Schmidt Selected As President’s Priceless Pick

PCDC Board President Shane Westcott selected Holdrege Irrigation Founder Lamar Schmidt as the 2023 President’s Priceless Pick.

The award is dedicated to people whose volunteer efforts have made a significant impact on local economic development efforts. 

“I’m pleased to recognize someone who doesn’t seek out the spotlight but who has helped shape this organization and our market’s viability through his personal investment and leadership,” Westcott said.

Lamar was an early investor in PCDC, in particular Prosperity Project 1, which helped get PCDC where it is today. He’s also been an influential counselor to several generations of board members. 

“Of course, it doesn’t go unnoticed that he and his family have built a major regional business, Holdrege Irrigation,” Westcott said.

The company was founded in 1991 and employs nearly 80 people. It has locations in Alda, Lexington, Ravenna, and Gothenberg. It also has several spin off companies - Holdrege Well Service, Holdrege Electric, and Holdrege Trailer sales. 

“The common theme I notice in all of them is Holdrege,” Westcott said. “Lamar has been a tremendous advocate for our town and the surrounding area and well deserving of this award.”

Schmidt expressed his gratitude for the award. He said that 39 years ago, he had three job offers, one in Columbus, one in Southern Iowa, and one in Holdrege.

“Holdrege looked like a good place to raise a family,” he said. “And it’s been a great decision. Holdrege has good people. We’ve also encouraged our kids to stay close. They have. I’ve also encouraged my grandchildren to stay close. If I had to do it all over again, I’d come to the same place.”

As far as the success of Holdrege Irrigation, Schmidt said, “All I did was hire good people and stay out of their way.”