. The Chicago market is 40% smaller than the Northern Virginia market, which grew 16% between June 2017 and June 2018, according to a January report from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Chicago market grew only 7% during that time. The report looked at a data center Apple is building in Iowa as an example. If a data center like that were built in Illinois, it could create about 3,360 jobs, $203.9 million in labor income and $521.7 million in economic output, according to the report. ©2019 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

production from rooftop solar panels, which would add several more percentage points. Solar power has grown especially fast in recent years, spurred by falling costs, federal tax credits and California’s renewable energy mandate. The state’s main power grid set a record for most simultaneous solar generation just before noon on June 1, breaking previous records set in April and May. The growing amounts of solar power have been accompanied by growing curtailment, according to the California Independent System Operator, which runs the state’s main power grid. Solar and wind farms on the California grid generated 223 fewer gigawatt-hours than they otherwise would have in May, with solar accounting for the vast majority of the losses. That’s enough electricity to power roughly 400,000 average California households, and more than twice as much curtailment as any month before this year. The numbers are especially high in part because of an influx of cheap hydropower following a wet winter. On May 27 around 1 p.m., solar plant operators shut off a record total of about 4,700 megawatts of capacity at the same time — nearly 40% of the entire solar capacity installed on the California grid. Those numbers sound large, but they’re still relatively small, said Mark Rothleder, the grid operator’s vice president for market quality and regulatory affairs. In 2018, less than 2% of potential solar generation was curtailed, Rothleder said, a number that may reach 3%-4% this year. The vast majority of curtailments happen through a competitive market, where solar and wind plant operators are paid to ramp down production. In rare instances, the grid operator will manually order certain facilities to ramp down. Rothleder sees some overbuilding as a good thing, because it creates flexibility for the grid operator. Instead of relying entirely on gas-fired power plants to ramp up and down to match swings in demand, the nonprofit agency can get creative with solar farms, curtailing their production as needed or holding some solar in reserve for times when energy demand might jump unexpectedly. The key question is how much extra solar power is beneficial, and how much is a waste of money. Rothleder said overbuilding and curtailment are no substitute for the types of steps California will eventually need to take to fully replace fossil fuels with clean energy, such as investing in big energy storage projects, sharing more solar

and wind power with neighboring states, and designing electricity rates that encourage people to shift their energy use to times of day when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. “If (curtailment) starts inching up toward 10%, and greater than 10%, you have to start looking at it and asking what else can you be doing,” Rothleder said. “I don’t think at that point just building more solar is the right thing to do.” Lawmakers in Sacramento have debated the types of steps described by Rothleder, but haven’t found much consensus. Last year, for instance, the Legislature once again rejected then-Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan for greater sharing of renewable energy across the West. The proposal would have unified the region’s disparate power grids, reducing curtailment by allowing greater sharing of renewable energy across state lines, but lawmakers feared California could lose its sovereignty over its energy supply. More recently, a bill that would have required huge amounts of large-scale, long-duration energy storage — a type of storage for which lithium-ion batteries aren’t well-suited — was pulled from the Senate floor, amid concerns it would burden consumers with steep costs and prop up a controversial hydropower project near Joshua Tree National Park. Those proposals were driven in part by rising alarm over curtailment, and by the revelation that California sometimes pays other states to take its excess solar power. The Natural Resources Defense Council’s Ralph Cavanagh, for instance, wrote last year that lawmakers should support Brown’s regional power grid plan because “wasting growing amounts of our state’s clean energy is no way to advance California’s ambitious energy and climate goals.” Part of the problem with these debates is that it’s hard to predict what different technologies will cost in the coming decades, said James Bushnell, an energy economist at UC Davis. Maybe solar will keep getting cheaper, and battery costs won’t fall as much as analysts expect. Or maybe not. “If you think you know what all the costs and operating characteristics of resources will be 20 years from now, we can write fancy computer models that will optimize all that. But we don’t really know,” Bushnell said. “Too many studies circulate implying that we do.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Siebken

