Midlands Business Journal September 25, 2025

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AMANDA BREWER MARKS NEARLY 30 YEARS OF BUILDING HOMES AND COMMUNITY

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY ACROSS NEBRASKA & BEYOND

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VOLUME 52, No. 40

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Betting on UNO HOW SCHOOL’S CHANCELLOR BALANCES CUTS, AI AND GROWTH BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

NEW BUSINESS

AN EXPERIMENT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP OMAHA BAGEL CO. OPENS FIRST STOREFRONT, GROWS LOYAL FOLLOWING

What started as an experiment in entrepreneurship became a pop-up with a huge following, and then became Omaha’s newest bagel shop. Omaha Bagel Co. owners Henry “Hank” and Michelle Shields didn’t set out to own a bagel shop. In fact, the pair didn’t even particularly enjoy bagels. In 2020, Hank was 14 years into a career at Conagra Brands and had recently earned his MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tired of corporate life and eager to start a business, he began looking for an opportunity. Michelle was working as a nurse. Each morning on his way to the gym, Hank passed a Bruegger’s Bagels and noticed a

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, has led the University of Nebraska at Omaha as its 16th chancellor, the first Asian American executive and woman of color to hold the role. A native of Hong Kong and a firstgeneration college student, Li built her career through finance faculty and dean roles at Loyola University Maryland, Towson University, Wright State University and Florida International University before coming to Omaha. Under Li, UNO’s fundraising has climbed from roughly $30 million a year when she arrived to $107 million in the most recent fiscal year. At the same time, UNO has absorbed repeated state budget reductions, a $1.9 million structural deficit closed without cutting academic programs or full-time positions, followed by an additional $3.7 million rescission ordered by Gov. Jim Pillen’s office this summer. Li spoke with MBJ about philanthropy, budget math, artificial intelligence and the $600 gift that got her started. MBJ: You have said that you borrowed $600 from a friend to pay for your first semester of community college. Did that friend ever say anything to you about why they were betting on you and your education? Li: I didn’t borrow it — she offered it. We registered at Valencia Community College near Orlando, and I’d saved enough to get there. She told me, “My most admired friend just showed

OMAHA BAGEL CO. ON PAGE 07

UNO ON PAGE 08

INSIDE: Focus Section

Banking and Capital

• MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING? • THE CLOCK IS TICKING • BY THE BOOKS

STARTS ON Page 15

VOLUME 52, No. 40 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Business Journal Established in 1975

Tom Osborne Inducted GOVERNOR ISSUES PROCLAMATION AT NEBRASKA HALL OF FAME

Publisher / CEO Andrea “Andee” Hoig Executive Editor Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Editorial & Digital Content Coordinator Anna Blumenthal Sales and Business Development Jane Shinn Advertising Assistant Julie Whitehead 402-330-1760 mbj.com

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CREATIVE: Jalapeño Designs • Mike Cottrell Waking Words, LLC • Rob Killmer

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Gov. Jim Pillen recently joined members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame for the formal induction ceremony of Tom Osborne. Osborne is the 28th member of the Hall of Fame and the first living member to ever receive the honor. The ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda included remarks by Pillen and his presentation of a proclamation marking Coach Tom Osborne Hall of Fame Day. During his remarks, Pillen referenced his time as a college football player and the lessons he and other players learned being part of Osborne’s Husker team. “This is about a guy that I’ve loved for almost five decades, from the time I got a call on Sunday afternoon in January of 1974 when my dad and I were unloading cattle, and Coach said, ‘Jim, I’d like you to come down for a recruiting visit.’” GOV. JIM PILLEN, SECOND FROM LEFT, WITH TOM OSBORNE AND OTHERS. “There is nobody in the history of the State of Nebraska who has done more for young people in his field, in the classroom, and devoting the past 33 years to the entire life, who also TeamMates Mentoring Program he and his wife, Nancy, founded just happens to be one in 1991.” Following his legendary coaching career, Osborne continued to of the greatest football coaches of all time,” Pillen said. “He taught us extraordinary things that have served us our entire lives.” serve his home state as the 3rd District representative in Congress. The most important lessons can be summarized in a couple After three terms, he turned his attention back to athletics and was words, Pillen said. the University of Nebraska’s athletic director from 2007 to 2013. “The first is discipline. We never talked about winning against an The bust of Osborne, which will reside in the State Capitol opponent. We talked about the discipline it took within us to be along with the likenesses of the 27 other Nebraska Hall of Fame the best we could possibly be. And the other, which is so essential, members, was designed and created by world-renowned artist and is the gift of belief. For so many of us, Coach was the first to believe native Nebraskan Matthew Placzek. His work includes more than in us, and then he taught us the belief to be the best we could be 200 sculptures that have been featured in numerous national art — that we could do anything we set our minds to.” and architectural publications. The induction ceremony was led by Sara Crook, Ph.D., Placzek explained to the audience his source of inspiration and chairwoman of the Hall of Fame Commission. Created by the meaning of the final piece. Nebraska Legislature in 1961, the Hall of Fame is meant to “The era depicted in this sculpture is from the 1990’s, a defining recognize those either born in Nebraska or who have gained prominence while living in Nebraska and that their time in the state period in Osborne’s life and career. This includes the 1991 founding of the TeamMates Mentoring Program by Tom and Nancy Osborne, had significant influence on their lives and their achievements. Previously, induction ceremonies were held every five years for as well as the historic 1995 season, when he led Nebraska to a a nominated person who had been deceased for at least 35 years. national championship victory. This moment represents both This past year, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 596, allowing professional excellence and a commitment to community.” living individuals to be included. In July, members of the Hall of Concluding his remarks, Pillen shared with the audience that Fame Commission approved Osborne’s nomination unanimously. he has personally spoken to President Trump about Osborne’s Jim Rose, a radio commentator and former Husker sports potential receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s announcer, spoke to Osborne’s background and his reasons for highest civilian honor. nominating the former coach for this honor. “Coach, what I’m so incredibly grateful for, besides my dad, is “Tom is a humble son of our state who has dedicated his life’s that you were the first to believe in me, and the first to believe in work to our young people,” Rose said. “First as a legendary college many faces here today. You were the first to believe that we could football coach whose teams delivered not only just great victories, do extraordinary things for the state of Nebraska.” memorable moments and championships, but with them a rare Pillen also called attention to the language that will be loyalty that begot a pride of place that we Nebraskans had never included on the pedestal that will support the bust. Alongside before known.” Osborne's notable achievements is a quote he personally selected: “Coach Osborne is widely known for his leadership, integrity, honor, and compassion,” Crook added. “His accomplishments “Nebraska’s greatest asset is its people. It has been an honor to include mentoring thousands of student athletes on and off the serve them.”

EDITOR’S pick

PHOTOGRAPHY: Debra S. Kaplan Monica Sempek Photography Roger Humphries Photography SENIOR WRITERS: Dwain Hebda Kara Schweiss WRITERS: Wendy Jordan Michelle Leach Tim Rohwer Brooke Strickland Wendy Townley Tim Trudell PRINTER: White Wolf Web Dedicated to Robert G. “Bob” Hoig (1932-2019) Founder Zane D. Randall (1925-2006) Co-founder LeAnne M. Iwan (1932-1986) First News Editor The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy, $99 per year (print + digital) or $60 (digital only). Editorial offices are 8709 F St. #113, Omaha, NE 68127. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE POSTMASTER. Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 8709 F St. #113, Omaha, NE 68127. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned. ADVERTISING 402-330-1760 or sales@mbj.com Written permission must be obtained from Midlands Business Journal and MBJ, Inc., to post any of our stories or other published materials on a website. Under no circumstances, because of spamming potential and other issues, will permission be granted to transmit our stories by email. ­-- The Publisher

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Celebrating local and small business news in Nebraska and SW Iowa! Page 3 • September 25, 2026

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EVENT highlight

NP Dodge, FNBO Collaborate

VOLUNTEERS BUILD 210 BEDS FOR OMAHA-AREA CHILDREN BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDEE HOIG About 240 volunteers gathered in Omaha on Sept. 18 with a goal of building 200 beds for local children in a single day. By the time the last bed was finished, they had built 210. The event, held at 8601 W. Dodge Road, brought together volunteers from NP Dodge Co., FNBO, Dodge Cares and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who don’t have one. Organizers billed it as the largest bed-building event ever held in Nebraska. “Together with FNBO, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, our volunteers, vendors and the entire NP Dodge family, we came together to build an amazing 210 beds for local children in need,” said Nate Dodge, chair and chief executive officer of NP Dodge Co. “This was Nebraska’s largest bed build event and two dozen beds have already been delivered to local homes.” The build expanded on last year’s event, when NP Dodge and Sleep in Heavenly Peace surpassed their goal and built 177 beds for local children. This year’s total of 210 represents 33 more beds, an increase of nearly 19%. A key part of that growth was the partnership with FNBO, which contributed both volunteers and resources to this year’s effort. “Joining FNBO on this project works so well as both organizations share a genuine commitment to the community and are willing to roll up their sleeves and work together,” Dodge said. “NP Dodge and FNBO brought not only resources to the build, but also people who were excited to be there and make a difference. When you have two organizations with that kind of shared purpose, you can accomplish something much bigger together than either could alone.” Dina Tilgner, president and chief operating officer of NP Dodge Co., said the scale of the turnout stood out. “One of the most memorable moments was seeing hundreds of people from across the NP Dodge family of companies, FNBO and the community working side by side toward one shared goal,” Tilgner said. That sense of shared effort carried through the day, she said, because volunteers could see exactly who their work was for. “There was an incredible sense of purpose throughout the day, because everyone understood that each bed we built represented a local child who would have a comfortable place to sleep at night,” Tilgner said. “That connection between coming together as a community and making a very tangible difference in a child’s life is exactly why our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace is so meaningful to NP Dodge.” With two dozen beds already delivered to local homes, the remaining beds from the build are set to go to Omaha-area children in need.

NP DODGE FAMILY OF COMPANIES AND FNBO LEADERSHIP TEAMS GATHER DURING THE SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BED BUILD SEPT. 18.

VOLUNTEERS WORK IN AN ASSEMBLY LINE TO CONSTRUCT BED FRAMES.

NP DODGE’S JARED OHL AND JOHN KRAEMER WORK TOGETHER TO ASSEMBLE BED FRAMES.

VOLUNTEERS PUT THEIR TOOLS TO WORK.

NP DODGE FAMILY OF COMPANIES AND FNBO VOLUNTEERS

EACH BED FRAME GETS A SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BRAND.

LUMBER IS PREPARED FOR ASSEMBLY.

VOLUNTEERS SAND AND PREPARE LUMBER DURING THE BED-BUILDING EVENT.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AWAIT VOLUNTEERS.

POWER TOOL BATTERIES WERE SWAPPED FREQUENTLY.

Page 4 • September 25, 2026

A SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE VOLUNTEER CUTS LUMBER.

MBJ BUSINESS insider

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TOP THINGS TO KNOW OPPD picks Energy Plaza buyer

Omaha Public Power District’s board authorized management to pursue the sale of Energy Plaza, its former downtown headquarters, to Urban Village for $13.25 million. The Omaha developer plans a mixed-use residential and commercial project at 444 S. 16th St. Mall, with closing anticipated in April 2027. The redevelopment would reserve 250 parking-garage spaces for public use.

Nebraska wins Workforce Pell approval

Nebraska’s first Workforce Pell Grant programs won U.S. Department of Education approval, making the state the nation’s third approved participant. Metropolitan Community College programs include CompTIA Tech+ with Google IT Support, pharmacy technician and phlebotomy technician training. The short-term career pathways must meet completion and job-placement standards, expanding federal aid access for high-demand occupations.

Opus starts 272K-SF Rainwood build

Opus has begun construction on Rainwood Industrial, a 272,076-square-foot Class A speculative building at 9355 N. 106th St. The 18.8-acre Omaha project will offer 32-foot clear heights, 29 dock doors expandable to 57, two drive-in doors and 176 parking spaces. The building is expected to be complete in April 2027.

Nebraska revenue beats August forecast

Campbell’s Nurseries to close

Campbell’s Nurseries plans to close its Lincoln business in spring 2027 after 115 years, 10/11 News reported. The family-run nursery already closed its 40th Street and Normal Boulevard location in June and will wind down the remaining operation next year. The closure ends a centuryold independent retail operation in Lincoln.

Council Bluffs advances riverfront project

Council Bluffs opened the Borman Family Treetop Walk and MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower Sept. 19 as part of the fourth phase of the River’s Edge redevelopment. The new attractions add elevated trails, climbing and other recreational features along the Missouri Riverfront. The Iowa West Foundation provided a $16.5 million lead gift for the broader Phase Four project, which also includes the Charles E. Lakin Foundation Pier.

Union Pacific sees freight shift

Union Pacific cited improving freight demand and higher fuel prices as factors reshaping its outlook. At a Sept. 16 investor conference, management said carloads were up about 5% in the third quarter, while industrial volumes rose 5.2% month to date. Domestic intermodal also posted a fifth straight quarter of year-over-year records.

Lincoln County advances inland port lease

Nebraska’s August general-fund receipts exceeded the certified forecast by $7.6 million, the governor’s office reported. Sales-tax collections are more than $60 million above forecast so far in fiscal 2027. Gross individualincome-tax receipts remain 5% below forecast but are only $1.5 million below the same period last year, providing an updated read on state revenue conditions.

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved a long-term lease agreement designed to attract tenants to the Port of the Plains regional inland port authority. Commissioners also advanced higher development-permit fees for large commercial energy and technology projects. The moves are intended to establish a framework for future industrial development and investment around the regional transportation and logistics hub.

Koley Jessen plans Heartwood HQ

HDR projects win ENR honors

Lanoha is developing a 150,000-square-foot office building at The Row in Heartwood Preserve for Koley Jessen’s future headquarters. The Class A project at 145th Street and Canopy Avenue would move the law firm from One Pacific Place. Construction is expected to start in late 2027, with completion targeted for early 2030.

Noli’s Blackstone reopens

HDR said several projects received recognition in the 2026 Engineering News-Record Regional Best Projects program. Honored work includes the Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension and an Ohio State University hospital project. Winning projects automatically advance to ENR’s national Best of the Best competition, with results expected in early 2027.

Noli’s Pizzeria’s Blackstone location at 4001 Farnam St. temporarily closed after a cooler failed, with owner Joel Marsh also citing financial losses tied to Omaha Streetcar construction. Following a community fundraiser that brought in over $10,000 and a local fix for the cooler equipment, the owners decided to reopen. The Aksarben location remains open.

Collective for Hope has opened the Courtnage Home for Health and Hope, Omaha’s first dedicated grief center. The nonprofit says the center will help individuals, families and organizations understand grief and find support. Direct grief services are free, giving employers and community groups a local resource for workers and residents coping with loss.

Noddle advances Builders District

Blackstone settlement clears demolition

The Omaha City Council heard public comment on selling 13 North Downtown parcels to Noddle Companies for $7.8 million. The surface-parking lots east of Morrison Stadium would become a new phase of the Builders District. The agreement calls for Class A improvements at least four stories tall, with collective development costs of at least $60 million.

Omaha opens dedicated grief center

Omaha City Council approved a $700,000 settlement to acquire the Blackstone building at 3810 Farnam St., where a foundation collapse disrupted the streetcar corridor. Demolition is expected to begin by mid-October, allowing the streetcar project to resume in the area. Kiewit Infrastructure Co. also would contribute $200,000 toward streetcar costs. Page 5 • September 25, 2026

Lincoln earns Platinum sustainability rating

Lincoln has received LEED Platinum certification, becoming the first Nebraska city and one of only 10 cities nationwide to reach the highest level in the program. The certification evaluates factors including energy, transportation, economic opportunity, public health and resilience. City officials cited projects involving Lincoln Electric System, energy efficiency, transportation, waste diversion and affordable housing as contributors to the designation.

Decision Logic expands AI platform

Omaha-based restaurant software company Decision Logic launched Open Semantic Access, allowing restaurant operators to connect their operating data with AI tools they already use. The Sept. 17 announcement gives customers broader access to sales, labor, inventory and food-cost information without requiring custom reports or additional business-intelligence software. The move expands the company’s technology offering for restaurant operators.

Edged tops out Council Bluffs data centers

Data-center developer Edged has topped out two facilities at its 200-megawatt campus in Council Bluffs. The buildings, known as OMA01-1 and OMA01-2, have completed structural work as the company continues developing a large-scale digital infrastructure campus. Edged cited Council Bluffs’ infrastructure, workforce and business environment as factors supporting the investment in the Omaha-Council Bluffs market.

Nelnet expands board with two directors

Lincoln-based Nelnet appointed Angie Klein and Ed Pallesen to its board of directors, expanding the board to 10 members. Klein recently joined Apple after nearly 25 years in consumer marketing and growth leadership at Verizon. Pallesen brings more than 25 years of financial-services and infrastructure-investing experience, including positions with H.I.G. Capital and Goldman Sachs.

Omaha cottage-food sector expands

According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Omaha metro is leading Nebraska in the number of cottage-food producers, reflecting continued growth in small, home-based food businesses. The trend includes entrepreneurs producing baked goods, specialty foods and other products under Nebraska’s cottage-food rules. The growth is creating a lower-cost entry point for food entrepreneurs while adding new locally operated businesses to the Omaha-area economy.

Council Bluffs tackles rail delays

Council Bluffs is working with Union Pacific to address recurring train-crossing delays that can back up traffic along 16th Street and surrounding roads. City officials and the railroad are pursuing both immediate measures and a longer-term solution to the decades-old problem. The issue affects commercial traffic as well as residents, with blocked crossings creating delays for vehicles moving through the city.

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NEW business

MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL

An Experiment in Entrepreneurship OMAHA BAGEL CO. OPENS FIRST STOREFRONT, GROWS LOYAL FOLLOWING OMAHA BAGEL CO. FROM PAGE 01

line of cars wrapped around the building. He started wondering whether Omaha had enough local bagel shops. That question sparked an idea. “I was looking for something, and that was the spark,” Hank said. “And I’m like, ‘oh, I guess people like bagels.’” A few weeks later, he found a 30-quart Hobart mixer in an online auction, left work early and drove three hours to pick it up and get started. Hank said he was passionate about working for himself because at the time, he and Michelle were raising three little kids (a fourth would come a few years later) and he was tired of leaving for work before they were awake and then coming home with little energy left to devote to his family. “I just wanted to kind of escape and change the way we were living our lives, and I saw entrepreneurship as the way to do that,” Hank said. “So I wanted to do something that involved the entire family, but also was able to generate income and just live differently.”

Trial and error

When looking at how to differentiate Omaha Bagel Co., Hank and Michelle looked into a sourdough base, which no one else was offering at the time. From there, they said recipe development was 100% trial and error, experimenting with how to feed the sourdough starter, mix the dough, boil and bake. As a family, the Shields would roll the dough at 6 p.m. at the beginning of the week, then a couple of days later Hank and Michelle would wake up at 3 a.m. to boil and bake the bagels, and from there they would do pickups or free delivery. From pickups, free deliveries and pop-ups at farmers markets, Omaha Bagel Co. started developing a loyal following. Michelle said the company’s growth was organic. She said part of it was people seeing a long line at the farmers markets and being curious about the bagels. To this day, the Shields have never paid for marketing and have relied on word of mouth. Michelle said, “Even right now, we just keep on seeing the numbers of our Instagram followers increase, and we’re like, ‘where are they even coming from?’” Michelle credits Omaha Bagel Co.’s large following to the family values they champion along with the quality of its product. “They’ve never had a bagel like this before,” Michelle said. “It’s always what (our customers) kept saying.” In the early years of Omaha Bagel Co., Hank and Michelle continued to work their traditional jobs and use the proceeds from the bagel sales as bonus income for family trips or other expenses. It was not until the beginning of 2025 that the Shields turned their attention solely to Omaha Bagel Co. “I always tell young entrepreneurs to have your steady income and then find your thing that you want to experiment with, but don’t get rid of your steady income until you’ve either proven or disproven your concept that you’re trying to do,” Hank said.

Crafting a seamless experience

Omaha Bagel Co.’s business model revolves around moving fast. Unlike a traditional bagel shop that bakes its bagels in the morning, toasts them upon ordering, slices them in-house and offers a variety of bagel sandwiches, Omaha Bagel Co. keeps things simple. “The reason we’re not doing that is because we want to move quickly,” Hank said. “We want to be really simple. The business model to me just needs to be clean, efficient, fast and consistent.” Bagels are baked throughout the day so that they are served hot. Instead of asking to have the bagels sliced, customers are encouraged to rip their bagels and dip them into cream cheese or other spreads. The model helps to shorten wait times and create a more seamless experience. Weekly bagel flavors include plain, everything, salted rosemary, Asiago cheese and French toast crunch, along with two rotating flavors. Cream cheese is sold in 2-ounce or 8-ounce packages, and there are four different options that rotate. The store also sells cold brew and drip coffee. Bagels are priced at one for $3, three for $7.25, six for $16 and a dozen for $27. Hank said the company keeps a small, manageable group of suppliers and uses far fewer ingredients than a typical restaurant, which helps keep costs low, increase margins and simplify operations.

From cottage bakery to brick-and-mortar

After over four years in business, Omaha Bagel Co. opened its first brick-and-mortar store on Aug. 12 at

Hank and Michelle Shields 5423 Leavenworth St. in the former Tasty Pizza location. Hank said that there wasn’t a particular moment that inspired opening a brick-and-mortar store, it instead came from a need to scale production. “There was never a moment like, ‘okay, we’re successful,’ or like ‘this worked,’” Hank said. “It was just when the demand outgrew the supply. It was time to scale.” Hank said that he loved the physical location of the store, and had a relationship with Mary Joseph, the owner of Tasty Pizza. While she originally had no intention of leasing the space, the Shields convinced her to. They said they were drawn to the location’s proximity to UNO’s campus, University of Nebraska Medical Center and the surrounding Dundee neighborhood that provide a steady stream of customers. “We also needed somewhere that had a good amount of density for walk-up traffic because our model is hot bagels,” Hank said. Since the space had formerly been a restaurant, Hank said that it was a fairly low startup cost to get things up and running. “(Our investment in the space) was less than $100,000, and it was 100% out of our pocket,” Hank said. “We have zero debt associated with this … we sold bagels, we generated income, we reinvested it in the business.” Omaha Bagel Co. is currently open Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until they sell out), and the Shields continue to sell at area farmers markets on the weekends. They plan to have weekend hours at the storefront once farmers market season ends in mid-October. As for the plan in future farmers market seasons, they said they are still figuring it out but will find a way to continue their presence. Hank said right now, they are focused on making the storefront as successful as possible and then in the future they will assess expansion through physical locations, manufacturing or no expansion at all. He plans to continue operating with the same organic growth the company has used throughout the journey. “We want to build a solid reputation in this neighborhood and in the community, and see that this works,” Hank said. “And then we’ll see what’s next.”

A family-led mission

For the Shields, the most rewarding part of Omaha Bagel Co. has been building the business alongside their children. Their kids help with deliveries and farmers markets, giving them hands-on lessons in entrepreneurship. “They get paid weekly, and then they have investments,” Michelle said. “So then they meet with their investor, and they have to decide how they’re going to invest.” But beyond the business lessons, the extra time together as a family has been the biggest reward. Hank said his favorite part of the day is waking up and spending the morning with his kids. “I spent the last three years watching my kids leave for school,” Hank said.

Page 7 • September 25, 2026

A CLOSER look Betting on UNO

HOW SCHOOL’S CHANCELLOR BALANCES CUTS, AI AND GROWTH UNO FROM PAGE 01

up, and I would love to pay for your first semester’s tuition.” It was closer to $615. When I asked why, she said, “Because I want you to know how excited I am that you’re here.” MBJ: You’ve had roles at Loyola Maryland, Towson, Wright State, FIU and now UNO. Name one decision from an earlier stop that, with the experience you have now, you would have done differently. Li: Around 2009, I helped Towson raise money for a trading lab, competing against schools like Loyola and the University of Baltimore for T. Rowe Price funding — and we got it. What I’d do differently is treat fundraising as a team sport. Donors are co-creators of the mission, not just supporters of it. Five years ago, when I arrived at UNO, our average annual fundraising was about $30 million. This year we crossed $107 million. MBJ: The Weitz gift gave you $14 million in discretionary funding to award annually to faculty proposals. What’s one proposal you were happy to fund? Li: One example is our AI Core, now housed in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center — a collaboration between our information science college and our arts and sciences faculty, built on the idea that AI enhances human productivity rather than replacing people. When you walk into its space in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, you can meet the robots firsthand — Pepper, Ditto and three smaller ones the team calls the philosophers. MBJ: Walk me through one specific decision where Barbara Weitz’s role as your largest donor and her role as a sitting regent both mattered. Li: Barbara Weitz is strategic about where her philanthropic dollars can maximize impact — she and Wally (Weitz) chose the innovation fund because they believed it would stretch further and influence generations of students. As a regent, her role by constitution is to safeguard the university system and encourage innovation that keeps it relevant, while supporting student success and faculty advancement. That’s how those two roles show up together. MBJ: New federal caps on Parent PLUS loans take effect for the 2026-27 school year, right as UNO serves a high percentage of firstgeneration and working families. What are you telling incoming families this fall that you weren’t telling them last year? Li: The federal landscape has changed significantly — not just Parent PLUS caps, but Pell Grant shortfalls and the new workforce Pell. Nationally, 74% of learners are now nontraditional: working, sometimes with kids, sometimes returning to finish a degree. We tell students to use financial aid wisely — spend it on tuition, not a nicer car or a bigger apartment. Our average graduate leaves with about $19,000 in debt, versus $38,000 nationally. One year after graduation, 81% of our graduates are still working and living in Nebraska. MBJ: You closed a $1.9 million structural deficit without cutting a single academic program or full-time position, while University of Nebraska at Kearney eliminated entire degrees to close a similarly sized gap. What did UNO have that UNK didn’t? Li: Comparing campuses may not capture the full complexity here. But five years ago we put a strong financial policy in place — careful with every dollar. Greater Omaha holds half the state’s population, which gives

Page 8 • September 25, 2026

MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

Our average graduate leaves with about $19,000 in debt, versus $38,000 nationally. One year after graduation, 81% of our graduates are still working and living in Nebraska. — JOANNE LI us scale, even though our students aren’t necessarily more financially advantaged. Students from North and South Omaha are just as talented as students anywhere else — they simply don't always walk in with the same resources as students from other parts of the state or the country. We also don't receive a proportional share of state appropriation as a metropolitan university — that's simply a different mission. A lot of credit for our discipline goes to my senior vice chancellor, Dr. Phil Yee, and to our faculty and staff, who live that mission every day.

worries me is the national birth rate decline, projected to hit zero population growth by 2042. The traditional group of 18-year-olds coming straight to college is shrinking statistically, and that decline crosses every demographic, including the pool of traditional-age male students. We recently earned Higher Learning Commission accreditation to offer competency-based education — the first one is a graduate certificate in business administration, where you have to prove you can do it, not just sit through classes and rack up credit hours.

MBJ: You’re absorbing a second state cut this year — an $8 million systemwide reduction in June, followed by a $3.7 million cut assigned to UNO in July. At what dollar figure — not a feeling, a number — does this stop being efficiency and start being programs and people? Li: The $3.74 million is 5% of our $74.5 million state appropriation, which is roughly 15% of our total budget. The timing was difficult, coming after our regents had already approved this year’s budget. But continuous cuts don’t make a great university. We have a position advisory council that scrutinizes whether every open role is absolutely necessary. Right now, we are not considering program cuts — none of ours fall below the state's guideline threshold. If the budget keeps deteriorating, that becomes a different conversation. MBJ: UNO has embraced AI at a time when a lot of universities have been scared of it. What specifically caused you to embrace it? Li: In 2023, I told our Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives division we needed to get ahead of this. Bloomberg covered us last year as a Midwest university using AI with caution. My attitude is that fear isn’t a solution — you learn it together and build guardrails as you go. As we say now, the power doesn't rest with the answer anymore — it rests with the question. We built an AI consortium of faculty and staff to debate exactly when and how AI can be used, and to write real guardrails instead of leaving people to guess. And I have news for anyone who thinks their kids aren't already using AI: they are, every time they open TikTok or Instagram. MBJ: Have you had a conversation with a university administrator who was hesitant about AI? What did you say to them? Li: Make the work environment convenient, give people access to AI licenses and a little training so they don’t have to figure it out alone. People want to improve and be appreciated by their peers. If a leader doesn't provide that kind of aspiration, people will learn it anyway, maybe from a nephew five months from now, just not in a guided, safe environment where they can apply the technology responsibly and with accountability. MBJ: UNO has set fundraising records — more than $58 million in fiscal year 2024. At what point does that fundraising cease to cover what the state has been pulling back? Li: Our most recent year set a record at $107 million. The Weitz Innovation Fund is a different kind of gift, because it gives us financial slack our operating budget doesn't otherwise have — it functions almost like an investment we wouldn't have the resources to make on our own. Most of that giving is designated for specific purposes aligned with what donors want, it’s not meant to replace our operating budget. I hope it never gets to a point where the state sees fundraising as a substitute for its own support. MBJ: Enrollment has been relatively flat for several years, which is good news since peer institutions have seen major declines. What’s one metric inside that number that gives you hope, and one that worries you? Li: Retention and completion rates are up, and student credit hours per student have increased, students are moving more efficiently toward the finish line. What

Daisy Hutzell-Rodman is the executive editor of Midlands Business Journal E: daisy@mbj.com P: 402-915-7551

QUICK FIVE Bob the Shiba — what makes him special compared to other dogs you’ve had? “Bob thinks he is one of us. He doesn’t see himself as a dog, he’s our little child.” Your husband is also a CFA. Who’s actually better at reading a budget line? “Him.” As a kid in Hong Kong, one of the things you wanted to be was a florist. Do you ever think about that now? “Actually, I really wanted to be a kindergarten teacher first. Florists always struck me differently: you walk into a flower shop and it instantly relaxes you. I don’t know if I’ll ever actually be a florist in the United States, but I love that feeling.” What’s your guilty-pleasure food? “Probably soup dumplings. People always ask, ‘Really?’ Yes, really.” What’s one degree program at UNO you find absolutely fascinating, even though you’d never have pursued it yourself? “Aviation.” Bonus: What’s one thing on your desk right now that has nothing to do with work? “Pictures of my family, and cards from family and friends. They remind me and humble me. Every day, you work for your community.”

Page 9 • September 25, 2026

FOCUS SECTION

HIGHER education

The Partnership Gap

INFRASTRUCTURE READY, BUT 70% OF EMPLOYERS DON’T USE IT BY WENDY JORDAN Nebraska has one of the nation’s tightest labor markets — 70 workers for every 100 job openings — yet 70% of employers report no collaboration with colleges or universities to build their talent pipeline. It’s a paradox that workforce experts say threatens the region’s economic competitiveness: Omaha has the higher education infrastructure to meet business JIM SUTFIN needs, but most companies aren’t using it. The disconnect is striking in a state with the NEBRASKA CHAMBER OF nation’s sixth-lowest unemployment rate at 3% COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY and second-highest labor force participation rate at 69.9% (behind North Dakota). Greater Omaha Chamber Chief Workforce Excellence Officer Dell Nared Jr. said the higher-education infrastructure is generally aligned with the regional economy, but employers are not yet fully leveraging that infrastructure. “Some (employers) are leading the way, serving on advisory boards, co-designing curriculum, guaranteeing internships, sponsoring employee education and actively partnering to shape the talent pipeline,” Nared said. “Those are the companies seeing real results.” In fact, the Nebraska Department of Labor reported in March that 70.4% of employers surveyed reported no collaboration with educational institutions for hiring needs. Of the survey results, Douglas County accounted for nearly a quarter of responses. “This is fundamentally a question of regional competitiveness,” Nared said. “Cities that win the future are cities that produce the talent their employers need. That’s the race we’re in, and scale is how we win it.”

Manufacturing a pipeline

The manufacturing credentialing program launched in March 2026 is an example of employers helping create an industry pipeline. Through a collaboration among the Nebraska State Chamber Foundation, the state’s six community colleges and the Department of Labor, a statewide, stackable entry-level Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance credential now offers a new entryway into the industry. Jim Sutfin, an education consultant for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said manufacturing is a “significant area of economic viability” for the state and this pathway can lead to careers rather than jobs. The program is expected to have 500 students receive the Level 1 manufacturing credential over the two-year project. Students can go on to earn Level 2 or 3 manufacturing certificates. Sutfin said the Level 2 credential is being

DELL NARED JR. GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER

developed and will include an apprenticeship. Doug Rood is senior operations manager for Collins Aerospace in York, which is one of the employers helping to spearhead this initiative. He believes this builds a “unified approach to talent preparation” and ensures skills being taught match industry needs. “The collaboration between employers and higher education has been essential in aligning Nebraska’s talent pipeline with the realities of the modern manufacturing workplace,” Rood said.

