In the News

Mike Borden Bettered Phelps County with Friday Cruise Nights

Monday, June 29, 2020

More often than not, community projects can take months of planning, scores of meetings, and a plethora of phone calls to prod them into being. But sometimes community movements can spontaneously spring to life when the right person with the right life experiences, and community spirit takes note of the world around him and does something about it. In Holdrege, Mike Borden was that person and Friday Cruise Nights was his brainchild to better his town during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Borden was acutely aware of the toll the pandemic closures were having on the almost two dozen restaurants in Holdrege...

Local Manufacturer Seeks Apprenticeship Applicants

Friday, June 26, 2020

It may sound too good to be true – a full-ride scholarship along with a job that pays students when they are working and when they are attending class. But, it is true. BD Holdrege is offering students a chance to earn a degree with no debt plus get paid to work at BD at the same time with its Mechanic Apprentice Program. This is the second year the apprenticeship has been offered. It allows students to earn a degree while receiving on-the-job training in a variety of manufacturing areas at BD. “Our whole goal with the program is to provide youth i...

Manufacturing Major Driver of Phelps County Economy

Friday, June 26, 2020

Employees producing insulin syringes at BD, light towers at Allmand Inc. and farm equipment at Hawkins Manufacturing are making a major impact on the Phelps County economy. According to a new report, manufacturing is Phelps County’s second-largest employer and generates more than $677 million annually into the local economy. Nebraska Public Power District Economist Kenneth M. Lemke, Ph.D., compiled the numbers in a new market report to highlight the economic contribution of manufacturing to Phelps County. Manufacturing jobs employed 850 workers in Phelps County in 2018, placing second only to agriculture jobs that employed 900. BD, which employs nearly 650 workers, is th...

McQuillan Selected as Newest PCDC Board Member

Friday, June 26, 2020

Chris McQuillan, vice president at First State Bank of Loomis, has been appointed as the newest member of the Phelps County Development Corporation board of directors replacing Michele High, who has retired after serving for 15 years. “I am thankful for the opportunity to work with some of the best leaders in Phelps County on the PCDC board,” McQuillan said. “This board, and economic development in general, is extremely important because if you aren’t going forward, you’re going backward, in my opinion. I think there is a great opportunity to make Phelps County, south-central Nebraska and Nebraska as a whole a very desirabl...

Nutt Retires from PCDC Board

Friday, June 26, 2020

Tom Nutt is retiring from the Phelps County Development Corporation Board of Directors after serving for eight years. “I’ve really enjoyed my time serving on the board,” Nutt said. “I’ve enjoyed working with all the different members over the years. I think PCDC is a great organization, and they are helping bring new business into the county while continuing to support existing industries like ag.” Nutt currently serves as chairman of the Phelps County Board of Supervisors and will continue to serve as a supervisors’ liaison to the board (ex officio member). He said serving on the county board and the PCDC boar...

Veterans Memorial Fundraiser Planned for Sept. 19

Thursday, June 11, 2020

The first annual Veterans Memorial Fundraiser is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19, at Holdrege’s South Park and will include some of the Swedish Days activities that were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. South Central Nebraska CERT in cooperation with other area organizations is planning the Veterans Memorial Fundraiser, a full-day event to raise money to build and maintain a new veterans memorial. The event will take place from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. with a groundbreaking at 4 p.m. and an official renaming of the South Park to Veterans Memorial Park. “We have all been cooped up for a long time with this virus...

Get Nebraska Growing: DED to Co-Administer COVID-19 Relief Grants

Saturday, May 30, 2020

May 27, 2020 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – As announced today by Gov. Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will co-administer four new State grant programs — utilizing $392 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act COVID-19 Relief funding — to help support Nebraska’s economic recovery. The grants are designed to provide assistance to individuals, families and businesses that have been economically impacted by COVID-19, and will fill gaps by addressing four critical areas of need: Financial support (i.e., support for operating costs) for small businesses and for livestock producers. Workforce training and retraining for un- and underemployed Nebraskans. Enhance...

Nebraska Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska Selects Local Participant

Thursday, May 21, 2020

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce that Rochelle Jurgens has been selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska Class XIII. Rochelle is the Controller and Finance Manager for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. She is responsible for the supervision of all accounting functions and management of all finances. Rochelle and her husband co-own Holdrege Soft Water in Holdrege. A graduate of Holdrege High School, she received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting at University of Nebraska at Kearney. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from UNK. Rochelle is ...

Cobblestone Hotel will Open in July

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Construction on the new Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is scheduled to be completed in mid-June, and the hotel plans to open to the public on July 10. Jeremy Griesbach, the company’s president of development, announced in mid-May that the hotel would open in Holdrege on July 10. After an October groundbreaking, construction began on the new $4 million, 45-room, two-story hotel in November. It is located at 814 Burlington Street on the busy Highway 183 corridor. The Phelps County Development Corporation was a leader in organizing the investor group for the hotel and spurring the project after a hotel study indicated th...

Health Care Industry Adds $103 Million to Local Economy

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Health care is the third-largest employer in Phelps County and generates nearly $103.8 million annually into the local economy, according to a new report. Nebraska Public Power District Economist Kenneth M. Lemke, Ph.D., created the report that shows concrete statistics about the economic contribution of health care to Phelps County. “Healthcare operations and the services they deliver are key to a community’s viability, yet the sector is often overlooked as an economic driver,” said Ron Tillery, Phelps County Development Corporation Executive Director. “In Holdrege, the hospital, clinics and associated enterprises contribute more than $103 million to the region’s economy.” The industry also provide...

PCDC Launches Website for Veterans Memorial Project

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Phelps County Development Corporation is sharing its resources to enhance Holdrege with a new attraction. PCDC has launched a website to promote the Holdrege Veterans Memorial, which will honor veterans who served in one or more Federal services of the United States Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard. “PCDC is hosting the website since we have the capability of lending our platform to another stand-alone website,” said Ron Tillery, PCDC’s Executive Director. “We've donated our time and services to help move the project forward.” No additional cost is incurred to PCDC or the veterans' memorial committe...

Kristine Jacobson Selected as President’s Priceless Pick by Reed McClymont, PCDC President

Monday, May 11, 2020

Reed McClymont, president of the Phelps County Development Corporation board of directors, announced today that Kristine Jacobson is his selection for the 2019 President’s Priceless Pick. Each year, a community member that has demonstrated sustained dedication in support of PCDC’s mission is honored by the sitting president. In announcing his selection for the preceding year, McClymont pointed to Jacobson’s contributions to PCDC’s marketing and publicity efforts. “Kristine is a gifted writer who helps refine our message. Phelps County has a higher profile because of her, and as an organization we’re more effective,” he went on to say. Jacobson is a native o...

Magic Multiplier Infuses Nearly $200,000 Into Local Economy

Friday, May 01, 2020

PCDC’s economic recovery programs infused nearly $200,000 into the local economy in April. On Friday, May 1, the Phelps County Development Corporation awarded $41,244 to Phelps County business owners, bringing the total Magic Multiplier program distribution to $94,042. Those funds matched $94,042 in gift certificates purchased from area retailers, restaurants and service businesses between April 1 and April 17. PCDC has also awarded $9,584 in digital development grants to ten businesses, making the grand total of the money pumped into the local economy $197,668. “The community stepped up, and I believe that PCDC provided meaningful financial support to more than 70 individual businesses...

Leadership Nebraska honors 5 Lincolnites

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Thirty Nebraska leaders, including five Lincolnites, were recognized for completing Class XII of Leadership Nebraska with certificates and commemorative awards at a commencement ceremony Feb. 20. Leadership Nebraska Class XII members who graduated included Lincolnites Misty Ahmic, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska; Ben Baumfalk, First Five Nebraska; Edward Boone from State Sen. Tom Briese's office; Jennifer Heaton, Nebraska Bankers Association; and Peggy Reisher, Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska. Read full article.

How One Major Trade Group is Tackling the Worker Shortage Crisis

Monday, April 27, 2020

Coming off a record-setting run for economic development in Wisconsin, what is former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch planning to do for an encore? Just last week, we learned the answer. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin announced Nov. 12 that Kleefisch would become the organization’s official “Jobs Ambassador,” a role she intends to use to promote careers in the skilled trades. ABC is a national U.S. trade association representing the non-union construction industry. Read full article.

Economic Recovery Plan Infuses $150,000 Into Local Economy

Friday, April 24, 2020

With the extra incentive of PCDC’s Magic Multiplier gift card program, local residents purchased more than $75,000 in gift certificates to Phelps County businesses in April. PCDC programs aimed to give area businesses a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be successful and became a model for other communities across the state. “PCDC is overwhelmed by the community's positive response to the program, and we see it as emblematic of our culture - we take care of each other,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. The Phelps County Development Corporation and its program partners (the Phelps County Community Foundation and the Holdreg...

PCDC Partnership Paves Way for New Home

Friday, April 24, 2020

Thanks to a local partnership with PCDC, a new home now brightens the corner of 11th and Logan Streets where two dilapidated homes once stood. Through a partnership between the Phelps County Development Corporation and the South Central Economic Development District, Inc. (SCEDD), Holdrege has a new home to help fill the local need for workforce housing. “It was a great partnership with PCDC to be able to get that property,” said Sharon Hueftle, executive director of SCEDD. “That neighborhood has some nice things going on. We think it’s a great way to continue to enhance the neighborhood.” PCDC purchased the lot an...

PCDC Sparks More Than $80 Million in Local Investments

Friday, April 24, 2020

In the past three years, more than $80 million in local investments have resulted through the direct or indirect work of the Phelps County Development Corporation. These figures are reported in PCDC’s new Market Impact Summary, which was prepared by an economist at Nebraska Public Power District. PCDC has supported, recruited or provided assistance for $80.3 million in local projects and has helped create between 87-117 new jobs in Phelps County. “This report provides PCDC investors and civic leaders with a snapshot of their Return On Investment,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “This initial version covers the past three years, but w...

PCDC Watches for Local Opportunity Amid Worldwide Pandemic

Friday, April 24, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced some businesses to close or experience slow foot traffic, it has created overtime work and extra sales for others. The Phelps County Development Corporation staff has been closely following the latest trends in how the virus has impacted local, state and national economic activity. The PCDC staff is also closely monitoring how the local economy could find opportunities in this pandemic. PCDC partners with nationwide data, marketing and recruitment firm Retail Strategies who recently provided a broad overview of how COVID-19 is impacting different sectors of the retail market. According to Retail Strategies, the following businesses categorie...

An entrepreneur’s guide to long-term marketing strategies amid COVID-19

Thursday, April 23, 2020

While lowering the cost to human life remains of utmost importance during the COVID-19 outbreak, the virus is also fiercely impacting businesses across the globe. In the United States 17 million people, 10% of the workforce, filed for unemployment in a three-week period, and the OECD projects world GDP growth will fall to 2.4% in 2020. Lacking the deep pockets and credit lines that more established corporations can fall back on during times of economic disruption, the startup community will surely be jarred by the rocky economic road ahead. Read full article.

Why a U.S. Recession May Be Further Away Thank You Think

Thursday, April 23, 2020

With all the media talk over a looming recession, is it time to start worrying about one? The answer is an emphatic “no,” says Dr. Ted C. Jones, chief economist and senior vice president for Stewart Title Guaranty Company in Houston. Citing economic indicators from real estate sectors, American industry and the larger economy, Jones told an audience of 185 people in North Port, Florida, earlier this month that virtually all major signs point to continued expansion of the U.S. economy through at least 2020. Read full article.

SUSPENDED: Magic Multiplier Gift Card Grant

Friday, April 17, 2020

After an amazing response from consumers to purchase gift cards from businesses impacted by mandatory health directives Operation Magic Multiplier is not taking additional applications for reimbursement. The day following the first disbursement of nearly $53,000 to at least 63 Phelps County businesses, the number of applications received had exceeded the remaining funds available. PCDC reallocated $75,000 from other budgeted activities to support and protect local businesses by matching gift card purchases dollar for dollar. PCDC will process the remaining requests for reimbursement in the order received with checks being processed on May 1st. The requests will exceed the amount available s...

COVID-19: What Should Employers Consider As They Adapt Their Background Screening Program?

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Businesses continue to operate despite the global reach of COVID-19. And while some industries are seeing a momentary downturn in hiring, others are experiencing a seemingly insatiable need for talent. From workers supporting the supply chain to healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, the need to identify and onboard workers is more critical now than ever. And for many organizations that are experiencing a lull in hiring, the shift to remote work presents new risks that may have been previously unconsidered. Workers who are out of sight should not be out of mind. Read full article.

Cruise brothers buy Prairie Hills Golf Course

Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Cruise brothers — Justin, Nick, Eric and Kyle — learned to golf at Prairie Hills Golf Course between Pleasanton and Kearney. The brothers, who grew up on a nearby Pleasanton farm, golfed there all the time, according to Justin. He said he took lessons as a kid in the ’80s from the original owner, John Weber. Read full article.

President Signs Two Broadband Bills

Thursday, April 16, 2020

On March 24, President Trump signed two bills designed to enhance the availability and security of 5G and other broadband services. The first bill, the “Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act” or the “Broadband DATA Act” requires the FCC to develop rules for fixed, satellite and mobile broadband providers to create and update accurate maps of broadband coverage across the country, and to prohibit broadband providers “from selling, leasing, or otherwise disclosing for monetary consideration any personally identifiable information to any other entity other than for purposes authorized under this title.” Especially in these times when people are force...

PCDC Gift Card Program Generates $52,000 in 10 Days

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

In the first 10 days of PCDC’s Magic Multiplier gift card program, local residents purchased more than $52,000 in gift certificates to more than 60 Phelps County businesses. With PCDC matching gift card sales, that means more than $100,000 was infused into the local economy giving area businesses a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic. “PCDC is overwhelmed by the community's positive response to the program, and we see it as emblematic of our culture - we take care of each other,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. The Phelps County Development Corporation distributed the first wave of Magic Multiplier matching funds at ...

Ten Things We Need To Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, a $2.3 trillion relief package designed to help individuals and businesses weather the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The headliner of the CARES Act was the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new loan package designed to put $350 billion into the hands of small businesses for use in paying employee wages and other critical expenses over the coming weeks and months. As of the morning of April 15th, nearly $250 billion in cash had made its way t...

Resilience after recession: 4 ways to reboot the U.S. economy

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is already affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and it’s poised to get worse before it gets better. Our primary concern is for the health and welfare of all those affected. The COVID-19 outbreak’s economic impacts also will be staggering and long-lasting. Every sector of the economy — from finance to airlines, retail to restaurants — is feeling the effects. Layoffs are happening across the United States. Jobless claims are skyrocketing. No doubt, the economic hardships faced by many Americans need to be addressed. The recently passed $2 trillion stimulus package is a much-needed short-term response. My colleagu...

The Rise of Everyday Entrepreneurs and Their Economic Impact on Communities

Monday, April 13, 2020

In cities and towns all across the United States, a quiet but growing movement of self-determined capitalism is changing the way many see their place in the modern economy. Everyday entrepreneurs have become self-sufficient, using their talents and resourcefulness to create their own commercial ventures with the help of websites. Their innovative approach is not only improving their economic prospects, but enhancing the viability of the communities they live in. As policymakers and others take a deeper interest in the future of work, the ventures of everyday entrepreneurs signal a transformation in the future of workers, who are using th...

Two new businesses seeking council approval for Hilltop Mall parking lot space

Monday, April 13, 2020

The company that divided the former Herberger’s building into four separate businesses at Hilltop Mall is planning more developments for the parking lot property on the south end of the mall. On Tuesday, the Kearney City Council will consider a proposal by Hilltop Holdings LLC to add a commercial building east of the new Juice Stop business that occupies the former Wells Fargo drive-thru bank. In addition, Hilltop Holdings wants to build a restaurant near Second Avenue, across 50th Street from the closed Golf USA building. Read full article.

Tips to Help Phelps County Businesses Make it Through COVID-19

Friday, April 03, 2020

Businesses are struggling financially as the response to COVID-19 has led to a reduction in consumer spending, some business closures, contract and payment delays. Business will eventually get back to normal, but what do you do in the meantime? We have compiled a list of suggestions for businesses to consider. #1 Join local Facebook groups for information and support There are several Facebook groups designed to provide networking, information and support to Phelps County businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We recommend joining them to stay up to date. Business in Motion Facebook group---Phelps County business owners and managers, employees, etc. ar...

Investment Club Gives Return on Community Projects

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Local residents learned about community investment clubs at a February gathering organized by PCDC. Cliff Mesner, an attorney and developer from Central City, shared the history and success of the Central City investment club. Mesner said he and a group of investors started the club more than 25 years ago when they realized they needed venture capital to attract projects to town. Central City already had city sales tax funds through LB840 and tax increment financing options (Holdrege has these as well), but sometimes that wasn’t enough. Venture capital is often needed for start-ups and emerging companies that have a high probability o...

Local Business Owners Show Creativity During Challenging Time

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

From creating cookie kits to offering curbside pick-up, online workouts, gift card campaigns and deliveries, local businesses and organizations are getting creative to keep their businesses going and serve customers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The local business owners are flexing their entrepreneur muscles to rise above adversity,” said Carley Bruning, PCDC’s Director of Business Services. “This trying time is uncomfortable and challenging, but they are showing the community that ‘thinking local’ is relevant now more than ever.” Many local restaurant owners have started promoting take-out and curbside food pick-up to help prevent the potential spread of the virus Lost Wa...

NEW PCDC Tools and Shop Local Promotions Support Local Businesses

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Local residents are heeding the call to stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and local businesses are feeling the pinch. The Phelps County Development Corporation continues to partner with area businesses to help them through this time and continue to build a strong local economy. While PCDC always promotes shopping local, they have stepped up efforts even more during this time with new economic recovery tools and the revitalization of the Concrete Solutions Facebook page. “It's obvious that the retail sector, especially the hospitality segment, has been significantly affected by measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19,” PCDC Executive Directo...

PCDC Launches Economic Recovery Tools

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

HOLDREGE – Two new PCDC initiatives will give a boost to local businesses that are seeing reduced foot traffic and sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phelps County Development Corporation’s Economic Recovery Plan includes the Magic Multiplier Gift Card incentive and Digital Development grants. The gift card program is a partnership between PCDC and the Phelps County Community Foundation, who will each match the value of every gift card purchased at Phelps County businesses to help the business owners and local neighbors in need. If a customer purchases a $50 gift card, the business owner will receive $100 (with a $50 matc...

Chamber Executive Urges Local Support

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Executive Director of the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the general public to support their local businesses during this time of dealing with Covid-19. Angie Bruna says as area businesses adjust their work schedules and daily routines, area residents need to show their support. "I think there is a lot of fear and uncertainty that is going around, but then there is that resiliency. I am really proud of our community. We went from reactive to proactive in a simultaneous step". Bruna says it is important to support local businesses NOW, instead of waiting to support them AFTER Covid-1...

Superior voters reauthorize tax for economic development

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Voters in the city of Superior have approved special-election ballot proposals to continue the city’s economic development program and to extend and increase the municipal sales and use tax to help pay for it. According to unofficial results released Tuesday by the Nuckolls County Clerk’s Office, the economic development ballot question was approved by a vote of 325-237, or 58% to 42%. The sales tax question, which called for increasing the local-option city sales and use tax from 1% to 1.5%, received an affirmative tally of 306-257, or 54% to 46%. Read full article.

Nebraska again does well in economic development rankings

Tuesday, March 03, 2020

Nebraska continued its string of high finishes in Site Selection magazine's annual rankings for corporate facility investment projects. The Sioux City area, which includes Dakota and Dixon counties in Nebraska, came in No. 1 overall for 2019 in the small metro category (under 200,000 population), with 18 projects. Omaha came in third among metro areas with 200,000-1 million population, with 34 projects. The city had finished first in the category in 2018. Read full article.

Dave Rippe To Speak at PCDC Annual Meeting

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Hastings developer and former state economic development professional Dave Rippe will give the keynote address at PCDC’s Annual Meeting on March 19. Rippe, who has been instrumental in the recent revitalization of downtown Hastings, will speak on the theme “Do Epic Stuff: Never Underestimate the Power of Thinking Small.” Rippe is co-owner of Queen City Development Co., a consulting and development organization, and he previously served as the director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Prior to that, he worked as the executive director of Hastings Economic Development Corporation. He has helped bring innovative solutions to Hastings by renovating buildings tha...

Holdrege’s Largest Employer Selected For PCDC Award

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

In the mid-1960s, Phelps County leaders had the vision to grow Holdrege. They heard about a company that wanted to expand in Nebraska, and they took action to recruit Beckon-Dickinson to Phelps County. BD started its Holdrege operations on October 16, 1966, in a 12,000-square-foot building with 66 employees. Today, BD’s facility spans close to 400,000 square feet, and it has grown to become the county’s largest employer with more than 600 workers in a variety of well-paying jobs. The Holdrege BD plant is the world’s largest producer of insulin syringes, manufacturing more than 2 billion syringes each year and millions o...

Local Company ‘Scoots’ Its Way Into Business Hall of Fame

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Electric scooters for adults are gaining popularity in cities around the world, where millennials are choosing this form of transportation for its low cost and energy-saving benefits. And although there are just a few scooters zipping down the streets of Holdrege, a local company is one of the leading sellers of li-ion powered adult electric scooters on Amazon. Glion Electric Scooters was at the forefront of producing electric scooters for adults and has a patent on its Dolly foldable electric scooter. The company is owned by Holdrege resident Robert McCormick and his business partners Jeff Kong and Wei Chang, who live i...

More DREAMS Coming True with PCDC Downtown Grants

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The Screen Machine, Fye Law Office and Wagner Irrigation are the three newest downtown businesses to make improvements with the help of PCDC’s GO! DREAM program. “PCDC makes this whole process so easy, and they want to see the downtown improve, and they want to see these businesses thrive,” said grant recipient Aubri Nantkes, owner of the Screen Machine. The Screen Machine applied for and received a GO! DREAM Exterior Remediation Grant for new electrical wiring, new LED lights, and new HVAC system to bring their building up to code and to support the machinery they have and have purchased to expan...

All Units Rented at New Iron Horse Flats in Downtown Holdrege

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

After a year of construction, the new Iron Horse Flats downtown apartment project is complete, and all 18 living units are occupied. Chanse and Cristina Beinke of Loomis, owners of Smart Choice Property Management, purchased the building in October 2018 and with a plan to create luxury apartment units downtown. The Phelps County Development Corporation awarded the Beinkes a $92,500 GO! DREAM grant to assist with the project. “The grant was a tremendous help,” Chanse said. PCDC’s GO! DREAM program was created to encourage downtown improvements by giving building owners the resources they need to bring to life the dreams they have for thei...

February 15 Deadline Approaches for High Demand Jobs Scholarships

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Graduating seniors, college students or underemployed workers seeking a Phelps County career are encouraged to apply for the high demand jobs scholarships offered by the Phelps County Development Corporation and the Phelps County Community Foundation. The scholarships financially assist students studying for careers that are in high demand in Phelps County, such as nursing, agri-business and technology, diesel mechanics, engineering technology, mechatronics engineering, injection mold technology, electro-mechanical technology, tool and die making, construction trades, welding and commercial truck drivers. Scholarship winners must promise to return to the county to work in one of these high-demand career fields after their education. In 2019, 1...

TIF Gives Local Leaders Power to Make Change

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an important and sometimes misunderstood economic development tool. The Phelps County Development Corporation has assisted the local Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and city leaders to gain a better understanding of TIF and how it can be used to grow our local community and how the CRA can be more proactive. “It’s a very powerful local tool,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said of TIF. “Within the guidelines of state statutes, we have a lot of flexibility in how we approach projects. TIF is meant to be used as a local tool.” In the fall o...

PCDC Announces 2020 GO! HOME Grant Program

Friday, December 20, 2019

Changes are coming to the GO! HOME program in 2020 to refocus on bringing new residents to Phelps County. The Phelps County Development Corporation will no longer offer renter relocation grants. Instead, PCDC will divert more resources to encouraging newcomers to buy homes with employer-matched down-payment assistance grants. “We are really pleased with the performance of the GO! HOME down-payment assistance program,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “We’ve had some good results with renter relocation, but we think it’s more important to prioritize home-buying or owner-occupied grants. We get more bang for the buck with that.” In 2019, PCDC received 19 application...

Ag Survey Shows Interest in New Beef Opportunities

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

A recent survey to area farmers was the first step in assessing local interest in bringing more vertically integrated livestock opportunities to south-central Nebraska. “This study serves as the opening of a conversation with regional livestock producers, or those wanting to enter that area, to determine the level of interest in diversification and new trends emerging in the business,” said Phelps County Development Corporation Executive Director Ron Tillery. With vertically integrated livestock programs, there is an already established customer, such as the Costco poultry operation in Fremont. “The ability to deliver a very specific product is enhanced, and a lot of risk i...

PCDC Plans ‘Aggressive Pursuit’ of New and Expanded Businesses

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

A nationwide data, marketing and recruitment firm completed the “Discovery Phase” of its work with Phelps County and compiled a detailed report that will guide PCDC in its efforts to recruit new retailers. Retail Strategies presented its first report to PCDC staff in mid-November. The report details the county’s demographics, current businesses, local real estate options and compares Phelps County’s retail offerings to similar-sized areas. The report is a “starting point to begin a more robust and proactive marketing effort to retailers, brokers, developers and key industry contacts across the nation on behalf of the community.” PCDC’s newly created Retail Recruitment Committee, heade...

Purchase Keeps KUVR on the Air

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

The Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA) believes in the importance of a local radio presence in a community and has purchased KUVR 1380 AM and 96.9 FM in Holdrege from Legacy Communications in Grand Island to keep local radio on the air in Holdrege. “We’re still bullish on radio,” said NRRA CEO and Loomis native Craig Larson. “Our mission is to serve agriculture and rural Nebraska. Holdrege and surrounding areas deserve their own radio station. Good local radio is important to a community.” NRRA announced its agreement to purchase the station on Friday, November 1. The sale is pending approval by th...

Community Teamwork Makes New Hotel Possible

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Holdrege will soon become the 14th Nebraska community to welcome travelers to stay overnight in a new Cobblestone Hotel. On October 2, community leaders and Cobblestone hotel executives came together to break ground on the $4 million project, which is expected to generate more than $900,000 in hotel room fees each year. The 45-room hotel will be located on Highway 183 on the site of the former Washington School. Jeremy Griesbach, President of Development for Bri-Mark Builders, said at the groundbreaking that the company now has 148 hotels open or under construction in 27 states. Bri-Mark is a Cobblestone Hotel partner company tha...

DREAMS Coming True in Downtown Holdrege

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Dreams are coming true in downtown Holdrege thanks to PCDC’s DREAM program grants. One year ago, the Phelps County Development Corporation announced the new GO! DREAM program to continue downtown revitalization efforts. In the past year, seven building owners have been approved for DREAM grants, and downtown improvements are starting to take shape. Former Opera House: Owners Great ST8 Properties (Justin and Carrie Trompke and Andi and Andrew Sweeney) received a grant to paint, install new glass and repair a brick wall at the property at 405 West Ave. This fall, the old red and white exterior was transformed to a new gra...

Janssen Auto Group Partners with Schools for Auto Tech Classes

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

A new school-business partnership will expand opportunities for area students interested in automotive technician careers. Janssen Auto Group is partnering with Holdrege High School and Central Community College to create a new career development program to train automotive technicians, a job that is in high demand in the area. Janssen Auto Group owns eight regional auto dealerships, including three in Holdrege. Owner Dan Janssen said the local program would be modeled after a similar program in Wisconsin called “Pistons to Pathways.” Although the details haven’t all been finalized, it is hoped that students would be able to earn dual credits for both high schoo...

Phelps County Recruits Employees in Kentucky Small Town

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

More than 600 workers in a small Kentucky town will soon be out of work. Phelps County leaders see this as an opportunity to help those soon-to-be job seekers and local employers at the same time. A targeted flyer and social media campaigns will promote Phelps County’s family-oriented lifestyle and available jobs to residents in Murray, Ky., where Briggs and Stratton recently announced it will be closing a production facility. “We know that Briggs and Stratton is offering assistance to those employees to relocate to other markets with jobs available,” said Ron Tillery, Executive Director of the Phelps County Development Corporation. “W...

Work Begins on Crew Housing Subdivision

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Workers started moving dirt in mid-October on Holdrege’s newest housing development, Crew Subdivision in east Holdrege. The subdivision is part of local efforts to bring more workforce housing to the community and could result in more than 40 new living units once completed. The community received a $318,500 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s rural workforce housing program and a $250,000 grant from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority to help fund infrastructure for the subdivision. The Phelps County Development Corporation earmarked $250,000 in LB840 sales tax funds to secure the grants and to put toward the project. PCDC Executive Director Ro...

Phelps County Recruits Employees in Kentucky Small Town

Thursday, October 24, 2019

CSI Lab ‘Turns on Lights’ for Students

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The new school year is starting out with new opportunities for area students thanks to the Phelps County Development Corporation and area businesses. The Educational Service Unit No. 11’s Create, Solve and Innovate (CSI) lab made its first stop at Axtell, where students were eager to experience hands-on learning with fun tools like a vinyl cutter, 3D printer and virtual reality cameras. The lab will make two-week stops at 13 schools throughout the year, allowing students the opportunity to learn and explore skills that are needed in future careers in the area and beyond. Monica Boyken, CSI Lab Coordinator, worked with teachers an...

Holdrege Becomes Destination Shopping Spot for Out-of-Towners

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Holdrege is a becoming a destination shopping location for out-of-town visitors who enjoy the cute boutiques and personalized service they receive. Local business owners say they have regular customers from Omaha, Hastings, Grand Island and Kearney who travel to Holdrege just to shop at their stores. Margaret Kring, owner of My Fair Lady’s Fashions and Frills said that in early September a customer who lives in Omaha drove to Holdrege for the fourth time just to shop at her store. “We have people routinely coming up from Kansas, too,” Margaret said. “A lot of them are coming up for the medical services tha...

New Program Develops Local Community Leaders

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Developing the next generation of community leaders is one of the goals behind the new Leadership Holdrege program. “We want to prepare the next generation of leaders to serve and encourage people who come through this program to seek out leadership opportunities, either elected or volunteer based opportunities in our community,” said Ron Tillery, PCDC Executive Director. The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership committee has taken the lead on organizing the program with help from area partners, including the Phelps County Development Corporation and Central Community College. In addition to providing staff assistance, PCDC will also be a sponsor for th...

New Study Shows Livestock Production Has $616 Million Economic Impact in Phelps County Economy

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Livestock production creates a $616 million economic impact and is responsible for providing all or part of 1,500 jobs in Phelps County, according to a recent study. While local economic development officials always knew Phelps County had a strong agricultural sector, the study shows a fuller picture and the breadth of the county’s production, and it provides guidance for future development. “We are well positioned to add diversity of production as well as expand what we have,” said Ron Tillery, Phelps County Development Corporation’s Executive Director. “We need to be prepared for it and plan for it. This information gives us somethin...

Conference Shares Struggles & Successes of Nebraska Small Towns

Monday, August 26, 2019

This summer, PCDC leaders took advantage of an opportunity to learn from the economic development successes and challenges in other communities across the state at the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Conference. Phelps County Development Corporation staff members Ron Tillery, Carley Bruning and Stacy Pafford, and board members Phil Hinrichs and Shane Westcott attended the June conference in Wayne (population 5,494). “It’s important to have directors who are engaged and willing to learn about economic development best practices,” said PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery. “PCDC’s entire staff attended, which is unusual for organization like ours, but it helps motivate and educate.” Phil, wh...

PCDC Board Selects DeWald to Help Area Grow & Prosper

Monday, August 26, 2019

A Holdrege native who returned home and started a thriving young law firm has joined the PCDC Board of Directors. Nate DeWald said he is honored to be asked to serve on the board for the Phelps County Development Corporation. “I only like to serve where I feel like I can ‘move the needle,’ and business is one of my favorite topics of discussion,” he said. “When we are talking about economic development, we are talking about improving the overall well-being and quality of life for all of the people in Phelps County. To borrow an agricultural image, we are cultivating th...

Phelps County Sees Dramatic Increase in Commercial Building Permits

Monday, August 26, 2019

Construction spending in Phelps County this year is up dramatically from last year thanks in part to work by PCDC. Commercial and industrial building permits from January to June 2019 totaled $22,853,468 compared to $580,000 for the same period last year, according to the recent economic indicators report compiled by PCDC for investors. “This report showcases strong construction activity so far this year related to several PCDC-assisted projects,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. This includes the Allmand Inc./Briggs & Stratton expansion. PCDC worked with the company on a land exchange to help make the expansion possible. PCDC, the City of Holdrege, th...

Washington Square Fills Rental Market Demand

Monday, August 26, 2019

It’s been one year since the Washington Square Apartments officially opened to renters on the site of a former elementary school in Holdrege along Highway 183. The 18 apartment units are now fully occupied by young professionals and people of all ages who need good, quality housing. “The ‘new and nice’ factor has been a big draw,” said Jennifer Yendra, property manager for Washington Square apartments. “All appliances included is also a big draw. Both of these benefits are popular features among current and prospective tenants.” Yendra said many young professionals in their 20s and 30s have rented the apartments, and many o...

Anderson’s Relationship Skills Helped Rural Nebraska

Thursday, October 26, 2017

PCDC lost a long-time board member, enthusiastic promoter of Phelps County economic development and a genuine and honest friend when Tim Anderson died on Oct. 12 at age 68. Anderson was a current PCDC Board of Directors member and had served on the board since March of 2008. But, promoting Phelps County and rural economic development was a passion of his for much longer. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, William (Bill) Anderson and his father, Willard “Bud” Anderson, who also both worked on industry recruitment and business promotion in Holdrege as volunteers in economic development. They were part o...

Governor Ricketts Praises Phelps County

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

More than $700,000 has been raised so far in the Prosperity Project II Campaign that kicked off on Thursday, October 13, at Allmand Brothers. The kickoff event and celebration attracted nearly 90 local and state leaders and investors, including Governor Pete Ricketts, Department of Economic Development Director Courtney Dentlinger and State Senator John Kuehn. Gov. Ricketts, who gave the keynote address, said he attended the celebration to encourage and support economic development efforts. “You are doing exactly the right thing, which is why I am here,” he said. “We are here to support you.” The Prosperity Project II campaign is part of the fundin...

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Ron Tillery, Executive Director

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