Midlands Business Journal November 8, 2019 Vol. 45 No. 45 issue

Jennifer Anderson

Crystal Archer

Whitney Baker

Lisa Barton

Jamie Blanchard Schneider

Dana Burkey

Courtney Callaway

Michelle Diaz

Dr. Stephanie Dredge

Laura Essay

Colin Nabity named MBJ’s 2019 Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Cameron Gales

Jamie Hopkins

Elizabeth Kraemer

2019 Marco Kpeglo LeRoc

Honoring 40 business leaders in the Greater Omaha area under the age of 40

Colin Nabity has spent the team to double in size within past five years building and the next year. growing LeverageRx, a digAs an insurtech founder ital financial marketplace for based in the Midwest, which medical professionals. Now, has a long history as an inthe founder and CEO is col- surance hub, Nabity touts the laborating with Lincoln-based advantages of building a tech Assurity Life to launch Breeze company in Nebraska. These — an online disability insur- include a low cost of living, ance product that is strong communitailor-made for the ty support and the gig economy. ability to influence Using artificial meaningful change. intelligence and data Nabity has from users’ medical worked closely with records, Breeze conThe Startup Collabdenses the traditionorative, is a 2018 al six-to-eight-week fellow and memunderwriting process ber of the Pipeline Colin Nabity to issue policies in Entrepreneurs and just 15 minutes. The product is a member of Nebraska is distributed completely on- Entrepreneurs. LeverageRx line, making it a pioneer in a was recognized as the Most space that has major potential Innovative Startup at the 2017 for innovation and growth. YPO EDGE Global ConferThis digital-first approach has ence in Vancouver, British positioned Breeze as an early Columbia. Nabity was also disruptor in the disability insur- the winner of LendingTree’s ance market, helping it secure Innovation Challenge Compartnerships with companies petition in 2019. like Stride Health, which proNabity was invited to vides benefits to major com- speak about Breeze and the panies like Uber, Postmates collaboration with Assurity at and Instacart. the 2019 Insurtech on the SilNabity has raised capital icon Prairie conference — a from investors such as Nelnet, successful model of startups SilverStone Group and Chica- and corporations working go-based M25 Group. With 11 together to build new innovaemployees, Nabity expects the tive insurance products.

Bianca Harley

Reaanddit

Zachory Klebba

Jenny Kruger

Laurie Matthews Tullius

Reap!

Sponsored by:

2019 Woman of Distinction Cella Quinn

Erin McNeil Pogge

Jodie McGill

Kellee Mikuls

Shawntea Moheiser

Kristen Seda Kampfe

Cortney Sells

Kris Montgomery

Jeff Skalberg

Stephanie Moss

Emily O’Connor

Kari O’Neill Potts

Sara Porter

Andrea Purdy

Lynn Schneider

Allison Schorr Zach

Karine Sokpoh

Jeff Spiehs

Carolyn Sutton

Bentley Swan

Brandy Wallar

Meaghan Walls

Scott Yahnke

40 under 40 — inside NOVEMBER 8, 2019

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:

$2.00

VOL. 45 NO. 45

Borsheims gears up to mark 150-year milestone

by Becky McCarville

MultiCare Medical Group prepares for expansion.

– Page 2

ess sin es u a B ag ah al P OmJourn

The Corner Kick thrives in Millard, plans to grow catering and party component.

– Page 4

As one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the nation with a 62,500-square-foot store and over 100,000 pieces of jewelry, watches and fine gifts located at Regency Court in Omaha, Borsheims has reached customers in all 50 states and six continents.

Founded in 1870 by Louis Borsheim as Brown & Borsheim Jewelry in the early days of retail in Omaha, Borsheim also operated a store in Council Bluffs that specialized in watches designed to keep railroad time for Union Pacific conductors.

Nearly 150 years later, Borsheims has bolstered its online shopping experience as online sales account for a greater percentage of its sales every year.

“Our recently launched education center exists to answer questions you would ask any of our sales associates,” said President and CEO Karen Goracke. “Our planned virtual showroom will take things a step further, allowing sales assoContinued on page 8.

President and CEO Karen Goracke … Innovating in the retail jewelry space to stay on top of consumer (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville) trends.

Lycos expands with equipment acquisitions, multi-state contracts

by Richard D. Brown

Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics hosts sold-out inaugural conference; underscores‘trust’.

– Page 7

Midlands-based Lycos, a family-owned commercial construction firm specializing in solid-surface fabrication — and later adding other services such as finish carpentry — is experiencing an annual growth in revenues in the 30% to 35% range and is positioning itself for even greater growth by emphasizing project management services.

The 12-year-old company, which has grown to employ 90 among its 11 divisions, has moved into renovated office space on the former Falstaff brewing campus at 2445 Deer Park Blvd. Overseeing the fast-growing firm is -year-old owner/President Jon Taylor who is quick to describe what has driven his business, with both manufacturing and installation capabilities, to Continued on page 10.

CEO and Founder Maren Hogan … Subject matter-specific pods, membership services align with clients’ evolving needs, allow for better management of projects across agency’s team.

With roots in startup niche, Red Branch Media expands with membership model

by Michelle Leach

Owner and President Jon Taylor … Diversifying with recent acquisition of production facilities.

No stranger to using innovative approaches in the business-to-business marketing world, notably a membership model and internal “pods” of subject matter experts, Red Branch Media has grown to 30-plus team members in roughly 11 years, according to CEO and Founder Maren Hogan.

“When I first started Red Branch, we worked with a lot of

startups,” Hogan said. “Since we were based in Omaha, we tended to be less expensive than our counterparts in London, Chicago and New York, and we were especially economical for startups.

And, as our size and capabilities grew so, too, did our clients’.”

The agency, whose name is rooted in a large branch repurposed as a piece of décor present Continued on page 11.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

MultiCare Medical Group prepares for expansion

by David Kubicek

Since its opening in 2009, MultiCare Medical Group has worked out of a single clinic in Papillion, but that is about to change.

The firm plans to open a second office in the next year and 10 offices within the next five years, according to Dr. Tonya

MultiCare Medical Group Phone: 402-505-7989 Address: 701 Pinnacle Dr., Papillion 68046 Service: pain management clinic Founded: 2009 Employees: 20 Goal: Open a second office within the next year and 10 offices within the next five years.

Website: https://multicaremedical.com/

Boecjenhauer who co-owns the firm with her husband, Dr. Kurt Boecjenhauer.

MultiCare Medical began as a two-person chiropractic office but evolved into a 20-employee medically integrated clinic specializing in pain management and regenerative medicine. An M.D. is the clinic director, and the staff includes nurse practitioners, chiropractors and massage therapists. Services include stem cell therapy, therapeutic BOTOX injections, chiropractic, physical rehabilitations and Plasma Rich Protein (PRP) injections.

“Our providers meet every morning to

Co-owners Dr. Kurt Boecjenhauer and Tonya Boecjenhauer … Pain management clinic prepares for expansion. discuss each patient and how every one one clinic and one patient experience,” Toof us as providers can help that patient, so nya Boecjenhauer said. “This is the model we’re bringing the best of health care into of the future. Patients are demanding this

Business Minute

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Dan Schneider Partner/Producer, Motion Content House

model because they’re getting well, not through drugs and surgery, but through [our therapies] and exercises we do on the rehab floor.”

By the time the clinic medically integrated in 2017, it had already treated more than 6,000 patients.

“Seeing that volume of patients taught us the importance of a medically integrated team,” Boecjenhauer said. “Many of our patients were benefiting from chiropractic care but also needed to utilize pain management and physical rehabilitation. Our vision was to bring the best of health care into one clinic. We’re not only getting patients out of pain, but they’re getting their lives back.”

MultiCare Medical is always in the hiring process because it’s in a constant state of growth. The firm recorded about a 25% growth over the past year and is on track to beat that this year.

“We saw a huge increase in our patient base when we first integrated,” Boecjenhauer said. “It’s important to find staff that aligns with our values system — that the patients are our priority. So when we hire staff, we have to make sure that they resonate with this model. We want to make sure that every patient who walks into our office feels special.”

In addition to daily provider meetings, the firm runs weekly team meetings to make sure the office is running smoothly.

“We want to help our patients get their lives back, so it’s important to make sure each patient has a seamless transition from provider to provider, and that takes a lot of coordinating,” Boecjenhauer said.

This year the clinic hired an office manager. “[That] was super helpful,” Boecjenhauer said. “I don’t know how we were Continued on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal Established in 1975

Founded by Robert Hoig

ADMINISTRATION VP OF OPERATIONS, Andrea “Andee” Hoig

Hometown: Hastings, Nebraska & Omaha, Nebraska.

Education: BS in Business, UNL 1996.

How I got into the business: The ad agency I worked for in Atlanta, Georgia went out of business in Q4 2008 and I needed a job so I started this!

Accomplishments or milestones: We’ve produced over 6,500 videos for businesses, nonprofits and universities for hundreds of clients in over 30 states and five countries.

First job: Typist, Radiology Nuclear Medicine, 1986.

Biggest career break: Zach Wallinger reaching out to me his senior year of college looking for a job, and us becoming equal partners in 2013.

The toughest part of the job: Saying “no” to people.

The best advice I have received: Focus on the things you can control: effort and attitude being primary among them.

About my family: Married for 21 years, 4 children ages 20, 18, 16, 13.

Something else I’d like to accomplish: Producing MORE videos!

Book I finished reading recently: “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Something about me not everyone knows: I own many cats.

How my business will change in the

next decade: Motion Content House has begun offering additional services to complement its primary video content solutions … these new areas will grow exponentially over the next decade.

Mentor who has helped the most in my career: Pat Riordan and Will Rosegay.

Outside interests: Faith, music, ‘80s movies, sports, and history.

Pet peeves: Bad drivers.

Favorite vacation spot: Palm Springs, California; New York City; Tybee Island, Georgia.

Other careers I would like to try: Author.

Favorite movie: “When Harry Met Sally.”

Favorite cause or charity: Make A Wish Nebraska & JDRF. Favorite app: YouTube…of course!

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

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

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

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

Written permission must be obtained from Midlands Business Journal and MBJ, Inc., to post any of our stories or other published materials on a website. Under no circumstances, because of spamming potential and other issues, will permission be granted to transmit our stories by email.

-The Publisher.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Owner Paul McCrae … Tex-Mex concept aims to grow services as the local soccer community thrives.

The Corner Kick thrives in Millard, plans to grow catering and party component

by Gabby Christensen

The Corner Kick, a Tex-Mex sports bar based in Millard, has found its niche.

Founded in 2016 by Paul McCrae, The Corner Kick serves up street tacos, signature burritos, fajitas, salads, enchiladas, wings and more. The restaurant is especially known for its slow-cooked tacos.

The restaurant uses all-natural braised

and grilled meats, locally made yellow maize tortillas and salsas made from scratch.

The Corner Kick also boasts over 80 tequila options, a full bar, 17 televisions for sports entertainment and a private party/ meeting room.

According to McCrae, the neighborhood restaurant offers a casual, laid-back experience.

“We are a very unique concept,” he which has contributed to the business’ success said. “There is something for everyone on and growth. our menu. Whether you are coming in for a “Each year has been better than the business meeting, a fast lunch, happy hour, last,” he said. “We started with just 10 team dinner with the neighbors, date night, a members and one manager and we have birthday party, or a late-night snack after a grown to 24 team members and three fulltime game — we’ve got you covered.” managers.”

While McCrae said the restaurant serves On top of that, last month, McCrae said all types of clientele, the majority of visitors the bar opened its private dining room, which are sports fans and taco lovers due to the Tex- can accommodate parties from 20 to 100, Mex fare and sports bar atmosphere. featuring a full bar and catering menu.

“The biggest chalSteering forward, lenge that we face is The Corner Kick he said one immediate getting the word out Phone: 402-715-5725 goal is to expand its about our restaurant,” Address: 13806 P St., Omaha, 68137 catering and private he said. “We can al- Founded: 2016 party business. ways count on our Service: Tex-Mex sports bar offering Even as changguests and regulars to street tacos and various other signature es and growth occur, put in a good word for Mexican foods.

McCrae said the comus, but we are always Employees: 27 pany will always have looking for new and Goal: To expand on the restaurant’s an employee-first innovative ways to catering and private party business. mentality. reach new audiences.” Website: http://thecornerkickcantina.com “The most reAs of late, Mcwarding thing we do Crae said The Corner Kick has become part is develop our employees both professionally of the growing soccer community in Omaha. and personally,” he said. “A very close second “We are very excited to have Union Oma- is interacting with our guests. I try my best ha starting in March,” he said. “The soccer to get to know every guest personally. We community in this city is second-to-none and know this is their place away from home the fan support we are already seeing has been and we cherish that they choose to spend that amazing. We look forward to hosting the offi- time with us. Nothing feels better than hostcial watch party for all of the away matches.” ing a family celebrating a major milestone McCrae said he’s been extremely for- or just sharing a meal while talking about tunate for the cantina’s location in Millard, their week.”

Shrimp fajitas, street tacos and alitas (wings).

OBJ Pages •

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Home Design Trends

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Jour nal “We have all of these beautiful designs, but we lack the people to actually bring them to life,” she said.

Andrew (A.J.) Coleman, lighting designer at McKay Lighting, said LED is the newest rave, as it’s longer lasting, brighter and offers various options from a color temperature standpoint.

“A lot of our existing customers are Myers updating their systems to the newest technology right now,” he said. “LED lighting is a quick way to update the look of a home. We are noticing that people are continuing to invest in their homes.”

Whether around a fire feature or an

Sadie Anderson, director of sales operations at CKF.

Home design trends focus on color, patterns and tech

By Gabby Christensen

For homeowners, home design is an important process that can ultimately increase the value of a home, while also creating both a physically and visually appealing atmosphere. According to local home design experts, there are trends popping up continuously.

Right now, Brandon Myers, owner of Trademark Homes, said gray colors and tones, as well as pattern tiles for kitchen backsplashes are especially popular.

“Homeowners are also spending more money in laundry rooms and incorporating pattern tiles, more cabinets and brighter colors,” Myers said.

Another trend he noted lately is that homeowners are accenting the island with color.

“The accented island is the most popular thing we are seeing right now along with the pattern print tiling on kitchen backsplashes,” Myers said. “It seems trends always follow what clients see on

TV. We love trying new trends and we also do so in our model homes each year.”

Myers said there will always be new trends to be on the lookout for.

“We like to venture off the standard and try new trends in models each year and we usually always have good feedback on those,” he said. “Being in business for 15 years, we try these new trends to keep ahead.”

Sadie Anderson, director of sales operations at CKF, said she’s noticed that 2020 color pallets include tones of beige, taupe, rust and mustard.

Additionally, Anderson said people are incorporating more wood tones into designs.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of of wooden shelves, woodwork and even accent walls in wood,” she said.

Anderson said oak is starting to make a comeback, as well.

Currently, Anderson said the industry is experiencing a shortage of labor.

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Omaha Business Journal Pages

November 8, 2019 outdoor seating space, Coleman said LED bistro strings are very popular and a great way to illuminate outdoor areas.

Coleman said more people are also asking about color to enhance experience, whether it’s for the holidays or game days.

“We’re also seeing a lot of people wanting that independent control on their smartphones Coleman for their landscape lighting, not only for security, but also entertainment purposes,” he said. “For nearly 30 years, the company has continued to evolve with technology such as this to best serve our clients.”

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • OBJ Pages

Eclectic styles; trends inspired by TV renovation shows reign in home design

by Michelle Leach

Trends in home features are increasingly taking their cues from fashion and special interest television channels.

“I have noticed quite a big comeback with 0s, 90s design flair, said The Modern Hive Interior Design Principal Interior Designer Courtney Otte. At first it was millennial pink’ a few years back and shades of pastel pinks could be found in any Target or HomeGoods.

Now I am seeing strong design trends with florals in high contrast.

Otte, who doubles as American Society of Interior Designers Nebraska/Iowa president, described wallpaper and feature walls, live greenery and pastels.

“If you look to the clothing fashion world and what they are doing, interior design is usually following behind,” she said. “I have also noticed more earthy neutral brown or ‘greige’ tones, but mixed with a variety of textures, patterns, greenery and finishes to keep in interesting.”

Contrast is key with colors like “greige”(a mix of gray and beige.)

“Just as quickly as ‘gray’ finally made a strong appearance in Omaha, it’s already quickly going out the door,” she said.

Designer Jenna Friesen and the Dream Home Drafting team have noticed an increasing number of clients wanting homes with a European flair.

“The painted brick, embellished doorways, and steeply-pitched gable roofs are all elements that we have been incorporating as part of what we like to refer to as the ‘Tudor revival,’” she said. “Most of our clients really want a unique design that isn’t identical to every other house on the block. A lot of our clients are opting for a smaller ‘footprint’ to allow for higher-end

Courtney Otte, principal interior designer at The Modern Hive Interior Design. finishes within the home. ents wanting to bring in craftsman and coastal Friesen said the farmhouse style remains design elements to their farmhouse design. By popular, too. blending these styles, you can bring out the “We have done several variations of the elements that you like best to create a perfectly farmhouse by incorporating different siding unique home that is a place where your family and textures and using design elements ranging can create memories for years to come.” from rustic to very contemporary to give each Trained in interior design, Randy Smith of home a unique look,” she said.

United Services Design + Build isolated how Friesen foresees continued demand to de- the gray and black color scheme “had their sign unique, beautiful and functional homes, time,” and now beige, gray-beige, deep navy blending styles to get practicality, livability and or midnight blue is sought-after. an edgy design.

Painting cabinetry and mixing metals (like “Styles that we think will continue to rise in stainless steel with brass and antique brass) popularity is the blend of traditional, European are in-demand, as are large-scale tiles, wallpaand Tudor styles to get that classic, timeless per-look tiles for backsplashes and accent walls, look,” she said. “We have also had a lot of cli- and higher-end appliances, according to Smith.

“It says a lot about the way that the home functions and how people are living in their spaces — they want to be that professional chef and have a professional stove and range and appliances,” he said.

Thoughtful organization further reigns for individuals perhaps inspired by the Food Channel; for instance, Smith referred to a project with a “microwave drawer,” so the appliance doesn’t take up space on the counter, and eclectic mixes of antiques with modern features, even different eras such as Victorian and mid-century modern.

Harnessing natural light with skylights and sophisticated LED lights with a warm glow represent additional trends, according to Smith, who rounded out his observations by spotlighting increasingly natural woodlook titles and planks, and sophisticated and durable LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) that won’t break the bank.

Food for thought for home chefs and, generally, homeowners underscore design with a purpose and timelessness, according to Otte.

“While working with trends can be really fun and aesthetically pleasing for ‘the now’, I always ask my clients ‘Is the home or space we are designing a forever home or a temporary home?’ If the answer is designing for a forever home, then we generally opt to minimize the number of trends that are incorporated into a space,” she said. “If answered the latter, then we can get a little more carried away incorporating trends. I would recommend keeping that in mind as homeowners are incorporating trends into their own spaces.”

Don’t hold the resale factor on a pedestal, Friesen said, nor let it deter from style and design preferences.

“That is often the reason many clients Continued on page 12.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Karen Goracke, CEO of Borsheims, speaks to the sold-out crowd. (Courtesy of Business Ethics Alliance)

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Othello Meadows, president and CEO of Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp. speaks about inclusion and trust. (Courtesy of Business Ethics Alliance)

Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics hosts sold-out inaugural conference; underscores ‘trust’

by Michelle Leach

Promoting the value and drumming up the enthusiasm that translates over to a well-attended annual event can be an ongoing challenge for any host organization, let alone when that conference is just getting off the ground. There was no indication that the Business Ethics Alliance confronted this challenge, given the robust attendance at its first-ever EthicSpace conference, held Oct. 22 at the Mike and Josie Harper Center at Creighton University.

“We sold out originally before October,” said Alliance Resource and Development Director Patrick Leahy. “We were able to open up some more seats closer to the event, but selling out that fast definitely pointed to the enthusiasm and the need for a conference such as this.”

To understand the conference is to appreciate the Alliance’s origins; in the aftermath of the Enron scandal (readers will recall its predecessor, InterNorth, was founded in Omaha as Northern Natural Gas Company), Creighton University’s Dr. Beverly Kracher joined forces with Union Pacific’s Butch Ethington, the late Bruce Hamm of Compass Solutions and the late Jim Swoopes, then-professional ethics advisor at Creighton’s College of Business, to start what would eventually become the not-for-profit Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics.

Today, the organization spans founding

partners and hundreds of trustees representing for-profits and not-for-profits.

Programs include its executive breakfasts, ethics luncheons, dialogues about business ethics pulled straight from the headlines, a self-directed workbook series (“Do-It-Yourself” ethics program), learning on ethical blindspots, Elevate Ethics workshop, and an array of ethics consulting, curriculum development, and ethics products.

“We really tried to make EthicSpace filled with practical takeaways for our audience,” Leahy said of the inaugural event.

EthicSpace featured a mix of networking opportunities, as well as presentations on “Developing a Trustworthy Character,” by former Medtronic CEO and Chair, Bill George; “Inclusion and Trust” by Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp. President and CEO Othello H. Meadows III; and “Building Ethics and Trust on a Team”

by Triad Consulting founder Stacy Heen Lennon.

The conference was even attended by a dog; The Nebraska Humane Society’s Nancy Hintz showcased the trait of trust between her and her canine confidante, Se uoia. The conference ended with Alliance Executive Director Kracher bringing things back around in a motivating manner: relaying the importance of building trust.

“Each attendee received two books, True North’ and Difficult Conversations,’ that correspond with our speakers,” Leahy

Triad Consulting founder Stacy Heen Lennon closes the event with her presentation “Building Ethics and Trust on a Team.” (Courtesy of Business Ethics Alliance)

added. “The sessions were interactive to try to jumpstart participants’ self-reflection and see how they could use the information in tangible situations. The program also came with actionable steps mapped out to help audience members see how they could use what they’ve learned in their organizations.”

Surveys, he said, were passed out at the event and sent afterwards electronically.

“We want all the programming the Alliance offers to be positive, practical and relevant,” Leahy said. “We wanted to see if the programming accomplished that and what feedback people had to improve for next year. As our first year, we know we still have plenty to learn, and want to be sure to continue improving to provide information and a format that works best for our audience.”

Particularly, he noted the Alliance solicited suggestions for topics, ideas that attendees feel could have programming built around them.

“The results will inform not only next year’s EthicSpace, but help ensure that all of our programming throughout the year is meeting a need people have,” Leahy said.

“We are already working on a plan for 2020.

We have a date and, based on the feedback we got this year, we are hitting the ground running with ideas for format, speakers and location.”

In a video wrap-up released to recap the event, the Alliance featured comments from several community and business leaders.

“My hope is that every company would engrain ethics into everything that they do, not just on paper but in practice,” said Avenue Scholars Foundation Director of High School Programs Jamar Dorsey, Sr. An original Alliance Trustee, Bob Bates noted that countries, corporations and people ultimately “implode without a good ethical underpinning.” He emphasized how people must be talking critically and keep ethics “front of mind in every decision that they make.”

“One thing that was talked about more than anything was moral trust, understanding the importance of trust, trusting your team, trusting yourself and believing that you can achieve great things with the people around you,” said Martavius Pennington of Signature Performance.

Dean of Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, Anthony Hendrickson, who played a critical role in the formal creation of a business ethics group associated with the College, noted that there’s “less friction when people trust each other in the process and exchange of goods and services.

So, good ethics and good trust is paramount … that’s why we support the Business Ethics Alliance.”

Leahy further encouraged engagement through the Alliance’s events, newsletters, and community conversation clubs.

More information can be found at BusinessEthicsAlliance.org and EthicSpace.org.

Business Ethics Alliance CEO & Executive Director Beverly Kracher speaks. (Courtesy of Business Ethics Alliance)

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Borsheims gears up to mark 150-year milestone Continued from page 1. ciates to personally curate a collection of products for customers to review, helping them find the perfect items for gifting or self-purchase.”

The virtual showroom is scheduled to launch this month.

Additionally, the company created a vice president position that will “ensure a seamless omni-channel experience,” and implemented new online ordering platforms.

Customers today want to know where their jewelry originated and are concerned about the environmental and social impact of their purchases.

“Our leadership was at the forefront of the diamond industry several years ago in

pushing for The Kimberley Process — a system of certifications to ensure that the diamonds in the retail marketplace were not financing violence in the countries where they were mined,” she said.

What’s more, the retailer introduced its own line of diamonds, the Borsheims Signature Diamond Collection, which are ethically and responsibly sourced in Canada. Customers can trace their exact diamond as each diamond has an inscribed maple leaf and an identification number, she said.

The company has also created the Kalahari Dream Diamonds in partnership with one of its diamond sellers.

“A portion of the sale of each of these ethically and responsibly sourced dia-

occasions in their lives, is still the same after 150 years.

A well-known example of the compamonds goes back to the Kalahari region of South Africa to foster economic growth ny’s customer service, as shared publicly and education initiatives,” she said. “So by Chairman Warren Buffett, was when far, Borsheims has sold enough Kalahari the store opened for Bill Gates on Easter Dream Diamonds to finance a clean water Sunday so that he could shop for his wife system for a village that had no access to Melinda’s engagement ring. He ended up buying a ring clean water and is on from Borsheims. the way to financing Borsheims Goracke, who a second clean water Phone: 402-391-0400 began her career at system in another Address: 120 Regency Parkway, Omaha Borsheims right out village.”

68114 of college, started as The partnership Services: fine jewelry and gifts a sales associate in h a s a l s o a l l o w e d Founded: 1870 by Louis Borsheim Borsheims to do- Employees: Over 250, with more than 50 the gift department and held various nate money to the employees have worked at Borsheims for roles from developCare for Wild Rhino 20 years or more. ing the controlled Sanctuary in South Industry outlook: Consumers are lookinventory system to Africa through sales ing to make ethical purchases, focusing hand-selecting all of a rhino pendant on environmental and social impact as the product for the designed by diamond well as where jewelry originated. store. In 2013, Bufbuyer Heather Ingra- Website: www.borsheims.com fett appointed her ham. president and CEO. In addition, the company was one “So much has changed since I started of the first retail jewelers in the U.S. to offer lab-grown diamonds, “an excellent at Borsheims in 1988,” she said. “I came option for customers concerned about the in just a year before Warren Buffett and environmental impact of diamond mining,” Berkshire Hathaway purchased Borsheims.

Being a part of the Berkshire Hathaway she said.

Even though the Omaha metro makes family has led to huge growth for Borsheup the largest portion of customers, hosting ims, introducing us to customers around the annual Berkshire Hathaway share- the world. And, of course, there was no holders meeting every year has garnered online shopping in 1988. But I was here customers from around the world and has for the launch of our first website and have helped the single-store retailer stand out witnessed as our online sales have skyrocketed. As a result of those two things, in the industry.

Goracke said that its mission to Borsheims is much larger than I ever help customers celebrate the special anticipated in 1988.”

C

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Jennifer Anderson

Cameron Gales

Shawntea Moheiser

Kristen Seda Kampfe

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Jacobs

ITS Healthcare, LLC

The Scoular Company

Bianca Harley

Kristopher Montgomery

Crystal Archer

PJ Morgan Real Estate

Greater Omaha Chamber

Whitney Baker

Jamie Hopkins

MENTOR Nebraska

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Makovicka Physical Therapy

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Lycos expands with equipment acquisitions, multi-state contracts Continued from page 1. such fast growth.

“I focus on what our competitors don’t do,” Taylor said. “I believe in developing project management skills here that will bring additional efficiencies to our projects.

Taylor, who grew up in Oakland, Iowa, wrestled at Pella College and received his associate degree from Iowa Western Community College, said Lycos, as a holding company for Lycos Finish and Lycos Manufacturing, has grown by meeting the needs of several early customers such as the Omaha-based Bucky’s convenience store chain which remain in a strong expansion mode and need counter tops for new locations.

We’ve been doing four to five locations for them a year in the Midwest,” he said.

By partnering with general contractors such as McCarthy Building Companies, Sampson Construction, Darland Construction, Kiewit, Boyd Jones, Lund-Ross Constructors and Graham Construction — among others — Lycos has been involved, as a subcontractor, in a variety of projects at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, Methodist Jennie Edmunson Hospital in Council Bluffs, the Nebraska veterans hospital and assisted living work in the central part of the state, as well as a current medical facility upgrade in New Mexico. The latter involves a package agreement for the project including all cabinetry, wall paneling and toilet partitions.