Shaping the future workforce

The 20% of surveyed employers who do collaborate see clear results, Nared said. The shortcomings he said, as the statistics reflect, are in scale. “Scale changes everything,” he said. “Right now, we have pockets of excellent employer-education partnerships across the region. When a handful of employers engage deeply with UNO, MCC, Creighton or Bellevue, the results are clear: better-prepared graduates, shorter ramp-up times for new hires, stronger retention and a direct line from classroom to career. The challenge is that those outcomes are limited to the companies willing to make the investment.” Levi Thiele, director of career development at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said multiple advisory boards consisting of industry professionals share insight on the need for specific degrees and credentials at UNO. “We have a number of strong partnerships,” Thiele said. “I work with about 30 companies on advisory boards that want to get involved and volunteer. These companies tend to hire a large number of our students.” One example Thiele gave is the financial technology leader Fiserv, which she said has taken full advantage of campus connection opportunities. Alexis Perea, senior director of admissions at Bellevue University, said the school has also collaborated with Fiserv to develop cohorts in applied data science, data analytics and workplace storytelling. Fiserv’s partnership with Bellevue allows eligible associates access to up to $15,250 annually in tuition assistance, supporting undergraduate and graduate programs that build relevant skills and strengthen readiness for higher‑impact roles. Adam Schmit, vice president of talent acquisition programs at Fiserv, shared that utilization naturally varies by role, career stage and personal circumstances. “Partnerships like the one we have with Bellevue University, along with initiatives such as our Campus Connections event, support a performance‑driven culture by helping associates build skills that directly translate to stronger performance and long‑term career growth,” Schmit said.

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Perea said Bellevue has seen a demand for certifications that correlate to performance and career growth. In fact, some of the courses have already generated enough demand to be offered multiple times throughout the year. “This really leans into questions like: Are you setting the right goals? How do we work together to communicate effectively?” she said.

Meeting students where they are

Nebraska Public Radio reported 242 million Americans fit the profile of adult learner, identified as people over age 25. Thiele said rather than looking for a specific degree, the rise of skill-based hiring has drawn many adult learners back into the classroom or into an online program of some sort. These students are generally looking to upskill or build upon their experience or certifications, which has led to a rising interest in microcredentials and certificate programs. “A lot of times what we’re hearing from employers is it matters less what specific degree a student might have and more what skills they’re bringing to the table,” she said. Nared said he believes one of the most significant workforce challenges in the region is the fact roughly one in three working-age Nebraskans started college but never finished with a degree or certificate. The total number, about 315,000, is what Nared referred to as a substantial segment of the labor force. Nared said the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reported the number of Nebraska high school graduates entering the workforce directly grew nearly 20% between 2019 and 2024, while community college enrollment declined by more than 17%. Additionally, the 2026 Nebraska Higher Education Progress Report shows 66% of Nebraskans don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, yet the labor force participation rate for those with some college or an associate degree is 85%. “Smart employers in Omaha are recognizing that someone with some college and five years of work experience isn’t a risk,” Nared said. “They’re an asset waiting to be developed. The companies investing in tuition assistance, on-the-job training and credential completion pathways are the ones winning the retention battle right now.” However, adult learners are faced with obstacles that are not always as prevalent among traditional students, whether it is working full-time or having dependent children. “I think that when you’re looking at licenses and credentials, the flexibility of employers is going to be extremely important,” Sutfin said. “We have to be cognizant of those problems and work to remedy them in order to make it work for adult learners.” Of the 18,500 students currently enrolled at Bellevue University, 94% of those students are online, and the average age is 34, according to the university’s most recent fact sheet. Nared said Nebraska has roughly 70 workers for every 100 job openings, which means the “some college, no degree” population can’t be left out. Although partnerships between employers and institutions are strong, more are needed and quickly.

Regional economic resilience

Whether it’s data literacy, AI literacy or smart manufacturing technology, Sutfin said the ecosystem is changing rapidly due to a huge decline in the nation’s birth rate, and it is essential for employers to think ahead. Thiele agreed, saying, “What really matters to employers is less about the pathway to get those skills and more that candidates are able to articulate and demonstrate proficiency in those skills.” Thiele believes successful employer partnerships are key to ensuring talent retention in Nebraska at large as well as in Omaha specifically. “Brain drain is a serious problem affecting states like Nebraska,” Thiele said. “That has long term consequences for the economy.” Nared said he believes Omaha’s higher education institutions, both universities and community colleges, are delivering, and in many cases they’re leading workforce education and development. He said if employer engagement was scaled to hundreds of businesses across the Greater Omaha area, “the trajectory shifts dramatically” and the economic impact would be significant. “(With increased scale) you get a talent pipeline that can support growth, not just replacement,” he said. “Every qualified worker produced locally is a worker we

don’t have to recruit from out of state. Scale partnerships across the region and you create a workforce ecosystem that attracts new business, supports expansion and strengthens our competitive position against larger metros.” Nebraska Department of Education Administrator for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Katie Graham said creating stronger connections between employers and higher education to support this continued growth is something she intends to focus on at the state level. “Nebraska’s workforce system is fragmented in some areas, with many employers and higher education partners not yet fully connected,” Graham said. “This is an area of major opportunity. For business leaders, this is an invitation to tap into resources that can directly support talent needs and help build a more aligned, resilient workforce pipeline.”

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FOCUS SECTION

HIGHER education

The Earn-and-Learn Push NEBRASKA TARGETS 6,000 NEW APPRENTICES BY 2030

BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

Grady Smith graduated from West Holt High School in 2022 and chose a different path than many of his classmates — going straight into an apprenticeship program at Mitchell Equipment, the Case IH dealership serving farmers across the Atkinson and Humphrey areas. Through a partnership with Northeast Community College, Smith earned wages while BOB SHALD learning classroom fundamentals, and today he’s MITCHELL EQUIPMENT a combine and planter technician at Mitchell Equipment — a career Bob Shald, the dealership’s service manager, calls a genuine success. “I’m afraid that if he would have gone through a traditional route, he may not have stuck with it,” Shald said. “To be able to come out of high school straight into the job force, and into the pay realm that he’s in right now, I think has been very successful for him and us as a dealership.” Stories like Smith’s are exactly what Gov. Jim Pillen had in mind when he signed Executive Order No. 25-15 on Oct. 14, 2025 — a directive that established Nebraska’s new Office of Registered Apprenticeship and set a concrete goal of 6,000 new registered active apprentices by Dec. 31, 2030. “Good Life, Great Careers consolidates efforts in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Pillen told MBJ via email. “This coordinated strategy is aimed at giving employers clearer, faster access to skilled workers.”

“It takes an overwhelming amount of dedication to do that yourself,” he said. “What Northeast was able to provide us was just heads over heels more than what we were able to do on our own.”

Building at scale

In spring 2026, all six Nebraska community colleges launched the first level of a statewide KIMBERLY manufacturing apprenticeship curriculum developed in partnership with the Nebraska ANDERSON Manufacturing Advisory Council, giving NORTHEAST companies across the state access to a COMMUNITY COLLEGE consistent, portable credential. The energy sector adds another dimension. Wind turbine service technicians rank as the fastest-growing registered apprenticeship occupation in Nebraska, with 64.4% projected employment growth through 2032. Healthcare represents the initiative’s most urgent frontier. According to recent labor market tracking on the Nebraska Department of Labor’s NEworks system, Nebraska continues to face a severe structural imbalance in healthcare staffing. State labor data shows more than 6,000 active health care job postings against fewer than 900 available candidates statewide — including roughly 2,300 open registered nurse listings against about 200 candidates, or one applicant for every 11 nursing openings.

The awareness gap

According to the 2026 Nebraska Higher Education Progress Report released in March, Nebraska’s workforce numbers tell a strong story on the surface: more than 1.06 million Nebraskans were employed as of December 2025, a historic high, and the state was second in the nation in labor force participation at 69.9%. Employers across construction, healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture are nonetheless struggling to find skilled workers, and the pipeline to replace an aging workforce is narrowing. Nebraska currently has about 4,800 active registered apprentices compared with Iowa and Colorado, which have more than 9,300 and 9,600, respectively. “Both Colorado and Iowa started before us with pretty heavy pushes for apprenticeship programming,” said Katie Thurber, Nebraska commissioner of labor. “What’s nice about Nebraska is we’ve been able to learn from a lot of different states — from Alabama, from Iowa, from Kansas, from Colorado — and that puts us in a position to act a little quicker.” A March 2026 workforce landscape assessment from the Nebraska Department of Labor identified the core challenge bluntly. Registered apprenticeships are an unfamiliar concept to people hiring at 45% of Nebraska businesses. Nearly 60% of nonparticipants say the model simply isn’t relevant to their business. “That tells us that we have a lot of education to do within the employer community in Nebraska,” Thurber said, “and a lot of outreach that needs to be done.”

How it works

The misconception that apprenticeship belongs only to plumbers, electricians and linemen is one Kimberly Anderson spends most of her days correcting. As associate director of apprenticeships at Northeast Community College, she manages 14 apprenticeship occupations, including several launched spring 2026. The earn-and-learn model integrates on-the-job training alongside classroom education. Apprentices are employees from day one, earning wages while building skills that match what their employer needs. According to U.S. Department of Labor data, every $1 invested returns $1.40, and 65% of apprentices stay with the same employer for at least three years after completing the program. “Gone are the days of hiring a recent graduate and then spending at least a year training them internally,” Anderson said. “When students complete their apprenticeship, they’re fully ready to hit the ground running.” Northeast handles registration, tracking and quarterly check-ins, doing much of the administrative work on the employer’s behalf. Shald, who tried to build his own program before Northeast came to the table, knows the difference.

Page 13 • September 25, 2026

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FOCUS SECTION

HIGHER education

The Earn-and-Learn Push NEBRASKA TARGETS 6,000 NEW APPRENTICES BY 2030

FROM PRECEDING PAGE

The Nebraska Hospital Association is addressing that gap through a group sponsorship model open to its 92 member hospitals. Stan Odenthal, the association’s senior director of workforce initiatives, said medical coding has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor for approval, with five additional clinical pathways, including registered nurse, to follow. “Every time we have an opportunity to talk to any of our hospitals in the state about what’s going on in their workforce, all of them are hiring RNs,” Odenthal said. The RN pathway is both the most in-demand and the most complex to build. The earn-and-learn model, Odenthal argued, offers something traditional recruitment cannot: a pathway for nontraditional candidates who couldn’t otherwise afford to enter healthcare. “They can jump right in and hopefully come out pretty much debt-free, but be earning dollars while they learn,” he said.

Rural roots

For Thurber — who grew up in Gering — the rural dimension of this initiative isn’t abstract. “We have to figure out a solution that works with that uniqueness,” she said. “What works in Omaha is not going to work in Scottsbluff.” Young people in small Nebraska towns often don’t know what careers exist in their own communities — that the local welding shop employs more than welders, that the doctor’s office employs more than nurses, Anderson said. “They can see themselves living and working in their small hometown community,” she said, “and they don’t have to go to the Lincolns and Omahas of the world to do it.” Shald has tried recruiting technicians from outside the region and found it nearly impossible without also finding work for a spouse. “Our most success has been hiring our local people and being able to keep them here,” he said. The 6,000-apprentice goal gives Nebraska four years to more than double its current active roster, a number Thurber calls both realistic and necessary. Today Smith is one of 24 technicians working the floor at Mitchell Equipment’s Atkinson shop. Shald doesn’t hesitate when asked if the program was worth it. “I believe it’s been a great career (move) for him,” he said.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT

HOW BRYAN HEALTH USES THIS RETENTION TOOL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Bryan Health launched its student loan repayment benefit in 2022, as the pandemic’s staffing crisis eased but turnover stayed high. Full-time employees are eligible on their first day, though not everyone qualifies. The system limits the benefit to hard-to-recruit positions that require a degree — bedside registered nurses among them. A third-party administrator pays the employee’s loan servicer directly each month, prorated across the year, for up to six years. Total payout runs about $15,750. The annual amount stays at or below $5,250, the ceiling employers can pay tax-free under federal law. Some physicians receive more through contract terms and are taxed on the difference. Each year of payment carries a one-year work-back commitment. That structure was deliberate, said Maria Isquierdo, system vice president and chief human resources officer. “We could say upfront, in six years,” she said. “But we know that’s going to scare people off.” Employees who leave early repay what Bryan paid on their behalf. They can also drop out of the program, though Isquierdo said that rarely happens. The numbers suggest it’s working. Bedside RN turnover was in double digits in 2021 and 2022. Year-to-date it stands at 9.9%, just above the national 90th percentile of 9.2%. Turnover across all employees is 14%. Benefits alone won’t hold anyone, said Chris Sund, president and chief operating officer of Omaha-based Uniti Med. Pay and benefits get people in the door, he said, but they don’t keep anybody there. What does is development — helping people leave better than they arrived. Isquierdo doesn’t disagree. Candidates look at base pay first, she said, and loan repayment is simply another form of dollars in the pocket. Employees rarely value a benefit until they use it, which is why Bryan now spotlights one each month. Nebraska offers a matching program for advanced practice providers. Bryan contributes its share to the state, which distributes the combined amount — but employees can’t participate in both. Page 14 • September 25, 2026

FOCUS SECTION

BANKING AND capital

Much Ado About Nothing?

RECENT SBA CHANGES HAVE MINIMAL IMPACT ON MIDLANDS LENDING BY DWAIN HEBDA

JASON HERLITZKE

UNION BANK & TRUST

ERIK HOIEKVAM FNBO

In March, the U.S. Small Business Administration released a list of changes to its lending programs that, at first glance, might have appeared to substantially narrow and tighten guidelines for borrowers from assessing creditworthiness to raising collateral thresholds. In reality, local bankers suggest that any alarm on the part of lenders or borrowers over the capital sky falling was at best premature and at most altogether unwarranted. In fact, some lenders actually praised the changes as necessary, even overdue. “The SBA changes that took effect in March 2026 have had minimal impact on our lending activity and have not changed how we utilize SBA programs,” said Jason Herlitzke, vice president and SBA administrator for Union Bank & Trust. “Overall, we view these changes as a positive step for the SBA program as they place a greater emphasis on credit quality, repayment ability and longterm sustainability. “We continue to see strong demand for SBA financing. While some borrowers may no longer qualify under the revised requirements, we believe these changes will strengthen the program and help ensure SBA financing remains a reliable source of capital for qualified small businesses.”

Business as usual

Erik Hoiekvam, director government programs administrator for FNBO, echoed the attitude that the changes were nothing more than business as usual, with minimal impact on requirements and length of the lending process. “The SBA changes, updates and redefines the rules found in the SBA Standard Operating Procedure, which is the rulebook that lenders follow when providing SBA loans, several times a year,” he said. “Sometimes the rule changes can be expansive, which may coincide with Federallevel executive government administration changes. Other times, the changes may be more minimal. “Many of (March’s) changes do not really help or complicate the SBA lending process for small businesses interested in SBA loans as they are administrative in nature and only affect how banks do things internally. However, some of the changes that provide efficiencies for SBA lenders indirectly provide efficiencies for our SBA borrowers too, which is great.” Headline-grabbing material from the changes starts with dropping the maximum of 7(a) Small Loans from $500,000 to $350,000, which carries with it expanded creditworthiness and underwriting requirements. Within this process, the SBA discontinued use of the internal FICO Small Business Scoring Service score, an automated credit scoring tool that blended personal credit history, business credit data and financial information into a single score. Under the new guidelines, lenders must now perform full manual underwriting including, among other things, a credit history analysis, two months of bank statements, insurance documentation and repayment ability measured by debt service coverage ratio. Another notable change is the requirement of collateral for any loan over $50,000, a rule that heretofore only applied to loans $500,000 and over. TalkofFrank.com reported what this means practically is that vehicles, inventory and real estate that are put up as collateral to get a loan, already a common practice, is now codified in the requirements.

