"An Optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."

 

Bill Vaughan (1915 - 1977) Journalist

 

Happy New Year and wishing you your most profitable year ever!

     With the start of the New Year we are all barraged by the media's coverage and frequent hype of the status of the economy.

     The best business people that I have worked with do not base their business decisions on what the media is telling the public. Great business people focus on what is currently happening in their industry, consumer needs and preferences, what changes are in the future of their industry (in addition to technology), and what they can do in their business to be "ahead of the curve" as to the future changes; the eternal optimist.

     Your challenge this month is to look around and observe businesses you feel are successful. How are they preparing their organizations to meet the growth in the future? Economic Development must take the same approach. However, we need to take a broader view of businesses and search out what are the common links for future growth for multiple industries.

     In the 1950's former President Eisenhower's focus was on the Interstate road system and how that would help facilitate more interstate commerce. In 1974, Nebraska was the first state to complete its interstate (I-80). Now fast forward to 2013 (just 40 years later), while the interstate system is still important to the distribution of goods, a new 'road' for interstate commerce is a key to growth: high speed internet service.   With so many companies having a global foot print, breaching not only time zones but date lines, it is imperative for owners to have up to date information on the status of multiple aspects of the business. This information crosses many areas or divisions of the company from human resources, raw materials processing and finished goods shipping. In the case of internet based businesses the information highway becomes critically crucial and as more companies are reaching out past their immediate physical foot print to gain customers, that information conduit becomes a bigger part of their organization.

     This internet super highway is even more critical for our rural communities and counties such as Nebraska City and Otoe County than most might think. Nebraska City is researching a high speed internet/broadband option for our residents and businesses that will help them be competitive, open up the potential for new opportunities but also give us an important tool in recruiting new businesses and jobs.   This is the future of business growth.

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This Month's Business Spotlight  is: 

 Larson Motors, Inc.

1801 Frontage Rd.,

Nebraska City, NE 68410

402-873-5507

www.larsonmotorgroup.com

Celebrating 27 Years in Business and Service to the Nebraska City area. 

     This month's featured business is Larson Motors, Inc. of Nebraska City, the city's largest auto dealership.  NCAEDC asked Harry about his motivation and success in his business.  Harry stated his motivation in starting his business was when he worked for a dealership (Coople Chevrolet) while attending high school. He worked for various  dealerships before making his way to Beardmore Chevrolet in Bellevue, NE. The owner, Moe Beardmore became Harry's mentor. Soon after starting work there Harry came to understand the importance of taking care of the customer.  Moe Beardmore came to him one day and asked if he would like to start his own business and that he would sponsor him in getting his own dealership. Harry saw this as a perfect opportunity to start up his own dealership here in Nebraska City. So, Larson Motors, Inc. was born Jan. 1, 1986 with only 13 employees selling all divisions of GM cars and trucks. By 1990 they purchased the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury franchise and in 1991 combined the two franchises to their current location 1801 Frontage Rd., Nebraska City, NE.  Soon there was the expansion of a body shop, showroom floors and offices.  In 2004 we added Dodge Chrysler and Jeep Brands to add up to the Top 11 Major Domestic Automobile Brands! Now this month, Larson Motors Inc. is celebrating their 27th year. With 35 dedicated employees and a fine reputation where loyal customers can walk in and know who they will be dealing with in the purchase of a new or used car. "We are proud of our practices for fair dealing and the reputation of the products we sell and service" Harry said.  "A constant effort is required to assure that the high level of public respect and confidence we have earned is maintained.  At Larson Motors, Inc., we strive for one common goal: to achieve 100% customer satisfaction."

     Harry stated he is most proud of the ability to survive and their continued success in rural America. He feels his business was built on a "give and take" philosophy with his community. His financial support and active community involvement is important to Harry. This may be one of the reasons Larson Motors has a high rate of repeat business. Once you have worked with Larson Motors, you will see why they go out of their way to help you with any make or model, new or used vehicle.  In fact, just stop by Larson Motors and they will help you search for the exact vehicle you are looking for no matter the make or model or where in the country it may be located. If you are looking for a rural friendly, familiar face and best price, see Larson Motors.

     NCAEDC welcomes Larson Motors, Inc. as their newest Gold Partner.

     Thank you Larson Motors, Inc. for your many years of service in the Nebraska City Area and congratulations on your 27 years of successful business.

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