4D MONEY • MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014 OMAHA WORLD-HERALD Microsoft buries the hatchet, partners with a once bitter rival THE SEATTLE TIMES SEATTLE — Over the years, Microsoft and Salesforce.com have traded lawsuits, barbed swipes and fierce jabs as they competed in the customer-relationship management market. But last week, the two rivals put aside the boxing gloves — at least for now — announcing a partnership that connects Sales- force.com’s apps and platform to Microsoft Office and Windows. In fact, Salesforce.com Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff described the partnership, forged with new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, in such glowing terms, it verged on the bromantic. The often blustery Benioff, who has in the past described Microsoft as irrelevant and a disaster, emphasized repeatedly how happy he was with the new relationship. “I just want to say how absolutely thrilled I am to be partnering ... with Satya,” Benioff said during a conference call with analysts and media. “It’s been absolutely great working on this agreement together. I just couldn’t be happier with how things have gone. “I’ve always wanted to have a closer relationship with Microsoft. And now we do,” said Benioff, who tweeted a few pictures of him and Nadella together. Nadella, for his part, was less effusive but nonetheless talked about how pleasurable it was working with Benioff and his team. “I couldn’t have been more pleased that we’re partnering across many areas of our business,” Nadella said. That’s quite a change from the companies’ formerly combative relationship. So what led to the new warmand-fuzzy relationship? Nadella’s ascension to the helm of Microsoft in February this year likely was a major factor, Benioff hinted during the conference call. While the relationship between the two companies has evolved, “when Satya became the CEO of Microsoft, that gave us the opportunity to have an even stronger relationship with Microsoft,” Benioff said. To place your business announcements, contact the Announcement Consultant: Call (402) 444-1371, email [email protected], or online at Omaha.com Deadline is Monday, two weeks prior to publication NEW HIRES ANNOUNCEMENT First National Bank M C C L AT C H Y N E W S PA P E R S This $90,000 MasterCraft competition boat at SkipperBud’s boat dealership in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is intended for skiing or wakeboarding. It comes fully loaded with a 5.7-liter V8 inboard engine. Boat builders reduce prices to get more buyers to board THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL If you think of a boat as an awfully expensive toy, well, some folks in the marine industry would like it to be more affordable. For Brunswick Corp., the nation’s largest recreational boat builder, that means every new model should cost the same or less than the model it replaces, a big change for the company and the industry, Dustan McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer, said last week. Brunswick is the parent of Mercury Marine, a Fond du Lac, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of outboard and stern-drive boat engines, and nearly a dozen boat brands, including Bayliner, Crestliner, Lund, Lowe and Sea Ray. A few of those models cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. But even at the high end, there’s more emphasis on reducing the price so that people will buy new boats rather than used ones, McCoy said. A great majority of 15,000 people surveyed by Brunswick, which is based in Forest Lake, Illinois, said boating was a desirable pastime but the cost was troublesome. “People still want to boat, and they’re always looking for a different boat, but they’re not buying new right now because they think the cost vs. the value they receive is out of whack,” McCoy said. That’s backed up by industry numbers. Before the recession, the powerboat industry was selling about 800,000 used units a year and 300,000 new ones. Since then, used boat sales have remained about the same or have increased, while sales of new boats remain well below levels seen before the recession. The introduction of fresh designs and new technology will help curb the sales decline, said McCoy, because older boats won’t have those features. Reducing the price also will help, especially through successive model changes over a period of years. Brunswick has introduced a 35-foot boat with a better design and new technologies, including joystick docking controls. The new model is priced less than the model it replaced, and buyers have flocked to it, McCoy said. “We had to triple our production that we initially planned,” he said. Brunswick has made many changes, including building different models on a similar platform. The company wants to give buyers the content they want without having hundreds of options, which add to the company’s costs. Thus far, it’s worked even with the most expensive boats, McCoy said. “We introduced our 65-foot yacht at the Fort Lauderdale (Florida) boat show and sold out our 2014 production,” he said. Leading the industry’s growth are small fiberglass and aluminum outboard powered boats 26 feet or less in size. Pontoon boats also have sold well, largely because they appeal to families and first-time boaters. While some people will always buy a boat loaded with every option and the most powerful engine, others are satisfied with a few less horsepower and a lower price, said Todd Riepe, general manager at the SkipperBud’s boat dealership in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Brunswick stands out for replacing older model boats with less expensive new ones, said Riepe. “That’s not something we have seen in this industry, ever,” he said. Gradually, the boating industry is adjusting to a new economy, said Charles Plueddeman, a freelance marine writer from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “A boat is a very discretionary purchase. You can buy a new Harley-Davidson and rationalize it because it gets better mileage than your car when you ride to work. Not many people can boat to work,” Plueddeman said. For many people, fixing up the boat they own has been a more attractive option than buying a new one. “In the past, these customers may have replaced their entire boat. In the new economy, replacing the boat is not an option, but perhaps replacing the motors is feasible. These new motors do not require digital controls and instruments, and they fit on the same transom mounting holes as older motors,” Plueddeman said. Makers of personal watercraft, such as the Sea-Doo Spark, also have given a nod to the affordability trend. At $4,999, the Spark sells for about one-third of the price of a more deluxe Sea-Doo. It’s appealing to first-time buyers and people wanting two or more personal watercraft, said Tom Wolf, general manager of Sportland 2, a dealership in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Lynette M. Arrasmith Lynette M . Arrasmith has been named senior sales manager, Mortgage Lending, at First National Bank , announced Micheal Fecht, regional sales manager. Arrasmith is responsible for the growth of her team and its mortgage loan production, while maintaining the bank’s commitment to quality and delivering a great customer experience. Her team includes five of First National Bank’s top mortgage professionals. She previously served as senior vice president/director of Mortgage Operations at Access Bank in Omaha; and Branch Manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, responsible >>>>> >>>>> Lutz Josh Boesch Lutz, an Omaha-based accounting and business solutions firm, is expanding its service offerings to address client employment needs. Lutz Talent will offer recruiting services within the areas of accounting and finance and has hired Josh Boesch to lead the new service line. "The acquisition and retention of talent continues to be a challenge for our clients," said Gary Witt, Managing Partner at Lutz. "Finding the right candidate for the position can be a time consuming and overwhelming process. Lutz Talent will work with our clients to identify ’the ideal candidates’ to match their business goals, challenges, culture and vision. As with other services we provide our clients, we are personally invested in the success of each search." Boesch brings 10 years of experience in public accounting and the search industry, serving clients of every size and type. His experience as a CPA and his approach to gaining an in-depth understanding of the client’s talent needs, including the skills, experience, cultural understanding and personality fit, has been integral to his success. "We are excited to offer this service to clients and candidates alike. We have put into practice world-class tools and methodology to efficiently and effectively assess candidates for each specific role," said Josh Boesch, Director of Talent Services. "Unlike most in the industry today, we tailor our services to our clients’ specific needs, and aim to add value to all parties involved every step of the way." Boesch holds a bachelor’s degree in both accounting and managerial information systems from Creighton University. He is affiliated with the Nebraska Society of CPA’s, the Aksarben chapter of the Institute for Internal Auditors and the Aksarben chapter of ISACA. He is also an active volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and the Knights of Columbus. L u t z is the accounting and business solutions firm for businesses and individuals seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Born and raised in Omaha over the past 34 years, their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides expert tax, accounting, assurance, wealth management and technology solutions. They embrace their customers’ businesses as their own to spark the right solutions and help them thrive. >>>>> >>>>> Baird Holm LLP Adam Kirshenbaum Brunswick Corp. is trying to reduce the prices on its boats. This pontoon boat made by StarCraft — a Brunswick brand — sports a luxurious interior upholstery. It sells for about $18,000. for locations in Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and North Platte, Nebraska; southern Wyoming; and the Kansas City metro area. Prior to that, A r r a s m i t h served as a real estate broker, mortgage consultant and a certified life coach, business coach and consultant. She has worked in the real estate and home mortgage business since 1994. Her community service activities include the American Cancer Society, Harvesters, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in October and Junior Achievement. First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska . First National of Nebraska is the largest privately owned banking company in the United States. First National and its affiliates have $17 billion in managed assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas. Baird Holm LLP is pleased to welcome Adam Kirshenbaum back to the firm. His practice focuses on corporate, real estate and lending transactions. Kirshenbaum represents clients in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, lending and securities transactions. He also has extensive experience in advising and structuring private equity funds and providing general corporate advice to clients. Kirshenbaum received a Juris Doctorate, with high distinction, in 1999, from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Kirshenbaum is a graduate of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha program and received the Midlands Business Journal "40 under 40" award. Kirshenbaum most recently served as General Counsel for Millard Refrigerated Services, Inc. Baird Holm LLP’s integrated team of more than 85 attorneys, licensed in 19 states, is committed to connecting each of its valued clients to the positive outcomes they seek. With extensive and diverse expertise, they leverage each other’s skills to respond efficiently to their clients’ local, regional, national and international legal needs. Rooted by the promise to constantly evolve in anticipation of their clients’ rapidly changing needs, Baird Holm has enjoyed steady and measured growth since its founding in 1873. Today, Baird Holm attorneys look to the future as they carry on the legacy created by their visionary founders. P&L Technology, Inc. Daron Blackman P&L Technology, Inc. has announced that Daron Blackman joined its staff in the position of senior systems engineer. An integral part of the company’s team, he will provide escalated support for system administrators in relation to troubleshooting and proactive problem management. "Daron brings a high level of expertise and experience to our systems team," said Andrew Embury, partner at P&L Technology, Inc. "His technical ability will provide an added level of client service to our structure." Blackman has more than 10 years of experience working in the managed IT services sector, specializing in escalated experience in systems and networking applications. In addition, he is Microsoft certified and has several additional certifications. He also has been trained in both VMware and Cisco networking. P&L Technology, Inc. provides cost-effective technology solutions for businesses in Omaha and Lincoln. CH2M HILL CH2M HILL, a global fullservice consulting, design, construction, and operations firm, with a local office in downtown Omaha, announced today that it is partnering with KAI Design & Build (KAI) to assist with construction management services for the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) improvement project for the City of Omaha. CH2M HILL is the designer for the $57 million WWTP project and Hawkins Construction Company is the general contractor. The project is part of Omaha’s larger $2 billion Clean Solutions for Omaha (CSO) unfunded, federal mandated program. It will expand the WWTP’s capacity to accommodate increased wet weather flows as part of the overall effort to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality. KAI, a minority-owned design and build services firm, will provide field quality assurance and administrative support as part of the overall construction management effort. The St. Louis-based firm will expand its footprint in the Midwest by opening a new office in Omaha. They currently have satellite offices in Atlanta; Dallas; and San Antonio, Texas. Frank G. Allen will serve as KAI’s Quality Assurance Representative, and is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the contractor’s Quality Control System. A lle n has more than 15 years of experience in the building industry, including eight years as owner of his contracting firm, Allen Construction Services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a minor in Business from Northern Iowa State University. >>>>> >>>>> Briggs, Inc. of Omaha Koley Jessen, P.C., LLO Tami J. Pauley Briggs, Inc. of Omaha is pleased to announce that Tami J. Pauley has joined the company as its Human Resources manager. Pauley has extensive experience and expertise in matters involving employee benefits, compensation and employee relations, as well as with employment law, regulation and compliance issues. She received a B.S. in human resources management from Bellevue University and is a Certified Compensation Professional. Briggs is a leading wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, pump and well supplies. Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Omaha, Briggs operates from seven locations in Nebraska and Iowa. An affiliate, Kitchens and Baths by Briggs, operates state of the art showrooms in Omaha and Kansas City, which are open to the public and display high quality decorative plumbing fixtures, baths, showers, lavatories, sinks and toilets that are produced by the best known American and European names. Briggs also has other showrooms in Lincoln, Grand Island and Sioux City, Iowa. Seven summer associates have begun working at K o le y Jessen and will be with the firm until mid-August. Two are returning for their second summer at the firm and five are new to Koley Jessen this year. Returning to the firm this summer are second year summer associates Nicholas Lesiak and Zachary Rupiper. Lesiak attends Creighton University School of Law and Rupiper attends the University of Iowa College of Law. Also joining Koley Jessen as a second year summer associate is Lillian Talbot. Talbot attends Washington University School of Law. Joining Koley Jessen as first year summer associates are Elisa Born, Matthew Gillespie, Justina Piatek and John Zimmer. Born attends Creighton University School of Law, Gillespie attends Washington University School of Law, Piatek attends Creighton University School of Law, and Zimmer attends the University of Nebraska College of Law. Koley Jessen P.C., LLO is a full-service law firm based in Omaha. Koley Jessen’s 61 attorneys represent a diverse group of business and individual clients in more than twenty areas of practice, including mergers and acquisitions, securities, banking, finance, tax, real estate, environmental, health care, employment and labor relations, employee benefits, intellectual property, emerging business, education law, estate and business succession planning, and litigation. Salute your employees’ achievements! INSIDE BUSINESS Every Monday in Money. Get the word out about your company’s significant milestones or salute an employee’s acheivements with Inside Business, appearing every Monday in the Money section. www.omaha.com