New 5-Year Plan at Top of PCDC Work

A new strategic plan, a campaign feasibility study, selling ground for a business expansion, student scholarships and business grants were some of the PCDC accomplishments presented to the LB840 Citizen’s Advisory Review Committee at the mid-year review on August 10.

The committee accepted the report as presented.

Members of the review committee are: Ron Carey, Lisa Havens, Dale Herrington, Dane Jensen, Rochelle Jurgens, Lenore Kayton, Jeanette Nedrig and Diana Watson.

This “watchdog” report serves to document the functioning and progress of Holdrege’s economic development program led by PCDC each six months. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee reports its findings and suggestions concerning the program to the Holdrege City Council.

Following are some highlights of the report:

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Contracted with Convergent Non-Profit Solutions to conduct a campaign feasibility study in March:
  • Convergent met with 86 local investors, public officials and community members
  • Determined that Phelps County would support a $1.1 million campaign
  • New 5-year strategic plan drafted based on feasibility study feedback
• Started pre-campaign work on Prosperity Project 2, a private investment campaign that will provide operational funds to complement LB840

TARGETED RECRUITMENT

• Iron Horse Business & Industry Park
  • Utility and road infrastructure review with the City of Holdrege
  • Utility and road infrastructure review with Phelps County
  • Completed preliminary development schematics
  • Custom development of schematics for use on recruitment proposal
  • Began review and update process for property development covenants
  • Worked with Olsson Associates to update site’s maps
• Commissioned Targeted Industry Study with Labor Force Analysis
  • Refinement of the business recruitment marketing efforts

BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION

• Janssen Ford dealership opened in its new expanded location in June.
  • PCDC sold property for the project and assisted Janssen Ford in securing secure tax-increment financing to make the expansion possible
• Partnered with PMHC and the UNL Extension to offer Connecting the Dots career exploration event for high school students
• Awarded 11 high-demand jobs scholarships totaling $22,000 to students who plan to return to Phelps County after their higher education
• Reimbursed The Bridal Isle in Loomis for a recent façade improvement project
• Reimbursed Countryside Market in Bertrand for a recent façade improvement project

COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS & QUALITY OF LIFE

• Housing
  • Began a process of study and evaluation regarding market housing needs
• Revised workforce recruitment website www.JustThePlaceNebraska.com so that it is now a subsite of www.PhelpsCountyNE.com
• Continued monthly Business in Motion meetings to encourage, support and provide ongoing education to local business owners