Midlands Business Journal May 21, 2021 Vol. 47 No. 21 issue

MAY 21, 2021

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

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VOL. 47 NO. 21

ADS Biotec extends worldwide presence with experience

THIS WEEK ’S ISSUE:

by Richard D. Brown

0 r4 de n U 40 Unlocking clients’ full leadership potential drives Gallup’s Spehn.

– Page 4

y& erg ies En tilit U

Organizations innovate, diversify with eye on reliability and efficient use of resources. – Page 5

n Ba

kin

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Growth during a pandemic: Financial institutions partner in bigger ways. – Page 22

ADS Biotec, a six-year-old developer and marketer of automated instruments for cytogenetic processes and consumables for molecular genetics and nucleic acid purification, is looking for a revenue growth of at least 40% this year as more research and clinic laboratories seek increased productivity. Sales last year rose 30% over 2019.

“A new company with deep experience with longstanding customers,” is the way Senior Vice President and General Manager David Hild describes the 15-employee firm.

ADS Biotec’s manufacturing facility, warehouse and headquarters are located at 7409 Irvington Rd. in far northwest Omaha.

An entity of Japan-based ADSTEC, ADS Biotec was created in 2015 out of the acquired assets of the manufacturing business of Transgenomic, a global technology and services firm. Hild, a Plattsmouth native who spent more than 20 years with Transgenomic in biotechnology — including senior operating roles Continued on page 9.

Senior Vice President and General Manager David Hild, with a fully automated HANABI Metaphase Chromosome Harvester machine … Increasing sales with niche in laboratory productivity.

(Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)

Homer’s Music at 50-year milestone takes on new life with vinyl resurgence

by Dwain Hebda

In 1971, Tom Weidner arrived at Creighton University from his hometown of Elgin, Illinois, and upon getting settled, set out to gain his bearings in Omaha.

“I asked somebody, ‘Hey, you guys got any record stores around here?’” he recalled. “One guy said, ‘Oh, there’s one that opened up in the Old Market like, yesterday, or the day before.’ I walked down to the Old Market

in 1971 and bought a couple of LPs from Homer’s.”

W h a t t h e s t a ff t h a t d a y couldn’t have envisioned as they recommended records by Cream and Pink Floyd was that the Chicago native would become CEO of the landmark Homer’s Music in 1993. And, given the seismic changes in the music industry between then and now, fewer still thought the record store would Continued on page 9.

Mary Fraser Meints, executive director of Youth Emergency Services … Volunteer-run thrift shop, which has been in operation for 66 years, benefits Youth Emergency Services.

Tip Top Thrift Shop, Youth Emergency Services partner to help youth in need

by Gabby Hellbusch

From left, CEO Tom Weidner and wife Sue Weidner, with General Manager Mike Fratt … A pioneer of the Old Market, the record store has reached a milestone year thanks to enthusiasm from loyal customers and vinyl record collectors alike.

Since its founding in 1955, Tip Top Thrift Shop has fulfilled its mission to support local youth in the community with the help of local partnerships, donors and volunteers, according to Sally Wigton, president of the board of directors. For the past decade, the shop’s profits have solely benefitted Youth Emergency Services (YES) and

its work with local homeless and at-risk teens.

YES, which was founded in 1974, offers various services and programs that assist youth experiencing homelessness and near homelessness by providing critically needed resources, which support them in their desire to be self-sufficient, said Mary Fraser Meints, executive Continued on page 10.

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

PlugSports’ game-changing app gains traction with recruiting staff, athlete users

by Michelle Leach

Omaha-based PlugSports, Inc. is reinventing the way that educational institutions and club organizations recruit athletes by reducing the logistical barriers that exist between students, coaches and their staff via an app that allows talent to showcase their skills, and recruiters to find talent that might otherwise go undiscovered.

“The PlugSports team has been involved in sports our entire lives, and we have always been aware of the problems within sports recruiting,” said CEO Emily Buettner, who founded Plug with COO Sky Clay and CMO and Chief of Product Vondre Caldwell. “We were also seeing and experiencing the lack of an effective push to create exposure for underrepresented athletes.”

The idea for the app, which also provides opportunities for organizations to showcase their facilities and other features to prospective talent, was born in 2017. Based on the guidance from mentors and other advisers, BitWell Media, LLC evolved into PlugSports, Inc. The firm incorporated last year.

“Our ‘Aha!’ moment was taking the stories we’ve heard and our own experiences and creating a product that gives athletes the power to take something so complex and mysterious, like the NCAA recruiting process, and putting it into language that these high schoolers can understand, like social media,” Buettner said.

A nod to its diverse founding team, Buettner traveled the country to compete in soccer tournaments and showcases, gaining exposure to coaches and recruiters. Some of her teammates

From left, CMO and Chief of Product Vondre Caldwell, CEO Emily Buettner and COO Sky Clay … Local firm is leveling the playing field by removing barriers to connect college recruiters with top athletes. (Courtesy of PlugSports) couldn’t afford to be at those tournaments; they during pickup games. Those friends won state missed recruiting opportunities because of their tournaments. Yet, few were recruited to play at family’s financial situation — not due to their the next level. lack of skills.

“They were skilled enough,” Buettner said, Clay was a talented basketball player in his “[but] they lacked the support to fully undersmall, Memphis-area town. He was recruited to stand the recruitment process.” play at the collegiate level.

She said Caldwell always wonders if his “However, several letters and offers from friends would have been recruited, had there coaches were never presented to him by his high been a dedicated platform like Plug to post school coach,” Buettner said. “He missed out their videos. on opportunities, because he wasn’t in control In late April, Buettner indicated Plug has of his recruitment journey.” consistently received validation from parents North Omaha native Caldwell watched and athletes, and from winning the top spot at talent being developed at local parks and the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for

Business Minute

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Angela Erickson Sales & Marketing Director, Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising’s BigIdea! Pitch Contest.

“The world of sports recruiting is ready for new technology that benefits athletes and allows them to own their sports career,” she said. “One of the crazy stats that I share with coaches is that only 14% of the eligible recruiting pool attends showcase tournaments or camps.

“If a coach is relying only on these events, they are missing 86% of the recruiting pool.

We need a better way at scouting and recruiting talent.”

The competition, Buettner further noted, helped the team refine Plug’s concept and business model, too. She indicated the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Greater Omaha Chamber (and its Startup Collaborative), and the Omaha Sports Commission have also supported them.

Buettner recalled how tournaments and their ilk were among the first events to get canceled at the pandemic’s onset. Weaknesses were exposed in the conventional system; coaches, for instance, were unable to fill their rosters for upcoming seasons.

“We always knew that tournaments were never going to be an equitable way for all athletes to get exposure, but COVID really made that point for us when coaches were reaching out for referrals to athletes,” she said. “During COVID, coaches were trying to use popular social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to scout and recruit talent.”

But these platforms, Buettner noted, are not set up for recruiting.

“Primarily, coaches can’t easily search for the talent through these channels,” she said.

“Secondarily, the time it takes isn’t always available to busy coaches.”

PlugSports took all of those key recruiting pieces and baked them into their solution.

“Now, the sports recruiting industry has a Continued on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

FOUNDER, Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION

Hometown: Harvard, Nebraska Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

How I got into the business: Right out of college, I was looking for an opportunity to leverage my business degree and work with people. I responded to an employment ad but I had no idea it was a Funeral Home and Cemetery until I arrived at the interview.

I was concerned at first, however, after going through the interview, I knew this was what I wanted to do and have never regretted that decision.

First job: My first job was working at McDonalds. I started on my 15th birthday.

Biggest career break: As the Director of Community and Family Services for the Midwest Region, covering a multi-state ter-

ritory, I traveled to different locations around the country and learned best in class practices that could be applied everywhere. This led to me leading the Family Service team at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery.

I feel blessed to be a part of such a beautiful location.

The toughest part of the job: It is always difficult watching a family go through the grief of losing a loved one. We are here for our families in every possible way and to help them through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

About my family: My husband, Clint and I, are raising two beautiful daughters, Ashlyn and Rilea. We also have one dog, Bandit, who gets to come to work with me every day. I guess you could say he is our “employee” support dog.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: I would love to learn a second language.

How my business will change in the next decade: We are finding that more people are looking for unique ways to personalize their loved ones final resting place. A very popular

option we have had to expand our inventory on is Glassfront niches. It allows a person to walk up to the final resting place and see what was important to them during their life.

It allows the family to tell the story of their loved one’s life through pictures, keepsakes and memorabilia — like a shadowbox.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: My sales manager early in my career encouraged me to be more confident and believe in myself. He always said that sometimes you have to give up the good to go for the great. You will never achieve anything if you always live within your comfort zone. That advice has enabled me to take my knowledge and skills to the next level.

Outside interests: I cherish any time I can get away with my family and do something fun. We love going on vacation, especially to Disney World. My hobbies truly lie in family time.

Favorite cause or charity: Susan G. Komen Foundation, especially after watching my mother win her battle with breast cancer.

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

PUBLISHER, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

EDITORIAL EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT OF NEWS, Tiffany Brazda EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, Savannah Behrends

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT, Julie Whitehead OFFICE OFFICE ASSISTANT, Rosemary Gregurich (402) 330-1760 Zane D. Randall (1925-2006) Co-founder LeAnne M. Iwan (1932-1986) First News Editor

The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly plus one by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy or $75 per year. Editorial offices are 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Periodical postage paid at Omaha NE POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned.

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-The Publisher.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Unlocking clients’ full leadership potential drives Gallup’s Spehn

by Dwain Hebda

As a psychology and pre-med student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lindsey Spehn studied the mysteries of the mind. She also discovered her life’s work, set well apart from the clinical world.

“I was fascinated by some of the electives that I took in the business college that really showcased an applied side of psychology,” she said.

“Those classes talked about some of my favorite psychology topics, but in the context of team 2020 organization.

“Throughout my undergrad, I got really excited about that intersection of psychology and business, and I opted to get my MBA right away.”

Fate placed a career opportunity in the Lincoln native’s path when a corporate recruiter from Gallup visited campus.

“Growing up in Lincoln, I was aware of the Gallup brand,” she said. “But that presentation opened my eyes to the consulting side of what Gallup does. I left that presentation and I called my then-boyfriend, my now-husband, saying Gallup is my dream company. I have to work there.”

Spehn landed an internship while still in graduate school and has been on-board with the company ever since. It’s been a match made in heaven as Spehn has flourished in her career, promoted to regional manager in 2020.

“Many people think Gallup is still just a polling company when really, our mission is building exceptional workplaces. That’s the

Regional Manager Lindsey Spehn … From intern to leadership role, emphasizing passion to build exceptional workplaces. best way to summarize it,” she said. “We help annually to just a handful of organizations organizations drive true organic growth and worldwide.

She has received her fair share of individual achieve superior business performance through awards too, including Gallup Learning and their people.

“My role is concentrated with clients in the Development Global Top 3 Salesperson and central United States where I get to help client Central U.S. Team MVP (2019); Million Dollar organizations’ managers and leaders make good Club (2017-2019); Royal Star (2016, 2018); decisions and create a thriving, professional Game Changer Award (2016); Team All-Star workplace. My biggest points of pride in the past 10 years have been in seeing those I mentor Proud Sponsors of the 2020 really succeed.”

Spehn has proven exceptionally good at what she does. For the past five years running, she’s had at least one client win the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, given

Award (2013, 2015, 2017-2019); and Global Headquarters’ Star From Afar Award (2013).

But asked what she’s most proud of, Spehn doesn’t list any of these awards, nor does she reference similar accolades attached to her participation in community organizations.

Instead, she brings it back to the people who she’s helped to develop at work.

“I have a lot of pride in seeing the success of those I mentor here at Gallup,” she said.

“Besides clients, I get to coach a team of highly talented business development consultants who manage Gallup’s client relationships here in the central U.S. It’s really exciting for me to see their own success with their own clients and to start to see them have really great careers of their own.”

Going forward, Spehn said she’s most eager about getting to work with even more organizations as they strive to better harness their employees’ individual skills and talents.

“The ability to help people find true fulfillment in their careers influences how people show up to their friends, their family, those in the community that they volunteer with,” she said. “We know we spend about a third of our waking time at work and there’s a reciprocal relationship between work and life, overall.

“People take their work experience home — figuratively or literally — so career well-being, which is what we do every day, really influences all other aspects of people’s lives.”

40 Under 40:

Nominations Now Open!

Go to MBJ.com today!

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

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Energy & Utilities A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

May 21, 2021

Organizations innovate, diversify with eye on reliability and efficient use of resources

by Michelle Leach

From the recent Colonial Pipeline cyberattack in New England, to the power crisis in Texas earlier this year, the importance of reliable access to the resources that fuel our lives, is being thrust into everyday conversation. Midlands-area organizations’ “bread and butter” conversations may span everything from diversifying energy resources and using them more efficiently, to innovating critical infrastructure.

Tenaska CEO and Vice Chairman Jerry Crouse, for one, said the Omaha-headquarCrouse tered independent energy company is “privileged to be in an industry that meets critical needs.”

“And our employees take seriously the commitments we make to our customers, partners and the communities where we do business,” he said.

As he looked back at the pandemic year, Crouse described its “steadying presence.”

“Employees at our power plants implemented COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of our team and the ability to provide reliable service,” he said. “Our marketing affiliates, Tenaska Marketing Ventures and Tenaska Power Services Co., came through for customers, regardless of where employees did their work.”

Its offices span Dallas to Boston, and Houston to Philadelphia.

Throughout the pandemic, Crouse said it avoided furloughs and layoffs, and the likes of a healthy balance sheet supported its stability.

“As Tenaska prepares to relax some of our COVID-19 protocols starting in June, we look forward to having our teams fully back together,” Crouse said.

Industrywide, Tenaska sees continued growth for renewables: solar, wind and energy storage.

“Tenaska is well-positioned to respond to this demand, and we have seen great growth in our development services business, which develops renewable capacity on behalf of customers,” he said. “At the same time, we continue to support natural gas-fueled generation through both our operating fleet and Tenaska Marketing Ventures’ fuel supply contracts.”

Natural gas-fueled generation is a key

David C. Levy, attorney at Baird Holm. component of a reliable energy supply, practice areas include land use, energy and Crouse noted, as more renewable gener- environmental matters, provided updates. ation projects come online and more coal He cited the American Clean Power projects retire.

Association report from February 2021, Last year, Attorney David C. Levy ex- which noted Nebraska is among the top 10 plored the growth in renewable energy in- states for the percentage of electricity provestments and projects in Nebraska on Baird duced from wind, solar and energy storage Holm’s Dirt Alert blog posts. Levy, whose power plants.

He referenced a 2020 report from the American Wind Energy Association, which characterized Nebraska as among the top five states for wind energy projects.

“With approximately $4 billion of capital invested in renewable energy projects, Nebraska’s wind and solar resources continue to attract other new investments such as Facebook, Adobe, Hormel, PepsiCo, Target, and Smucker’s,” he said.

Pivoting to energy-generating facilities’ tax impact, Levy said in 2019 renewable energy generated around $6.9 Shkolnick million in “nameplate capacity tax revenue,” a term which refers to a substitute for tax on personal property.

“Because wind turbines and solar panels are personal property that depreciate over their lifetime, the Nebraska Legislature created the nameplate capacity tax,” he added. “The tax is a flat rate of $3,518 per megawatt of the project’s generating capacity for each year of the project’s lifetime.”

So, while the value and, accordingly, tax typically depreciates, the nameplate Continued on page 7.

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Energy & Utilities

Clean energy market continues momentum

by Gabby Hellbusch

Local companies say the U.S. energy market continues to break records with the amount of renewable energy generation being developed.

Will Crane, director of product management at Bluestem Energy Solutions, said the 2020 Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis shows solar prices from $31 to $42 per Megawatt-hour (MWh), and wind prices from $26 to $54.

“This is much lower than a typical coal plant price, which ranges from $65 to $159 per MWh or a nuclear plant’s price range of $129 to $198,” Crane said. “According to Wood-Mackenzie, battery deployments increased 3.5 times from Q4 2019 to Q4 2020, and experts predict exponential growth over the coming years. Bluestem recently completed the first solar-and-storage project built in tandem in Nebraska, partnering with Burt County Public Power District.”

Bluestem focuses on developing solar, wind and battery storage as a sustainable

alternative to fossil fuels. By reducing air pollution and the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, renewable energy combats climate change and makes the world a safer place.

“Renewable energy also provides price certainty to electric utilities, which makes electricity more affordable for their customers,” he said.

Crane “Coal and natural gas are commodities with fluctuating prices, which can lead to unpredictable electric rates.

“Renewable energy solutions are not reliant on fuel prices, which allow utilities to make long-term decisions with more clarity on what their costs will be in the future. Bluestem’s mission is to empower

communities and serve our utility partners.

By decreasing costs and protecting the environment, we help utilities protect their customers’ health and pockets.”

Dale Leuck, owner of Great Plains Renewables, said the company has witnessed an increased demand for services recently.

“We’re putting in a lot more energy storage and genMeisinger erators,” he said.

“We’ve also been installing a new and popular prefabricated ground mount portable solar system called Solxx.”

According to Leuck, clean energy drastically reduces and eliminates electric bills, while also offering more independence from the grid.

“It’s also a great return on your invest-

ment and protects against rising energy costs,” he said. “It also protects the environment because there’s less greenhouse gases and carbon offset.”

Perhaps one of the largest industries impacted is agriculture, as farmers and ranchers have a lot of area to cover, Leuck said.

