Two New Multi-Million Projects Announced at Annual Meeting

Phelps County is Feeding and Fueling America was the theme for PCDC’s Annual Investors Meeting at JB’s Sports Bar & Grill on April 2.

With the announcement of two new multimillion-dollar projects, Phelps County is on the verge of a major economic boom that puts the county at the forefront of the bioeconomy movement.

PCDC outgoing Board President Shane Westcott announced two new Phelps County projects that will bring more than $100 million in new investment to the county. Nebraskaland Aviation plans to build a more than $12 million fertilizer plant in the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park, and Zea Sun, a sunflower processing plant, will invest $90 million in its new facility in Phelps County. 

These projects are in addition to the now $7 billion DG Fuels sustainable aviation fuel plant that was announced in August. 

“Growth and new activity are occurring countywide,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “Phelps County’s visibility and reputation are growing, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when more projects arrive at our door.”

Westcott praised Phelps County’s leadership in agriculture and economic development.

“Phelps County is not only a leader in agriculture and farm practices, but we’re leading a revolution in rural industrialization,” he said. “Adding value to what we produce will benefit every business and every family in our region.”

Westcott gave an overview of PCDC milestones in the past year:

• Strategic focus on the BioEconomy
• Completed infrastructure development for Northern Meadows where five newly constructed homes have already sold, and five more are planned soon
• Rural Workforce Housing grant helped build the first of three homes in Bertrand
• GO! HOME grants helped 20 new families purchase homes ($3.5 million in total real estate sales)
• PCDC grants assisted in improving 11 downtown building facades
• Three new downtown apartments created with PCDC assistance
• PCDC helped 15 news businesses start or expand
• 14 High-Demand Jobs Scholarships awarded
• Financial sponsor for Janssen Auto Tech and CNA programs

Westcott pointed out that strong retail sales this past year generated more than $770,000 in LB840 sales tax funds, which was $120,000 more than projected. Extra funds will help with infrastructure development at the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park and with other development projects.

Keynote Speech: DG Fuels Update 

The keynote address was given by Julie Bushell, President of GSD, LLC., coordinator for DG Fuels and founder of the Nebraska BioEconomy Initiative.

Bushell talked about her childhood in rural Maryland, where she was raised among corn and tobacco fields. When she was 10, the tobacco industry took a hit, and ag land was plowed up for a Department of Defense project.

“Even as a kid, eliminating ag land for the Department of Defense didn’t make any sense to me,” she said. “Ag is national security. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to protecting agriculture.”

For the last 22 years, she has worked to promote agriculture and rural economic development. She has supported center pivot dealers, advocated for farm bills, and helped establish more rural broadband.

“None of that has been as fulfilling as working with Phelps County and your incredible leaders to grow this community and control your destiny,” she said. 

Bushell said DG Fuels will provide local producers with an additional $150 million of off-farm revenue annually and 650 quality careers. She said Phelps County is now DG Fuels’ priority project and priority location. Current work on the project includes conducting an aquifer impact study and advocating for the value of reindustrializing rural America with the Trump administration.

“PCDC, with your strategic growth plan, you are controlling your own destiny,” she said. “Thank you for your leadership and for showing the state how it’s done and for securing our nation.”

PCDC Board & New President

PCDC President Shane Westcott passed the gavel to Jared Engelbert, vice president at First State Bank in Holdrege.  Engelbert will serve as PCDC’s Board President for the next two years, pending official approval by the board on April 14.

Engelbert was also re-elected to another four-year term along with the following directors: Janet Boehler, Legacy Purpose LLC; Grant Ericksen, Principal Financial Group; Phil Hinrichs, Farm Bureau Financial Services; Jeff Moon, AgWest Land Brokers; Doug Stevenson, Olsson; and Shane Westcott, 3W Farms LLC.

Engelbert outlined PCDC’s goals for 2025, including:

• Advancing DG Fuels, ZEA Sun, and Nebraskaland Aviation projects
• Preparing for the impact of the new projects on housing, daycare, and other services
• Pursuing retail diversification
• Supporting existing business growth and expansion
• Adding vitality to all Phelps County communities