Latest news with #Omaha-based
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State Sen. John Cavanaugh running for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd District
State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, center, meets with State Sens. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and Terrell McKinney of Omaha, from left. March 26, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — After two months of speculation, State Sen. John Cavanaugh is throwing his hat into the ring Wednesday and running for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd District. The Omaha-based lawmaker joins one high-profile local candidate in PAC co-founder and small business owner Denise Powell, along with Mark Johnston and Evangelos Argyrakis. The winner of the May 2026 Democratic primary will try to do what former Omaha State Sen. Tony Vargas fell short of doing so two times — becoming the first non-Republican to represent Nebraska in Congress since the late former U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford served in early 2017. Cavanaugh said he is banking on his record 'of being a leader in the Legislature' to separate himself from Powell. He said he has a record of standing up for 'working people' and protecting access to reproductive health care, something he plans to continue to do in Congress if elected. Bacon is anti-abortion in a district where a majority supports abortion rights. The Cavanaugh name also holds weight in Omaha, as John is part of a state political dynasty. His father, in the late 1970s, held the congressional seat that he hopes to win, and his sister, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, serves in the statehouse with him. Cavanaugh's pitch: 'The country is in crisis. [We] need strong leadership to help us correct course from this chaotic president and Congress.' The attorney and former Douglas County Public Defender points to his experience in government as a contrast to Powell's campaign. Powell has argued people want a fresh face in political office. She said she would prioritize protecting Medicaid and Social Security, vote to ensure the federal government does its part to boost quality K-12 education and push back against the Trump administration. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has rated the Omaha-based 2nd District seat held by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., as a Republican toss-up. National and state Democrats are using the recent Omaha mayoral race as evidence of growing voter 'energy' against President Donald Trump and political fuel for the congressional midterms. But the fundamentals of the district haven't changed. It remains Nebraska's most politically divided and diverse district, with a slight GOP tilt. The 2nd District contains Democratic-leaning Douglas County, home to Omaha, Republican-leaning slices of western Sarpy County, largely suburbs and exurbs, and rural Saunders County. The 2nd District voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and former President Joe Biden in 2020 after voting for President Donald Trump in 2016 and Mitt Romney in 2012. It backed then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008. Bacon has fended off Democrats in close races five times in previous years and bucked the 'blue dot' voting trend in the past two presidential elections. The retired Air Force brigadier general is a reliable Republican vote on most matters. But he has again stepped into the national spotlight as one of the few House Republicans willing to criticize the Trump administration. Bacon hasn't announced a decision yet on whether to retire from Congress, though he said that decision would come this summer. Nebraska Democrats, who view Bacon's seat as vulnerable with him in it or not, have multiple candidates to choose from. Republicans could have a 2nd District primary regardless of what Bacon decides. Former 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom has told people in conservative political circles that he might be interested in a bid if Bacon retires. Another candidate that has been discussed is Dan Frei, who lost a bid to challenge Bacon in the 2024 GOP primary. Denise Powell launches bid in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District If Cavanaugh emerges from the Democratic primary, he would be the second Democratic-aligned state senator to run against Bacon, following Vargas. Cavanaugh said the difference between Vargas and him is that he was born and raised in Omaha and has a 'stronger record of being a leader in the Legislature.' Bacon has already criticized Cavanaugh's voting record early this year, saying that outside political groups would easily use it to highlight his 'left-wing votes.' Cavanaugh said the biggest motivation for him to run is that the federal government is currently populated by 'people who are self-interested and self-dealing.' 'That starts with the president and includes Congress, but we saw it in the Legislature this year,' Cavanaugh said. Cavanaugh spent much of the most recent legislative session arguing against efforts by the GOP-majority in the officially nonpartisan Legislature to resist ballot measures passed by Nebraska voters, including new laws requiring paid sick leave, raising the minimum wage, repealing school vouchers, and legalizing medical marijuana. He was often one of the Democratic-aligned lawmakers filibustering the majority's proposed changes to what voters approved. 'I don't shy away from a fight, but I'm not trying to be combative with people just for the sake of being combative,' Cavanaugh said. 'We need that kind of principled strength representing us in Congress.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CNBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Berkshire has been selling a top healthcare holding it's owned for over a decade. Here's why
Berkshire Hathaway resumed selling shares of DaVita , a provider of kidney dialysis services, after the holding more than quadrupled in price. A new regulatory filing this week revealed that Berkshire sold another 200,010 shares of DaVita through multiple transactions between May 22-27. Berkshire remains DaVita's biggest institutional investor with a 42.3% stake, according to FactSet. The stock, which Berkshire first bought in 2011, is still the conglomerate's 10th biggest holding. This is just the latest sale by Warren Buffett's sprawling, Omaha-based empire has trimmed its stake in DaVita. In late February, Berkshire sold another 750,000 shares for $116 million over several days. Neither the filing for that sale nor the latest one mentioned an agreement reached in April 2023 under which DavIta agreed to buy back shares each quarter to reduce Berkshire's stake to 45%, and neither sale was of that plan. Rising costs Berkshire's latest round of selling came as DaVita suffered from rising patient care and operating costs. The Denver, Colorado-based company recently experienced disruptions from hurricanes as well as a ransomware attack, and the industry is also grappling with more onerous reimbursement and regulatory restrictions. The stock is down about 9% this year after surging 40% in each of the past two years. DaVita has quadrupled since Berkshire first bought the stock in 2011, closing Friday at $136.26 versus $34.74 at the end of 2010. DVA 5Y mountain DaVita over the past five years Berkshire's DVA stake is believed to be the work of portfolio manager Ted Weschler since his hedge fund had invested in the stock before he joined Berkshire in 2011. In 2014 , Weschler told CNBC that he bought the stock because DaVita delivers "better quality of care," high return on capital with predictable growth and a shareholder-friendly management. He also liked that the company's efficiency helped it to "deliver a net savings to the health care system." DaVita, founded in 1994, provides kidney dialysis services through at-home dialysis and a network of outpatient clinics across the United States.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Memorial Forest' honoring soldiers, first responders and law enforcement grows across the state
Since 2020, an Omaha-based group has planted nearly 2,000 trees in small plots across the state as memorials to those who died due to military service or service as a first responder or as a law enforcement officer. (Courtesy of Honor and Remember Nebraska) OMAHA — It was a cold January day when an idea popped into Jim Meier's head — why not plant a tree for every fallen soldier from Nebraska? 'It was just me talking to me,' said Meier, a Vietnam War veteran and tree lover, who jotted down the thought. It's a thought that has grown over three years into the planting of nearly 2,000 trees across the state as part of a 'Nebraska Memorial Forest,' with small groves in Omaha, Lincoln, South Sioux City and Papillion. For more information about the Nebraska Memorial Forest, to donate, or to make sure a loved one is honored, visit the website: 'It seems only worthy and appropriate to provide support and comfort for those who have fallen,' Meier said. 'It's such a small action we Nebraskans can take to pay tribute.' The Omaha-based sports psychologist and development consultant has some experience in that realm already as director of Honor and Remember Nebraska, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. That group, founded in 2012, provides 'honor and remember' flags for Gold Star families — those who have lost a loved one in active-duty military service — and 'honor and sacrifice' flags for families who have lost a first responder or law enforcement officer. Meier, 79, said the Memorial Forest trees are intended to be a 'living memorial' to fallen heroes. So far, 1,785 trees have been planted for the 7,500 soldiers, first responders and law enforcement officers 'known' to have fallen. On Memorial Day, Meier's group will dedicate groves of 50 trees in Valentine and 70 in Bassett after dedicating 92 trees on May 17 that were planted last fall at Summit Lake State Recreation Area near Tekamah. The first 60 Memorial Forest trees were planted in 2020 at Omaha's Levi-Carter Park, and similar sized forests are now located in 15 other communities, from the Horning State Farm Demonstration Forest near Plattsmouth to along old Highway 2 that through south Lincoln. Conversations, Meier said, are underway to plant new forests of at least 50 trees each in communities from Falls City to Scottsbluff and Beatrice to Aurora. The group hopes to plant 1,500 new trees this year, and complete the project by 2030. Meier said there's a lot of analogies between military service and a grove of trees. Trees were chosen and assigned to a plot of land — as are soldiers — he said, and while each tree is unique, there are many species and types that become stronger when working together as a grove or military unit. Because there is no official data base of 'fallen heroes,' he said the Memorial Forest group is always learning about someone new. They are added to the list, Meier said. Each tree, typically six-feet-tall and of several, native varieties, costs about $300 each, money raised through donations or sponsorships. For instance, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission donated and planted the trees at Summit Lake, with the help of contributions by Tekamah native Ron Carson and his wife Jeanie. The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District planted and will care for the trees at Valentine and Bassett. Each tree is named for a military member, first responder or law enforcement officer who died while serving or from causes directly related from having served. Thus soldiers who died from exposure to Agent Orange or burn pits in Iraq are eligible. Signage near the groves of trees features a QR code so that people can access a website that lists the location of each tree and the person associated with it, along with stories based on available information about them. Eligibility extends back to the Spanish-American War of 1898. Meier said he hopes the groves prove educational for those who visit the trees, as well as providing comfort for families and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
OAKCREEK GOLF & TURF ACQUIRES LL JOHNSON AND MIDWEST TURF
CALGARY, AB, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP ("Oakcreek"), a leading distributor of Toro commercial turf equipment, today announced the acquisition of L.L. Johnson Distributing Company, Inc. ("LL Johnson") and Midwest Turf & Irrigation ("Midwest Turf"), which together represent substantially all of the assets of Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For 50 years, LL Johnson in Denver, Colorado and Midwest Turf in Omaha, Nebraska, have been recognized as leading distributors of commercial turf maintenance and irrigation equipment, systems and parts to customers located across the US Rockies and Midwest. They are distributors of Toro equipment, along with a broad selection of equipment and solutions from other leading manufacturers. These products serve a variety of end markets including golf courses, sports complexes and stadiums, municipalities and other commercial and residential uses. "We are excited to welcome LL Johnson and Midwest Turf into the Oakcreek family," said Patrick Nolan, CEO of Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP. "Their industry knowledge, customer relationships, and talented team are a perfect fit with our long-term vision of becoming a best-in-class distributor to our OEM partners. Together, we look forward to delivering even greater value to our customers." "I'm very pleased to see our business, built over many decades by an exceptional team, being acquired by Oakcreek," Jim Johnson, CEO of Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. said. "Oakcreek's customer-first mentality aligns perfectly with our own. I'm confident that this partnership will lead to continued success for the decades ahead." Simon Gélinas, Managing Director at Banyan Capital Partners, said, "Jim has built a wonderful business in LL Johnson and Midwest Turf and we are privileged to support the next phase of its journey. Banyan is committed to building industry leaders and we believe this is an ideal fit." LL Johnson and Midwest Turf will continue to operate under their existing names, ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers and partners. The integration process is expected to be completed over the coming months, with a focus on maintaining continuity and strengthening our collective offering. About Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service distributor of Toro commercial equipment, comprising two entities: LL Johnson in Denver, Colorado and Midwest Turf in Omaha, Nebraska. Denver-based LL Johnson (formerly named Barteldes Seed Company) was founded by Leonard and Patt Johnson in 1976. Soon after, Omaha-based Midwest Turf & Irrigation (formerly Midwest Toro) was added in the fall of 1980. These two distributorships then combined under the corporate name of Pattlen Enterprises. In 2005, Leonard's son James purchased the company. About Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP is Western Canada's full-service distributor of Toro Commercial Turf Care Equipment, Toro Golf Irrigation Equipment, Yamaha Golf Cars and Kӓssbohrer (PistenBully) snow grooming equipment. Oakcreek's head office is in Calgary, Alberta and has facilities across Western Canada. In 2017, Oakcreek expanded its coverage into the southwestern United States with the acquisition of Simpson Norton Corporation, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Oakcreek is owned by Banyan Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm, and its senior management team. About Banyan Capital Partners Founded in 1998 and under current management since 2008, Banyan Capital Partners is a Canadian-based private equity firm that makes equity investments in middle-market businesses throughout North America. Through a long-term investment approach, Banyan has developed into one of Canada's leading middle-market private equity firms with an established track record of success in providing full or partial liquidity to founders, families and entrepreneurs and helping them take their business to the next level. For more information, please visit Banyan is part of Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group Ltd., an independent, employee-owned, multi-boutique asset management firm with over 40 years of history and offices across Canada and in the US, the UK and India. Collectively managing over CAD142 billion in assets, CC&L Financial Group and its affiliate firms offer a diverse range of traditional and alternative investment products and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients. For more information, please visit Media Contact Banyan Capital Partners Simon Gélinas Managing Director Banyan Capital Partners (416) 291-0029 [email protected] SOURCE Oakcreek Golf and Turf LP
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OAKCREEK GOLF & TURF ACQUIRES LL JOHNSON AND MIDWEST TURF
CALGARY, AB, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP ("Oakcreek"), a leading distributor of Toro commercial turf equipment, today announced the acquisition of L.L. Johnson Distributing Company, Inc. ("LL Johnson") and Midwest Turf & Irrigation ("Midwest Turf"), which together represent substantially all of the assets of Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For 50 years, LL Johnson in Denver, Colorado and Midwest Turf in Omaha, Nebraska, have been recognized as leading distributors of commercial turf maintenance and irrigation equipment, systems and parts to customers located across the US Rockies and Midwest. They are distributors of Toro equipment, along with a broad selection of equipment and solutions from other leading manufacturers. These products serve a variety of end markets including golf courses, sports complexes and stadiums, municipalities and other commercial and residential uses. "We are excited to welcome LL Johnson and Midwest Turf into the Oakcreek family," said Patrick Nolan, CEO of Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP. "Their industry knowledge, customer relationships, and talented team are a perfect fit with our long-term vision of becoming a best-in-class distributor to our OEM partners. Together, we look forward to delivering even greater value to our customers." "I'm very pleased to see our business, built over many decades by an exceptional team, being acquired by Oakcreek," Jim Johnson, CEO of Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. said. "Oakcreek's customer-first mentality aligns perfectly with our own. I'm confident that this partnership will lead to continued success for the decades ahead." Simon Gélinas, Managing Director at Banyan Capital Partners, said, "Jim has built a wonderful business in LL Johnson and Midwest Turf and we are privileged to support the next phase of its journey. Banyan is committed to building industry leaders and we believe this is an ideal fit." LL Johnson and Midwest Turf will continue to operate under their existing names, ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers and partners. The integration process is expected to be completed over the coming months, with a focus on maintaining continuity and strengthening our collective offering. About Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. Pattlen Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service distributor of Toro commercial equipment, comprising two entities: LL Johnson in Denver, Colorado and Midwest Turf in Omaha, Nebraska. Denver-based LL Johnson (formerly named Barteldes Seed Company) was founded by Leonard and Patt Johnson in 1976. Soon after, Omaha-based Midwest Turf & Irrigation (formerly Midwest Toro) was added in the fall of 1980. These two distributorships then combined under the corporate name of Pattlen Enterprises. In 2005, Leonard's son James purchased the company. About Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP is Western Canada's full-service distributor of Toro Commercial Turf Care Equipment, Toro Golf Irrigation Equipment, Yamaha Golf Cars and Kӓssbohrer (PistenBully) snow grooming equipment. Oakcreek's head office is in Calgary, Alberta and has facilities across Western Canada. In 2017, Oakcreek expanded its coverage into the southwestern United States with the acquisition of Simpson Norton Corporation, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Oakcreek is owned by Banyan Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm, and its senior management team. About Banyan Capital Partners Founded in 1998 and under current management since 2008, Banyan Capital Partners is a Canadian-based private equity firm that makes equity investments in middle-market businesses throughout North America. Through a long-term investment approach, Banyan has developed into one of Canada's leading middle-market private equity firms with an established track record of success in providing full or partial liquidity to founders, families and entrepreneurs and helping them take their business to the next level. For more information, please visit Banyan is part of Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group Ltd., an independent, employee-owned, multi-boutique asset management firm with over 40 years of history and offices across Canada and in the US, the UK and India. Collectively managing over CAD142 billion in assets, CC&L Financial Group and its affiliate firms offer a diverse range of traditional and alternative investment products and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients. For more information, please visit Media Contact Banyan Capital PartnersSimon GélinasManaging DirectorBanyan Capital Partners(416) 291-0029SGelinas@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Oakcreek Golf and Turf LP View original content to download multimedia:
