Business Advantages
Hastings is a vibrant, prosperous community, which has a strong, diversified economy and a dedicated workforce.
Although Hastings and Adams County have primarily an agricultural base, Hastings boasts one of the strongest manufacturing sectors found in any county in the state of Nebraska. Manufacturing is the very heart of the Hastings economy, accounting for approximately 18.5 percent of private industry employment and more than 22 percent of private industry wages. However, the key to any successful economy is diversification. Hastings has a thriving medical community, a strong business sector and an educational base that is unparalleled in communities of similar size.
Phil Dudley, President of Hastings College, states that, “Since 1882, Hastings, Nebraska has been the home of Hastings College, a private, four-year, liberal arts institution enrolling more than 1,100 students. I cannot imagine a finer place than Hastings to raise a family, build a business or further your education. Many of the best and brightest students from area high schools choose to attend Hastings College, and many of our alumni remain in Hastings after they graduate. Our local alumni include physicians, teachers, accountants, business managers and other professionals.”
Central Community College provides many local/regional businesses with a pipeline to continual, customizable training. Bill Hitesman, President of Central Community College’s Hastings Campus, says, “Our unique method of individualized instruction, which allows students to enroll any day the college is in session, results in graduates becoming available for employment throughout the year—not just in the spring. Central Community College also has developed courses tailored to meet the specific needs of our local businesses and industries and has offered training on campus or in the workplace. We are proud of the fact that 80 percent of our graduates stay in our 25-county service area and 97 percent remain in Nebraska.”
Over the years, a trained and educated workforce has proven to be a cornerstone of success for companies in Hastings.
William Hermes, President of Dutton-Lainson Company, says, “Hastings has always been a positive, progressive city, with an exceptional labor force. Our dedicated, productive employees have been the primary reason for the success of our company. We firmly believe that Hastings is an ideal location for any expanding business. We see a bright future ahead for our company and know that the basic ingredients for success are here in Hastings for other firms as well.”
Gale Beirow, a 50-year Hastings employer says, “The bottom line is, the workforce in Hastings in fantastic. Our process has improved, in large part, by people doing their jobs and taking a look around to see what we could do better. Their suggestions have taken our business in new directions and opened new areas for us. Our products are shipped all over the world, and our employees take great pride in that. If “Made in USA” means something, “Made in Hastings” means even more. I’ve seen it over and over – the work ethic and corresponding quality are one of a kind.”
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