“For example, a chicken farmer in Nebraska might be spending nearly $10,000 on electricity each month, whereas a farmer with a solar system in Iowa could be spending under $2,000,” he said. “This is a way for them to compete with other states and it drastically reduces the cost of day-to-day operations.”

Karli Meisinger, preconstruction manager for solar and wind projects at Boyd Jones, said the power sector is in the middle of a fundamental transition and wind and solar are poised to continue to gain momentum.

“We’re at the forefront of renewable energy construction in the Midwest, having recently completed work on the state’s first utility-scale solar-plus-storage project with Burt County Public Power District and Nebraska’s largest rooftop solar installation at UNMC with the Omaha Public Power District,” Meisinger said. “We’re proud to partner with outstanding organizations that have pledged to achieve carbon neutral-status. We share similar goals, as our headquarters at the Rail & Commerce Building has its own rooftop solar array that combines with renewable energy credits to offset the entirety of its carbon emissions.”

She said the economic benefits of renewable energy are far-reaching.

“Land lease payments to rural landowners who rent ground to developers provide valuable revenue diversification for farmers and ranchers,” Meisinger said. “And because renewable energy is generated locally, more energy dollars stay in local communities.

“There are also strong workforce development opportunities in clean energy. Our project with Central Community College in Hastings resulted in a single wind turbine that provides clean energy to the campus while also representing a hands-on experience that’s central to the school’s wind energy curriculum. The growth of this industry holds significant promise for new jobs and careers for Nebraskans.”

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Energy & Utilities • Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

Tips for conserving energy in office and at home

by Brooke Strickland

Spring brings the beauty of sunshine, new blooms, and warmer weather. Enjoying Earth’s grandeur is important and how we treat the planet and its resources is an important topic of conversation nowadays. With a few simple adjustments to your day-to-day routine at home or in the office, you can conserve energy and do your part to make the world a better place to live.

Energy conservation in the office “As individuals, the easiest and most impactful is to turn off items not in use,” said

Melanie Stewart, sustainability manager for Optimized Systems. “This can be shared pieces of equipment like a printer or copy machine, an extra monitor, or a television in the breakroom.

If some of those items are used frequently, you can change the settings so they are ready when you need them but ‘sleeping’ when they aren’t in use. Any device that’s plugged in is using electricity even if it’s not running, which is known as a ‘vampire load.’”

Another helpful tip is to take note of the lighting being used in the office. Use natural

Reliability and efficient use of resources Continued from page 5. capacity tax remains flat, providing additional benefits to taxing jurisdictions like schools.

Similarly, the property tax on these facilities in Nebraska is approaching $12 million annually, a share of which can have a considerable impact (especially for small, rural counties).

“For example, a 200-megawatt wind energy generation facility in Perkins County, Nebraska, would increase the county’s annual property tax revenue by approximately 40%,” he said.

Citing Nebraska Department of Revenue statistics, 54 renewable energy projects operated in 35 counties in 2019. Around 2,388 megawatts of clean energy were generated this year. The firm is also reportedly aware of 450-plus megawatts of wind energy-generating capacity under construction and 500plus megawatts in late-stage development.

“We anticipate several developers will obtain permits to construct projects in 2021,” Levy said.

Last May, Congress extended the safe harbor for renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) due to COVID-19.

“The safe harbor extension will provide renewable energy developers an additional year to begin project construction and maintain tax credit eligibility,” he said, noting Nebraskans will also benefit from cheaper electricity guaranteed to public utilities via the PTC. “We anticipate additional extensions of the PTC through President Biden’s proposed American Jobs Plan,” he added.

When asked about key projects, Lincoln Electric Systems’ communications specialists also highlighted a number of initiatives that speak to innovations and efficiencies throughout the pandemic (and well before it). Its Demand Peaking Programs (Peak Rewards, Electric Vehicle pilot) are designed to support a more efficient grid by curtailing high-energy tasks, such as cooling one’s home in the summer or charging one’s EV, until off-peak hours.

It was noted that like programs keep the community’s demand curve lower, which delays the need to invest in building new generating stations in the future. More to the aforementioned EV efforts, LES is studying and preparing the local grid to accommodate more EVs as more consumers choose them and electricity demand rises. To illustrate demand, an LED update in November noted how all related incentive funds were dispersed in two months. These rebates were courtesy of a $120,000 grant awarded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Formerly, rebates of up to $4,500 were available for the

purchase or lease of hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

“We’re continuing to see a growing interest in electric vehicles as more models become available and as customers learn more about the benefits of plug-in vehicles,” Manager of Energy Services Marc Shkolnick summed up.

This summer, LES’s Sustainable Living Week will feature the first Nebraska EV Ride and Drive event at Haymarket Park, which provides opportunities for attendees to experience what it’s like to drive different models.

Similarly, LES is partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute, the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and 38 other sponsors to research, develop and demonstrate priorities for the next five years to support a clean energy transition. Via info from the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative, benefits include enhanced value of carbon-free generation sources; improved electric and gas grid utilization; and the identification and advancement of technology to scale emerging low-carbon sources.

Speaking not of the grid, but the “microgrid,” this self-sufficient energy system was set up in October to serve downtown Lincoln’s critical loads. These systems are defined as “local,” “independent” and “intelligent.” In this case, the dual-fuel generator at the heart of the microgrid may serve the likes of the state capitol, Pinnacle Bank Arena and local residential buildings during an emergency or outage.

light whenever possible, taking advantage of the spring and summer sunshine. Turning off even one light fixture will help save energy.

In addition, turn off lights whenever you leave the room. This also helps prolong the life of the lights, which will save money in replacement bulbs over time.

Eric BenSalah, OPPD energy consultant, noted that using the right computer equipment is important, too.

“If possible, use a laptop versus a desktop

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computer. Laptops tend to use 80-90% less energy than a desktop computer,” he said. “Plug load controllers can also be used for multiple cubicles to shut down equipment as a whole when cubicles are not occupied.”

Energy conservation at home Just like the office, saving energy at home has to do with making a conscious decision to turn off what you aren’t using.

“It is something said time and time again, but now that many of us are at home far longer than we usually are, is so important to saving energy: make sure all of your lights are LEDs,” Continued on next page.

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Energy & Utilities

Compressed natural gas growing as fuel, industry

by Dwain Hebda

The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel has caught on in ways large and small in the past few years and that’s driving a new industry of capturing the nearly unlimited new resource.

“CNG is very prevalent in our daily operations,” said Kyle Bowman, business development specialist for Metropolitan Utilities District. “MUD currently has nearly 200 CNG vehicles in our fleet with the majority resting in our construction fleet. The larger construction vehicles are generally lower mpg vehicles, which provide more value with the lower-priced CNG. “CNG vehicles represent approximately 35% of our total fleet. Our overall CNG fleet has grown gradually since we opened our first public CNG station in 2011. Since 2011, there has been one additional public CNG station opened in our service territory near 132nd and Cornhusker and three additional private fueling stations.”

Bowman said a combination of lower cost and reduced emissions makes CNG a preferred option.

“CNG has generally been a much lower cost on a gasoline gallon equivalent than traditional transportation fuels,” he said. “Not only is the fuel cost substantially lower, but the emission reduction over traditional fuels in substantial. CNG is a domestically produced, clean-burning fuel alternative over traditional transportation fuels.”

Jake Drake, sales and marketing: business development for Trillium, said the future potential for the fuel is tremendous.

“CNG has become the commercial fuel of choice, next to diesel,” he said. “CNG use started to gain traction in the mid2010s before the price of refined products bottomed out, and as those prices again rise and pressure mounts from states looking to create infrastructure for cleaner transportation, demand for CNG has begun to rise.

“Trillium has become extraordinarily competitive because of its ability to realize reduced fleet emissions with these low-carbon fuels. We’re able to offer our

experience in the procurement and delivery periodically. of sustainably sourced fuels to help any “But there’s a big upside to these vefleet begin the transition.” hicles too, the lack of exhaust The fuel isn’t without its aftertreatment. With NGVs, you drawbacks. Drake admitted such won’t need to replace particulate vehicles are more expensive to filters or add DEF, which is a operate, but that mechanical nice benefit.” differences do help save money The continued growth of in the long run. the fuel is accelerating related “Fleets powered by NGVs industries, such as Black Hills (natural gas vehicles) have Energy’s renewable energy reported flat to slightly higher business. costs to maintain the equip“Renewable natural gas is ment,” he said. “There are some fuel that comes from organic Bowman additional concerns that NGVs material,” said Paul Cammack, bring; being spark-ignited versus compres- renewable natural gas manager. “We break sion, you have to replace the spark plugs, down organic material that produces bioand you have to inspect your fuel tanks gas. That biogas is cleaned up to pipeline

quality standards as renewable natural gas.

“We actually have several projects in the Midwest, one of which is right outside of Omaha. At the Sarpy County Landfill, gas is cleaned up and injected into our pipeline system and can be used as compressed natural gas for vehicles.”

Cammack said 90% of renewable natural gas produced in the United States goes to the CNG market. That fact, and the nearly unlimited production potential, have many people interested in cashing in on the byproduct.

“Think about cities; there’s usually a landfill sitting outside the community, or you have a wastewater treatment plant,” he said. “In the Midwest especially, you have all of these ag sources, dairy and feedlots and swine-producing facilities. All of those are potential organic sources of biogas.”

Tips for conserving energy in office and at home Continued from preceding page.

BenSalah said. “The cost of an LED bulb has gone down significantly over the years and the energy savings, compared to an incandescent bulb, is significant.”

energy savings.

“Changing your [thermostat] setpoints just 1 or 2 degrees can make a large impact on your energy consumption,” she said. “And don’t forget to change your air filter regularly. HVAC systems use more energy when the filter is dirty and it’s harder on the equipment too, potentially leading to repairs or replacements.”

Energy saving programs and incentives Stewart noted that for no cost, Optimized Solutions can find more solutions for businesses, schools, and other institutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We can optimize building energy using systems and help conserve energy while

keeping occupants comfortable and safe,” she said. “Most of our clients save 25-50% on their energy bills. This also reduces the strain on those building systems allowing them to last longer, saving additional money on equipment replacement.”

BenSalah noted that OPPD offers a Cool Smart Program to reduce energy usage and decrease customer utility bills. The program uses a device wired to the customer’s outside air conditioner unit that cycles the system on/off every 15 minutes during peak energy usage. Customers receive an initial bill credit or signing up, then a $20 annual credit each year.

Stewart BenSalah He also explained that managing your thermostat is another highly effective way to reduce utility costs and save energy.

“In the summer, raise the thermostat a little and use a directional fan to provide the wind chill effect,” he said. “This will help you feel cooler without having to use the air conditioner to cool the whole house. Again, this is really effective if only one or a few rooms at most are in use.”

Stewart noted the home’s heating and cooling usage can be controlled for maximum

A Lincoln Electric System electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt. (Courtesy of LES)

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

9

ADS Biotec extends worldwide presence with experience, longstanding customers Continued from page 1.

— is now responsible for ADS Biotec’s global manufacturing, service and support.

Hild said about half of ADS Biotech’s revenues come from the sale of testing instruments used by laboratories of all types in some 30 countries. Users include UNMC, Mayo Clinic and LabCorp, among others.

ADS Biotec, Inc. Phone: 402-800-3200 Address: 7409 Irvington Road, Omaha 68122 Service: development and sale of automated instruments for cytogenetic processes and consumables for molecular genetics and nucleic acid purification Founded: 2015 Employees: 15 One-year goal: Enhance growth of revenues from automated instruments and reagents.

Industry outlook: Solid growth opportunities are especially prevalent in gene therapy research.

Website: www.adsbiotec.com

Biotech instruments sell for $70,000 for smaller units and up to $350,000 for larger and more sophisticated units.

For example, Hild said HANABI-S1020 auto chromosome staining system addresses a chronic problem in blood cell testing and analysis.

“It is the best automation in the past 14 years for whole blood cell chromosome analysis because it saves time for the lab personnel who previously did so much of the work manually,” he said.

ADS Biotech is in a growth market with such equipment and the dominant provider, Hild said.

The Omaha firm also does a sizable business with buffers it manufactures for Hitachi’s U.S. customers doing amino acid analysis.

Another 30% of ADS Biotech’s business is in reagents and consumables used in research labs to scale up for trial research of new drugs.

“We manufacture and drop-ship it to them,” Hild said.

While only 20% of total revenues, Hild said service to equipment has been an important differentiating factor in ADS Biotec’s fast growth.

The firm is a provider of preventive maintenance and service response throughout the world for HANABI automation systems. ADS Biotech also does service for WAVE system laboratory instruments used for analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Hild said ADS Biotech, which has eight separate laboratories at its Irvington facility, is repurposing each to better accommodate virtual demonstrations being used during the pandemic.

“We’re also making upgrades for better management over our quality control system by improving both the monitoring and the control,” he said. “Traceability and tracking is important and everybody wants more data.”

ADS Biotec, which runs one shift at present on its design, production and packaging of liquids for use in laboratories, is aiming to introduce more automation into its fulfillment line.

“We make customer runs on average from 100 to 1,000 bottles with 250 probably being the average run right now,” Hild said. “We want to use automation to run the equipment overnight and in the work we want to do, we want to achieve projects with higher run volumes.”

A new position, staff scientist, has been

created. Tyler Keeley, who has a Ph.D. with a specialty in cancer biology, was hired in March.

Although ADS Biotec’s growth has centered on eight niche areas, Hild said an important common denominator that will not be compromised is customer service.

For example, last year Arcturus Therapeutics, a San Diego-based laboratory that otherwise would have had to wait for up to six weeks for an order for buffers, found that ADS Biotec’s relatively smaller size positioned itself to be nimble enough to produce for the faster turnaround.

“We shifted our schedules around and in two weeks we worked with six different suppliers to get them what they needed,” Hild said. “We had to document it as well as keep quality records of what we did.”

Another project was for an instrument manufacturer in Italy that needed a particular calibration reagent made for customers to use in the calibration of its instruments.

The customization and packaging work was done within a two-month period.

Customers introduce us to a problem, we act for them and it is the results we get for them that is most important to our growth, Hild said.

From left, Derrick Gammon, lead liquid production, and Ted Howe, quality manager, are in the process of filling bottles of reagents in support of the growing trend of RNA purification for therapeutics.

Homer’s Music at 50-year milestone takes on new life with vinyl resurgence Continued from page 1. experience.

“Vinyl promotes an active listening expebe around to see its 50th anniversary in 2021.

Including, at times, Weidner himself who rience. It only plays for 20 minutes, then you have to turn it over. It comes with this really owns Homer’s with his wife Sue. “It’s pretty painful to remember, but there cool 12x12 artwork so you can just sit there and was a point I was close to getting out,” he said. listen to the songs and listen with your friends “I have a wonderful wife and we talked about it. and talk about what’s on the record.”

Taken out of context, Fratt’s assessment One thing though, is Sue and I viewed Homer’s like an artform for Omaha, just a unique and could sound out of touch, but in fact, the public has shown it agrees different place. with him, per the surg“We had 14 stores Homer’s Music ing demand for vinyl at one point, and we Phone: 402-346-0264 albums over the past 10 finally said we were Address: 1210 Howard St., Omaha 68102 years, demand that has going to take it back Service: Music store featuring vinyl rehelped keep Homer’s down to just the Old cords, tapes and CDs Music and the small Market and we’re go- Employees: 11 clutch of independent ing to keep that loca- Industry outlook: The resurgence of stores like it relevant tion going, because vinyl records has propelled Homer’s over nationwide. we believe there's got the past decade, as has membership in “It’s not exclusiveto be some long-term, national trade groups that help independent ly young people buying unique things in Oma- stores compete with big box retail. vinyl, it’s everyone,” ha. People here of a Website: homersmusic.com Fratt said. “People have certain age all still have a memory of that building. That’s where we dusted off their old turntables or they’re coming in and buying them. We sell a couple turntables ended up sticking our foot in the sand.”

Omaha native Mike Fratt has a similarly a week here.

“The pandemic has only helped that; as long tenure with the store, both personally and professionally. He’s been on the payroll since people got stuck at home, they turned to records 1978 and general manager since 2005, during and DVDs again because a lot of the streaming which time he has grown into a respected voice services have dumped movies in exchange for in the music retailing world, on par with peers all these content-owned sitcoms or short series.”

Homer’s Music began, in Weidner’s at titans Apple Music and Microsoft. Yet, he too started out merely as a kid looking to expand words, as a founding father of the Old Market, which in 1971 comprised Howard Street his collection.

“I rode my bike to the Bel Air Plaza location, just from 10th to 12th. It would occupy sevthat would have been mid ‘70s,” Fratt said. “My eral addresses in the neighborhood over the buddies and I rode up there and I bought Grand decades, including becoming the first Old Funk Railroad’s ‘We’re an American Band’ Market business to move west of 12th Street, at 1210 Howard St. in 1980, spurring the gold version.”

The retail music world in which both Weid- development of Howard Street between 12th ner and Fratt came up in might as well have and 13th.

A New Year’s Eve 1985 fire relocated the been on another planet from today. Not only was listening to music a sensory experience, store to 1114 Howard St. where it stayed for so was buying it, something lost when digital almost half of its existence. Finally, around 2008, it moved back to 1210 Howard St. where music came along.

“In the oughts, people fell in love with this it remains today, employing 11.

The Weidners’ ownership reign was marked device, a handheld computer that they were able to use as a phone. Content took a backseat, by expansion. Under their leadership, Hothey were so enamored with streaming music,” mer’s acquired competitors, notably LinFratt said. “Well, that’s not an active listening coln-based Twisters Music (formerly Dirt

Cheap) and Pickles Records. This grew Homer’s to as many as 14 stores, including locations in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue and Council Bluffs.

