Jared Engelbert, PCDC Board President, Will Focus on Downtown Growth and New Industry Development

May 7, 2025

Jared Engelbert, Vice President of First State Bank, was recently named the new President of the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) Board of Directors. He succeeds Shane Westcott, who served as board president for two years. Engelbert has been an active member of PCDC since he moved to Holdrege, and his passion for Phelps County is evident from the committees he participates in and the ideas he shares.

“We are in the middle of the action in Phelps County, and we’re pushing for positive development,” says Engelbert. “When I talk to people across the county, they have heard of PCDC and recognize our goals for growth and improvement.”

Phelps County is approaching a period of change, and Engelbert wants to ensure these new opportunities and industries don’t harm the factors that make the region special. He is just as passionate about existing downtown companies and the local community as he is about bringing in new businesses. Learn more about his vision for the coming year and what PCDC is working on.

Engelbert Will Continue Working on Major Industry Projects

Economic development is a lengthy process, which means projects aren’t neatly wrapped up by the end of the board year. Engelbert and the rest of the Board of Directors will continue to move projects forward that previous committees started.

One of the most significant projects PCDC is working on is bringing DG Fuels to the region. Farmers will be able to sell their corn stover to the processor so it can be made into synthetic fuel.

PCDC is also working with Zea-Sun to potentially bring a facility to the area. This company produces human-grade sunflower oil and plant-based proteins.

Both of these companies highlight how PCDC takes a forward-thinking approach to agriculture. There will always be a need for farmers to support American consumers and companies, but opportunities for value-add crops and processing can create new streams of income in Phelps County.

He Will Also Invest Time in Developing Existing Businesses

Phelps County is home to multi-generational businesses and companies that have watched this community change through the decades. Engelbert sees the hard work that these companies do and how they support Phelps County residents. One of his top goals for the year is to provide resources to existing companies to help them grow.

“There’s tons of pride of ownership in the businesses people have and the homes people live in,” says Engelbert. “You can see that people care about where they live and how they work hard to take care of it. There are a lot of people who understand how hard you have to fight to maintain your community.”

Engelbert shares his love of the Iron Horse Arts District and Downtown Holdrege. His goal is to do more than just maintain these areas; he wants to improve them for the next generation of Phelps residents.

“We want it to be the best small-town experience it can be,” Engelbert adds.

One asset that PCDC offers businesses is its GO! programs, which support various efforts, including start-up development, downtown revitalization, housing incentives, and workforce development.

PCDC Will Focus on Meeting Housing Demand

Limited housing inventory is a national problem, with experts identifying a deficit of 5.5 million homes in the United States. Phelps County isn't immune to this crunch, and the team at PCDC has been working to increase housing inventory to support residents.

“We’ve made it a priority to be creative and open-minded with how we grow our housing supply,” says Engelbert. “Anyone can approach us with potential solutions, and we will support them if they make sense.”

PCDC works to secure grants and has professional relationships with city leaders across Phelps County to identify potential housing solutions.

“Growing housing inventory is essential to increasing the population of Phelps County,” says Ron Tillery, Executive Director of PCDC. “This problem won’t be solved overnight, but we are applying multiple solutions and exploring ways to help residents (and future residents) find the homes they need.”

PCDC Used This Transition Period to Adjust Its Committees

As the new board year starts for PCDC, there are new committees in place that reflect the changing economy and needs of the region. PCDC consolidated some committees, created new ones, and is looking for passionate residents who want to get involved.

PCDC board members staff most committees, but business owners and Phelps residents with expertise in the topic can also participate. Engelbert encourages anyone who wants to be involved in the growth of Phelps County to contact PCDC.

“Awareness about PCDC has greatly improved,” he says. “We strive to be transparent in everything we do. The more people involved, the more they are aware of what we are doing.”

Conclusion

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.