PCDC Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award

The International Economic Development Council awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.

AUGUST 28, HOLDREGE, NE – PCDC received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC.) The award specifically recognizes PCDC’s website in the populations of less than 25,000 category. PCDC will be honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.

"PCDC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its website,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “This award highlights PCDC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development. It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to PCDC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development."

PCDC launched a revised website in August 2023 that features the faces of Phelps County people and the things that make Phelps County unique. PCDC hired a local photographer and videographer to capture the new images for the website.  

One of the judges commented that “the site combined quality photography that shows both the quality of life with business investment opportunities while also providing updates on programs. Very impressive.”

Another judge said, “It’s a very robust website with a lot of good information for business owners.”

Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, said the exceptional projects that are receiving this year’s awards “showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field. PCDC’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”

Every year, IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

“PCDC is grateful to receive recognition from such a prestigious organization like IEDC,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “Our website is the first impression of Phelps County for many prospective businesses and new talent, so putting our best foot forward has always been a priority. Our partners at Golden Shovel help on so many levels to elevate our game.”

About PCDC

The Phelps County Development Corporation, or PCDC, leads economic development efforts for Phelps County in south-central Nebraska. PCDC offers assistance programs for local businesses while serving as the single point of contact for primary industry expansions and relocations. PCDC supports a healthy local economy primed for growth. We advocate with local officials and collaborate with regional partners to provide business support. This means businesses can efficiently and effectively carry out their mission with less red tape, fewer hurdles, and more assistance. Learn more at PhelpsCountyNE.com.

About the IEDC

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.