Operating under stricter guidelines

While the rules are decidedly tighter, and there’s no shortage of online hand-wringing over what the changes mean for borrowers both in added time and work to meet them, looking just at the changes is misleading, Hoiekvam said. He noted that SBA guidelines were often seen as a low bar and that participating institutions, including FNBO, already operated under stricter guidelines. “SBA rules are minimum standards, so banks and other lending institutions that provide SBA loans should approach SBA lending similarly to non-government guaranteed commercial lending,”

JIM REIFF

NEBRASKA ENTERPRISE FUND

he said. “Regarding the SBSS (Small Business Scoring Service) Score, SBA required lenders to ‘pull’ this score from their system for SBA Small Loans, but it was rarely solely relied upon by lenders, including FNBO, to determine the credit history of the prospective business borrower. SBA discontinuing the SBSS Score therefore had a neutral effect. “The SBA changing its collateral requirement threshold from $500,000 to $50,000 restored older, stricter underwriting standards that existed before the pandemic-era relaxed lending rules. Most lenders, including FNBO, did not take advantage of this relaxed minimum collateral threshold while it was available … (therefore) the rule change should not really help or hinder the process for banks to provide SBA loans to entrepreneurs.” In fact, as Herlitzke noted, the changes were actually needed reforms to bolster the program’s integrity. “Over the past couple of years, the SBA experienced an increase in delinquency, and therefore implemented a number of changes aimed at strengthening the program, improving credit quality and reducing portfolio risk,” he said. “The March 2026 updates are part of that ongoing effort, moving away from the more flexible ‘do what you do’ approach toward a more structured and consistent set of lending policies and underwriting expectations. “In addition, a new standard operating procedure is scheduled to take effect on October 1 with even more changes, and we are currently reviewing the new (standard operating procedure) to ensure we fully understand the changes and are prepared to continue delivering a good experience for our borrowers.”

Changes to citizenship requirement

However, the changes are not without casualties, starting with the most substantive change, the citizenship requirement. The rule change dictates only those companies owned 100% by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals are eligible for SBA financing. According to Stacking Capital, even a 1% ownership by a green card holder disqualifies the entire business from SBA funding. In fact, the site noted, the SBA is tasked with investigating indirect ownership of applicants, meaning if a business is held by a trust, LLC or holding company and a non-citizen owns a portion of that entity, the rule applies. Even companies launched in the U.S. by U.S. citizens residing abroad are affected. There is no grandfather clause for businesses that got an SBA loan under the previous rules. Jim Reiff, executive director of the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, finds those stricter guidelines potentially problematic. “The changes around business ownership where you must be a U.S. citizen, not even a resident anymore, is concerning for us,” he said. “For folks that are here legally, it makes things harder. For somebody that’s gone through the whole (documentation) process, they’ve done everything legally, but now they can’t own a business. Isn’t that what the American Dream is?” Reiff said the changes in SBA guidelines are likely going to push more people to organizations such as his for help. However, nonprofits and foundations often lack the funds to meet those capital needs themselves, instead helping people access SBA loans that may now be out of reach. He said even the new collateral guidelines are likely to hurt a segment of U.S. citizen entrepreneurs, presumably the population the SBA was formed to help in the first place. “It’s detrimental to folks that aren’t independently wealthy,” Reiff said. “It could be a real detriment to startups. It could be a detriment to those that are ready to grow, people that don’t have the collateral but they’ve got a great idea. From that perspective, it seems like it’s hindering the small guy and that’s concerning.”

Page 15 • September 25, 2026

The Clock is Ticking TIME IS SHORT FOR 2026 LOANS BY DWAIN HEBDA The end of the year is approaching, and, more than counting down the days until holiday season, many businesses are starting to feel the pinch of tying up funding by the new year. While most sources agree there is plenty of time for all but the most complicated big-figure loans to be completed, business owners shouldn’t waste any time before getting started. “The length of time it takes to get a business loan will depend entirely on the type of loan request,” said Steve Johnson, vice president of business banking and treasury services for Cobalt Credit Union. “For your small business requests of, say, $100,000 or less, you can see as quick as same-day funding or up to a few days, at Cobalt specifically. This changes considerably when a deal is large enough or classified as a commercial loan which has different criteria at each financial institution. “For Cobalt, depending on the type of deal and complexity, it’s common for three to six weeks from application to close in commercial lending. This varies depending on how well-organized the business owner/ applicant is prior to their request.” STEVE JOHNSON COBALT CREDIT UNION

Factors for loan requests

According to Axiant Partners, things like a merchant cash advance, equipment financing or a working capital loan can be approved in a matter of days, again depending on the institution, region of the country and assuming all documentation is in order. Conventional bank term loans, SBA Express loans and SBA 7(a)-PLP lender loans all fall in the midterm category, taking multiple weeks. The longest processes involve SBA 7(a) Standard, SBA 504 and commercial real estate loans, which can take up to three months, assuming all documentation is complete and satisfactory. A previous relationship with a lender, or lack RICHARD BAIER thereof, can also impact the timeline. PRESIDENT AND CEO “Referring to small business banking, the biggest factor NEBRASKA BANKERS affecting the process is incomplete applications from ASSOCIATION members,” Johnson said. “They either don’t have their tax returns collected, have no formal accounting process, and can’t produce a profit and loss or balance sheet for their business. It is also common for owners to not readily have access to copies of their entity documents filed with the secretary of state. “Commercial lending can take longer depending on the type of loan and the associate regulations. Certain real estate loans require environmental reports on the property to ensure no contamination exists. There are requirements for personal financial statements and there are some businesses that, due to the industry, are prohibited from borrowing at all.” Johnson said variables in any of the application requirements, from timely completion of paperwork to completeness and organization of supporting records, can affect the length of the entire process, sometimes substantially. “Not having all their financials and business documentation ready to go when applying is the biggest hindrance to the process,” he said. “If the documentation is in line up front, the process flows a whole lot more smoothly.”

Tech evens the playing field

Technology has helped the situation in many cases. Richard Baier, president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association, said it is almost unheard of today for a banking institution not to have invested in some sort of online or app-based tools, which can help streamline various processes, including applying for a loan. This has helped level the playing field among national, large metropolitan and smaller Main Street banks statewide, even as the number of bank charters continues to contract. “If you look historically, our peak number in the 1980s was about 474 Nebraska bank charters. Today, we’re in about that 140 range,” he said. “What I would tell you is even as we’ve had consolidation, we’re still providing services and we’re still doing it at the local level. “One of the things that COVID taught our customers, particularly ag producers, is that they could do business electronically. If you talk to a lot of these small-town banks now, many of their customers are actually doing business sitting in the cab of their truck.”

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Page 16 • September 25, 2026

FOCUS SECTION

BANKING AND capital

By the Books

NEEDING A LOAN? DOCUMENTATION IS MORE ESSENTIAL THAN EVER BY DWAIN HEBDA

JOEL FALK CORE BANK

The recent changes in documentation and underwriting guidelines by the U.S. Small Business Administration underscored a primary tenet of business that has held sway for decades: documentation is king. As much as old-timers might like to talk of the “good old days,” when a person’s word and their handshake were enough to land a loan, those times are long gone. Today, not only is more supporting information required for SBA and conventional loans, but the manner in which a potential borrower maintains said information can create an important first impression. “Well-organized financial records help tell a lender the story of a business,” said Joel Falk, director of commercial banking for Core Bank. “When documentation is incomplete, inconsistent or difficult to follow, it can create concerns about the company’s financial controls, planning processes and overall management. “While disorganized records alone do not determine a lending decision, they often lead to additional questions and can slow the underwriting process. Strong recordkeeping demonstrates that business owners understand their financial performance and are actively managing their operations.”

Importance of strong recordkeeping

Jeff Richardson, vice president and business banker with Centris Federal Credit Union, said even if sloppy records don’t absolutely translate to sloppy management, it at least points to how the prospective borrower is prioritizing tasks. “Poor and/or incomplete documentation could be an indicator of how the business is managed, but it could also simply be an indicator of the level of importance a business owner has placed on having strong documentation,” he said. “Accurate financial reporting, strong recordkeeping and a clear understanding of cash flow remain essential when applying for financing. “If it is a good business with poor documentation, my concerns for the owner would be what potential profits or operational efficiencies are being left on the table? Proper care in all facets of business documentation leads to a more informed business owner, who can more effectively run their business and make decisions.”

JEFF RICHARDSON

CENTRIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

statements, unresolved ownership questions or an unclear use of loan proceeds often require follow-up before underwriting can be completed. When information provided by the borrower raises unanswered questions, lenders typically need additional documentation, which can extend timelines. “Business owners can help the process move more efficiently by providing complete, current and organized information from the beginning. When available, accrual-based financial statements are often helpful because they provide a more comprehensive view of a company’s financial performance and obligations. However, many small businesses do not maintain accrual-based reporting, which can make financial analysis more challenging.”

Positioning for success

According to FINTechSBA, financial statements determine 70% of the loan approval decision. The site was one of many that outlined the documentation required for a streamlined loan application experience including profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet, both required by SBA, as well as supporting documents, such as cash flow statements, accounts receivable/payable aging, tax returns and bank statements. This is only a starting point; specific documentation required will vary by institution and the amount and type of loan sought. Finally, Richardson said, paying attention to the manner and method of recordkeeping should also give a business owner better insights into what their capital needs are in the first place. This not only makes the borrower better prepared to discuss the potential loan with a financial professional but more strategic in how they manage debt levels as part of overall operations. “Certainly, inaccurate or missing financial statements and/or tax returns create challenges in approving any new loan request. Further, this lends to the lack of ability of the business owner or his trusted partners to clearly communicate the need and benefit for the loan to the lender,” he said. “I feel the larger, overarching issue is the level of care the business owner takes to understand their business, the intent of the business loan requested and how it will benefit the business.”

Reasons for denial

The two men point out that merely having a bad filing system in and of itself usually isn’t what costs an applicant a loan approval, but slipshod systems are often at least partially at the root of missing, incomplete or unverifiable data. “There are a myriad of potential reasons any deal in business lending may be denied,” Richardson said. “Most often, the denial is a direct result of insufficient cash flow, insufficient equity, poor liquidity, inadequate collateral coverage and poor personal credit of the business owner or owners. “While many of these items aren’t directly documentation-related, a business owner that takes a conscious effort to understand their financial picture through strong documentation can understand and improve their business’s challenges before they apply for business credit and improve their chances for approval.” Falk added that even with loans that are ultimately approved, having to sift through notes that are unorganized or go back and augment missing pieces of documentation can unnecessarily prolong the process, sometimes considerably. “The most common delays stem from missing or incomplete information,” he said. “Items such as missing tax returns, outdated financial statements, incomplete personal financial

Page 17 • September 25, 2026

OMAHA sister cities ATTENDEES LEARN ABOUT WORLD WAR II AND OMAHANS

Friendship Forged in Sand

OMAHA’S SISTER CITY BOND WITH NORMANDY DEEPENS The sky over Colleville-sur-Mer was gray and cool the afternoon of May 4, the kind of weather that seems to know what it’s covering. A delegation of 23 Omahans had spent the morning at a museum, then the early afternoon at a seaside restaurant a few hundred yards from Omaha Beach, trading gifts and small talk with their French counterparts over a farm-totable lunch. Within an hour, they walked the beach itself. By late afternoon, they stood at the Normandy American Cemetery, where 9,300 American soldiers are buried beneath rows of white marble crosses, watching two mayors lay a wreath at the foot of a towering sculpture. “It was very special,” said Laura Willey, executive director of the Omaha Sister Cities Association (OSCA). The mood shifted fast, she said, from the joy of the luncheon to the solemnity of the beach and the cemetery, all within about 10 minutes of walking. “I think everybody immediately had this change in mood, naturally.” Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. and Isigny-Omaha Intercom President Patrick Thomines each spoke before laying the wreath. Ewing had prepared remarks with his staff ahead of time. He didn’t use them. “I didn’t feel a script was appropriate when you’re talking about the sacrifices those men and women made, especially standing on that hallowed ground where they’re buried,” Ewing said. “It’s better to speak from the heart and let people know what the moment meant to you, because it really was for me.” It was Ewing’s first sister city trip since taking office. It won’t be his last. “There is a huge commitment by the people of Omaha to the sister cities,” he said. “My goal is to try to go on one per year.”

A connection written in name

Omaha’s relationship with Isigny-Omaha Intercom, a consortium of 59 villages and townships along the Normandy coast with a combined population of about 27,000, traces back to a name. Omaha Beach, the code name assigned to one of five Allied

landing sectors during the June 6, 1944, invasion of Nazi-occupied France, has tied the city’s identity to this stretch of French coastline for more than 80 years. That connection is part of what makes this relationship different from Omaha’s other sister cities, according to Steve Gerdes, OSCA’s board president. “Because of that, that area of France, comprised of 59 different villages, has enthusiastic support for Americans and for the culture of America,” Gerdes said. Omaha and the Isigny region signed an initial friendship agreement in 2019. It took until 2023 to formally become a sister city pact, a distinction Gerdes said had more to do with European naming conventions than with any real change on the ground. Willey, who joined OSCA after 2019, said she’s heard nothing to suggest the shift changed how the two communities actually work together. “It’s just paperwork,” she said, “but nothing relationship-wise really changed at all from what I’ve heard.”

A story found among the headstones

At the cemetery, delegation members were led past the wreath-laying site to the Walls of the Missing, where a guide told them about two brothers from Nebraska: radiomen who served during World War II, separated in death for decades before one soldier’s remains were identified and moved to rest beside his twin, 74 years later. “That was a really special story that I don’t think most of us had heard before,” Willey said. What struck her most, she said, wasn’t just the history lesson. It was watching how deeply the story still mattered to the French guide telling it. “We learn it from the U.S. school system... but to hear it and see their appreciation as well was really special,” she said. Ewing said his own strongest memory came earlier that same day, standing on the sand itself. “That was the time that we stood on Omaha Beach and looked out to the ocean and thought about what those men had to be thinking as they came off of those ships at 18, 19, 20 years old,” he said, “and the bravery that they had to have.”

Page 18 • September 25, 2026

MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

An unplanned afternoon

Not every memory from the trip was solemn. Gerdes recalled two delegation members who needed walkers to get around, a detail that created its own small logistical puzzle for the group. Members of the delegation took turns helping, but Gerdes said no one did more than Ewing. “He wasn’t the leader,” Gerdes said. “He was the servant of all of us.” Months before the delegation left Omaha, Willey received an email from Sophie Saby, a French woman who had read a local news story about the upcoming visit and reached out through OSCA’s website. The two corresponded for months, until Willey arranged to meet her at the cemetery. Afterward, Saby invited Willey and Gerdes back to her farmhouse, which dates to the 14th century, for tea and a private tour of the region’s back roads. “That really wasn’t her purpose of meeting us or joining with our tour,” Willey said, “but I do think there would be an opportunity in the future when we go back to partner with her.” This year’s itinerary extended well beyond Isigny, taking the delegation to Mont-Saint-Michel, Paris and Strasbourg as well. “When someone from the middle of the United States signs up to go to Europe, you need to make it a bigger trip than just two or three days in our sister city area,” Gerdes said. The trip closed on a river cruise down the Seine past Paris’ illuminated landmarks, far from Isigny and without their French counterparts along. After a shipboard meal, Ewing called delegation members up one at a time to present each with a challenge coin, a small custom medallion historically used in the military to mark membership and camaraderie. “It was just my way of saying thank you all for being on this journey with me,” he said. “It’s my first sister city visit.”

What the relationship is built for

Sister cities are, at their foundation, not a business program. President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched what became the sister cities movement in 1956, born out of an earlier people-topeople initiative meant to build peace through personal relationships rather than political ones. Today the network spans roughly 400 U.S. cities and 1,800 international partnerships. But the business case isn’t absent. Ewing said the relationships carry real economic weight alongside the cultural exchange. “There’s always the tourism that you can attract when people become aware of the city of Omaha, as well as business opportunities,” he said. OSCA’s most direct link to Omaha’s business community runs through Andy Schilling, the association’s vice president and senior director of international business development at the Greater Omaha Chamber. Willey said OSCA leans on that relationship whenever a delegation comes to town, though she was candid that she hasn’t personally witnessed a business deal emerge yet from the France relationship specifically.

WREATH LAYING

Looking past the ceremony

A new, informal community group called Omaha Beach Events, made up largely of former mayors and community members with ties to schools and universities in the Isigny region, is forming to work alongside the official government relationship. “This community group will hopefully take care of that” continuity problem, Willey said, that comes when elected officials leave office. Schools are high on the list of what that group could help build. OSCA already runs youth exchanges with Shizuoka, Japan, and Braunschweig, Germany, and has sent students to Xalapa, Mexico. A similar exchange with France is just beginning to take shape, Willey said. “There are probably about four or five different opportunities on the table right now,” she said. “We’re just getting started on them.” Five years from now, Willey said, she hopes the measure of success won’t be another ceremony, but the informal community network doing the quiet work of keeping the relationship alive between official visits. For Ewing, the measure is simpler: one trip a year, for as long as he’s mayor.

LES BRAVES GROUP

A Taste of Nine

OSCA’S FIRST CITYWIDE TASTING EVENT SPOTLIGHTS ALL NINE SISTER CITIES The Omaha Sister Cities Association will bring all nine of its sister cities together at Metropolitan Community College for its inaugural “Around the World: A Taste of 9” event Sept. 26, presented in partnership with Metro Community College’s Institute of the Culinary Arts. The evening runs 6 to 9 p.m. as a walk-around tasting event, with no seated dinner or formal program. The event includes cultural performances, and guests can sample international appetizers representing each of FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON Page 19 • September 25, 2026

OSCA’s sister cities: Shizuoka, Japan; Braunschweig, Germany; Šiauliai, Lithuania; Naas, Ireland; Xalapa, Mexico; Yantai, China; Isigny-Omaha Intercom, France; Carlentini, Italy; and Jamestown, Ghana. Organizers describe the event as a relaxed way to reconnect with the broader sister cities community and hope to make it an annual tradition. Look for photo coverage of the event in an upcoming issue of MBJ.

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Heartland Properties Welcomes

CHRISTY MAGERS TO THE HEARTLAND LEGACY PARTNER PROGRAM Heartland Properties is proud to announce that Christy Magers has been selected as the second agent to join the Heartland Legacy Partner Program, an honor earned through years of hard work, unwavering integrity, exceptional service, and a commitment to the core values that define Heartland Properties. Christy’s acceptance into the program reflects not only her success as a REALTOR®, but the remarkable journey that brought her here. For Christy, real estate is the culmination of a lifetime spent serving others. Over the years she has worn many hats, including teen mom, hairstylist, salon owner, soccer coach, medical clinic manager, certified medical coder, construction manager, consultant, property manager, and now REALTOR®. While her career has taken many different paths, each one has shared a common purpose: helping people. Growing up in Omaha, Christy originally planned a career in architecture, graduating with high honors and earning a full scholarship before studying CAD/CAM Tool Technology. Life, however, had different plans. After becoming a young mother, she made the courageous decision to change directions and pursue cosmetology, beginning a career that would span more than three decades. Throughout those years she built successful businesses, managed people, solved problems, led teams, and developed a reputation for caring deeply about those around her. Whether she was operating MaGer Hair in Council Bluffs, managing an OB/GYN clinic, overseeing construction projects, managing rental properties, helping establish a sober living home, or consulting with businesses, Christy continually found herself doing what she loves most, serving others. One passion, however, never changed. She has always loved real estate. Long before becoming licensed, Sundays often meant watching home improvement shows, studying homes for sale, and spending countless hours browsing listings. Looking back, she believes those experiences were preparing her for the career she now loves. After years of encouragement from family and friends, Christy finally earned her real estate license. Even before becoming licensed, she successfully marketed and sold her in-laws’ estate as a For Sale By Owner, staging the home, conducting showings, and selling it in just one month. That experience confirmed what she had always suspected, real estate was where she was meant to be. Since joining Heartland Properties nearly two years ago, Christy’s personal and professional growth has accelerated. While she was already building a successful real estate career, she credits the culture at Heartland Properties for helping her reach another level. “The difference isn’t just the company, it’s the people,” Christy said. “From our front office staff and leadership team to every agent throughout the organization, Heartland is filled with people who genuinely care about one another, willingly share their knowledge, and celebrate each other’s successes.” Today, Christy has become one of the key people helping Heartland Properties continue to grow. Her positive attitude, servant’s heart, leadership, and willingness to encourage others have made her an invaluable part of the Heartland family. She not only serves her clients with excellence but also invests in her fellow agents and contributes to the culture that makes Heartland unique. “Christy has earned this opportunity through her character, her work ethic, and her commitment to serving others,” said Jason James, Broker and Co-Owner of Heartland Properties. “She exemplifies what the Legacy Partner Program is all about. She leads by example, continually looks for ways to grow, and helps make everyone around her better. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her as the second member of the Heartland Legacy Partner Program.” The Heartland Legacy Partner Program was created to recognize agents who consistently demonstrate exceptional production, leadership, entrepreneurial thinking, and a commitment to “living real estate” through investing, development, or other real estate ventures. The program provides a pathway for outstanding agents to become future owners of the company while helping shape the next generation of Heartland Properties’ leadership. For Christy, however, the Legacy Program represents something even deeper. “Legacy isn’t just about production or achievements,” she said. “It’s about building relationships, serving with integrity, investing in others, and leaving every person and every community better than you found them.” She added, “My goal is simple: to represent the Legacy Program with excellence,

continue growing both personally and professionally, and make a positive difference in the lives of my clients, my coworkers, and the communities I am blessed to serve.” As Heartland Properties continues building for the future, Christy Magers represents exactly what the Legacy Partner Program was created to recognize, professionals whose success is measured not only by what they accomplish, but by the lives they impact along the way. Heartland Properties is honored to welcome her into the program and looks forward to watching her continue to grow as a leader, mentor, and future partner in the company.

Page 20 • September 25, 2026

BUSINESS news

UNMC Expands Military Medicine

NEW $17.4M FACILITY, OFFICE STRENGTHEN NATIONAL DEFENSE READINESS BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL The University of Nebraska Medical Center broke ground Sept. 4 on a $17.4 million Infectious Diseases Air Transport training facility and launched a new Office for the Advancement of Military Medicine, expanding UNMC’s role in national defense preparedness. The freestanding facility will extend programs offered by the U.S. Air Force’s Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills, or C-STARS, whose Omaha unit is stationed at UNMC. It will house biocontainment transport modules and an aircraft fuselage designed to train aeromedical, healthcare and response personnel in the safe transport and care of patients affected by high-consequence infectious diseases. Occupancy is expected in early 2028. Leaders from UNMC, the state of Nebraska, the Air Force, the Nebraska National Guard and the City of Omaha called the project a critical national asset for biosecurity, biodefense and military readiness. “This new facility is the next natural evolution of the partnership between UNMC and the Air Force and our other federal partners in preparing and training federal health care providers,” UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies said. “This training in the safe transportation of personnel exposed to or infected with highly infectious and deadly pathogens is a vital step in continuing our work in keeping our nation safe, and this work could never be more crucial than it is today.” JE Dunn, Olsson and Leo A Daly are serving as the contract, design and architect team for the project. The project will be funded by Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending projects funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration and Department of Defense funding sources.

FROM LEFT, RETIRED COL. LEE WILLIAMES, M.D.; CHRISTOPHER KRATOCHVIL, M.D.; GOV. JIM PILLEN; MAYOR JOHN W. EWING JR.; H. DELE DAVIES, M.D.; SEN. DEB FISCHER; COL. ELIZABETH SCHNAUBELT, M.D.; UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PRESIDENT JEFFREY P. GOLD, M.D.; LT. GEN. JOHN J. DEGOES, M.D.; LT. COL. ROBERT SCHAFER, J.D.; REP. DON BACON; JENNIE BARTHOLOMEW; AND BRIG. GEN. TRACY MICHAEL.

Lessons learned, from Ebola to hantavirus

The partnership among UNMC, Nebraska Medicine and C-STARS began in response to lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak and led to the creation of C-STARS Omaha in 2018 to train military medical personnel in biocontainment and infectious disease care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership expanded to develop and test safe methods for transporting and caring for infectious patients. In 2026, UNMC and C-STARS applied that expertise in a real-world response to an Andes hantavirus outbreak, helping monitor, transport and prepare to care for exposed passengers. “We are the home of global health security,” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said at the event. “Nobody in the world does it better in any kind of challenge for health security. Where does everybody come? Here to Nebraska. And this is another extraordinary extension to take it to a whole other level.” The facility will build upon the existing partnership while growing UNMC’s relationship with the National Guard and the Air Force’s 711th Human Performance Wing. Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer said the project will also draw national attention to Nebraska. “This project complements the extraordinary work that’s being done by your national quarantine unit and national biocontainment training center,” Fischer said. “It also cements Nebraska as a leader in national defense. It builds alongside the work that is done by Stratcom and also out at Offutt Air Force Base.”

H. DELE DAVIES, M.D., CHANCELLOR OF UNMC

GOV. JIM PILLEN

One office, many partnerships

The new office coordinates support to programs and initiatives advancing military medical capabilities, preparing for strategic health threats and strengthening civilian-military integration. It will serve as a central hub for facilitating health engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense and its relevant federal health security partners, advancing operational response, research and education at the intersection of military and civilian medicine and ensuring UNMC’s clinical and research capabilities are fully accessible to those who serve the nation. The office moves UNMC’s military medicine work from a collection of individual partnerships and programs toward a coordinated, institution-wide capability. Dr. Lee Williames, a retired Air Force colonel, has been named inaugural director. Williames most recently served as command surgeon at U.S. Strategic Command, where he focused on force health protection, disease and illness prevention, human factors and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response. “The Office for the Advancement of Military Medicine is established to do a few things. The most important are to support military medical capabilities for [the Department of Defense’s] mission, for service members and families,” Williames said. “That’s a mission, and it has a purpose. The purpose is to save lives and contribute to the defense of our nation.”

Page 21 • September 25, 2026

FROM LEFT, JEFFREY P. GOLD, M.D.; COL. ELIZABETH SCHNAUBELT, M.D.; LT. GEN. JOHN J. DEGOES, M.D.; LT. COL. ROBERT SCHAFER, J.D.

SEN. DEB FISCHER

LT. GEN. JOHN J. DEGOES, MD, SURGEON GENERAL AND COMMANDER, MEDICAL COMMAND, USAF

RETIRED COL. LEE WILLIAMES, M.D.

FAB 50

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

AMANDA BREWER CEO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA

Habitat Chose Her AMANDA BREWER MARKS NEARLY 30 YEARS OF BUILDING HOMES AND COMMUNITY Amanda Brewer didn’t set out to lead Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. In the mid1990s, fresh out of DePaul University with a degree in English and communications, she was living in Chicago when she discovered something she hadn’t known existed: a way to do a year of service domestically. She didn’t research which organization to choose. Instead, she made a decision that would shape the next three decades of her life. “I kind of … said to the universe and to God, whatever place takes me first, that’s where I’m going to go,” Brewer said. “And it was Habitat.” That leap sent her to Americus, Georgia, as a full-time volunteer with Habitat for Humanity International, living in volunteer housing with hundreds of others. Once there, she recognized values her parents had instilled in her growing up in Norfolk: never rent when you can buy, hard work pays off and a family shows up to serve. Habitat wasn't structured like the charities she'd imagined. "It wasn't one person helping someone else," Brewer said. "It was people bringing the gifts that they had and the resources that they had to make a difference." “It didn’t feel like a charity,” she said. “It felt like a partnership.” When her boss left the organization, Brewer, then in her early 20s, found herself running staffing and recruitment for Habitat International with little formal experience beyond a stint at a Chicago staffing company. She calls the opportunity a gift — one she believes younger workers aren’t always given. “I felt like I could do more than the jobs I was getting,” she said of her time in the

corporate world before Habitat. The lesson followed her into leadership: create room for people to prove themselves before they’re asked. Brewer moved to Omaha in 1999 to be closer to family, working her way up through Habitat Omaha’s development office. In 2005, she briefly left the organization to join Gallup — but the break didn’t last. Board members came calling soon after, asking her to become Habitat Omaha’s next CEO. She was young. She had never managed a budget or supervised staff. She said yes anyway, with a condition. “I made that deal with God — send me the right people along the way,” Brewer said. “Again and again and again, the right person has come along.” Nearly 21 years later, Brewer still points to that pattern as proof. She recalled a recent tour of Bluestem Prairie, Habitat Omaha’s largest development to date — 85 new homes and 15 renovations built on a 19-acre stretch of North Omaha land that had sat vacant for two decades after an earlier apartment complex was demolished. Partway through construction, a man named Robert Bray began showing up to talk with the crew. Brewer later learned he was the son of Delphine, Habitat Omaha’s very first homeowner — he had grown up in a Habitat house just three doors from the Bluestem site. Habitat hired him onto its construction staff. “I’m like, wow, this is a full circle moment,” Brewer said, growing emotional recounting the story. “You can’t even dream that up.” She later brought Jeff Schmid, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, on a tour of the project

Page 22 • September 25, 2026

MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

I kind of … said to the universe and to God, whatever place takes me first, that’s where I’m going to go. And it was Habitat. — AMANDA BREWER

and let Bray tell his own story. “It embodies everything that we’re doing.” The Bluestem land was too difficult a project for the private market to take on alone. "That's the purpose of a nonprofit," Brewer said, "to do things that the market can't do on their own." It took, she said, the right people showing up at the right time, again. Bluestem’s second phase, adding 64 more homes, will introduce villas and cottages; smaller floor plans meant to widen the range of buyers Habitat can serve. That range has also grown through partnership. For 15 years, Brewer said, Habitat Omaha searched for a market-rate developer willing to co-build mixed-income communities, pairing Habitat’s affordable homes with conventional development. Nancy Pridal, former CEO and president of Lamp Rynearson, eventually connected her with Kassie Inness of Metonic Real Estate Solutions, leading to Capriana Homes: 11 Habitat homes built inside a 149-unit development in Elkhorn, home to one of Nebraska’s toprated school districts. “I love the idea of creating homeownership in Elkhorn for people that are already here and want their kids to stay here,” Brewer said. A similar partnership with Jake Hoppe, CEO of Hoppe Development, is now underway near 72nd Street and Capehart Road in Papillion — not far from La Vista, where Brewer lives and serves on the planning commission, and where her own daughter attends public school. The math behind that mission has shifted less than it might seem. In 1997, a starting teacher’s salary of about $25,000 made an affordable monthly house payment roughly $625 against an average mortgage payment near $880, a gap of about $255. Today, a starting Omaha Public Schools teacher earns around $51,380, with an affordable payment near $1,285 a month, against a mortgage of about $1,826. Proportionally, the gap hasn’t moved much. In dollars, it has doubled. “That’s exactly the problem,” Brewer said, noting Habitat now sees far more healthcare workers, educators and government employees seeking homeownership support than it did 20 years ago, when applicants were more likely to work in manufacturing or service jobs. Lindsay Rai Kortan, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha and one of Brewer’s closest friends, said what sets Brewer apart is her ability to hold two things at once, emotional weight and operational discipline. A mutual mentor calls it her “Jedi mind tricks.” “She’s fearless in the way she works with the city to create partnerships,” Kortan said. Kortan noted that Brewer has now worked at Habitat longer than she's been a mother, longer than many of her closest friendships have lasted. She credits Brewer with teaching her to stop deferring automatically to people who were older or better resourced. "She taught me to question the reality of things," Kortan said, recalling a period when she assumed anyone with more experience or a bigger bank account must know better. "She taught me to have confidence in who I am and what I bring to the table." Brewer traces much of her approach back to Norfolk, where she graduated in a class of 36. “If it was going to be done, you had to do it,” she said. “I see that here every day, everyone doing their part.” It’s why she loves the sign outside Habitat Omaha’s offices: It takes all of us. That belief extends to advocacy. Habitat Omaha partnered directly with U.S. Rep. Mike Flood’s office on the state’s 21st Century Housing Law, offering firsthand feedback from the ground. “We’re not an advocacy organization,” Brewer said, “but we realize our voice and our expertise ... is important for us to use.”

TWO DECADES OF BREW HAHA

AMANDA BREWER REFLECTS ON BREW HAHA’S GRASSROOTS START BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s Brew Haha held its 20th annual Brew Haha Sept. 11, bringing together approximately 80 vendors of breweries, wineries, distilleries and local eateries. Habitat CEO Amanda Brewer took a moment to reflect on the tasting event’s grassroots beginnings and how far it’s come. Q: What sample from Brew Haha has turned into a must-order for you at a local restaurant? A: Brew Haha has introduced me to restaurants I hadn’t heard of before, and several of them are now among my favorites, (including) Railcar, Pitch, Mouth of the South and Cunninghams. Q: Do you know which brewery was the first to sign on? A: I don’t know for certain, but Boulevard Brewing was on that original list of seven or eight breweries that joined early on. Editor’s note: The full list was Boulevard, Empyrean, Gottburg Brewery of Columbus, Nebraska; Granite City Brewing, Jobber’s Canyon; Johnson Brothers; Spilker’s Ales; and Upstream Brewing Co. Q: What moment from Brew Haha still makes you laugh when you think about it? A: In the early days, we ran the event along the riverfront, and it was organized by members of our Friends board, including Nancy Metzler and Pat Mannion. I remember Tim and Linda Daugherty — Tim ran the Daugherty Foundation — working the silent auction table on a particularly windy night, holding everything down so it wouldn’t blow away. He’s running this foundation, and he’s here with us, with his wife, supporting this early event that we couldn’t even dream of what it would become today. Tim has since passed away, so it really makes me smile thinking about that. Q: Who were the first-year honorary chairs, and what does it signify to you having Mayor John Ewing Jr. and Dr. Viv Ewing as this year’s chairs? A: I don’t think we had official chairs in the beginning — it was really just Nancy and Pat making it work. Having the mayor and his wife involved now, who have both been part of Habitat for decades, feels like another full circle moment. I’m grateful for their leadership.