Even then, music technology was changing, from vinyl and 8 tracks to cassettes to CDs, but the value of place still mattered with the public as well as artists and music biz types.

“When I was managing the Old Market store in the ‘80s we had a Bon Jovi in-store [performance] and the line went around the block,” Fratt said. “The band was cool enough to stick around and sign everything. They were there for three and a half hours, it was a crazy long in-store.

“There would be times when bands would come out to our warehouse and they called it Rock the Dock,” Weidner said. “Eddie Money came in; it was when he was drinking pretty heavily. He’d done a concert, they got to the warehouse at 10 in the morning and he’s still in the tuxedo he wore the night before. I don’t think he slept. He got on a load of shipping crates and started singing a song and twice we had to catch him before he fell off.”

By 2000, the one-two punch of digital music and warehouse competition was more than many independent record stores could withstand, eventually felling even the flagship brand Tower Records. Survivors banded together in trade associations, sharing marketing secrets and adopting trends such as dealing in used CDs. This bought many enough time for the public to come back around to the pleasures of perusing a record store bin for a new favorite LP. Today, Homer’s is thriving, ranked in the top 40 of record stores nationwide, affording ownership an optimism it hasn’t had in years.

Tokens of love and support from first-timers and golden oldies alike walk through the door every day.

“We had people, during the beginning of the pandemic, come by and say, ‘Hey, here’s $100. Keep it; I just want to make sure you’re still there,’” Weidner said. “Those are the kind of people we serve, and it was a good number of people. That says a lot to me about how customers feel about what Homer’s has been to them over the years.”

10

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Tip Top Thrift Shop, Youth Emergency Services partner to help youth in need In addition to profits going directly to Continued from page 1.

YES, the store also helps youth from YES director of YES. “Our services really meet the youth by outfitting them with clothing or other where they are and cater to their specif- items they need for free, and provides volic situation,” Fraser Meints said. “Even unteering opportunities to give a hands-on experience. during COVID, we “Getting to know have been able to Tip Top Thrift Shop the regulars who increase the number Location: 5910 Maple Street, Omaha come in is the best of youth that we’ve 68104 part,” Wigton said. prevented from be- Founded: 1955 “We are their friends coming homeless. Service: 100% volunteer-run thrift shop now and we know We never closed; with profits benefiting Youth Emergency them by name. We instead we pivoted Services really try to cater and found ways to Volunteers: 60 to them and even serve our youth and Goal: Gain additional volunteers, shopset items aside when bridge those gaps we pers. we know it might be found.”

Website: www.tiptopthriftshop.org something they’re Fraser Meints said the partnership with Tip Top allows looking for. We love to see their exciteYES to increase its visibility within the ment as the shop adds new items, changes community, allowing more youth to be and makes improvements. During the pandemic, we were even able to spend reached.

“I would say that Tip Top volunteers some time remodeling the space, so are like ambassadors for YES,” Fraser it’s been a joy to see our customers’ Meints said. “They are an incredibly ded- surprised faces.”

While it's still unknown whether or icated group of people who donate their time to make the mission of YES present not the shop will be able to reopen to its at all times. They are so dedicated that they pre-pandemic schedule of six days a week, figured out how to accept donations and Wigton said the store has managed to keep continue to support YES throughout the business just as steady with its three-day pandemic. This makes me very proud of week. The biggest challenge is that more our team at YES and at Tip Top.” Located in Benson, the volunteer-run store is governed by a board of directors

by Dwain Hebda and is completely donation based. Today, Time was when the bulk of retirement the operation is open Thursday through Saturday and staffed by a group of 60 savings went for travel or building an empty-nest dream home. Such is not the volunteers.

Wigton said each volunteer brings case today as longtheir own touch or perspective to the table, term care and drug which has been a tremendous asset to the prices have escalated substantially. shop.

Greg Coenen, For Wigton, who came on board 15 years ago, volunteering at the store has f i n a n c i a l a d v i s o r and owner of Rebeen a very personal experience.

“My mother was a long-time volunteer gency Investments, and actually volunteered up until the last a branch office with two months of her life,” she said. “The Securities America shop is sort of like my baby. I’m very proud I n c . , s a i d a l l o w of the operation and it’s been a blessing to ing for these rising witness its growth over the years. It feels costs is essential to Coenen like we’ve entered a new era with our any solid retirement increased numbers and new technology — strategy.

“Medical expenses, prescription drugs we were once this little town thrift shop and now we’re almost more of a boutique.” and long-term care expenses escalate Known for its clothing selection, the much higher than the national average storefront offers a variety of brands and of other retirement expenses,” he said. styles. The shop also carries household “Purchasing a traditional long term-care items like dishes, small appliances, knick- policy or a hybrid policy with a good knacks, office/craft supplies, linens and inflation rider can help offset the high cost of long-term care. It’s best to puraccessories.

According to Wigton, most shoppers chase these types of policies when you are regulars who are looking to find a are healthy and younger, generally in bargain, while also giving back through your 50s.”

Coenen said there are other options their purchase. With vintage clothing being trendy, the shop has drawn many younger people can employ besides purchasing a policy. customers.

“Due to the high premium for a long“Our buyers know their money is going to directly help youth on the street and term care policy, some people will choose make a difference in the lives of children,” to set aside $250,000 to $500,000 in a safe she said. “We have photos of the kids YES investment to cover future care. Others has helped throughout the shop. People are might be fortunate enough to receive help, excited to be giving their money to a cause live with their children or pay for occasional home care help.” and it makes them feel good.”

Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau The shop also has a donation box, in which many customers will round up and of Business Research at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said trends in the insurdrop their change into.

Sally Wigton, board president at Tip Top Thrift Shop … Volunteer-run thrift shop, which has been in operation for 66 years, benefits Youth Emergency Services. volunteers would be needed to resume the in so we cannot complain. Our goals are to welcome more shoppers and gain more regular schedule.

“We usually have a large fundraiser volunteers so we can continue our mission. every year, but we weren’t able to do that We want our customers to know that we last year or this year,” Wigton said. “How- will always take care of them and we love ever, constant donations continue to come to see them come in.”

A healthy retirement means planning for long-term care, medicine ance field are placing more responsibility on consumers as is, and it’s likely to do more of it in the future.

“There’s been some evolution in pri-

Thompson Johnson vate health care coverage,” he said. “Set aside all the policy debates of Obamacare and just look at the base employer coverage that many people have. Employers over the past decade have been switching towards health care coverage that includes higher deductibles and co-pays.

“From a total economy standpoint that’s probably a positive development, but obviously it’s challenging for employees. Nobody is talking about changes like that to Medicare at this time, but if the whole private health care system looks one way, I have to imagine at some point Medicare will start to look like that too.”

Earl Johnson, senior vice president and wealth manager with EverGreen Capital Management, recommends three simple steps for people planning for future health care needs.

“First, plan like health care will be a bill you will always have to pay, no matter how healthy or well insured you are,” he said. “It is important to discover ways to efficiently establish a means to pay for

adequate health care needs in the future.

“Second, and probably the most important, is inflation. If clients are fortunate enough to live long lives and in many cases healthy lives, inflation will a ff e c t r e t i r e m e n t savings. Therefore, you are not only replacing income in retirement, you are preparing enough assets to meet the increased cost associated with aging. And third, start early.”

Meanwhile, seLanner nior citizen advocacy groups are pushing for legislative relief from escalating drug prices. A 2019 survey by AARP Nebraska found 79% of Nebraskans age 45 and up were most concerned about the growth in prescription drug cost. Among them, 94% called for allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices and streamlining how generic drugs to come to market.

Devorah Lanner, AARP Nebraska director of communications, said this has prompted the organization to push for health care reform legislation to address drug costs.

“Even in the midst of pandemic and financial crisis, drug companies increased their prices on over 1,000 drugs last year, including those for chronic conditions that those over age 50 depend on,” she said.

“Americans are paying more than three times what people in other countries pay for the same medicines. We are calling on Congress and state legislatures to stop unfair drug prices.”

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

Remote work opportunities may outlive pandemic

by Matt Kempner

Emily Weddington put some distance between herself and her West Midtown office in Atlanta during the pandemic.

It’s now, give or take, 240 miles door to door.

She and her husband have the same Atlanta-based jobs they did Workplace before COVID-19.

She’s in marketing for a company that produces corporate reports and he’s in finance for a commercial real estate firm.

The two just no longer live in a house with a small yard in Brookhaven, Ga. Instead, they are in another time zone. They bought a bigger house on five acres outside Nashville. They each have an office in their Middle Tennessee home. They’re closer to his parents. And their two English Setters have room to run.

When she looks out her backdoor, all Weddington sees is green space. “It’s a sense of relief: We are not crazy,” she said. “We can do this.”

For many Americans, the pandemic redefined jobs and workplaces. Shuttered offices BOTH SIDES

and relaxed work-from-home policies meant not having to make daily commutes.

For some, the new flexibility cleared the way for really remote, remote work. They kept their jobs but moved to another part of the United States or stayed put after landing a new job that traditionally was based elsewhere.

Many expect it to last long after the pandemic.

While long-distance working existed before the coronavirus, companies have become increasingly open to more employees living far from where their jobs would traditionally be based. The shift poses new benefits — and challenges — for job seekers, employers and, potentially, communities such as metro Atlanta where office-based work is a big part of the economy.

People looking for jobs could dramatically increase the number of positions they pursue without having to factor in cost-of-living changes, pulling kids out of school or being farther away from family and friends. But they also could be competing with more people from virtually anywhere.

Work-from-home job postings increased 199% nationally for the 12 months ending in March compared with the same period a year earlier at CareerBuilder, a job listings and recruitment company.

At another jobs site, Indeed, the number of U.S. job postings mentioning “remote work” and related terms has doubled during the pandemic. The share of those postings grew even as more people returned to offices in recent months.

“The rise of remote work has been one of

11

the most dramatic effects of the pandemic — and might be one of its most long-lasting,” Jed Kolko, the company’s chief economist, wrote in blog earlier this year.

Offices likely aren’t going away and most jobs still don’t offer long-distance flexibility.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers survey in January found nearly 30% of office employees want to work remotely five days a week after COVID-19 is no longer a concern. But the majority surveyed wanted to spend some time at the office each week. And most employers surveyed think they need to.

About 7% of Indeed’s U.S. postings were remote this past February, versus about 3% in January of 2020.

The spike varied by category. About 22% of software development job postings were listed as remote last year compared with nearly 9% in 2019, according to Indeed. For legal jobs, the share grew from nearly 5% to about 16%, banking and finance increased from less than 4% to over 15%, and therapy rose from just over 1% to more than 6%.

The year before the pandemic, Nikki Forman landed a communications job with a nonprofit based in Washington D.C. and asked about remote working from Atlanta, a city she had grown to love. She was told it made more sense for her to be in the office, where she could connect with other staff.

That all changed once the coronavirus swept the nation. The nonprofit sent people to work from home.

Forman left her expensive apartment in Continued on next page.

PlugSports’ game-changing app gains traction

Answers on page 12.

Continued from page 2. tool that behaves like social media, but is dedicated to the recruiting process,” she said.

Traction is also represented by its partnerships with DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA organizations.

“We are initially focusing on partnering with educational institutions and club organizations to bring more exposure to athletes within our communities,” she said. “Plug already has letters of intent from several universities. Plug’s athlete user base spans all across the nation.”

Buettner attributes much of this excitement to the founding team’s national outreach work.

“As we’ve built connections with sporting communities, we’ve become more committed to the need for, and idea of, Plug’s mission,” she said.

Features that have resonated for athletes who download and use Plug include the ability to view those recruiters that have looked at their profiles and watched their videos. Then, the athlete can embark on relationships with coaches and other athletes to build their brand, create connections and develop recruiting opportunities.

On the coach’s side, specific tools were designed to make the process smarter and more efficient for athletic departments and organizations.

“Plug is NCAA-certified and has built-in tools to support keeping recruiting strategies compliant,” she added.

Its “game-changing” feature? Advanced search filters. Coaches can search for athletes via fields such as GPA and height.

“They can recruit with specificity while maintaining record of all communication between themselves and the athlete in one place in Plug,” she said.

Sports as a whole, Buettner summed up, are changing for the better. She referred to NCAA conversations about athletes being compensated for use of their image and likeness, and the creation of “micro-leagues.” So, athletes can get paid to play and are able to take another route to professional leagues. Plug, in turn, is leveling the playing field by supporting both sides of the recruiting equation and removing financial, geographic, gender and other barriers or inequities — one athlete relationship at a time.

For example, Buettner recalled speaking with a father of one of Omaha’s fastest sprinters at a national track and field event at Bryan High School.

The father told her, “The only reason my son wouldn’t get recruited is because we can’t afford to get him to the tournaments to get him in front of the right eyes.”

“We believe great stars can come from anywhere,” she said. “One’s financial situation or where one lives should never be the reason a qualified athlete isn’t recruited. Plug is dedicated to bringing exposure to underrepresented athletes and providing a platform that educates athletes throughout the recruiting process.”

Athletes can create a brand and benefit from their image and likeness, while Buettner also said coaches can be more organized and successful with access to hundreds more athletes and diverse talent.

“We are investing our time to sponsoring tournaments, volunteering in the community, and partnering with organizations who are dedicated to bringing our talented student-athletes opportunities,” Buettner said. “Our ask of Omaha and Nebraska as a whole is to join us in this movement and lift us up. So, we can affect real change within our communities.”

12

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Crop rally seen powering on as buyers shrug off high prices Crop prices are already at the highest levels in more than eight years, and with Agriculture meat and fuel markets running hot, the rally may still have further to go.

Meat producers and biofuel makers have so far seen a bull market of their

own, passing on the increase in grain costs as the world emerges from the pandemic.

Executives from Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. and Bunge Ltd., two of the world’s top agricultural commodities traders, say there are very few signs the rally is curbing demand. And the U.S. is approaching summer — peak time for grilling and driving — which should only boost consumption further.

Everything from corn to soybean oil

has surged as top commodities buyer China scoops up U.S. supplies just as dry weather in Brazil fuels concerns about the size of crops in the South American agriculture powerhouse. Demand for cooking oils to make green diesel has also been on the rise, sending a gauge of crop prices to the highest since 2012 and exacerbating global food-price inflation.

“What we’ve got going on is a fairly rare circumstance where pretty much every-

Continued from preceding page.

Southwest D.C. and her regular walks to monuments along The Mall. She holed up at her parents’ home in Columbus, Ga., working from the family’s kitchen table, backyard and the bedroom where her sister had grown up.

“What that community offered me was the family feeling, the comfort of being home,” she said.

“I started saying ‘ya’ll’ again,” she added.

Late last year, Forman started a new job as an Amazon public relations manager.

She was allowed flexibility in where she wanted to live, as long as it was on the East Coast. She advocated for Atlanta and now lives in the Atlantic Station area.

The potential for more people to choose remote work raises broader questions for Atlanta’s economy.

Many of the jobs with remote working options traditionally took place in office buildings and corporate parks, something metro Atlanta has in abundance. In addition to regional outposts of some of the nation’s biggest companies and smaller employers, Georgia holds the headquarters of nearly 20 Fortune 500 businesses, all credited with helping to feed the local economy, tax base and image.

If some employers can pull more workers from all over the nation, will they be more or less likely to base their operations in metro Atlanta? And will Georgia be a magnet for more or fewer workers than before?

Midtown Atlanta snagged numerous corporate research and development operations thanks largely to proximity to Georgia Tech, with its pool of tech students, researchers and alumni. More recently, Atlanta has drawn major jobs announcements from Airbnb and Microsoft, companies hoping to recruit from the city’s pool of Black tech workers.

Georgia Tech Professor Patricia Mokhtarian, who studies the impact of telecom technology on travel behavior, suspects distant working will remain a relatively small part of the jobs picture.

While she doesn’t know of any study into its potential ramifications for specific metro areas, she predicts Atlanta will remain attractive because of such advantages as relatively affordable housing and a decent climate, plus the benefits of people and businesses clustering together.

Cathrine Andersen didn’t want to move to metro Atlanta when the business payments company Fleetcor Technologies, based in the city’s Buckhead district, began talks last fall to buy the small tech company she co-founded and operated with

remote employees around the world.

She and her husband were living in San Francisco, but had been planning to move to Austin in Texas, enticed by lower living expenses, more options for outdoor activities, the promise of somewhat fewer tech people and closer proximity to family.

Fleetcor wanted her to keep running things after the acquisition, which in the past would have required a move to Atlanta, where she didn’t know anyone. But the company agreed for her to live where she wanted.

Now, she’s a Fleetcor product development executive and lives near Austin’s famous Barton Springs Pool, which she often walks to for a swim.

None of the 55 people from her original company made the move to Atlanta, Andersen said. “This is the new world. This is how work is now.”

In the past, Fleetcor would never have considered having new hires remain far from company offices, said Crystal Williams, the chief human resources officer.

But the increased flexibility will help the company’s IT department recruit workers from beyond tight job markets such as Atlanta and Nashville, she said. “We are actively looking in markets we would never have searched before for IT talent.”

There are complications to work through, she said. How will they avoid isolation among distant employees, instill corporate culture and encourage strong collaboration?

“We do not have all the answers,” Williams said.

Plenty of employers have been evaluating which of their positions need workers on site full-time, which could best fit under a hybrid model and which allow for almost never setting foot in the office.

