Ceresco, Nebraska USA Industry

The following businesses are the major sources of employment in the community.

Ernie's in Ceresco

Ernie's in Ceresco is located at 318 South 2nd Street in Ceresco, Nebraska.  It is currently recognized as one of the largest total home furnishings centers in the Midwest.  Furniture, carpeting, appliances, pool tables, electronics, and various other popular items for the home are available at this store.  Ernie's Store in Ceresco was started in 1946 as an IGA Grocery business by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Swanson.  Ernie was a devoted salesman and started selling newspapers as a young boy in Ceresco.  Later he sold popcorn to earn his way through college.  In 1950 Ernie's Store changed its merchandising direction and entered the home furnishings field.   Since that time Ernie expanded through the years to a physical plant of over 100,000 square feet of warehouses and showrooms, including over 90 employees.  Ernie sold the grocery store to Roscoe Blodgett in 1956 to devote full energies to home furnishings.   Through the years it has continued to expand its product line as new technology brought about improved innovations to the furnishings industry.  Ernie's in Ceresco is a closed family Corporation including Ernest W. Swanson, Mary Swanson Pack, Dean W. Swanson, Korby Pack, Paul Pack Jr., Tyler Swanson, Brooke Swanson, and Ashley Swanson.   Dean Swanson entered the management team after graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in Business and Economics.  After the death of Ernie in 1986,  Dean followed his father's footsteps and is still managing this successful business.  Many renovations and warehouses have been added on to the store. Ernie's Store has experienced wonderful dedication from its employees.  Free popcorn and pop are always given to the customers after they visit the store.  The fireplace still welcomes the many repeated customers to the warm atmosphere which has made "Ernie's" a household word for all these years.

Swanson Ford

In 1909, only six years after Henry Ford organized Ford Motor Company, Magnus and Anna Swanson of rural Ceresco, pioneered in the automobile business, the first in the state of Nebraska.  Magnus was a farmer for six years before starting his business.  During the years which he farmed, he was very interested in machinery.   He and his brother, Hans, bought and operated the first traction steam engine and did threshing of grain for hire for other farmers.  Mr. Swanson's first experience experience with the auto business was selling cars for Otto Tegelberg of Wahoo.   He also sold the Overland car and was associated with his brother, Hans, in the farm implement business for a short time in Ceresco.  Mrs. Swanson, with the help of a nephew, did the farm chores and helped keep the farm work going while her husband was busy establishing their new business venture in Ceresco.  Magnus came home every night and worked on the farm, until they decided to go completely into the auto business.   Magnus and Anna had a farm sale in March of 1912 and moved into Ceresco, where they worked and lived the balance of their lives.  Magnus decided to turn the implement business over to his brother, Hans, and later turned the Overland franchise over to his nephew, Arvid Swanson, son of Hans.  The business, known as the "Ford Garage," was operated by Magnus until his death in 1943, after which Mrs. Swanson continued ownership of the company, and it was operated by her sons, Roy and Russell.   The firm name was then changed to "Magnus Swanson's Sons."  Another son,  Lester, joined the firm in 1949 when Russell left to devote full time to the John Deere Implement Company in Ceresco.  Mrs. Swanson died on July 4, 1971, after which the business was purchased by Lester Swanson in January, 1972, and since that time has been called "Swanson Ford."  Roy retired at that time, after having been with the dealership 45 years.  At the present time, "Swanson Ford" is the oldest Ford dealership in Nebraska, and the eighth oldest in the United States with a continuous ownership in the same family.  Doug Swanson, son of Lester Swanson, is presently managing the business, and major renovations are being made that include a brand new front entrance and office area.

AGRI Sales Inc.

AGRI-Sales Inc. was incorporated in 1981 as an Agribusiness to sell livestock equipment through a nationwide catalog.  The primary business is providing products for swine producers.  This business handles L.B. White Heaters, Lesson Electric Motors and Watering equipment, as well as an ever expanding line-up of products.  In addition, AGRI-Sales stocks and sells LaCrosse Footwear and Walls clothing both through catalog and in the store.  AGRI-Sales Inc. moved into their present facility in the Spring of 1991.  The location was formerly a Laundromat and Carwash.  After remodeling and the addition of a new, larger warehouse, they feel that they possess a very nice, useable location.  They have the benefits of not only being in the center of the country for the catalog sales, but also very close to Lincoln and Omaha for transportation needs and convenience.

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Page last updated on January 11, 1999