Additional specialties for the New Mexico project include visual board displays, trackable wall systems, signage, cubicles, wire mesh partitions, wall and corner guards, fire protection,

lockers, postal needs, wire storage shelving and Iowa and a backlog that goes into 2022,” and flagpoles.

Taylor said. “The educational system is not Building on the New Mexico project, keeping up with the times and young people Taylor said Lycos will explore opportunities need to be taught what's needed in the skilled to be trade partners with bigger contractors trades.” that could lead to additional work on fast food Taylor said he’s currently looking at comlocations for national chains such as Burgpensation models that er King, McDonalds, could include a perJimmy John’s, Taco Lycos centage of the net profit John’s and Casey’s Phone: 402-201-2283 based on the success of General Store — the Address: 2445 Deer Park Blvd., Omaha a project. latter with plans for 68108 “While it seems more than 100 stores Services: commercial construction everybody is living in company specializing in solid surface in a six-state area. the now today I want Taylor also cited fabrication and interior finishing installato keep Lycos as a famthe growth of Food tion projects across Nebraska and Iowa, ily-run business,” he Safety Net Services, a as well as doors, hardware and miscellasaid. testing company that neous architectural specialties Taylor said the is putting laboratories Founded: 2007 by Jon Taylor staffing needs of his into its properties that Employees: 90 company may be even serve packing houses One-year goal: Completely integrate remore pronounced bethroughout the country. cently-acquired production facilities into cause all 90 workers The niche for Ly- Lycos’ fast-growing family of 11 related are employees. He has cos, he said, is to pro- business divisions. fabrication and instalvide efficiencies in Industry outlook: Especially favorable lation crews of five providing for the needs for diversified companies with solid footto eight members loof the commercial con- ing and focused growth plans. cated in Kearney, Des Website: www.lycosindustries.com struction industry.

Moines and Lincoln, “However there in addition to Omaha. are huge growing pains by so many companies “I’m the puppet master,” he said, noting and we’re having them too,” he said. his penchant for meeting exacting standards Six years ago Lycos opened a 10,000 and meeting customer expectations within a -square-foot cabinetry construction shop in the deadline period.

Pottawattamie County community of Traynor.

The use of eSUB project management Staffing there has doubled from five initially software, a mobile application and cloudto 10 at present. based solution, is used by Lycos. It focuses on “Currently we have 85 jobs in Nebraska the needs of the people who actually deliver

construction services in the field — the subcontractors over those of the general contractor or building owner.

Earlier this year Taylor, while looking for equipment that would make mass-produced signage for a big store client, stumbled on a cabinet-making shop in northwest Omaha that had shut down. After some reflection, he purchased the assets of the firm, and with an investment of $1.5 million in new technology and equipment, saved 30 of 45 jobs that had been in limbo for three weeks.

Renamed Ruck Cabinet Doors, the business at 7050 N. 97th Circle is back in operation on one shift making butcher-block counter tops and cabinet doors. Most recently, Taylor acquired the equipment from a Minnesota plant operated by the same corporate owner.

Equipment from that facility is being shipped to the Traynor plant.

A recent addition to the Lycos family of products is Conex storage container services, which are delivered to jobsites. They keep product components inventoried, secured and out of the way of crew members.

Taylor said their use reduces the risk of damage or loss of products, keeps the schedule flowing by allowing teams to fulfill their duties, keep inventory and maintain optimal material organization.

Jon Taylor credits his father, Lyndon — now largely retired at 72 — with being an important mentor to him as he did his college studies and started his own manufacturing of solid surface products.

The elder Taylor stayed with Lycos during its first two years in business.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

11

With roots in startup niche, Red Branch Media expands with membership model Continued from page 1. throughout its history — from Hogan’s humble basement office, to its second office and third, larger abode at the Omar building — offers a full range of outsourced digital and social media, design and branding, email and automation, strategy, web development and content marketing services. “[Our clients] have much bigger internal marketing teams of 20 or so and, as we’ve grown, we built out a membership model that eliminated scope creep and allowed us to create four different pods that service these clients,” Hogan said.

SUPER CROSSWORD

Emphasizing that it’s not a hierarchical structure, Hogan noted pods are led by an account manager that liaisons with a group of subject matter experts in areas that echo Red Branch Media’s service categories (such as PR, branding, email marketing, social).

“These people work with seven or eight clients and they work on those clients exclusively,” she said. “You might have had four people in the same role, and who knows which person is supposed to do that one thing?”

With pods, each person has accountability for a given area, Hogan explained.

WHAT SINGERS DO

“And it makes it easier for clients to and you buy an amount of time and get know who they’re going to be speaking access to the amount of scale and allow to,” she said. “You need to provide con- all of our [account managers] to say we’ve sistency.” been building the website for the last couThere are also opportunities for ex- ple of months, now we can help with an perts to learn from event and send out others in their re- Red Branch Media an invitation for the spective disciplines, Phone: 402-249-2828 after-party, and build as a means of push- Address: 4383 Nicholas St., Suite 203, out the workflow … i n g p r o j e c t s a n d Omaha 68131 It allows us to have initiatives forward. Services: B2B marketing agency, including the right ideas to Additionally, em- outsourced marketing, digital media, social meet marketing goals ployees are encour- media, strategy, design and branding, email as they happen.” aged to learn from and automation, strategy, web developHogan recenteach other during ment, content marketing ly trained hundreds l u n c h a n d l e a r n s Founded: 2008 by Maren Hogan of agencies on the and via learning sti- Website: redbranchmedia.com model at Hubspot’s pends set aside for Inbound Partner Day each employee. in Boston. She spotThe membership services model, in lighted the transparency and commuresponse to firmwide growth, debuted nity built between clients and around a earlier this year. block of hours, which further allows for “We had so many more employees and “upselling” and facilitates more of an we weren’t growing the right way,” Hogan advisory role. said. “We had more employees, but we had “You’re not just an ‘order taker,’ we more employee issues. We had more clients wanted to get away from that sort of tactiand had more client issues.” cal and transactional piece,” Hogan said.

A nod to the model’s impetus, Hogan Hogan indicated clients are increasingexplained that a content development and ly embracing the “science side of marketPR client’s marketing needs might change ing;” for instance, wanting to know how to include a microsite in the next quarter. traffic increased to “what happened then?”

“It was a lot of messy stuff that I didn’t “What are these leads doing?” she said. want to deal with,” she said.

“People are starting to understand that the Hogan indicated they didn’t want value of different kinds of work.” marketing plans to dictate everything as In the marketing outsource provider needs change. Along these lines, histori- role, Hogan further underscored that they cally, Hogan noted agencies have charged don’t replace the marketing team: “We by the hour. augment it and help with bandwidth.”

“Clients might want to know why Additionally, as the Greater Omaha something they thought should take three Chamber’s Small Business of the Month hours took five,” she said. “And then you in September, Red Branch Media takes have scope creep.” pride in “training up” Omaha’s creative Hogan sought inspiration from brands marketing talent. In the press release to like Jeep, which has built a community coincide with the Chamber honor, it was around its drivers. noted that leadership is “ … committed “We decided we wanted to have a to hiring students from UNO, Creighton, membership, a month-to-month situation, and The Creative Center. Many interns who begin their journey at Red Branch, continue on as full-time employees. Red Branch Media alums have gone on to work at Toast, Hudl, Sojern, Kiewit, and Mutual Continued from page 2. doing it before. We also recently hired of Omaha, among others.”

“I feel strongly that we can have a posa community outreach educator. As we continue to grow we’ll need more staff in itive impact on the marketing community various positions — someone to help in in Omaha and our young people, if and HR, each office will have its own manager, when they leave, are super-prepared for and we’ll need more medical assistants the hardest, most accountability-based and people for reception, administration marketing I’ve ever seen,” Hogan said.

A recipient of several HubSpot awards, and other areas.”

Tonya Boecjenhauer grew up in Sioux Red Branch’s projects reportedly span diCity, Iowa, and received her undergraduate verse clientele from the YMCA and Triage degree from the University of Southern Staffing, to Kugler Vision and Council California (USC). Her husband, Kurt, Bluffs Public Library. grew up in Watefield, Nebraska, a small farming community about two hours from Omaha, and attended Wayne State College.

Both Tonya and Kurt got their doctorates from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

The Boecjenhauers, who have been married almost 20 years, also run a medical spa — Revive Day Spa— and a real estate company called Grajeja, LLC, which is a combination of their sons’ names: Grant, 10, Jett, 8, and Jager 6.

“Kurt and I have always had a passion for real estate,” Tony Boecjenhauer said.

“We built a plaza to house our MultiCare office, and we also rent [out] some of the other units.”

MultiCare Medical Group

Answers on page 12.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Fear is big business: This store sells protection from fires, earthquakes, shooters and more

by Ronald D. White

Attorney Arezou Diarian thought she was ready for anything.

The 49-year-old mother of two had stocked her home’s bedroom closets with emergency kits, each capable of sustaining a family of four for three days Trends should a fire, earth uake or other calamity strike. Diarian had first aid supplies and search and rescue equipment. There were particulate respirators and air filters to protect against air fouled by smoke and chemicals.

Then she visited SOS Survival Products, a low-slung, windowless cinder-block building utterly lacking in curb appeal. There, Diarian found out her preparations weren’t nearly good enough.

“I’m going to get an emergency kit for my office, she said I bought a seatbelt cutter and car window breaker and pepper spray. I bought a crowbar, and I bought another first aid kit for my car.”

In a modest industrial section of Van Nuys, SOS owner Jeff Edelstein caters to the fear of the day.

Wildfires He’s got eight kinds of filtration masks and multiple types of preassembled backpack kits to grab and go.

Earthquake? He’ll show customers how to store enough water for a week or more and to secure furniture and cabinets.

Power outage? He’s got a solar-powered generator that can run a CPAP breathing machine overnight. There are bigger generators, too, with training in proper operation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

In need of temporary shelter? He’s got tents, cots, bedding, portable toilets and popup privacy shelters.

Edelstein, 51, has been in the emergency preparedness business since 1989, the year of the deadly Loma Prieta earthquake in Northern California, immortalized by a seismic image on the store’s wall. Edelstein started out selling supplies in his father’s Westchester hardware store and later opened his own place peddling protection and peace of mind.

To inject a little lightheartedness into an otherwise grim enterprise, Edelstein displays Zombie Survival Kits containing “the necessary items to sustain one person for two days of survival during an apocalypse or any type of disaster.” After all, surviving any emergency requires food, water, shelter, sanitation facilities and the ability to render first aid.

Diarian, wasn’t fazed by the zombie references, but some items stopped her cold, such as the classroom lockdown kits for active shooter emergencies.

Each kit, in a black five-gallon bucket, includes a portable toilet, wipes, vinyl gloves, duct tape, cat litter for absorbing messes and a tarp for privacy. “In the end, it’s an item no school should be without,” said the ad for the product.

“That was disheartening,” Diarian said.

“But it also made me feel good to know that people are realizing that this is the reality we now live in, and we just need to be prepared.”

Disaster worries among individuals, schools, businesses and government agencies are driving a spending surge in preparing for and reacting to global emergencies. The worldwide market for such products and services was $75.5 billion in 2017 and is predicted to increase to $423 billion by 2025, according to research firm Allied Market Research.

Factors included in the report involved a rise in the need for “safety and security solutions, owing to increases in natural calamities and terrorist attacks, implementation of regulatory policies for public safety and the necessity of emergency preparedness.”

From 1980 through 2018, the U.S. suffered through an annual average of 6.3 weather or climate-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages, adjusted for inflation, according to the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. So far in 2019, there have been 10 such events, NOAA said.

In California, wildfires torched more than 1.2 million acres in 2017 and 1.6 million acres in 2018, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the U.S. Forestry Service.

This year’s preventive power outages to avoid fires started by utility e uipment have affected millions of customers.

The number of active shooter incidents rose to 30 in 2017 and 27 in 2018 from 21 or fewer in each of the previous six years, the FBI reports.

Increases in the frequency and severity of man-made and natural disasters has created a kind of collective global unease, experts say.

“We are learning to think about the unthinkable. This is the opposite of complacency and that should be the motto for this day and age,” said Naj Meshakti, a USC professor of civil and environmental engineering, industrial systems engineering and international relations. Meshakti has traveled extensively to study disaster sites such as Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant, which was severely damaged in 2011 by a magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

“Both the natural and man-made disasters

of the recent past have exceeded our expectations,” Meshakti said. “It is not safe to settle for what you have done.”

SOS Survival Products isn’t alone in its mission. Most hardware retailers, military surplus stores and camping equipment sellers carry some of what Edelstein does.

Such merchants tend to get a boost right after an earth uake or wildfire or on the anniversary of a disaster. At times like that, Edelstein will add a few employees to his regular roster of 14.

But SOS also draws a regular clientele that wants to be well supplied for the end of the world as we know it. Some longtime customers, who were reluctant to be interviewed or give their full names, said they could survive on their own for a month or longer after a disaster, and they’re not inclined to share.

“I don’t want anyone else knowing how many supplies we have,” said a U.S. Navy veteran who would identify himself only as Joe. “I’m not doing this to save everyone in the neighborhood.”

A m o n g S O S ’s c u s t o m e r s i s t h e 10,000-student Redondo Beach Unified School District. Preparing for the possibility of emergencies, such as an intruder with a gun, has been one of the most challenging tasks that Schools Supt. Stephen E. Keller said he has faced.

“I have struggled a bit as a leader because this was not my forte,” Keller said. “But we are diligent, relentless and open-minded about the threats that could be out there.”

Edelstein’s father and grandfather both ran traditional hardware stores, making his survival products store a kind of third-generation affair.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

TV renovation shows reign in home design Continued from page 6. don’t pick a certain style or design element (they are afraid it won’t sell/be appealing down the road),” she said. “If you plan to live in the home for any length of time, you want to enjoy the home and so we try to encourage our clients to design a home that is uniquely them.”

Smith highlighted the value of classic, timeless style with longevity, and features that fit the overall style of the home — especially when one is investing thousands of dollars in a kitchen.

“When doing trendy options, you’re stuck with that,” he said.

Additionally, Smith emphasized hiring professionals — from plumbers and electricians to designers.

“Make sure they all are licensed people … that the work is professionally done and permits are pulled,” he said.

As much as popular features may be driven by pop culture, Smith noted reality TV shows on channels like HGTV aren’t necessarily reality.

“It’s important to be realistic about prices,” he said, a reference to “sticker shock” when a project is quoted for $70,000 after clients may have seen a project billed for $10,000 on HGTV.

“I grew up around hardware stores. I loved the smell of them,” Edelstein said.

As early as 11 years old, he said, “I could tell you about any of the products in my dad’s store.”

For many years, Edelstein said, SOS Survival Products “was all about natural disasters, earthquake kits or emergency kits.

We always sold supplies to schools, like a classroom kit for teachers. So, if there was a disaster, they had items that they could use to keep their kids safe.”

Most people don’t spend enough time preparing for an emergency, and once an event like a quake recedes in memory, the concerns are forgotten, Edelstein said.

“First panic sets in, and then they want to buy everything and anything that’s available.

That’s exactly what happened after we had the 7.1 earthquake on July 5th in the Ridgecrest area of California,” Edelstein said.

“We had people coming into the store bringing old emergency kits that they purchased after the Northridge earthquake in 1994,” Edelstein said. “Items that had a five-year shelf life that expired more than 20 years ago.”

Edelstein’s business conducts classes on topics such as basic emergency preparedness or surviving active shooter incidents. Classes listed on the company website include how to operate two-way radios and emergency power options during electrical grid shutdowns.

“We’ve been able to train thousands of people through the store to be better prepared before the next disaster,” Edelstein said. “It’s not a sales pitch. It’s informative, using past disasters and examples of different things that have happened to give people ideas of how Continued on page 22.

Puzzle on page 11.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

13

Trump’s push for corn-heavy fuel isn’t reaching your gas pump

by Jeffrey Bair and Jacquelyn Melinek

Donald Trump’s effort to boost corn demand by allowing year-round sales of ethanol-blended gasoline has run into a logistical problem. Few stations offer it.

In corn country, gaseconomy oline with a 15% blend of ethanol is now pretty accessible year-round. But in large population states including California, New York and Texas it remains limited, and individual station owners are hesitating to put up the money to retrofit their pumps.

In a nod to the president’s Midwest voter base, U.S. officials in May allowed summertime sales of E15 gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol, a fuel made from corn and other crops. That move offered the promise of a surge in year-round sales, potentially stealing market share from the E10 mix. But while 30 states now have stations selling E15 year-round, the number offering it nationally is below 2,000, mostly located in Minnesota and Iowa. according to the Growth Energy trade association.

In oil-mad Texas, for instance, gas made with no ethanol whatsoever is getting more of a boost, with the number of stations offering it rising to 283 in two years.

“The largest challenge for E15 is getting more states to change their laws to allow it,” Corey Lavinsky, a biofuels analyst at S&P Global Platts, said in an interview. “Demand should not be an issue. E15 can be sold at a lower price than the competitor across the street selling E10.”

But to get there, stations need to spend as much as a uarter-million dollars to retrofit their pumps and do a better job marketing E15 as a less expensive, higher-octane alternative for consumers at the pump.

“The market is going to drive this. If there is demand for a product, our guys are going to be the ones to sell it,” said Paige Anderson, government relations director at the National Association of Convenience Stores.

A new Trump administration plan outlined on Oct. 4 aims to stoke U.S. demand for ethanol, in part by seeking greater funding for infrastructure projects to get higher biofuel blends to consumers. Under that deal, the Environmental

Protection Agency also will pursue streamlining requirements for labels meant to prevent motorists from dispensing E15 into automobiles not authorized to use the fuel, amid criticism from ethanol producers the warnings scare off consumers.

Boaters, bikers and recreational vehicle owners complain that it negatively affects gasoline that’s unused over time, and older cars can’t handle it. That’s led to some general skepticism by all carmakers.

There is some progress. In Midwest corn belt states, more stations are offering E15 and more motorists are buying it. In Minnesota, for instance, 50.6 million gallons of E15 had been sold by the end of August, according to the state’s Commerce Department. By the end of this month, the amount sold is expected top the 59.4 million gallons sold in all of 2018.

New York Savings And in New York state, regulators are taking public comment on how to sell it and could become the 31st state to approve its sale.

The Trump administration is planning to require automakers to modestly bolster fuel economy and pare tailpipe emissions after 2020, a reversal from its earlier proposal to freeze requirements through 2026. economy Administration officials have tentatively agreed to the change, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked for anonymity because the deliberations are private.

At issue is a proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department to dramatically ease federal automobile greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards that had previously been coordinated with California.

Under the administration measure proposed last year, those requirements would have been frozen at a 7-mile-per-gallon fleetwide average after 2020, rather than increasing to roughly 50 miles per gallon by 2025, as under current regulations.

Administration officials now plan to re uire 1.5 annual increases in fleetwide efficiency of

New York leads the nation with about 1,000 E0 stations with the recent additions of E0 at Stewart’s Shops. Stewart’s added the grade at 275 upstate stores to fill demand for boats, ATVs and lawn-care equipment, spokeswoman Erica Komoroske said.

Adding ethanol is certain to boost octane, which could woo some drivers. The 750-store Racetrac chain brands its E15 as Unleaded 88, higher than the typical 87-octane for regular gasoline, and sells it at about 200 stores.

“What the consumer has told us is they like more affordable fuel,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president for market development at Growth Energy. “They like that the octane is higher with E15, so that’s better for the engine, and they like that they are doing something for the environment.”

(With assistance from Jennifer A. Dlouhy.) ©2019 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

More than a third of U.S. farm income in 2019 will come from the government

by Adam Belz

More than a third of U.S. farm income in 2019 will come from the U.S. government in the form of the trade war bailout, crop insurance payouts and other federal assistance.

While farm income is projected to rise almost 5%, the share of economy that coming either directly from the government or from government-subsidized crop insurance is way above normal.

It is up significantly, and the big reason for that is the trade assistance package from the administration in 2018 and 2019,” said John Newton, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Those aren’t things that farmers expect to happen on a normal basis. What we’ve seen this year is more of an anomaly.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects farm income to be $88 billion. Of that, $19.5 billion will come from direct farm payment programs and another projected $10.5 billion will come from crop insurance

Trump administration shifts course on weakening auto standards

by Ryan Beene and Jennifer A. Dlouhy

New York’s commissioner of agriculture and markets’ office, which said that 90 of New York vehicles can take E15, estimates savings of 4 to 10 cents a gallon because of the larger share of ethanol.

Meanwhile, buyers of 0% ethanol covet purity, with ethanol-blended fuel having 60 to 80 components when compared with 16 for E0, said Andy Deel, division manager of consumer products at retail seller VP Racing Fuels in San Antonio, Texas. “It’s like a small-batch whiskey,” he said. “We only put what we think should be in the product.”

Retailer Buc-ee’s will add E0 pumps at a store in Ennis near Dallas in the first uarter of 2020 to give it 14 such outlets. Racetrac, Murphy USA and QuikTrip also added the grade in the state.

“Texas is going a little bit retro,” said Tony Castro, fuel director at Circle K in San Antonio.

To be sure, ethanol-free gasoline is more of a curiosity than a market mover and is hard to find in big cities lacking boaters and hunters.

new autos. EPAAdministrator Andrew Wheeler has telegraphed the shift, which was reported

by The Wall Street Journal recently, repeatedly saying the final plan will not look exactly like the original one advanced in August 2018.

Officials have considered a range of options as they prepare to finalize the rule later this year.

The latest plan could still change before the final rule is published.

In a related move, the administration in September moved to strip California of its authority to limit greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

The Trump administration argued its original proposal would lower costs and save lives by encouraging motorists to replace older, less-safe vehicles with newer models. But the proposal drew fierce criticism from environmentalists and California officials, who said it would increase pollution.

Some automakers objected to the proposed freeze and urged the White House to soften the measure. ©2019 Bloomberg News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

indemnities. Farmers help pay for federal crop insurance, but the premiums are more than 60% subsidized.

In the past decade, farmers’ best year was 2013, when income reached $124 billion and government accounted for only 19% of that.

But now the trade war with China, which shut down the largest market for U.S. soybeans, deepened a four-year slump in grain prices. Poor weather in May and June delayed planting enough to keep millions of acres in the U.S. fallow.

The weather struggles continued through to harvest, with snow blanketing soybean fields in northwest Minnesota and a hard frost hitting cornfields before maturity.

Crop prices have not risen, and only payments through the USDA’s Market Facilitation Program — $6.8 billion through May and up to another $14.5 billion in a second round announced in May — have kept farmers close to breaking even.

Brian Thalmann, speaking from a combine as he harvested corn near Plato, Minn., recently, said any projection of farm income going up this year doesn’t make sense.

“You go around through farm country, and everyone would say, ‘What?’ In practical reality, income is not up,” said Thalmann, president

of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

“The market facilitation payments, that is not true income, that is income replacement for dollars that farmers did not receive in the market.”

Minnesota was the third-largest recipient of aid in the first round of payments, getting $681 million. Much of the trade aid has gone to soybean farmers.

Newton, the Farm Bureau economist, said crop insurance payouts should be their highest since drought-impacted years of 2012 and 2013, in part thanks to the payments farmers receive for deciding not to plant crops on ground that was too wet in the spring and early summer.

Farmers are just ready for 2019 to be over, and they want free trade restored, said Thalmann, though they aren’t complaining about the help they’ve gotten to get through the trade war.

“There is not a farmer out there that would want to get income from a government payment versus having it come from the market where it should come from,” he said. “But if there’s going to be continued outside forces beyond what the farmer can control, if part of that loss is going to be made up by market facilitation payments, so be it.” ©2019 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

14

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

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

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

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

Payment options are cash or check.

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

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

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

GROSS & WELCH, P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 2120 South 72 Street, Suite 1500 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF Roman Marble Products, Inc. Roman Marble Products, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State and said corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution which was authorized on October 22, 2019. The proposal to dissolve was duly approved by the shareholders in the manner required by the Nebraska Model Business Corporation Act and by the articles of incorporation.

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 and adequate provisions are to be made for Shelley M. Block, President, to wind up and liquidate the corporation’s business and affairs. The corporation has no remaining assets as of the date of publication.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KA GRETNA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KA Gretna, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 88 TACTICAL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 88 TACTICAL, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BLUECAT LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BlueCat LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2526 South 148 Ave. Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. The Registered Agent of the Company is USCA, Inc., 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEBRASKA HOTEL ASSOCIATES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nebraska Hotel Associates, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1303 South 72 Street, Suite 209, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of CJ Insurance Group Notice is hereby given that CJ Insurance Group, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, and with its initial designated office at 3015 N 90th Street, Suite 3, Omaha, NE 68134.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PANORAMA INSURANCE ADVISORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Panorama Insurance Advisors, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 13030 Pierce Street, Suite 300, 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 October 16, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GARAGE RESTORATION SPECIALISTS, LLC Notice is hereby given that GARAGE RESTORATION SPECIALISTS, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 11850 Valley Ridge Drive, Papillion, Nebraska, 68046. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is Gregory M. Thrasher, the initial registered office located at 11850 Valley Ridge Drive, Papillion, Nebraska, 68046. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a 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 September 20, 2019, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its members.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 GNUSE & GREEN LAW OFFICES, P.C., Attorneys 11311 Chicago Circle Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CIN-OMA PROPERTIES II, L.L.C. A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that CIN-OMA Properties II, 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 11311 Chicago Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. 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 October 16, 2019. The Company commenced business thereon and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Members.

Rodney G. Gnuse, Organizer First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NATURES BioReserve, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, filed its Statement of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 17, 2019, and the company is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the company are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made therefor, and the remaining balance of any assets is to be distributed to its Member.

The Manager 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 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. 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 October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP I, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP I, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP II, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP II, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019

ANDREW J. HUBER, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF RH Consulting, 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 RH Consulting, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on October 22, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organize First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF TEAMLEE, 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 TeamLee, LLC. The name and address of the registered agent and office is LDM Business Services, Inc, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on October 28, 2019 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 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 LINHART CONSTRUCTION, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Incorporation of Linhart Construction, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, have been amended to provide for Class A Voting Common Stock and Class B Nonvoting Common Stock. The Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 23, 2019.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CAMBROOKS PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cambrooks Properties, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 613 North 204th Avenue Circle, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on October 22, 2019.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 RADLEY E. CLEMENS, Attorney 5717 North 127th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68164 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1350 Estate of Joseph J. Welter, III, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 4, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, William D. Welter 1st, whose address is 22935 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251, was informally appointed by the Registrar asPersonal Representative of the estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before January 15, 2019 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AJOJ, LLC The name of the Company is AJOJ, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 8834 Washington Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. 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 October 25, 2019.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of Wish Granted Notice is hereby given that Wish Granted, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial agent for service of process as Colin Kastrick, and with its initial designated office at 2949 N 56th Street, Omaha, NE 68104.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP III, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP III, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP IV, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP IV, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP V, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP V, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP VI, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP VI, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP VII, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP VII, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OZVP VIII, LLC The name of the Company is OZVP VIII, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 20706 Cedar Circle, 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. The purpose is to issue qualified opportunity zone partnership interests and operate a qualified opportunity zone business and to engage in other activities incidental or related thereto. This limited liability company commenced business on October 21, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION FOR HREGDEI PROPERTY GROUP, LLC An Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for HREGDEI Property Group, LLC (the “Company”) on June 20, 2019. Said amendment changes the name of the Company to Haley CMS, LLC. First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION of a Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given the registration with the Nebraska Secretary of state’s office of VSG Construction, LLC under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: The name of the company is VSG Construction, LLC. Registered agent and office of VSG Construction, LLC at 5710 S 14th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Initial members: Victor Manuel Solorio Garcia. General nature of the business is to transact any and all lawful business for which limited liability companies are allowed by statute. The LLC was organized on October 2019 for the perpetual duration and is managed by its members.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 LINDSEY A. SCHULER, Attorney CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DEWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EM'S WOODWORK, LLC The name of the limited liability company is Em's WoodWork, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Lindsey A. Schuler, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that The Cord: Where Science Meets Connection, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 638 N. 109th Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on October 17, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company.