Page 23 • September 25, 2026

MIDLANDS leaders

Mallory Cranwell

CRANWELL BUILDS CAREER AROUND CREATING CONNECTIONS BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL 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 section, email news@mbj.com with the individual’s name, position, company and email. Mallory Cranwell’s job is making OneBiz a front door for Omaha’s small businesses. As OneBiz program administrator for the City of Omaha, she connects entrepreneurs to the resources and organizations that can help them succeed. Omaha has a strong ecosystem of nonprofits and organizations that support small businesses with everything from mentorship and business-plan development to financing and government contracting. Cranwell helps owners navigate that ecosystem by making referrals and pointing them to the right resources. Another important part of her role is helping small business owners navigate city government, aiming to make the process more accessible and less intimidating. The city hired Cranwell in January 2025 as it launched OneBiz, a free online platform created to help local entrepreneurs start, maintain and grow small businesses. She came to it from the nonprofit sector, and the transition was difficult at first. Cranwell spent five years at the Heart Ministry Center as a Fresh Start graduate coordinator, providing ongoing support to adults seeking workforce re-entry, and she struggled to connect the dots between that work and small business support. Over time, she saw how creating opportunities for small business owners aligned with her goal of creating equity and accessibility in communities. “I’ve been able to see the throughline with that because a lot of people that I work with are starting their own businesses,” Cranwell said. “Starting your own business is a way to have economic mobility, especially if you have barriers to that, whether it’s legal status or criminal record, and so a lot of people that I work with are trying to rebuild.”

A perspective built abroad

Cranwell grew up in Colorado. Her perspective began taking shape at Creighton University, where she became involved with the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice and pursued service-learning opportunities. It also grew through two summers abroad — one in the Philippines and another in Peru, where she spent significant time with migrants and refugees fleeing violence.

Cranwell said those experiences abroad opened her eyes to her own privilege and place in the world. “Those experiences really informed me,” Cranwell said. “I really wanted to dive into another culture, be around different people. (I wanted to) not forget that most of the world lives the way it does, and how I can learn from that and bring it back to my community here.” Her passion for building equitable communities led her to the nonprofit sector after graduation. While at the Heart Ministry Center, she earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, then went looking for a change and more professional development outside the sector. The city posting was it. “I was just seeking professional development and professional growth, and saw the posting online, and not that it fell into my lap … but I really see how small business support can make the community better, which is something that I’m passionate about,” Cranwell said.

Building relationships

A large part of Cranwell’s role is sitting down with entrepreneurs to talk through their businesses, the barriers they face and how they hope to grow. She said those conversations are her favorite part of the job because relationship building is meaningful to her. That focus has carried into her transition from nonprofits to government, where she has learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “On the government side, you have to invite a lot more collaboration between different departments and different city stakeholders,” Cranwell said. “Leaning into collaboration has been something that I’ve learned in this role.” It extends beyond her work. Cranwell has become increasingly involved in the Omaha community, including participating in Leadership Omaha, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s 10-month program that trains emerging and established community leaders. She also serves on the board of City Sprouts, a community-focused nonprofit that uses urban agriculture to promote local food security, sustainable gardening and community education.

Setting personal goals

MALLORY CRANWELL

have after work to engage in my community is something that drew me to Leadership Omaha, but also to other opportunities that I’ve gone after.” As a young professional in Omaha, Cranwell said she would like to see the city reduce barriers for other young people looking to begin careers here. “I think access is really important,” Cranwell said. “Access to opportunities for young people, especially young people that have historic barriers, creates less friction and makes it less difficult to get physically to places. So, like transportation or job opportunities, especially for people who might have barriers to that.”

Cranwell said she has been more intentional about joining organizations and getting involved in the community, a goal that emerged as she prepares to enter her 30s. “I think it’s easy to go to work and go home and be on your phone,” Cranwell said. “Still trying to utilize the time that I

e e d n A & y g with Win Page 24 • September 25, 2026

NONPROFITS news

Cool Contest Kicks Off

NEBRASKA CHAMBER OPENS VOTING FOR FOURTH ANNUAL AWARD BY MBJ STAFF Nebraska Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska c​ ompetition highlights manufacturing through diverse companies and products that represent how great Nebraska is. These products are a testament to the dedication and work ethic of Nebraska’s manufacturing industry. The contest started Sept. 23, and the winner will be revealed at the Manufacturing Summit, 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway. The winner will receive the fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska Award, unique publicity and bragging rights for a full year. Round one voting for the Top 16 runs now through Oct. 4, round two voting for the Top 8 runs Oct. 7 through Oct. 11, and the semifinal round voting for the Top 4 runs Oct. 14 through 18. Interested persons can learn about all these Nebraska-made products, and vote on their favorite, at https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/coolest-thing-made-in-ne.html

Longtime BBB Leader Jim Hegarty to Retire The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Midwest Plains announced Sept. 23 that President and CEO Jim Hegarty will step aside from his role on April 30, 2027, concluding a 33-year career that transformed the organization into one of the largest and most influential Better Business Bureaus in North America. The BBB Board of Directors has launched a national search for the organization’s next president and CEO. Hegarty joined what was then known as the Omaha JIM HEGARTY BBB in 1994 and was named president and CEO in 2006. Under his leadership, BBB Midwest Plains expanded through strategic mergers and acquisitions while significantly increasing its reach, influence and impact. “Few individuals have left a more lasting impact on the Better Business Bureau than Jim Hegarty,” said BBB Board Chair Angela Kiani, Area Vice President at Gallagher. “His dedication to advancing the mission of trust, ethics, and marketplace excellence transformed the organization and elevated its influence throughout the community. Jim’s leadership, mentorship and passion for service have created a legacy that will continue to guide the BBB long after his retirement.” Today, BBB Midwest Plains is the fourth-largest BBB in the North American BBB system, serving millions of consumers and more than 11,000 BBB Accredited Businesses across five states. Beyond his transformational leadership at the helm of the BBB, Hegarty’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of community-wide ethical initiatives. As a founding board member of the Business Ethics Alliance in Omaha, he played an instrumental role in uniting local enterprise, academia and business leaders to foster an environment of continuous moral growth. Most recently, Hegarty’s strategic vision culminated in an official alignment between the Business Ethics Alliance and the BBB, securing the BEA’s long-term sustainability by transitioning its operations into the BBB’s regional headquarters. Hegarty will work closely with the board of directors to ensure a seamless leadership transition while the national search is completed.

Crossword by Myles Mellor Across 1. Famous jazz musician who was part of Omaha’s heritage, Buddy _____ 6. Resident’s org., abbr. 9. Gershwin’s “The ___ Love”- 2 words 13. True inner self 14. Sides of a hexagon 15. You can experience “Walking on ____” on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 16. Master control desk 17. Polloi leader 18. Cookie Monster cohort 19. NHL Cup 21. Depart suddenly 23. Scale note, according to Julie Andrews 24. Paranoiac’s worry 25. Engine power measure, abbr. 28. Women’s professional basketball league, abbr. 30. Scaled, 2 words 35. Eurasia’s ___ Mountains 37. C rather than c 39. Roman fire starter 40. Hunts 41. Away from shore 42. “Jerry Maguire” star, Renee ____ 44. Working away, 2 words 45. Kind of recording 46. Bother, 2 words 49. One-striper: Abbr. 50. S-shaped molding 52. Bit of investors’ news, for short 54. Golf course designer, 2 words 58. Building design of the Joslyn Art Museum, 2 words 62. Warehouse 63. Palillo of “Welcome Back, Kotter” 65. Bubblehead 66. Lieu 67. “Jurassic Park” mathematician ___ Malcolm 68. “___ beaucoup” 69. Young ‘uns

70. Summer, in French 71. Blocks Down 1. Geographical charts 2. Starting __ __ the bottom, 2 words 3. Director Wertmuller 4. Correct 5. Sick-looking 6. Pasty-faced 7. “O Sole ___” 8. Like some symmetry 9. Cleopatra’s love ___ Antony 10. “___ extra cost!”- 2 words 11. Düsseldorf denial 12. Burned up

Page 25 • September 25, 2026

15. Strong wind, nor____ 20. Velvet finish 22. Pitney’s partner 24. Capital of the Society Islands 25. Sandwich which is a wellknown part of Nebraska cuisine 26. Primp 27. Actress Gibbs 29. Town 31. School sports org. 32. The annual ____ of Omaha festival celebrates Omaha’s culinary diversity 33. For ___ an emergency, 2 words 34. Bogs and mosses 36. Hang out 38. Fire prefix

40. “___ Sue Got Married”- 1986 film 43. Forested 47. Member of a corp. board, abbr. 48. Kia model 51. Creepy 53. More peculiar 54. Attention-getter 55. Jazzy James 56. Driven obliquely, as a nail 57. Renaissance and Gothic, e.g. 58. Green Gables girl 59. Irish name of Ireland 60. Stimulating leaf 61. “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” singer 64. Horse feed

IN THE spotlight

IN THE spotlight

PAID ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christine F. Halbrook

Feature a new hire, promotion, or accolade to inform the leaders of the Omaha metro, Council Bluffs and Lincoln communities through MBJ.

LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP WELCOMES CHRISTINE F. HALBROOK AS PARTNER Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP (LDM) welcomes Christine F. Halbrook as a partner in its West Des Moines office. A Des Moines native, Halbrook focuses on estate planning and corporate law. Recognized by Best Lawyers® since 2013 and a Fellow of ACTEC, Halbrook strengthens LDM’s estate planning and corporate practices and expands the firm’s ability to serve clients throughout Iowa.

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Published and featured on MBJ.com and in the next available issue of MBJ after approval

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MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL Crossword by Myles Mellor – Answers

Garrett Sellhorst GARRETT SELLHORST NAMED VP, SENIOR BUSINESS BANKING RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AT UMB BANK UMB Bank recently named Garrett Sellhorst Vice President and Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager, serving the Omaha metropolitan area. In this role, he works with small to medium-sized business owners on credit, treasury management, and deposit solutions. Garrett specializes in commercial lending, construction financing, business acquisitions, and SBA lending, with a particular focus on contractors, real estate investors, and developers taking a relationship-first approach and getting to know clients on a personal level before focusing on the business. Garrett has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry.

UMB.COM

Jill McCormick WOODMENLIFE APPOINTS JILL MCCORMICK DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER, BUILDING OPERATIONS WoodmenLife is pleased to announce that Jill McCormick has been promoted to Director & General Manager, Building Operations. 

 In her new role, McCormick will provide strategic leadership for the organization’s building operations, property management, and facility management functions. She will continue overseeing the teams responsible for maintaining and enhancing WoodmenLife’s campus while ensuring a safe, secure, efficient, and welcoming environment for Associates, tenants, and visitors. Additionally, she will help identify opportunities to optimize facilities, workspaces, and amenities in support of the organization’s long-term business objectives.

 Since joining WoodmenLife more than six years ago, McCormick has been instrumental in advancing campus improvements while maintaining a strong focus on safety, security, modernization, and service excellence. Her knowledge of the local market, strong relationships within the community and with tenants, and growing understanding of the organization’s business needs have helped WoodmenLife make more effective use of its campus and facilities. 

 McCormick brings extensive facility management experience to the role, having previously served as Director of Facility Services at Peru State College and Senior Regional Facility Manager at TD Ameritrade. She also served as a Senior Real Estate Manager for CBRE and holds the Real Property Administrator (RPA), Facility Management Administrator (FMA), and Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) certifications. McCormick earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

WOODMENLIFE.ORG

50 Years Strong:

Celebrating local and small business news in Nebraska and SW Iowa!

Go to MBJ.com to get print + digital for $84/year. Page 26 • September 25, 2026

DO THE

DEAL ACG brings together every segment of the growth community.

Corporate executives, private equity professionals, investment bankers and intermediaries, attorneys, auditors, accountants, lenders, and others focused on the middle-market make the Association for Corporate Growth a “one-stop shop” for M&A, opportunities, capital, and services.

Page 27 • September 25, 2026

FIND IT. WORK IT. MAKE IT.

Membership is a proven advantage for dealmakers worldwide – and right in your own backyard

Join more than 13,000 members across 61 global chapters with membership in ACG Nebraska

www.acg.org/nebraska ®

LEGAL notices 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.

The Orr Law Group, PLLC 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 LEGAL NOTICE TO: Hamdi Shala, an Individual, and all others claiming an interest in the property, names unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you in the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, in the case entitled Naser Bytyci, as Guardian, and Lumni Bytyci, as Conservator, of Shkurta Bytyci, v. Hamdi Shala, an Individual, and all others claiming an interest in the property, names unknown, and filed at Case No. CI 26-1673. This lawsuit arises out of quiet title interest in certain real property (Parcel ID No. 011586094), legally described as follows: Lot 106, Brookside, a Subdivision in Sarpy County, Nebraska (a/k/a 10523 South 25th Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123). Plaintiff, Hamdi Shala, et al., prays that title to the property be quieted and confirmed to the Plaintiff, for all rights, status, and legal relations, for the determination that Plaintiff is the true and correct owner of the property herein, and all other relief that the Court may deem fair and just. In order to defend this lawsuit, you must file and serve an Answer, or such Complaint will be taken as true, and judgment entered accordingly for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed against you. By: Dailp. Pat DANIEL P. BOST, #27297 CONNOR W. ORR, #26454 The Orr Law Group, PLLC 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 402.408.6488 dan@orrlawgrp.com connor@orrlawgrp.com Attorneys for Plaintiff First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION OF INTEGRATED HOLDCO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Integrated Holdco, Inc., has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The corporation is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $.01 each. 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 Cooper W. Johnson, 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF NAMWEST LLC Notice is given that the Certificate of Organization of NamWest LLC (the “LLC”) was amended and restated to supersede in its entirety the previous Articles of Organization filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 27, 2009, and any and all amendments, restatements or revisions thereto. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed September 2, 2026. The LLC’s registered agent and office is McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, c/o Jon Blumenthal, 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700, Omaha, NE 68102. The LLC’s principal office address is 2121 Douglas Street, Attn: Property Manager, Omaha NE 68102. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOMELINK OF AMERICA, LLC Notice is hereby given that the Certificate of Organization of HomeLink of America, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“Company”), has been amended to change: (i) the name of the Company to Concio of America, LLC; (ii) change the Designated Office Address to 450 Regency Parkway, Suite 240, Omaha, Nebraska 68114; and (iii) change the name and address of the Registered Agent to DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 9, 2026. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP, Attorneys 14606 Branch Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68154

NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF CREEVO, LLC TO CREEVO, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Creevo, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has filed Articles of Conversion with the Nebraska Secretary of State and a Certificate of Conversion and Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State converting the limited liability company to Creevo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, effective September 1, 2026. The Company has designated its Delaware registered agent as The Corporation Trust Company, with registered office at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY, LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given of the dissolution of American Institute of Graphic Arts, Nebraska Chapter, Inc. , a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (Corporation), effective September 18, 2026. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that when all debts and obligations of the Corporation have been fully paid and satisfied and any remaining assets will be distributed in accordance with the Articles of Dissolution. Elizabeth Hunt, as President, is to manage the company’s affairs and distribute any remaining company assets. Parties with claims against the limited liability company are directed to submit them in writing to the attention of Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. All claims against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the publication of this Notice. American Institute of Graphic Arts, Nebraska Chapter, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation By: Elizabeth Hunt, President 4930-2567-9310, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AGP EL PASO 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AGP El Paso 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 Law Offices ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450 Telephone 402-392-1250 Facsimile 402-392-0816 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION War Eagle Holdings, 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 16508 Riviera Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are David C. Nelson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Peewees TransportPro LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3925 R St Omaha, NE 68107. The registered agent of Peewees TransportPro LLC is Northwest Registered Agent Service Inc at 200 S 21st ST, STE 400A Lincoln, NE 68510. Statement of Change was filed on 09/16/2026. In that Statement of Change the Registered Agent and Address was changed to Juan D Martin at 3925 R St Omaha, NE 68107. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JG OMAHA CONCRETE SOLUTIONS LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4223 S 38th St Omaha, NE 68107. The registered agent of JG OMAHA CONCRETE SOLUTIONS LLC is JESUS GOMEZ-ACOSTA at 4223 S 38th St Omaha, NE 68107 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 Aimee L. Lowe, Attorney Lowe Legal Group PC LLO Linden Place 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that LOWE BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, was organized on March 3, 2020, under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Its designated office is: 14301 FNB Pkwy, Ste. 100, Omaha, NE 68154 The Registered Agent is Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc., located at 200 S. 21 st ST. STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120 th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHIANG RING, LLC The name of the Company is Chiang Ring, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company engaging in NIL monetization. The initial registered agent is Sean Moylan located at 1010 S. 120 th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 . The initial designated office of the Company stated in the Certificate of Organization was 1010 S. 120 th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. This limited liability company commenced business on September 17, 2026. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Erin K. Artz, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AJA MAPLE GROUP, LLC Notice is hereby given of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the