Williams doesn’t think many of the company’s existing employees will move far away soon, in part because of the complexity it would add to their own lives. But some are already asking.

Other companies with locally based operations are making similar moves.

Oversight, which helps companies analyze spending transactions and has about 135 local employees, has changed its hiring strategy to recruit more outside metro Atlanta for almost every role, Chief People Officer Jill Sutton wrote. “Oversight’s Return to Office Policy is really, ‘do your best work, where you work best’.”

At Purchasing Power, Chief People Officer Racquel Roberts is glad to be able to hire from beyond people already in Atlanta or willing to migrate here for a job with the provider of purchasing programs through payroll deductions.

That’s a big deal for smaller companies with less recognizable brands, she said.

“More employees are going to be looking for companies where they can work 100% remote.”

Weddington, who moved with her husband from Brookhaven to Nashville’s suburbs, said a shift to Tennessee had been the long-term plan. She just thought it would have come much later and required her to quit her current job and find a new one.

But her employer’s thinking seemed to have shifted during the pandemic. So did hers.

On a long stay with family in East Tennessee following the death of her mother and the beginning of the pandemic shutdowns, she and her husband enjoyed peaceful walks in an orchard and fields.

They were sold.

“We are planning on being here for the long haul,” she said. ©2021 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

by Isis Almeida and Fabiana Batista

Remote work opportunities may outlive pandemic

thing in the supply chain is profitable,” said Dan Kowalski, vice president of research at CoBank. “So there hasn’t been any reason from a fundamental perspective, at least domestically, for demand to drop off.”

The poultry, cattle and pork industries are all profitable, with hog prices hitting the highest prices in almost seven years.

Beef packers are cashing in fat profits, with margins near the record levels reached during the pandemic. Even the beleaguered ethanol market is seeing the highest prices in six years as the car makes a comeback as the preferred transport in the post-covid era.

“In terms of destruction of demand, we haven’t seen that to any degree,” Juan Luciano, ADM’s chief executive officer, said in an earnings call recently. “The only thing you can say: things have become expensive.”

Greg Heckman, who leads rival trader Bunge, also says he is seeing very little sign of demand destruction as “animal profitability continues to be good.” Brazil is one of the few places to see setbacks as the government ordered a reduction in the blending mandates for biodiesel, reducing demand for soy oil.

Brazil Demand “Brazil is having a very difficult time with Covid, so I think that the overall economy is suffering,” Luciano said. “The government is trying to alleviate some, to alleviate a little bit the pressure on inflation there. But that’s probably the only example I can pinpoint at this point.”

Demand for animal feed in Brazil is unContinued on page 30.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle on page 11.

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3. Deadline is noon on Tuesday for a notice to start publishing that Friday.

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

5. You will receive a paid invoice copy the first week it runs.

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GRETNA PERFORMANCE CENTER, 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 Gretna Performance Center, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara MedberyPrchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

The designated office is located at 212 W. Gruenther Road, Suite B, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

Bryan Boyce, Members First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

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 M & MC HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that M & MC Holdings, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9341 G Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The limited liability company commenced business on April 29, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

MICHAEL J. WEAVER, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SANTA FE AIR BUILDING LLC Notice is hereby given that SANTA FE AIR BUILDING LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 13330 "I" Street; Omaha, NE 68137. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WLS REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of WLS Realty, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is WLS Realty, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 19613 Audrey Street, Gretna, Nebraska 68028, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Ashleigh Preston, 19613 Audrey Street, Gretna, Nebraska 68028.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION BUCK’S HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of Buck’s Holdco, Inc. have been amended to reflect that that the Corporation shall now have the authority to issue 100,000 shares of voting common stock, at a par value of $0.01. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 19, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ZACHARY A STARK You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 09/17/2020 on Case Number CI20-17319, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $497.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/21/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RACEWAY DRIVE CARWASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Raceway Drive Carwash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CS LENTINI, LLC Notice is hereby given that a limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Massachusetts, and that the name of the company is CS Lentini, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Crystal Lentini, 1015 Michelle Parkway, Papillion, NE 68046. The designated office is located at 1015 Michelle Parkway, Papillion, NE 68046.

Crystal Lentini, Member First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ALICIA B LANDA You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/22/2020 on Case Number CI21-345, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $230.31, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/21/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DEAN J JACKSON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 10/09/2020 on Case Number CI20-18444 the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $232.00, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/21/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

13

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T A N D R E S TAT E M E N T O F CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION The articles of organization of Hunzeker TMV Holdings, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, originally filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on June 25, 2007, have been amended, restated, and superseded in their entirety by the filing of a Certificate of Amendment and Restatement of the Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State (the “Certificate of Amendment”). The Certificate of Amendment (A) (i) changed the name of the company to TMV Holdings III, LLC, (ii) updated the street and mailing address of the designated office of the company to 14302 FNB Parkway, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, (iii) updated the name and the street and mailing address of the agent of the company for service of process to Thomas J. Malicki, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114; and (B) removed all items that are not required by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act to be stated in the certificate of organization.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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 DIVENTURES ATLANTA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DiVentures Atlanta, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 11640 Arbor Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 May 10, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), TRICIA R LINTON You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 01/13/2021 on Case Number CI21-1185, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $547.80, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/28/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law 1702 South 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF COLLEGE SPORTS, INC. Chad M. Schneider, 1702 S. 10th St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108, President, will manage the wind up and liquidation of its business and affairs. Assets, if any, remaining after paying liabilities will be distributed pro-rata to the shareholders. All claims against the corporation must be forwarded to the corporation at the foregoing address and contain the name of the claimant, the nature and amount of the claim, and the address and a contact person for the claimant. A claim against the corporation is barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three years after publication of this notice.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law 1702 South 10th Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT On 05/05/2021, ANGEL'S ROOFING, LLC amended its Certificate of Organization changing its name to ANGEL FRANCO CONSTRUCTION, LLC. First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HILLTOP BIO-CONSULTING LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

14

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF GENERAL SERVICE BUREAU, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of General Service Bureau, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, have been amended by revoking Article VIII in its entirety and restating Article VIII as being Intentionally Omitted. The Articles of Amendment were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 29, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), MICHAEL M VILLALOBOS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 10/13/2020 on Case Number CI20-18461, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $222.68, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 06/21/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OPTIMAL RECOVERY, LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Optimal Recovery, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 955 South 119th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and with its initial agent for service of process being Michael K. Huffer whose office is located at 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of its business is to provide devices and other items to assist in recovery from medical conditions, and to engage in any lawful business. The company was organized and commenced April 15, 2021, and its period of duration will be perpetual, unless terminated earlier. The affairs of the limited liability company shall be conducted by its Manager until such time as a successor or successors are selected pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

Michael K. Huffer, Organizer 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

WALENTINE O'TOOLE, Attorneys 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MURPHY’S LAWNCARE, LLC Murphy’s Lawncare, LLC, with its initial designated office at 4113 N. 208th St., Elkhorn, NE 68022, gives notice that it filed its Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 28, 2021, and that it has been organized as a Nebraska limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial agent for service of process is David P. Wilson, and his initial mailing address is 11240 Davenport St., Omaha, NE 68154. The company’s period of duration is perpetual, and the general nature of its business is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

Nathan Murphy, Sole Member First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

RADLEY E. CLEMENS, Attorney 5717 North 127th Street, Omaha, NE 68164 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-466 Estate of Rex E. Daywalt, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 1, 2021, 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 Donna Daywalt, whose address is 6814 Parkview Lane, Omaha, Neb., 68104, 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. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 13, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 14, 2021, final June 4, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FANCY FORMATIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fancy Formations, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 20289 Blondo Parkway, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the company is Look at the Moon, LLC 2. The address of the initial registered office is 2932 N 57th Street, Omaha, NE 68104.

3. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska.

4. The time of commencement of the company shall be March 19, 2021 and the duration of the company shall be perpetual.

5. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by: Angela Norman, Manager, 2932 N 57th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

FITZGERALD, SCHORR, BARMETTLER & BRENNAN, P.C., L.L.O. 200 Regency One 1005 Regency Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3794 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION FORTEN BUILDING GROUP, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the Company is 2105 Hickman Road, P.O. Box 105, Roca, NE 68430. The name, street and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process of the Company are Charles P. Stewart, 2105 Hickman Road, P.O. Box 105, Roca, NE 68430.

Dated this 29TH day of April, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROAD RUNNER GRILL CLEANERS, LLC Notice is hereby given that Road Runner Grill Cleaners, 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 Company’s initial designated office is 10705 S. 176th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 10705 S. 176th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68136, and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Robert S. Harvey.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is BATTLESHIP RANCH, LLC. 2. The designated office of the limited liability company is 6755 Road 42, Bayard, NE 69334.

3. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Charles Nolan Edwards, at 6755 Road 42, Bayard, NE 69334.

4. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska.

5. The company commenced its existence on April 16, 2021, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

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 NINETY-SIXTH MERIDIAN III, LLC The name of the Company is Ninety-Sixth Meridian III, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on May 3, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

Russell S. Daub, Attorney for Personal Representative 2800 S. 110th Court, Suite 1, Omaha, Nebraska 68144 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-615 Estate of JUANITA M. GALVAN, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 12, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said Decendent and that JOHN M. GALVAN, whose address is 11033 Prairie Hills Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of theestate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 20, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

Charles E. Dorwart, Attorney Massih Law, LLC 226 North 114th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68154 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-532 Estate of PATRICIA A. GOSCH, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 1, 2021, 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 Constance E. Newman, 3202 S. 49th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68106 was informally appointed by the Registrar as Personal Representative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 20, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

Alton E. Mitchell, Attorney at Law, LLC 1905 Harney Street, Suite 711 Omaha, Nebraska, 68102 Notice of Organization of Hatch & Dallon, Attorneys at Law, L.L.C. Notice is hereby given that a Limited Liability Company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The initial Registered Agent is:

Nathan Dallon

16308 Ohio Street

Omaha, NE 68116 The address of the initial Designated Office is:

Hatch & Dallon, Attorneys at Law, L.L.C.

16308 Ohio Street

Omaha, NE 68116 The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State on April 29, 2021.

The Company has perpetual existence; the general nature of its business is as a law firm. Company business will be conducted by its Managers as described in the Company’s Certificate of Organization & Operating Agreement.

Alton E. Mitchell, Authorized Representative First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AL INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given that AL Investments, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2922 N. 169th Avenue Omaha, NE 68116. Its registered agent is Kris Abrahamson at 2922 N. 169th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116. Kris Abrahamson at 2922 N. 169th Ave, Omaha, NE 68116 is replacing the previous registered agent USCA, INC at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA Ana Isabel Bremers, Plantiff, vs. Jesse Bremers, Defendent Case No. CI21-2990 This matter having regulary come on for hearing before the undersigned judge on the Motion of Plaintiff, and it appearing to the court that Plaintiff is entitled to the relief sought by the Motion.

IT IS ORDERED that the notice of the pendency of this action shall be given by publication in a legal newspaper in Douglas County Nebraska.

By the Court: Hon. Thomas A Otepka Judge First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MKC Enterprises, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MKC Enterprises, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 201 Shillaelagh Blvd. Unit 6, Papillion, NE 68046. The Registered Agent of the Company is Registered Agents Inc, 530 S. 13th St. STE 100 Lincoln, NE 68508.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF BUCK’S, INC. AND ORGANIZATION OF BUCK’S, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Buck’s, Inc. has been converted into Buck’s, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the company is 7315 Mercy Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Office of the company is 7315 Mercy Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68124 and the Registered Agent at such address is Steven Buchanan.

The conversion of the corporation into the limited liability company was accomplished by the filing of Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 29, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 301 RENDON CROWLEY ROAD CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 301 Rendon Crowley Road Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RACEWAY DRIVE CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Raceway Drive Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 306 INTERSTATE 20 CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 306 Interstate 20 Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOLON ADVISORY, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Solon Advisory, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Solon Advisory, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 5911 S. 173rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Cindy Duggin, LLC, has been organized as a Limited Liability Company under the laws of the State of Nebraska as of April 9, 2021. The designated office of the entity is 706 N 129th Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent is Registered Agents Inc., 530 S 13th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

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 OSCLUB, LLC The name of the Company is OSClub, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 13323 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on April 26, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: SHERI BLUME You are hereby notified that on 01/28/21, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI21 1747. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 405.00, 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 06/20/21 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 May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

MATTHEW BURNS, Attorney LEFLER | KUEHL | BURNS 1213 JONES ST. Omaha, NE 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION: Browne Industries, L.L.C. was formed pursuant to the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act on April 5, 2021. The Company was organized to engage in all lawful business that a limited liability company may participate in under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s affairs shall be managed by its members. The company’s initial designated office is located at 4422 Eastridge Drive, Omaha, NE 69134. The Company’s Registered Agent for service of process in the state of Nebraska is Matthew Burns, who may be contacted at 1213 Jones St., Omaha, NE 68102.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

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 MB OZ FUND, LLC The name of the Company is MB OZ Fund, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 18603 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The purpose is to invest in qualified opportunity zone property by acquiring qualified opportunity zone partnership interests or qualified opportunity zone stock in one or more first-tier subsidiaries or by directly acquiring qualified opportunity zone business property and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. The Company intends to be a qualified opportunity fund and cause any first-tier subsidiaries it invests in to meet the requirements for a qualified opportunity zone business. This limited liability company commenced business on April 27, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

In the District Court of Douglas County Nebraska: To: Zachary Morris-Gottlieb whose place of residence is unknown and upon whom personal service of summons cannot be had.

You are hereby notified that on March 9, 2021, AMANDA J. SPICKA as Plaintiff filed her Petition against you for Paternity in the District Court of Douglas County Nebraska at Case No: CI21-2206. The object of the Petition is to establish paternity of a minor child, custody of the minor child, visitation with the minor child, child support for the minor child, other financial support for the minor child, assignment of the tax attributes of the minor child to a parent and to change the minor child's last name.

You must file an Answer with the Douglas County District Court on or before June 30, 2021 or said Petition will be taken against you as true.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

15

MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MIRABEL, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Mirabel, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11550 I Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68137. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is John Hughes, 11550 I Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68137.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Notice of Organization Webster Place, LLC Notice is hereby given that Webster Place, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 4805 S 184th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68135, and with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, 9859 S 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Notice of Organization Terramark LLC Notice is hereby given that Terramark LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 4805 S 184th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68135, and with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, 9859 S 168th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF TWIN LYONS CONTRACTING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TWIN LYONS CONTRACTING, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 4913 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132.

The registered agent is JAMES A. WACHTER. The general nature of the business is to operate a general residential remodel 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 residential remodel 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 16, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 24, 2021, 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 ByLaws, 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 May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

KIMBERLEY A. HUGHES, Attorney 4022 S 224th Circle Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ELDER LAW AND LIFE CARE PLANNING CENTER, KIMBERLEY A. HUGHES, P.C., L.L.O. Elder Law and Life Care Planning Center, Kimberley A. Hughes, P.C., L.L.O. was formed on April 14, 2021 for the purpose of providing legal services. The Registered Office is located at 4022 S 224th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, and the name of the Registered Agent at said address is Kimberley A. Hughes. The professional corporation has authorized and issued 100 shares of common stock at a value of $1.00 per share. The affairs of this professional corporation, which shall exist in perpetuity, shall be conducted by a Board of Directors and such Officers as it shall appoint.

The name and address of the incorporator is Kimberley A. Hughes, 4022 S 224th Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022.

Kimberley A. Hughes, Incorporator First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK LAW FIRM 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OM&S CONSULTING, LLC The name of the limited liability company is OM&S Consulting, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 6263 Abbott Drive, Omaha, NE 68110. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Steven G. Ranum, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

16

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF INTERSTATE 20 CARWASH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Interstate 20 Carwash, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra Ringenberg, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T S A N D R E S TAT E M E N T O F CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF NO EX, LLC Notice is hereby given that the Certificate of Organization of NO EX, LLC (the “Company”) organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on December 22, 2011 has been amended and restated as per the following: 1. On July 22, 2013, the Company filed an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization to change its name to Jilly Bars, LLC 2. On September 3, 2013, the Company filed a Statement of Change to Restate its Registered Agent as Thomas E. Whitmore with the Registered Office at 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 3. On October 25, 2013, the Company filed an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization to change its name to NoshSense, LLC The Designated Office of the Company remains at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. There are no other Amendments or Restatements as of April 28, 2021.

First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

CATHERINE E. FRENCH, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF K & S HEALTH, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a professional limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the professional limited liability company is K & S Health, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 5310 South 84th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business, including medicine. The company commenced existence on April 26, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Managers, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TARA HILLS STORAGE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Tara Hills Storage, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Tara Hills Storage, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

3. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Dennis P. Hogan, III, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

WALENTINE O'TOOLE, LLP, Attorneys 11240 Davenport Street P.O. Box 540125 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA HOMESCAPES, LLC Omaha Homescapes, LLC, with its initial designated office at 3018 N. 144th Terrace, Omaha, NE 68116, gives notice that it filed its Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 27, 2021, and that it has been organized as a Nebraska limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial agent for service of process is David P. Wilson, and his initial mailing address is 11240 Davenport St., Omaha, NE 68154. The company’s period of duration is perpetual, and the general nature of its business is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

Austin M. White, Sole Member First publication May 7, 2021, final May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of OMAHA SUNFLOWER COOPERATIVE, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company.