Catherine A. Schweitzer, Organizer Stefanie J. Armstrong, Organizer First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WELLNESS FOR LIFE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wellness For Life, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

The registered agent of the company is DDLG Business Services, Inc. and the registered address of the company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COMPLETE WELLNESS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Complete Wellness, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The limited liability company shall provide mental health services. The designated office of the limited liability company is 2138 South 181st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. 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 October 17, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Urban Chiral Condominium Association has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on October 11, 2019. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation and shall have members. The initial registered agent and registered office of the corporation are DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation is Daniel R. Carnahan, 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 RUSSELL S. DAUB, Attorney 2800 South 110th Court, Suite 1 Omaha, Nebraska 68144-4818 NOTICE OF RESTATED ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF DESTINY THEATRE, INC. Notice is hereby given of the Restated Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of DESTINY THEATRE, INC, to change its name to DESTINY THEATER, INC. First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF BLUECAT LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Certificate of Organization of BlueCat LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been amended to change the name of the company to BlueCat Land Acquisition, LLC. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 18, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019

15

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BRANDED BY SALT, LLC Notice is hereby given that BRANDED BY SALT, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The Company’s initial designated office is located at 16523 Bauman Cr., Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The name and street mailing address of the initial agent for service of prices is Tabitha Thrasher, the initial registered office is located at 16523 Bauman Cr., Omaha, Nebraska, 68116. The general nature of its business is to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a 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 September 11, 2019, the Company commenced business thereon, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by its member, Tabitha Thrasher.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 BREASCH FINANCE & TAX CONSULTING INC. 4879 S 132nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68137 CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1. The name of the limited liability company is SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC 2. The period of duration for SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC is perpetual.

3. SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC is organized for the purpose of conducting any and all business as permitted by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. 4. The address of the initial designated office for SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC in Nebraska is 17609 O Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135.

5. The name and address of the registered agent for SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC in Nebraska is Cindy Breasch, 4879 S 132nd Ave, Omaha NE 68137.

6. Additional provisions, not inconsistent with the law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the limited liability company shall be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

7. Dana Hunsaker, organizer(s) of SWAGGER CONSULTING LLC has signed the Foregoing Certificate of Organization effective this 9th Day of October 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 N O T I C E O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N F O R H R G P R O P E RT Y MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC A Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for HRG Property Management Company, LLC (the “Company”) on September 10, 2014. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address for the Company’s registered agent is Carl J. Troia, Jr., 10703 J Street, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68127.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION FOR HRG PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC An Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for HRG Property Management Company, LLC (the “Company”) on April 16, 2015. Said amendment changes the name of the Company to Haley Residential, LLC. First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 PATRICK M. FLOOD, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF FRANCO, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Franco, LLC. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Franco, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1005 Meadow Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, and the name and street address of the registered agent for service of process is Patrick M. Flood, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PREMIER NAIL BAR, LLC Notice is hereby given that Premier Nail Bar, LLC (the "Company"), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 14903 S. 23rd St., Bellevue NE 68123.

The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road, Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is given that NEST PROGRAMMING, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Francisco Rivera at 6330 Ruggles St. Omaha, NE 68104. The general nature of the Company's business is to engage in any lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was organized on September 27, 2019, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. In general, the Company's business is to be managed by its primary member Francisco Rivera in accordance with the Company's operating agreement.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

16

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE EMPIRE PARK I LLC, as of October 16, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE BELLEVUE PROFESSIONAL CENTER LLC, as of October 16, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE FRANCES LLC, as of October 16, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE APG LLC, as of October 16, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 HALEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, LLC 10703 J Street, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68127 NOTICE OFAMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION FOR HALEY RESIDENTIAL, LLC An Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for Haley Residential, LLC (the “Company”) on October 17, 2017. Said amendment changes the name of the Company to HREGDEI Property Group, LLC. First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that McKee Economics, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 17141 Colony Drive, Omaha, NE 68136. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Bradford G. Barker, 405 S. 16th Street, #403, Omaha, NE, 68102.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Rescue Realty, L.L.C., a Nebraska professional limited liability company, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its registered office at 12903 Deer Creek Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68142. The general nature of the business is to engage in and do any lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and for all other purposes authorized by law, to the extent as natural persons might or could do. The limited liability company was formed on October 16, 2019. Its affairs shall be conducted by the members pursuant to an Operating Agreement duly adopted by the company.

Amy Lindhorst, Organizer First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 MATTHEW T. PAYNE, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROMICH, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Romich, LLC 1. The name of the limited liability company is Romich, LLC 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Matthew T. Payne, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: JAMES GARRETT You are hereby notified that on 05/21/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 11204 . The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 1,199.00, 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 12/15/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska.

Steven J. Morrison #24708 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BJR MILLARD, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BJR Millard, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 14406 Harrison Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. 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 July 18, 2019.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 15, 2019 DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: BERNARD E. BYARS, 5821 N. 100th Plz. Apt 10, Omaha NE 68134, you are hereby notified that on September 13, 2019, Credit Acceptance Corporation filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-20334, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $5,855.10, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 16th day of December, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Reverie Photo & Film, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 3115 N 47th Ave, Omaha, NE 68104. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Jessica B Tworek, 3115 N 47th Ave, Omaha, NE 68104.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 DANIEL C. PAULEY, Attorney LAMSON, DUGAN and MURRAY, LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3743 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TAKE NOTICE that Go Time Logistics, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office is 814 South Pine Street, Hastings, NE 68901. The company is organized 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 company commenced on October 18, 2019, and its existence is perpetual. The company will be managed by its members.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MAH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MAH, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5110 Mayberry Street, Unit 2118, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication October 18, 2019, final November 1, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BEAM PROPERTIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Beam Properties, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7866 Lakeview Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF JAMES G. MORGAN, D.D.S., M.S., M.D., ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY, P.C. James G. Morgan, D.D.S., M.S., M.D., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C., a Nebraska professional corporation, filed Articles of Dissolution on October 28, 2019, with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. The terms of the dissolution provide for the payment of liabilities of the corporation and the distribution of any remaining assets. James G. Morgan, as President, is to manage the corporate affairs relating to the dissolution of the Corporation. Any Corporation assets will be distributed in accordance with the Corporation’s plan of dissolution and it has no known liabilities.

The Corporation requests that persons with claims against it present them in accordance with this notice. Any claimant shall send notice of a claim to the Corporation to the above address. A claim against James G. Morgan, D.D.S., M.S., M.D., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three (3) years after the publication of this notice.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is PLAN WELL, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 9859 South 168thAvenue, Omaha, NE 68136.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on October 22, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is HERMAN APARTMENTS, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 105 West 5th Street, Herman, NE 68029.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on October 7, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES 9859 South 168th Avenue Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Limited Liability Company is NEBRASKA STREET APARTMENTS, LLC 2. The address of the designated office of the company is 1229 Nebraska Street, Blair, NE 68008.

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

4. The company commenced its existence on October 7, 2019, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual.

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

Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O. First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: JORDAN WEAVER You are hereby notified that on 05/14/19, the Plaintiff Credit Management Services, Inc., filed a Complaint in the COUNTY Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska, against you shown as Case Number CI19 10611. The object and prayer of which is a judgment in the amount of 263.00, 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 12/08/19 at the COUNTY court of DOUGLAS County, OMAHA Nebraska.

Edwina Heise #25377 P.O. Box 1512 Grand Island, NE 68802 (308)398-3801 Attorney for Plaintiff First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF PEITZMEIER DEMOLITION AND CONCRETE CUTTING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of Peitzmeier Demolition and Concrete Cutting, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were amended and restated on October 28, 2019, in their entirety as follows: Article 1 states the name of the Corporation is Peitzmeier Demolition and Concrete Cutting, Inc. Article 2 states the purpose.

Article 3 states the number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 100,000 shares of Class A Voting Common Stock and 900,000 shares of Class B Nonvoting Common Stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per share.

Article 4 states the registered agent is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

Article 5 states the Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

Article 6 states the provisions relating to amending the Articles and Bylaws.

Article 7 states that provisions relating to director liability.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RICKY’S UPSTAIRS, LLC The name of the Company is Ricky’s Upstairs, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1108 South 84th Street, 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 October 29, 2019.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 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 MORRISSEY ENGINEERING, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Morrissey Engineering, Inc., a Nebraska corporation, were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on October 30, 2019, to amend Article II as follows: The number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 100,000 shares of Class A Voting Common Stock and 900,000 shares of Class B Nonvoting Common Stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per share. Article III was revoked in its entirety.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that TAM DUC REALTY, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 1910 S 44th Street Omaha, Suite 101, NE 68108, and the name of the registered agent at such address is Tran & Associates Law, LLC. The general nature of the business is any legal and lawful activity allowed pursuant to the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act and the laws of the State of Nebraska and elsewhere. The Company commenced business on 08/15/2019 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers.

Khanh Tran, Member First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 13330 California Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the voluntary dissolution of JASPER STONE EMPIRE PARK II LLC, as of October 16, 2019. Any person having a claim, whether known or unknown, against the Company is requested to present such claim in writing to the Company at the following address: c/o Curt Hofer, 16820 Frances Street, Suite 206, Omaha, NE 68130. The claim must be in writing, must be sent by mail to the address set forth above, and must set forth the name, address and telephone number of the claimant, a detailed description and amount of the claim, the date of occurrence of the claim and any tangible evidence to support the claim that is available to the claimant. Unless sooner barred by any other statute limiting actions, any claim against the Company is barred if an action to enforce the claim is not commenced within five years after the publication date of the third required notice.

First publication October 25, 2019, final November 8, 2019

DENNIS P. LEE, Attorney LEE LAW OFFICE 2433 South 130th Circle, Suite 300 P.O. Box 45947 Omaha, Nebraska 68145 NOTICE OF SUIT TO: NATALYA HARRIS, 1217 S 25th Ave Apt 6, Omaha NE 68105, you are hereby notified that on August 12, 2019, AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INS. Co., S.I. filed a suit against you in the Douglas County Court at docket CI19-17652, the object in prayer of which was to secure a judgment against you in the amount of $4,379.55, together with court costs, interest and attorney's fees as allowed by law. Unless you file your Answer with the Douglas County Court on or before the 9th day of December, 2019, the Petition against you will be considered as true and judgment will be entered against you accordingly.

First publication October 18, 2019, final November 8, 2019

17

JUDITH A. WELLS, Attorney 1603 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1471 Estate of STEPHEN POPE, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 23, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Fredrick Popew, Sr., 5315 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68104, was appointed by the court as Personal Representative of the estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before January 2, 2019 or be forever barred.

KELLY J. GOLDEN Clerk of the County Court First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

NOTICE OF DEFAULT You are hereby notified that Ramon Barragon, as Trustor executed and delivered to Robert M. Zuber, Trustee, a Deed of Trust (DOT) where Trustor conveyed the following real property: The North ½ of Lot 14 Block 9 Kountze 4th Addition SUPP, an Addition to the City of Omaha, as Surveyed, Platted, and Recorded in Douglas County Nebraska as security for repayment of a loan which the Trustor obtained from C & S Rentals, LLC, beneficiary of said DOT recorded on January 11, 2008 in the Register of Deeds office of Douglas County Nebraska as Instrument No. 2008003223.

Jamie Martinez and Leonel Martinez then purchased the aforementioned real property from Trustor and assumed all responsibilities, obligations, duties, and indebtedness of the DOT and the Promissory Note associated with the DOT as shown and recorded in the Register of Deeds office of Douglas County Nebraska as Instrument No. 2009089672. C & S Rentals, LLC then assigned all its right, title, and beneficial interest in the DOT to Flying Horse, LLC as shown and recorded on January 11, 2017 in Register of Deeds office of Douglas County Nebraska as Instrument No. 2017002934.

C & S Rentals, LLC also assigned the Note associated with the DOT to Flying Horse, LLC. Eric T. Dworak is successor Trustee, pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee filed on October 4, 2019 in the Register of Deeds office of Douglas County Nebraska as Instrument No. 2019084266.

You are further notified a breach of the obligation for which the trust property was conveyed as security has occurred. The nature of the breach of the obligation secured by the DOT is the failure of the Trustor(s) to pay the Note secured by said DOT when due. The Beneficiary has elected to declare the entire amount of the Promissory Note remaining unpaid, together with any interest due, which is secured by the DOT, herein, due and payable at once.

If the breach is not cured within the statutory timeframe allowed for under the Nebraska Trust Deeds Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1001 to 76-1018), the Beneficiary has elected to sell the Trustor's interest in the property and the proceeds thereof to be distributed, all in the manner provided for in the Nebraska Trust Deeds Act. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are hereby notified that unless you contact the undersigned within thirty days after receipt of this notice to dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this debt will be assumed to be valid. Further, if you notify the undersigned in writing within the same thirty day period that you dispute this debt, or any portion thereof, the undersigned will obtain and send you verification of the debt. Also, if you request in writing within the same thirty day period, the undersigned will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor. THE FORGOING NOTICE IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated this 30 day of October, 2019.

By: Eric T. Dworak, Trustee Eric T. Dworak, Attorney at law, NSBA#26564 For Tran & Associates Law, LLC, 1910 S. 44 ST, Suite 101, Omaha, NE 68105, 402.885.9919, eric.dworak@tranlg.com First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MERT56, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mert56, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 7735 North Irvington Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68122 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VOLANT BUILDING GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Volant Building Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 222 S. 15th Street, Suite 1404S, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

DEAN F. SUING, Attorney GOVIER, KATSKEE, SUING & MAXELL, PC, LLO 10404 Essex Court, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. PR19-1647 Estate of Barbara Burke, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on October 25, 2019, in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Thomas A. Dudycha, whose address is 224 East Riverview Drive, Blair, NE 68008, was informally appointed Personal Representative of the estate.

Creditors of this estate must file their claims with this Court, located at Courtroom No. 30, Third Floor, Probate Division, Douglas County Hall of Justice, 17th & Farnam Streets, Omaha, NE 68183, on or before January 2, 2019 or be forever barred.

CARROL L. MILLS Registrar First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019

DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GC RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE , LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GC Residential Real Estate, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MLB PROPERTIES, LLC Notice is hereby given that MLB Properties, LLC (the "Company"), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2615 Geri Drive, Bellevue, NE 68147.

The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road,. Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication November 1, 2019, final November 15, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LEELO DINING, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on October 28, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF WESTBURY FARM VILLAS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Westbury Farm Villas Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Westbury Farm Villas Association.

2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation.

3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The names and street addresses of the incorporators are: Gerald L. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 Jeffery S. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 5. The Corporation will have members.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOOKS SOLO, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HOOKS SOLO, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 19102 Q Street, Suite 110-114, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

18

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

LEGAL NOTICES KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CEI INVESTORS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CEI Investors, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on October 30, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BOOKSPLUS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BooksPLUS, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 10830 Old Mill Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on October 30, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AKSARBEN MORTGAGE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Aksarben Mortgage, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 20740 Rawhide Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The limited liability company commenced business on November 1, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WAITT OPTUM, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Waitt Optum, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 425, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O, 1125 S 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on November 1, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CROSSON CLASSIC CARS, LLC The name of the Company is Crosson Classic Cars, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 1625 North 136th 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 November 4, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KOLEY JESSEN P.C., L.L.O., Attorneys 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, One Pacific Place Omaha, Nebraska 68124-1079 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GP MED SUPPLY, LLC The name of the Company is GP Med Supply, LLC. The Designated Office of the Company is: 9006 Ohio Street, Suite 1, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is: Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.

This limited liability company commenced business on November 5, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LAWN ARMOR, LLC Notice is hereby given that LAWN ARMOR, LLC (the "Company"), has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6308 N. 153rd St., Omaha, NE 68116.

The Registered Agent of the Company is Steven P. Ahlf, 11590 West Dodge Road,. Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 TIEDEMAN, LYNCH, KAMPFE, McVAY & RESPELIERS, Attorneys 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LEELO BUILDING, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office at 6910 Pacific Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized. The limited liability company was formed on October 29, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

STEVEN G. RANUM, Attorney CROKER, HUCK, KASHER, DEWITT, ANDERSON & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BULLDOG SOLUTIONS LLC The name of the limited liability company is Bulldog Solutions LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2522 Edward Babe Gomez Avenue, Omaha, NE 68107. 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 RICHARD L. ANDERSON, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DRLB 78, LLC The name of the limited liability company is DRLB 78, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Richard L. Anderson, 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GRETNALAKE, LLC The name of the limited liability company is GRETNALAKE, 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MDC GILES PARTNERS, LLC The name of the limited liability company is MDC GILES PARTNERS, 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 192&370, LLC The name of the limited liability company is 192&370, 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney C R O K E R , H U C K , K A S H E R , D E W I T T, A N D E R S O N & GONDERINGER, L.L.C. 2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MDC GRETNA, LLC The name of the limited liability company is MDC GRETNA, 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TANNERSGRILL, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TANNERSGRILL, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 15505 Ruggles Street, #106, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 DVORAK LAW GROUP LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WOODSONIA-MOTB-D, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Woodsonia-MOTB-D, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Drew Snyder, 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF WESTBURY FARM HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Westbury Farm Homeowners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Westbury Farm Homeowners Association.

2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation.

3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The names and street addresses of the incorporators are: Gerald L. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 Jeffery S. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 5. The Corporation will have members.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 JOHN Q. BACHMAN, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BACHMAN LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF WESTBURY CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given of the incorporation of Westbury Creek Homeowners Association under the laws of the State of Nebraska as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation is Westbury Creek Homeowners Association.

2. The Corporation is a mutual benefit corporation.

3. The name of the Corporation’s initial registered agent is John Q. Bachman and the address of the initial registered office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

4. The names and street addresses of the incorporators are: Gerald L. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 Jeffery S. Torczon, 11205 South 150th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68138 5. The Corporation will have members.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 MARY E. VANDENACK, Attorney VANDENACK WEAVER LLC 17007 Marcy Street, Suite 3 Omaha, Nebraska 68118 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ADVANCED PAIN SOLUTIONS LLC Notice is hereby given that ADVANCED PAIN SOLUTIONS 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 1023 Creighton Rd., Papillion, NE 68046. 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Heracles and Red Hawk, LLC (the “Company”), a Nebraska limited liability company, has been dissolved. Persons having claims against the Company shall present them in writing, with the details of any such claim, to Gerald P. Melchior, Jr., at 105 South 9th Street, Suite 804, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. A claim against the Company is barred unless an action to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the third publication of this notice.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Mr. Picnic, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Thomas J. Malicki, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 KELLOGG & PALZER, P.C. 10828 Old Mill Road, Suite 6 Omaha, Nebraska 68154-2647 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the Company is MARK BUSH HOLDINGS, LLC. 2. The street address of the initial designated office is 4929 North 117th Circle, Omaha, NE, 68164. The registered agent is Mark Bush and the Registered Agent's address is 4929 N. 117th Circle, Omaha, NE 68164.

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

4. The Company commenced on October 30, 2019 and shall have perpetual existence.

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

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • LEGAL NOTICES ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Corporate Name: The Alec Bohm Foundation Type of Corporation: Public Benefit Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization Registered Office: 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Members: Corporation will not have Members.

Incorporator: Daniel I. Dittman, 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION A M Westroads, Inc., whose registered agent is Syed Ghalib Ali and registered office is 809 S. 70th Plaza, Apt. 9, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, was formed on November 4, 2019 to engage in any lawful business. The corporation has authorized 1,000 shares of capital stock.

Thomas E. Whitmore, Incorporator First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF Shaddai Company, LLC A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that Shaddai Company, LLC, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the company in the state of Nebraska is 3815 N 12th Street Lincoln NE 68521. The name and address of the registered agent is AF Bookkeeping Services, Inc, 11811 I Street, STE 204, Omaha, NE 68137. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the State of Nebraska on October 29, 2019.

Luis Hong, Organizer First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 WHITMORE LAW OFFICE LLC 7602 Pacific Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Whippourwill, L.L.C. (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the Company is 5605 S. 126th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.

The registered agent of the Company is Holly Colling, 5605 S. 126th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. The Company was formed on November 4, 2019.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MOELLER CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Moeller Consulting, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6109 S. 102nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. The Registered Agent of the Company is Rodney Moeller, 6109 South 102nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 ALLAN M. ZIEBARTH, Attorney 1702 South 10 Street, Suite 2 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AGAPE COUNSELING, 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 November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Attorneys 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Hidden Roots Healing 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 6338 Layfette Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Randall C. Hanson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The company is organized to render the professional service of mental health therapy as a mental health practitioner requiring licensure under the laws of the state of Nebraska, and to render other related services as may be ancillary thereto.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: Handyman Matters Omaha Name of Applicant: Schenzel Holdings, LLC Address: 3414 N 49th St. Omaha, NE 68104 Applicant is a Limited Liability Company If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: General nature of business: November 1st, 2019 TURNER SCHENZEL Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative November 8, 2019

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF A TO Z CLEANING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that A TO Z CLEANING, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 2030 North 101st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68134. The registered agent is BAN IBRAHEEM. The general nature of the business is to operate a general cleaning 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 cleaning 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 August 29, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF PHARMAFIT USA, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PHARMAFIT USA, INC., is incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a registered office at 15902 Bancroft Court, Apt. #1137, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The registered agent is MOHAMAD JAMAL DOUDI. The general nature of the business is to operate a general vitamin supplement 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 vitamin supplement 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 October 5, 2019, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by a Board of Directors, the number of directors to be provided in the By-Laws, and the officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be designated in the By-Laws.

ANTHONY L. GROSS, Incorporator CATHERINE L. WHITE, Incorporator 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 LISA ROTHSCHADL, Attorney ZIESER & ROTHSCHADL LAW P.O. Box 476 Tyndall, South Dakota 57066-0476 LEGAL NOTICE In the County Court of Bon Homme, South Dakota. PR19-16 Estate of Micahel John Sykora, Deceased Notice is given that on the 15th day of October, 2019, Robert Schafer, whose address is 6026 Decatur Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68104 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Michael John Sykora.

Creditor of decedent must file their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or their claims may be barred.

Claims may be filed with the personal representative or may be filed with the clerk, and a copy of the claim mailed to the personal representative.

Dated this 15 day of October, 2019.

Robert Schafer, 6026 Decatur Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Heather Humphrey, Bon Homme Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 6, Tyndall, SD 57066, (605) 589-4215 First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: OWAC Name of Applicant: Nebraska World Affairs Council Address: 6626 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68132 Applicant is a Nonprofit Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 10/30/2019 General nature of business: education and awareness of international affairs DANIEL I. DITTMAN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative November 8, 2019 ERICKSON l SEDERSTROM, P.C., Attorneys 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: NEWAC Name of Applicant: Nebraska World Affairs Council Address: 6626 Cuming Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68132 Applicant is a Nonprofit Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 10/30/2019 General nature of business: education and awareness of international affairs DANIEL I. DITTMAN Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative November 8, 2019

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AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ANITA J MACKINS & ADRIAN T MACKINS You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/10/2019 on Case Number CI19-15849, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $193.99, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 12/22/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), ROBERT F PTACEK You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 08/21/2019 on Case Number CI19-19174, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $446.82, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 12/22/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 AMANDA M. BARRON, Attorney P.O. Box 597 Fremont, Nebraska 68026 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT(s), THOMAS O MEINEN You are hereby notified that Credit Bureau Services, Inc., a corporation, filed its complaint in the County Court of DOUGLAS County, Nebraska on 07/22/2019 on Case Number CI19-16646, the object and prayer of which is to recover the sum of $292.52, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

You are required to answer the complaint of the Plaintiff on or before 12/22/2019 or the allegations in said complaint will be taken as true and judgment entered accordingly.

CREDIT BUREAU SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MILLENNIAL IMPACT SIX, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Millennial Impact Six, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17330 W Center Road, Suite 110-179, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is Allyn Elizabeth Johnson, 17330 West Center Rd, Suite 110-179, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.

First publication November 8, 2019, final November 22, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: MR. BOWLING Name of Applicant: MATTHEW TOMSU Address: 4870 S. 96th St. OMAHA NE 68127 Applicant is an Individual If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Date of first use of name in Nebraska: SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 General nature of business: BOWLING BALLS, SHOES & ACCESSORIES MATT TOMSU Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative November 8, 2019 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: CM's Outdoor Soltuions Group Name of Applicant: CM's Mowing Service, Inc. Address: 4604 Aspen Circle Omaha, NE 68157 Applicant is a Corporation If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska Date of first use of name in Nebraska: June 1, 2019 General nature of business: lawn landscape, tree, irrigation, hardscape, concrete CHARLES E. MONICO Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative November 8, 2019

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal REGIONAL LANDSCAPES

Briefs…

LightEdge, a cloud hosting and colocation provider, renewed its 2019 audits.

LightEdge maintains ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO IEC 20000-1 certifications and undergoes annual examinations and assessments for SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, SOC 3, HIPAA/HITECH, and PCI DSS. Having an ISO 27001 certification empowers clients to make informed decisions about their cloud security services and ensures vendor accountability. Partnering with an ISO 20000-1 certified provider, like LightEdge, ensures all cloud hosting or IT infrastructure is managed consistently with an internationally recognized standard of excellence. LightEdge’s ISO 27001 & ISO 20000-1 reviews were completed by Schellman & Company, LLC. Werner Enterprises received the 2019 SmartWay Excellence Award and SmartWay High Performer Award for the third consecutive year. Werner was selected for outstanding environmental performance and leadership by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The SmartWay Excellence Award is the EPA’s highest recognition for demonstrated leadership in freight, supply chain, energy and environmental performance. Werner was recognized for the following fleet categories small and dray, small and flatbed, and large truckload and dry van. Winners were chosen based on information received from annual assessment tool submissions.

Oxbow Animal Health named Dr. James Carpenter as the winner of the 2019 Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health Award.

Established in 2009, the Quest is presented annually to an animal health professional who advances the field of exotic mammal medicine and care. Carpenter serves as Professor of Exotic Pet, Wildlife, and Zoological Medicine at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Carpenter, M.S., D.V.M, Dipl. ACZM, has been a clinical and research veterinarian for over 40 years in the field of exotic animal, wildlife and zoo animal medicine, has assisted in developing an internationally recognized program in Zoological Medicine at KSU. RGAX and Mutual of Omaha completed a proof of concept — exploring reinsurance workflows on a distributed ledger.

The project provided a joint opportunity for a carrier and a reinsurer to experiment with the automation of reinsurance transactions using distributed ledger and smart contract technology. The project was conducted with the goal to demonstrate how smart contracts — self-executing code that interprets terms of an agreement — can execute rules based on a reinsurance treaty.

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles has gone live with a modernized vehicle registration and titling system. It will be used to register over 2.5 million vehicles annually and collect nearly $720 million in titling and registration revenue for state and local entities. Given the importance of this system, updating and maintaining its integrity is essential to the functioning of all levels of government within the state. Organizations using fleet services will be able to complete registrations online with a new streamlined process. There will be fewer and more simplified forms for customers to complete.

Health care notes…

Millions of Americans now have access to on-demand telemedicine services 24/7 with the new UnitedHealthcare app. The

app provides health information for people on the go, offering plan participants a single source to help maintain and improve their well-being, access care and make the most of their health benefits. Eligible plan participants can now use the app to directly schedule and conduct a virtual visit with a doctor. The app is available now for download at no additional charge for Android and Apple devices.

People enrolled in most UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plans have coverage for virtual physician visits.

John Croghan, executive director of Immanuel’s The Landing at Williamsburg Village, has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care.

Croghan joins the association’s yearlong Future Leaders program that offers training and guidance for long-term and post-acute care professionals. Croghan has served the retirement living industry for over 20 years.

Prior to joining Immanuel, he gained experience at the leadership level in managing and opening new retirement communities throughout the Midwest.

Education notes…

A $3 million grant to researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will fund research and development behind a new generation of stent-graft device that could help prevent issues later in life for patients with aortic disease and trauma. Anastasia Desyatova, Ph.D., assistant professor within UNO’s Department of Biomechanics, received a Research Project Grant from the National Institutes of Health for the project. R01s are the largest individual grants awarded by the NIH to fund individual research projects.

James Kamm has been named the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s new assistant vice chancellor for business and finance.

A UNO alumnus, earning his MBA in 1994, amm brings more than 0 years of financial services experience to the position. He most recently served as senior vice president for First Westroads Bank of Omaha, which he began in 2010. As assistant vice chancellor, amm oversees the finance, grants accounting, auxiliary services, business technology systems and cashiering/student accounts units. Kamm earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also completed the Stonier Graduate School of Banking program at Georgetown University and, in 2018, served as an adjunct instructor in the College of Business Administration.

