PCDC Celebrates Big Wins and Bold Vision at Annual Meeting

More than 60 PCDC investors and community partners gathered at the Holdrege Sun Theater and Event Venue on Monday, March 23, to celebrate a year of accomplishments and learn what’s ahead for 2026.

PCDC Executive Director Jeff Hofaker gave an Economic Development 101 lesson. He emphasized that economic development is a team effort, and it takes community partnerships to encourage growth.

Hofaker cited four major economic development wins in 2025:

• Iron Horse Ag’s new fertilizer plant
• Iron Horse Business & Industry Park infrastructure development
• New housing development (Northern Meadows and Crew subdivisions)
• Workforce recruitment through the GO! HOME program.

Other 2025 milestones included providing guidance and support for six new businesses (Ronda and Terry’s Funky Monkey Shaved Ice and More, Adorn Lighting, Ken’s Custom Leather, A & L Complete Accounting, 308 Bakery, and Kiddie Cove Family Childcare Center).

Hofaker said he is most impressed with PCDC’s unique GO! HOME grant program, which resulted in 30 new residents in 2025. PCDC invested $71,500 with businesses matching $39,000 for a total of nearly $5 million in real estate sales.

PCDC also awarded 12 grants for resident site improvements, 11 GO! DREAM façade and sign grants, 10 GO! BUSINESS grants, and five GO! SPARKLE grants.

PCDC continues to work with DG Fuels on the proposed $9 billion project in Phelps County. Hofaker said phase one would involve building a multi-million corn stover pelletization plant to support synthetic aviation fuel production at its first plant in Louisiana. The second phase would be the $9 billion SAF plant in Phelps County.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward to 2026, Hofaker said PCDC will continue to recruit new industry while supporting existing businesses and entrepreneurs. In the first three months of 2026, many entrepreneurs have already inquired with PCDC about launching new businesses.  

PCDC will also increase its efforts to help local businesses with workforce recruitment by attending career fairs and promoting jobs and programs like the GO! HOME down payment assistance program. Hofaker said his goals also include engaging youth and giving them a voice in the community and connecting them to apprenticeship programs.

“I would love to see every student who graduates from Phelps County to know that they can leave, but that their home is here, and they are welcomed back home,” he said.

GROW37 Partnership

Also at the meeting, PCDC launched its next five-year fundraising effort to strengthen economic and community development across the county.

Hofaker said the purpose of the campaign is two-fold.  

“The campaign will provide financial support toward PCDC general operations,” Hofaker said. “Second, it gives campaign investors (both businesses and citizens) the opportunity to be on the Phelps County team for economic and community development.”    

The GROW37 Partnership campaign seeks to raise $1.2 million in commitments to cover five years (2027-2031), to provide about $240,000 annually. This campaign will fund PCDC general operating expenses, ensuring that the maximum amount of LB840 funding is leveraged toward economic development and grant programs rather than administrative expenses.  

PCDC is the authorized organization to manage the local economic development plan (LB840) supported by a half-cent sales tax that Holdrege voters approved in 2015. LB840 is a term that refers to a state law passed by the Nebraska legislature in 1991 that allows Nebraska cities to appropriate local tax dollars, (in Holdrege’s case, a sales tax for economic development) if approved by voters. PCDC’s plan delegates 40 percent to business retention, 40 percent for infrastructure, and 20 percent for community growth, recreation and tourism projects.

In 2021, PCDC investors pledged $1 million over five years in the GROW37 Partnership campaign to support administrative costs. Previous campaigns have also raised between $1 million and $1.3 million.

Unlike previous years, a campaign consultant will not be hired. Board members and Hofaker will lead the fundraising effort, reaching out directly to current investors and potential new supporters. Since arriving in Phelps County in October, Hofaker has been meeting with business owners, managers and community members to introduce himself, answer questions, and discuss ideas for future growth.

Hofaker said he hopes PCDC can reach its fundraising goal by September, allowing businesses to plan their commitments for their coming budget year. However, investors can continue to express their interest and commitments through the end of 2026.  

Private investor support is vital for PCDC, Hofaker said.

“We rely on our investors to ensure that PCDC can continue to perform development activities that ensure the support of our businesses and communities through programs, projects, and planning for the long-term growth of Phelps County,” he said.  

PCDC staff and board express their gratitude to Phelps County businesses and citizens who have invested in previous campaigns.  

“We, the people of Phelps County, must ensure the proactive development and growth of our businesses and communities continues,” Hofaker said.