Notice is hereby given that OMAHA SUNFLOWER COOPERATIVE, LLC a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 3010 LINCOLN BLVD, OMAHA NE 68131, and its registered agent is ALEXANDRIA O’HANLON with a registered office at 3010 LINCOLN BLVD, OMAHA NE 68131. The general nature of its business is to engage in and to do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized and commenced on May 4, 2021.

SANDRA STERN, Attorney at Law 1904 Farnam Street, Suite 701 Omaha, Nebraska 68102 In the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska TO: MATTHEW D. VANDEWARK, whose place of residence is unknown and upon whom personal service of summons cannot be had, Plaintiff: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on February 20, 2021, SHANIA F. RIOS, as Defendant, filed a Complaint to Modify and on May 6, 2021 also filed a Motion to Enforce Parenting Time and Notice of Hearing, in the case entitled, MATTHEW D. VANDEWARK, Plaintiff vs. SHANIAH F RIOS, Defendant, against you in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Case No. CI 17 No. 10735, the object and prayer of which is to Modify the Bridge Order in the matter of In the Interest of Aubrey VanDewark, to award Plaintiff and Defendant Joint Legal and Joint Physical Custody of the parties’ minor child, Aubrey VanDewark, with equal shared parenting time and also to ask the Court to enter an Order Enforcing her Parenting Time.

You are required to file an answer to the Complaint to Modify on or before the 27 day of June, 2021, or a Default Judgment may be taken against you.

The Court has also scheduled a hearing for June 7, 2021 regarding the Defendant’s Motion to Enforce Parenting Time, before the Honorable Kimberly Pankonin in the Douglas County District Court, in Courtroom 408 at 10:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

Shaniah Rios, Defendant First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KEP INVESTMENT TEAM 2, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of KEP Investment Team 2, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is KEP Investment Team 2, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Gerald S. Reimer, 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF URBAN WATERS II, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Urban Waters II, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Urban Waters II, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Gerald S. Reimer, 4880 S. 131st Street, Suite 3, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION MUSE COACHING, 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 Andrew P. Deaver and 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OCTO INVESTMENTS, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney at Law 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PIPA ENTERPRISES, LLC Designated Office: 1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 Initial Agent/Address For Service: Allan M. Ziebarth/1702 S. 10 St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68108 First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HI Digital Solutions, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 11, 2021, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore, and that the balance of any remaining assets are to be distributed to its Member. Paul Hogan, as the authorized representative, 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 13323 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. 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 May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

CARLSON & BURNETT, LLP Attorneys at Law 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF VISION QUEST SKILLS USA Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has formed a corporation under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. 1. The name of the corporation is VISION QUEST SKILLS USA. 2. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and will not have members.

3. The address of the registered office of the corporation is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the initial registered agent is MATTHEW WURSTNER. MATTHEW WURSTNER, Incorporator Carlson & Burnett, LLP 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130 402-718-8780 matthew@carlsonburnett.com First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOLD REALTOR TEAM, LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bold Realtor Team, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, and with its registered office at 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in any lawful business. The company was organized and commenced May 12, 2021, and its period of duration will be perpetual, unless terminated earlier. The affairs of the limited liability company shall be conducted by its Member/Manager until such time as a successor or successors are selected pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

The Company by and through its licensed or otherwise legally authorized Members, managers, professional employees, and agents shall render professional services relating to real estate broker and/or sales activities to the general public in Nebraska.

Michael K. Huffer, Organizer 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES KENDRA RINGENBERG, Attorney RINGENBERG & RATTNER LAW 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3440 SAMSON WAY CARWASH RE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 3440 Samson Way Carwash RE, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is Kendra J. Ringenberg, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Robert Kirby, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D e W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-715 Estate of Robert O'Brien, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on May 6, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate and that Alex N. O'Brien, whose address is 17119 Sprague Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68116, was informally appointed by the Registrat as Personal Represenative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before August 14, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Russell S. Daub, Attorney for Personal Representative 2800 S. 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-616 Estate of JOSEPH AQUILA, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on April 14, 2021, 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 GERALD JOSEPH AQUILA, whose address is 16002 Nottingham Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68118, has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 13, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF WLS REALTY, LLC Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Certificate of Organization of WLS REALTY, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been amended to designate the Company as a professional limited liability company and that the professional services to be performed are real estate brokerage services. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska on May 5, 2021. In all other respects, the Certificate of Organization remains unchanged.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BWHWY36, LLC The name of the Company is BWHWY36, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The initial registered agent is Robert G. Miller located at 5931 N. 295th Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. The initial designated office of the Company is located at 5931 N. 295th Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064. Perpetual existence commenced on March 23, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HEMP BATCH TRACKER, INC. 1. The name of the corporation is HEMP BATCH TRACKER, INC. 2. The registered office of the Corporation is 13963 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164. The registered agent at that office is Gordon Summers.

3. The general nature of the corporation is software to support tracking of legal hemp and accompanying testing certificates.

4. The corporation shall have 10,000 shares of common stock, each having a par value of $1.00 are authorized to be issued at such time and upon such conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine.

5. The corporation commenced on March 19, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence 6. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors shall determine.

7. The name and address of the Incorporator are Gordon Summers, 13963 Jaynes Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68164.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

JEROME OKOLO Okolo Law Firm LLC 6572 Ames Ave Omaha, Nebraska 68104 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR21-489 Estate of LARRY L. CHANDLER, Sr., Deceased Judge Huber, County Court Judge Notice is hereby given that on 26TH day of March, 2021, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Registrar issued a written statement of Informal Probate of the Will of said deceased and that, Patricia Gardner, whose address is 10630 Craig St., Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska 68122, has been formally appointed via Will as Personal Representative of the Estate of Larry L. Chandler, decedent named herein.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 330, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before July 13, 2021 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

LAMSON, DUGAN & MURRAY, LLP Erin K. Artz, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF WATTON INTERPRETING, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Watton Interpreting, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1268 Golden Gate Drive, Apt. #143, Papillion, NE 68046. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business is any or all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 5, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

17

Rodney G. Gnuse GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C. 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF OUTLAND LAWN CARE AND HANDY MAN, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Outland Lawn Care and Handy Man, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock.

The name and address of the initial registered agent is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the incorporator is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced April 29, 2021, 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 May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

Rodney G. Gnuse GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C. 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF CALIBER CONCRETE, INC. Notice is hereby given of incorporation of Caliber Concrete, Inc. under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue is up to 10,000 shares of voting common stock.

The name and address of the initial registered agent is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the incorporator is Rodney G. Gnuse, 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act. Perpetual existence commenced May 3, 2021, 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 May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HYDRA CONTRACTING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Hydra Contracting, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1500, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The general nature of its business is to do and transact fully, and to the same extent as natural persons might or could do in any part of the world, any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated under the Nebraska Business Corporation Act, as amended from time to time. The authorized capital is $10,000.00 of common stock, consisting of 10,000 shares having a par value of $1.00 each, payable in money or other property, but not in stock or securities. The corporation became a body corporate on May 5, 2021 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, and the officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the Bylaws.

Frederick D. Stehlik Incorporator First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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 EDGEWATER HOLDINGS, LLC The name of the Company is Edgewater Holdings, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 18081 Burt Street, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

This limited liability company commenced business on May 5, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney MOYLAN LAW, LLC 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RON’S GROUP, LLC The name of the Company is Ron’s Group, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. The initial registered agent is Sean D. Moylan located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The initial designated office of the Company is located at 18670 Webster Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. Perpetual existence commenced on April 20, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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 MDM PAYMENTS, LLC The name of the Company is MDM Payments, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 900 South 74th Plaza, Suite 303, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

This limited liability company commenced business on May 6, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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 AUGGIE WINSTON LLC The name of the Company is Auggie Winston LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9516 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. This limited liability company commenced business on May 6, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

18

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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

The designated office is located at 14737 Sprague Street, Omaha, NE 68116.

Steve Douthit, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

RICHARD A. TROIA, Attorney RICHARD TROIA LAW 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-2168 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ALLIANCE LIFE SKILLS INC. Notice is hereby given of the formation of a Public Benefit non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the non-profit corporation is Alliance Life Skills Inc. The Name of the incorporator is Brandon Kinnie, 16532 Dorcas Street, Omaha, NE 68130.

The address of the company’s initial designated office is 16532 Drocas Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is Richard A. Troia, 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375, Omaha, NE 681142168. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on February 24, 2021 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Board of Directors and such Officers as prescribed by the Articles of Incorporation.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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 OVERLOOK BAR, LLC The name of the Company is Overlook Bar, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9140 West Dodge Road, Suite 404, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Jessica Cooper, 9140 West Dodge Road, Suite 404, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

This limited liability company commenced business on May 10, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Small Team Solutions, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 12, 2021, 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. Diping Huang, Member, 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 Diping Huang, 14625 Grand Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. A claim against the company will be barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the third publication of this Notice.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF 402 HOW LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of 402 How, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended changing the name of the company to Small Team Solutions, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 22, 2020.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

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

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3157 Farnam Street, Suite 7104 #7239, Omaha, Nebraska, 68131. The Registered Agent of the Company is USCA, Inc., 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

AMANDA M. FORKER, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF YATES FUND Notice is hereby given of incorporation of YATES FUND under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the corporation is Yates Fund.

2. The Yates Fund is a public benefit corporation.

3. The street address of the Corporation's initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name of its initial registered agent at that office is Amanda M. Forker.

4. The name and address of the incorporator is as follows: Kathryn A. Weitz 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68124 5. The Corporation shall engage in any lawful business for which a corporation may be formed under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. 6. The Corporation shall not have members.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Home Instead Senior Care Disaster Relief Foundation, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (the "Corporation"), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 10, 2021, and the Corporation has voluntarily dissolved. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation have been fully paid and satisfied and any remaining assets will be distributed in accordance with the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. The President, Martha Cashins, will wind up the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation’s remaining assets shall be distributed in accordance with the Plan of Dissolution.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HEARTLAND PRECAST CONCRETE, LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Heartland Precast Concrete, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 430 County Road O, Yutan, Nebraska and with its initial agent for service of process being Michael K. Huffer whose office is located at 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in any lawful business. The company was organized and commenced May 15, 2021, and its period of duration will be perpetual, unless terminated earlier. The affairs of the limited liability company shall be conducted by its Manager until such time as a successor or successors are selected pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

Michael K. Huffer, Organizer 9290 West Dodge Road, Suite 302 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

KATHRYN J. DERR PC LLO 1301 S. 75th Street, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Boji3, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Boji3, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 14541 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The registered office of the Company is 14541 Grover Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the agent at such office is Kelly King. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is any lawful business which may be carried on by a limited liability company organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The company commenced operations on April 28, 2021 and shall have a perpetual duration.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Rehabilitation Consultants of Omaha, LLC, has been organized as a professional limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Company is 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company's members, managers and professional employees are licensed or otherwise legally authorized to practice as licensed physicians in the State of Nebraska. The Company was formed on May 14, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KTS LIFE COACHING, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of KTS Life Coaching, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is KTS Life Coaching, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 4307 Chicago Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of Tormer Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is Tormer Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of Tormer Construction, LLC is Carmelo C Torres Sosa at 5474 N 92nd Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122. The designated address is 5474 N 92nd Avenue, Omaha, NE 68122. Initial members: Carmelo C Torres Sosa and Ernesto G Mercado Carranza. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized in May 2021 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CQUENCE INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of CQuence Investments, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is CQuence Investments, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 13808 F Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

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

The Designated Office of the Company is 651 Antelope Circle, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jerry Rezek, 651 Antelope Circle, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. The Company was formed on May 13, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ACCUBOOKS ACCOUNTING, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of AccuBooks Accounting, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is AccuBooks Accounting, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 12808 Augusta Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is John Q. Bachman, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Notice of Organization Bonnie Lou’s Boutique, LLC Notice is hereby given that Bonnie Lou’s Boutique, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 16902 Jackson Ave, Gretna, NE 68028, and its registered agent is Lindley Leach. Its designated office is located at 16902 Jackson Ave, Gretna, NE 68028. The general nature of the business will be to engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The LLC was filed with the State of Nebraska on May 3, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BUCK’S HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Buck’s Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (“Corporation”), has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 14, 2021, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefore. The President, Steve Buchanan, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CLOUDVEIL PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cloudveil Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 17529 U Street, 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 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Central Sudbury Community School, Inc. has been organized as a non-profit corporation in the state of Nebraska.

The address of the registered office of the corporation is 16019 Decatur Street, Omaha, NE 68118. The agent at such office is Carolyn Strohl. The corporation is a public benefit corporation. The Company commenced on November 1, 2020, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by its board of directors.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: IA Loan Services Name of Applicant: Intelligent Analysis, LLC Address: 2861 Capehart Road, Suite F, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Delaware Date of first use of name in Nebraska: Upon filing General nature of business: loan services GREG WITTMEIER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 21, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RICHARDSON MADDEN P.C., L.L.O. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Richardson Madden P.C., L.L.O. has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on April 19th, 2021 (the "Company"). The Company shall have authority to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. The street and mailing address of the initial registered office and the name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent, and sole incorporator for the Company is David Madden, 13606 S 22nd Circle, Bellevue, NE 68123.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Jeffrey T. Palzer, Attorney at Law 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is CHARVAT HOLDINGS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 2194 Shunk Road, Valley, Nebraska, 68064. The registered agent is James J. Charvat, III and the Registered Agent's address is 1309 S. 204 Street, Box 185, Elkhorn, Nebraska, 68022.

3. The general nature of the Company is holding company.

4. The Company commenced on May 13, 2021, and shall have perpetual existence.

5. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER Buck’s Intermediate Holdings, LLC was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on October 15, 2020 (the “Company”). On May 14, 2021, the Company filed Articles of Merger with the Nebraska Secretary of State wherein Chicago SPE (N), LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, was merged with and into the Company with the Company being the surviving entity. No further amendments to the Certificate of Organization of the Company are to be effected as part of the merger.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MICHALSKI LAWN CARE LLC Notice is hereby given that MICHALSKI LAWN CARE LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The address of the initial designated office of the company is 2304 Campanile Road, Waterloo, NE 68069. The agent for service of process for the Company is VW Agents LLC located at 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68118.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

JUSTIN A. SHELDON, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF AMENDED REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME MICHALSKI LAWN CARE Notice is hereby given that MICHALSKI LAWN CARE has amended its Trade Name Certificate. The amended notice of trade name reflects the assignment from Tyler Michalski to Michalski Lawn Care LLC and the address change from 17428 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68130 to 2304 Campanile Road, Waterloo, NE 68069.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION On May 3, 2021, an amendment to the Certificate of Organization of N68DC, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to change the name of the company to Bravo Sierras, LLC. First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Heartland JM, Inc. has been organized as a corporation in Nebraska. The address of the registered office of the company is 12341 Westover Road, Omaha, NE 68154. The agent at such office is Hani Nachef. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the company is to own & operate restaurants. The Company commenced on April 20, 2021, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company are to be conducted by its directors.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: MTD BUILDING PARTNERSHIP Name of Applicant: Milko Building Partnership Address: 2405 N 11th Street Omaha NE 68110 Applicant is a Partnership If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: August 1, 1996 General nature of business: Real Estate rentals DENNIS G. MILLER Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative May 21, 2021

Notice is hereby given that Wade Group LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska with its designated office at 322 S. 154th St, Omaha, NE 68154.

The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Sean Wade. The nature of the Company is marketing.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

19

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MY MARKETING SENSE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that My Marketing Sense, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7052 Binney Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104. The Registered Agent of the Company is Angela Schmit, 1246 Golden Gate Dr., Ste. 3, Papillion, NE 68046.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 N O T I C E O F A M E N D M E N T T O T H E A RT I C L E S O F INCORPORATION OF OMAHA CANCER FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Omaha Cancer Foundation have been amended to change the name of the corporation to: XCancer Foundation. The Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 10, 2021.

First publication May 14, 2021, final May 28, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), DENG B DENG You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 12/25/2020 on Case Number CI21-340, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $122.94, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 07/04/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Cozy Home Cleaning, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office of the Company is 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Corporation Consultants, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on May 17, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARKFELD ACRES, LLC Notice is hereby given that ARKFELD ACRES, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 1812 S 175th Ave, Omaha, NE 68130. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and commenced business on June 3, 2010.

The registered agent of the limited liability company is Andy Arkfeld and his office is located at 1812 S 175th Ave, Omaha, NE 68130.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF ARREDONDO SERVICING SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ARREDONDO SERVICING SOLUTIONS, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general delivery 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 delivery 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 May 4, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 14, 2021, 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 May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

20

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF LINC88, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LINC88, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent is ANTHONY L. GROSS. The general nature of the business is to operate a general firework sales 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 firework sales 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 May 6, 2021, and upon its Articles being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 14, 2021, 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 May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), HEATHER M NIELSEN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 02/02/2021 on Case Number CI21-2409, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $240.05, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 07/04/2021 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WHAT AM I, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that What Am I, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. Its registered agent is Alvin C. Okereke, 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 12, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence.

Alvin C. Okereke, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STATUS QUON’T, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Status Quon’t, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. Its registered agent is Alvin C. Okereke, 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 11, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence.

Alvin C. Okereke, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOYD85, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Boyd85, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. Its registered agent is Alvin C. Okereke, 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 4, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence.

Alvin C. Okereke, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CAPITAL INSURANCE, LLC Notice is hereby given that CAPITAL INSURANCE, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 3512 N 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized under Nebraska laws and commenced business on July 9, 2019. The registered agent of the limited liability company is Andy Arkfeld and his office is located at 3512 N 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LUCHT ENTERPRISES, 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 Lucht Enterprises, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68106. The designated office is located at 824 S. 49th Street, Omaha, NE 68106.

Mark Lucht, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F B E Y O N D L I V I N G DEVELOPMENT GROUP, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Beyond Living Development Group, L.L.C., a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. Its registered agent is Alvin C. Okereke, 7914 West Dodge Road, Ste. 514, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization was filed in the office of the Nebraska Secretary of State on March 4, 2021, the Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence.

Alvin C. Okereke, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AIR BOUND II, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is Air Bound II, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68164.

Jim Prchal, Members First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARIA ENTERPRISES, 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 Aria Enterprises, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 595 Bald Eagle Blvd, Ashland, Nebraska 68003.

Greg Garside, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARIA CUSTOM HOMES, 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 Aria Custom Homes, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 595 Bald Eagle Blvd, Ashland, Nebraska 68003.

Greg Garside, Organizer First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF TEK INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of TEK Industries, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, have been amended and restated in their entirety and were duly filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 17, 2021. Included in the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation is an amendment to authorize the Corporation to issue 135,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $.01 per share, of which 1% of shares are in a class designated as voting common stock and 99% of shares are in a class designated as nonvoting common stock.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JAMIEMICHELLE.HAIR, 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 JamieMichelle.Hair, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68135. The designated office is located at 19106 K Street, Omaha, NE 68135.

Jamie Michelle Fortenbury, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PRESTIGE BUILDING GROUP, 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 Prestige Building Group, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 12909 N. 185th Street, Bennington, NE 68007.

Andrew Petersen, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

FP TRANSITIONS, LLC ERICKA LANGONE, Attorney at Law 4900 Meadows Rd, Suite 300, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4 WIZARDS CORE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4 Wizards Core, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 9300 Underwood Avenue, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Timothy Harrison 9300 Underwood Avenue, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The limited liability company commenced business on April 17, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF MERGER Buck’s Intermediate Holdings, LLC was organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska on October 15, 2020 (the “Company”). On May 14, 2021, the Company filed Articles of Merger with the Nebraska Secretary of State, effective as of May 17, 2021, wherein the Company was merged with and into Casey’s Retail Company, an Iowa corporation with the Iowa corporation being the surviving entity.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

FP TRANSITIONS, LLC ERICKA LANGONE, Attorney at Law 4900 Meadows Rd, Suite 300, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF HFOS, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HFOS, Inc. has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the corporation is 9300 Underwood Avenue, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

The registered agent and office of the corporation is Timothy Harrison 9300 Underwood Avenue, Suite 500, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The corporation commenced business on April 22, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

21 Corn tops $7 a bushel for first time since 2013 on supply worry

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 • Legal notices LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DARREN THOMAS COMPANY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Darren Thomas Company, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 14860 Eagle Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007 and designating its registered agent as Darren Thomas with its registered office at 14860 Eagle Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68007.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

by Kim Chipman and Bre Bradham

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BZ HOLDING, 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 BZ Holding, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 14344 Y Street, Suite 102, Omaha, NE 68137 Jennifer Zhang, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 50 Shades of Green Consulting, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is 50 Shades of Green 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., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

Dennis Smith, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

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

The Designated Office of the Company is 732 S 159th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Company was formed on May 18, 2021.

First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION STUDIO CLARK INC, whose Registered Agent is Whitmore Law Office, LLC, and whose Registered Office is located at 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, was formed on May 18, 2021 to engage in any lawful business in the State of Nebraska. The corporation has authorized and issued 10,000 shares of common stock at a value of $1.00 per share. The name and address of the incorporator is Thomas E. Whitmore, 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

BARBARA MEDBERY-PRCHAL, P.C., L.L.O., Attorney 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103 Omaha, Nebraska 68164 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 50 Shades of Green Investment Properties, LLC Notice is hereby given that a professional limited liability company has been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the company is 50 Shades of Green Investment Properties, LLC The name and street address of the company’s initial registered agent is Law Offices of Barbara Medbery-Prchal, P.C., L.L.O., 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164. The designated office is located at 11102 Blondo Street, Suite 103, Omaha, NE 68164.

Dennis Smith, Member First publication May 21, 2021, final June 4, 2021

Corn futures surged above $7 a bushel for the first time in more than eight years as lack of rainfall in Brazil added to supply concerns.

Corn climbed as much as 3.5% to $7.0325 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, the highest since March 2013. Soybeans and wheat also both rose.

The rally across grain markets prompted major crop trader Bunge Ltd. on Tuesday to raise its earnings outlook for 2021 Agriculture by as much as 25% above its previous forecast. The St. Louis-based company, which posted first-quarter earnings that were double analyst projections, is betting on strong demand for crops as the world emerges from the pandemic, China scoops up American supplies and the renewable diesel industry expands.

China has been buying massive amounts of American soybeans and corn to rebuild the world’s largest hog herd. That’s helping lift prices just as dry weather hits crop yields in South America and Europe. The tailwinds have also lifted Bunge’s rival Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., which last week reported its best-ever earnings for its traditional crop-trading business.

“We are optimistic that the favorable demand environment in the first quarter will continue through 2021,” Bunge Chief Executive Officer Greg Heckman said.

Dryness is hampering Brazil’s key second-crop corn, and rain in the coming week will fail to reach some key growing areas, according to Somar. That could further hurt yields, and analysts including Safras and StoneX Brazil have cut estimates for the coming harvest. A production shortfall there would compound stretched global grain supplies and risk further stoking food inflation.

“The situation is critical in Brazil,” Paris-based adviser Agritel said in a report. “This should further strain the global balance sheet, while the U.S. will have to partly compensate for the drop in South American exports. ©2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

US home prices surge the most on record in buying frenzy

by Prashant Gopal

Contact us today at legals@mbj.com for more information

The median price for a single-family home in the U.S. rose the most on record in the first quarter, as buyers fought over a dearth of inventory, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Prices jumped 16.2% from a Real Estate year earlier to a record high of $319,200. The growth eclipsed the 14.8% rate in the fourth quarter, which was the highest in data going back to 1989, the group said in a report recently.

Americans are taking advantage of low mortgage rates to buy homes in the suburbs and in less-costly cities across the country, where supplies are tight and bidding wars are common.

“The record-high home prices are happening across nearly all markets, big and small, even in those metros that have long been considered off-the-radar in prior years for many home-seekers,” said Lawrence Yun, the group’s chief economist.

The metropolitan area with the largest increase from a year earlier was Kingston, N.Y., a picturesque Hudson Valley town about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Manhattan. Prices there soared 35.5%. Fairfield County, Conn. — home to Greenwich — followed, with 34.3%.

Of the 183 metro areas measured by the group, 163 had double-digit price gains, up from 161 in the fourth quarter. Springfield, Ill., was the only area where prices fell. ©2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

22

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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

May 21, 2021

Growth during a pandemic: Financial institutions partner in bigger ways

by Michelle Leach

Banks and credit unions have been presented with numerous opportunities to demonstrate value in the past year, from assisting with relief loans and other resources, to customized solutions to support clients during a period marked by change.

“I believe most business owners benefit by establishing a strong relationship with their bank,” said First Westroads Bank President Mark E. Ellerbeck. “As a banker, you want to understand every aspect of your business client and the industry in which they operate.

“You want to understand a business’s cash cycle, operating needs, capital needs, and technology needs. This allows us an opportunity to customize banking solutions that meet the business’s needs.”

Ellerbeck said the bank has prioritized this relationship-based approach by meeting in person with clients regularly.

“It is very difficult to establish a relationship via email and text communications or on Teams or Zoom,” he said. “Relationships are built face-to-face. We also have a team approach in which our clients know not only our senior management team and relationship managers, but also our operational and support team members as well.”

Technology, though, represents another priority area.

“During the last year, we have implemented Docusign to make it easier for our clients,” Ellerbeck said. “We also have seen increased usage of technologies to move money bank-to-bank, such as Zelle.”

He noted the bank is implementing premium text alerts to all debit cardholders.

“If we detect a suspicious transaction, we can text our client and have them either approve the transaction or decline the transaction by simply replying to the text,” he said.

Generally, during the pandemic, associates learned quickly how to deploy technologies. So, they could work safely and securely from home.

“Because of the pandemic, you will see advancements in contactless cards and contactless payment systems to improve efficiencies,” Ellerbeck said.

He also anticipates improvements to mobile platforms and apps that provide real-time reporting for businesses, and more banking cloud-based banking apps and services.

Since the past year, UMB Bank Nebraska Region President Joel Falk has noted that

Mark Ellerbeck, president of First Westroads Bank. all trends prior to COVID-19 have resumed. team members have remained “proactive,” By that, Falk said: “Banks were gen- with availability either virtually or, increaserally growing, and it was a competitive ingly so, in person. environment. Local banks in particular were “Given that the large social events that benefiting from a strong local economy and traditionally provided the opportunity to were hiring. There was a certain amount connect with our community have been of pressure due to low interest rates, but canceled or postponed, we’ve become creoverall, due to the strength of the local ative in how we’re letting business owners economy, banks were doing well.”

Banks quickly shifted to working with clients to understand the pandemic’s impact on their business and industry, and on how they would conduct business and associated demand for their services.

Falk Olson Larsen “Then, there was an intense focus on applying for and securing know that we’re still here and the type of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans,” value we can provide,” he said. “Although he said. “Since PPP has wound down, the in much of 2020 we were busy connecting in focus has shifted back toward what our unique ways, we’ve began to resume limited clients’ business looks like short-term and in-person contact, which is great to see.” long-term. Business challenges are different Prior to the pandemic, Arbor Bank had today than a year ago.” cultivated what has proven to be a considerFor example, Falk described surging able “value-add;” its commercial insurance demand in many areas, with materials short- division, launched in 2019. ages and tight labor conditions characterized “[The division] has provided us a valuas the “new headwinds.” able resource to help our customers navigate So, interactions with both clients and through the risky waters that COVID-19

presented to all businesses,” said President Paul Olson.

Additionally, he noted another pre-pandemic launch that has served the bank and its customers well: its new online account opening software, which allows individuals to complete processes remotely that were previously limited to in-person visits to branches.

“Things like taking a picture of their driver’s license and securely transmitting to us to open accounts entirely through their smartphone,” Olson said, as an example.

“With our lobbies closed in much of 2020, this proved to be a Godsend for us, as we were able to open up new accounts across the country, completely online. Our customers love this feature.

“We also enhanced our e-signature requirements, enabling us to close many loans electronically, which kept our clients and staff safe during the pandemic. Any mortgage loans requiring in-person signatures for closing were handled safely using drive-through signings in our parking lots.”

Olson indicated the bank was able to balance the conversion to a work-fromhome team and improved capabilities with its consultative approach. He noted that allowed its commercial teams, for instance, to make loans and write insurance policies across the country.

For credit unions, the passage of a pandemic year has challenged organizations to think differently, learn to react quickly and to keep communication lines open, according to Robin Larsen, who assumed the role of Cobalt Credit Union’s president and CEO in January.

“For a short period of time, our branches were closed but our digital channels were open for business as usual and our members embraced the new way of banking,” she said. “Credit unions are built on personal interactions; those relationships are stronger than ever.”

CUs have been presented with the opportunity to really get to know members, Larsen noted.

“It’s caused many organizations to examine their products and services, asking if they’re truly meeting the members’ needs,” she said. “It’s been an opportunity to take the time to examine internal processes, ensuring that they are member-focused.”

When asked about how the competitive environment has changed in the past year, Larsen said consumers have a lot of choices Continued on next page.

Banking • Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

Growth during pandemic Continued from preceding page. when it comes to financial institutions in the metro.

“As Nebraska’s largest credit union, we’re focused on providing a quality, local, member-focused experience,” she said.

Ellerbeck also addressed how banking strikes the balance between being “relational” and leveraging technology, which can be perceived as impersonal by its very nature.

“This can be tough as we want to provide all of our clients with exceptional service,” he said. “But there are times in which we do need to verify transactions, address changes, or other information to assist in fraud prevention, which can seem a little impersonal.

“All of our clients understand that we are doing our part to protect them and their accounts. As technology continues to improve, we will continue to educate our clients on better and more secure ways to bank.”

Ellerbeck, too, addressed getting up to speed with all aspects of PPP quickly.

“We understood the need to quickly provide access to capital for hundreds of businesses and clients,” he said. “We hosted an online webinar explaining the details of the PPP program, how to apply for a PPP loan and what information we needed to process.”

His team worked nights and weekends for several months to facilitate needed relief.

“During the first phase of PPP, we made 255 PPP loans for $41 million, and had a positive impact on over 4,250 jobs in Omaha,” Ellerbeck said. “In the second round of PPP, we have provided an additional 130 PPP loans for $10.4 million, positively impacting 1,117 jobs.”

He also noted there are lots of programs within the U.S. Small Business Administration that may be underutilized; for instance, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL).

“The SBA 7(a) [loan] is another program that can assist clients with capital needs under favorable terms, while providing the banks a guarantee for making the loans,” he added.

Falk noted it’s important for banks to show value, and provide insight and guidance for immediate needs as well as for future use.

When asked about the pandemic’s lingering effects, he referred to increased adoption and familiarity with technology for both customers and bank associates to streamline processes.

“The pandemic forced a quick adoption of new technology and ways of communicating that will change processes going forward — and in all industries, not just banking,” he said. “However, the new forms of virtual communication will not completely replace the need and desire for face-to-face conversations.”

Olson said many banks either elected not to do PPP loans, or they did them on a “limited basis.”

“Early on, we realized that we had a duty to help our customers in crisis and we quickly developed a proficiency in getting these loans approved in record time,” he said; this led to considerable referrals. “We had companies in crisis calling us from all over the country — from Seattle to Venice Beach, New York to Florida — all to handle their PPP loans. We were able to earn the business of many new customers without

spending a single penny on advertising.”

A constant was its core value of embracing urgency, taking total ownership and being a guiding force. This ultimately resulted in “hundreds” of new commercial customers whose businesses were aided by the bank during a time of crisis, according to Olson.

For Larsen, the pandemic has opened the CU leader’s eyes to the needs of small businesses.

“The challenges they have faced have been extreme,” she said. “With the right

interaction and understanding, credit unions can help small business owners prosper.”

Additionally, Larsen noted, the pandemic has caused financial institutions to listen more intently to their customers and, in the case of credit unions, members.

“With technology changing at lightning speed, and members’ expectations changing as quickly, it is important to build and deepen relationships with members, ensuring seamless interactions and accommodating their changing needs,” she said.

Banks adapt to the way customers are using their services, branches

by Gabby Hellbusch plementing the latest technology to meet their The future of both in-person and digital customers wherever they are. banking is continuing to transform in order “We expect to see more convenience for to best serve customers, local experts say. consumers and businesses alike,” Henry said.

While the pandemic made Jamie Deterding, senior vice clear the advantages of digital president/general manager of opbanking, Katie Henry, senior vice erations and product management president/retail banking division for bank solutions at Fiserv, said manager at Access Bank, said it in-person banking will become also made evident the need for an more focused on consultative in-person, community bank option. services.

“The future of banking is a “Overall, we’ll see a greater combination of both convenient adoption of digital banking and digital tools, as well as a personalmobile banking, in no small part ized in-branch experience,” Henry because of 2020 having accelsaid. “We believe in-person bankerated consumer appetites and Henry ing is here to stay. It’s why we’re adoption of these as faster, more currently building our seventh convenient ways to handle simpler transaclocation in Aksarben Village.” tions,” Deterding said.

From fraud prevention to account alerts In addition to more consultative in-branch and notifications, Henry said banks are imContinued on next page.

The bottom line.

Make your business great.

A successful business needs a sound credit program to meet short-term challenges and long-term goals.

We will work with you to develop a credit program that is individualized and innovative. We have a solution that’s right for you.

• • • • • •

Operating Lines of Credit Equipment Financing Real Estate Loans Interim Construction Loans Business Loans Treasury Management Products

Omaha: 9290 W. Dodge Rd • 402.952.6000 Find one of our other 12 great Omaha locations at www.GreatWesternBank.com/Locations

©2021, Great Western Bank

23

24

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • Banking

Expected taxation changes spur company purchases

by David Kubicek

The rush is on to sell companies before December 31, driven by the expectation of coming negative changes for the 2022 taxation environment.

“Prices for companies remain high as financing remains plentiful and relatively cheap,” said Paul Weisbrich, managing director of investment banking for D.A. Davidson.

“With its $1 billion of available equity, private equity continues to actively compete with strategic buyers. [There’s] a strong acceleration in deal origination and activity as COVID abates and business travel resumes.”

This year we should expect to see increased deal velocity, a desire for larger transactions, with some new records set, said John Decker, senior vice president, managing director of investment banking and co-director of D.A. Davidson’s Nebraska branches.

“If you want to take advantage of lower taxes, sellers should be on the move now lining up resources,” he said. “It takes a wide variety of specialist professions to close an M&A [mergers and acquisitions] transaction.”

