Heroes of the Heartland
July 1, 2023
Want to know what it takes to produce one of America’s Best Counties when it comes to economic development performance? Pat Boeshart, president and owner of LiteForm Technologies in South Sioux City, Nebraska, says it has as much to do with what government doesn’t do as what it does.
“We started this business in 1986,” he says. “You reflect on regulations and restrictions and on how you can do business and how you can manage employees. Business in general is challenging enough on its own. You need as much open space as possible so that you are not tripped up or always stepping on a land mine.”
The leaders of Dakota County, Nebraska, make sure that LiteForm and other local businesses have plenty of room to operate, says Boeshart. “Lance Hedquist [city administrator for South Sioux City] takes the red color out of the red tape. He is remarkable as a leader in Dakota County, Nebraska, and South Sioux City. He is at least half of the reason why we are here and why we continue to expand our business here. His attitude and what he has done here in South Sioux City have been nothing short of remarkable.”