Westcott Appointed as New PCDC Board Member

Shane Westcott is carrying on a family legacy as he begins his term on the board of the Phelps County Development Corporation.

Shane’s dad, Marvin, served on the Holdrege Industrial Development Council (HIDC) before he died in 2009 and was passionate about helping Phelps County grow and thrive.

Generations of Shane’s family have lived and worked in Phelps County, and Shane also believes it’s important to preserve it for future generations.

“Our family is here, and we enjoy raising our kids in a smaller family environment,” Shane said. “It’s important for our town to be here in the future for everybody.”

Shane was appointed to the PCDC board in February to fill the position that was left open after the death of longtime PCDC board member Tim Anderson in October 2017.

“When they approached me to replace Tim, I looked at that as an honor,” Shane said. “He did a lot for the town and the area and even the state. He was a family friend. Plus, economic development is big for our town. It’s important to keep our community growing and thriving.”

Tim and Shane’s dad worked together on the HIDC and economic development projects in the county.

“Community was important to my dad, my grandfather and Tim,” Shane said. “It’s nice to be able to continue on some of the work they started.”

Shane graduated from HHS in 1996 and then earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness in 2000 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduation, he didn’t hesitate to return to Phelps County.

“I always knew I wanted to farm,” he said.

He started farming in Phelps County after he graduated from college with “two quarters and an 80” and now continues to grow corn and soybeans in the area.

He will be a voice for agriculture while serving on the PCDC board.

“It’s important for economic development groups like PCDC to have an influence in agriculture,” Shane said. “It’s the biggest industry in our entire state. It’s good to have some agricultural businessmen/farmers on the board to make sure their voices are heard.”

Shane and his wife, Lacie, have two children: Addison, 8; and Gavin, 5. Shane’s past community involvement includes serving on the board of the Holdrege Country Club and Pheasants Forever and being involved in the Future Fund at the Phelps County Community Foundation.

Outside of work and family activities, Shane enjoys hunting, golfing, travelling and watching Husker football.