Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Gratitude

As 2025 comes to a close, the Phelps County Development Corporation looks back with gratitude on a year marked by major milestones, renewed momentum, and the powerful partnerships that continue to shape our community’s future.

1.    Iron Horse Business & Industry Park Milestones

One of the year’s most significant achievements was seeing the first major project break ground in the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park. Iron Horse Ag’s (Nebraskaland Aviation) $12+ million fertilizer plant became the park’s inaugural tenant. A second project, a solar farm planned for 11 acres of the park, is close behind. These developments are thanks to the foresight and planning of community leaders currently and over the past few decades. With these first tenants and infrastructure now developed, we look forward to welcoming more new tenants to the business park.   https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65107/fertilizer-plant-first-project-in-b-&-i-park

2.    Housing Momentum Across the County

PCDC continued to support housing development to meet workforce needs. The Northern Meadows subdivision saw its first five homes sold and construction started on five more homes. Eventually, the new subdivision will have 30 new homes. New duplexes were built in the CREW subdivision on the east side of Holdrege, adding another four new homes to the city. Bertrand Community Builders continues moving forward with a remodeled home now completed and for sale and another couple homes planned to begin soon.   https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65102/new-homes-on-the-market-across-phelps-county

3.    Progress on DG Fuels

Work continued behind the scenes on the DG Fuels project (a $7 billion synthetic aviation fuel plant) as PCDC collaborated with the GSD Partnership to navigate federal approval and funding. The Ag Advisory Team also began meeting with producers to secure the feedstock supply needed for this transformational project. Olsson has been commissioned to conduct a comprehensive water evaluation at the site. We look forward to hearing more announcements about this project in early 2026.   https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65065/dg-fuels-and-pcdc-commission-regional-hydrogeologic-evaluation-in-preparation-for-dg-fuels-operation

4.    Support for Small Businesses Growth

Several small businesses, including Funky Monkey Shaved Ice, The Hive, Catrinas Mexican Cuisine, Adorn Lighting, Tuner Body Shop, Caring Friends, A Page Turner, 607 Studio, Turner Digital Solutions, Judy’s Cleaning Services, Black Sheep Products LLC, Klein’s Custom Leather, GIA Insurance in Bertrand, and Real Estate Connection all received consulting help, grants, or loans from PCDC, reinforcing our commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship.

5.    Investing in Future Workers

PCDC awarded $23,000 in High-Demand Jobs Scholarships to 11 students. These students are studying fields such as education, nursing, and engineering.  They plan to return to Phelps County after graduation to strengthen our workforce.  https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/64322/pcdc-awards-23000-in-scholarships

6.    National Recognition for the Business Journal

The Phelps County Business Journal was honored with a Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council. This honor highlights the professionalism and dedication behind the publication and its role in telling the story of business growth and opportunity in our county.  https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/64553/pcdc-newsletter-wins-international-award

7.    Welcoming New Leadership

In October, PCDC welcomed new Executive Director Jeff Hofaker, who expressed deep gratitude for the warm community welcome he has received. Hofaker said he is “grateful for the incredible privilege to be a strong community, servant leader for Phelps County through PCDC.”  https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65100/hofaker-takes-the-helm-of-economic-development-in-phelps-county

8.    Honoring a Decade of Service

PCDC reflected with appreciation on the decade of leadership provided by former Executive Director Ron Tillery. His work strengthened Phelps County’s economic development culture and elevated the county’s visibility statewide, and we wish him success in his new venture, NebraskaGSD.  https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65976/a-decade-of-direction-tillery-reflects-on-decade-of-leading-pcdc

9.    Celebrating Business Excellence

PCDC added two new inductees to the PCDC Hall of Fame, Dairy Queen Holdrege and Rite Way Milk, honoring their long-standing contributions, investment, and commitment to Phelps County’s economic and community vitality. https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/65517/rite-way-milk-and-dairy-queen-inducted-into-business-hof

10.    Spreading Holiday Cheer with GO! Sparkle

To close out the year, PCDC launched a new GO! Sparkle grant program offering $250 matching grants to local businesses to add holiday lights to their buildings, helping brighten storefronts and build community spirit.

Above all, PCDC is grateful for the community leaders, organizations, and residents who collaborate each year to make Phelps County stronger. Their dedication, teamwork, and hometown pride fuel every accomplishment on this list.