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the Mary Our Queen Catholic School campus. The building of the new Early Childhood Education & Youth Center will allow Mary Our Queen to better serve the growing number of students and families in southwest Omaha. The Center will expand the existing preschool and relocate the extended care program currently held in the school cafeteria. The Center will also house youth ministry and other youth programs on evenings and weekends.

Activities of nonprofits…

United Way of the Midlands announced the local launch of Ride United, an initiative that provides free rides and other transporContinued on next page.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

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REGIONAL LANDSCAPES Continued from preceding page. tation resources to those in need. Limited access to safe, reliable transportation is a barrier to health, education, employment, food and other basic needs for people across the country. United Way Worldwide developed Ride United in partnership with Lyft. Through Ride United, individuals in need can secure free rides from Lyft drivers by calling United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline.

Here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, Lyft rides will be available for individuals who need assistance getting to and from locations related to health, employment or food access.

Residents of Omaha and surrounding areas joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and raised approximately $245,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The overall fundraising goal for the event is $261,000. Home Instead Senior Care Headquarters was the top fundraising team at this year’s Omaha Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising over $25,000. The top individual

fundraiser was Mike Frank, raising an impressive $6,500. Frank and his son, Will, primarily raised their funds through social media in honor of friends and family affected by the disease.

Arts and events…

Applications are now open for one grant and two educational and collaborative opportunities. Amplify Arts is currently seeking proposals for the new Alternate Currents Working Group, Generator Grants, and CAR>GO Collaborators. Abbreviated descriptions for each call can be found online.

The deadline for each of these applications is Nov. 24. All of the details like information on eligibility, application requirements, and the applications, can be found on the Submittable page: https://amplifyarts.submittable.com/ submit.

The Holiday season will get a head start at the General Crook House Museum when the holiday decorations go up around the house, starting Nov. 2 through Jan. 12.

Visitors will explore displays put up by members of the General Crook House Guild

MEETINGS AND SEMINARS Wednesday, Nov. 13 Start the day with PRSA Nebraska with a light breakfast and learning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. Just in time for Giving Tuesday and year-end charitable donations, social media expert Randa Zalman will offer proven social media strategies that could enhance fundraising for nonprofits and have applicability across industries in helping to achieve communication goals. She’ll also share social media budgeting tips to ensure you’re not operating in a vacuum or breaking the bank. Registration is online.

Grow with Google — the tech company’s initiative to create economic opportunities for all Americans — will visit Nebraska to host in-person digital skills workshops at the South Omaha Branch of the Omaha Public Library. Google staff will teach free handson workshops to provide local businesses, jobseekers, and nonprofits with resources to grow their skills, careers, and businesses. The workshops will cover topics such as “Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks,” “Reaching Customers Online with Google,” and “Using Data to Drive Growth.” Google volunteers will also be on hand to provide personalized help through drop-in 1:1.

Thursday, Nov. 14 Iowa Western Community College and the Small Business Development Center have teamed up to host Exploring Excel Formulas from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Iowa Western’s SBDC office. This seminar will explore some of Excel’s most widely used formulas.

Students will use a variety of tools to set up and audit formulas. Learn some of the more advanced formulas like vlookup and logical functions. Tuition is $50.

The Carpenters Training Institute is hosting its annual Apprentice Appreciation Banquet during National Apprenticeship Week. This is the fourth year hosting an event for apprentices. What started out as about 20 apprentices at the event has turned into nearly 150 carpenters, millwrights, and their families coming together for night of food, fun and activities. There will also be local contractors and national vendors present. The event is at the Carpenter Training Institute from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Each November, OneWorld Community Health Centers invites supporters to come together at the Milagro Dinner. This annual celebration honors OneWorld volunteers who make milagros (“miracles” in Spanish) happen for the most vulnerable children and families it serves. The event, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hilton Omaha, will include a silent auction, cocktails and a book-signing event. The featured speaker will be Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of 10 books, including the No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Reviving Ophelia. Milagro awardees include: Dr. David Filipi, Methodist Health System, Dr. Nagendra Natarajan, Sen. Robert Hikemann and Susan G. Komen Great Plaines.

and other museum volunteers. Theming this year is “Books: Keys to Life’s Treasures,” so expect a variety of literary references from Charles Dickens to Harry Potter. To go along with this event, the Museum will host a story time for kids every Saturday.

Metropolitan Community College will host its Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in room 120 of the Industrial Training Center on the college’s South Omaha Campus. The celebration will feature keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Ingram and a posting of the colors by the Omaha South Color Guard. Following the program, there will be a reception and tours of the new Veterans Center, part of the South Omaha Campus renovation project. The Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public.

Creighton University and Union Pacific’s LEAD organization invite community members to Omaha’s first screening of the documentary Gridshock at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Creighton. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required online. The documentary looks at the hidden reality behind the sex trafficking demand in the Midwest. It is focused on the buyers who create the demand for sex trafficking and the culture of impunity that hides and protects them. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local advocacy groups and organizations providing community education and resources for victims.

Methodist Fremont Health will provide free skin cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 12. Screenings will be performed by Deb Baker, APRN, and are offered by appointment only. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. To get a free skin cancer screening call 844-437-3666.

Methodist Fremont Health is offering a community CRP class. A community CPR

teaches CPR and AED use for adults, CPR for infants, and relief of choking and use of barrier devices for all ages on Nov. 14. Cost for this class is $50. Community First Aid teaches how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. Course content includes general principles, medical emergencies, injury emergencies, and environmental emergencies.

Cost is $50. American Heart Association certifications will be mailed within 0 days of completion of the course. Participants can earn up to 36 hours of community service upon completion.

On Nov. 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. the 3rd Omaha Acton Children’s Business Fair will host 80 young entrepreneurs at the Omaha Design Center. This event is free and open to the public. Kids create a product or service, develop a brand, and build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace.

Children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers. A panel of 12 local entrepreneurs including Willy Thiessen (Godfather’s), Todd Johnson (Gallup) and Shonna Dorsey (Mutual of Omaha) will judge the businesses and award winners in various categories.

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum offers a first of its kind expo event for the Museum. The public is invited to attend our Author Expo, where the guests will get to meet and hear more than a dozen authors of all genres. The event is scheduled for Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Author Expo includes both aspiring and established authors. Authors will share their creative inspirations, read an excerpt from their work, and will also be available for autographs.

Authors with different styles ranging from conspiracy theory to romantic comedy to poetry. Copies of work will be available for purchase.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Employers are scaling back their dependence on high-deductible health plans

by Michelle Andrews

Everything old is new again. As open enrollment gets underway for next year’s job-based health insurance coverage, some employees are seeing traditional plans offered alongside or instead of the HealTH insurance plans with skyhigh deductibles that may have been their only choice in the past.

Some employers say that, in a tight labor market, offering a more generous plan with a deductible that’s less than four figures can be an attractive recruitment tool. Plus, a more traditional plan may appeal to workers who want more predictable out-of-pocket costs, even if the premium is a bit higher.

That’s what happened at Digital River, a 650-person global e-commerce payment processing business based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Four years ago, faced with premium increases approaching double digits, Digital River ditched its traditional preferred provider organization plan in favor of three high-deductible plans. Each had different deductibles and different premiums, but all linked to health savings accounts that are exempt from taxes.

This year, though, the company added back two traditional preferred provider plans to its offerings for workers.

Even with three plan options, “we still had employees who said they wanted other choices,” said KT Schmidt, the company’s chief administrative officer.

Digital River isn’t the only company broadening its offerings. For the third year in a row, the percentage of companies that offer high-deductible plans as the sole option will decline in 2020, according to a survey of large employers by the National Business Group on Health. A uarter of the firms polled will offer these plans, sometimes called consumer-directed plans, as the only option next year, down 14 percentage points from two years ago.

That said, consumer-directed plans are hardly disappearing. Fifty-eight% of covered employees worked at companies that offered at least one high-deductible health plan in 2019, according to an annual survey of employer health benefits released by the aiser Family Foundation last month. That was second only to the 76% of covered workers who were at firms that offered a PPO plan.

(KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

When Digital River switched to all high-de-

ductible plans for 201 , the firm put some of the $1 million it saved into the new health savings accounts that employees could use to cover their out-of-pocket expenses before reaching the deductible. Employees could also contribute to those accounts to save money for medical expenses. This year the deductibles on those plans are $1,850, $2,700 and $3,150 for single coverage, and $3,750, $5,300 and $6,300 for family plans.

The company put a lot of effort into educating employees about how the new plans worked, said Schmidt. Premiums are typically lower in high-deductible plans. But under federal rules, until people reach their deductible, the plans pay only for specified preventive care such as annual physicals and cancer screenings and some care for existing chronic conditions.

Enrollees are on the hook for everything else, including most doctor visits and prescription drugs. In 2020, the minimum deductible for a plan that ualifies under federal rules for a tax-exempt health savings account is $1,400 for an individual and $2,800 for a family.

As their health savings account balances grew, “more people moved into the camp that could see the benefits of the high-deductible strategy, Schmidt said. Still, not everyone wanted to be exposed to costs upfront, even if they ended up spending less overall.

“For some people, there remained a desire to pay more to simply have that peace of mind,” he said.

Digital River’s PPOs have deductibles of $400 and $900 for single coverage and $800 and $1,800 for families. The premiums are significantly more expensive than those of the high-deductible plans.

In the PPO plan with the $400/$800 deduct-

approaches to improve employees’ health, said Tracy Watts, a senior partner at benefits consultant Mercer.

“Some of the newer strategies that employers want to try just aren’t (health savings account compatible, said Watts. The firms might want to pay for care before the deductible is met, for example, or eliminate employee charges for certain services. Examples of these strategies could include direct primary care arrangements in which physicians are paid a monthly fee to provide care at no cost to the employee, or employer-subsidized telemedicine programs.

The so-called Cadillac tax, a provision of the Affordable Care Act that would impose a 40% excise on the value of health plans that exceed certain dollar thresholds, was a driving force behind the shift toward high-deductible plans. But the tax, originally supposed to take effect in 2018, has been pushed back to 2022. The House passed a bill repealing the tax in July, and there is a companion bill in the Senate.

It’s unclear what will happen, but employers appear to be taking the uncertainty in stride, said Brian Marcotte, president and CEO of the National Business Group on Health.

“I think employers don’t believe it’s going to happen, and that’s one of the reasons you’re seeing (more plan choices) introduced,” he said.

Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser amily oundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. ©2019 Kaiser Health News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Is lifestyle creep ruining your retirement plan?

by Carla Fried

Retirement planning is often reduced to a singular call and response.

Retirement? reTiremenT Save more!

Increasing your savings rate will, obviously, land you in retirement with a bigger nest egg. But it may not be enough. You may also need to reduce spending to both bolster your savings and reduce the ultimate shock of a smaller retirement income.

The high cost of lifestyle creep If your annual spending grows with your income, you are effectively building a lifestyle

Fear is big business: This store sells protection Continued from page 12. to prepare themselves for an earthquake, or fire or whatever the case may be.

Under severe florescent lighting, Diarian wandered through the no-frills 1,500-squarefoot store, which resembles a 1950s hardware store for survivalists. Attached is a more than 12,000-square-foot warehouse with even more survival products.

Edelstein advised her to place a bag under each bed in the household with “just your absolute essentials a flashlight, shoes, an extra set of clothes, light sticks, a whistle to signal for help, a pair of gloves and a crowbar to pry open windows or doors that are stuck after an earthquake.

Edelstein said he tells customers to have at least a week’s worth of supplies and to stock more canned goods than freeze-dried food because so-called MREs, or meals

ible, the employee’s portion of the monthly premium ranges from $82.37 for single coverage to $356.46 for an employee plus two or more family members. The plan with the $2,700 deductible costs an employee $21.11 for single coverage.

But costs are more predictable in the PPO plan. Instead of owing the entire cost of a doctor visit or trip to the emergency room until they reach their annual deductible, people in the PPO plans generally owe set copayments or coinsurance charges for most types of care.

When Digital River introduced the PPO plans this year, about 10% of employees moved from the high-deductible plans to the traditional plans. Open enrollment for 2020 starts later this fall, and the company is offering the same mix of traditional and high-deductible plans again for next year.

Adding PPOs to its roster of plans not only made employees happy but also made the company more competitive, Schmidt said.

Two of Digital River’s biggest competitors offer only high-deductible plans, and the PPOs give Digital River an edge in attracting top talent, he believes.

According to the survey by the National Business Group on Health, employers that opted to add more choices to what they offered employees typically chose a traditional PPO plan.

Members in these plans generally get the most generous coverage if they use providers in the plan’s network. But if they go out of network, plans often cover that as well, though they pay a smaller proportion of the costs. For the most part, deductibles are lower than the federal minimum for ualified high-deductible plans.

Traditional plans like PPOs also give employers more flexibility to try different

ready to eat, require water, which cuts into what might already be an inadequate amount for drinking.

I definitely need more food and I need more water,” Diarian said, “and when the cans get older I’m going to swap them out and replenish them with new cans and just try to stay on top of it.”

Fear is a powerful motivator.

“Never would I have anticipated a lot of the things happening in our country,” Edelstein said. When I first started, I thought ‘Oh, we’ll make some different kits and we’ll sell them to different hardware stores.’ And then, we started working with school districts, cities. Over 5,000 different items later, we’re still adding and expanding.” ©2019 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

that will require more retirement income to maintain once you stop working.

Let’s say that to live your life, you’re shelling out $75,000, after tax, the year before you retire, and your aim is to replace 80% of your pre-retirement income. That means you need your savings, Social Security and any pension to generate $60,000 a year, after tax, when you retire. If your household burn rate is $60,000, you would need $48,000 a year.

Needing $1,000 less a month in retirement can change the calculus of what you need to save today or can reduce the pressure to work longer.

Moreover, spending less today effectively gives you more cash to save or pay down the mortgage or reduce what the kids need to borrow for college, or enables you to downshift from the corporate grind into work that is a little bit less stressful and more enjoyable.

Yet lifestyle creep seems to be a common household habit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks household consumer spending by dozens of categories and breaks it down by pre-tax income levels. As income grows, so too does spending on the same goods.

For example, the average annual expenditure on a new car for households with incomes between $150,000 and $200,000 is 78% higher than among households with income between $50,000 and $70,000. Average spending on meals out is more than double for the higher income household. Average spending on housing is about 80% higher. Even spending on pets seems to be susceptible to lifestyle creep, with the higher income households spending about 2.5x more.

Some options to consider: —Where you live. The physical size of homes has expanded over the past few years, while the average number of people in a given house hasn’t. Less square footage can mean a smaller mortgage, lower property tax and reduced utility bills.

Ten years to retirement? Fifteen? Considering lower-cost housing could buy you a lot of breathing room. It doesn’t hurt to peruse housing costs in major markets —Your car. The auto industry is dependent on lifestyle creep, wooing customers with shiny new cars tricked out with thousands of dollars in upgrades that have very little to do with getting you to and from work and soccer practice, safely and comfortably. Don’t saddle yourself with a big car payment. Buying a 3-year-old used car and driving it for seven to 10 years, rather than buying a new car, can ease your retirement planning —Raises and bonuses. You need to plan ahead for how you will handle every income boost Devotees of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement would tell you to save every penny. If that floats your boat, fine. But most of us do better working toward goals when we give ourselves a bit of room to relax and enjoy ourselves. Think: cheat day on a diet. Same goes with lifestyle creep. If giving yourself 10% or 20% of every income boost to spend helps you save the other 80%, that’s a winning game plan. ©2019 Rate.com News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

23

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

Corporate Security A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Franchising Overview • Choosing a Franchise • Financing Issues • Marketing a Franchise • Building your Franchise

Corporate Security overview • Authentication beyond passwords • Background Check/Safe Hiring Practices • BYOD • Cyber liability insurance • Keeping workplaces safe

Issue Date: November 15 • Ad Deadline: November 7

Issue Date: November 15 • Ad Deadline: November 7

A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Women in Business A section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal

Topics may include:

Topics may include:

Architecture overview • Environmentally conscience design Renovations and rebuilding • New building tech • AIA Nebraska Omaha’s changing landscape • Career outlook • Interior design trends

Women in Business overview • Leadership Female entrepreneurs • CEOs, senior executives Emphasis on culture • Area educational institutions

Issue Date:November 22 • Ad Deadline:November 14

Issue Date:November 22 • Ad Deadline:November 14

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

Julie Whitehead - Julie@mbj.com • Karla Steele - karla@mbj.com • Joe Misiunas - joe@mbj.com

24

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Industrial park developers focus on employee retention, faster turn-around

by David Kubicek

Many business and industrial park developers are designing for employee retention and faster turn-around times on deliveries. “[Firms are] looking for more amenities like food centers and nearby gyms that will make people want to stay with the company,” said Russell L. Schertz, industrial market sector leader at Leo A Daly.

Industrial warehouses are spending money on HVAC — making for an easier work environment than those without heat or air-conditioning, which had been standard in the past — and phone chargers and Wi-Fi are installed throughout.

Many new retail centers and malls will have distribution facilities at their heart.

“They’ll have trucks coming in, appbased delivery cars, even bikes and drones taking equipment out,” Schertz said. “A recent survey found that 55% of consum-

ers will switch their brand loyalty if their products will come sooner.”

Availability of land for development in the urban centers of Lincoln and Omaha

Schertz Field is shrinking.

“Communities, governments, architectural firms and developers will need to work together to attract new businesses to come in now that big available tracts of

land are starting to diminish,” Schertz said.

Mixed-use developments containing several light industrial uses, like light-industry storage or factory facilities, are becoming more common, according to Curt Field, managing principal at Prochaska & Associates.

“The facilities are usually more upscale, so as to co-exist with other commercial uses,” he said. “We’re also Hanke seeing that they no longer are forced to be located only near rail right-of-way property, as has been the case in the past. Because all but the heaviest industry can be served by overthe-road tractor trailer trucking, [industrial parks] are now often collections of newer, smarter-looking building designs, and larger, more landscaped lawns.”

A majority of the firm’s clients want basic, simple building types, often of pre-engineered steel, but have the funds to dress up the exterior walls with brick, stone and even precast concrete, which can be made to look elegant.

“Because of the newer industrial-zoned developments, we feel that a greater competition for business image or street appeal will likely produce increasing trends toward making industrial buildings look much more pleasing to the eye,” Field said. “Our firm has significant recent experience with a couple of premier client-types who asked us to provide designs and construction documents for industrial buildings, which can be repeated across multiple states.”

Sarah Hanke, an associate broker with The Learner Co., said more clients are asking for 30- to 40-foot high ceilings — rather than the 20-foot ceilings that had been the norm — and increased technology in new design.

“Our clients are placing more of a

priority on going vertical to meet their storage needs while keeping square footage lower,” she said. “Amenities and technology such as high-speed internet have taken more of a precedence than ever before.

Clients that are adapting to the new tech are finding their operations running more efficiently and can keep up with industry demands.”

Industrial clients’ biggest demands continue to be access to Interstate and dock and/or drive-in doors.

“When working with distribution companies, cross docking is high on the priority list,” Hanke said. “Smaller flex users see drive-in doors with a 14-foot plus clearance important.”

Newer designs have gotten better about parking and providing room for large trucks. Distribution companies that want to make Omaha their headquarters require more room to park their vehicles, and, in turn, increasing demand for outdoor space.

“Omaha is not traditionally a spec market for industrial,” Hanke said. “That, paired with high demand, has kept our vacancy very low. However, we’re starting to see that change, in the Sarpy County area especially. New build is necessary but along with that comes higher rent.

For smaller companies, affording these increased rents can be a challenge.”

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Financial firms talk investing trends

by Gabby Christensen

In today’s market, financial professionals say investors are becoming increasingly careful about where they put their money.

In fact, Katie Bruno, financial planner at Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners, said growing concerns over a recession are leading investors to make more cautious trade decisions.

“The yield-curve inversion, persistent trade tension, Brexit, and slowing manufacturing numbers are just a few of the complexities facing the capital markets,” Bruno said. “The effects of fiscal stimulus from tax cuts boosted growth for U.S. equities in 2018 and 2019 but we have now seen that growth begin to fade. Despite all of this, I believe the equity markets and the economy still have room to run.”

As late-cycle recessionary risks rise, Bruno said investors are lessening their exposure to international markets and increasing their exposure to U.S. equities, particularly value stocks.

“Growth stocks have been overweight in portfolios for the majority of the bull market, so now we are seeing investors tilt their portfolios and lean more towards a balanced strategy, which tends to include value stocks and fixed income exposure,” Bruno said.

Grant Runyan, financial advisor at Mutual of Omaha, said clients often ask about renewable energy.

“As companies continue to create new and innovative ways to produce wind, solar and biofuel energy, investors realize there is an opportunity to be a part of something groundbreaking that can also have a positive impact on the planet,” Runyan said. “Many companies have even started to develop investment portfolios that offer management strategies specific to environmental, governance and social factors, which aim to specifically pinpoint opportunities that offer sustainability for the planet and its inhabitants.”

As the world continues to change and re-evaluate how to produce and consume energy, Runyan said that is reason enough to keep an ear bent to what is happening in the energy sector.

“Another industry I would keep a close eye on is the technology sector, specifically relating to artificial intelligence (A.I.),” he said. “As self-driving cars, smart homes and automated processes have become

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more prevalent, so do the investment opportunities that come with them.”

Throughout the last quarter, Thomas N. Teckmeyer, president of Teckmeyer Financial Services, said he’s noted investors gravitate more towards higher quality, dividend-paying, big blue chip companies.

“Clients are searching for investment opportunities Bruno that might be a little less aggressive as a result of current market volatility,” he said. “With lots of uncertainty facing investors, both domestically and internationally, a more conservative approach is important to some people.

We want to make sure that our clients

understand that investing is a long-term process, so we do not make short-term, market-timed decisions.”

In this environment, he said it might be a good opportunity for some clients to reallocate — taking some of the profits off the table from the growth portion of their portfolio and reallocate those funds into more value oriented investments, specifically large, blue chip companies, especially ones that have a long history of paying dividends.

Teckmeyer He said this trend will continue until there is some type of correction, or things settle down.

Terry W. Curnes, regional director at Curnes Financial Group, said utilities and real estate investment trusts have been some of the better performing categories

25

over the past month.

Additionally, Curnes said he is finding renewed interest in municipal bonds.

“Many high income earners found that their taxes actually increased a little under the tax reform bill,” he said. “This made the relatively high yields and tax benefits of muni bonds even more attractive to those investors.”

With the current presidential election season in full swing, Curnes said there has been very little talk of lowering taxes and buckets full of discussions about raising taxes.

During an election, he said people tend to focus on differences and not commonalities, which usually translates into a higher degree of stress and uncertainty amongst investors, causing a desire to look for less volatile stocks with higher dividend yields.

“The one unknown in all of this is the China/U.S. trade negotiations,” Curnes said. “If a major deal were to be agreed on I believe investor sentiment would definitely become more positive.”

26

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

In the Spotlight Paid Content LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

BRAND STRATEGY & DESIGN

Hired

Hired

Hired

Hired

Natalie M. Williams

Adam M. Ripp

Addison E. Fairchild

Katie Divine Turner

Attorney

Attorney

Attorney

Senior Design Director

Baird Holm LLP

Baird Holm LLP

Baird Holm LLP

Daake

Natalie M. Williams focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate, including leasing, purchases, sales, and financing. Natalie graduated from Creighton University School of Law, magna cum laude, where she received a CALI Excellence for the Future award. Natalie received her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Iowa State University.

Adam M. Ripp’s practice focuses on corporate transactions and general corporate matters. Adam graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law with high distinction, where he earned Dean’s Awards for Academic Excellence in Legal Writing I and Immigration Law. Adam received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Addison E. Fairchild’s practice encompasses all areas of commercial real estate and energy law. She also maintains a practice as a lobbyist.

Addison graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law, with distinction. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she also obtained a certificate in Public Policy Analysis.

LEGAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Hired

Hired

Announcement

Kate R. Wunderlich

Debbie Scott

Kelly Mundt

Attorney

Searcher/Examiner

Commercial Closer

Baird Holm LLP

Nebraska Title Company

Nebraska Title Company

Kate (Katie) R. Wunderlich’s practice focuses on federal and state tax planning issues, tax exempt matters, corporate transactions, and estate planning. Katie graduated from the University of Notre Dame School of Law, magna cum laude, where she was a Dean’s Circle Fellow. Katie received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies from Boise State University.

Nebraska Title Company welcomes Debbie Scott to our Commercial Team.

Debbie holds both a Title Insurance Producers License and an Abstracters Certificate of Registration.

Debbie has served on the Nebraska Land Title Association’s Board of Directors (Past President) and was honored as NLTA’s Title Person of the Year in 2012. In addition to achieving the designation as a Title Professional of Nebraska, Debbie was the first person in the State of Nebraska recognized as a National Title Professional by the American Land Title Association and is currently one of four to hold the designation in the State.

Nebraska Title Company is excited to announce that Kelly Mundt has joined the Commercial Team. Kelly started her career in her family’s business, Dakota Title and Escrow Company, in 1991.

Kelly joined Nebraska Title Company as a Residential Escrow Closer when Dakota Title was acquired in 2014.

Tom Webster, Assistant Manager of the Commercial Team, commented “Kelly’s extensive experience in the industry and diverse background in real estate escrow services is a great addition to our team!”

Omaha’s awardwinning brand strategy and design firm Daake announces the addition of Katie Divine Turner to its now 15-person team. Divine Turner will serve as a senior design director for Daake, bringing eight-years of design and branding expertise to the firm. atie is a professional brand thinker and designer,” says company Principal, Greg Daake.

“We’re excited for her to hit the ground running for our clients and all this amazing growth we're experiencing.

She’s extremely talented and a great fit for who we are and where we're going.”

Divine Turner joins the Daake team following a stint at Hayneedle where she provided leadership and oversight in the creation of marketing materials for the company as well as its partners, which included print and direct mail, social media and digital advertising and overall brand identity development and expansion. The majority of her career was spent at Swanson Russell where she gained expertise in graphic design and later focused on branding, which included working with clients and internal teams to develop and strengthen brands across all marketing and advertising tactics. She often serves as a mentor to students and upcoming graphic designers to help nurture their skills and areas of expertise. Divine Turner graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Dakota, and is originally from Raymond, Nebraska.

“Daake sees design as an impactful way to communicate,” stated Divine Turner.

“It’s a community of professionals who are really passionate about doing great, transformative work — and that’s exciting to me.” About Daake: Daake is a brand strategy and design firm. Be sure to visit our website: www.daake.com

Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

27

In the Spotlight Paid Content BANKING

ACCOUNTING

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Promoted

Hired

Selected

Efrain Rosas

Jody Decker

Jeff Rickert

Commercial Lender

Partner

Pinnacle Bank

BMG Certified Public Accountants, LLP

Director of Advisor Development

Pinnacle Bank recently promoted Efrain Rosas to Commercial Lender.

In his new role, he will work with local professionals and business owners to provide a diverse range of commercial financing services. Rosas offices at 1200 Golden Gate Drive in Papillion. Rosas has 14 years of banking experience and joined Pinnacle Bank in 2017 as a Mortgage Lender.

He honorably served in both the U.S. Air Force and the Nebraska Air National Guard. He holds an associate degree in business administration from Central Community College.

Efrain participated in the 2019 class of Leadership Sarpy. He serves on the board of directors for the Armbrust YMCA and is a bilingual Home Buyer’s Education Instructor for Neighborworks Northeast Nebraska.

He also is on the Hispanic Outreach Committee at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church in Omaha. About Pinnacle Bancorp: Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp is an $11.6 billion financial holding company with 151 locations across 7 states. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

BMG Certified Public Accountants, LLP (BMG) of Lincoln is excited to announce the addition of Jody Decker of Omaha as a partner in the firm. ody has over 25 years of public accounting experience and was formerly a partner with Lutz and McDermott & Miller, PC. Jody’s specialties include auditing, tax, and consulting for individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Jody plans to split her time between BMG’s Lincoln office and a forthcoming Omaha office near 1 th and Dodge. “I’ve known Jody and worked with her on numerous projects over the years and we are absolutely thrilled to have her join us. Her expertise in auditing and tax will be extremely valuable to us and our clients” said Todd Blome, partner with BMG. BMG Certified Public Accountants, LLP and its predecessor firm have been providing professional services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profits, and governmental entities since 1924.

In addition to the traditional areas of accounting, auditing, and tax preparation, BMG also provides outsourced accounting and CFO services, performs CPA peer review services, provides bookkeeping and payroll services, and provides Quickbooks consulting services. More info on BMG can be found at www.bmgcpas.com.

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

More Americans are using Apple Pay than any other mobile-payment app

by Rex Crum

Apple, which has focused on its services business as a major source of its future revenue growth, can now claim a new title for its Apple Pay digital payment service.

According to new data from digital marketing research firm eMarketer, Apple Pay has surpassed the Starbucks mobile app as the most-popular method for making mobile payments in the United States. EMarketer said that this year, Apple Pay will be used by 30.3 million users in the United States, while Starbucks will consumers have 25.2 million users.

The reasons for Apple Pay’s growth in use are simple. More retailers have added point-of-sale systems that include the NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that Apple Pay uses to process purchase transactions, and Apple Pay can also be used at a variety of different stores. Starbucks’ app, which uses traditional product bar codes to scan products, can only be used at Starbucks stores.

The eMarketer data would appear to confirm Apple’s own upbeat comments about the growth of Apple Pay. When the company reported its fiscal third- uarter results in uly, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said Apple Pay was handling more than 1 billion transactions a month, and that its usage was growing faster than that of PayPal. Apple doesn’t disclose how much money it makes from Apple Pay transactions. But, during its third quarter, Apple said it took in $11.46 billion from services, which in addition to Apple Pay includes sales from the App Store, Apple Music and iCloud storage plans.

In terms of mobile app usage popularity, Apple Pay and Starbucks were followed by Google Pay, with 12.1 million users, and Samsung Pay and its 10.8 million app users. ©2019 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Renaissance Financial

Jeff Rickert, financial advisor for Renaissance Financial, has been named Director of Advisor Development. Jeff Rickert joined Renaissance Financial in 2009.

Jeff continues to go above and beyond for his clients as a financial advisor and is excited to add Director of Advisor

Development for the Omaha office to his title. He will be overseeing the production and progress of the firm’s developing advisors. Jeff Rickert is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Securian Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 12801 Pierce Street, Suite 300, Omaha, NE 68144. Renaissance Financial is independently owned and operated.

28

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal

Jennifer Anderson

Crystal Archer

Whitney Baker

Lisa Barton

Jamie Blanchard Schneider

Dana Burkey

Courtney Callaway

Michelle Diaz

Dr. Stephanie Dredge

Laura Essay

Colin Nabity named MBJ’s 2019 Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Cameron Gales

Jamie Hopkins

Elizabeth Kraemer

2019 Marco Kpeglo LeRoc

Honoring 40 business leaders in the Greater Omaha area under the age of 40

Colin Nabity has spent the team to double in size within past five years building and the next year. growing LeverageRx, a digAs an insurtech founder ital financial marketplace for based in the Midwest, which medical professionals. Now, has a long history as an inthe founder and CEO is col- surance hub, Nabity touts the laborating with Lincoln-based advantages of building a tech Assurity Life to launch Breeze company in Nebraska. These — an online disability insur- include a low cost of living, ance product that is strong communitailor-made for the ty support and the gig economy. ability to influence Using artificial meaningful change. intelligence and data Nabity has from users’ medical worked closely with records, Breeze conThe Startup Collabdenses the traditionorative, is a 2018 al six-to-eight-week fellow and memunderwriting process ber of the Pipeline Colin Nabity to issue policies in Entrepreneurs and just 15 minutes. The product is a member of Nebraska is distributed completely on- Entrepreneurs. LeverageRx line, making it a pioneer in a was recognized as the Most space that has major potential Innovative Startup at the 2017 for innovation and growth. YPO EDGE Global ConferThis digital-first approach has ence in Vancouver, British positioned Breeze as an early Columbia. Nabity was also disruptor in the disability insur- the winner of LendingTree’s ance market, helping it secure Innovation Challenge Compartnerships with companies petition in 2019. like Stride Health, which proNabity was invited to vides benefits to major com- speak about Breeze and the panies like Uber, Postmates collaboration with Assurity at and Instacart. the 2019 Insurtech on the SilNabity has raised capital icon Prairie conference — a from investors such as Nelnet, successful model of startups SilverStone Group and Chica- and corporations working go-based M25 Group. With 11 together to build new innovaemployees, Nabity expects the tive insurance products.

Bianca Harley

Zachory Klebba

Jenny Kruger

Laurie Matthews Tullius

Sponsored by:

2019 Woman of Distinction Cella Quinn

Erin McNeil Pogge

Jodie McGill

Kellee Mikuls

Shawntea Moheiser

Kristen Seda Kampfe

Cortney Sells

Kris Montgomery

Jeff Skalberg

Stephanie Moss

Emily O’Connor

Kari O’Neill Potts

Sara Porter

Andrea Purdy

Lynn Schneider

Allison Schorr Zach

Karine Sokpoh

Jeff Spiehs

Carolyn Sutton

Bentley Swan

Brandy Wallar

Meaghan Walls

Scott Yahnke

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

About our 2019 sponsors 2019 For more than 65 years, the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration has prepared students to become business professionals, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and company VPs and C-suite executives — locally, nationally, and internationally.

Founded in 1975, UNO’s Executive Master of Business Administration is one of the oldest programs in the nation and the only program of its kind in Nebraska. AACSB accreditation – an international gold-standard – ensures UNO EMBA students receive the same high-quality education in line with the biggest names in higher education. This 17-month alternating weekend program has thrived for over 40 years and boasts an elite alumni network,

including many with senior leadership positions in industries such as business, health care, information technology, government, and nonprofit.

An immersive international business consulting project offers professionals a unique leadership development experience, and executive-level support services make earning the prestigious degree possible for those striving to build their careers.

UNO’s CBA and Executive MBA are proud to support the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards.

The young professionals receiving awards are a testament to the talent, leadership and ambition at so many area businesses. Congratulations to this year’s winners. It’s clear we all share a passion for professional excellence and a strong devotion to the city we call home.

From transmission and distribution poles, substation structures and corrosion protection, our solutions can be custom-engineered, fabricated and delivered to any site in any combination of concrete, steel or hybrid (concrete/ steel). With Valmont Utility, you have the flexibility—through one company—to customize segments of a line with poles fabricated out of materials suited to the environment. The result is a line that is more cost effective, aesthetically pleasing and resilient.

Our global leadership and solutions-focused approach has uniquely positioned us to help shape the future. We’re partnering with power utilities to take advantage of opportunities like connecting existing power grids to help manage growing demand, bringing renewable energy (wind and solar) into the electric power grid, delivering low or zero environmental impact installations and pioneering drone technology as a critical tool for structure and line inspections. Valmont Utility is a Valmont Industries, Inc. company.

Founded in 2008, Motion Content House is one of the most prolific content marketing companies in the United States. Having produced over 6,500 videos for businesses, nonprofits, and universities for hundreds of clients in over 30 states, MCH has been a leader in digital marketing. With a keen focus on results, MCH helps owners, “C-Level” personnel, and marketing professionals modernize their respective approaches to marketing and sales.

Clients include The Creighton University Heider College of Business, Truck Center Companies, SilverStone Group, Right at Home, First Bankcard, The Lund Co., Make A Wish Nebraska, The Durham Museum, Midwest Dairy, Access Elevators & Lifts, Lauritzen Gardens, Faith Regional Health Services, Heartland Family Service, The Blackstone District, and Energy Network. Partners Dan Schneider and Zach Wallinger are excited for 2020 and beyond.

Associates, clients and communities are at the center of everything Lockton does.

As the world’s largest privately-owned, independent insurance broker and consultant, Lockton specializes in risk management, employee benefits and retirement services.

Lockton has been part of the Omaha community since 2011.

Their focus on service and strategic consulting has grown the office from seven Associates to more than 50.

Lockton Omaha’s property and casualty team partners with clients to develop risk management strategies. The service team

includes claims management and loss control experts. The employee benefits group helps clients develop and manage comprehensive health and wellness programs that include actuarial compliance, nurse advocates, data analytics and stop loss.

Lockton Omaha recently added a retirement services team of investment professionals, an ERISA attorney and former DOL auditors who advise clients on 401(k) and other retirement programs.

Lockton experts are ready to help clients protect their most valuable assets – their people, property and reputations.

Northwest Bank is a community bank with 20 locations throughout Nebraska and Iowa with more than $1.7 billion in assets.

The bank is focused on serving its communities by providing commercial banking products such as business lines of credit, equipment financing, depository services, SBA loans, commercial real estate, residential construction, mortgage loans, and the well-established consumer banking market in the neighborhoods throughout Omaha and the surrounding communities.

Northwest Bank was selected as Sarpy County’s Best Bank for Home Lending for the last 5 years. Northwest Bank has both an online mortgage application as well as a mobile app for submitting a home loan application.

John Bothof, president of Northwest Bank in Omaha, said: “Our commitment is built on personal relationships and our team

is committed to offering innovative products and giving you superior customer service.

We are active members of the communities we serve and our bankers make decisions locally.”

Northwest Bank has access to a lending limit in excess of $12 million, allowing it to support a variety of business ventures within its core commercial sector of small to midsize businesses. It is that element of Northwest Bank’s customer base that has been largely responsible for its growth and is the motivating factor behind the bank’s repeat participation as a sponsor of the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award program.

“This event does an excellent job of bringing attention to small to midsize businesses,” Bothof said. “Our sponsorship is simply a way for us to be better connected to the current and future decision makers in Omaha.”

2019 Woman of distinction

2019

Cella Quinn, a renowned retired fi- funds to help clients build wealth. She nancial professional in Omaha, left her gained clients and raised her profile by family farm and moved to Lincoln at teaching investment strategies to adult age 16 with just $44 in her pocket. After learners at area colleges and organizaworking her way through secretarial school tions. Along the way she developed her and funding her own surgery to repair a trademarked presentation, “How the severe cleft palate, she worked Comfortably Rich Get and Stay her way through the University That Way.” of Nebraska-Lincoln, gradQuinn’s motto, “Always do uating in 1971 with degrees what’s right for the client. If you in journalism and political do that, everything else will fall science. She then became a into place,” helped grow her news reporter for the Lincoln business to where she managed Journal and Associated Press. over $200 million.

While working briefly in New Among her many accomYork City, she came across a plishments, she served as the women’s magazine ad touting first woman president of the a broker’s average salary of Rotary Club of Omaha (DownQuinn $24,000, piquing her interest. town) from 1996-1997. In 2011, After applying at the Merrill she was named Businesswoman Lynch office in New York for an account of the Year by the Greater Omaha Chamexecutive position at a time when women ber. In 2014, she received the UNL Alumni weren’t typically hired for top-level posi- Achievement Award. tions, she landed in Omaha as one of the After 45 years as a financial adviser, first woman brokers hired by Merrill Lynch she sold her business in 2017. in 1972 and worked at the firm through By never taking no for an answer 1980. Smith Barney recruited her, and she and despite physical challenges, Quinn later became the first woman in the firm’s trailblazed an intrepid path, championing Chairman’s Club. women’s business opportunities through In 1992 she founded Cella Quinn networking and guiding clients to healthy Investment Services, focusing on mutual retirements.

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S CLASS OF 40 YOUNG, DYNAMIC BUSINESS LEADERS! EDUCATING ESTEEMED BUSINESS LEADERS FOR 40+ YEARS The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Executive MBA is the region’s premier 17-month alternating weekend program tailored to experienced professionals ready for a new challenge and a return on education: earning power, promotions, and an elite alumni network (to name a few).

Join us at a Networking and Recruiting Reception in 20 Learn more and RSVP at emba.unomaha.edu

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNO is an AA/EEO /ADA institution. For questions, accommodations or assistance please call/contact the Title IX/ADA/504 Coordinator (phone: 402.554.3490 or TTY 402.554.2978) or the Accessibility Services Center (phone: 402.554.2872). 0322ADCBA1018

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 Dear Readers, The MBJ Team and I are honored to present to you the 18th annual 40 Under 40 special insert. My father, the late Robert ‘Bob’ G. Hoig, founder of Midlands Business Journal, started 40 Under 40 in 2002. It was one of only a handful of 40 Under 40 awards celebrations in the country. Now you can find this kind of celebration in most medium-to-large cities in the United States. My dad knew the importance of recognizing young leaders and entrepreneurs and the part they play in creating a thriving community. Over the past 18 years, Midlands Business Journal has recognized over 700 young professionals including entrepreneurs, CEOs, nonprofit executives and business professionals.

It is also our honor to pay tribute to my father, who passed away on January 7th of this year, in this special insert. My father had a vision when he started Midlands Business Journal. His desire has always been to report on and share stories on small business in the Omaha metro area.

There were a few naysayers back in 1975 when he founded MBJ, but he proved them wrong. I believe it is safe to say that over the past 44 years, MBJ has highlighted over 20,000 local businesses and business professionals.

My father had a true entrepreneurial spirit. He was always creating something

new in his publishing business. Some of those publications included the Lincoln Business Journal, Omaha Business Journal, and Omaha Metro Update, which I later bought and is now known as metroMAGAZINE. He also loved adventure and trying new things. Dad learned to play the saxophone at age 40; traveled to Europe and visited every country in his 50s; learned how to ski in his 60s; and at the top of the list, learned how to fly at age 70 and bought a plane soon after. I find myself following in his footsteps as both an entrepreneur and adventurer.

Dad received many honors over the years, and one was particularly special to me. In 2012, my dad and I were the first father-daughter duo to receive the Omaha Press Club’s Face on the Barroom Floor honor. It was an evening that I will never forget.

What a legacy this amazing man has left! The small-business community is forever changed because of a dream, an idea Bob Hoig had back in 1975. Thanks, Dad, for following your dreams and always asking the question … ‘What else is possible?'!

Sincerely, Andrea L. "Andee" Hoig Founder & CEO Global Coordinator ALH Publications, Inc.

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

The Future is Uncertain. Better to Prepare than Predict.

STACIE NEUSSENDORFER, JD, CFP®, CAP®, CKA®, Senior Lead Advisor The world feels like a very uncertain place to me right now.

Confession: We ask ourselves these same questions and wonder what it might mean for

We can’t control the future. I realize I’m speaking to the choir here. This isn’t new news. What

You know all the reasons why. You see and feel these things, too. Perhaps you share

our portfolios!

we can do is prepare for it. This is a guiding philosophy of ours at Foster Group when it

my concern.

interest rates, negotiations with China, politics, and a possible recession. But the truth is, we

Because I work for Foster Group, a firm dedicated to truly caring for the financial lives of those we serve, many of the conversations we have with regard to this uncertainty relate to money. Here’s the short list of questions our clients have asked recently: • Where do we think the interest rate environment is headed and what does that might mean for their portfolios?

• What do we think might happen with the Chinese trade negotiations and what does that might mean for their portfolios?

• What do we think about our current political climate and what does that might mean for their portfolios?

• And does the inverted yield curve mean a recession is around the corner and what could that mean for their portfolios?

We have thoughts on what might happen with

have no certainty regarding what the shortterm future might bring and, consequently, no certainty about what that means for all our portfolios in the upcoming months.

We had an expert in the investment world come

comes to constructing portfolios for our clients.

We put together portfolios durable enough to hold up over the long term, despite any number of “tremors”: a change in interest rates, tariffs, presidents we trust or don’t trust, a recession, or a host of other things. This way, we don’t have to try to control or predict the future

speak to our firm last month. He lives in LA. People in LA live with the constant threat of an

in order for our clients to have a successful investment experience.

earthquake. In fact, they know, at some point, an earthquake will come; it’s unavoidable.

What does it mean to be Truly Cared For®?

It means we take seriously your questions

Despite this and the tremendous traffic in LA, he’s not making plans to move. Instead, he has

about the future and use proven methods to help you pursue your goals in any climate.

prepared for the time when the next earthquake will hit: He keeps a 50 gallon tank of water, a week-long supply of food, communication plans with his wife and kids, a backup battery and gas-powered generator (with gas), etc. He likes LA. I know this is hard for some of us in the Midwest to understand! The possibility of an earthquake isn’t scaring him away.

With thoughtful planning and well-constructed portfolios, ones that include some portions more likely to grow in good times and others more likely to preserve needed assets in hard times, we can help you prepare for whatever the future might bring. We’d love to talk more if you’re interested.

All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.

Foster Group® provides customized financial planning and investment management services to people who are looking for more. Not more status … but more purpose. We use tested methods intended to help you reach your goals, whether you want to send your grandkids to an equestrian academy or fund an equestrian therapy program. It’s all part of being Truly Cared For®.

WEALTH WITH

MORE PURPOSE

Call us at 866.242.7629 or visit fostergrp.com/MBJ

PLEASE NOTE LIMITATIONS: Please see Important Advertising Disclosure Information and the limitations of any ranking/recognitions, at www.fostergrp.com/advertising-disclosure/. A copy of our current written disclosure statement as set forth on Part 2A of Form ADV is available at www.adviserinfo. sec.gov. ©2019 Foster Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Past 40 Under 40 winners making impact on Greater Omaha community

by Gabby Christensen

Over the years, the Midlands Business Journal has presented hundreds of 40 Under 40 Awards to deserving business leaders throughout the Omaha area. Since accepting their awards, many past winners have continued to excel professionally.

Nearly a decade ago, Craig Moody, managing principal and co-owner of Verdis Group, accepted his 40 Under 40 award. Since then, he has grown his business’ national footprint, which has doubled in size from 2018 to 2019.

C u r r e n t l y, t h e company is working on a number of large projects, including the City of Lincoln Moody Climate Action Plan, Minneapolis/Saint Paul Airport Sustainability Plan, Dallas Zoo Sustainability Master Plan, as well as several large clients in Omaha with entities such as First National Bank, Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Medicine/UNMC, Methodist Health System, Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and Omaha’s Downtown & Midtown Mobility Study.

Moody was also elected to the OPPD board of directors in 2016 and currently serves as board vice chair.

In 2019, he was also the recipient of the Energy Leadership Award from Nebraska Conservation Voters.

Additionally, Moody serves as the chair of Metro Transit’s ORBT stakeholder committee.

Dusty Davidson, CEO of Flywheel, had just started his first company when he received his 40 Under 40 Award in 2008. Since then, he’s founded Flywheel, which has quickly grown over the past seven years, approaching nearly 250 employees.

The company, which has been acquired by

In 2015, Erika Overturff, founder of the American Midwest Ballet, received a 40 Under 40 award and this year, she is celebrating the 10th anniversary season of the American Midwest Ballet.

“We’ve had many exciting developments over the last few years,” she said. “We’ve changed our name from Ballet Nebraska to American Midwest Ballet to reflect our role

Davidson Overturff another company out of Austin, was named the “Fastest Growing Company in Nebraska” by Inc. Magazine.

Davidson said the company continues to make a big impact on the Omaha tech scene and has plans to move its headquarters to Millwork Commons in north Omaha with goals to revitalize the area.

This project is expected to hit in the summer of 2020.

“It’s exciting to reflect back on the time period when I won the 40 Under 40 award,” he said. “It’s nice to think that I was making an impact then and I hope I can continue to do so.”

Jacobson Gubbels in the region. We’ve significantly increased our operating support funding, allowing us to strengthen operations. We’ve established the American Midwest Ballet School, a wonderful training ground for young dancers.”

Overturff said the company currently has 29 professional dancers from 19 different states.

“We are moving into our stunning new home at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center,” she said. “Maybe the most special accomplishment is the more than 40 beautiful ballets we’ve staged over the years, at home and on tour, and the many wonderful people who have been a part of it.”

Rachel Jacobson, executive director of Film Streams, received her 40 Under 40 Award in 2006.

Since then, Film Streams opened its twoscreen cinema, the Ruth Sokolof Theater, in north downtown. More recently, the organization completed a campaign and building project to renovate Film Streams’ second venue, the historic Dundee Theater.

Over the past decade, Film Streams has presented more than 600 new releases, returned more than 1,000 classics to the big screen, presented over 200 collaborative screenings with diverse community organizations, hosted over 150 Q&As with visiting artists, and programmed more than two-dozen silent films with live musical accompaniment.

“Looking ahead, our primary focus is about strengthening and deepening our current programs and planning for the long-term future of our organization and our two cinemas,” she said.

Since receiving his 40 Under 40 Award in 2003, Brian Gubbels started running DataShield in 2010, and currently serves as president/CEO. For the third year in a row, the company has been listed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list.

Over the past decade, Gubbels has also served on the Greater Omaha Chamber board.

He also currently serves on the Tri-Faith Initiative board and is a member of the Entrepreneur Organization of Nebraska, in which he has previously served on the board, as well.

Gubbels received the Chairman’s Award Continued on page 8.

Lockton is proud to serve as a sponsor for the Midlands Business Journal

40 Under 40 Bob Hoig built a great business and provided a weekly service to the Omaha community with the MBJ. He was a great role model for work hard, play hard and remained adventurous into his eighties.

I considered Bob a friend and miss him.

– Jack Struyk

WE LIVE SERVICE!® Risk management | Employee benefits | Retirement services 13710 FNB Parkway, Suite 400 • Omaha, NE 68154 • 402.970.6100 © 2019 Lockton, Inc. All rights reserved.

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MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Challenging the status quo with diversity, equity and inclusion workplace initiatives

by Savannah Behrends

From profits to employee retention numbers, ensuring a company has a diverse and inclusive culture can do more than just promote a good public image. The proof is in numerous studies.

One study by the Boston Consulting Group reported that companies with higher levels of leadership diversity reported revenue that was 19% higher than below-average leadership diversity.

When Forbes asked 321 companies with revenues of $10 billion or more if diversity and inclusion was crucial to ongoing success 85% agreed, Watkins 48% of which strongly agreed.

Why? Local organizations say the answer is simple.

“Diversity promotes innovation and inclusion allows that innovation to be put into action,” said Inclusive Communities Deputy Director Cammy Watkins. “Businesses that invest in diversity are better suited for the changes that occur in our society, in industries and in our communities.”

It’s more than race and gender While most companies have long been aware of inequities in gender and race, those

Past 40/40 winners

Continued from page 6. of Excellence presented by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

He said the 40 Under 40 Awards provide a great opportunity for the Omaha area to connect.

“The Midlands Business Journal does a great job of making the Omaha community smaller for all of us,” Gubbels said. “This awards ceremony especially gives professionals a chance to hear about others in the community and what they are working on.”

two categories only scratch the surface.

“It’s about the intersection of identities — which includes: education level, criminal background, sexual orientation, religious, political, and any other identities that shape a person’s value system,” Watkins said.

What makes hiring those different identities challenging for leadership sometimes is what’s referred to as unconscious bias — the tendency to surround oneself with similar individuals and think less of those outside that group.

The lack of women in leadership roles is one example. Of 1,000 Fortune 500 companies only 33 are Roccaforte lead by women CEOs. Of those 33 CEOs only one is openly gay, the first on the Fortune 500 list, and only five are people of color. Also notable, women account for 22% of Fortune 500 board of director seats.

“We don’t know that [unconscious bias] is there until we say something that someone has a reaction to,” said Laura Roccaforte, president and CEO of The Learning Exchange. “What organizations need to know is that it’s invisible, it’s personal, it’s cultural, its institutional, and we all have it.”

The first step towards creating a more diverse workforce is to take an honest assessment of the current state of things. As the face of an organization, Watkins said leadership must be invested in moving the dial.

“However, the weight of this work can not rest on the shoulders of one individual,” she said. “The sustainability of this work comes from multiple individuals at various levels driving the strategy around DEI work.”

Making sure that there are also different levels of diversity at each level is also key, said The Empowerment Network’s Inclusion Senior Director Damita Byrd.

She suggested that companies look at their Continued on page 10.

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

2019 40 Under 40 Sponsors platinum

GOld

silver

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Community involvement a key priority for young professionals

by Barbie Mully

Many businesses, professionals and charitable organizations agree that a community strong with participation fosters growth as well as pride. Everyone wins.

“Young professionals across the region are highly engaged in efforts related to service,” said Sarah Moylan, senior director of talent at the Greater Omaha Chamber.

“The biggest benefit to a young professional is empowerment,” said Nathan Jones, president of the Omaha Jaycees.

“Besides the obvious Moylan tangible impression on the community, involvement shows them they have the knowledge and ability to make an impact.”

Young professionals in the Omaha community are fortunate because they have a variety of options available for them to be-

come involved, said LeAnne Morman, senior account executive at Lukas Partners.

“Organizations like Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and Share Omaha are good hubs to discover volunteer opportunities that could fit within busy schedules,” she said.

Marjorie Maas, executive director at Share Omaha, said, “We promote four pillars of involvement — volunteering, donating, in-kind shopping and event attendance.

Our mission is to help other nonprofits fulfill their missions though raising beneficial public support and service.”

Morman The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Omaha is an example of a professional development and direct service group with a mission to give back while offering social and professional development for emerging young leaders, according to Moylan.

Congratulations,

Scott Yahnke!

Thank you for your valuable contributions to our team, our clients and the community.

“The network shares information about ways to support, donate and get involved in a variety of efforts,” she said.

Pursuing a passion or pushing past a familiar comfort zone might help young professionals discover an opportunity to give back, according to Jones.

“Young people who make the choice to be involved want to make a difference beyond themselves,” he said. “They, in turn, gain friendships and develop a well-rounded worldview through networking with people of different backgrounds.”

Jones said the Omaha Jaycees offer

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives Continued from page 8. community and customer base for inspiration.

“Consumers are smart and they look for companies that embody what they believe and they make decisions on whether to work for a company or buy a product [based on those values],” Byrd said.

It’s more than numbers “It’s easy to hire folks that look and think differently from each other, it’s uncomfortable and sometimes takes longer to be intentional about including all those voices,” Watkins said.

Inclusion doesn’t take form in strictly leadership roles, but also in employee groups.

While some groups may be for a specific demographic, such as a women’s group or veterans group, making sure that everyone is invited and welcome is key.

Giving employees additional avenues for personal and professional growth can also help lift up target demographics. For example,

alcoholic beverage company Diageo PLC, a Fortune 500 company ranked No. 2 in the Refinitiv Global Diversity & Inclusion Index, introduced Plan W in addition to setting a senior leadership goal of 35% by 2020.

Plan W targets not only women within the company with access to additional educating and skills training but also the communities they’re in and the alcohol beverage industry as a whole. As of 2017 the program has helped 315,000 women in 17 countries.

Locally, Byrd highlighted OPPD, American National Bank and CHI Health as companies pushing the needle.

“They’re making the effort to make sure that Omaha is a city that has organizations that look and feel diverse in every area,” she said.

Organizations such as Inclusive Communities, The Empowerment Network, ICAN and others are also invested in this vision and help companies through workshops and training.

Celebrating 40 Under 40 It is our pleasure to continue to serve with and alongside the leaders serving the Omaha community.

YOU make us better, together!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

2019 40 Under 40 Honoree Scott Yahnke

monthly engagement and volunteer activities, as well as focused annual events including the Beer & Bacon Festival and Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO).

Morman said nonprofits like Outlook Nebraska, Business Ethics Alliance, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Children’s Home and Wounded Warriors Family Support are good places to consider volunteering.

“Meetup.com is another good resource to find groups that align with interests,” she said.

“Omaha.com, WOWT and KMTV each have Continued on next page.

| Agriculture Program Coordinator

Immanuel.com Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

FY20_0313_IMM

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Profiles of our 40 Under 40 award winners for 2019 appear on the following pages.

2019

A feature story on each winner will appear in the coming issues of the Midlands Business Journal.

Community involvement

Continued from preceding page. community calendars online.”

Moylan suggested utilizing other online tools to learn more about ways to get involved.

“One such tool is the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Engagement Directory which provides short snippets of information about ways to connect and become a part of a community group,” she said.

Maas stressed that giving back doesn’t have to be a challenge. Focusing on personal talent and available time can be key.

“Raise your hand for a committee seat,” she said. “See who is sourcing for board members, give your skill pro bono to an agency needing practical help, or begin donating the resources helping nonprofits’ success for their clients.”

Jones said following organizations

though related social media and association websites is a good way to learn about opportunities and sign up for events.

“The Jaycees welcome nonmembers at events and meetings,” he said. “Several organizations extend ongoing invites to come and see what they are about. Check it out, see if it’s a good fit.”

Young professionals in the Omaha area will find that many employers place great value in having employees engaged in the community and offer support to become involved, according to Maas.

“Oftentimes, young professionals can be engaged through their employer’s ERG (employee resource group) and participate in service related to the company’s overall mission and philanthropic strategy,” Moylan said.

“Some employers even offer VTO or volunteer time off, which is paid time off to volunteer in the community,” Morman said.

Jennifer Anderson, 32 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Jennifer Anderson has worked four of her eight years in health care at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center — her greatest source of pride, echoing the free, quality care she received at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago following an accident at age five. These many treatments made an impression; Anderson saw a career in pediatric health care in her future.

Anderson The Perioperative Services Business Manager oversees business operations and financial functions for all areas of surgery. Anderson collaborates across disciplines to develop profitability-boosting and efficiency-enhancing systems, processes, plans, strategies, and programs. Representing the surgical division on the Children’s Sustainability Committee, Anderson plans for the organization’s long-term future. Interim Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Donny Suh chose Anderson for her project leadership skills and ambition to work with his nonprofit, Mission Vision, which prevents and treats childhood eye diseases, locally and worldwide.

As operations and development manager, Anderson previously opened Midwest Eye Care, P.C.’s sixth retail location in Bellevue and coordinated a program to provide free cataract surgery to the uninsured. During a two-year group practice management

Congratulations Kari O’Neill Potts Vice President & General Counsel Valmont Utility At Valmont® our employees are the cornerstone to our success.

We’re proud to honor our very own Kari O’Neill Potts as one of best and brightest emerging leaders in Omaha being recognized by Midland Business Journal 40 under 40. Your passion and dedication to the work you do for Valmont is truly inspirational.

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fellowship, she worked with the practice’s CEO/administrator.

Anderson was selected to complete training that emphasized the interdisciplinary process to the evaluation and treatment of children and youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities while earning her Master of Health Administration at the University of Missouri in Columbia. As an administrative intern, Anderson worked directly with the University of Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Institute’s CEO on physician recruitment and onboarding.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Anderson earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management.

Nominated by Barb Schwarz, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Crystal Archer, 38 PJ Morgan Real Estate

When Crystal Archer landed in Omaha in 2005 from Washington D.C., her immediate goal was to be a stay-at-home mom.

Two kids later, as the youngest was preparing to head off to kindergarten, she started looking around to build a new career.

She chose real estate.

Archer, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business adminisArcher tration from Kansas State University, earned her real estate license in 2011. After a short stint with what is now Nebraska Realty, she joined PJ Morgan Real Continued on next page.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Crystal Archer Continued from preceding page.

Estate. Since that time, she has risen through the ranks of the industry.

In 2014, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Omaha chapter. She followed that up by twice ranking as the top agent in residential sales transactions at PJ Morgan Real Estate in 2017 and 2018.

She credits her rise in the industry to the guidance of mentors, which developed in her a desire to work with other agents new to the industry. She’s actively served as a mentor for others in real estate ever since.

In addition to individual accolades, Archer has also become an engaged activist for the industry. In 2016, she simultaneously was president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Omaha chapter and participated in the 2016 Nebraska REALTORS® Association Leadership Academy. In 2017, she began a two-year term on the Omaha Area Board of REALTORS® board of directors, the same year she served as Omaha Area Board of REALTORS® Education Forum chairman.

Nominated by Susan Clark, PJ Morgan Real Estate

Whitney Baker, 33 MENTOR Nebraska

Over the course of the past 10 years, Whitney Baker, associate director at MENTOR Nebraska, has worked to grow the organization, which has since expanded to support mentoring programs throughout the state of Nebraska.

In her role, Baker uses a data driven approach to identify community needs for quality mentoring services.

In 2013, Baker oversaw the implementa-

tion of Youth Initiated Mentoring. Since then, the model has successfully served hundreds of youths and has received national recognition and accolades.

Additionally, Baker oversaw the implementation of the Success Mentors model in 13 Omaha Public Schools in the 2018-19 school year. This model, specifically designed to reach chronically absent students, will be implemented in 26 schools in OPS and 11 schools in Grand Island in the 2019-20 school year.

In addition to her work in Nebraska, Baker has provided Baker technical assistance for mentoring programs across the Midwest, and has developed mentoring curriculum for Kansas City Public Schools, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the NBA Player’s Association.

Baker has also spoken at the National Mentoring Summit, and now serves as vice chair of the National Mentoring Affiliate Advisory Council.

Currently, Baker is a grant reviewer for the Iowa Department of Public Health and a member of the American Society of Public Administration. She has previously held numerous mentoring roles and is a volunteer for CASA in Douglas County.

Baker received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nominated by Deborah Neary, MENTOR Nebraska

Lisa Barton, 35 Makovicka Physical Therapy

Lisa Mieras Barton had planned to be a nurse. She enrolled at College of Saint Mary and even played on the softball team, but the field of health information management beckoned.

She began her studies at American InterContinental University, and when she reached the unit on billing, she realized how much she loved the math, the problem solving and the entire revenue cycle.

She graduated with a Barton Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Management, Magna Cum Laude, and began a 13-year career in the industry.

In 2013, Barton joined Makovicka Physical Therapy as a billing specialist when the firm was preparing to open its fifth clinic. She provided thoughtful evaluation and helped to establish processes for managing billing growth as the company expanded to its 17 locations in several Nebraska towns, including Omaha, Lincoln, Wahoo, Valley, Yutan and Plattsmouth. She was recently promoted to chief financial officer.

In 2011 Barton received the Certified Professional Coder Certification (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and in 2014 she received AAPC’s Certified Professional Medical Auditor certification (CPMA).

In 2016 Kareo, a national billing technology company, recognized Barton for creating Innovative Reporting Formats, which the firm

now uses with all of its customers across the country.

Barton is an active board member and current secretary for the Nebraska SIDS Foundation.

Nominated by Kathy Byrnes, Makovicka Physical Therapy

Jamie Blanchard Schneider, 34 American Heart Association

Leading her region of the American Heart Association to a 50% increase in social media engagements over the past year, Jamie Blanchard Schneider has helped to bring life-saving awareness to more than one million new viewers.

In a marketing and communications role since she joined the organization in 2015, she has increased the overall monthly social media engagement by more than 987%.

Schneider is reBlanchard gional vice president of communications and marketing for the American Heart Association. She is responsible for overseeing the Midwest digital strategy, which includes 89 accounts in 13 states.

She directly manages staff in Kansas City.

Prior to her work with the American Heart Association, Schneider worked for the United States Olympic Committee and Paralympic Movement. She was the voice of the U.S. Paralympics social media platforms and grew the organization’s Facebook and Twitter followers to an all-time high.

Schneider is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has a bachelor’s degree Continued on page 16.

CONGRATULATIONS! Jenny Kruger

2019 Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 Award Winner

s t a r g n Co ! n i r E Congratulations on being awarded Midlands Business Journal’s 2019 40 Under 40! Your professionalism and dedication is an inspiration to us all.

Jenny Kruger Dean of Communication and Fine Arts Iowa Western Community College

ERIN M. POGGE 2019 40 UNDER 40 RECIPIENT

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

13

Memories of late founder Bob Hoig “I wrote for Bob for 47 years, starting as a recent UNO graduate in May 1972. As a thenfull time employee of the Douglas County Gazette and Metro newspapers in 1973, I was impressed as to how much a rookie could learn from Bob, then a 39-year-old who had been appointed managing editor of the two papers. He imparted a great reverence for working the ‘beat’ and the importance it had in leading to story ideas that were not being covered by the local daily or other dominant weekly. On Thursday of each week I was assigned to the little-used press room at the interim city hall building where I would use one of the two or three manual typewriters on which to write my stories. An older wellworn phone was also provided with each desk. Bob’s belief was that by being stationed where the decision-makers of municipal government were would encourage our then suburban-focused weekly Gazette publications to get leads for story ideas beyond the usual Western Douglas County school, business and family celebrations. From a feature on a retired Ak-Sar-Ben superintendent and Chermont Ballroom manager who once had his Omaha driveway shoveled out by bandleader Lawrence Welk after a heavy snow to larger roundups on west Omaha shopping center developments, how Millard residents were adjusting to the annexation of their city by Omaha, a new street maintenance plan by Omaha’s public works department, and a two-part story on this reporter’s ride-along with an Omaha Police officer on a busy Friday evening shift at a time when police-community relations remained strained by civil disturbances five years earlier, Bob was insistent on getting a mix of compelling stories for the papers. His pursuit of ‘news’ remained relentless when in 1975 — against all odds — he started MBJ. He was the consummate journalist for whom getting the story and writing it well was the foundation for a publication’s success.”

-Rich Brown “In 2012, the Omaha Press Club honored Bob and Andee Hoig as its 134th Face on the Barroom Floor. It was a memorable night.

Roasters for the event included Omaha’s ‘First Lady of Humor’ (Mary Maxwell), financier-author George Morgan, KMTV “Morning Blend” hosts Mike DiGiacomo and Mary Nelson, and Stuart Chittenden, Bob’s stepson-in-law.

Bob Hoig had just celebrated his 80th birthday. Jokes were plentiful and most of them were directed at Bob. Maxwell led off the roast by noting that Bob often wears a T-shirt that says: ‘You don’t scare me — I have a daughter.’

Morgan carried a glass of wine to the lectern, saying: ‘This is the first and last free drink I’ve ever gotten out of Bob.’ Many of the barbs were directed at Bob’s conservative political views.

Maxwell said, ‘Bob is pretty conservative; Andee is not. She doesn’t even read his editorials. Some people argue that Bob is so conservative he doesn’t even make left turns when he is driving.’

Chittenden added, ‘Bob has an odd-looking plane. In our political climate and these times of cuts, he made some alterations. He just couldn’t see the point of the left wing.’

It was a tremendous recognition of Bob and Andee and the unique niche they have carved out in the Omaha media world.

He was truly one-of-a-kind and will never be forgotten.

RIP, Bob.” -Tom O’Connor

“Ideal first boss! Firm, fair, funny, focused. Loved how his eyes would dart back and forth in enthusiasm as he concocted a new idea, rapid-fire. Really built my confidence as a reporter by giving me a lot of rope. Priceless contributions to the business and journalism communities. Great sax player, too! RIP and many thanks.”

-Susan Darst

“Bob was very patient with me, and trusting, giving me my first opportunity as a photographer and later allowing me to venture into production, advertising and writing. Even on the tennis court, Bob was gracious and allowed me to win a few games now and then — just a taste of victory — enough to encourage me to play harder, yet remind me that I still have a lot to learn. Bob, you prepared me well for life. Thank you!”

-Kim Stevens

“Bob Hoig was a member of Westroads Racquet Club for many years, where he played tennis in the middle of the afternoon on most weekdays. I also was a member there, and had many racquetball games at approximately the same time Bob played. We would meet in the locker room, to shower and clean up, following our matches before returning to work.

Our lockers were right across from each others and we would talk about all the current events, family, business and our ability or lack of it on the courts. This goes back to the 1980s and ‘90s when Bob was working hard to build a following and a strong subscription base for the Midlands Business Journal. Bob was always a gentleman and asked a lot of questions about me and my work and shared many personal stories of his own. I considered Bob a good friend, even though I was about twenty years his junior. Bob always made my day brighter as a locker room buddy with a kind heart and an inquisitive mind.”

-Joe Kizer

“I started writing for the MBJ in 1994.

Since I worked from my home in Lincoln, I rarely went to the office. I’d spoken to Bob a few times on the phone, but once when he was in Lincoln he stopped in.

We talked for only about 10 minutes, primarily about journalism, the responsibilities of a journalist, and how to write a good story. I had been writing and publishing for many years before I joined the MBJ, but I learned more about my craft from Bob in that 10-minute conversation than I had in all of the years I had been writing. I was deeply impressed with his knowledge, his depth of experience, and his passion.”

-David Kubicek

Since I first started advertising with Bob and MBJ back in the ‘90s he was always a pleasure to do business with.

I would stop in the office to drop off my payment for an ad and he would see me at the front desk and insist I came into his office to visit with him. He always had a cheerful smile and made me feel important. He had that way about him.

I consider myself very fortunate to have gotten to know him and do business with him. I believe Omaha is a better place because of Bob and his contributions to our community.”

-Van Deeb

“Every teenager should have two life-lesson jobs: de-tassling corn, and working for Bob Hoig. I was 17 and still in high school when Bob hired me for summer work — which was my first job that was not babysitting or de-tassling. He was a tough boss, and there were days when I preferred the straw boss. But I learned when he was critical, and benefited when he was generous with the opportunities he gave me.

Bob was working for the Douglas County Gazette at the time, and running some smaller newspapers covering Omaha social events and other special interests. Because Bob had so many ideas and was fearless in pursuing them, I can’t remember each one of his publications, but I’m sure I did some of the darkroom work and photo developing for all of the early ventures.

That summer of 1974, Nixon was resigning, so I was aware early on of Bob’s political leanings. I also was aware that he was more than willing to give an eager kid a chance to try new things. When I got bored selling subscriptions to the papers he managed, he let me try darkroom work, covering and photographing social events and a few small business profiles.

When he started the Midlands Business Journal in 1975, I was out of high school and joined him there at the Rapid Printing office. Two weeks later, I had a chance to join a daily newspaper full-time, based on the experience I gained working for Bob. It had been a fruitful training ground where I learned to meet people, learn how to interact with different personality types and when necessary, advocate for myself.

In 1980, I returned to the Midlands Business Journal and continued to build my skills, and Bob taught me how to ask questions that would get to the root of business owners’ challenges and solutions to share with MBJ readers. That, too, was a valuable skill that continues to serve me well. I also learned a great deal from story subjects.

While my career path would continue to public relations, medical writing and graphic design, I continued to have a freelance relationship with Bob and the MBJ, and with Andrea, who I had seen grow from a child to a publishing mogul herself. I can’t help but feel especially proud of her, like I watched a flower blossom.

Because I learned so much from Bob through my career, I encouraged my then college-aged daughter to approach him for a job, too. ‘You’ll learn how to work with everyone, he’s tough, he’s kind, he’s a challenge, and you’ll learn diplomacy.’

Jordan indeed loved the job, starting as a research assistant, then eventually writing a number of business articles and doing photography, which she loves. Today, her writing and communication skills, combined with her psychology degree, have helped her as an Omaha Police officer. Communication and people skills — definitely an advantage on Omaha’s mean streets.

Bob gave me a chance because he worked with my mother, Martha Line. He gave my daughter a chance because he worked with me. Although we all had different journeys, Bob was a huge part of each one. We miss him, we share our favorite stories, and talk about him as we do our own family. To us, he really was.”

-Nancy Line Jacobs “Forever ago, Bob Hoig and I worked together at the SUN Newspapers of Omaha, owned

by Warren Buffett at the time. I was the assistant publisher, and Bob was the managing editor. One day, when we were discussing how we could improve our news product based on the needs of our subscribers, Bob shared a quote with me that I never forgot; a quote that I used and shared throughout the rest of my adult working career, and a quote that I still use today as a retired SCORE volunteer certified mentor and workshop trainer. It was a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that read, ‘It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life, that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.’ To me, that quote epitomizes the ‘personal’ relationship Bob Hoig strived to have with his readers at the SUN, and later on with his readers at the Midlands Business Journal. Bob was all about headlines and introductory statements about real people that tie pieces together, then the stories would flow with thumbnail photos. He called it ‘Roundup,’ and told me at the time that it was an old wire service term that he liked and had picked up at UPI.” -Bill Encell

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Robert Gregg “Bob” Hoig (September 11, 1932 - January, 7th 2019) was the father of metroMAGAZINE’s publisher, Andee Hoig. The respected journalist, publisher and entrepreneur was the inspiration for his daughter’s career and originated the publication that Andee purchased from him in 1996 and evolved into this magazine.

After his remarkable recovery from a series of serious illnesses in 2017, Andee wanted to pay tribute to her father when he could appreciate the honor and personally contribute to the telling of his story. An in-depth biography covering Bob’s remarkable career, professional and personal accomplishments, and life served as the Fall 2017 metroMAGAZINE cover story.

After a short illness, Bob passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 7, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Martha; sister Cindy (Ken) Nisley; son Oliver (Robin); daughter Andrea “Andee”; son Noel (Andrea) of Omaha; stepson Jim (Carmen) Pearson; stepdaughter Amy (Stuart) Chittenden; grandchildren Ivy, Noel, Bailey, Ryan, Braden and Griffin; and former wife Mary Lou. Bob’s loved ones were grateful for the last months with him, an especially meaningful time for the family.

Following is the article published in the August 2017 issue of metroMAGAZINE. As publisher of the Midlands Business Journal, the regional weekly business newspaper he founded in 1975, Robert Gregg “Bob” Hoig has become a well-known figure in the community who’s been lauded repeatedly for his professional and civic accomplishments. In the last five years alone, Hoig was inducted into the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Business Hall of Fame, selected as the Omahan of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, and doubly honored by the Omaha Press Club as part of the first father-daughter “Faces on the Barroom Floor” (with Andee Hoig, publisher of metroMAGAZINE) and by being inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

As he approaches his 85th birthday in September, Hoig can reflect on a remarkable life. But what’s most remarkable now for him is life.

After a heart attack, several strokes and a bout with pneumonia earlier this year, his prognosis was grim.

His heartbroken family was making hospice arrangements and preparing themselves for the painful task of planning memorial services in the midst of their grief.

But Hoig surprised everyone.

Instead of mourning the end of his life, the family is delighted to be supporting him as he makes an incredible and unexpected recovery.

“To me, he’s come back to life,” Andee Hoig said. “That he’s still here and doing great is amazing.”

It’s not the first time Hoig has

amazed the people around him. It’s not even the first time he’s beaten the odds medically. When Hoig was two years old and critically ill, his grandparents—who were raising him at the time—were told “flatout that my chances were one in a thousand,” he said.

But “It was a bit of luck having the grandparents I had,” Hoig said.

“Granddad worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad.” What sounds like a minor biographical fact was actually an extremely fortunate situation: Hoig’s grandfather’s employment meant his grandson could be admitted to a particular hospital that just happened to have a physician on staff with the rare expertise needed to treat him. In short, Hoig lost a kidney instead of his life. And he hasn’t slowed down since.

In fact, his current state of recuperation is a testament to the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. Hoig said he’s glad he quit smoking cold turkey and gave up alcohol—once hallmarks of a newsman—decades ago. He ignored standard retirement age almost two decades ago. He took his first flying lessons in 2000, the year he turned 63. He took up skiing in middle age and continued well into his 70s. He’s been a swimmer for years. And he even began playing saxophone later in life.

“It never occurred to me to place some kind of age restriction on what I could do if I was really interested,” he said. “In fact, it was more like a powerful current, where once I got in the current I was just rafted along.”

Being pulled into a current is an apt metaphor for the start of his journalism career, too. Hoig was only 24 in 1957, hoping to make his way in New York City. On his way to a promising job interview with a major airline, something caught his eye.

“I was walking in the 200 block of East 42nd Street. There was this building, this beautiful building with a big globe in the lobby I caught in my peripheral vision,” he recalled.

It was the New York Daily News. Hoig had a little college under his belt but no journalism background or even any previous aspirations to be a reporter. At the time, he actually fancied himself to be more of a poet, despite criticism received at age 18 that he recalls to this day: “Your work strikes me as a strange mixture of banking and alchemy.”

Something else struck the hiring manager. “I had plenty of derring-do about me, chutzpah. I’d try anything,” Hoig said. He managed to get himself hired as a copy boy, and soon worked his way into a promotion.

“It was a very fortuitous way to get started in that business, with that newspaper, because in those days, you had to work your way up internally. So I landed on my feet with that,” he said. “Landing such an important newspaper job at that

age was wonderful. Other papers in town, they wouldn’t even talk to you.”

Over the next two decades, Hoig also wrote for the Miami News, wire service United Press International, the Lincoln Journal and the Omaha World-Herald. He also served as managing editor of Omaha Sun and the Douglas County Gazette.

During much of his tenure as a writer, Hoig served as a crime and corruption reporter. An early highlight was covering a Sheldon, Iowa, banking scandal for UPI that was picked up all over the country.

In 1971, Hoig was nominated for a Pulitzer for an Omaha World-Herald series on sexual psychopaths at what was then the Nebraska State Hospital; it led to changes in state law. He also interviewed a host of legendary figures from World War I-era pilot and later Eastern Airlines Chairman Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker and Everest climber Sir Edmund Hillary to former presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

The gregarious Hoig became acquainted with some interesting everyday people as well.

“Some people, you meet and they seem really screwy. But you get to know them for a while and you listen to their ideas and they become more familiar. And eventually–you discard the ones who are really screwy, and some they grow on you,” he said.

Hoig’s colleagues ranged from brilliant to barely competent. “You get around enough of these kind of people and you just think, ‘I don’t want to let them call the shots for my life.’” By the mid-’70s, “I finally, frankly, just became tired of working for other people.”

As a reporter, Hoig had to be

independent and self-driven, qualities that suited a latent entrepreneur.

“I always thought I would be sort of a Warren Buffett figure, somebody who would amass different businesses and run them all brilliantly,” he said. “It happened that I didn’t have the proper credentials for that kind of thinking. I was much too anxious to not make mistakes, which is not a good habit for an entrepreneur. I soon got rid of that habit, but then just losing that habit doesn’t guarantee you’re going to find a good one.”

So although he didn’t aspire to be a mogul, he did see an opportune niche in Omaha media. In 1975, Hoig launched the Midlands Business Journal. The fledgling publication had some serious detractors. “‘No chance.’ ‘It’s foolish.’” he recalled. A colleague told him, “Within a week you’ll be begging for your job back at the Herald.”

“My response was, ‘Just find a way to help me get some advertising and I won’t be back begging for a job from anybody; I’ll be on my own and successful.’”

Even the optimists were hesitant to commit.

“People very quickly offer their support but you find that there can be quite a time lapse between when it’s supposedly going to come and when it actually does,” Hoig said. “Anybody who’s ever started their own paper can sympathize with that.”

The Midlands Business Journal slowly gained steam and a name for itself.

“I did have the good wishes of a guy who billed himself as a ‘futurist.’ He saw a copy of one of the papers we’d set around the lobby of different hotels and one of them was where he was staying,” Hoig said.

“And he said, ‘I saw your paper, and to me, that’s the thing of the future.’

It caught the eye of somebody who stood out in his area, and that further spurred me on.”

With increasing success, Hoig learned to take risks.

“It’s one of the hallmarks of my definition of an entrepreneur, if you’re willing to try things that hold promise and then abandon them quickly without a lot of tears,” he said.

His many successful ventures include adding the Lincoln Business Journal in 1996 and the annual “40 Under 40” awards started in 2002 to honor young businesspeople. Hoig said innovation isn’t always about coming up with something new.

“It’s more a question of being willing to steal something,” he said. “You know, I was far from the first ‘40 Under 40’ program in the country.”

Kim Davis worked for Hoig as a new college graduate when the Midlands Business Journal was still a relatively young venture.

“I look back fondly on those years,” she said. “Bob is remarkable.”

Davis recalled her two and a half years at the paper, her very first job before leaving to pursue a master’s degree, as a great learning experience.

“It was hard work, but it was good work, and he set an example for a young person just starting out,” she said. “He was supremely ethical in everything, and it taught me the value of hard work. We had to do 10 stories a week, two a day, and those weren’t short stories. And we also had to work on Saturday mornings…You learned a valuable work ethic when you worked for him, and he was right there next to

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • you. It wasn’t as though he was out golfing or something.

“He was very proud of his paper, you could tell he was he had very high expectations for it. Once he began to trust you he didn’t micromanage. But he did review every story.”

Davis said Hoig had a distinctive brand of criticism and a “tell it like it is” approach to writing evident when he returned the first draft she submitted to him.

“It was covered in red ink. I made the changes, and after looking at what I had written and what the suggestions had been, it was a way better article when he made the changes to it,” she said. “He sat me down and said he didn’t want me to be disappointed; he was very nurturing even then. And he said, ‘Here’s the thing, Kim. A lot of people who read the magazine, they know what the word ameliorate means, but they didn’t want to have to think that hard.’ I’m like, ‘Okay, I get it. You’re spending a lot of time making it pretty and that’s not what anyone wants.’”

Davis still works in the field of communications today as the vice president of development for the Nebraska Humane Society. Her time at the Midlands Business Journal was in the era of manual typewriters, pre-Internet and email, but she said many of the skills she learned there she still uses today. “I learned to act like a professional.”

Linda Lovgren, president and CEO of Lovgren Marketing Group, has also known Hoig since the early days of the Midlands Business Journal and said she sees his legacy as even larger than being a publisher: local champion of small businesses.

“Bob, through his publication, and personally as well because he’s such an advocate, has given small businesses visibility they might not otherwise have had, and a way to build their brand,” she said. “The

success of a business is the sum of all the people who have influenced the life of a business, and he certainly has been one of those individuals.”

Lovgren isn’t alone in characterizing Hoig as an important catalyst for business development.

Cella Quinn, president of Cella Quinn Investment Services, said, “Bob helped small businesses grow by telling us about each other. We didn’t have to leave our businesses to network, we could read the Midlands Business Journal and find other compatible companies with which to exchange ideas and do business.”

Quinn also acknowledges that Hoig has been a good newsman above all.

“A good reporter holds a mirror up to society so we can all objectively see ourselves and make changes we deem merited. Whether it was business news or the legal notices in the middle of MBJ, Bob managed to do that,” she said. “He did this in a special way because he believed in the adage attributed to an anonymous Texas newspaper editor, ‘A news story should be like a mini skirt on a pretty woman. Long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting.’”

Greater Omaha President and CEO David Brown, whose organization has a mission to ensure a thriving business community, praised Hoig for his genuine enthusiasm and unflagging support.

“Bob has a real passion for small business, and I think that was reflected in the path that the MBJ took.

There are a lot of different markets it could have covered, but I think he has such a keen interest in seeing small businesses being supported and recognized for the impact that they have on the community, that he decided that the Journal should be focused on that type of topic,” he said. “I think Bob’s passion shows up in how the MBJ is written every

week.”

That passion is even more evident in person, Brown added, like at the annual “40 Under 40” awards.

“He seems to always be in his element at those events because he is surrounded by small business people. And he loves being around folks that have the same passion for small business that he does,” he said. “So whenever I think of Bob, I think of this those moments I saw him at those awards breakfasts, smiling from ear to ear because he’s surrounded by people he respected a lot.”

Hal Daub, another notable Omaha who’s “had the pleasure of knowing Bob and his wife and family before they started their journalistic enterprise,” remarked on Hoig’s extraordinary commitment to the business community.

“I’ve known him because I’ve active in local affairs, not just political affairs but community affairs as well as business here. I got to know him and I can tell you that— through my experiences with him before I went to Congress, while I was privileged to be in the House of Representatives, and while I was privileged to be mayor and now as a member of the Board of Regents, and as a practicing lawyer for 50 plus years her in Omaha—Bob Hoig has been the steadfast champion of Omaha and her small business interests,” he said. “The family have been great citizens of the community.

They’ve been charitable and philanthropic and they spend lots of time encouraging people to get together and do good for our community.

They’re not only great citizens of Omaha and our state, but they’re very patriotic and really believe in America and free enterprise, and I think that’s what Bob teaches, mostly, that free enterprise is the cure for all the ills of life.”

Daub also said Hoig has made the Midlands Business Journal a blend of edifying and interesting.

“If you stop to think about it, every small business is affected or afflicted by city, county, state and federal government and the bureaucracy of regulations and licensing. So when you can pick up the Midlands Business Journal, you get stories of small business, you get all new corporate filings going on in Douglas County, and you get some flavor of the philosophical/political things that are going on,” he said.

“You’ve got a perfect half an hour to an hour of wonderful learning experience every time the Midlands Business Journal hits your in box.”

Like Daub, John Bothof (president of Northwest Bank) said he considers Hoig a friend as much as someone to be admired.

“Bob is a historian and passionate about his country and his business. Bob is a friend, a visionary, a risk-taker and a great businessman. Businesses of Omaha and all of Nebraska have a great asset in the MBJ and most importantly, Bob Hoig,” he said. “Bob has had a

huge impact on small business with the introduction of the Midlands Business Journal. Bob stepped out and, like other small businesses and entrepreneurs, risked his professional reputation and personal finances for what would become the Friday business paper that we all wait to be delivered. If you want to know what is happening in Omaha in business, business expansion, new technology or who is doing what, you read the Midlands Business Journal.”

Bothof said his company’s relationship with the Midlands Business Journal has been beneficial.

“The MBJ provides a medium to tell your businesses story. Many businesses subscribe to the MBJ and it has been a good method for Northwest Bank to open doors to new opportunities,” he explained.

“Several years ago, we decided to join with Bob for the introduction of the “40 Under 40 event. This event recognizes 40 people under 40 years of age on their business or professional success. We thought it was an excellent opportunity for a new startup bank to invest in recognizing the future leaders of our community.

The “40 Under 40” event moved our brand to new heights.”

He also noted Hoig’s boldness.

“If the stories of businesses in the MBJ doesn’t take all of your idle time, you have to read Bob’s editorials and get a common-sense approach to issues facing business, our country, and the political environment, to name a few.”

Hoig has made friends everywhere he goes. Restauranteur Leo Fascianella of Pasta Amore said Hoig has been a patron since 1986.

“I’ve known Bob since day one when I opened the restaurant.

He’s always been an inspiration to me and encouraged me about the business and told me how wonder-

15

ful I was doing,” Fascianella said.

“He’s a beautiful person to talk to and such a nice man. I feel like I’m part of his life, I’ve known him for so long. He’s a very nice man, very encouraging, very supportive of small business in Omaha. He’s such a great person.”

Fascianella also mentioned Hoig’s love for flying small aircraft, a pastime he’s had to regretfully step away from.

“That’s the most devastating thing about this…when you have to give up something you just so truly love,” Hoig said. “It took me such a small amount of time to build a thousand hours. Flying gets in your system. It gives you a certain push to your life to just know you’ve got the keys in your pocket to simply at any time go to Eppley, cart off the plane and you’re off into the wild blue.”

Stepping out of the cockpit is just on hard adjustment forced by age, and as Hoig recovers, his plans for the future are still in flux. But he said he’s developed a renewed sense of gratitude for his loved ones.

“The joys of family, and the understanding of how family can rally around you and it really means something, not just a cliche. That’s probably the most significant truth of my life right now,” he said.

“That’s one of the real satisfactions of life, once you’ve seen the path that you chose is the one that is right, and they’re all in their own separate careers—with some small help from you in choosing the right thing at the right time for them,” he said.

And looking back at his 85 years, Hoig said he doesn’t want people to know him as just a publisher.

“Good father in an odd way.

Pilot in a good way. Skier in an unusual way,” he said.

A remarkable life.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Jamie Blanchard Schneider Continued from page 12. in journalism. She received the American Heart Association’s Excellence in Leadership award in 2018. As chairperson of the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club’s Winter Wonderland fundraiser, Schneider solely raised $9,000 in private funds in 2017 and nearly $20,000 in 2018. She was named president of the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club in June.

Schneider is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Omaha and the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Rising Leaders Institute Class 1.

She was the cookbook co-chair and is the current communications council assistant director for the Junior League of Omaha.

Nominated by Michelle Nielson, American Heart Association

Dana Burkey, 32 Midwest Laboratories

Focusing on the big picture also means understanding the importance of the small details needed for success. In less than two years of working at Midwest Laboratories, Dana Bur-

key, client experience officer, has demonstrated awareness, leadership skills and drive that have helped the company grow and reinforced the importance of a team mentality.

In May 2018, Burkey was welcomed to the team as a sales manager. Six months later, she was promoted to client services director. In January, she took on her latest role, which is part of the executive leadership team. During her tenure, she implemented new sales initiatives for expanding client services nationally and Burkey internationally. She was also instrumental in bringing on Costco as a new client.

No matter what task lies ahead, Burkey is focused on ensuring a positive client and team experience. For her, that means building relationships that allow for meaningful conversations, as well as having empathy to understand what clients need and want.

Knowing what success looks like and having

When children are your everything, Anything can be.

At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Education

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Research

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Care

the knowledge to get there has helped Burkey strengthen her team’s communications. Her ability to learn about others and set goals were key to other successes, including improving operational efficiency in handling and entering soil sample paperwork, securing business with other major accounts and ensuring the retention of customers through exceptional front-line phone support.

Burkey is involved in a Sales Mastermind Group, a closed group that meets monthly. The group helps her stay fresh on best practices and find solutions to new challenges.

Nominated by Brent Pohlman, Midwest Laboratories

Courtney Callaway, 30 Prime Choice Insurance

Since starting Prime Choice Insurance at age 23, Courtney Callaway has built the agency around assisting and serving low-income individuals and families.

Helping those in need who have little funds to pay for premiums has resonated; the founding agent and CEO has grown Prime Choice Insurance to include six independent health insurance agents and Callaway four full-time staff members. A nod to her leadership approach, Callaway pays all team members a living wage, starting at $15 an hour. This growth has been well-planned and meaningful, with a consistent focus on longer-view professional and personal goals.

A member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, Callaway has been recognized for several consecutive years as a top producer in Nebraska related to Affordable Care Act and Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. She regularly leads production among several insurance carriers annually. This collective track record has resulted in multiple production trips and awards. With Callaway at the helm, Prime Choice Insurance insures more than 2,000 households in a multi-state area: Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Within a few meetings, Callaway has made such an impression on some clients that they ask her to be the executor of their estates. A clear ethical nightmare; yet, validation that her approach is appreciated and working.

Spanning a seven-year career, Callaway’s professional accomplishments followed her 2009 graduation from Northeast Community College in Norfolk with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration.

Nominated by Glory Kathurima, Prime Choice Insurance

Michelle Diaz, 33 Immanuel Communities

Michelle Diaz’s passion for serving the senior community began with the example set by her grandmother, Alyce Vanscoy.

Vanscoy volunteered daily in the community until Alzheimer’s disease began to take its slow, inevitable toll. As Diaz walked that journey with her grandmother, she knew what her life’s work would be.

Over 13 years with Immanuel Communities, the last four of them as executive Diaz director, Diaz has had the opportunity to live out her late grandmother’s legacy of development of leadership and service to others daily. The youngest executive director among Immanuel Communities, she’s demonstrated leadership and compassion throughout all areas of operation, culminating with the Bronze Quality Award for Immanuel Courtyard Assisted Living.

Since joining the company as a medication aide in 2006, the Bellevue native has steadily built an enviable resume. Among her professional achievements is having completed the Executive Director in Training Program with honors, landing a Congressional Washington D.C. Scholarship via the Nebraska Healthcare Association and participating in the LEAD program of the NHCA. She’s applied what she’s learned for the benefit of employees and clients alike, having implemented an employee appreciation program and quality assurance and performance improvement initiative at the community.

What’s more, Diaz has been an active and visible advocate for senior issues at large, serving on a number of boards and committees. These include sitting on the Planning Committee for University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Aging with Passion & Purpose Conference, Omaha district chair for Nebraska Assisted Living Association, chair for Immanuel’s young professionals group and serving as a member of the Government Relations Committee and Quality Committee for Nebraska Healthcare Association and the Nebraska Mental Health and Aging Coalition.

Nominated by Amanda Gervase, Immanuel Communities

Dr. Stephanie Dredge, 32 Green Hills Area Education Agency

As Field Director at Green Hills Area Education Agency, Dr. Stephanie Dredge has worked to improve the lives of children through initiating and fostering collaborative partnerships with local school districts, as well as supporting and supervising education Continued on next page.

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Dr. Stephanie Dredge Continued from preceding page. agency special education staff throughout the area.

Dredge continues to work as a school psychologist at Green Hills Area Education Agency where she provides support as needed to carry out evaluation, and/or consults on academic, behavioral and social-emotional conDredge cerns.

Embarking on her seventh year in her career, Dredge has presented in regional and national meetings and is becoming qualified as a mediator/cognitive coach. Dredge has also mentored students interested in the field of school psychology and supervised practicum students from the program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

She currently serves as the Iowa School Psychologists Association’s president-elect and is a member of the Nebraska School Psychologist Association.

Dredge received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Creighton University in 2009, a Master of Science in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2012 and a Ed.S. in School Psychology from UNO in 2014. In 2018, she received an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UNO. Additionally, Dredge holds education specialist and administrative endorsement training.

Nominated by Renuga Vivekanandan, Creighton University School of Medicine

Laura Essay, 36 Dvorak Law Group, LLC

A highpoint in Laura Essay’s career was receiving the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in 2017, as a partner at Dvorak Law Group. It was meaningful to her because it represented recognition by her peers of qualities she considers to be key components of her life.

That award is presented annually to a young lawyer who has made exemplary contributions to the Essay community and to public service, who has actively participated in state and local bar activities, and who stands out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity and courtesy.

Essay earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating with highest distinction in May 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May 2009.

While at UNL she participated in a program of concentrated studies in litigation skills.

Essay has been practicing law for 10 years. In April 2015 she joined Dvorak Law Group, LLC, and became a partner in January 2017 at the age of 33. She has served on the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Executive Committee since 2015 and the Young Lawyers Section since 2010, of which she was secretary (2013-2014), chair-elect (2014-2015), and chair (2015-2016). She is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and

the Nebraska State Bar Association elected her to serve as the district representative to the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (2016-2018).

Nominated by Sheena Helgenberger, Live Well Omaha

Cameron Gales, 37 Jacobs Engineering

Cameron Gales, economic inclusion officer for Jacobs Engineering, led the Stepup Summer Youth Employment program in June, educating a select group of students from the Boys and Girls Club on the topics of architecture and construction. Focused on teambuilding and student engagement, the kids learned how to build projects with their hands and the value in each step of the process.

In his role at JaGales cobs Engineering, Gales has been responsible for economic inclusion for two multimillion-dollar endeavors, the Omaha sewer separation project and the Omaha Public Schools bond projects.

Both exceeded set goals for student engagement, small and emerging business and workforce development. He has started a bootcamp to help emerging small businesses learn the bidding process and the ins and outs of finishing projects. Gales spearheaded a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) summer program in coordination with Metropolitan Community College and ACE Mentoring to introduce

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minority high school students to the trades.

Through the Urban League of Nebraska, Gales piloted a truancy reduction program at Northwest High School working to reduce student absences. The success of the program led to the implementation in other schools across the city.

Gales is the owner of Gala Painting, providing exterior and interior painting services to residential and commercial customers in Omaha and surrounding areas. One of the painting company’s standout projects was participating in the completion of 75 North, a revitalization project at 30th and Parker streets in 2017.

Gales has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Bethany College in Kansas. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Bellevue University.

Nominated by Congressman Don Bacon

Bianca Harley, 32 Greater Omaha Chamber

A passion for diversity and inclusion developed through her own experiences, the Greater Omaha Chamber opened a new opportunity for Bianca Harley to share that message with the business world.

A University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in SocioloHarley gy minoring in Ethnic/ African American Studies, she quickly gained experience in various corporate roles. After a Continued on next page.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Bianca Harley Continued from preceding page.

2017 survey by the Greater Omaha Chamber resulted in the recommendation of a full-time diversity and inclusion representative as part of its economic development strategy and outcomes, Harley was appointed to the role.

She focuses on two aspects of diversity and inclusion: workplace and community.

She oversees initiatives aimed to develop and attract diverse professionals, working closely with business leaders, officials and others to assess diversity efforts and engage businesses in its importance.

Since taking on the role, she spearheaded the launch of an Employer Coalition. Through her efforts, 37 organizations, and counting, have joined the coalition, pledging to make diversity and inclusion a priority. She also was the driving force behind the Greater Omaha Chamber’s first Diversity and Inclusion Conference. She is a founding partner of LeadDIVERSITY, a professional development program for regional businesses, contributing to the development of and curriculum for the program.

With a goal to live a life that outlives her, Harley does her best to make a difference in the community. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and founding member of Omaha United for Youth, a nonprofit that invests in north Omaha neighborhoods. She also is involved with Team Nebraska Express United - Parent Organization, a sports-based youth-development and educational organization for girls.

Nominated by David G. Brown, Greater Omaha Chamber

Jamie Hopkins, 34 Carson Group

Jamie Hopkins has been a standout in the financial services industry for 13 years. He is the co-founder of the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation.

Now, as Carson Group’s director of retirement research, he puts his knowledge to work for 30,000 households served by the Carson Group, helping those families achieve more secure financial futures.

A graduate of Villanova University’s MBA program, Hopkins is also a professor of practice in Creighton University’s financial planning

department. An established industry expert and thought leader, Hopkins is helping to educate the next generation about the opportunity that exists within the financial services profession.

Formerly, Hopkins served as associate professor of taxation at The American College of Financial Services retirement income program, and was a Larry Hopkins R. Pike Chair in Insurance and Investments.

A former director of the New York Life Center for Retirement Income, Hopkins has authored three textbooks and two e-books: “Retirement Success in 10 Steps: How to Stretch Your Dollar To Last Through Your Golden Years” and “Retirement Risks: How To Plan Around Uncertainty For A Successful Retirement,” the latter of which was among “Books Most Recommended by Forbes” in its 2016 Gift Guide.

Published in 2018, “Rewirement: Rewiring The Way You Think About Retirement,” addresses common misconceptions and biases that hold people back from better planning.

Recognized as a leading retirement planning authority, published in numerous periodicals and notable publications, Hopkins also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Davidson College.

Nominated by Aaron Schaben, Carson Group

Zach Klebba, 32 Leo A Daly

As a boy, Zach Klebba would pore over the blueprints his father would bring home from work in fascination. When he started pondering his future in high school, people would ask if he was more left brain (technical) or right brain (creative), a question he found he was unable to answer.

Klebba Architecture, with its demand for precision balanced with artis-

tic vision, became the natural choice. Klebba, architectural designer at Leo A Daly, proved ably capable on both fronts.

In just six years in the field, Klebba has amassed an impressive array of accolades for his work including a Team Award for Wynn Hotel Casino and Resort in 2013 and Cloisters on the Platte for Achievement in 2016. He’s also a two-time winner of the American Institute of Architects Central States Award, in 2015 and 2017. In 2014, he won the Grassroots Award from the American Institute of Architects, resulting in three of his submissions being selected for display at the national AIA conference in Washington D.C. Among his civic work is as a member of the Offutt AFB Advisory Council, Leadership Omaha Class 39 and a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals Council.

In 2011, he founded and remains executive director of the nonprofit Omaha Midnight Run, an organization aimed at transforming Omaha by partnering with charities already making a difference in the city. In its first three years, OMR raised more than $85,000 for Abide Network and Hope Center for Kids.

Nominated by Lindsey Spehn, Gallup

Elizabeth Kraemer, 36 UNO Alumni Association

Elizabeth Kraemer, director of alumni programming at UNO Alumni Association, first began her journey with the organization as a volunteer for the Young Alumni Academy, and has since rose to her current position by excelling at organizing and catalyzing the power of young professionals to gather for career, civic and social networking opportunities.

Kraemer In 2013, Kraemer received the first-ever CASE VI Rising Star Award, honoring a professional who belongs to the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. For the past four years, she has served on the board of directors for CASE. Her work has since been honored with various CASE awards, including the association's first International Circle of Excellence award, a silver award recognizing the Young Alumni Academy. Additionally, in 2016, Kraemer served as the district conference chair.

Since 2015, Kraemer has also served on the planning committee for the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals Summit.

Currently, she holds the position as chair of the committee, leading a group of 35 local business professionals.

Kraemer also serves as vice president of membership for CASA Douglas County Service League and she is an active member of the Junior League of Omaha.

In 2006, Kraemer received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from UNO. Two years later, she received her master’s in public administration degree from UNO. More recently, in 2018, she received her master’s degree in critical and creative thinking with a concentration in organizational science and leadership, also from UNO. Nominated by Meri Kennedy, University of Nebraska Foundation

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Dr. Jenny Kruger, 36 Iowa Western Community College

Dr. Jenny Kruger started out pursuing her passion for art, which led her to teaching art, but an inner voice told her she had a talent for administration — she was analytical, objective, worked well under pressure and remained calm during a crisis.

So when she saw an opening for dean of Communication, Education and Fine Arts at Iowa Western Community College, she took a leap of faith, and it turned out to be Kruger the right fit. One of her most personally satisfying achievements in her four years at Iowa Western has been building and leading her student-centered team.

Among the major accomplishments under Kruger’s management has been the expansion of student performance opportunities, such as last year’s first annual Madrigal Feast — a collaboration between music, theatre, and culinary arts — and launching a Writing Center, now in its fourth year.

Kruger received a B.F.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

She is completing a Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.

As part of her undergraduate education she spent a semester at the Santa Raparta International School of Art in Florence, Italy.

After her undergraduate degree she received a U.S. Fulbright Scholarship to conduct arts

research in Barcelona, Spain.

Her artwork is on permanent display at Arrowhead Stadium, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Southwestern Illinois College, William and Florence Schmidt Art Center, and Keichel Fine Art Gallery. She received the National Hispanic Recognition Award.

Nominated by Dr. Marjorie Welch, Iowa Western Community College

Marco Kpeglo LeRoc, 38 Marco LeRoc & Co.

Marco Kpeglo LeRoc, an international speaker and author of three books on personal growth, is the founder of Marco LeRoc & Co., an organization with a mission to inspire people to grow both personally and financially. He has been featured on many news outlets locally, nationally and internationally. In April 2019, he spearheaded the second annual Leadership LeRoc Africa Summit at the Strauss Performing Arts Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. Since 2018, more than 800 participants from 15 cities attended to network, learn and listen to the 30-plus speakers.

LeRoc is the creator and director of the Leadership Africa Summit, a conference focused on bringing together a diverse group of young professional African leaders, entrepreneurs, game-changers and people who cherish Africa. He is the founder and president of the League for African Advancement Inc.,

an ambassador for Global Partners in Hope and a board member for the Hidden Talent Foundation. He has served as the chairman of the board and co-president of the Omaha Jaycees and is the host of a web-based TV show, Inside a Great Mind, featuring stories of thriving entrepreneurs and professionals.

LeRoc has spoken on the topics of financial literacy education, college planning and self-leadership nationally and in Europe and Africa. A graduate of Metropolitan Community College’s accounting program, he also has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bellevue University. LeRoc is a certified John Maxwell trainer, speaker and coach.

Nominated by Gena Schriver, Nebraska Realty

Laurie Matthews Tullius, 39 UNO/Nebraska Business Development Center

Taking an unconventional path to her current role as a Nebraska Business Development Center account representative has given Laurie Matthews Tullius insights that have benefited more than 250 businesses.

She began her secondary education journey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at University of Wisconsin, she discovered a passion for ballroom dancing.

Matthews Before long, she was coaching and spent the next decade as an internationally competitive ballroom dancer.

She was selected as a study abroad partici-

congratulations to

Special Projects Manager Andrea is being honored as part of 2019’s 40 under 40!

Thank you for your valuable contributions to our team and the community.

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pant to Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet-Freiburg, Germany. Upon returning stateside, Matthews Tullius earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource development from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She gained experience in an array of fields, all of which fueled a drive to find ways for improvement. While working in a public school system, she was tasked with building the human resources department, which gave her a better understanding of her calling.

Considered a consultant, coach and trainer, she works with businesses to analyze their needs and develop custom strategies to achieve them. From reorganization to leadership development and more, no solution is the same.

For her, the most rewarding part is getting to coach leaders and build relationships. She has served her team by developing a strategic sales plan and regularly represents NBDC through speaking engagements on various topics that have included talent retention, succession planning and development programs.

She is a member of the Omaha Organization Development Network and is working on a master’s degree in critical and creative thinking, organizational science and leadership.

Nominated by Catherine Lang, Nebraska Business Development Center

Jodie McGill, 39 McGill Law, PC, LLO & Nebraska Collaborative Center

Jodie Haferbier McGill reached a high point in her 14-year legal career when the Nebraska Collaborative Center opened in May 2019. She and her associates had envisioned a facility in Nebraska that focused on collaborative law and catered to couples going through a Continued on next page.

• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Jodie McGill

Sara Porter

Jenny Kruger

Dr. Stephanie Dredge

536 E Broadway | Council Bluffs, IA 51503 712.256.7007 | www.ourpccf.org

Brandy Wallar

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SOUTHWEST IOWA

40 UNDER 40

AWARD RECIPIENTS!

Continued from preceding page. divorce where various professionals would guide them through the process in a more holistic, private and respectful way.

Although the concept has been in Nebraska since 2005, it was not widely known in the state. McGill checked out a collabMcGill orative center in Minnesota, brought those ideas back and melded them with some new ideas. The firm bought a building, gutted it down to the bones and rebuilt it to create a safe and comfortable environment. Two other attorneys work at the center, and a therapist is onsite.

McGill decided on a law career because she liked to argue. She received her B.S. in Business from University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2002 and her J.D. from Creighton School of Law in 2005. She founded McGill Law — named “Best of the Big O Law Firm” for seven out of eight years — with an all-female staff specializing in supporting women through the divorce process. She is a graduate of the 2014-2015 Nebraska State Bar Leadership Academy and was named a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation in 2018. She led the Nebraska Academy of Collaborative Professionals from 2016 through 2018. She is a past president of the Omaha Law League and a past board member of the Nebraska Women’s Bar Association and Women’s Fund Circles.

Nominated by Krissy Hamm, Unpaved Road Productions, Inc.

Erin McNeil Pogge, 39 N&M Brokerage Services

Erin McNeil Pogge, vice president of N&M Brokerage Services, LLC, is a licensed broker in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Her focus is on retail leasing and sales, office leasing, and investment sales. She spends about half of her time on tenant representation work, helping tenants/ businesses with their site selection needs; she spends the other half working with owners and landlords in leasing their buildings, or buying and selling assets.

She previously worked for Seldin Company, then spent 11 years with The Lerner Company before working at N&M Brokerage Services.

Pogge is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), International Council of Shopping Centers Central Division Innovation chair and former state director for Nebraska and Iowa, a member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), a member of the National Association of Realtors and a graduate of Leadership Omaha Class of 28. She is a recipient of several Costar top broker awards McNeil and the recipient of the 2015 CCIM Retail Big Deal of the Year.

She has served as either chair, co-chair, honorary chair or on the board or guild of the following charities, committees and organizations: Arthritis Foundation, Completely Kids, WCA, Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Hospital Scott Rainbow House, Henry Doorly Zoo, Project Harmony and QLI. Pogge graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2002 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in finance and an emphasis on real estate. While attending TCU she was a Business School Neeley Associate, a Chi Omega, and played soccer for the Division 1 Horned Frogs.

Nominated by Shannon McNeil, Collaborative Planning Group

Creighton Hospital. Mikuls was also involved with Catholic Health Charities’ Medical Office Building portfolio sale, a more than $1 billion transaction. Several clients are among the state’s largest employers and institutions.

Before joining CBRE | MEGA, now CBRE, Inc., nine years ago, Mikuls was accepted into Marquette University’s real estate program. Recently ranked ninth best in the country by U.S. News and World Report, Marquette afforded the opportunity to become involved with the Real Estate Club.

Mikuls Additionally, Mikuls participated in a humanitarian trip to post-Katrina New Orleans as part of her involvement with Marquette.

During the end of Mikuls’ junior year, she gave birth to daughter, Sloan, a week removed from graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Real Estate and Finance degree. Sloan and her other daughters Coco and Poppy represent Mikuls’ catalyst for professional success and engagement with organizations that advance the wellbeing of women and children.

Shortly after graduation, Mikuls moved to Omaha to become assistant to a group of CBRE|MEGA brokers. A year later, she transitioned full-commission broker.

Nominated by CREW Omaha Metro

Kellee Mikuls, 30 CBRE, Inc.

With a decade of health care management experience under her belt, Shawntea Moheiser, owner of ITS Healthcare Consulting, has used her extensive background to consult on various health care operations including performance improvement, quality improvement, risk reduction and the shift to value-based payment methodologies.

Throughout her career, Moheiser has held senior level executive management positions in private Moheiser practices, collaborative institutes and national care coordination organizations.

She is well versed in health care compliance, organizational governance, process optimization and revenue cycle management.

Currently, Moheiser is the president elect for the Nebraska chapter of Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

Additionally, she sits on two workgroups for Medical Group Management Association to provide feedback to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on proposed legislation.

Moheiser is also a speaker for state and National MGMA meetings, as well as several rural health associations.

She has engaged in several terms on government affairs and legislative committees lobbying for health care improvement. Moheiser’s thoughts on the innovative use of people and IT was included in the HIMSS Voices of Innovation Publication in 2019 coordinated by the Cleveland Clinic.

Moheiser co-authored a book on revenue cycle management with National MGMA, which was published in October 2019. She Continued on next page.

At 27, Kellee Mikuls was recognized as the youngest recipient of CBRE | MEGA’s Platinum Award. Awarded to the company’s top producers, it’s a tangible symbol of the vice president’s hard work, sacrifices and choices to achieve award-worthy sales volume. Mikuls stands tall among a select group of CBRE producers, recognized as among the industry’s most competent and ethical brokers.

At 28, the board of directors approved Mikuls’ promotion to shareholder, making her the youngest shareholder in company history.

Notable transactions include the sale of the sixth largest building in Nebraska: the former

Shawntea Moheiser, 34 ITS Healthcare Consulting

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Managing the intricacies of multiple generations in the workplace

by Dwain Hebda

The current mash-up of generations in the workplace has given companies new challenges to bridge generational gaps.

“In general, the cultural differences of the generations are very different,” said Emily Osborn, interior designer for Leo A Daly. “The workplace today is quite possibly at its most diverse, with four generations and more women than ever before.

“Because of this, I don’t think that the generation differences are overstated, but they also don’t have to be an issue, either. It is something that can be embraced to inspire more innovative solutions in office design and workplace culture.”

To better engage diversity in the workplace, Osborn said, start with word choices.

“When communicating with your boss, and vice versa, use inclusive, professional language,” she said. “This means eliminating phrases that emphasize quantity of experience over quality. It also means both parties need to be a little humble.”

Wendy Wiseman, president and chief creative officer for Zaiss & Co., said the various differences among generations can be a powerful change agent for a company.

“Successful companies recognize times are changing — fast — and unwavering HR rules from 20 years ago won’t move the company forward,” she said. “Assure the demographics of your workplace are represented on culture and leadership teams to get all perspectives. Stop insisting on the ‘way we’ve always done it,’ and look to the future, embracing change.”

Wiseman said issues among workers of various backgrounds — age included — often boil down to semantics.

Shawntea Moheiser Continued from preceding page. also received the 2015 Governor’s Citation for Volunteer Service in Maryland.

In her free time, she is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Omaha and Lauritzen Gardens.

Moheiser received a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University in 2019 and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health care management at Creighton University.

Nominated by Kem Tolliver, Medical Revenue Cycle Specialists

Kris Montgomery, 37 McCarthy Building Companies

Growing up in a construction family — his grandfather a masonry entrepreneur, his father a carpenter, his mother a payroll clerk for a construction firm — Project Manager Kris Montgomery got an early front row seat to the workings of the industry. It comes as no surprise that he put himself through college working with his hands as a construction Montgomery laborer, en route to a construction management degree from Illinois State University.

It was while working for a small general contractor in Illinois that he caught a glimpse Continued on next page.

“I was told by a person on our team that I talk in idioms, which I do,” she said. “He said he didn’t understand some of them. I made a mental note to modify my communication style to reflect my audience. After all, it’s up to all of us to be clear.”

Osborn Wiseman Not everyone sees the generation gap as being that pronounced. Dominique Sierra, consultant with Sierra Company and board member for Human Resource Association of the Midlands, said such differences are often overstated and

overreacting to them feeds counterproductive stereotypes.

“Generational stereotypes can damage the ability of younger and older workers to work together,” she said. “When we use mental shortcuts to avoid getting to know individuals as the unique beings they are, we make assumptions.

‘Younger workers are attention-seekers; they want feedback all the time.’ ‘Older workers are change-avoidant.’”

At the same time, Sierra said, productive workplaces don’t just happen without deliberate, institutional Fredrickson input.

“Companies can create an environment that accommodates the widest range of worker demographics when they are intentionally working towards achieving a culture of diversity at every level,” she said.

“Younger and older workers have more similarities than differences. Most of the time, they seek to be treated as the unique individuals they are.”