Page 28 • September 25, 2026

State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is AJA Maple Group, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11531 Portal Rd., Ste. 16, La Vista, NE 68128. 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 September 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. 4920-0902-0624, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 MATTHEW T. PAYNE PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JENNIFER ALLRED CREATIVE, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of Jennifer Allred Creative, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is Jennifer Allred Creative, LLC. 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 1804 Greyson Drive, Papillion, Nebraska 68133, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Jennifer L. Allred, 1804 Greyson Drive, Papillion, Nebraska 68133. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Aimee L. Lowe, Attorney Lowe Legal Group PC LLO Linden Place 14301 FNB PKWY, STE 100 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that THE KIRSCH GROUP, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, was organized on March 3, 2020, under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Its designated office is: 720 Grenoble Drive, Bellevue, NE 68123 The Registered Agent is Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc., located at 200 S. 21 st ST. STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER LLP 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC Notice is hereby given of the organization of CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 19295 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Christina A. Scott, 19295 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMNICORP GRETNA 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omnicorp Gretna 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LAW OFFICES ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 WEST DODGE ROAD, SUITE 300 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68114-3450 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION RJT Consulting LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process is Thomas J. Malicki, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Erin K. Artz, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FLAMINGO FILMS, 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 FLAMINGO FILMS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 200 S 21st ST STE 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. The name and address of the registered agent is Nebraska Registered Agent LLC 200 S 21st ST STE 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 20, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. Erin K. Artz, Legal Counsel First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF OFGANIZATION OF VALYOU THE FLIP, LLC Notice is hereby given that ValYou the Flip LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Designated office address of the company: 2717 N 97 St, Omaha, NE 68134. Registered agent is Valerie Buresh 2717 N 97 St, Omaha, NE 68134 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF UNIFIED TAX STRATEGIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Unified Tax Strategies, LLC ( the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 120, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Seth M. Neben, 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 120, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026

LEGAL notices ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION On September 17, 2026, an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization of DCHA Single Family, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to change the name of the organization to NASF Housing, LLC. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 Notice of Organization DM360 Business Team, LLC Notice is hereby given that DM360 Business Team, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 19660 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and with its initial agent for service of process as Deborah Juhlin, 19660 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 OTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF a Limited Liability Company NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PLATINUM TOWING LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4830 Aspen Dr Omaha, NE 68157. The registered agent of PLATINUM TOWING LLC is ANTONIO FLORES DOMINGUEZ LLC 4830 Aspen Dr Omaha, NE 68157. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE 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 VAIDEN ESTHETICS, L.L.C. The address of the Company’s initial registered office in Nebraska is 1519 E. Church Rd Plattsmouth NE 68048 and the name of its registered agent at such address is Vickie Deans. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 1519 E. Church Rd Plattsmouth NE 68048. 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 Managers, Members and such other officers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement.Vickie Deans, Member and Manager Michael Deans, Member and ManagerConnor W. Orr, Organizer 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 408-6488 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOWER VENTURES MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sower Ventures Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 S. 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office 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 September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SL RESIDENCE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SL Residence, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9448 South 232nd Circle, 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CHULA V, 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 Chula V, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 9630 Koi Rock Dr. 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 September 11, 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. 4932-0475-8736, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JML LEGACY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JML Legacy, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 22777 G Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68022. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES, LLC, Attorneys 9859 S. 168th Ave, Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION The name of the Limited Liability Company is RABIH FAHED, LLC. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1706 West Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Rabih C. Fahed, at 1706

West Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. The company commenced its existence on September 8, 2026, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MKADEN HOLDINGS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mkaden Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 35049 475th Avenue. St. Edward, Nebraska 68860. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MKADEN FAMILY OFFICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mkaden Family Offices, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 35049 475th Avenue. St. Edward, Nebraska 68860. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ADVISORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, 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 Advisory Management Solutions, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11714 N. 175 th Circle, Bennington, NE 68007. 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 September 11, 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. 4912-1057-4796, v. 1 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Notice is hereby given that CRE8 Social, LLC , a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 333, Omaha, NE 68154 . The Registered Agent of the Company is Daniel J Goaley, 12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 333, Omaha, NE 68154 . First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Law Offices ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Rokeby Properties, 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 16508 Riviera Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are David C. Nelson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Notice of Organization Notice is hereby given that Chronic Wellness and Aesthetics LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized pursuant to the Nebraska Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Limited Liability Company is located at 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68118. The designated office of the Limited Liability Company is located at 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, NE 68118. The registered agent for service of process is Kristin Chronic, 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, NE, 68118 Kristin Chronic, Member/Owner First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF GENEROSITY WEALTH PARTNERS, 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 Generosity Wealth Partners, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 14301 FNB PKWY, Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68154. 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 September 11, 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. 4917-0569-8508, v. 1 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026

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NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMNICORP VALLEY 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omnicorp Valley 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AJS, 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 AJS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 2712 N. 182 nd Ave., 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 August 28, 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. 4920-9220-6283, v. 1 First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Notice of Organization of MUSTOE I, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Notice is hereby given that a Nebraska Limited Liability Company has been formed under the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act. The name of the limited liability company is Mustoe I, LLC. The designated office is 5645 Ohio Street, Omaha, NE 68104. The registered agent is Christopher Mustoe. The office address for the registered agent is 5645 Ohio Street, Omaha, NE 68104. The organization commenced on August 18, 2026 and will have perpetual existence. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Jeffrey T. Palzer * 3555 Farnam St., Ste. 1000 Omaha, NE 68131 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION The name of the corporation is BRIDGEPOINT CPA, P.C. The registered agent is Smith Pauley, LLP, and the address of the registered office is 3555 Farnam St., Suite 1000, Omaha, Nebraska, 68131. The general nature of the corporation is to operate and maintain establishments carrying on and engaging in the practice of accounting. 10,000 shares of common stock, each having a par value of $1.00 are authorized to be issued at such time and upon such conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine. The corporation commenced on August 27, 2026, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors shall determine. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Notice of Incorporation of JESUS LABOURERS MINISTRY, A Non-Profit Foreign Corporation Notice is hereby given that a non-profit foreign corporation has been granted authority to transact business under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The name of the non-profit foreign corporation is Jesus Labourers Ministry. The nonprofit corporation was formed on June 2, 2021 as a religious corporation, and shall have perpetual existence. The registered office address for the corporation is 9706 Nina Street, Omaha, NE 68124 and registered agent at that office is Anthony Odhiambo. Its officers are: Musyoka Meni, of P.O. Box 411, Mtwapa, Kenya, 80109; Dorcas Mwikali Musyoka, of P.O. Box 411, Mtwapa, Kenya, 80109; and Gilbert Mitzanze Iha, of P.O. Box 411, Mtwapa, Kenya, 80109. The corporation will not have members. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MARCO MEDIA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MarCo Media, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street address of the initial designated office is 20284 Wirt St, PO Box 180, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Ryan Ahart, 16235 Wood Dr, Omaha, NE 68130. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARMBRUST STRATEGIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Armbrust Strategies, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office is 11118 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent for service of process is Sebastian deMayo whose address is 11118 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The company was organized on August 27, 2026. The general nature of its business is to engage in any lawful business. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Tyler J. Grevengoed, Attorney GREVENGOED LAW PLLC 1901 Howard St., STE 224 Omaha, NE 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SJR RENTALS LLC Notice is hereby given that SJR RENTALS LLC, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 709 W Angus Rd, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. 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 September 14, 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 September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 Notice is hereby given that Alora Nail Bar, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the company is 10429 Cary Street, LaVista, Nebraska 68128. The Registered Agent of the company is Anh hoang nhi Nguyen, 10429 Cary Street, LaVista, Nebraska 68128. The Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on August 20, 2026. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026

LEGAL notices NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY OF CONTOUR BODY STRUCTURE, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Amended Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company of CONTOUR BODY STRUCTURE, L.L.C., was adopted by the Limited Liability Company on August 21, 2026, to change the Company to a professional service company providing medicine, surgery and healthcare, the full text of such Amended Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company is on file with the Nebraska Secretary of State filed on September 4, 2026. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Authorized Representative 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SKOL HOLDINGS GROUP, LLC Designated Office: 8822 Quest Street, Omaha, NE 68122 Initial Agent/Address for Service: Lars T. Pedersen/8822 Quest Street, Omaha, NE 68122 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Craig W. Benson LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OFORGANIZATION OF INTELLIGENT DJ, LLC Notice is hereby given that an amendment to the Certificate of Organization of Intelligent DJ, LLC a Nebraska corporation, was filed with the Secretary of State on September 8, 2026, to change the name of the business to Intelligent Events, LLC. LDM Business Services, Inc., Registered Agent First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Julia K. Palzer 3555 Farnam St., Ste. 1000 Omaha, NE 68131 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION The name of the Company is T & K TILE KREATIONS, LLC. The address of the registered office is 7621 Castle St., Papillion, Nebraska, 68046. The general nature of the Company is tile services. The Company commenced on September 9, 2026, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Managing Member(s), the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RKS LEGACY, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RKS Legacy, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 18 West Sandy Ridge Road, Columbus, Nebraska 68601. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DAUNTLESS PROPERTIES LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dauntless Properties LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1605 South 141st Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF INCORPORATION Notice is hereby given that Bedford Legacy Foundation has been incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The corporation is a Public Benefit Corporation. The street address of the corporation’s initial registered office is 5068 Parkview Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68134, and the initial registered agent at that office is Corey L. Bedford. The name and street address of the incorporator are: Corey L. Bedford 5068 Parkview Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68134 The corporation does not have members. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026

STARTING A business?

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MILLARD HOTDOGS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Millard Hotdogs LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1605 South 141st Avenue Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68144. 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Notice is hereby given that Oliver Investments, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1328 N 181st Ave, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Bonnie Eisenhart, 1328 N 181st Ave, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The company is member-managed. Nature of the Company is real estate investments. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SL LAKESHORE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SL Lakeshore, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 9448 South 232nd Circle, 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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Scott A. Meyerson, Esq. LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC 444 Regency Parkway Drive, #100 Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF Spot Outdoor LLC Notice is hereby given that Spot Outdoor LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 9825 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68124; and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 9825 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68124; and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Darin N. Plautz. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 BP23, LLC, with its designated office located at 1000 Blackstone Plaza, 3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131 gives notice that it filed a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State on August 19, 2026. The registered agent is Andrew J. Huber and the Registered Office is 1000 Blackstone Plaza, 3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. The company may engage in any lawful business or commercial activity for which a limited liability company may be organized. Andrew Huber, Organizer First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 Notice is hereby given that 26 2 STEP MINI MARATHON, a non-profit corporation, has incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. The general nature of the business is any lawful business. Denise Ibsen Cole is the incorporator and the registered agent is Damien P Foster, CPA. The address of the registered office is 13621 Boyd Street Omaha, NE 68164. The affairs of the corporation are to be conducted by the Board of Directors and such officers as it may elect. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MACHAIRA MARKETING LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Machaira Marketing LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the initial designated office is 17410 Grand Ave, Omaha, NE 68116. The name and address of the initial registered agent for service of process is Eric Bork, 17410 Grand Ave, Omaha, NE 68116. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Craig W. Benson, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF INTELLIGENT EVENTS, 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 INTELLIGENT EVENTS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 8019 12th Street, Murray, NE 68409. 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 September 3,

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 September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF LENNY LOU HOME L.L.C. Notice is hereby given that Lenny Lou Home L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is: 18888 Patrick Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name of the initial agent for service of process is Nathan Newhouse, and the street and mailing address of the initial agent for service of process is: 18888 Patrick Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022 First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION Notice is hereby given that Alizada Logistics, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The company’s initial designated office is located at: 1211 S 122nd Plaza Apt 220, Omaha, NE 68144. The initial agent for service of process is: Zaman Mokhammad Khasan, 1211 S 122nd Plaza Apt 220, Omaha, NE 68144. The company is organized to provide the following professional services: The company provides professional delivery and transportation services for a wide range of products. Its operations include the pickup, handling, and secure transport of goods from suppliers, warehouses, or retail locations to designated destinations. The company was formed on August 20, 2026. First publication September 11, 2026, final September 25, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: LENNY LOU. Name of Applicant: Lenny Lou Home Address: 18888 PATRICK CIRCLE, 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: 09/01/2026. General nature of business: Childrens Furniture. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Nathan Newhouse. First publication September 25, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: STRIPE PRO. Name of Applicant: NICK LANGE Address: 8118 S 100TH ST, LAVISTA NE 68128 Applicant is LANGE SERVICES LLC. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: NEBRASKA. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/15/2026. General nature of business: LINE STRIPING. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/NICK LANGE. First publication September 25, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SIGNARAMA OMAHA WEST. Name of Applicant: Sojaxlee, LLC Address: 17486 ORCHARD AVENUE, OMAHA, NE 68135 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: 4-30-26. General nature of business: Designing, manufacturing, and installation of custom business signage and visual branding materials. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Scott D. Jochim/Authorized Representative. First publication September 25, 2026

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Husker Hounds

KAPLAN GRAPHY BY DEBRA S. BY TIM TRUDELL | PHOTO

OWNER SCOTT STRUNC

250 Businesses 250 Visionaries 250 Making a Difference lty Pays OffFAN DEDICATION Big Red Loya KA BUSINESS ON NEBRAS SCOTT STRUNC BUILDS

No Name N

utrition Ma

he said. through the whole thing,” “The fans have been the heroes had to get a real job. When they d to own I would have known he was destine “If it weren’t for our fans, Scott Strunc should have Growing a, there truly isn’t. Nebraska Cornhuskers. say there’s no place like Nebrask most proud of a business related to the his childhood. That BY TAMSEN “They’ve probably proven that more now; I’m probably irrelevant in early games BUTLER | PHO TRENT HURL up a Husker fan, he attended because we’ve been pretty college buddies TOGRAP EY, SECO around, with stillHY tripsND led to road BY KAYLEIGH GENERATI the fact that we’re A lot of turmoil, a lot of ON CO-OWNE obsession with the Big Red TIPTON 20 years now. R in football for going on about keep coming in to to other Big Eight schools. filling that stadium. They y of Nebraska Omaha, Strunc loyal.” firings, but the fans keep While a student at the Universit ed him be happy, but they’re always store. They might not always theFOU and his sister, a Marine, encourag reset, a use could he n, NDED: 1976 figured policema sign up in the Army as a military to Set military. the He FOU join to NDED BY: truck driver. r-focused in the Army Reserves as a ome Cust Strunc NANCY e, anywher a friend suggested he enlist gear AND DELYNN buy Husker canHUR Reserves. Knowing that people LEYservice, product selection and CUR spent 11 years in the Army RENT OW NERS:customer Husker Hounds’ the area. believes TRENT HUR g the store from others in LEY in separatin roles AND JOS HUR Strunc said. “I’ll write it down, quality play key ADD LEY RESS: to what the fansHwant,” Fan favorite probation officer in Omaha when he and “We listen some 203 2 N. 72ND look for what they’re asking for. So it’s not a Strunc was working as a Nebrask after we actively ST. andAHA OM Hounds in 1995, a year , NE 681 . his wife Janine opened Husker Osborne place.” 34 Tom cutter cookie in the day, Strunc 144 nship under Head Coach 69 WEST CEN for that young soldier back won its first national champio hit pay dirt as TER ROA If he had any advice OMAHA working out. Figure out D 84th and Center, the Struncs , NEhim 681to44 try harder if things weren’t Located in a strip center at tell would PHONE: the store became a fan favorite. n the space and adapt. was 30 402why realized they had outgrow -393-5812 here for 30 years, and it’s not the same as it After six years, the Struncs building across 402-33 “We’ve been(72ND ST.) things change in the a building of their own. A 3-1300Strunc “It’s still a good area, but said.CEN they had leased and sought ago,” (WEST on business. TER ROA whatever the next generati WEByears to D) big red flag signifying Strunc’s SITEso be able to adapt you better the street soon hoisted a AMENUT city, : NON locations, and -mortar RITI brick-and our d ON. HOURS: wants. We’ve always prioritize COM not been blind to the MON: 9:30 my heart lies. But I have also still where that that’s A.M .-8 P.M Loyal fans . buying more online, and so we’re making TUES-S Husker fans have years, 30 AT: are Hounds’ 9:30 people fact that A.M.-6 P.M For nearly 20 of Husker football program, SUN: CLO SED challenging times for the at a higher level.” . work remained faithful through Strunc said.