Futures prices for soybeans, corn and Many factors have combined to create a wheat have risen by about a third since a rally “perfect storm” for M&A activity in 2021, inbegan in August 2020, and China’s big orders cluding potential changes to the tax structure, are opening up other markets for increases in both individual and U.S. growers. The strong demand corporate tax rates, the introducfor agricultural products is a position of a minimum tax on compative sign for Midwest ag producers nies’ “book income,” increases in and ancillary businesses. capital gains and payroll taxes, the Bridgepoint Investment Bankelimination of the step-up basis, ing is seeing trends in two major and the reduction in the deductibilareas: utilization and deal flow, ity of capital expenditures. according to founder and CEO “The outlook for investment Matt Plooster. banking over the next year can “We’re seeing investment best be described as explosive,” banking become more commonPlooster said. “Many factors are Plooster ly accepted by companies as a combining this year to create a requirement for doing transactions of this perfect storm for M&A activity and growth, nature,” he said. “Company boards under- and investment banks, including Bridgepoint, stand that going it alone for M&A or securing are seeing an influx of deal activity already funding is not a good plan. Companies of all this year. Because Bridgepoint helps comsizes are utilizing investment banks for their panies on both the M&A and capital-raising expertise during this complex process, includ- fronts, we’re seeing increases in the need for ing the privately-owned — and many times, liquidity (M&A) and growth (capital-raising). family-owned — companies in the middle market. Investment banks are also seeing a substantial increase in deal flow.”

Business owners are looking to benefit from the historically low interest rates and excess of private equity ‘dry powder’ to achieve both their growth and liquidity goals.”

For business owners who may or may not have been considering an exit before the pandemic and the new administration, the possibility of increased taxes is a looming threat that many business owners hope to avoid by selling their company in 2021.

“Business owners are realizing that the unique climate of this year can be leveraged to garner top valuations for their life’s work — and help them keep more of the proceeds in their pockets,” Plooster said.

According to a recent Bridgepoint survey, 55.2% of respondents consider the record levels of private equity dry powder to be the most impactful factor in M&A activity this year, 33.3% named the potential changes to tax policy, and 11.5% named the historically low interest rates as the key factors driving M&A activity in 2021. Of those respondents, 51.2% predict that we will start seeing M&A activity increase substantially starting in the second half of 2021.

Low interest rates helping to usher way to a post-pandemic comeback

by Dwain Hebda

Here to Serve Our Community

Consistently low interest rates are pushing area banks to record highs in lending, say area bankers, as rates are held in check to spur recovery from COVID-19.

“We are seeing very strong residential lending activity, including home purchase financings, home refinancing and home improvement loans,” said Tom Kelley, chairman and CEO of Five Points Bank.

“COVID-19 was the impetus to a dramatic lowering in interest rates. While there was a downward trend in interest rates prior to the

pandemic, the pandemic certainly contributed to a lowering of rates to all-time lows.”

Kelley said the current rebound in business varies between residential and commercial lenders with the latter slower to recover.

“Demand for non-PPP (Payment Protection Plan) commercial loans waned during the pandemic as businesses were cautious and so were banks during the economic uncertainty,” he said. “As the vaccines have rolled out, we are seeing a pick-up in new commercial loan demand. This demand, however, is being Continued on next page.

Banks adapt to way customers use their services Being a community bank means investing in the communities we serve. It means personal service and working with people who are your neighbors.

It means building strong relationships with our customers in order to surpass their expectations.

It means offering the services of a big bank to meet the needs of our customers while delivering an outstanding experience.

At West Gate Bank, it means our interest is you.

Visit us online at westgate.bank to learn more.

westgate.bank | 402.434.3456 EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Continued from preceding page. experiences, Deterding said new technology is being deployed, such as interactive branch kiosks, that allow customers to complete a large number of transaction types on their own.

“At Fiserv, we’ve seen a number of creative deployments of these technologies that utilize automated kiosks to create connections with real people who can engage in conversation although they are not present in the same location, which is particularly useful when a client needs information on a very specific topic that on-site staff may not be able to answer; again, a consultative approach versus a transactional approach as simpler Deterding transactions move to digital channels,” he said.

Deterding said a notable trend is toward conversational banking — through which people can engage with their financial institution accounts in the same way they engage with digital devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home, asking natural language questions and getting insights into everyday questions.

Johanna Lyon, senior vice president/director of branch delivery at Security National Bank, said relationships will be even more critical in the future.

“Customers will always want to step into

a branch and talk to a trusted financial advisor face-to-face when making big, money-sensitive decisions,” Lyon said.

She said routine transactions have moved to mobile and online, and those transactions double in number each year for the past several years.

“Bank branches will never go away, but they will continue to evolve,” Lyon said.

“While less likely to be a huge landmark building, a branch will be a place to get together for important conversations about customers’ finances and futures.”

According to Lyon, the adoption of digital banking in the past year has grown Lyon significantly.

“Consumers and businesses use online and mobile banking more often, and they are using more features like mobile deposits,” Lyon said. “We understand that customers want the ability to do things on their own time, and it’s essential that we are agile to meet those needs.

Most customers want a hybrid banking experience of the latest and greatest technology to check their accounts at their convenience, but also the ability to have face-to-face conversations with bankers. Security National Bank will continue to look at customer demands and needs and develop from there.”

Banking • Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

25

Latest in small business banking: selecting a bank, PPP loans and beyond

by Brooke Strickland

The last year brought extraordinary challenges to the American people and Nebraska citizens were no exception. Not only were people trying to stay healthy, but many people were also simply trying to stay afloat financially. There were numerous job losses and business shutdowns that caused everything to change almost overnight. When the government announced the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help assist small businesses in making ends meet, there was a sigh of relief for many businesses that were struggling.

The local impact of the Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans for businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Borrowers may also use the funds for utilities, rent, or mortgages for their small businesses, and the loans may be eligible for forgiveness, as well. American National Bank has processed more than 2,500 loan applications and originated loans with nearly 1,900 unique applicants, according to a statement by Jason Hansen, president of the bank.

Patrick Zach, president of commercial lending at Dundee Bank noted that the bank has closed approximately 475 PPP loans in 2020 and 350 more this year.

“We wanted to move swiftly so that we could provide them with the tools and re-

Low interest rates

Continued from preceding page. tempered by the rise in labor and material costs, which have skyrocketed and certainly weighs on business expansion decisions.”

John Bothof, regional bank president with Northwest Bank, said interest rates have resulted in record loan production for his institution as well.

“Low interest rates have been around for several years and this has resulted in consum-

Kelley Bothof ers refinancing their mortgages to historic low rates,” he said. “It also has resulted in many households deciding to move up in home value or to build a new home. Many first-time homebuyers have also entered the market. Each of these consumer choices has resulted in record mortgage production within Northwest Bank.”

Bothof said commercial borrowers have also cashed in on the low interest rates, for expansion or to build or buy a building.

“Low interest rates spur investment,” he said. “For the business owner that has rented space over the years, the lower rates have made them consider buying or building their own commercial building. Omaha commercial real estate has been very consistent during this period of low interest rates.

“As a community banking organization, we work closely with business owner/opera-

Hansen Zach sources that they required to continue their operations at the highest level possible,” he said. “Communication has been so important over the last 12 months.

“How has their business been impacted?

What do they need from us right now to help them make it through all of this? Anything we could do to relieve some of their stress and anxiety so they could focus on what they do best was a priority for our bank.”

Kevin Svec, senior vice president of business banking at Centris Federal Credit Union, said that the bank has originated almost 700 loans since the program began.

“Demand has been steady at times, and strong at others, depending on when funding became available,” he said. “Some of our members received both first draw and second draw loans, and applications continue to be received and processed daily.” tor entities. Many have purchased their own building in the last several years.”

Mike Fosdick, vice president of residential mortgage with Union Bank and Trust, noted his institution is also experiencing loan volume unlike anything in recent memory.

“The benefactor of the low rates is the consumer,” he said. “Our customers have been able to refinance their old loan and either increase their monthly cash flow or pay off their home loan in less time.”

Fosdick said the mix of transactions has changed of late, as refinances are down and purchase loans are up by roughly equivalent percentages.

“At the peak of the refinance boom, the refinance business probably represented 80% of our originations,” he said.

“The volume of reFosdick finance originations has changed in the last 30 days to represent roughly 40% of our originations and the purchase business is now 60% of our originations.”

As for how long this trend will last, bankers’ opinions are mixed.

“All indications are that [interest rates] will remain extremely low for the foreseeable future,” Kelley said. “Low interest rates will undoubtedly contribute to our country’s economic recovery. It will be the fuel that will allow the economy to take off again.”

There is some concern if rates do climb.

“The rates have been so good over the last year, any increase in the interest rates is a concern,” Fosdick said. “With the majority of our business now coming from the consumer purchasing rather than refinancing, the lack of existing homes on the market to purchase, and the cost of new construction, is problematic.”

Svec

Herbers

Building a banking relationship As businesses begin to try to recover from the fallout of the pandemic, banking experts explain that building a relationship with a bank that you trust is one of the most important things you can do to Benjamin Herbers, attorney at Koley Jessen recommended, “Relationships are key.

Having a banker that you can trust to work with you, especially when times get tough, can be vital. For borrowers that are still looking to apply for first or second round PPP loans, my advice is to act fast! As of April 11, 2021,

approximately $755 billion of the total $813.5 billion in funding has already been disbursed.”

Svec noted that small business owners should look for a financial partner, not just a financial institution.

“A dedicated business banker should be responsive and can become a valuable and trusted financial adviser for many years,” he said. “The more knowledge that is shared between the small business owner and business banker, the stronger the relationship.”

While partnerships and a strong relationship with a trusted banker is critical, Hansen noted that adaptability is also very important.

“Business owners should seek out bank partnerships that know their business and its size, share expertise, and provide products that meet their unique needs,” he said. “I strongly advise business owners to identify banking partners who are responsive and innovative to meet their needs.”

Small businesses have shown incredible grit throughout this challenging time and finding the right financial institution to partner with can only help the progression back to a new normal.

Welcome Home Whether you are ready to buy, build or

refinance your home, or if you’re looking for a community bank that provides the hometown, personalized service you desire, we’re here for you! Call or stop in and meet our mortgage experts today!

Ryan Schlabs NMLS#720173

Sam Hamrick NMLS#885700

Will DeRosear NMLS#639430

Our additional location at 168th and Maple Street will open fall 2021!

14320 Arbor St, Omaha • 9719 Giles Rd, La Vista www.NW.bank NMLS# 486668

26

• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

UPCOMING

SECTIONS

IN THE MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAY 28

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & WAREHOUSING

FOCUS ON SAFETY JUNE 4

ARCHITECTURE

JUNE 11

LOCALLY GROWN To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising Karla Steele - karla@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 Strawhecker Group announced that Fiserv has won the inaugural Omnichannel Provider of the Year award.

Through an in-depth review and submission process, payments providers were asked to explain why their omnichannel solution provided the most seamless payment experience across in-store, online and mobile channels. In analyzing the submissions, and taking into special consideration, which providers offered the most comprehensive and versatile solutions, Fiserv was selected for this year’s award.

The flexibility of the Clover platform for small to medium-sized merchants, coupled with the multifaceted interface of Carat, an omnichannel commerce ecosystem built for large enterprises, solidified the Fiserv team as a leader in omnichannel commerce.

The votes are in for the Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards recognizing the best tourism businesses in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties. In Douglas County, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium won first place, followed by Hot Shops Art Center. The Best Hotel was awarded to Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, followed by Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel.

The Best Restaurant was awarded to Pitch Pizzeria, followed by V. Mertz. The Best Retail Business was awarded to Made in Omaha, followed by The Next Chapter.

Ted and Nicole Wheeler, the owners behind Dundee Book Company, Omaha’s roving bookstore, have opened a permanent location in Dundee at 4915 Underwood Ave. The store, which opened in March of this year and is located in a 1910-era house, holds 10 times the amount of inventory that was held in the mobile store. Now, with outdoor space, Dundee Book Company will look to host readings and events where people can engage with author visits and book clubs while safely distanced outdoors.

These events are open to Dundee Book Company members and their guests, with a mid-May start date.

The Greater Omaha Chamber released the “Economic Incentives: Imagine Your Potential,” a two-state overview of regional advantages for businesses.

“Imagine Your Potential” details Nebraska and Iowa’s business-friendly incentive programs. From refundable and direct-use tax credits for qualified programs, to opportunities for sales tax exemptions and customizable job training, “Imagine Your Potential” offers a summary of potential savings for businesses in Greater Omaha.

Goodwill Industries, Inc., serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, started a campaign to encourage job seekers to apply. New employees hired during the campaign time frame could earn hiring bonuses of up to $1,500. Goodwill Omaha straddles two industries encountering labor shortages — retail and human services — causing an inordinate number of open positions right now. The hiring bonuses will range from $250 for part-time cashier and custodian positions to $750 for full-time retail production associates to $1,500 for full-time project managers in the AbilityOne program.

Elkhorn Athletic Association and MD West ONE have entered into a partnership agreement that gives MD West ONE exclu-

sive naming rights to the outdoor sports complex. The partnership is a 12-year agreement with an option for a 10-year extension renewal. The MD West ONE Sports Complex will be located on 142 acres of land in Valley, Nebraska located near 264th and Ida streets. Phase 1 of the project, estimated at $23 million, will include eight turfed baseball/softball fields, four turfed soccer fields, a barrier-free field and infrastructure development of concession stands, restrooms facilities, parking for up to 1,500 vehicles and the civil engineering.

Visit Omaha announced its Rent for Recovery Initiative to assist local tourism businesses challenged by the pandemic.

Visit Omaha plans to give up its current office space for the next 12-24 months, saving approximately $250,000. During that time, Visit Omaha will use a portion of that savings to support the tourism industry through this initiative. Each week, Visit Omaha will book meeting rooms at different hotels, attractions and restaurants to host the organization’s staff meetings in an effort to support the recovery process.

During the Rent for Recovery Initiative, Visit Omaha will utilize the Omaha Visitor Center, 306 S. 10th St., as its administrative headquarters while searching for new office space.

Education notes…

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis has received a gift of 2,147 acres of ranchland in northeast Hayes County. David Scholz and his late wife, Sandra “Sande” Scholz, made the gift valued at nearly $1.5 million through the University of Nebraska Foundation for education and research purposes. NCTA has plans in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation to raise funds for enhancements at the Frank B. and Mabel Leu Memorial Ranch. This could include a meeting facility for students, guests and faculty, as well as improvements needed for the care of livestock animals.

Creighton University broke ground on the CL Werner Center for Health Sciences Education, a new facility that will change the west side of campus on May 12. Expected to open in fall 2023, the $75 million, 130,000-square-foot CL Werner Center will serve as the new home of the School of Medicine and as an interprofessional hub for all Creighton health sciences schools and colleges. The building will stand near the I-480 and U.S. Highway 75 interchange at Cuming Street, on the land currently occupied by Creighton’s Military Science Building and the Center for Health Policy and Ethics, which will be relocated elsewhere on campus.

College of Saint Mary presented Brenda Council with an honorary degree.

Council is an Omaha native who earned an education degree from the University of Nebraska and her Juris Doctor from Creighton University. She was elected to represent the 2nd District on the Omaha Board of Education in 1982 and served for 11 years. Council was the first African American elected president of the school board and the only African American woman to ever serve on the Omaha City Council, having been elected in 1993. She was also the first African American woman Continued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

27

REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. ever elected to serve in the unicameral. As a state senator, Council represented the 11th Legislative District and was a member of the agriculture, business and labor, judiciary and education committees.

Health care notes…

University of Nebraska Medical Center scientist Surrinder Batra, Ph.D., has been named the Dr. Alfred and Linda Hartmann Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Batra is the first holder of a named chair in the 106-year history. He is the 2012 UNMC Scientist Laureate and the recipient of the University of Nebraska’s 2016 Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award. He serves as principal investigator or project leader on multiple major National Institutes of Health funded projects. He is best known for his work related to pancreatic cancer and other cancers.

The Visiting Nurse Association has signed an agreement to transition home health and hospice operations to Amedisys, Inc., a provider of home health, hospice and personal care. The transaction is expected to close on or around July 1, 2021. Due to the evolving nature of the health care industry, VNA’s leadership identified the need to consider external investors to ensure its home health and hospice programs, as well as its foundation, would remain financially strong and successful for years to come.

Activities of nonprofits…

UScellular announced a $30,000 investment in the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands to provide educational opportunities and experiences to local youth. UScellular’s investment supports K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and academic enrichment programs for members at the club. This is part of a $1 million donation the company made to support 20 Boys & Girls Clubs across its service area. This continued emphasis on STEM learning and experience is designed to prepare students of today for careers of tomorrow, inspiring children to explore STEM careers and opportunities for their future.

Arts & events…

The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours are back for 2021. This year’s schedule and themes are listed online, including the new tour: “Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha.”

Both public and private tours are available and take place aboard Ollie the Trolley. Special precautions include reduced capacities and required masks. Trolleys are sanitized before every tour, along with applying a disinfectant fog treatment. Sunday tours start at 2 p.m. and Tuesday tours start at 6 p.m. Public tours begin Memorial Day weekend and cost $20 for members and $25 for non-members. A full list of tours and topics can be found online at www. durhammuseum.org/tours.

Omaha Preforming Arts will be hosting its second event in its outdoor live concert series on May 25 with duo Smith & Myers. Singer Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers are band members of the rock group Shinedown, formed by Smith. In 2014, the two artists created Smith & Myers’ Volume 1 and Volume 2, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Bassett. The album explores romantic

relationships, commentary on immigration, racial injustice and social media. Tickets are $18 and are available online. Shows are reduced capacity unless otherwise noted.

Concerts will be held rain or shine.

The May 25 Science Café will explore skin cancer, sun safety and skin health.

The speaker will be Ashley Wyson, M.D., founding chair and residency program director of the UNMC Department of Dermatology. Wysong will discuss skin cancer — the most common cancer in the United States — and its prevention, diagnosis and management during the virtual café. She will also discuss sun safety and overall skin health. The café will be streamed virtually at 10 a.m. on Facebook. The event is free and open to the public and there will be a Q&A session after the presentation.