One delicate issue is when younger employees manage older, sometimes more experienced employees. Andrea Fredrickson, owner of Revela Group, said a deft touch is required to keep such teams on track.

“Regardless of whether the employee is older or younger, it helps bosses to establish team expectations, then gather information and ideas of how to achieve those expectations,” she said. “Make sure everyone’s voice is heard by letting them share their expertise. It’s also helpful to make sure a younger boss expresses appreciation and desire for team members’ perspective and experience.”

Fredericksen said additional factors — like employees working remotely — can complicate an already tricky team chemistry.

“Changing habits of thought and action takes work and creativity,” she said. “Meetings may need to be scheduled in advance.

Discussions my require video conferencing.

It requires leaders to manage to outcomes and metrics rather than spending time in a desk chair.”

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Congratulations Jodie McGill 2019 40 under 40!

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Kris Montgomery Continued from preceding page. of his future. Visiting St. Louis, he noticed a large commercial construction project underway and, intrigued by the many moving parts it takes to pull such projects off, made up his mind to pursue a career in that field. It so happened McCarthy Building Companies was the firm on that jobsite and Montgomery was hired on in 2007 as a project engineer.

It wasn’t long before Montgomery was managing major construction projects for the firm. In 2009, he relocated to Omaha to work on the company’s $250 million project renovating CHI Health’s five campuses. Since then, his work has included the $1 billion VA New Orleans Replacement Medical Center, renovations to Immanuel Hospital, Midlands Hospital, Lakeside Hospital and Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital in Omaha; Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, CHI Health St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln and Thayer County Health Services in Hebron.

He’s currently onsite project manager for the $86 million ambulatory care center for the VA Omaha, the first public-private partnership project undertaken by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nominated by Ryan Sawall, McCarthy Building Companies

Stephanie Moss, 36 Stephanie Moss Salon and Skincare

Stephanie Moss, owner of Stephanie Moss Salon and Skincare, has grown her business in the past two years to include two salon locations and a barbershop.

At 36, Moss has more than 16 years in the cosmetology business. A salon owner for 11 years, Moss opened her first salon, Blonde, in 2008 in Omaha. In 2013 she transitioned to launch Stephanie Moss Salon.

She opened her second Moss location, Stephanie Moss Salon and Skincare, in Countryside Village in 2018. Her staff has grown to more than 40, including aestheticians, artists and administrative staff.

Moss developed an exclusive, industry training program, which offers her staff continuing education on both the technical and the business sides of the industry. The program’s long-term goal is to provide individual team members the opportunity to earn an added $1 million in wages over the standard cosmetology career salary. Adding three new educators to her staff of training professionals, she now boasts a five-person workforce dedicated to teaching her 10-month cosmetology masters program.

Under her charitable lead, her team has held annual benefits, such as salon blowout parties, raising money for local organizations including Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. To date in 2019, the salons have contributed to nearly $25,000 in community donations.

Moss has a cosmetology license from the Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics.

She now serves on the board of directors for the school. The youngest nominee to join the L’Oreal Professional artistic team, Moss is certified in balayage, a form of hair painting.

She is one of 50 that train others in the art

of balayage at academies in New York and California.

Nominated by Carolyn Sutton, Carolyn Sutton PR

Emily O’Connor, 37 Lockwood Development, Bloomfield Custom Homes

By the time Emily O’Connor landed at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she’d already made up her mind to pursue a career in real estate, albeit the residential variety. But one summer, she simultaneously took a part-time internship with Lockwood Development and a part-time job with a residential real estate agent, to experience the day-to-day. To her O’Connor surprise, commercial real estate won the day and her path was set.

O’Connor rose to vice president of Lockwood Development within a decade. Two years after that she was named vice president of Bloomfield Custom Homes, a sister company she helped form and launch. She’s subsequently grown Bloomfield to build or remodel approximately $30 million worth of new and custom homes, priced at $700,000 and above.

In addition to spurring the company’s external growth, O’Connor has also managed that growth internally. During her tenure, employee headcount has grown nearly fivefold, with her being part of every new hire. O’Connor’s primary role at the company is project development. She works on every development project and is responsible for making sure the project continues on schedule. She plays an integral role in taking a project from initial site conception to completion of construction and opening of the first tenant.

One of O’Connor’s primary accomplishments was as lead developer for LinkedIn’s Midwest headquarters project at Sterling Ridge, a 200,000-square-foot project. In all, O’Connor and her team have developed over 2 million square feet of land, office and retail projects.

O’Connor also works to promote women in the industry, being heavily involved in Commercial Real Estate Women as a board member, community outreach leader and frequent speaker.

Nominated by Publicity & Recognition Committee, CREW Omaha Metro

Kari O’Neill Potts, 39 Valmont Industries, Inc.

As Vice President Group General Counsel – Utility, Kari O’Neill Potts closes deals and mitigates risk within an $855 million dollar-segment of a $2.8 billion company: Valmont Industries. Yet, her greatest source of accomplishment is being selected to spearhead the global manufacturers’ Women’s Leadership Council. While in its early O’Neill stages, the Council led

by Potts and three other women is inspiring conversations with colleagues and leadership, Continued on next page.

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Kari O’Neill Potts Continued from preceding page. resulting in nearer- and longer-term positive changes.

After serving as an assistant public defender, Potts embarked on her in-house, corporate career with Valmont in 2011. In eight and a half years, she worked her way up to group general counsel responsible for all legal functions associated with Valmont’s utility support structures. Notably, Potts serves as primary legal advisor to the segment group president and strategic advisor to the executive leadership team on wide-ranging legal and compliance matters. While she provides broad counsel to an expansive division, Potts gets great satisfaction from building Valmont’s portfolio through domestic and international transactions.

The Omaha native and Omaha North graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with high honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Creighton University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate.

Nominated by Megan Belcher, The Scoular Co.

Sara Porter, 39 Heartland Properties, Inc.

A licensed Realtor and general manager, Sara Porter oversees 46 agents and an office staff of seven at Heartland Properties. Under her guidance, the firm has been named the Reader’s Choice No. 1 Real Estate Agency by the Daily Nonpareil in Council Bluffs 10 years in a row.

Her strategic planning efforts are focused on growing the Omaha market. She recently

led the marketing initiative to rebrand Heartland Properties. Without the help of an inhouse marketing professional, Porter assisted in the design, social media strategy and placement of the branding campaign. In addition, she worked this past year on implementing a new, streamlined email communications system. In her daily role, Porter oversees organizational operations, while recruiting and training new Realtors.

Porter Receiving the top agent award at NP Dodge in 2014, Porter is a board member of the MICAH House, an organization providing support for those experiencing homelessness. She is a past Teammates mentor and volunteer for Powerhouse Wrestling Club. Porter has been accepted into Leadership Council Bluffs for 2019-2020.

A past board member of Connections Area Agency on Aging, she is an advocate for elderly rights.

Porter attended Creighton University concentrating on communications studies. She was previously on the board of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the nonprofit Free Weights and Freedom and served on the board of directors of the Lincoln Fairview Neighborhood Association. Porter was a lead organizer in Operation Support Blue, a community-driven effort that lined the Council Bluffs’ portion of the procession route honoring fallen officer Kerrie Orozco.

Nominated by Donna Dostal

Andrea Purdy, 31 Omaha Performing Arts

In Andrea Purdy’s role as special projects manager, she co-chairs the Omaha Performing Arts’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee (IDEA).

The concept of “team” has always been an OPA core value, but inclusion-driven efforts led by Purdy and the team have contributed to a better culture for staff, volunteers and patrons. It’s challenging yet rewarding work; an instrumental force for Purdy positive change, Purdy holds this accomplishment in highest regard, as the 10-year industry veteran sees no better result than a more equitable workplace and community space.

In her mission to build and leverage inclusivity, Purdy organizes training sessions, facilitates IDEA strategic planning, prepares agendas, assists in the coordination of events, and implements efforts to broaden volunteer participation so it reflects the metro community, improves engagement and meets IDEA goals.

Purdy has been promoted twice in her decade with OPA. Starting as patron services representative, Purdy transitioned to executive assistant and, today, she helps lead multi-departmental and organization-wide projects, meetings and initiatives. She took ownership of OPA’s migration to shared document storage. By continually learning the SharePoint system, Purdy serves as one of the organization’s main sources of information. She also supports organizational strategic planning, and helps facilitate printed in-

formation, photos, videos and other institutional communication resources.

Furthermore, Purdy supervises Front of House managers, all of whom lead a team of 500-plus volunteers. Responsibilities include safety training, diversity and inclusion training, transparent recruitment processes, assuring Americans with Disabilities Act compliance across all performances and activities, and assistance with sensory-friendly performances for those on the autism spectrum. Purdy earned both Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology (cum laude) from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Outside of her organization, Purdy volunteers as a TeamMates mentor, has been a recent campaign manager, is on the board of Earth Day Omaha and is the lead singer of a local Omaha band.

Nominated by Joan Squires, Omaha Performing Arts

Lynn Schneider, 36 Emspace + Lovgren

Lynn Schneider, senior design strategist at Emspace + Lovgren, has remained committed to developing new talent in the region by way of Emspace’s Forge program, which she initiated in 2013 as a way to provide learning opportunities for students that extend beyond a standard internship.

Schneider Forge is a program for students studying communications, design, Continued on next page.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Lynn Schneider Continued from preceding page. coding, journalism, as well as other majors, at area community colleges and universities. The program is aimed at helping students make professional connections and gain insights around the professions they are preparing to enter. The program is free-of-charge to 10 students each year and includes participation from dozens of local professionals from studios, agencies, organizations and businesses across the region.

Schneider continues to lead each six-session Forge program every spring. To date, she has brought more than 80 students through the program.

Her work is visible in the community through projects such as the City of Council Bluffs brand and image campaign, ICAN’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference, Midtown Crossing and QLI. Additionally, her work has been recognized in multiple categories by the Nebraska chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the American Marketing Association and AIGA. She is behind the awards for web design and tourism campaign design in Iowa, and has been recognized on a national level for multiple logo designs and her television campaign for Visiting Nurse Association.

In addition to her work at Emspace + Lovgren, Schneider is active in the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals.

Schneider received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell College and a Master of Fine Arts from The Savannah College of Art and Design.

Nominated by Elizebeth Murphy, Emspace + Lovgren

Allison Schorr Zach, 30 ICAN

In Allison Schorr Zach’s seven years with the Institute for Career Advancement Needs, she has played an active role in creating a number of events that have brought people across the community together. Opportunities like the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference and Greater Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals Summit — which she chaired in 2017 — promote connections, shared experiences, and encourage attendees to have a voice, think differently, and transform and advance their personal and professional development, community engagement and leadership potential.

Zach is part of a team that has grown the Women’s Leadership Conference from 1,800 participants when she started with ICAN to more than 3,000 hailing from across the country.

Zach’s efforts as senior manager – marketing, communications and events have played a pivotal role in growing the annual event into one of the country’s largest women’s conSchorr ferences.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, Zach’s efforts to support the organization’s brand evolution have resulted in the addition of a number of programs and events offered by ICAN every year. She is instrumental in the production of its 7x7x7 forum. These events bring together more than 250 local business leaders and seven speakers for seven minutes each on seven leadership topics.

Zach’s work with agency Emspace + Lovgren on the Women’s Leadership Conference has been recognized by Public Relations Society of America with numerous Paper Anvil Awards and Pinnacle Awards from the American Marketing Association in Omaha and, nationally, it was the recipient of the Cvent Plannie Award in the category of best event marketing strategy.

Zach earned her Bachelor of Science degree in strategic communication from Texas Christian University.

Nominated by Susan L. Henricks, ICAN

Kristen Seda Kampfe, 30 The Scoular Company

Growing up, Kristen Seda Kampfe developed strong leadership qualities and the work ethic typified by the appreciation of family-owned businesses that populate her hometown of Albion. These fundamental components provided the foundation for her career at The Scoular Company, where she’s played an integral role in the firm’s growth to $4 billion in sales and more than 1,200 employees in offices and facilities in North America, South America and Asia.

As controller, Kampfe provides finance leadership to several regional business groups in both the U.S. and Canada, across two different divisions in Scoular’s North American

Grain and Oilseeds and Specialty Food and Feed Divisions. She designed and implemented accounting and control processes and procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and served in a lead finance role on IT projects to improve efficiency and quality of information.

These include implementing multicurrency Seda system capabilities, enhancing and creating new business reporting and implementing a manufacturing system integrated with a grain accounting system.

In 2019, she was elected to The Scoular Foundation’s Board of Trustees, one of only two members of the board who is not a member of Scoular’s senior leadership team or board of directors. In that role, Kampfe has led a number of giving initiatives in the Omaha office as a member of that location’s charitable committee.

Kampfe holds an accounting degree, minors in finance, economics and psychology and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree, all from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nominated by Andrew Kenny, The Scoular Company

lished Agency 89, a talent management agency that became Nebraska’s first licensed talent school. She served as president of the agency until its acquisition.

In 2018 alone, Sells and her team received the International Business Broker's Association Chairman's Circle Award, Deal Maker Award, Top Global Producer of the Year Award, and was named the International Business Broker's Association Top Deal Maker of the Year.

Sells was a nominee for Woman of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Association and was awarded first place for Omaha Magazine's “Best of Omaha” Broker of the Year for nine years. The Firm has also received a Better Business Bureau A+ rating for nine years.

Additionally, Sells has served on the board of directors for Heartland Family Service and was a former board member for Vistage CEO Network (Omaha) and was a former board member for Entrepreneur's Organization Nebraska [EO].

She has also been a mentor for the Offutt Air Force Base Transition Assistance Program, which assists soldiers getting back into the workforce.

Nominated by Susanne Miller, The Firm Advisors, LLC

Cortney Sells, 36 The Firm Advisors, LLC

As a professional musician, Jeff Skalberg always believed in the power of music to inspire and encourage people. And through his company NoteWorthy, he’s found a way to turn music into dollars for local charities and nonprofit organizations.

N o t e Wo r t h y, founded in 2017, creates engaging concert experiences to drive social change. Nonprofits or musical artists can book a show through the organizaSkalberg tion, which handles details ranging from marketing to ticketing and venues. The artists are paid up front thanks to corporate sponsorships and the nonprofit receives the revenue generated through ticket sales. Since its founding, NoteWorthy has raised more than $20,000 benefiting organizations throughout the Omaha Metro.

Skalberg, a guitarist, learned the ins and outs of concert promotion and management from his days as a touring musician, a career that led him to several bands in Nebraska and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before launching NoteWorthy, he worked directly with companies to help them maximize their philanthropic giving, volunteerism and community engagement.

A native of Norfolk, Skalberg earned an Associate of Arts degree from Northeast Community College in 2007; a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University in 2012 and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2015.

During his professional career in the philanthropic space, he helped lead United Way of the Midlands’ campaign, which earned the organization a ranking of seventh in the nation for campaign performance. His record of public involvement and innovative thought was recognized by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Omaha with the Emerging Leader Award.

Nominated by Jaymes Sime, MICAH House

In less than a decade, Cortney Sells, president and founder of The Firm, has brokered more than 280 transactions. In fact, The Firm closed 52 deals in 2018 and was named brokerage of the year by the International Business Brokerage Association, which is comprised of 2,000plus merger and acquistion firms globally.

In her role, Sells Sells specializes in pairing owners of existing businesses with qualified buyers. She is also the editor of The Firm Deal Review, a bi-monthly publication distributed to 21,000 business owners.

Prior to founding The Firm, Sells estab-

Jeff Skalberg, 32 NoteWorthy

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Karine Sokpoh, 38 Sokpoh Law Group, LLC

When Karine Sokpoh reviews the past eight years since she founded Sokpoh Law Group, it’s not the size or growth of the firm that presents her biggest source of pride; it’s the families she has helped to reunite after representing clients and successfully resolving their immigration cases.

A native of Togo in West Africa, Sokpoh practices in the areas of immigration, family Sokpoh law and intellectual property. A fluent French, English and Mina (a Togolese language) speaker, Sokpoh also serves as defense counsel or guardian ad litem for children and parents in various juvenile matters.

The managing attorney earned her Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and among the top 10% of students in her class. She completed her Bachelor of General Studies in Communication, with a minor in women’s studies, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She would go on to be recognized as a recipient of UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Communications (CPACS) Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service in 2016.

Sokpoh is also a graduate of Benin University in Lomé, Togo, where she completed her studies in the Department of Economics and Management with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Sokpoh has also been recognized by the Nebraska State Bar Association as an Outstanding Young Lawyer in 2010 and as part

25

Experts offer tips for YPs to foster healthy financial futures

by Barbie Mully

Building financial wellness doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. Establishing a personalized plan can be both simple and rewarding.

Knowing your spending habits is a good place to start, according to Ross Polking, lead advisor of business development at Foster Group.

“Understand what your cash flow is and live within your means,” he said. “Start by writing things down. Document what you have — your assets and your liabilities.”

Bri Faulkner, financial advisor at First National Bank of Omaha, said once spending habits are determined, begin putting excess cash to work in a retirement account.

“Whether it be a 401(k), IRAs or brokerage accounts, pick a certain dollar amount or percentage of income each month and have it automatically deducted from your paycheck or transferred out of your checking on a definitive recurring basis,” she said.

“If you put a consistent percentage in automatically, you don’t even know it’s gone,” said Jay Faylor, vice president of commercial loans at Pinnacle Bank.

“You have the comfort of working toward your goals without the stress of tackling this task each month,” Faulkner added. “Compound interest can be your best friend and the longer you let it build, the larger the reward.”

Maximizing any retirement fund matching offered by employers is highly recommended when possible, Polking said. of the NSBA’s Leadership Academy in 2012.

Leadership roles span board membership with the Women’s Fund of Omaha and vice president of the League for African Advancement.

Nominated by Fidele Mienso, Nouvelle Beautee LLC

“It’s essentially free money,” Faylor said.

Faulkner suggested speaking with human resources to fully understand the benefits of your employer’s retirement package.

A good overall goal is to strive for is saving 20% of your salary annually, Faylor said.

There are apps to make everything easier these days and Faulkner mentioned a few that aim to make saving simpler.

Polking Faulkner “Acorns, Digit, and Stash are some examples,” she said. “Stash allows users to open an account with as little as five dollars and the opportunity to invest incrementally in small amounts. Acorns allows users to link a debit and credit cards to the account and rounds each purchase made to the nearest dollar, automatically transferring the difference into your investment account.”

Tackling debt aggressively is another key component to building a strong financial future, Polking said.

Faulkner recommended paying attention to interest rates on outstanding debt.

“Paying down high-interest debt first can save you a large amount of money that you’d otherwise be basically giving away in interest if you only paid loan minimums for their stated

full term,” she said.

“Like with savings, set it up automatically,” Polking said. “It will help you pay off debt as quickly as possible and takes the emotion out of the decision making.”

Establishing good credit early on is a smart move, according to Faylor.

“Something as simple as applying for a credit card that you will use for gas purchases is a good idea,” he said. “Paying it off in-full monthly will build credit that can help when the time comes to make big purchases, like a home.”

Other financial strategies might not be as obvious as the traditional means of paying down debt and socking away cash in savings.

Faylor “Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day,” Faulkner said. “Are you making the most of your time? Are there passions you already make a priority that could potentially provide an income stream? Is there a personal skillset you can build upon that will provide a future reward?

Think of yourself as your biggest asset and make the most of your time.”

“Educate yourself,” Polking said. “Understand terminology and what your accounts are doing for you.”

Remember that hiring a professional to help is always an option.

“A financial adviser can be an objective voice,” Faylor said.

They can help you stay on track and reach your goals, ultimately giving you a sense of liberation and confidence, Faulkner said.

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Jeff Spiehs, 37

Omaha Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency

Jeff Spiehs has a straightforward philosophy when it comes to his role as community relations manager with the Omaha Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency: to serve a community, one must experience that community firsthand. That’s why in addition to his day job, Spiehs has accumulated an impressive roster of extracurricular leadership roles, which help him stay in tune with the needs of the populations he seeks to serve.

Spiehs Spiehs is an advisory board member for inCOMMON Community Development and a past president of South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance. In addition, he’s served as chairman for ONE Omaha, United Way Community Investment Review Team and Public Policy and Engagement Committee of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council. He was also a member of Leadership Omaha Class 39.

He’s a lead architect of Heartland 2050 Regional Vision and has led a public involvement team to provide public engagement

efforts including immersive, experiential community events to raise awareness of land use.

Spiehs has played an active role in formulating public policy through Next Generation Nebraska, a state group that’s part of the national Millennial Action Project. These entities empower young people by providing leadership opportunities with the goals of retaining and attracting talent to the Omaha region through effective legislation.

His efforts have been recognized through several prestigious awards. Among these are the American Planning Association Award for Community Engagement and the Public Service Award presented by his alma mater, Nebraska Christian College, where he earned a degree in communications. He also holds a degree in land use economics from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nominated by Karna Loewenstein, Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency

Carolyn Sutton, 38 Carolyn Sutton PR

With 16 years of experience in tow, Carolyn Sutton, president/owner of Carolyn Sutton PR, has worked diligently to secure publicity and media coverage for clients and execute brand and content creation efforts.

Recently, the boutique PR firm celebrated 10 years of business.

As owner and president, Sutton has launched many local and national brands into the national media spotlight. She has also launched and hosted influencer campaigns and event experiences in addition to hosting social media workshops to help local clients improve social media content strategy.

Additionally, Sutton executed a “Playdate in the City,” the first influencer event of its kind, in RockeSutton feller Center in New York City on behalf of an international toy company client.

Media and influencer focused, Sutton has launched many partnerships, including strategic, ongoing brand ambassador collaborations with high-profile local and national influencers. She has created synergistic placements for up-and-coming clients in publications such as InStyle, The Today Show, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, Family Circle, Midwest Living, Draper James, Southern Living, Wall Street Journal and others.

Sutton is the recipient of four PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvil Awards for work on multiple client categories. Sutton has also appeared on the Inspired Entrepreneur podcast and is a

Visionary Achiever. Accomplished Activator.

Community Connector.

The Greater Omaha Chamber congratulates Bianca Harley.

Thanks to you, more people reach their fullest potential.

Bianca Harley Director, Community Diversity and Inclusion

regular contributor to The Southern C blog.

She served as the president of the Omaha Children’s Museum Rainbow Connectors Guild and, in partnership with her husband, served as gala chair for JDRF Promise Gala in February 2019.

Sutton attended Kansas State University where she received a bachelor's of science degree in journalism with a minor in nutrition and exercise science.

Nominated by Jack McMannama, Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group

Bentley Swan, 38 Swan Development

When Bentley Swan bought a boarded-up, dilapidated building along 24th Street in Midtown Omaha in 2012, the area was desolate.

Emergency responders knew it well. No new businesses had opened there in decades. Over the next five years, Swan and his wife risked everything by relocating their bike and pet care shops to the neighborhood. The couple invested all their savings and borrowed all they could to restore the property Swan to its fullest potential.

Swan Development breathed new life into the surrounding area, as dozens of new shops, businesses and hotels have since opened.

Since then, Swan’s firm has made a name for itself in the renovation of small-scale historic buildings, and as a positive force in neighborhood-wide transformations. It has invested several million dollars in saving and repurposing multiple historic structures.

Signature completed projects include the Kellogg Place mixed-use building at 24th and Harney streets; Wag and Felius Café pet-friendly businesses near 24th and Howard streets; the historic Papillion Theater on Washington Street, and Lodge No. 39 historic commercial space on Washington Street.

Swan’s Greenstreet Cycles has also grown to two locations offering bicycle fitting, service, repairs and bicycle sales in downtown Omaha and downtown Papillion.

Swan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. A Chartered Financial Analyst, Swan started his career as an intern at Resource Consultants, Inc. and rose to chief financial officer.

Nominated by Benjamin Turner

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Emily O’Connor ON YOUR 40 UNDER 40 AWARD!

DEVELOPMENT. CONSTRUCTION. MANAGEMENT

OMAHA, NEBRASKA WWW.LOCKWOODDEV.COM

MBJ 40 Under 40 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • NOVEMBER 8, 2019 •

Brandy Wallar, 37 New Visions Homeless Services

In Brandy Wallar’s role as program and development director at New Visions Homeless Services, the Council Bluffs native advocates for neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness — at the local, state and national levels. Wallar helps put names and stories to those who have experienced the crisis of homelessness, challenging the negative perceptions many hold against a population that deserves to have a voice Wallar and to be seen as people — not as a problem.

A 19-year veteran of the nonprofit sector, Wallar has devoted the past 15 years specifically to the homeless and hungry in the Omaha metro. She largely implements and supports a recovery-oriented service model that values human dignity and promotes hope in a trauma-informed care environment.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services from Iowa State University, Wallar went on to be licensed as an instructor for court-mandated Driving Under the Influence and Operating While Intoxicated (DUI/OWI) courses, as well as in verbal de-escalation techniques to resolve conflict. Additionally, Wallar serves as a SOAR Disability Navigator to assist adults and children with mental, medical, and substance abuse illnesses who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Wallar balances completing her studies

in the Master of Arts, Master of Professional Studies program at Bellevue University with her service to the Greater Omaha area as a community crisis responder and certified trauma-informed care practitioner, adept at sensitively working with trauma survivors and at helping them unlock their potential — regardless of past trauma or mistakes.

Nominated by Donna Dostal, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation

Meaghan Walls, 38 Assistology

Through founding Assistology, President/ CEO Meaghan Walls has utilized her skillset to represent the needs of those with disabilities in an effort to increase accessibility and inclusion in environments, businesses and academic programs.

Walls, who has 13 years of experience, is responsible for design, engineering and project implementation, strategic partnership development, marketing and direct customer service deWalls livery at Assistology.

She has worked with various clients on projects, in which she has received multiple grants and awards.

In addition to her work at Assistology, Walls co-founded Imagine Inclusion in 2018, and has since continued to pursue efforts to create accessible and inclusive opportunities in the community — starting with the Inclusive Playground Lake Zorinsky project.

th annual 40 Congratulations to the 18

Additionally, Walls works as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is also an investigator on a research project in collaboration with UNO and University of Nebraska Medical Center.

More recently, Walls has been appointed to the Mayor’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and she also serves on the planning committee for the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Conference.

Walls is the board president for Angel Guardians and also serves as a prototype design advisory council member for Metropolitan Community College.

She is also a board member for the Madonna School Young Professionals and acts as a volunteer design consultant for Universal Design Project.

In 2004, Walls received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame. Two years later, she obtained her Master of Science in Bioengineering with an emphasis on rehabilitation and assistive technology from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Nominated by Erin Dahms, The Madonna School

Scott Yahnke, 31 Omaha Home for Boys

Scott Yahnke has found a way to work a ‘non-traditional’ job in an otherwise ‘traditional’ workplace organization through his role as agriculture program coordinator, in which he incorporates produce consumption and the farm-to-table concept into Omaha Home for Boys programming with youth and young adults.

In his role, Yahnke is responsible for creating, facilitating and managing the Omaha

Home for Boys’ farm-to-table program. He also led the building of a high tunnel at the Home, bringing a longer growing season and increased produce production. As a result, the program has grown for several local farmers markets, the Omaha Home for Boys’ Dining Hall and Phil’s Cash Saver.

Yahnke, who has been with the Home for nearly a decade, has established relationships with several local restaurants, and currently grows for the farm-to-table proYahnke gram at Au Courant Regional Kitchen. He also works closely with Nebraska Extension and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture to bring urban agriculture programs to the Home and the community.

Additionally, Yahnke created and managed the first-ever Produce with Purpose CSA program at the Home, which connected locally-grown produce with the community.

He also formed a partnership with Refugee Women of Nebraska to provide land and teach farming practices, marketing, selling and production to refugees.

To further expand his skills and experiences, Yahnke previously completed an internship at Greenstring Farm in Petaluma, California.

Yahnke was also named 2016 Producer of the Year by The Reader for his role in providing produce for the local restaurant scene.

Yahnke received his bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nominated by Justin Loehr, Omaha Home for Boys

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• NOVEMBER 8, 2019 • Midlands Business Journal • MBJ 40 Under 40 2019

Congratulations to all of the 2019

40 Under 40 Participants!

14320 Arbor Street, Omaha 402.334.0300

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9719 Giles Road, La Vista 402.537.0300

www.Bank-Northwest.com

NMLS# 486668