Midlands Business Journal

Coffee Alley-Callejon del Cafe is carving a niche in its Ralston neighborhood and owners Rosio Granados Trejo and Yasmin Payan-Vega want their coffee shop to be a place of community. See how they incorporate their family values into their business model.

Our annual Sarpy County Growth Report is here. Experts showcased the biggest economic growth factors in the county. "We provide a unique combination of urban amenities and a welcoming, family-friendly environment," said Lisa Ann Scheve, executive director of GROW SARPY. Read about the latest developments in this week's issue.

Are you intrigued by employee stock ownership programs and local businesses that have embraced this model? Bland & Associates, P.C., among other Nebraska-based ESOPs, shared their insights on the benefits and impact of ESOPs. Read on to learn more about these companies.

New to MBJ: Our weekly Q&A with Midwest Leaders! This week features Majda Hadzic, JPMorganChase executive market director for banking in Nebraska. Read the article to learn a little bit more about Majda. Interested in being included? Message us!

ICYMI: Retail Aware has merged with Glimpse Analytics. Founder Keith F. shared the Omaha-based company's goals with MBJ.

Tony Horner's business story has it all: inspiration, entrepreneurial drive and persistence. Read about how Fermented Felon Inc has expanded its signature kombucha in Nebraska.

It's Manufacturing Month! Local organizations and manufacturing companies provided their insights on the state of the industry in this week's MBJ.

"The ages of our clients have continued to climb even in the past five years. People are interested in giving back and finding purpose as they age," said Allan Hale, chapter chair, SCORE Mentors Greater Omaha. MBJ writer Melodae Horst, M.A., APR, SHRM-SCP explores the motivation for local entrepreneurs eager to start businesses after hitting retirement age.

Spreetail, a major player in logistics, recently made a major investment in AI through the acquisition of Echo. CEO Joshua Ketter discussed the company's journey toward achieving global reach.

Merger and acquisition activity has fallen short of projections so far this year. What's the cause? “M&A activity ebbs and flows with the broader ebbs and flows of the economy,” said Adam Ripp, associate with Baird Holm LLP. Check out additional perspectives from local M&A experts to understand the contributing factors.