rket

No Name Nutrition Market

OMAHA’S OR IGINAL FAMI LY-OWNED HEALTH FO OD STORE As No

Name Nutrition Mark anniversary next year, co-ow et approaches its 50th think back to ner the humble begin Trent Hurley can’t help As a child, he but dealt with painf ning of this Omaha stapl e. and suffered ul canker sores throu and cold sores aspirin and popsi gh a regimen suggested by his physi cles. Then, his moth in at a nutrition er, Nancy Hurle cian of shop and asked y, stopped for According to Trent, the owne advice. probiotics and r at that time sugge a change to Trent canker sores ’s diet. As a result sted and cold sores , the painful cleared up withi “My mom was n two weeks. secretary and so impressed that she quit started worki ng there,” Trent her job as a a year, Nancy said. In less than and her husba nd, Lynn, bough Name Organ ic Vitamins & Supplements, t that store, No No Name Nutri and rebranded tion. it as

From run ning aroun running the busine d to

Trent and his ss brother, Todd, the store grow spent a great ing up. As a child, deal natural foods Trent pushed of time at his running the busin parents served and didn’t back against the pictur working in the ess. But maturity, along with e himself ever store as a child many days spent eventually fall and college stude in love with the nt, made Trent busin Long-time custo mers sometimes ess. remembering joke with Trent seeing him and about “little squirts.” Todd running around the store as “I grew to love the business,” Trent said. “It’s pretty inspiring

when people come back and say that we chang guiding them down a ed their lives by Though No Name path of good health.” Nutrition is now within the Omah a respected mains a tay they faced when area, Trent vividly recalled the difficulties they opened Center Road in the late 1980s their second location on West . “I remember $25 and walked aroun and $50 days,” he said. “People came in we were sitting d to buy a candy bar and a natural pop, there thinking, and we here?’” ‘What are we doing? Why are Despite the rough beginning, the Oakview Mall opening of in the Name Nutrition’s early 1990s changed the the nearby game second locati for No supplements on. As intere and st in nutritional 1990s with the healthy living grew, espec ially rise Nutrition becam of the internet, businesses in the late e increasingly like No Name consumers. sought-after by health-con scious

A varied

BE PART OF SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY JOIN THESE IMPACT 250 BUSINESSES

More fantastic photos from m! Husker Hounds on mbj.co FOUNDED: 1995 RS: FOUNDERS/OWNE SCOTT STRUNC JANINE STRUNC 25-43 NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 58 PHONE: 402-255-00 WEBSITE: OM NDS.C HUSKERHOU RAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe

N | PHOTOG BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMA

HOURS: AM-9 PM 9 PEFFER SAT: DANA MONOWNER SGT. PEFFER’S SUN: 10 AM-6 PM 1988 ED:PM 7 AM-7 FOUND FOOTBALL GAME DAY:

FOUNDED BY: TIM PEFFER DANA PEFFER CURRENT OWNER: YEES: ABOUT 35 NUMBER OF EMPLO ADDRESS: ROAD, 1501 N. SADDLE CREEK 68104 NE , OMAHA PHONE: 402-558-7717 OM WEBSITE: SGTPEFFERS.C HOURS: 11 A.M.-9 P.M. SUNDAY-THURSDAY: 11 A.M.-10 P.M. DAY: -SATUR FRIDAY

Page 7 • November 14, 2025

More fant No Name Nut astic photos from rition Market on mbj.com !

acy Lives On NESS A Delicious Leg IN BUSI OACHES FOUR DECADES

conventional medical interv ention. Trent educators at and his team heart, are knowledgeable spread rapidly about No how to take care and consistently try to help Name staff clients learn of themselve provided to client and the personalized atten Nutrition’s s. “You don’t want to go to the docto about wellness s and today’s team is no less tion they he said. “You r every time you and healthy living want to be able passionate Creek Road drives or offer medic e,”down Saddle Peffersneez to build your . Taking care nutrition and Dana al advice that Every morning, The body up throu not to diagnose diets and every should come what professional, gh challenges await. thing knowing not t Trent else.” from they lean on attributes Noto her restauran a medical boasts 37 years of their long years Name Nutritowner provide helpf of Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe, which based family family ion’s succe of experience ul, perso business.latest ss cuisine North Saddle Creek Road, to beingS.ataKAP to He derive While some client nalized guidance. faith-LAN guidance from RA 1501 s a great Italian homemade deal BY DEB s are simply curiou his faithserving HY of streng RAP living, others and th TOGthe as an adventure. and daylegac built. His advic DELL | sees s about healt PHOfrom every with are seeking relief y of what hier ‘What am I going to deal his like, for ailments that and I’m TIM TRUe to hopeful“Ibusin paren down BY drive ts literally ess “Devo owners reflec people that have had their first dates te your life persist despi ts this. te Page 19 • Septem said.”I’ve had as much Peffer others,” he said. to God wedding.” today?’” as you ber 26, 2025 and then we catered their and tohere, “That’s why we’re engaged getcan, helpin JUDITH REIS g here, and then in this business.” AIRES AND OWNERS

clientele Word-of-mouth

SGT. PEFFER’S CAFE APPR

ry Reis’ Bake

his Family-friendly vibes by her father, Tim, who began

The restaurant was founded partnered in Ames, Iowa. In 1979, he that hospitality journey at Minsky’s to launch Pefferoni’s, a concept with his brother, Walt Peffer, in May 1986 years. Tim left the company grew to 17 locations in seven Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe. and two years later, he founded restaurant started small but its the s, As with many new ventures, sauces and fresh ingredient homemade utilizing scratch-made dishes, as well as an year. Tim was an innovator led its expansion within a only set Sgt. drive-thru window that not for entrepreneur, installing a in the area, it now accounts Peffer’s apart from other pizzerias Catering also represents significant business. ’s 60% of the restaurant luncheons. from baby showers to funeral revenue, serving everything and pride that stressed work ethic Dana grew up in a home working in her patriarch’s footsteps, of of ownership. She followed college at the University at the restaurant while attending Nebraska Omaha.

that good work ethic, and I adopted “He just always had a really passion. He’s a said. “My dad has a lot of from him for sure,” Dana I love him very much.” very hardworking man, and Dana left management degree in 2008, After she earned a sports Tim when 2014 May in ies but returned to pursue other opportunit was unhappy in her job. needed hip surgery and she called my dad to this place,” she said. “I “I always felt drawn back He said, like where I’m at right now.’ crying and said, ‘Dad, I don’t time for good a is this maybe replaced, so ‘Well, I need to get my hips you to come back.’”

A new era

and nt of both the original location Dana took over manageme 2013. that Tim had opened in December family the Carter Lake restaurant the of life in the restaurant business, Through the ups and down various through changing tastes, persevered and weathered has pandemic, access and even a global construction projects affecting grace. saving a was window where once again Tim’s drive-thru Dana said. sales ever since we opened,” “We actually had the most Park.” “We had a line down to Metcalf carries into its fourth decade, Dana As Sgt. Peffer’s continues service. of hard work and community forward her father’s legacy say,” she said. could you guess I blood, “You know, it’s just in my product, My dad created a really good BY DAWN GON “I’m so humbled, I’m so grateful. fantastic photos from ZALES | PHO More for 37 years now.” TOGRAP and obviously we’ve lasted ! OWNERS MIKE BY on Cafe DEBmbj.com RA S. KAPLAN Sgt. Peffer’sHY AND LISA ROSS

The Corky

Page 26 • November 7, 2025

sing HEROES ors MUTisE TO FALLEN et Hon TRIB ITH W NavySTVRIE D S PAIRE ts FRESH PA

Canvas

FOUNDED: 2018 FOUNDED BY: ANGIE LEWIS CURRENT OWNERS: MIKE AND LISA ROS S ADDRESS: 200 S. 31S T AVE., SUI TE 4104 OMAHA, NE 402-637-4 68131 066 3700 S. 9TH ST., SUITE LINCOLN C , NE 68502 402-421-6 731 WEBSITE: CORKYCAN VAS.COM SOCIAL MED IA: LINKEDIN HOURS: M-F , 10 A.M.-5 P.M.

s redien mers who have had issue their baked Fresh ing said custo riences with h flour, Reis notice Using Frenc haven’t had those expe immediately An are . customers gluten c photos from consuming constantly comp Reis’ Bakery, with a white tablecloth in a More fantasti on mbj.com! ed y come in and rose Walking into s. red drap “The a er, good said. with had.” the corn idea,” he to Paris r setting, Reis’ Bakery as Missing the table in nothing “We had no what their recent trip single dinne women listed ingredients, to in front of a r the men and returned home from empty chair on using fresh what we make yet r items, hono prides itself not ry othe ldn’t and have bake wou I The vase , who that Reis said. it’s nothing soner of War they in Action/Pri prepackaged, MIA/POWs. into them, and can pronounce and . what goes the return of we don’t know you 2025 “We know America’s wars Reis’ Bakery is tied to “Everything FOUNDED: home, but and simple.” ly,” he said. S: The future of not only didn’t they come don’t know anything feed my fami iple syllables. It’s plain /OWNER , “We FOUNDERS was built “Many of them said owner Aires Reis. don’t have mult this country S re at,” that, because AIRES REI t s where they’ forge said. S him, Reis foodie , and we can’t Mike and are, Ross JUDITH REI braska ledge of food impressethes food about them that theyLisa Ne ies 5 are .” pass art lders know and the busin ionate abou PLOYEES: EM on their shou t busin Nebraskans’ that Nebraskans were ess of creatingNO. OF ess, them idea art. selve no Whil . they have alwa e not artist nts in thes,few “We had -21s3-2739 Lisa said. “We had to re-ev mersn they to Nebraska Whe ty,” he said. NE: 531 transpla loyal custo an appre transplants aluate content, were looking ys had PHO the team was ciation for it. they know quali been blessed with price points, New Yorkwife, Judith, are New Yorkce, the retired Navy petty putting toget The Corky Canvarou nd to own business, has what her for class Price TE: I come as in 2018 just aWE The bakery said. one servi purchasing n M points differ on of BSI Reis duty whe nt , Reis and his e eme bled open activ “We wantedthis. made good sens YOMAHA.COlocati urag canvas size, and es and the schedule.” been 19 years of ed something that extremely hum would at the enco KER ons offer week months it’s e. The Corky Canva ly and ha need was funREI After almost amazed and ‘You know, Oma Reis’ Bakery night classes for the supp really enjoy andSBA It’s. just that our custo customers have “I am always class opened Our managers and Thirsty Thurs s t you do.’ tell me, a natural move mers wha officer first options availa are very passi : team, loveour days, so and people we ” r URS Lisa It seemed like . PM and said. corne ble that may onate HO than -3 hters stop the a weekend class it and so AM e don’t be less expen treats out of Beyond provid of their daug sionally. . occaprodu sive ed you. Pleas N-FRI: 7:30is in ing pastries and ialist. MO Need sleep ing said. to spec cts creat Reis and tics of Reis PM ry, The Corky Canvain the ” services, the 8 AM-3 logis months, ck : essence a cottage bake been amazing. some processes will allowwitho d about six Unique cla in at 3 o’clo s is providing a place to SATcore Reis started e. That laste and it just blew come and SUNDAY have to come ut being an artist, Mike Automating sses create th and a half, kitchen at hom e. CLOSED art said. Classes at The goal is to not “Most of our about a mon the demand from hom the couple’s Corky Canvas staff has art exper “The next big business for meaning they change with the To se ience but simple. ive comp said. is have “We were in just couldn’t keep up with world or open have not at a high seasons, art right inromi morning,” he to other entrepreneurshe t andcreat never, ever “We level. the corporate bor back in our community offer individualiz seasonally themed art as up,” he said. well r go back to is the biggest ed options. A Reis’ advice mate the level of efforsaid. we can eithe thing,” “paint your pet” as classes that is that my neigh ry.’” requir that resti Withi thing es lots of prep y ght unde n the ’t I thou . Funn class, paint-and-sip “Don up a bake industry, the Rosse -mortar shop because their a picture of their work for the instructor. Custo for example, ought to open he said. istently ‘You ty,” busin up a brick-and cons g, s pet are mers provide quali ess in uniqu sayin been is privately advance of the e shop of its kind always and has Canvas instru class, and The ctors create a in Nebraska. The owned and theirs were the Brooklyn was doors in July its ber 14, 2025 Corky ed Novem stenc • open are first 8 art templates customer in class il that created by their Page Reis’ Bakery used in their studio to create a one-o will then be painted by the “That is proba staff, not a franchise. f-a-kind piece Some of their bly the most innov busy, Reis said. of art. other unique offeri ative thing we Like so many painted door mats ngs include porch businesses, the do,” signs, The Corky Canva COVID-19 pande Mike said. guests and later and wedding signs used for s greeting recep hung in the coupl (except the two operations. Laying off nearly mic changed tion special day. e’s home as a all of their team store managers) memento of their grab-and-go kits and coming up The Rosses attrib availa with ways to ute their succe have With COVID behin ble helped them to surviv More fantasti via conference ss to weekly e call so that the c photos from team meetings evolve their busin d them, the couple contin the pandemic. Omaha and Linco can participate The Corky ued ess in the Monday Canvas on ln managers of their customers. model to meet the shiftin to change and huddle. They Mike said. mbj.com! g needs and value share everything “People didn’t s , “We have the mone cover the busin The owners like y to come in and ess, the numb be very open ers, have a fun event marke about what is week, the challe to classify the meeting into ting and we try ,” going on with the wins for the nges and the to business,” he the performanc opportunities. locati said. ons are e of the well-v Their teams at both their guests, and ersed in creating positive experiences for Lisa helps to ensur engaged throu e that all staff gh her weekly members are visits to each Page 19 • Octobe studio. r 31, 2025

Passionate About Art AN ARTIS

EVERYONE CAN BE

T AT THE CO RKY CANVAS

712Eat+Drink-CB A-1Flags,PolesandRepair AbleLocksmiths ApexMartialArts ArtisanBoardsofOmaha ASAPContainers BarnGirlsFarms BagelBin BATLogistics BensonBounty BonafideDogAcademy BookNook BoxerBarbeque BranchPattern BrickwayBrewing&Distillery BrownieBar CaringforPeopleServices CatapultConsultingSolutions Casios ChiroLifeofOmaha ChocolatAbeille CityLimits ClothesMentorOmaha CompletelyCatClinic ComputerSystems,Inc. ContemporaryAnalysis CreativeHairDesignSalonandSpa Crestcom CurlySalon CustomGems Dan’sCustomSawmill DelmichOfficeCleaning DietzeMusic DirtyBirds DolomitiPizzeriaandEnoteca DurhamStaffingSolutions EagleEyeEnterprises EagleMortgageInc EleanorCreative EndeverenFamilyMedicine EnergiSalon EquipGlobal EverBloomFloralandGiftEverbowl ExistGreen

FacesSpa FashionCleaners FirstRowFitness FoundationsBusinessGroup FortheWildBirds GambleTechFirm GrattonWarehouseCompany HomeStyleLaundry andDryCleaning HouseofJ HuffmanEngineering,Inc. HuskerHounds HutchContract IndependentRoofingCompany InkImagesCustomApparel InmotionAutoCare It’sAllAboutBees ItalVitalLiving J&MDisplays(fireworks) JafferyInsuranceandFinancial Services KimberlyCreekRetreat LeFlore’sNewLookFashions LetGeorgeDoIt LincolnRunningCo. Jaipur JayMooreLandscaping JPlamHairdressing KarmaKoffee KidGlov KryptonComics LindleyClothingCo. LingoDocs LotusHouseofYoga MakovickaPhysicalTherapy Mangelsen’s MaplewoodLanes NeighborhoodOffshore NoNameNutrition NomadWax OliveBranch OmahaDogBar OmahaMarineCenter OmahaProteinPopcornCompany

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