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Midlands Business Journal June 12, 2026

Page 1


Three days from now, Nebraska

The heart of Lincoln is under construction. Three blocks of Lincoln’s O Street between 13th and 16th streets have been closed since mid-May for water main replacement and utility work. This detour for those going to Bourbon Theatre or Sultan’s Kite signals the opening phase of Project “O” Street, a generational reinvestment in the city’s main thoroughfare running through fall 2026. The disruption is temporary; the ambition behind it is not.

Leirion Gaylor Baird is in her second term as Lincoln’s 52nd mayor and the city’s third female mayor. She came to Lincoln from Portland, Oregon; New Haven, Connecticut; and San Francisco. She didn’t plan to stay. She did; and what she’s building here — a nearly 10-acre destination park, a new central library, a reconstructed main street, a path to the U.S. Conference of Mayors presidency in 2027 — announces someone who has fully committed to the long game in a city she once arrived at by accident.

The daughter of two public school teachers from the Pacific Northwest, Baird worked her way through Yale, earned a graduate degree at Oxford and spent early career years at a

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honor the entrepreneurs, executives and innovators who ar transforming Greater Omaha's business landscape. In its 25th year, this prestigious recognitio celebrates young leaders who aren't waiting for tomorrow — they're driving change, buildin companies and strengthening our community today.

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The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy, $99 per year (print + digital) or $60 (digital only). Editorial offices are 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE POSTMASTER. Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 1308 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned.

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IN THIS ISSUE

MBJ Business Insider: Editor’s Pick

Council OKs Saddle Creek Marketplace

The Omaha City Council approved two ordinances June 9 authorizing tax incentives for Saddle Creek Marketplace, a $103 million, five-phase redevelopment at 46th Street and North Saddle Creek Road. Developer Woodsonia Saddle Creek will receive just over $9 million in tax increment financing and may apply an occupation tax to businesses within the project footprint — exempting groceries under state law.

The phased plan calls for 223 market-rate apartments and

01 COVER STORY:

LINCOLN’S LONG GAME

LEIRION GAYLOR BAIRD BETS BIG ON LINCOLN’S FUTURE

01 A CLOSER LOOK:

PUBLIC MEDIA’S CHAMPION

DECKER LEADS NPM INTO OMAHA AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

03

04

MBJ BUSINESS INSIDER:

THINGS TO KNOW

EVENT HIGHLIGHT:

BENNINGTON RNG FACILITY OPENS

PHEASANT POINT RNG FACILITY CELEBRATED IN MAY RIBBON CUTTING

11

BUSINESS NEWS:

YOUNG LEADS NEBRASKA CHAMBER

LONGTIME ADVOCATE TAKES HELM AS PRESIDENT & CEO

12

LINCOLN GROWTH REPORT: WORK TO DO

LINCOLN LAGGING BEHIND PEERS FOR STARTUPS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

GROWTH REPORT: LINCOLN STRONG SPORTS AND FITNESS IN STAR CITY PAYS OFF MULTIPLE WAYS

new retail space, replacing and renovating parts of the existing shopping center. Phase one includes a four-story, 138-unit apartment building along 46th Street, constructed alongside a renovation of the current grocery building into two or three retail bays.

The approvals came after weeks of public discussion over the project’s lack of affordable housing and concerns about grocery access. Woodsonia has said it got involved after Family Fare notified the company it would vacate the site.

18 FAB 50: A CAREER IN FILM LIFELONG CREATIVE MARGAUX TOWNE BUILDS A LIFE FANTASTIC

21 BUSINESS

SBA KEEPS GOING AFTER MAY FREE JUNE WORKSHOPS COVER FINANCE, MARKETING,

22 WEEKLY MARKET COMMENTARY: THE NEW ERA OF PRICING POWER

23 MIDLANDS LEADERS Q&A: HAMZA HAQQI, BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE CROSSWORD

24 UPCOMING EVENTS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

26 BUSINESS NEWS: UNION OMAHA WATCH PARTIES SET CLUB PARTNERS WITH LOCAL VENUES FOR FIFA WORLD CUP VIEWING SERIES 27 LEGAL NOTICES

31

EVENT highlight

Bennington RNG Facility Opens

PHEASANT POINT RNG FACILITY CELEBRATED IN MAY RIBBON CUTTING

WM has opened its new renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Pheasant Point Landfill in Bennington. The facility is expected to generate approximately 720,000 MMBtu per year of RNG, which is estimated to serve the equivalent of 11,500 households annually or the ability to allocate fuel for up to 865 heavy-duty vehicles per day.

WM has one of the largest landfill gas-to-energy platforms in North America and has been a renewable energy player for 40 years. This project is part of the $1.6 billion investment plans in renewable energy that WM has been executing on from 2022 through 2026.

“We are proud to officially open our latest renewable natural gas facility here in Bennington,” said Brad Pollock, area vice president, WM Heartland. “By capturing landfill gas and converting it into a reliable energy source for the local pipeline, we are able to support the heating of thousands of Nebraska homes and contribute to the network of lower-emission fuel available for natural gas fleets across the region, including our own.”

The Pheasant Point RNG facility processes landfill gas captured from the landfill as organic material decomposes to create renewable natural gas. Today, WM owns or hosts more than 20 RNG facilities that are currently generating pipelinequality natural gas to serve communities across the country. This project is one of several new RNG facilities WM is bringing online now through the end of 2026, creating a more stable, endto-end energy system.

“Pheasant Point has a 20-year legacy of creating renewable energy for our community through its former gas-to-electricity facility, and the official opening of this new RNG facility is the pinnacle of that effort,” said Douglas County Board Chairman Roger Garcia. “We are proud to see this work with WM come to fruition, providing a sophisticated sustainable energy solution that will benefit Douglas County and the surrounding region for years to come.”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CORY ERSPAMER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST AT METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT; KENT HOLM, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTOR FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY; AND CARSON KLEINE, ENGINEER AT WM.

MBJ BUSINESS insider

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Pillen signs hyperscale power law

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen ceremoniously signed LB 1261 on June 2, allowing private companies to build on-site power plants for industrial customers exceeding 1,000 megawatts. The exception to public power’s eminent domain authority requires Power Review Board approval and shifts 100% of generation and grid upgrade costs to the corporate user. Omaha-based Tenaska, which helped draft the bill, is positioned as a clear winner. The law takes effect July 18.

FNBO to buy Blue Ridge Bank

First National of Nebraska, parent of First National Bank of Omaha, signed a definitive agreement on June 2 to acquire Missouri-based Blue Ridge Bancshares and its Blue Ridge Bank and Trust subsidiary. Blue Ridge operates eight Jackson County branches with roughly $850 million in assets. Pending regulatory approval expected by yearend, the deal will lift FNBO to fifth in Kansas City deposit share. Rebranding is set for early 2027.

Elowen hotel set for Heartwood

Lanoha Real Estate will break ground this fall on The Elowen, a six-story, 160-room Marriott Autograph Collection boutique hotel in The Row at Heartwood Preserve southwest of 144th Street and West Dodge Road. The project includes a ground-floor restaurant and rooftop bar designed by Greenwood Hospitality. Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with opening targeted for 2028 inside the 40-acre mixed-use district.

Woodsonia seeks TIF for strip

Woodsonia Real Estate is seeking millions in taxincrement financing to redevelop a strip mall near Saddle Creek Road and Cuming Street in central Omaha into new retail spaces and apartments. The city may also create a new sales-tax stream to help recoup project costs. Neighbors and tenants have raised concerns about neighborhood character. Final city council approval was scheduled for June 9.

$60M River’s Edge phase debuts

Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact held a sneak peek and ribbon cutting June 2 for River’s Edge Phase Four, a $60 million privately funded project at Council Bluffs’ Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. Phase four features the MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower, Heithoff Borman Treetop Walk and Charles E. Lakin Foundation Pier. The attractions remain closed to the public pending final completion.

STB accepts UP-NS merger filing

The Surface Transportation Board voted unanimously to accept Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s revised application for what they call America’s first transcontinental railroad. Omaha-based UP’s and NS’ supplemental information is due July 27. Acceptance launches a roughly 16-month review process. The companies are touting growing stakeholder support and held a No. 4014 steam locomotive tour to highlight integration plans across their combined network.

Rural Mainstreet sales slump

Creighton’s Rural Mainstreet Index continues to show farm equipment sales at among the lowest levels in the survey’s history as producers delay capital purchases. Farmland values remain a bright spot, posting modest year-over-year gains and supporting balance sheets despite record debt. The American Farm Bureau cited the index in calling for policy solutions to the deepening rural slowdown across Nebraska and neighboring states.

Mutual logo headed atop tower

Mutual of Omaha will install its logo atop the company’s new downtown headquarters at 14th and Farnam streets over the first two weeks of June, weather permitting. JE Dunn crews will hoist the signage with a goal of illumination before the NCAA Men’s College World Series begins June 12. Lanoha Real Estate is developing the skyscraper. Final glass curtain wall panels are being installed now, with interior work running through year-end.

NPSC approves R Project line

The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-1 to approve a heavily disputed 220-mile Nebraska Public Power District transmission line through the Sandhills. Commissioners acknowledged the vote’s limited scope would delay but not stop what is commonly known as the R Project, a 13-year case heading back to court after permits were vacated in 2020. NPPD says the line is needed to improve reliability and reduce grid congestion.

NY firm makes first Omaha buy

A New York-based retail investment firm has teamed with DRA Advisors to acquire Papillion’s Shadow Lake Towne Center, marking the buyer’s first Omaha-area purchase. The firm specializes in open-air retail centers. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction follows recent rent and occupancy gains at the Sarpy County lifestyle center and adds another national institutional player to the metro’s increasingly active retail investment market.

Drury seeks TIF for downtown

A downtown Omaha Drury Inn hotel project has filed a request for tax-increment financing, joining a growing pipeline of hospitality projects pursuing city subsidy. The request adds to recent TIF asks tied to downtown lodging supply ahead of the 2027 NCAA Men’s College World Series. City review is pending.

City garage planned at Millwork

The City of Omaha is planning a new city-owned parking garage at Millwork Commons, the rapidly growing creative and office district north of downtown. The project would expand structured parking capacity to support tenant growth at the redeveloped warehouse campus. Cost, location specifics and timeline were not disclosed. The garage joins ongoing private investment in the district.

Polina Gardens opens in Old Market

Polina Gardens opened June 3 on the east side of 13th Street between Jones and Leavenworth in the Old Market, transforming what had been surface parking into a Lauritzen

A weekly recap of current, relevant and breaking business news in the area

Gardens-affiliated venue. It is considered Lauritzen’s first satellite location. The opening adds to ongoing efforts to activate underutilized downtown lots and follows several recent Old Market hospitality announcements.

Chamber Hall of Fame inductees

The Greater Omaha Chamber has announced the 2026 Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductees. They include Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; Werner Chairman and CEO Derek Leathers; former chamber CEO David G. Brown; Millard Lumber’s Richard Russell and civic leader Carol Madson Russell; and Applied Underwriters founder Steve Menzies. The induction event, launched in 1993 as part of the chamber’s centennial, celebrates business legacy at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Omaha jobless filings inch up

U.S. unemployment-aid filings rose 13,000 to 225,000 in the week ending May 30, the highest level in four months, the Department of Labor reported. Bureau of Labor Statistics metroarea data released June 4 showed jobless rates were higher in April than a year earlier in 200 of 387 metros. The data sets the backdrop for Omaha-area employers as Nebraska’s $15 minimum-wage law continues to ripple through payrolls.

Conagra dividend, downgrade hit

Omaha-based Conagra Brands paid its quarterly dividend Wednesday, June 3, even as shares traded near a 52-week low of $12.55. On the same day, Bernstein downgraded Conagra to “Underperform” from “Market Perform.”. Norges Bank disclosed a new 1.76% stake valued at roughly $145.7 million in the latest 13F. Analyst consensus on the foodmaker is “Reduce” with an average $15 price target.

Bed Bath returning to Westroads

Bed Bath & Beyond will return to brick-and-mortar retail in Omaha by combining with The Container Store at Westroads Mall. The arrangement reanimates the homegoods banner inside a co-branded format following Bed Bath & Beyond prior store closures. The Westroads pairing reflects national retail momentum toward joint storefronts and adds traffic to the General Growth Properties-anchored mall as it works to backfill recently vacated anchor space.

Kick off CWS at this invitation-only tailgate designed for Omaha professionals. MBJ is inviting you.

COVER story

Lincoln’s Long Game

LEIRION GAYLOR

BAIRD BETS BIG ON LINCOLN’S FUTURE

management consulting firm in Chicago before moving to San Francisco and, eventually, to Lincoln when her husband had an opportunity in his hometown. She was appointed to the city’s planning commission, then elected to the city council, then elected mayor. The path looks linear in retrospect. It wasn’t.

What drives her, she says, is not ambition in the conventional sense. In her 2025 State of the City address, she told a room full of civic leaders that part of her “Why” is that she lost close friends in her youth to car accidents, gun violence and cancer. It was an unusually personal disclosure for a formal public address, but entirely consistent for her.

“I want to be worthy of the time I have on this earth that my friends didn’t get,” she said.

MBJ: You came to Lincoln from much larger cities. What has surprised you most about living and governing here?

LB: My mother is a native of St. Paul (Minnesota), so I came with some familiarity with

Midwestern culture. But what’s surprised me, and still does, is how much everything feels within arm’s reach. It’s almost like one degree of Kevin Bacon. If you have an idea or want to get something done for your neighborhood, you’re one phone call away from the right person. Things feel possible here in ways that they don’t in larger cities. We are one city, one school district. When we grow, we grow as one. That combination is genuinely rare, and we try to protect it.

MBJ: One of your administration’s core values is “Loving Kindness.” That phrase has roots in Buddhist meditation practice. What does it actually look like as a management standard when you’re negotiating a police union contract or cutting a department’s budget?

LB: It’s a cultural ethos. It is a way of approaching the work, because this work is hard and there will be times of conflict. We try to approach it with compassion for the people we

BAIRD, FROM PAGE 01
The most affordable housing in your community is the housing that’s already built.

serve, recognizing that we are all connected. But that compassion has to start with how we interact in meetings day to day, how we engage with other elected officials, how we engage with critics. We have to recognize and respect the perspectives that are in the room and make sure we’re listening. We don’t come with a set objective. We stay open to what people bring to the table, because we’ll get to a better result if we’re actually responsive.

During the pandemic, this was a value we had tried to put into words before it was tested, and then it was tested. What we do affects other people. We take that responsibility seriously. We want to meet people where they are.

MBJ: A recall effort was organized against you in 2020 over your COVID-19 response. What did that period clarify about the difference between accountability and politics?

LB: A lot of people were scared. Anger is a close cousin of fear and the anger behind that effort was related, I think, to that heightened uncertainty. There were political elements; the person who had run against me for mayor unsuccessfully was among those organizing the recall. You have to acknowledge those dynamics.

But what I chose to spend my energy on, beyond keeping people safe, was uplifting the stories of people turning their fear into service. The neighbors making personal protective equipment for first responders when supplies ran short. The people dropping off food for their neighbors. We all have a choice about how we handle uncertainty and a lot of people in Lincoln were handling it with grace and generosity. Those are some of my most profound memories of that time.

MBJ: The New York Times included Lincoln’s South of Downtown rental rehabilitation program in its “50 States, 50 Fixes” environmental series — one fix per state. The affordability component is design, not side effect. How did those two goals end up in the same program?

LB: Affordability goals and sustainability goals aren’t necessarily competing. In many cases they’re complementary and that’s where we focus. The most affordable housing in your community is the housing that’s already built. We designed the program in conversation with tenants and landlords alike. What was striking was how much their needs overlapped: better insulation, front porch repairs, better heating and cooling. Landlords hold rents at affordable levels through the tax increment financing arrangement; we partnered with utilities on energy efficiency improvements; and making those homes more energy efficient means reducing the greenhouse gas emissions behind the flooding, extreme heat and high winds our community is increasingly experiencing. A trifecta.

MBJ: Omaha tends to dominate the conversation about Nebraska’s business economy. What’s happening in Lincoln’s commercial growth that isn’t getting the attention it deserves?

LB: Lincoln has a strong startup ecosystem. We’re a hub of what people call the Silicon Prairie. Through our Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, the city and chamber fund competitive small grants for startup businesses, intersecting regularly with the university and young people taking their ideas to market. Hudl is the best-known result, now a global company, founded by three students at the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at UNL. They’re bringing thousands of associates to Lincoln this June. The other piece is our creative economy. The Zoo Bar is the ground zero of an authentic live music scene and we’re building on it with the Music Box, a rehearsal and recording space where emerging artists can build careers without leaving. Who knows, maybe we produce the next James Valentine.

MBJ: You’ve talked about Lincoln becoming the quality-of-life capital of the country. What do you still want to build?

— LEIRION GAYLOR BAIRD

LB: My list is long. Canopy Yard is designed as a destination for the city and the region. The skate park is the largest in-ground facility of its kind between Denver and Des Moines, and we built it that way deliberately. The full park, water feature, dog park, playground, bicycle pump track and public art will be substantially complete by end of year. The new central library, an adaptive reuse of the Centrum building on O Street, will be a gathering place in the truest sense. We increasingly live through screens, and this will be somewhere to come together in person. We intend to exceed the definition of what a library can mean for a community.

MBJ: You opened your 2025 State of the City address with a teenage bedroom wall: Duran Duran poster, a photo of Paris, Michael J. Fox. You’re now the mayor of a city of 300,000, on path to lead the national conference of mayors. What would that teenager think of how this turned out?

LB: She wouldn’t have guessed it but I think she’d be excited. When I was in third grade, I wanted to be a librarian so building a new central library is a really big community dream come true, and a personal one. But more than any specific project, high school me would be pleased to know that I am living a life of service, that there is real purpose in the work I do, and that I’m getting to make life better for my neighbors. We’re delivering on the basics, but we’re also making civic investments that generations of Lincolnites will enjoy.

QUICK FIVE

FIRST JOB: HONEY BAKED HAM. I MADE SANDWICHES, DID DISHES, RAN THE CASH REGISTER AND DELIVERED ORDERS.

BOOK ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: “THE GLOBALIZATION MYTH: WHY REGIONS MATTER” BY SHANNON K. O’NEIL.

LINCOLN RESTAURANT YOU’D TAKE A FIRST-TIME VISITOR TO: OH, HONEST ABE’S. GOOD BURGER AND LINCOLN HISTORY ON EVERY WALL.

WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU NEED TO THINK SOMETHING THROUGH: I GO FOR A WALK. AT WORK I’LL HEAD TOWARD COOPER PARK. AT HOME I WALK THROUGH THE NEAR SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD. IF I WANT A LONGER RUN, WILDERNESS PARK. IT’S PEACEFUL AND YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE FAR FROM THE CITY EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE JUST A STONE’S THROW AWAY.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE IGNORED: I GOT OUT OF TYPING CLASS IN HIGH SCHOOL TO TAKE ANOTHER ENGLISH CLASS INSTEAD. PROBABLY COULD HAVE USED THOSE KEYBOARDING SKILLS.

COVER STORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

A CLOSER look

Public Media’s Champion DECKER LEADS NPM INTO OMAHA AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

For Stacey Decker, NPM’s general manager and CEO, it is one piece of a much larger ambition.

Decker oversees a statewide network that has connected Nebraskans to news, education, sports and culture since 1954, filing more than 2,000 news stories annually and reaching more than 1 million people each month. He doesn’t just run it. In conversation he is relaxed and quick to smile, lighting up when he talks about his staff and the mission that drew him back to Nebraska after years on the coasts. “I’m kind of quoted as saying I’m here to make sure this place is around for 70 more years,” he said.

That conviction shapes even his most structural decisions. As a state employee, a university employee and the leader of a news organization expected to cover the institutions that sign his paycheck, his response to that tension was deliberate. “To make sure that there’s journalistic integrity, I never put my finger on the scale of this organization from a journalism standpoint,” he said. “There is a firewall between myself and the content so the journalists can go do their job. I’ve got a lot of bosses.”

Decker became NPM’s fourth general manager in October 2024. He arrived with more than 25 years of public media experience, most recently as senior vice president of innovation and systems strategy at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Six months after he took the job, Congress eliminated CPB’s funding entirely, cutting roughly $4 million annually from NPM’s budget. He has no intention of letting that define what comes next.

You built Public Media Management from the ground up at WGBH — a public-private venture with Sony that redefined shared broadcast infrastructure across the country. Did that experience change how you think about what public media can be?

Shortly after coming in there, Sony came to the table with cloud technology, which at the time was very controversial. I just felt like the question that was appropriate was, ”If you believe in it so much, how about we build something together? I’m not going to buy it from you, but I’ll build something with you.“ There are four letters that are always synonymous with the best technical experience you’re going to find, and that’s Sony. I was encouraged to be entrepreneurial at WGBH and that experience 100% started to push me towards the position I have today. Oftentimes I think nonprofits are looked at as organizations that can’t be or shouldn’t be competitive and I have a fundamental difference with that. We are entrepreneurial, and we’re going to show it in this organization.

You oversaw a federal grant program distributing more than $90 million annually into the public media system. Eight months after you left, Congress eliminated CPB entirely. What did you understand about public media’s structural vulnerability that the rest of the country didn’t?

I understood that there was so much misunderstanding and misinformation, and it was so unfortunate that we couldn’t get our message out about the true nature and importance of CPB. The grant program I was part of was called the Next Generation Warning System. This country is seeing extreme weather events — fires, tornadoes — and I saw that grant program as a way of harnessing the power of public media infrastructure. We have 99% of the country covered by either radio or television. It’s infrastructure that is hardened; a tornado goes by and oftentimes the towers withstand that kind of wind impact. The last stand for people to be communicated to (during) the devastating floods in Georgia and Virginia, the infrastructure that stayed standing was the broadcast infrastructure. CPB did things no one really knew about. It’s not just about television and radio. There’s so much more in the emergency alerting space.

What’s the biggest misconception about public media?

I don’t think Nebraskans understand how different Nebraska Public Media is from most organizations. I would argue we do more local content than any public media

DECKER, FROM PAGE 01
People trust us, and I’m not going to put that at risk in the use of a tool. If we are using it, you’re going to know we’re using it.

organization in the country. Last year we did 1,000 hours of capitol coverage across digital and broadcast. We do sports — I think 12 stations in the country do sports — and I would put ESPN up against us any day for the quality. The misconception is that we’re all the same. We’re not, and I hope that people in Nebraska really understand the effort that goes in here.

NPM’s radio network has reached every corner of Nebraska for decades, except its largest city. What does the acquisition of KOOO-FM 101.9, launching June 15, make possible that wasn’t possible before?

I want to be clear: this was funded through our foundation. There’s no taxpayer money used to fund the purchase. Donor money paid for it, but the state received the asset. The biggest population center of the state has been unfortunately not served by a very efficient, very organized delivery of government information, and now will be. When I was here last time, we installed cameras in the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals rooms (26 permanent cameras were installed in 2008), and that content is all created by one person running a joystick from our facility. But it hasn’t been getting into Omaha on radio. Now it will. Capitol coverage is the one thing I’ll never put up for debate; we are going to do it. Heath Mello, who heads the Greater Omaha Chamber, helps me understand where we can help solve problems in Omaha. First we had to be there. Now the work has got to start.

AI can produce broadcast-ready content and fill programming gaps at a fraction of the cost of human production. For a network whose credibility is built on trusted local storytelling, is it a lifeline or a trap?

Both. AI is one of our strategic agenda items, and I didn’t pretend even in front of the staff to have all the answers. In order for us to stay relevant, we’ve got to consider it. We’ve started by educating our staff. Thirteen people are now going to university AI classes in different verticals: automation, finance, marketing. I do think it’s got potential to simplify some processes and help us build content. But we’re going to navigate it wisely and make sure we have policies and processes that protect the truth and honesty that is the basis of this organization. People trust us, and I’m not going to put that at risk in the use of a tool. If we are using it, you’re going to know we’re using it.

How do you build a digital future for an organization whose most essential audiences may never reliably access it?

If we were to start building public media today, you couldn’t afford to do it. The wisdom of (former Nebraska public media leaders) Jack McBride and Ron Hall to build out the infrastructure across the rural communities — servicing those communities with free over-the-air broadcast — was genius. There’s a technology called ATSC 3.0 that could be deployed in rural communities for at least one-way digital communication. It turns your television transmitter into an internet pipe, one way. I’m pushing for people to think about that. This country is the only developed nation that doesn’t have a backup to GPS. Every transaction you make on a credit card has a GPS timestamp. Our broadcast infrastructure could be repurposed for a backup to that system. The broadband penetration problem is a downfall for public safety, education and journalism. Unless we talk about our challenges and opportunities, people are left out. That’s what we’re there for.

is

of Midlands Business Journal E: daisy@mbj.com P: 402-330-1760 ext. 106

QUICK HITS

PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA: YAY OR NAY?

YES, AS LONG AS IT’S WITH HAM. HAM AND PINEAPPLE, NOT WITH ANYTHING ELSE.

YOU’VE WANTED A PORSCHE 911 SINCE 1984 AND FINALLY BOUGHT A 1983 MODEL EIGHT YEARS AGO. WHAT MAKES IT WORTH THE WAIT?

IT’S THE POSTER THAT WAS ON MY WALL WHEN I STARTED DRIVING THAT I NOW CAN POINT AT AND SAY, “I DID IT.” BUT THERE’S NO (DIGITAL) TECHNOLOGY IN THAT CAR. ZERO. IT’S MY BREAK FROM THE TECHNICAL WORLD.

WHAT’S THE LAST THING YOU WATCHED ON PUBLIC MEDIA THAT GENUINELY SURPRISED YOU?

“FRONTLINE.” THEY DID A DOCUMENTARY ON SOLITARY CONFINEMENT, “SOLITARY NATION,” THAT CHANGED ME AS A PERSON INSIDE. IT WAS HEARTBREAKING.

BILLY SQUIER OR CHRIS STAPLETON: WHICH ONE GETS LOUDER IN THE CAR?

BILLY SQUIER

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT CAN INSTANTLY MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER?

MY KIDS.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

BUSINESS news Young Leads Nebraska Chamber

LONGTIME ADVOCATE TAKES HELM AS PRESIDENT & CEO

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NE Chamber) has selected Joseph Young, who has vast experience in government affairs and business development, as its next president and chief executive officer.

Young is not new to the NE Chamber, having served as executive vice president at the NE Chamber from 2015 to 2018.

A seasoned business and public affairs leader, Young has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of economic development, government relations and private-sector growth. In addition to his role at the NE Chamber, his career includes executive leadership positions at Sampson Construction, Cox Communications, the Greater Omaha Chamber and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, all in Nebraska; and at AgAmerica Lending LLC and Blue Tide Ventures LLC in Florida, where he is currently managing partner.

In addition to leading successful business development and public policy initiatives, Young has extensive experience building coalitions, working with elected officials and advancing strategies that strengthen economic competitiveness and investment. He has an MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree from the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I am honored to join the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and to have the opportunity to serve Nebraska’s business community once again,” Young said. “Together with our members, policymakers and community leaders, I look forward to advancing policies and programs that strengthen Nebraska’s economy, support job creation and create opportunities for all Nebraskans.”

Pat Keenan, chair of the NE Chamber Board, said Young “checked all of the boxes” for the NE Chamber CEO role.

“Not only does Joseph have extensive experience leading both state and Omaha chamber government relations, but he’s worked in business development and government affairs,” Keenan said. “The array of experience in the roles he’s had, combined with his demonstrated ability in leading teams, building culture and managing with accountability, makes him a great fit for the Nebraska Chamber. He’s a Nebraskan, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.”

Former state senator Matt Williams has served as interim president of the NE Chamber since February and was part of the selection process. Young will begin his new role with the NE Chamber in mid-July.

Work to Do

LINCOLN LAGGING BEHIND PEERS FOR STARTUPS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lincoln does especially well in creating connections.

For all of its desirable qualities, Lincoln lags peer cities when it comes to startups and general economic vigor. This according to business analysts and longtime corporate types who say the situation hamstrings growth in the city’s business community.

Entrepreneurs wanted

Dr. Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the University of NebraskaLincoln, said Lincoln suffers when compared to other regions of the country when it comes to the number of successful startups.

“Nebraska in general tends to be lower on entrepreneurship measures, at least in modern times” he said. “There’s certain parts of the country that are greatly endowed with angel investors and so forth and we have some of that here, but not to the degree that the real startup hubs have.”

Thompson said the lower number of startups and entrepreneurship is a generational effect, as young people lack entrepreneurial role models to emulate.

“One of the most efficient ways to transfer knowledge about entrepreneurship is within families; so, obviously, if a place has a lower rate of entrepreneurship that means fewer people grow up in households where there were entrepreneurs,” he said. “It’s just not something we excel at, necessarily.”

Thompson doesn’t fault a lack of resources for the lower number of founders; in fact, he said between academic and business entities, the ecosystem is solid, all things considered.

“There’s incubators, there’s certainly training programs in the community and at the university level for young people,” he said. “I do think an effort is being made, and people are purposeful about giving people the opportunity to practice some of those skills. I know the university does that and I think it’s smart because even if someone doesn’t become an entrepreneur themselves, if they study what entrepreneurs need to know I think it helps them in any career.”

Thompson said another possible factor in the lower numbers is Lincoln being a victim of its own success in creating enough stable, well-paying jobs that siphon off people who might otherwise

strike out on their own.

— KATHY FARRELL, DEAN, UNL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

“We’re certainly a city where there is a lot of work, so people have alternatives to selfemployment,” he said. “In some parts of the country where there’s a lot of entrepreneurs, it’s because they more or less have to do that, unlike Lincoln where we have a lot of employment opportunities in both the private and public sector.”

Resources get high marks

For those individuals who do pursue the entrepreneurial path, Lincoln offers an environment conducive to fostering startups and founders alike.

“The city has built a collaborative and increasingly sophisticated innovation ecosystem, particularly for a market of its size,” said Kathy Farrell, dean of the College of Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Lincoln benefits from a combination of research capacity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a supportive business community, strong public-private partnerships and a high quality of life that appeals to entrepreneurs and skilled talent.”

Farrell said one thing Lincoln does particularly well is helping founders navigate the business landscape. The city’s longstanding reputation of being “a big small town” pays off handsomely for entrepreneurs seeking to find their way to needed vendors and expertise.

“Lincoln does especially well in creating connections,” she said. “Founders can access university expertise, business mentors, investors and community leaders relatively quickly compared to larger markets where networks are often harder to penetrate. There is also a growing culture that celebrates entrepreneurship and encourages students and researchers to think about commercialization and startup creation earlier in the process.

“Founders frequently mention the willingness of people and organizations across Lincoln and Omaha to collaborate, mentor and help entrepreneurs make the right connections to move their businesses forward. That accessibility helps reduce friction for startups trying to move from concept to execution.”

Nebraska in general tends to be lower on entrepreneurship measures.
— DR. ERIC THOMPSON, DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF BUSINESS RESEARCH, THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN

Asked what the ecosystem might need, the answer is “more,” Farrell intimated.

“Where improvement is still needed is scale,” she said. “Lincoln continues to face challenges common to mid-sized markets: access to larger pools of venture capital, attraction and retention of specialized tech talent, and the ability to rapidly scale startups locally rather than seeing them migrate to larger metros as they grow. Continued investment in talent development, entrepreneurial infrastructure, and early-stage capital will be important to the next phase of growth.”

Steep challenges remain

Richard Meginnis, president of NAI FMA Realty, said other issues are acting as a drag on Lincoln’s business growth, from minimum wage to slow footing the permitting process.

“Quite frankly, I don’t think Lincoln is that business friendly right now,” he said.

Meginnis specifically took issue with the Lincoln City Council’s vote this month setting the minimum wage at $15 across the board, with increases tied to cost of living. This exceeds the cap set by LB 258 in the 2026 legislative session which has a flat 1.75% annual increase limit and lower base hourly pay and increases for teens. The ordinance is already sparking debate over a city’s authority to set its own minimum wage.

Meginnis also pointed to environmental and permitting regulations as working against growth.

“They’ve put in a higher floodplain regulation than anywhere in the country,” he said. “Most places have to go a foot above floodplain but Lincoln [leadership] feels we need to be two feet above floodplain. I personally know of two businesses where that’s caused them to not build here.

“The city has also been really slow in permitting projects which would allow companies to grow. We had a company that wanted to build a 200,000-square-foot dog food processing plant and the city told them they had to build a whole new intersection, lighted interchange, spend $3 million on it. The company said no, we’re leaving town. We’re outta here.”

Meginnis said the situation is additionally frustrating because of how well Lincoln has done in addressing two of the stickier problems facing businesses in other cities: affordable housing and reskilling labor.

“Lincoln has done a very good job of building a lot of lower or mid-income housing using lowincome housing tax credits and other city incentives, and people are buying them right and left,” he said. “They’ve got a new employment center that’s going really well where they’re training a lot of underemployed people and bringing them up.

“But at the same time, we’ve had several large employers move out. Cabela’s credit card processing group left Lincoln, Verizon closed its call center. I definitely see Lincoln in a slow period for growth right now.”

LINCOLN GROWTH report

Lincoln Strong

SPORTS AND FITNESS IN STAR CITY PAYS OFF MULTIPLE WAYS

One of the things we pride ourselves on is being open and available to all.

Sports Spotlight: Golf

Nebraskans may be well-known college sports fanatics, but golf nuts aren’t far behind in number and passion for the game. Nowhere is this truer than in Lincoln where residents enjoy 1.7 golf courses per 10,000 residents, tying for third highest among U.S. cities.

“Our goal is to provide an exceptional golfing experience with quality courses, excellent customer service and affordable rates,” said Wade Foreman, Lincoln City Golf facilities operations manager.

“The growth in rounds played this year reflects our dedicated staff, engaged golfers and ideal weather.

We’re especially excited by the increase in youth participation, which underscores the longterm sustainability of golf in our community.”

Lincoln City Golf reported golfers played 240,020 rounds in 2025, an increase of 10% from 2024, and the second-highest number of golf rounds for Lincoln golf courses in the last 45 years. Profit at Lincoln golf courses in 2025 was $1.52 million, compared to $1.06 million in 2024.

“Lincoln City Golf has contributed to Lincoln’s excellent quality of life for 94 years. Our courses offer affordable and accessible golf for people of all ages, genders and economic backgrounds,” said Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross.

“We thank the community for their support of our golf program and look forward to another great year ahead.”

— GEOFF WELLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COOPER YMCA

As the home of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lincoln has always been a sports-obsessed city. When the Big Red tide is rising it lifts all boats, from increased local sales to more visitors in hotels to bigger coffers in television and merchandise revenue.

The Huskers aren’t the only way that sports and wellness continue to drive the community forward, however. Professional franchises, public amenities and a robust youth sports network have also taken hold among residents of all ages as they seek to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Midlands Business Journal polled several leaders across the sports and fitness spectrum to learn what the city has done to maximize Lincoln’s human and economic wellness.

Star attraction

It has been 30 years since the Lincoln Stars burst onto the Lincoln sports landscape and the United States Hockey League franchise has arguably never been more popular.

“The success of the Lincoln Stars says a lot about Lincoln and very little about hockey alone,” said Suzanne Petersen, vice president. “This is a community that shows up. People here support local sports because they genuinely care about being part of something bigger than themselves. On any given game night, you’ll see young hockey players, college students, business leaders, families and lifelong fans all sitting in the same building, cheering for the same team. That’s special.

“Lincoln has always embraced athletics, whether it’s youth sports, high school programs, college athletics or amateur and professional teams. The Stars have benefited from that culture but we’ve also become part of it over the last 30 years.”

Besides the team’s success on the ice, which includes two Clark Cups and three Anderson Cups during its history, the Stars serve an important role off skates as well, Petersen said.

“Winning matters, but the impact of the Stars goes far beyond the scoreboard,” she said. “For many families, a Stars game is one of the most affordable and accessible entertainment options in the city. It’s a place where parents can bring their kids, local businesses can connect with the community, and young athletes can see what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity.

“What we hope to project into the community is simple: pride, connection, fun and opportunity.”

“I think it’s been a little bit more difficult, especially for small businesses economically, last year or so,” Dobson said. “We’ve really focused on more creative financing. We participate in our preferred lender for the FDA program,

Youth sports tourism is essential to the economic impact of our community.

and that helps, but attaching different collateral, finding different ways to structure it, that falls on us to make sure we can get the deal done.”

Youth movement

One of the things that makes Lincoln what it is is the ability of young people to get started in sports at an early age. For many youths across the Lincoln metro, that means enrolling in YMCA programs from playing pick-up basketball at a local center to playing in soccer, baseball or basketball leagues.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is being open and available to all,” said Geoff Weller, executive director of the Cooper YMCA location and former program director for youth sports. “We want to open our doors to all comers, all ages and all abilities as well. We get started with some of our youth programming as young as three years old and typically are taking things up through high school.”

Weller said the Lincoln YMCA has always been an innovator in its programming, which he contends is one of the reasons why its programs continue to thrive even as time and tastes have changed.

“Lincoln is unique among other YMCAs around the country in that we have a centralized model. Any sports that are affiliated with the YMCA are run out of our youth sports branch. That helps broaden the reach of the programs and helps with the continuity of planning.

“We’ve also focused on putting our teams together by schools the kids are attending so we can build in some of those peer connections that transfer from not just a school day, but beyond. I think that really helps to forge great relationships.”

Moneyball

In addition to local leagues, sports also represent a major component of tourism dollars for the community. Derek Bombeck, director of sports for Visit Lincoln, said attracting the city’s share of tournaments and events pays off in more ways than one.

“Youth sports tourism is essential to the economic impact of our community,”

Winning matters, but the impact of the Stars goes far beyond the scoreboard.

— SUZANNE PETERSEN, VICE PRESIDENT, LINCOLN STARS

he said. “The Sports Events & Tourism Association revealed that sports tourism accounted for $275 billion dollars last year. Lincoln is in a prime position to capitalize on this.

“By putting such focus on sports programming, we are able to attract many regional and national events that support our lodging tax and sales tax efforts. We are looking forward to a very busy summer that will highlight Lincoln as the premier sports tourism destination in the Midwest.”

Bombeck said the efforts of the visitors bureau are greatly accelerated by the support of other city leadership.

“We receive incredible support from Lincoln and our Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, the (University of) Nebraska Athletics Department and others. They understand the impact sports tourism has,” he said. “Growth comes from great facilities and we have plenty to choose from in Lincoln from the Sandhills Global Youth Complex for baseball and softball, to Speedway Sports Complex, Kinetic Sports Complex and the Lincoln Sports Foundation for basketball, volleyball and soccer.

“It’s great to work in a city where we have great communication with all of our partners and everyone has a similar vision on how we want to continue to grow.” MIDLANDS

Sports Spotlight: Running

DERRICK MCKENZIE

Not unlike golf, running can be enjoyed across the arc of one’s life. Local enthusiasts said improvements to trails and other courses are feeding a healthy running community.

“I would give Lincoln a B-plus or A-minus,” said Derrick McKenzie, a Lincoln native and head coach of track and cross-country at Nebraska Wesleyan University, his alma mater.

“From where we’re at in northeast Lincoln, you can go a mile north or a mile south and get on MoPac Trail or Murdoch Trail and go as long as you want pretty easily.

“You go down south and you’ve got trails like Jamaica Trail, one of the newer ones. Honestly, there’s so many great running options; you can get to a trail really easily no matter where you’re at in the city.”

McKenzie said this environment is accentuated by a very successful annual marathon weekend which caters to all ages and levels.

“You don’t have to be a college all-star or be part of a high school team to run,” he said. “You don’t have to stress over being competitive or spend a ton of money on it. I think all those things combined, running’s pretty easy for people to get into it.”

NONPROFIT news Red Cross Urges Blood Donors

GIVE BY JUNE 28 FOR GIFT CARD INCENTIVES UP TO $7,500

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give blood. Donors of all blood types are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or fewer opportunities to give — an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season, a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives.

To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who come to give June 1 to 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at

least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact — volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

MBJ’s Fab 50 is a profile series highlighting remarkable individuals shaping our business and nonprofit communities.

A Career in Film

LIFELONG CREATIVE

MARGAUX TOWNE, FOUNDER

DIGITAL MOXIE STUDIO

MARGAUX TOWNE BUILDS A LIFE FANTASTIC

Life, it has been said, is less about what happens to you than how you react to it, a dictum that defines Margaux Towne’s career in a nutshell. The native Floridian knew early that her life would follow a creative arc, which it has done through a series of opportunities, happy accidents and coincidences that feel a lot like fate.

“I grew up in Florida in a little town outside of Orlando,” she said. “I graduated from Florida State University with a communications degree. I also did theater because I was always attracted to it. After college, I got a real job like you’re supposed to and then I still kept dabbling in acting and I got a paid gig in a touring company. So I quit my real job and became an actor.”

Towne worked at Universal Studios in one of their live shows at a time when there were ample opportunities for people with the hustle and talent to take advantage of it.

“In Orlando there was a decent amount of work,” she said. “There were industrials and commercials, Nickelodeon was pretty active, and there was some stuff being shot in Atlanta and Miami.”

While she enjoyed the work, after several years she began to take stock of where she was in her career as an actor and began to think about making a change.

“You know, I got to be in my 30s and I was like, “Do I really want to be a theme park actor the rest of my life?’” she said. “I mean, it’s not a bad way to make a living, but I knew I was never going to run away to New York or California to try and be an actor.

“At the time, I had a friend who worked at a TV station, and he said they were hiring a living segments reporter and did I want an introduction? I’m like, sure. I’ll just act like a reporter.”

Towne got the job as well as the surprising news that in addition to reporting, the position called for her to produce the spots as well. Rather than being daunted, she was intrigued.

“I’ve always been attracted to telling a good story and I realized that when you were the producer or the director, you had a lot more impact on all the different elements of telling the story: the music, the people, the talent, the script,” she said. “You had say about all of that instead of just being the talent. After I did that, I loved it and I never really went back.”

Towne’s Omaha chapter began 25 years ago when she followed a relationship there, spending a good chunk of time initially as a stay-at-home mom to her son Greyson. When the relationship ended and she needed to reenter the workforce, fate once again made a cameo.

I started my company and I knew I made the right decision because the next day I woke up and I felt more alive than I had felt in years.

“There was a parent at my son’s school who has had an international medical supply company, and they said they had been talking for years about doing video for all of their products and doctors and stuff like that,” she said. “So I started working with them doing that, and it was pretty successful. We did a bunch of videos and used YouTube and they got tons of views and the product sold and everything.”

A couple of starts and stops in the industry only helped Towne sharpen her skillset and ultimately led her to form her own company, Digital Moxie Studio, nearly ten years ago. She said she was emboldened to take the entrepreneurial leap by looking at the competition at that time, market research that immediately showed her an advantage.

“Everywhere I looked, the production companies at that time were men, men, men, men, men,” she said. “It was men everywhere and if you did find a woman in the industry, she was like, social media coordinator or something. That really kind of annoyed me.

“Lots of clients I had been working with up to that point were women; marketing people, a lot of ‘em are women. I did a fair amount of work with nonprofits, and they were led by women. I just felt like women would like to work with women. I started my company and I knew I made the right decision because the next day I woke up and I felt more alive than I had felt in years.”

Towne was right to feel that way, given her decision coincided with trends in branding and advertising that leaned heavily toward video, especially in digital marketing. At the same time demand was growing and equipment was improving, allowing her to compete with anybody.

“The timing ended up being really great for me. When I was in college, there was no such thing as the job I’m doing now, it didn’t exist, and now everybody is like, yeah, we really need to do video,” she said. “Today we have a Netflixapproved camera which can produce much better video quality than in the past. The barriers to entry have come way down and continue to go down; you just have to convince prospective clients to use you.”

While the creative and technical elements of launching Digital Moxie Studio were never a concern, Towne admits to having reservations about her ability to prospect and sell, something that was never part of her job description. Turns out, she was pretty good at that, too.

“I discovered that when I went out and started talking to people and we talked about video, it was just like when my dad talked about the Boston Red Sox, it was just passion. It didn’t feel like sales at all,” she said. “It ended up not being too hard. I always tell people now that my two favorite subjects are my son and video. If you want to talk about either one of those, I’m in.”

—

FUN FACTS:

WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT?

I CAN LIP SYNC TO “A CHORUS LINE.”

HOW MUCH CREDIT DO YOU OWE TO GROWING UP IN AN EXTROVERTED ITALIAN FAMILY FOR YOUR FLAIR FOR STORYTELLING?

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO TELLING A GOOD STORY AND I WAS THE YOUNGEST, SO I HAD TO BE REALLY GOOD AT IT GROWING UP. NOBODY WOULD PAY ATTENTION OTHERWISE.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK OVER YOUR CAREER. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

WELL, THE BEST THING I EVER DID WAS HAVE MY SON. HE’S 24 NOW AND HE IS JUST LIKE AN AWESOME HUMAN. THAT’S WHAT I’M MOST PROUD OF. WORKWISE, MAKING AN IMPACT IS WHAT I’M MOST PROUD OF. YOU KNOW, PEOPLE AT NONPROFITS WORK REALLY HARD DOING WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND THAT THEY CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT MONEY. WE GET TO BE A PART OF HELPING WITH THAT; IF WE’RE SUCCESSFUL AT OUR JOB, THEY RAISE MORE MONEY AND THEY HAVE MORE MONEY TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO.

YOUR FAVORITE TELEVISION SERIES, STREAMING OR OTHERWISE?

OH, UNDOUBTEDLY “TED LASSO.” GOD, I LOVE THAT SHOW. AND I LIKE “SHRINKING,” NOW, TOO.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE?

I’M TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN PICKLEBALL AND KAYAKING.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED IN LIFE THAT WOULD’VE BEEN GOOD TO KNOW WHEN YOU WERE 16?

YOU ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LIFE. YOU HEAR PEOPLE TELL YOU THESE WORDS, BUT UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THEM, YOU DON’T KNOW. I WISH I WOULD’VE LEARNED THAT SOONER.

Recognizing Lincoln IMPACT 250 businesses

250 Businesses

250 Visionaries

250 Making a Difference

Barn

Bagel Bin

BAT Logistics

Benson Bounty

Bonafide Dog Academy

Book Nook

Boxer Barbeque

BranchPattern

Brickway Brewing & Distillery

Brownie Bar

Caring for People Services

Catapult Consulting Solutions

Casios

ChiroLife of Omaha

Chocolat Abeille

City Limits

Clothes Mentor Omaha

Completely Cat Clinic

Computer Systems, Inc.

Contemporary Analysis

Creative Hair Design Salon and Spa

Crestcom

Curly Salon

Custom Gems

Dietze Music

Dirty Birds

Dolomiti Pizzeria and Enoteca

Durham Staffing Solutions

Eagle Mortgage Inc

Eleanor Creative

Endeveren Family Medicine

Energi Salon

EverBloom Floral and Gift

Everbowl

Exist

First Row Fitness

Foundations Business Group For the Wild Birds

Gamble Tech Firm

Gratton Warehouse Company

Home Style Laundry and Dry Cleaning

House of J

Huffman Engineering, Inc.

Husker Hounds

Hutch Contract Ink

Images Custom Apparel

Inmotion Auto Care

It’s All About Bees

Ital Vital Living

J & M Displays (fireworks)

Jaffery Insurance and Financial

Services

LeFlore’s New Look Fashions

Let George Do It

Lincoln Running Co.

Jaipur

Jay Moore Landscaping

JPlam Hairdressing

Karma Koffee

KidGlov

Krypton Comics

Lindley Clothing Co.

Lingo Docs

Lotus House of Yoga

Makovicka Physical Therapy

Mangelsen’s

Maplewood Lanes

No Name Nutrition

Olive Branch

Omaha Dog Bar

Omaha Marine Center

Omaha Protein Popcorn Company

Pilcher’s Indian Store

Platinum Pool Service

Orchard AI

Parking Area Maintenance

Passport Public Relations

Prairie in Bloom

Quality Fence

Recycled Sounds

Reis’ Bakery

Rooted Table

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

Sandhills Elixir

Say Hey There

Screen Ink

SET The Bar

Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe

Shug’s Comfort Food

SISO Martial Arts

Surreal Media Lab

Synchronicity

Ted & Wally’s

The Amazing Pizza Machine

The Corky Canvas

The Green Spot

The Nail Shop

The Next Chapter Bookstore

The Tea Smith

Thomas Funeral Home

Todata Analytics

True Pottery

Upside Same-Day Dental Crowns

VALO Wellness Spa

Vic’s Corn Popper

Village Grinder

Vino Mas

Vintage Oasis Omaha

Wheatfield’s Eatery and Bakery

BUSINESS news SBA Keeps Going After May

FREE JUNE WORKSHOPS COVER FINANCE, MARKETING, AI

May was National Small Business Month, and while the calendar has turned, the U.S. Small Business Administration isn’t slowing down. The SBA Nebraska District Office and its network of resource partners continue delivering the kind of hands-on education and one-on-one guidance that can make the difference between a business idea and a business plan, between surviving and thriving.

Whether one is still turning a concept over in their head, navigating the early days of a startup or looking to sharpen the skills that keep an established operation growing, the SBA’s June lineup has something for small business owners and potential owners. Workshops span everything from cash flow fundamentals and pricing strategy to digital marketing, government contracting and artificial intelligence; most of them are free or low-cost and many are available online so geography is no obstacle.

Resource partners including SCORE, the Nebraska Business Development Center, Nebraska APEX Accelerator, Nebraska Enterprise Fund and GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center are all part of the effort, bringing local expertise to a wide range of business needs across the state.

Financial Management

SCORE kicks off June with a cash flow projection workshop on June 9 (9-10:30 a.m., online, free): score. org/mn/twin-cities/business-education/how-to-project-cash-flow-to-run-or-save-your-business/

NBDC and Metropolitan Community College offer in-person financial management and cash flow planning education June 11 (9-11 a.m.) at MCC at The Ashton, 1106 N. 12th St., Omaha (free): sba.gov/ event/83907

SBA Nebraska and NBDC present Cash Flow Basics for Small Business Owners on June 16 (6-7:30 p.m.) at Catholic Charities Juan Diego Center, 5211 S. 31st St., Omaha (free): eventbrite.com/e/cash-flowbasics-for-small-business-owners-tickets-1990642202414

MCC and NBDC host Estimating and Pricing for Profitability on June 23 (9-11 a.m.) at the Greater Omaha Chamber, 808 ConAgra Drive, Suite 400 (free): sourcelinknebraska.com/event/estimating-and-pricing-for-profitability/

SBA Nebraska and NBDC close out June with Price It Right: Profit-Focused Pricing on June 25 (6-7:30 p.m.) at Catholic Charities Juan Diego Center (free): eventbrite.com/e/price-it-right-profit-focused-pricing-for-small-business-owners-omaha-ne-tickets-1990652327699

Funding & Capital Access

SBA Nebraska presents Funding 101: How to Get the Capital Your Small Business Needs on June 18 (6-7:30 p.m.), in person at Catholic Charities Juan Diego Center (free): eventbrite.com/e/funding-101how-to-get-the-capital-your-small-business-needs-tickets-1990648229441

Nebraska Enterprise Fund offers walk-in office hours in South Sioux City (June 9) and Fremont (June 23). No appointment needed. Contact Francisco Sandoval at franciscos@nebbiz.org or 402-685-5500. Details: nebbiz.org/event/south-sioux-city-office-hours-3 and nebbiz.org/event/office-hours-with-nefin-fremont-3

Marketing & Digital Strategy

SCORE covers Advanced SEO on June 9 (noon-1 p.m., online, free): score.org/business-education/ advanced-seo-strategies-to-drive-traffic-leads-and-sales/

Social media strategy for small businesses: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is the focus of a June 10 SCORE webinar (noon-1 p.m., free): score.org/mn/twin-cities/business-education/the-importance-ofusing-ti-instagram-and-tiktok-for-organic-business-growth/

SCORE presents Content Marketing Planning and Strategy on June 16 (noon-1 p.m., online, free): score. org/business-education/small-business-content-marketing-planning-and-creating-engaging-content/

SBA Nebraska and SCORE host From Invisible to In-Demand: Marketing Your Small Business, in person June 23 (6-7:30 p.m.) at Catholic Charities Juan Diego Center (free): eventbrite.com/e/from-invisible-toin-demand-marketing-your-small-business-tickets-1990651274549

Technology & AI

A growing slate of AI workshops reflects the increased demand for practical tech education among small business owners. Highlights include:

• June 11: How to Reduce AI Tool Selection Time by 80% (SCORE, $10): score.org/il/north-cookand-lake-counties/business-education/06-11-26-how-to-reduce-ai-tool-selection-time-by-80-andchoose-a-good-solution/

• June 16: QuickBooks Online & AI (SCORE, $15): score.org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/06-16-26-quickbooks-online-ai-what-small-business-owners-need-to-know/

• June 18: Everyday AI Tools for Small Business Owners (SCORE, free): score.org/il/north-cook-andlake-counties/business-education/06-18-26-everyday-ai-tools-for-small-business-owners-simpleai-tools/

• June 19: Integrating AI Into Your Small Business: Building a Personal Assistant (SCORE, $10): score. org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/06-19-26-integrating-ai-into-your-smallbusiness-building-a-personal-assistant/

• June 24: AI Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated (SCORE, free): score.org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/06-24-26-ai-doesnt-have-to-be-complicated/

Government Contracting

Nebraska APEX Accelerator offers a robust lineup for businesses exploring government contracts:

• June 9: Evolving DoD Contractor Cybersecurity Requirements (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ events/10403

• June 10: Intro to State and Local Government Contracting, in person at Keene Memorial Library, Fremont (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10353

• June 16: Methods for Communicating Your Past Performance to Accelerate Government Sales (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10404

• June 18: Intro to Federal Government Contracting (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10407

• June 23: Ethics in Federal Government Contracting (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10405

• June 25: Breaking into GovCon: A DCAA Perspective (free): nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10406

Quickbooks & Bookkeeping

GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center hosts a four-week in-person QuickBooks course with CPA Tanya Luken beginning June 16 (Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.) at the SBA Nebraska District Office, 10675 Bedford Ave., Suite 100, Omaha ($25 per session): members.grownebraska.org/events/details/2026quickbooks-in-person-11009

SCORE offers a beginner-friendly QuickBooks Online essentials webinar June 16 (10 a.m.-noon, free): score.org/mn/twin-cities/business-education/learn-quickbooks-online-the-essentials-for-new-users/

Insurance

SCORE presents business insurance basics multiple times throughout the month. The June 9 session covers an overview of all insurance types ($10): score.org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/06-09-26-what-insurance-does-my-business-need-the-basics/

A deeper dive on workers’ compensation, property, casualty and liability insurance is scheduled June 15 ($10): score.org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/06-15-26-what-insurance-doesmy-business-need/

Additional Resources

Most SCORE webinars are recorded. An archive is available at score.org/recorded-webinars. Additional workshops can be found at score.org/twincities/local-workshops. All events are listed on the SBA Nebraska District Office calendar at sba.gov/district/ nebraska. To find an SBA resource partner near you, visit sba.gov/local-assistance.

WRITTEN BY THE HFS INVESTMENT

COMMITTEE

The New Era of Pricing Power

When Taylor Swift launched the “Eras” tour in March 2023, the reaction from fans was a mix of pure euphoria and absolute outrage. The source of the anger? Ticket prices. During the November 2022 Ticketmaster pre-sale — which famously crashed the site — face-value tickets were set between $49 and $449, but the secondary market quickly spiraled into the stratosphere. Resale tickets for opening night in Glendale, Arizona, were listed for as much as $20,000, with average resale prices hovering around $1,600 throughout the tour’s early stages.

Fans were furious, but they paid. Why? Because it was a textbook case of pricing power. There was only one Taylor Swift, a strictly limited supply of dates, and an immense, almost desperate level of demand. Swift didn’t have to lower prices to fill a stadium; if anything, the market proved she could have charged even more.

Weekly Market Commentary

Right now, the semiconductor industry is experiencing similarly increased demand driven by artificial intelligence, though it remains historically cyclical and subject to volatility. NVIDIA sparked the modern AI arms race, and its GPUs became the equivalent of front-row concert tickets: scarce, essential and priced at a massive premium. Nvidia’s gross margins have surged above 70%, almost unheard-of levels for this type of hardware business, because customers have demonstrated a willingness to pay premium prices to secure computing capacity during periods of high demand.

The frenzy has spread well beyond Nvidia. Shares of Micron Technology have surged nearly 700% over the past year as demand for high-bandwidth memory exploded. SanDisk has risen nearly 3,700%, driven by data center revenue growth of 645% in its latest quarter, reported on April 30. Inventory is effectively sold out.

The reason is straightforward: AI requires memory. As models become larger and agents begin performing more complex tasks, hyperscalers are scrambling to secure DRAM and NAND memory storage supply. The chart above illustrates just how dramatically pricing has moved. DRAM contract

pricing has increased more than sixfold since mid-2023, while NAND pricing has nearly tripled.

Certainly, this kind of pricing power will not last forever. Eventually, supply will catch up to demand; it always has in semiconductors. The real question is how long that takes. If AI demand continues accelerating faster than new capacity can be built, this period of scarcity could persist far longer than investors expect. Until supply finally catches up, the companies controlling the infrastructure behind AI may continue to enjoy extraordinary pricing power and profitability.

Unless otherwise cited, the statements and commentary provided are opinions of Harrison Financial Services as of June 4, 2026, and are subject to change. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. This material does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment or security. Any views on the relative attractiveness of different asset classes are made in the context of a well-diversified portfolio, not in isolation. Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

LEADERS q&a

HAMZA HAQQI, BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE

Midlands Leaders is a weekly section showcasing individuals who are making an impact in the community through their professional and volunteer endeavors. To nominate someone for this piece, email news@mbj.com with the individual’s name, position, company and email.

Bio:

As Director of Educational Programs and Events for Business Ethics Alliance Hamza Haqqi has worked in the nonprofit community focusing on ethical leadership, nonprofit education, community engagement and creating spaces where people can have honest conversations about trust, values and responsibility. He has a Master of Science in Social Gerontology from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Organizational Change from Baylor University, which he has applied in nonprofit leadership, consulting, grant writing, communications, education and community programming.

An Omaha native, Haqqi has been recognized for his professional and community service work as a 2025 Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 award winner; 2025 Nebraska Tech Collaborative Volunteer of the Year by the Aksarben Foundation; and 2026 AFP Chamberlain Scholar for the Nebraska Chapter.

What led you to your chosen field?

I have always been drawn to work that brings people together and helps communities move forward. Ethics felt like a natural home for that work because it sits at the center of trust, leadership and decision-making.

Why are ethics such an important subject, especially for businesses and nonprofits?

Ethics matter because every organization is built on trust. Businesses and nonprofits both rely on relationships with employees, clients, donors, partners and the community. Strong ethics help people feel respected, make decisions clearer and protect the trust an organization works hard to earn.

How important are ethics as a business advantage?

I feel ethics is a major business advantage because people remember whether they can trust an organization. Price and selection matter but trust often determines whether people stay, refer others or continue a relationship. Many companies understand this in theory, but the challenge is living those values when decisions are complex or uncomfortable.

How does Business Ethics Alliance promote ethics, and what is your role?

The Business Ethics Alliance promotes ethics through practical education, events, workshops, and conversations that help leaders strengthen ethical decision-making. In my role, I work with our Executive Director, Dr. Annmarie Marlier, to help design and deliver programs, coordinate speakers and panels, develop educational content and build partnerships that make ethics accessible and relevant to everyday work.

For companies wanting to define and promote ethical behavior, where should they start?

I feel companies should start by making ethics clear, practical and visible. Values should not only live in a handbook; they should show up in daily behavior, communication, leadership and accountability. The most commonly overlooked piece is consistency; people notice when values are only applied when convenient.

Crossword by Myles Mellor

Across

1. Easy mark

4. Troublemakers

8. Stray

12. “Nest eggs,” briefly

14. Wyle of “ER”

15. Long structural supports

16. Spanish painter

17. “Strength , Courage and Wisdom,” singer, India

18. Really bother, 2 words

19. “Silence of the Lambs” psychiatrist

21. Nutritional fig., abbr.

22. Revise again

23. ____ Stockyards, founded in South Omaha in 1883

26. Spanish “Sir”

28. Overly authoritative

29. Weaken

32. Festoon

34. Cock-and-bull story

36. Randy Johnson stat.

37. ___ bit, 2 words

38. Many Tyson finishes, abbr.

39. Storage areas

41. Military training staff

43. Oblique or slanting surface

44. Point record

46. Sly character

48. Troy lady

49. Historic house- an example of

Dutch Colonial Revival architecturegoes with 3 down

52. Passé

53. Pretentious

55. Omaha district, ___ Park

58. Big times

59. One-named supermodel

60. Ride

61. Cosmetic surgery, for short

How does it feel to work for a group whose purpose is to promote ethical behavior?

It feels meaningful and energizing; to quote Michelle Gielan I love to “broadcast happiness.” I am grateful to work for an organization whose mission connects so closely to building a more ethical business community I want to help build pathways for people to grow, thrive and stay in Omaha.

What has Business Ethics Alliance taught you personally about ethics?

The Business Ethics Alliance has taught me that ethics show up in everyday choices: how we communicate, listen, handle conflict and treat people when no one is watching. I try to put that into practice by being thoughtful in my communication, creating inclusive spaces and remembering that every decision has an impact beyond the immediate moment.

Down

1. Breath of weariness

2. Like appreciative fans

3. See 49 across

4. Trapped, 3 words

Suspensions of activity

Beach item

62. Religious group

63. Apartment

64. Estonian-born American architect

65. Some city map lines, abbr.

Female pronoun

One who sees the obvious

Porridge ingredient

Medical org.

Colorado hrs., abbr.

Most level headed

15. Flatulence solution

20. Suffix with chlor-

24. Honshu city

21. Six-sided geometric solid

25. Parachute material

27. Down time, 3 words

29. Filigree

30. Sheelytown was originally formed as an ___ enclave

31. Medieval weapon 33. Grammatical division 35. Ballpark fig., abbr.

40. Featured performer

41. Minimal change

42. The Sage of Concord

43. Welsh ___ (cute dogs)

45. Employ again

47. Disapproving shout 50. Many apps provide them

51. Make a law

53. “Tosca” tune

54. Explosive compounds, abbr.

55. A.C. measure, abbr.

56. Bard’s nightfall

57. Part of le printemps

58. Large antlered mammal

UPCOMING events

June 15

BisonHeartGroup Networking: 2-Year Celebration Mixer

Location: BisonHeartGroup, 13333 California St.

This story-driven, authentic networking community is celebrating its milestone anniversary. This event offers professional connections, open conversations and insights from local business growth. — facebook.com @bisonheartgroup

June 16

Sarpy County emPower Breakfast

Location: Beardmore Event Center, 3750 Raynor Pkwy. in Bellevue

A morning of open, non-commercial business networking incorporates lightning talks, sponsor spotlights and structured table introductions to capture professionals just south of the metro area. — sarpycounty.empowerbreakfast.org

June 16

Starting Your Business Essentials

Location: Nebraska Enterprise Fund Omaha Office, 2112 N. 30th St. Nebraska Enterprise Fund’s free, in-person workshop is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take the first steps toward business ownership. — nebbiz.org

June 17

Sarpy Chamber W.O.M.E.N.’s Group Entrepreneur Panel

Location: Cobalt Credit Union, 7148 Towne Center Pkwy. in Papillion

Female entrepreneur panelists Maranda Adams of Blair Freeman Group, Shelley Forsman of Forsman’s Finest Decks and Mercedes Fonte of The Back Nine Golf are featured in a guided discussion and share real-world experiences about building a thriving business while balancing personal and professional goals. — sarpychamber.org

Crossword by Myles Mellor – Answers

June 17

UNbelievable Workplaces Program

Location: TBD, contact Rachel Jensen at rachel@councilbluffsiowa.com

This Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce-led program helps employers to measure and improve employee satisfaction, build retention-focused culture and benchmark workplace practices. — councilbluffsiowa.com

June 17-19

League of Nebraska Municipalities Municipal Accounting & Finance Conference

Location: Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S. 13th St. in Lincoln

This professional conference focuses on municipal budget planning, evolving fiscal policies and economic development strategies for local government leaders. — lonm.org

June 18

Lincoln emPower Breakfast

Location: Talon Room, 230 N 12th St Ste. 1 in Lincoln

This local small business open networking event is held on the third Thursday of every month. — lincoln.empowerbreakfast.org

June 18

Omaha Executive Immersion: Summer at the Stadium

Location: Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St.

This behind-the-scenes event offers networking with executives during a CWS game and takes a look at hosting the College World Series with the leaders who run Omaha’s signature event. — your.omahachamber.org

June 18

Savor the City

Location: Haymarket Park, 403 Line Drive Circle, Suite A in Lincoln

This targeted business showcase spotlights Lincoln’s premier restaurant and catering industries, offering corporate leaders unique localized business-tobusiness networking opportunities. — lcoc.com

June 24-26

NCMA Summer Conference

Location: Joe Hampton Conference Center, 1335 L St. in Lincoln

This financial management summit brings together regional municipal cash managers, municipal controllers and state banking advisers together to map fiscal operations. — lonm.org

June 26-29

72nd Annual International Education Conference (IRWA)

Location: CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St.

This major infrastructure forum gathers civil engineers, right-of-way professionals and real estate experts to map complex regional pipeline and highway developments. — irwaonline.org

July 16

ON Brand 2026

Location: Mike & Josie Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St.

Presented by PRSA Nebraska, AAF Nebraska, AMA Omaha and AMA Lincoln, this conference connects communications, marketing, PR and branding professionals with national and local speakers, breakout sessions and networking. Tracks are tailored for nonprofit storytellers, mid-level professionals, recent graduates and senior leaders.

— ponbrandcon.com

Theisen,31...attheGodfather’sfranchiseinRockbrookVillage.TheClinton,IA.,nativehasbuilt string of63pizzarestaurants—with18morecomingintwomonths.-April22,1977

FredJr.,left,andKimHawkinsintheircompany’sequipmentyard…Aschildrentheyenvisioned workingtogetherasateam.

Leonard“Scotty”WoodIIIathisBlueCross/BlueShieldoffice...Corporateprogramsencouragehealth carecostcontainmentthroughincentives,saysnewchiefoperatingofficer.-Apr.4,1996

NickT.NewberrywithWoodmenTowerinbackground...Progressinthenext10yearswillbe“much

RobertB.Daughertywithapivotirrigationsysteminthebackground...TheNebraskacompanyisoneof thepioneerpivotmanufacturers. July27,1979

RobertKrohn,newpresidentofHenningsonDurham&Richardson...thebronze,glassbuildingisHDR’s Omahaofficeat8404IndianHillsDrive. Oct.15,1976 JohnnyBaxterinhisdealership’sshowroom…“Whatwestrivetodoistokeepincreasingourservice andparts,bodyshopbusinessandusedcars.”

BUSINESS news Union Omaha Watch Parties Set

CLUB PARTNERS WITH LOCAL VENUES FOR FIFA WORLD CUP VIEWING SERIES

Union Omaha will be partnering with several local establishments and their watch parties for the world’s biggest soccer tournament, the FIFA World Cup being played across the U.S., Mexico and Canada this summer.

Each of these watch parties will have a Union Omaha presence, with a variety of attractions including appearances by Hoot the Owl, inflatable games, giveaways and merchandise. The watch party series began with the tournament’s first match, Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11, and will extend all the way to the final on July 19 at 2 p.m.

Soccer fans can attend group stage watch parties for the following upcoming matches:

• U.S.A. vs. Paraguay, June 12 at 8 p.m., Big Grove Brewery

• Argentina vs. Algeria, June 16 at 8 p.m., Capitol District Plaza

• U.S.A. vs. Australia, June 19 at 2 p.m., Pint Nine Brewing Co. with Sporting Nebraska FC (will feature an autograph zone with Union Omaha players)

• Mexico vs. Czechia, June 24 at 8 p.m., Granary Green

• U.S.A. vs. Turkey, June 25 at 9 p.m., Sonny’s Downtown

The following dates are also confirmed for knockout stage watch parties:

• June 28 at 2 p.m., Capitol District Plaza

• June 30 at 8 p.m., Capitol District Plaza

• July 11 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Capitol District Plaza

• July 19 (Final) at 2 p.m., Sonny’s Downtown

More dates will be announced once the tournament reaches the knockout stage.

LEGAL notices

Important Service Change

Effective October 31, 2025:

The Midlands Business Journal will continue to provide publishing services for legal notices but will no longer submit notices to the Nebraska Secretary of State (SOS).

Affidavits with a final publication date of October 24, 2025 will be filed.

Thank you for using MBJ as your preferred publication for legal notices. We appreciate your business.

For direct SOS submissions, visit: www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-edocs/

Questions about SOS submissions? Call 402-471-4077

Midlands Business Journal Legal Notice Submission Guidelines

Please visit https://mbj.column.us/place to submit all legal notices to the Midlands Business Journal. Through this platform, you can submit your notice, receive pricing information, make payment, track your notice, and receive proof of publication.

For trade names, submit a copy of the approved Application for Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State (must include barcode in upper right-hand corner). Trade names run for one week only. The flat fee for a trade name is $50.

As a publisher and not a legal advisor, we print notices exactly as they are submitted. Complimentary reruns are only provided when a notice was rejected or affected due to an MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring content meets state requirements and bearing the cost of republishing if the notice is rejected due to misinformation or missing information. Submitters are responsible for filing their notice with the Secretary of State as required by law. The deadline is noon on Monday for notices to start publishing that Friday. Payment must be received prior to publication. Questions? Contact our Legal Department at legals@mbj.com.

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4633 N 82ND ST LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4633 N 82nd St LLC is organized under Nebraska law.

1. Designated Office: 200 S 21st St Ste 400a, Lincoln, NE 68510

2. Registered Agent: Northwest Registered Agent Service Inc located at 200 S 21st St Ste 400a, Lincoln, NE 68510

3. Purpose: To engage in lawful rental business permitted in Nebraska.

4. Duration: Perpetual, commencing on April 15th, 2026.

5. Management: Managed by members and non-owner operators First publication June 12, 2026

PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER LLP

PATRICK M. FLOOD, ATTORNEY

10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3728

NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FOCCUS, INC. USA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Articles of Incorporation of FOCCUS, Inc. USA, a Nebraska nonprofit religious corporation (the “Corporation”) have been amended and restated by the Directors as of May 12, 2026, and filed with the Secretary of State on May 19, 2026.

The Articles of Incorporation have been amended to generally provide as follows:

1. To increase the number of directors and define and eliminate certain ex officio directors;

2. To define and eliminate certain ex officio officers; and

3. To provide a mechanism to determine how excess funds may be distributed. First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM

2120 South 72nd Street, STE 1200 Omaha, NE 68124

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

The following-described property will be sold at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash at the H-14 Conference Room on the Harney Level of the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street, in the City of Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska on June 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.: Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, Benson Gardens Replat 22, as surveyed, platted, and recorded in the city of Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Commonly known as: 2306 N. 79th Street, Omaha, Nebraska subject to any and all: (1) real estate taxes; (2) special assessments; (3) easements, covenants, restrictions, ordinances, and resolutions of record which may affect the property; (4) unpaid utility charges; (5) prior mortgages and trust deeds of record, if any; and (6) ground leases of record.

This sale is being held pursuant to the power of sale granted in a certain Deed of Trust executed by Trustor on or about August 16, 2024, and recorded on August 20, 2024 at Inst. No. 2024058212 in favor of Robert Nawojski, Beneficiary, in the Records of the Register of Deeds of Douglas County, Nebraska. The highest bidder is required to deposit a minimum of $10,000.00 in cash or certified funds at the time of the sale and to deliver the remaining balance in cash or certified funds or by wire transfer to the undersigned by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale (except this requirement is waived when the highest bidder is the Beneficiary), or to make other arrangements acceptable to the Trustee. The Beneficiary specifically reserves the right to credit bid. The purchaser is responsible for all fees and taxes, including the documentary stamp tax. This sale is made on an “as is, where is” basis without warranties as to the title or condition of the property. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Any personal property which may be located at the property is not included with the sale and may be removed following the sale by Beneficiary.

By: David J. Skalka, Trustee, #21537 Lindsey A. Schuler, #25305

CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM

2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-6777

Attorneys for Trustee

01356683.DOC

First publication May 15, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BT UNDERGROUND, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BT UNDERGROUND, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been dissolved by act of the Company with the consent of its Members. A statement of Dissolution was filed with the Secretary of State on May 21, 2026. All known debts, obligations and liabilities of the company have been paid or otherwise provided for, and all remaining property and assets of the company have been distributed to its Members. Those parties having claims against the Company shall state the name and address of the claimant, amount and basis of the claim, and the date the claim arose and mail the same to Blake Thompson, P.O. Box 372, Springfield, NE 68059. All claims against the Company will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the first publication of this notice. The company affairs and distribution of assets have been managed by Blake Thompson, Manager. The company has no remaining assets, and all liabilities have been paid or duly provided for. Blake Thompson, Manager First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

GREVENGOED LAW PLLC

Tyler J. Grevengoed, Attorney 1901 Howard St., STE 224 Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LUTZ TRUCKING LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LUTZ TRUCKING LLC, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 1901 Howard Street, Suite 224, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Tyler J. Grevengoed, whose address is 1901 Howard Street, Suite 224, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on May 28, 2026, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. /s/ Tyler J. Grevengoed Tyler J. Grevengoed, Organizer

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C.

10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION

On June 4, 2026, an amendment to the Certificate of Organization of Inspira, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to change the name of the organization to Inservio Holdings, LLC.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Phillip T. Sanberg, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF HVAC COMFORT HEATING, 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 HVAC COMFORT HEATING, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1311 S. 185th Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on June 2, 2026 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.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HKJV INVESTMENT LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HKJV Investment LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 16934 Frances Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO

1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700 Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GREENSLATE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that GreenSlate Development Partners, LLC was formed in Nebraska with the following registered agent and office: Clayton Vanderheiden, 3555 Farnam Street, Suite 904, Omaha, NE 68131. The LLC’s designated office is located at 3555 Farnam Street, Suite 904, Omaha, NE 68131.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RED KEY ROOFING LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RED KEY ROOFING LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the limited liability company is 6916 LAFAYETTE AVE OMAHA, NE 68132.

The registered agent of RED KEY ROOFING LLC is CARMEN PISCHEL 6916 LAFAYETTE AVE OMAHA, NE 68132.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KIDS IN OMAHA, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kids in Omaha, LLC, a limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the company is located at 10285 Browne St., Omaha, NE 68134. The registered agent at such address is Jade Wicks. The general nature of the business is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized in Nebraska. The company commenced business on May 21, 2026, and shall have perpetual existence.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NTRUST CONTRACTORS LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NTRUST CONTRACTORS LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The designated office of the limited liability company is 3836 Decatur St Omaha, NE 68111.

The registered agent of NTRUST CONTRACTORS LLC is Juan Torres Ortiz 3836 Decatur St Omaha, NE 68111.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROE-EQUITY-TRADING, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ROE-EQUITY-TRADING, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5100 Bentley Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER, LLP

MATTHEW T. PAYNE

10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ZMT ENTERPRISE, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the organization of ZMT Enterprise, LLC:

1. The name of the limited liability company is ZMT Enterprise, LLC

2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 302 S. 50th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Zachary Thomas, 302 S. 50th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68132. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PINK SPARKLE CLEANING LLC

Pink Sparkle Cleaning LLC, has been organized under the State Of Nebraska laws. The registered agent of Pink Sparkle Cleaning LLC and office is Erica Serrano at 5927 N 36th Street, Omaha NE 68111.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Law Offices

8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3419

Telephone 402-392-1250

Facsimile 402-392-0816

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JJ ESSER IV, LLC

JJ Esser IV, 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 8001 Chicago Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are Andrew P. Deaver and 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHEF KATIE WEETER, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Chef Katie Weeter LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 4915 South 202nd Avenue, Apt. 2417, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DELTA FLEET LOGISTICS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Delta Fleet Logistics, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 6517 South 167th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68135. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF GLERFWORLD COLLECTIBLES LLC

Name of the limited liability company: GLERFWORLD COLLECTIBLES LLC

Street and mailing address of the initial designated office: 17315 Bedford Avenue Omaha NE 68116

Name of the initial agent for service of process: Stephen Schlender Street, mailing address and post office box (if any) of initial agent for service of process: 17315 Bedford Avenue Omaha, NE 68116

Filing Date and Time: 5/27/2026 7:50 PM

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Rebecca M. Queensland, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF FNC WEST, INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is FNC WEST, INC. The name and address of the incorporator and registered agent is Paul Schadegg, 11516 Nicholas Street, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68154. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The corporation commenced existence on May 18, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The corporation is authorized to issue One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock at One Cent ($0.01) par value per share. LDM Business Services, Incorporator

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF BP COMMONS FOUNDATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a non-profit corporation has now been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is BP COMMONS FOUNDATION. The Corporation commenced existence on April 2, 2026, and shall have perpetual duration. BP COMMONS FOUNDATION is a public benefit corporation and will not have members. The name and address of the incorporator and registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4924-8187-0232, v. 1

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF J&E PROPERTIES, 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 J&E Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11420 S. 120th Ave., Papillion, NE 68046. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 22, 2026 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. 4917-2982-3663, v. 1 First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF J.M. MERCHANT, INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a public benefit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is J.M. Merchant, Inc. The name and address of the incorporator and registered agent is LDM Business Services, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The corporation commenced existence on May 26, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The corporation is authorized to issue One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock at One Cent ($0.01) par value per share. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4918-4306-9085, v. 1 First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RAEVELLE PROPERTY GROUP, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Raevelle Property Group, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 23110 Lincoln Road, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C.

10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF DOMESTICATION OF MENOPAUSE OMAHA, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that My Elevated Wellness, PLLC, formerly a South Dakota limited liability company, was domesticated in the State of Nebraska as Menopause Omaha, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, with its designated office located at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and designating its registered agent as Erickson & Sederstrom P.C. a limited liability organization with its registered office at 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF MENDLIK SPORTS HOLDINGS, 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 MENDLIK SPORTS HOLDINGS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 3619 South 170th Ct., Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 15, 2026, 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. 4931-3106-3977, v. 1

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C.

10330 Regency Parkway Drive

Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF STANTON HOME COLLECTIVE, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Stanton Home Collective, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska with its designated office located at 1720 South 204th Court, Omaha, Nebraska 68137 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, NE 68114. The Company is organized to render real estate sales. First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AXIOM ADVISORY GROUP LLC

Notice is hereby given that Axiom Advisory Group LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the designated office is: 17117 Burt St, Suite 300, Omaha, NE 68118. The registered agent for service of process is: Jared Good 4852 Maple ST Omaha Ne 68140. The company is organized to engage in any lawful business permitted under Nebraska law. Management of the LLC is vested in its members. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

Jeffrey T. Palzer

3555 Farnam St., Ste. 1000 Omaha, NE 68131

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF UP YOUR ALLEY, LLC

The name of the Company is UP YOUR ALLEY, LLC.

The street address of the initial designated office is 4715 N 209th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Registered Agent is Jimmy Chavez and the Registered Agent’s address is 4715 N 209th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

The general nature of the Company is owning and operating a bowling goods supply business.

The Company commenced on May 27, 2026, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such officers as the Members shall determine. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SIDEWAYS SAGUARO LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the organization of Sideways Saguaro LLC.

1. The name of the limited liability company is Sideways Saguaro LLC.

2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 22675 Poplar Court, Gretna, NE 68028, and the name and street address of the registered agent for service of process is Alexander T. Grace, 22675 Poplar Court, Gretna, NE 68028. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

Lowe Legal Group PC LLO

Aimee L. Lowe, Attorney Linden Place 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100 Omaha, NE 68154

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Of PONY SHOES LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Pony Shoes LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, was organized on March 20, 2026, under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Its designated office is: 200 S. 21st Street, STE 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. The Registered Agent is Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc., located at 200 S. 21st Street, STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CJ DENTAL, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CJ Dental, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. All members, managers, professional employees and agents of the Company providing dentistry services are licensed, certified, or otherwise legally authorized to render dentistry services in the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 2424 N 81st Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68507. The

name and address of the Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF THIS IS PARKINSON’S

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that This Is Parkinson’s has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The corporation is a public benefit corporation and will not have any members. The street address of the corporation’s registered office is 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 and the name of its initial registered agent is DDLG Business Services, Inc. The name and street address of the incorporator of the corporation is Kalen F. Peterson, 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

Burnett Legal Group LLP

Charles L. Grimes, Attorney 17525 Arbor Street Omaha, NE 68130

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4502, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4502, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial Designated Office is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The Company’s initial Registered Agent in the State of Nebraska is: Charles L. Grimes, whose address is 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced by filing its Certificate of Organization on the 20th day of May, 2026, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. /s/ Charles L. Grimes

Charles L. Grimes, Organizer

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700 Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MFO HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MFO Holdings, LLC was organized in Nebraska with the following registered agent and office: McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, c/o Jonathan L. Grob, 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700, Omaha, NE 68102. The LLC’s designated office is located at 13819 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68154. First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF IXTANA CONSTRUCTION, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ixtana Construction, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under Nebraska laws, with its designated office at 2425 S 15th St. LOT 89, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. It is organized to transact any lawful business for which a Limited Liability Company maybe organized under Nebraska laws. Its affairs are to be conducted by the manager Elias Alonzo Baltazar. Its registered agent is Elias Alonzo Baltazar and his office is located at 2425 S 15th St. LOT 89, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMTR2, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SMTR2, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 10211 M Street, Omaha NE 68127 and the name of the registered agent at such address is Van Tran. 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 November 25, 2025 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. /s/ Van Luat Tran organizer

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMTR1, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SMTR1, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 5609 South 139th Street, Omaha NE 68137 and the name of the registered agent at such address is Van Tran. 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 December 10, 2025 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. /s/ Van Luat Tran organizer

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOMELONGEVITYMD, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HomeLongevityMD, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its designated office located at 20720 Timberland Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 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. The Company is formed to render medical consultation services. First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF NEIA Home Buyers, LLC

NEIA Home Buyers, LLC, with its designated office located at 23603 Berry Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022, gives notice that it filed a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State on June 1, 2026. The registered agent is Barbara Medbery-Prchal and

the Registered Office is 3555 Farnam St., Suite 1000, Omaha, NE 68131. The company may engage in any lawful business or commercial activity for which a limited liability company may be organized. Dane Petersen, Organizer First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PB FITNESS WEST OMAHA, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PB Fitness West Omaha, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 10055 Shannon Road, La Vista, Nebraska 68128. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Phillip T. Sanberg, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF HVAC HOLDING, 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 HVAC HOLDING, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1311 S. 185th Circle, Omaha, NE 68130. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on June 2, 2026 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. First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BOHEMIA 1416, LLC

Pursuant to the Neb.Rev.St. §§ 21-193 & 21-117, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.

The name of the Limited Liability Company is BOHEMIA 1416, L.L.C.

The address of the Company’s initial registered office in Nebraska is 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114 and the name of its registered agent at such address is

Connor W. Orr. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114. This company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful business for any lawful purpose, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s duration is perpetual beginning on the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska. The affairs of the limited liability company are conducted by Manager, Member and such other officers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

Leila Rathert-Knowles, Member and Manager

Connor W. Orr, Organizer

9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 408-6488

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WH PITTSBURG HIGHLANDS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WH Pittsburg Highlands, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office is 515 N. 162nd Avenue, Suite 202, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent is Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc., 515 N. 162nd Avenue, Suite 202, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. It commenced business on January 15, 2026, and its duration is perpetual. First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA AVIATION LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omaha Aviation LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office of the Company is: 10842 Old Mill Road, Ste 2, Omaha NE 68154 The initial agent for service of process is: Ethan J. Heil, 10842 Old Mill Road, Ste 2, Omaha NE 68154

OMAHA AVIATION LLC

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Phillip T. Sanberg, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF LISHASTYLES, 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 LISHASTYLES, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 16615 Madison St., Omaha, NE 68135. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 12, 2026, 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. First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Phillip T. Sanberg, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF WATERLOO INDUSTRIAL, 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 WATERLOO INDUSTRIAL, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 15050 A Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 21, 2026 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.

First publication June 12, 2026, final June 26, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Craig W. Benson, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF STEAMBOAT AG, 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 STEAMBOAT AG, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 18, 2026 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. 4908-9601-2205, v. 1

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Erin K. Artz

10306 Regency Parkway Drive

Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF RISE TRUST

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rise Trust, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, has filed an Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 26, 2026. The Amendment recognized the purpose of the corporation shall be to support low-income housing and related services with a focus on support for previous incarcerated persons and other system impacted individuals. The full text of the amended Articles of Incorporation can be found on the Nebraska Secretary of State website. LDM Business Services, Inc., Incorporator First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive

Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF PW LAND CO., 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 PW LAND CO., LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 15, 2026, 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. 4910-1685-6749, v. 1

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive

Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF EASTERN NEBRASKA BOSTON TERRIER CLUB

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a non-profit corporation has now been formed under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the corporation is Eastern Nebraska Boston Terrier Club. The Corporation commenced existence on May 22, 2026, and shall have perpetual duration. Eastern Nebraska Boston Terrier Club is a mutual benefit corporation and will have members. The name and address of the incorporator is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the Registered Agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4919-6238-3790, v. 1

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SKN BAR BY BRITTNI, 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 THE SKN BAR BY BRITTNI, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1017 S. 192nd St., Studio 9, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 29, 2026 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. 4924-7282-5775, v. 1 First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Phillip T. Sanberg, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF MICHAEL WAYNE CONTRACTING, 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 MICHAEL WAYNE CONTRACTING, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 12923 Cady Avenue, Omaha, NE 68132. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 1, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Manager, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. 4912-5927-7486, v. 2. LDM Business Services, Inc.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Philip T. Sanberg 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF TILVINA ENTERPRISES, 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 Tilvina Enterprises, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10605 Adams Drive, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 11, 2026, and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. Notice is hereby further given that on May 20, 2026, Tilvina Enterprises, LLC amended its Certificate of Organization. The company shall now be known as Tildina Enterprises, LLC. The full text of such Amended Certificate of Organization is on file with the Secretary of State of the state of Nebraska.

LDM Business Services, Inc., Organizer. 4922-1054-9418, v. 2

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP

Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BIRD STREET PROPERTIES, 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 Bird Street Properties, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 1110 Peacock Dr., Scottsbluff, NE 69361. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on May 15, 2026 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. 4917-2982-3663, v. 1

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO

1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700

Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 7801 STATE, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT 7801 State, LLC was formed in Nebraska with the following registered agent and office: McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, c/o Jonathan L. Grob, 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700, Omaha, NE 68102. The LLC’s designated office address is c/o Jonathan L. Grob, 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700, Omaha, NE 68102.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700 Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF H&T REALTY, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 22, 2026, the Certificate of Organization of H&T Realty, LLC was amended to change its name to GIBSON GROUP LLC

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700

Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WILLIAMSBURG PIZZA OF NEBRASKA # 3, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WILLIAMSBURG PIZZA OF NEBRASKA # 3, LLC was formed in Nebraska with the following registered agent and office: Matthew Hodges, 299 North 115th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The LLC’s designated office is located at 299 North 115th Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

MCGRATH NORTH MULLIN & KRATZ, PC LLO

1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700

Omaha, NE 68102

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 4 KERNELS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that 4 KERNELS, LLC was formed in Nebraska with the following registered agent and office: John W. McClellan, 12715 Westchester Plaza, Omaha, NE 68154. The LLC’s designated office address is 12715 Westchester Plaza, Omaha, NE 68154.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF MASON PLACE ROWS ASSOCIATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mason Place Rows Association was incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act, with its initial registered office at 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The initial registered agent at that address is DDLG Business Services, Inc. The incorporator is John M. Prososki, 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114. The corporation is a mutual benefit corporation and shall have members.

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF SCOUT LEE, DDS, PC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Scout Lee, DDS, PC (the “Corporation”) has been organized as a professional corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Corporation will provide dentistry services. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 8841 Executive Woods Drive, #108, Lincoln, NE 68512. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BEASLEY RENTALS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Beasley Rentals, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 7345 Northridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The name and address of the Registered Agent of the Company is Joshua Beasley, 7345 Northridge Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68112.

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF QUEENS DISTRIBUTION INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Queens Distribution Inc. has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska with the following registered agent and registered office: Renee K. DeJaynes-Haynes at 2565 Whitmore St., NE 68112. The general nature of the Company’s business is to engage in lawful business permitted under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company was incorporated on May 13, 2026, and it shall continue in perpetuity unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of its operating agreement. The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue is 1500. In general, the Company’s business is to be managed by its primary officer and incorporator Renee K. DeJaynes-Haynes, in accordance with the Company’s operating agreement.

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLIVIA MAUCH, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Olivia Mauch LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17220 S Reflection Circle, Bennington, Nebraska 68007. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GRACE VALLEY STABLES LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the organization of Grace Valley Stables LLC.

1. The name of the limited liability company is Grace Valley Stables LLC.

2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 22675 Poplar Court, Gretna, NE 68028, and the name and street address of the registered agent for service of process is Alexander T. Grace, 22675 Poplar Court, Gretna, NE 68028.

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMILE, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Smile, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 18214 Thayer Street, Bennington, Nebraska 68001. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

ERICKSON & SEDERSTROM, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 397-2200

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF INSERVIO, INC.

Corporate Name: Inservio, Inc.

Registered Agent: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., a Limited Liability Organization

Registered Office: Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., a Limited Liability Organization, 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114

Authorized Number of Shares: 200,000

Incorporator: Shay Garvin, Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., a Limited Liability Organization, 10330 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMTR, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SMTR, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 6744 S 91st Ave, Omaha NE 68127 and the name of the registered agent at such address is Van Tran. 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 November 6, 2025 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers. /s/ Van Luat Tran organizer

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C.

10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114

NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION

On May 20, 2026, an amendment to the Certificate of Organization of Inservio, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to change the name of the organization to Inspira, LLC.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

CARLSON & BLAKEMAN, LLP

MEGAN CAVANAUGH, Attorney 11429 Davenport Street Omaha, NE 68154

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DIGX PRINT GROUP, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DIGX PRINT GROUP, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 1607 N 211th St., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: MEGAN CAVANAUGH, whose address is 11429 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on May 22, 2026, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Manager Managed Limited Liability Company. MEGAN CAVANAUGH, Organizer

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ET HOLDINGS, LLC

Pursuant to the Neb.Rev.St. §§ 21-193 & 21-117, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.

The name of the Limited Liability Company is ET HOLDINGS, L.L.C.

The address of the Company’s initial registered office in Nebraska is 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114 and the name of its registered agent at such address is Connor W. Orr. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 15359 Grebe Street, Bennington, NE 68007.

This company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful business for any lawful purpose, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s duration is perpetual beginning on the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska. The affairs of the limited liability company are conducted by Manager, Member and such other officers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement.

Eric Howland, Member and Manager

Connor W. Orr, Organizer

9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 408-6488

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF BEAULIEU HOLDCO, INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Beaulieu Holdco, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Corporation”), filed Articles of Dissolution with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 27, 2026, effective May 31, 2026, and the Corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that all debts and obligations of the Corporation are to be fully paid and satisfied or adequate provision is to be made, therefore. Brian L. Beaulieu, as President of the Corporation, will wind up and liquidate the Corporation’s business and affairs. The Corporation has no assets or liabilities as of the date hereof.

Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROE-ML-PROM, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ROE-ML-PROM, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 5100 Bentley Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC

9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100

Omaha, NE 68114

First publication June 5, 2026, final June 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WH COWETA SENIOR VILLAS, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WH Coweta Senior Villas, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office is 515 N. 162nd Avenue, Suite 202, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The registered agent is Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc., 515 N. 162nd Avenue, Suite 202, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. It commenced business on January 15, 2026, and its duration is perpetual.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CLICK OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 7, 2026, Click Occupational Therapy, LLC, with a registered agent address of 7305 Main Street, Ralston, NE 68127 and a designated office address of 5705 South 104th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68127, was formed in the State of Nebraska.

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SMTR3, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SMTR3, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the Company’s designated office is 14502 Emiline Street, La Vista NE 68138 and the name of the registered agent at such address is Van Tran. 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 December 1, 2025 and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be managed by its managers.

/s/ Van Luat Tran organizer

First publication May 29, 2026, final June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: Sol’s Pawn & Jewelry

Name of Applicant: FCFS CO, Inc.

Address: 1600 W 7th Street, FT WORTH, TX 76102

Applicant is CORPORATION

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws’ entity was formed: CO

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: May 20th, 2026

General nature of business: Secondhand Goods and Pawnshop

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative Rick L. Wessel, CEO

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name: Heartbreaker

Applicant: JWL Enterprises LLC

Address: 11110 Fort St. Ste 102

Omaha, Ne 68164

Date of first use 2020

General Nature of business:

Tribute band to artists Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: DR. VINYL.

Name of Applicant: XLIV LLC

Address: 8613 I STREET, OMAHA, NE 68127

Applicant is LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA.

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: MAY 1, 2026.

General nature of business: VINYL REPAIR.

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/MELVIN PADOLINA.

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: MCMAHON ROOFING.

Name of Applicant: R&M CONTRACTING, LLC

Address: 18221 FARNAM ST., ELKHORN, NE 68022

Applicant is LLC.

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA.

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 5/1/2026.

General nature of business: ROOFING.

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/RYAN MCMAHON.

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: AMDOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS.

Name of Applicant: Truck Stuff, Inc.

Address: 9232 PARKER STREET, OMAHA, NE 68114

Applicant is CORPORATION.

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska.

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 4/1/2026.

General nature of business: Business Services.

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Megan Amdor.

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: ALLISON BITTERMAN FUNDRAISING.

Name of Applicant: The Raise Box, LLC

Address: 7805 HERITAGE PLAZA, RALSTON, NE 68127

Applicant is LLC.

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NE.

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 5/19/2026.

General nature of business: Fundraising and consulting services.

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Courtney E. Foltz.

First publication June 12, 2026

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME

Trade Name to be registered is: ARCHDIOCESE OF OMAHA.

Name of Applicant: The Catholic Archbishop Of Omaha

Address: 2222 NORTH 111TH STREET, OMAHA, NE 68164

Applicant is CORPORATION.

If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska.

Date of first use of name in Nebraska: August 4, 1945.

General nature of business: Religious, charitable and educational corporation.

Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Patrick M. Flood.

First publication June 12, 2026

ENTERTAINMENT news Still Making Magic

NEW YORK, SAN FRANCISCO, LONDON. NEXT STOP: OMAHA

When Tom McGowan finished his 2,500th performance as the Wizard of Oz in Wicked on June 3, he joined the ranks of a rare group of actors — reportedly fewer than 10, including Thayne Jasperson of Hamilton and John Eric Parker of The Book of Mormon — who have performed one role through that many performances. Theater is a volatile business. According to Broadway League, over the past 30 years, the average run of a Broadway musical adaptation has been 644 performances. Many actors also split roles, such as George Lee Andrews, who performed more than 9,000 shows in The Phantom of the Opera. Andrews started as the minor character Don Attilio before eventually playing Monsieur Firmin and then Monsieur André.

McGowan, also known for playing Kenny Daly on Frasier and Bernie Gruenfelder on Everybody Loves Raymond, still approaches every performance of Wicked the same way: in service of someone else.

“The Wizard is a supporting character,” McGowan said. “He’s there to help Elphaba tell her story. She comes in with all this hope, and then you really find out what’s going on with the man behind the curtain, and it sets her off on another path. The way I approach the show is for Elphaba’s benefit.”

That approach shifts with every actress playing Elphaba. Sometimes she needs a father figure. Sometimes a friend. Sometimes, McGowan says, he tries to intimidate her. Sometimes charm her. “It always keeps it fresh,” he said. “That’s one of the things that keeps me excited about doing the show after so long.” After 17 years and more than 2,500 performances, it is the variability — not the familiarity — that sustains him.

Wicked has served as a gateway to live theater for a generation of young people, and McGowan has watched the passing of that baton happen in real time. “Early on, the original Wizard of Oz movie was what everyone knew,” he said. “But over time, we started meeting young people who had never seen the 1939 movie. They only knew Wicked.” Now, he added, the 2024 film adaptation has created yet another wave

McGowan sees that as a real responsibility. “The first show I saw on Broadway as an 11-year-old was Fiddler on the Roof,” he said. “My parents said that day changed my life. I know that every performance, some young person is seeing their first show. I take that part very seriously.”

“It’s so ‘popular’ that we will host it for three weeks — and that’s great news for Omaha,” said Joan Squires, President, Omaha Performing Arts. “The show generates a lot of economic activity created by the audiences as well as the cast and company who go to downtown restaurants, hotels, bars and local businesses.”

Beyond Wicked, McGowan’s Broadway career has earned him a Tony nomination for his debut in La Bête, an Obie Award for The Food Chain off-Broadway, and roles in Chicago, Casa Valentina, She Loves Me and Kiss Me, Kate. He is 66 and candid about the demands of eight shows a week. “Theater is the hardest work for the least amount of money,” he said, “but it makes you feel like an artist.” After 17 years and 2,500 performances, he’s still earning that feeling. “

Wicked runs June 17 through July 5 at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets range from $51.50 to $191.50 and are available through Ticket Omaha at o-pa.org or by calling 402-345-0202.

Quick Five: Tom McGowan

Best piece of advice you got at Yale

Who introduced McGowan to Wicked? WithwhichiconicactordoesMcGowankeepcrossing paths?Anexpandedinterviewansweringtheseanswers and more can be seen atmbj.com

Which episode of Frasier made you laugh hardest “Ham Radio. I hadn’t been cast yet. I think it’s the greatest episode of Frasier.”

One thing you do in every city you visit “I always go to the museum — whatever the biggest museum is in town. And I always try to find a breakfast place that I’m comfortable going to every day. Those are the two things I always do.”

Role you’d still love to play Galileo.
Show that changed how you think about theater Nicholas Nickleby.
Be kind to everyone.

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Midlands Business Journal June 12, 2026 by Midlands Business Journal - Issuu