Attorney/Owner at Ehrich Law Office, P.C., L.L.O.
Volunteer Organizations
· Camp High Hopes-Board Member and Current Board President
· Fire Foundation of NW Iowa-Committee Member
· South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce
· Cardinal Christmas Baskets
· Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland-Past Board Member and Board President
What are you working on now?
I have served on numerous boards throughout Siouxland over the past decade-plus, but currently, I am very involved with Camp High Hopes as a board member and the current board President. Camp High Hopes is a wonderful organization that provides meaningful recreational and social opportunities for children and adults with various special needs. I am also serving as a committee member for the Fire Foundation of NW Iowa, which seeks to make private, parochial education more inclusive for children with special needs. My wife and I have a daughter with special needs, so organizations benefiting those children and adults are particularly close to our hearts.
What is your vision for the future?
For Siouxland to be a vibrant and exciting community, where the cost of living is affordable, there are numerous entertainment, social, and educational opportunities afforded to the citizenry. I hope that our downtown areas, in particular, can continue to develop and add even more unique and exciting businesses and urban living opportunities. I would also like to see a continued commitment to affordable housing so that those who want to live here are able to and we don’t lose valuable members of our community to larger markets. I believe we are fully capable of becoming one of the more dynamic communities in our region if we are all willing to work together.
What would you like to see happen in Siouxland?
To see Siouxland continue to grow and prosper. As a native Siouxlander, I feel there has been more development in the past ten years since I have been home than I can ever remember. We need to continue to be innovative and willing to embrace change to attract businesses and young professionals to our community. I would like to see continued collaboration between city leaders and local developers, and entrepreneurs. I feel that Siouxland has a rich history. We should embrace that and help revitalize certain neighborhoods and areas throughout our community, which other cities in our area (Omaha and Sioux Falls, to name a few) have done to great effect.
What are you doing to make that happen?
I have served on economic development boards throughout the community and was part of the team that helped launch Marto Brewing Company in an area of downtown that had sat vacant for years. I love the rich history of Siouxland, so I am always particularly interested in projects that help to renovate and revitalize the historic buildings in downtown. As an attorney, I have had the great fortune to work with a number of entrepreneurs in our community and help them realize their dreams of business ownership and development. It’s also very important for me to continue to serve on boards and organizations that give back to our community, especially those organizations that work with special needs and underprivileged children.
How can people help you make that happen?
Be willing to serve if called upon, or simply volunteer your time and experience. Siouxland has an abundance of non-profit organizations always looking for willing individuals to serve. I have seen firsthand the impact that one can have and would stress that it doesn’t always have to be a financial contribution. We also need to continue to support our local businesses and promote new business development. Buy local, be willing to attend ribbon cuttings, and be willing to connect with other business owners at the chamber and social functions. We all want to see this community thrive and reach its full potential.
What quote or saying inspires you?
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
― Winston S. Churchill