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is hosting a Virtual Conservation Happy Hour: Charging Ahead for Rhino Conservation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on May 27. The zoo’s lead scientist and hoofstock keepers will lead a discussion on the effort they are undertaking to transform how Asian and African rhino populations are managed for sustainability within the nation’s zoos. Visitors will have the opportunity to virtually visit the research lab and rhino barn to see how collaboration is key to conserving rhinos. Tickets are $20 per device and available online.

Opera Omaha returns to the stage May 28 and May 29 in a new outdoor concert, Opera Under the Stars, featuring opera classics at the new Holland Center Outdoors. The concert medley of live opera favorites by renowned artists will feature soloists from past Opera Omaha productions, as well as introduce artists who will star in the upcoming 21/22 season. The opera program will include with selections composed by opera greats Tchaikovsky,

Mozart and more. Chairs will be provided and concessions are available for purchase at the venue. No outside food or drink is allowed and cash transactions will not be accepted. Tickets are available online.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and Front Porch Productions present Celebrating Tony Conrad, a virtual sound art and experimental music festival honoring and highlighting the late artist’s collaborations with musicians and performers

from around the world. Admission is free.

The festival will stream live on YouTube on May 27 and 28 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Bemis Center and Front Porch Productions invited a variety of artists to record a video as a tribute to him, his work, and their work together. This festival aims to keep Conrad’s legacy alive while showcasing artists who introduced the world to Conrad, artists he collaborated with and friends he inspired during his life.

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Tuesday, May 25 The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is hosting the first of its three-part webinar series on QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits Fundamentals: Desktop.

The other two sessions will be on May 26 and May 27. The primary trainer will be Gregg S. Bossen, CPA. In total, QuickBooks Made Easy has taught over 3,500 seminars to more than 55,000 students. Registration is available online.

Clarkson College is hosting an event for health care and community professionals from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Those in the following professions have been pre-approved in the state of Nebraska to receive 1.5 hours of educational activity: health care business, health information management, mental health practitioners, nursing, physical therapy and radiologic technology. Participants will learn how to identify the symptoms of long COVID-19; managing the needs of those with long COVID-19; and identifying resources for those suffering from long COVID-19. Registration is available online.

Thursday, May 27 The AIM Institute is hosting its annual Infotec Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infotec will be provided for free and in a virtual format in 2021. Mike Smith will be the key-

note for this year’s event. Smith is cofounder of the nonprofit, Rabble Mill, based in Lincoln and Omaha. Smith’s keynote will be “Creating Significant Moments of Impact.” Breakout sessions hosted by local leaders include: “Diverifying the Tech Workforce Panel;” “Ethical AI;” “Is Your Website as ADA-compliant as Your Restroom;” and “Smart Digital Branding.” The full schedule is available online as well as registration.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is hosting its virtual Economic Development Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Lincoln native Cameron Smith, president and co-founder of Kodiak Cakes. Registration for the event is online.

The American Marketing Association Omaha Chapter is hosting a workshop “Data Driven SEO: Demystifying Ranking Factors.” Wave Interactive team members Jamie McNeely, vice president of operations, and Sam Harbinson, director of project management, will lead the event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In this workshop, Wave’s SEO and engineering teams will be covering the basics of page speeds and load time, sharing tangible tools to determine your current performance, and evaluating real sites to help find what to look for when it comes to performance optimization. Registration is available online.

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Lincoln Business Journal Pages May 21, 2021

As country recovers, Metro staffing firms face ongoing labor challenges

by Michelle Leach

The pandemic has accelerated many pre-pandemic “truths;” if one’s business lagged in the technology department prior to the outbreak, it may now cease to exist or be horribly behind the competition if efforts weren’t undertaken to turn that ship. Likewise, if a business was struggling to get bodies in seats before March 2020, the challenge to onboard sufficient employees, let alone quality talent, is unprecedented.

When asked about what LSI Staffing has noticed in terms of the availability of talent in Lincoln at present, Regional Vice President Núria Archer characterized the pool as “low, very low, like

everywhere else.”

“We always hear about ‘labor shortages’ in one industry or another, in one market or the other, however it seems to be affecting every industry and everywhere, currently,” she said.

With a focus on temp, temp-to-hire and permanent solutions for light industrial (like production, labor, warehousing and sanitation), Archer said the firm has seen a “huge, progressive decline in candidates.” A “one for all” approach to combat recruitment challenges no longer works, she said.

“Depending on [a company’s] goals and possibilities, we have increased hourly pay, decreased/increased hours, offered

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

Topics may include: Architecture industry update • Emerging technology • Design trends Careers in architecture • Designing for public health • Urban design Enhancing a client’s brand • Restoration architecture Issue Date: June 4 • Ad Deadline: May 27 To advertise your company’s products or services in one of our upcoming sections, contact our Director of Advertising at karla@mbj.com.

free transportation, an explicit ‘safety’ employees they have — working explan,” she said, as examples. “Working on isting teams longer, which potentially retention, that has always been key. It has runs the risk of new challenges such now become a necessity.” as burnout.

At this stage, how the country is adaptBill and Kris Erickson founded Working to the pandemic is the bigger force Science Associates (WSA) issue, according to Archer. with Zach Canaday. The firm She reiterated: “Remember partners with organizations to to love your employees. Retenenhance workforce performance tion is key and it becomes your by improving employee engagebest recruiting effort.” ment.

In Diana Sanchez’s more When compared to previthan 20 years in the industry, the ous crises, 9/11 and the 2008 area operations manager with financial crisis, Kris Erickson QPS Employment Group has noted the pandemic has been a never seen such a pronounced “marathon, not a sprint.” shortage of labor.

“The runway has been so Archer “Our candidate pool is very long and so convoluted,” she slim,” she said. said. “Typically, we know in the midst of She described a situation, whereby the a crisis, when you’re still employed, you team and their clients have struggled to fill keep your head down and you work like positions, and the quality of candidates has no other. And engagement actually tends generally come up short, too. to go up.”

“We feel the stimulus and unemployNow, with light at the end of the tunnel, ment has truly affected all of our business- she said engagement is starting to decline es around Nebraska,” Sanchez said. again.

The U.S. Chamber recently tweeted “Work-life is a blur, there is no workthat “paying people not to work is dampen- life balance,” she said. “People are now ing what should be a stronger jobs market.” starting to talk about burnout.”

The likes of the Economic Policy In fact, she referred to the potential Institute responded with how it was crisis in health care, whereby profession“hard to single out unemployment ben- als such as nurses are not just leaving efits as ‘dampening’ job growth in the the health system. They are leaving the lowest-wage industries when those same industry entirely. industries are the ones with the fastest “People want to work for a cause, job growth.” not a company,” she said, adding that In a widely-circulated analysis, EPI employees want to know why what they Director Heidi Shierholz asserts there is do is important — and the importance a “crisis of low wages,” employers aren’t of their respective contributions. “You offering workers living wages. need to attract people who want to buy Sanchez, whose firm specializes in into that.” areas such as manufacturing, assembly Bill Erickson emphasized the imporand production, said some individuals they tance of creating a powerful employee have contacted with job opportunities cite brand, which employs committed and benefits that are comparatively higher than engaged people. potential earnings as a reason they’re not “And talented people tend to tell other interested in said positions. talented people,” he said. “I could tell you “It’s like we’re spinning our wheels,” story after story about clients finding the Sanchez said. “The problems have never talent that they needed when they became been so severe.” the place in the area to work. Word evenQPS has adjusted; it is offering referral tually gets out.” bonuses to anyone who refers an individual As it relates to the “science” behind that eventually works at least 40 hours. engagement, he also noted that WSA helps Available opportunities span numerous leaders distinguish, from a mountain of positions, and short-term temp, temp-to- data, what is merely interesting versus hire, and long-term hires. what is important.

Some clients, in the meantime, still “We’ve helped our clients understand have work to be done. So, Sanchez that surveying employees is not like surContinued on next page. confirmed they’re making due with the

Employment & Staffing • Lincoln Business Journal Pages • Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

Top HR concerns for employers post COVID-19

by Gabby Hellbusch

Following the pandemic, local recruiting and HR professionals are offering their insight on common concerns among local offices.

Michala Anderson, jobs expert for professional staffing company Robert Half, said one of the concerns is the size of teams compared to the upturn from business coming back post pandemic.

“Many teams were really thinned out, but the workload isn’t reflecting that,” Anderson said. “This is undoubtedly causing worker burnout. Secondly, the available candidates are very scarce. On average, we are seeing 15 open roles in accounting positions for every one available accounting professional in the metro area.”

Another top concern for companies is staff retention and the sheer competitiveness of the market.

“Available candidates are receiving multiple offers, so making sure your offer is the most attractive has been challenging,” Anderson said. “My best tip would be to lead with your best foot forward, look at your pay structure and see if you can make any adjustments, whether through compensation or non-monetary perks and benefits — this is going to be critical to attract and retain the best talent as the economy recovers. Partnering with a recruiting firm always helps. We are meeting with dozens of candidates on a weekly basis and are able to communicate and advocate your company’s needs, goals and even corporate culture to these professionals to essentially create a great match.”

Recently, Kinga Wilson, owner/senior search consultant for Insight Recruitment, said it’s becoming more difficult to fill

Metro staffing firms Continued from preceding page. veying customers,” he said. “Customers are buyers. Employees are sellers. Customers want it all.”

Yet, if sellers (employees) are aware that any aspect of the “product” isn’t bestin-class, they’re fruitlessly selling their time, energy and talent. Not distinguishing between the need for a better recognition program or a dollar raise, for instance, and an awareness of all things rather than certain things can actually make challenges worse.

Kris Erickson emphasized that notion of surveying and listening to one’s workforce.

“Do they feel that they are supported or part of a team? If you don’t know that, and don’t know what the state of the workforce is, that’s when the [employee’s] head pops up and they wonder, ‘Where can I go to get that?’” she said.

She indicated it’s also important to not only push out information, but to ask for a lot of info and feedback as well, and to do so consistently.

“People really won’t listen until they feel listened to,” she said.

“The pandemic was the most validating event of my entire career,” Bill Erickson added. “It validated the simple truth that leaders matter and leadership matters.”

lower paying positions.

“During the pandemic, many people felt it was not worth going to work to jeopardize their safety when they could earn more money collecting benefits,” Wilson said. “We also noticed there were a lot more irrelevant, non-qualified people applying for certain job positions, which made the screening process harder. On Anderson the other hand, there were also over-qualified candidates applying for lower-level positions.”

Additionally, she said companies are also finding that many employees want to remain remote.

“It’s a candidate-driven market right now, which means they have more choic-

es than the employer has,” Wilson said.

“This means highly skilled jobs are even tougher to fill right now. The talent is out there, it all comes down to companies needing to be willing to change with the times and be more competitive.”

For lower paying positions, she said some businesses are offering sign-on bonuses or an increase in the starting salaBrockman ry to entice people to apply, while other companies might consider allowing remote work if the employee desires.

Courtney Brockman, consultant and marketing manager at Zelle HR, said the local economy is strong and there are currently many opportunities for job seekers.

29

However, many businesses are faced with a labor shortage.

“If you look at most businesses, you’ll see signs indicating that they need people,” Brockman said. “My hope is that as we continue to move out of the pandemic, people will feel comfortable returning to work.”

She said the city of Lincoln has done a great job of managing through the pandemic and keeping the local economic community strong.

“Most businesses are trying to do whatever they can to make returning to work feasible and safe for all employees,” Brockman said. “Businesses are going to have to continue to find ways to attract people. It’s one thing to recruit and onboard someone and it’s another to retain them. This will require employers to ensure they are providing employees with a great working environment. My advice is to work with leadership or HR to create sustainable practices that attract people to your organization and make a positive impact on culture. Get creative, be people centric and the rest will take care of itself.”

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

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

Crop rally seen powering on as buyers shrug off high prices Continued from page 12. likely to grow the 4% previously expected as producers of eggs, milk, chicken and hogs have cut down use due to higher costs, according to Ariovaldo Zani, president of animal feed-industry group Sindiracoes.

“We’ve noticed feed demand falling from a year ago probably because animal production has been also reduced,” Zani said. “We may see this rate going down to 2% or 3%.”

India is another place where demand destruction is taking place due to a coronavirus resurgence, Heckman said. Low profits from crushing soybeans in China have also hurt demand for soybean meal, but that has been replaced with wheat, a normal substitution when prices rise.

The first signs of any decline in global demand will likely come from the export markets, when China starts slowing crop purchases, CoBank’s Kowalski said. The

Asian nation has already bought a record amount of American corn and soybeans, with traders speculating that some of it will be for state reserves.

But most traders don’t have a good visibility on China’s moves and can only react to orders. There’s also a political element, with the world’s largest commodity importer facing the need to boost U.S. purchases to meet goals in the phase-one trade deal, a target it failed to achieve in 2020.

“If they are going to be very serious about that, if there are conversations with the Biden administration about hitting those numbers, then they will continue to buy corn and soy as necessary,” Kowalski said. “China is always the wild card and there isn’t a good sense of when the buying starts to slow down. ©2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

• APRIL 26, 2019 ss Journal • Midlands Busine

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Midlands Business Journal • MAY 21, 2021 •

31

In the Spotlight Paid Content

BANKING

BANKING

INSURANCE

Appointed

Appointed

Appointed

Cody Wragge

Ana Deabreu

Lynne Barr

Senior Commercial Leader

Mortgage Loan Officer

Director, Core Operation Compliance and Customer Support

Cobalt Credit Union

Wragge has been in banking for more than eight years including previously working at Cobalt as a commercial lender and commercial credit analyst. Most recently he served as vice president of Commercial Lending at an Omaha-area community bank. At Cobalt Wragge will develop and maintain the credit union’s commercial loan portfolio. Wragge received his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a minor in business administration from Wayne State College.

Cobalt Credit Union

Deabreu has been in banking for more than seven years, specializing in lending and personal banking. Previously, she worked in direct and indirect lending functions at another area financial institution. As a mortgage loan officer, Deabreu will serve the mortgage financing needs of members and potential members. Deabreu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese.

BANKING

BANKING

Appointed

Hired

Jideofor “Frank” Ezeuzoh

David Craft

Commercial Lending

Director of Wealth and Investments

Cobalt Credit Union

FNBO

Ezeuzoh has worked for more than six years in sales and has previous experience in consumer banking. Prior to coming to Cobalt, he worked as a regional recruiter for a local insurance company. Ezeuzoh will work with our business members in his role as a commercial lender at Cobalt.

Ezeuzoh holds a Bachelor of Science in human services, with minors in business administration and creative mentoring, from the University.

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has hired David Craft as Director of Wealth and Investments. Craft’s primary focus will be on building the portfolios of private foundations, endowments, corporate entities and clients in the Omaha area. “David has spent his career working in the investment, finance, and wealth management industry as a relationship manager,” said Stephen Wade, Sr. Vice President, Investment Services. “We’re excited to have him join our team of top professionals who support

WORKPLACE HEALTH Hired

Brianna Foster Director of Communication, Fund Development The Wellbeing Partners

Brianna Foster will join The Wellbeing Partners as the Director of Communication and Fund Development. Foster has professional experience in broadcast journalism and multimedia content creation. She has also furthered advancement at the University of Nebraska Foundation. Foster is a graduate of the University of

complaint concerns. She will also continue to represent WoodmenLife at arbitration hearings, depositions and other legal proceedings

WoodmenLife

WoodmenLife has appointed Lynne Barr to Director, Core Operations Compliance and Customer Support, effective May 1.

She will manage all activities related to

Core Operations compliance, including ensuring quality and timely review of customer complaints and escalation of

his customer-first ethic and desire to see each client reach success.” For 29 years, Craft managed money for large financial institutions, with investment management responsibilities for more than $700 million in assets. His experience includes a diverse range of responsibilities, including financial planning, customized investment portfolios and business development. Craft holds both an MBA and a BSBA with specializations in Banking, Finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He holds a Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, and he is a Certified Investment Management Analyst® professional and Certified Investment Management Consultant® professional.

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute. Investments & Wealth

Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CIMA,” “Certified Investment Management Analyst,” “CIMC,” and “Certified Investment Management Consultant.”

Use of CIMA, Certified Investment Management Analyst, CIMC, and/ or Certified Investment Management Consultant signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for certification.

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska.

First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $24 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.

HEALTH CARE Nebraska-Lincoln. In her role, she will support The Wellbeing Partners' mission to build wellbeing into the way communities grow and do business.

The Wellbeing Partners is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a vision that all people and places thrive. We serve organizations through worksite wellness support and expertise, and we serve communities by addressing public health needs as a convener. Learn more at: thewellbeingpartners.org.

Named

Dr. Scott Misek Director of Chiropractic Medical Management SecureCare

SecureCare is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Misek has been named the new director of chiropractic medical management, effective May 15, 2021.

For the last 30 years, Dr. Misek has owned his own private chiropractic practice in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to his practice, Dr. Misek has completed over 500 hours of post-graduate coursework and is board certified in Chiropractic Forensics working with

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

many insurance companies and attorneys regarding appropriate, evidence-based chiropractic care. Dr. Misek is a graduate from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “I am excited that Dr. Misek is joining SecureCare and am confident that he will do an outstanding job in assisting with the growth of the company,” said Louis M. Andersen, SecureCare CEO. “I'm ready to join one of the nation’s fastest growing network management companies during this critical time as conservative care is now being recognized as a significant component to the health and wellbeing of patients," said Dr. Misek.

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• MAY 21, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal