Every year, as the November tax roll wraps up and counties finalize one of their biggest annual responsibilities, something special happens at MIPS: The office starts to smell like cinnamon, sugar, and butter. All because this is the season when our customers say thank you in one of the most heartfelt ways possible: warm cookies!
It’s a tradition we never take for granted. County offices are under tremendous pressure at year-end, and our teams work right alongside them—nights, tight deadlines, system updates, and all the little behind-the-scenes fixes that help everything balance and reconcile. So, when a box of cookies arrives with a handwritten note or a simple message of appreciation, it means more than most people know.
These treats serve our team as a special reminder of the relationships we have across Nebraska. It’s a fun partnership to know we have a shared goal of serving the public with accuracy, reliability, and major print efficiency. Each warm cookie, or bag of snacks, or ‘thank you note’ is message to us— “We see your effort. We appreciate your support. Thank you for helping us deliver!”
And because I see it, just know that our team lights up every time a box comes through the door. They disappear quickly (we’re not naming names, but certain teams have faster cookie reflexes than others). It’s a fun boost during a season that requires a lot of focus and teamwork.
To every county that has sent us treats—or a kind note, an encouraging email, or simply a “you saved us today”—thank you. Your appreciation fuels us, and it reminds us why we do what we do here at MIPS.
Derrick Niederklein is the Deputy Director of MIPS, where he leads innovative solutions for Nebraska counties through software development, mass appraisal services, and digital modernization. A visionary leader with a deep appreciation for both data and people, Derrick is passionate about building tools—and teams—that help local governments thrive. When he’s not digging into property records or project plans, he’s probably outside digging in the dirt at home, recharging with family and farm life. Derrick writes with heart and insight, blending big-picture thinking with boots-on-the-ground experience.