Perez

Middendorf

Oswald

E&A Consulting Groups hires Siebken, Perez, Middendorf, Oswald, and Antholz

E&A has welcomed back Chris Siebken project engineer for the public works & transportation team in the Omaha office. He has over and added five new hires. Siebken is returning to E&A as an engi- 14 years of engineering experience, including neering technician on the public works and working for both the city of Norfolk and city of Columbus, and working at a private transportation team in the Omaha firm in Ohio. He received his bachoffice. He previously worked for elor’s degree in civil engineering E&A from 2001 to 2012. He has from the University of Akron, Ohio. more than 17 years of experience Colton Oswald is a recent gradin civil engineering technical work, uate of Wayne State College, where predominantly on roadway projects. he received his bachelor’s degree He received his associate’s degree in in construction management and computer aided drafting & design drafting & design. He has joined from ITT Technical School. E&A’s construction administration Rigo Perez has joined the planteam as a construction administraning and platting team in the Omaha tion technician. In addition, he also office as a platting technician. He Antholz served five years in the Nebraska brings over five years of experience in technical drafting, as well as some experi- Army National Guard. Luke Antholz has joined the environence in customer service. Perez received his associate’s degree in drafting technology from mental services team in the Omaha office as an environmental scientist. He is a recent Metropolitan Community College. Mike Middendorf, PE, was brought on as a graduate of Doane University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. He has worked in construction, camAmerican National Bank pus maintenance and as a researcher while names Hansen president The American National Bank has promot- attending school. ed Jason L. Hansen to president of American National Bank. Hansen brings over 19 years of banking and leadership experience to this position. His career at American National Bank began in 2000 as a teller, and quickly progressed to other responsibilities. Recently he served as director of commercial Hansen banking. In his new role, Hansen will be responsible for leading all direct client services within the Nebraska/Iowa market. His scope of responsibility includes all commercial and community banking, mortgage and treasury management divisions.

Byrne Wealth Management hires Castinado as financial planner

Byrne Wealth Management has added Brett Castinado as senior financial planner and investment adviser representative. Castinado brings almost a decade of financial services experience and will specialize in working with younger clients who are just beginning to plan for their future. Castinado will be responsible for fiCastinado nancial planning, asset management, and regular one on one meetings with several of the firm’s clients.

Lutz hires Doyle as a recruiter

Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, added Katy Doyle to its Lutz Talent division in Omaha. Doyle joins Lutz Talent as a recruiter. She brings over nine years of experience in the recruiting industry. Her primary responsibility is placing candiDoyle dates for Lutz Talent clients, as well as filling internal roles at Lutz. Doyle specializes in search and staffing for accounting and finance positions.

Focus C3 adds Wiliamson

Focus C3, a counseling, coaching and consulting firm, has hired Marquetta Williamson, PMHNP-BC, as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Williamson graduated from Walden University with her Advance Practice Registered Nurse degree. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Clarkson College. She has over four years of mental health experience and over a decade Williamson of experience in the health care field. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she has been trained in both medication management and therapy. She takes care of children, adolescents, adults and geriatric clients.

Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 14, 2019 •

ConnectingYoung Nebraskans Fund Advisory Committee selects Veleba

The Connecting Young Nebraskans Fund Advisory Committee has selected Rhonda Veleba of Fairmont as its new executive coordinator. Veleba will provide administrative and logistical support to the CYN Fund Advisory Committee as well as membership engagement; marketing management; and planning, programVeleba ming and facilitating of the CYN Summit, a biennial gathering that attracts hundreds of young Nebraskans from across the state. Prior to accepting the executive coordinator position, Veleba was involved and engaged with the CYN network for three years. In 2016, she led the CYN Summit community host team in York. She has served on the CYN Fund Advisory Committee in a volunteer capacity since 2017.

Chief Industries names Christensen controller of its carriers division

Chief Carriers has selected Lisa Christensen as the new controller for Chief Industries, Inc. Carriers Division. Christensen will work on various aspects of the business to provide financial direction and focus on development best practices in strategic financial planning and oversight. Christensen is a seasoned finanChristensen cial professional who brings almost a decade of experience. She will be responsible for all aspects of financial management including short-and long-term business planning, financial reporting, budgets and forecasting and internal cost control management. Her background in bookkeeping, accounts payable, tax accounting and managing a team provides her the necessary experience and skills to assist in successfully leading financial needs and growth.

The 712 Initiative selects Dittmer for director of redevelopment role

The 712 Initiative has hired Lynn Dittmer to the team as the director of redevelopment. Dittmer’s responsibilities include increasing the variety of quality housing and commercial stock in Council Bluffs and attracting new property investment. She has over 16 years of experience in development and planning. Most recently she was Dittmer as a senior planner at JEO Consulting and as a community and economic development manager at the Metro Area Planning Agency before then. Dittmer graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning.

Keaton

Sextro

Omaha’s Child Saving Institute selects Keaton, Sextro for team

The Child Saving Institute has added Roger Keaton and Karla Sextro to the staff. Keaton, hired as the agency’s chief financial officer, previously served as chief financial officer for Yellowstone Forever in Montana and led the merger of the Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Park Foundation. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business from Union College in Lincoln. He received his master’s degree in financial services from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Keaton is a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner. Sextro joined CSI as a therapist to meet an increasing demand for mental health services and to treat youth with addictions. She is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed independent mental health practitioner specializing in working with teens and children. Sextro received her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Bellevue University. She completed her graduate internship with the Munroe Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center social work department. She treated children and adolescents for psychiatric disorders and worked with children on the autism spectrum. She specializes in working with at-risk teens and particularly with behavior issues, tantrums, noncompliance, depression, anxiety, self-harm and addiction.

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• JUNE 14, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal