Governor's Column by Dave Heineman

A Unique Story of Business Recruitment

Oct. 26, 2009 Dear Fellow Nebraskans: I recently toured the progress of a new project taking place in Beaver City, where a company still fairly new to Nebraska is finishing a new facility and its second expansion project in our state in the last four years.

While this is one of several new developments in Nebraska communities this year, this particular project is inspiring because it is an example of how personal connections can sometimes make the difference in attracting new business development to our state.

I toured the new space under construction and visited with company leaders and employees. It was a reminder of the difference a new employer can have on a small community and I wanted to share the story of how this company came to Nebraska.

Beaver City is located near Nebraska’s southern border and since 2006 the town has been home to a Kaufman Trailers facility manufacturing flatbed trailers for commercial customers and agricultural producers.

The story begins with a pastor in Beaver City. Instead of the first contact occurring between state or local economic development officials, the suggestion to bring the company to Nebraska was made by Beaver City resident, Rev. Wesley Russell, during a conversation with a colleague in 2005.

That colleague mentioned that a former classmate had started a successful trailer manufacturing company back east and was now looking to expand in the Midwest. The company focused primarily on customers east of the Mississippi River. In order to expand to the central plains and western states, Kaufman owners needed a Midwestern location.

Rev. Russell placed a call to company owner Robb Kaufman, encouraging him to make the investment in Beaver City. After several discussions, Kaufman leaders visited Nebraska to meet with state and local leaders and see firsthand what this town of 641people had to offer.

Community leaders used the opportunity to introduce the Kaufman team to the mayor and economic board, the local bank president, the editor of the local newspaper and others in the town’s private sector. The visit gave Kaufman leaders the chance to see firsthand the personality of the people living and working in the community and their work ethic.

Beaver City become the home of Kaufman Trailers in part because the town had the necessary tools in place to support the new facility, including an available site ready for development and a friendly, dedicated workforce. But what made the difference was the persistence and enthusiasm Rev. Russell and other Beaver City residents showed in their efforts to bring this business to their town.

Today, Kaufman Trailers is one of the largest private employers in Beaver City. With the expansion nearing completion, company officials envision the potential to triple the Kaufman workforce in Beaver City. Mr. Kaufman has said, “I remain grateful to the people of Beaver City and the people of Nebraska. It's been a good experience from the moment we first made contact, and I look for good things to keep happening in the future.”

The story demonstrates that new opportunities and connections can be made in unusual ways. It is also an example of the difference one person can make.

Beaver City benefitted because one resident took the initiative to make the case for the community. It’s a reminder that passionate and committed people are our best asset for growing Nebraska communities.