Diana Watson Sees How Economic Development Impacts Phelps County

The Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) supports business development, entrepreneurial growth, and residents across the region. PCDC, a non-profit organization, is supported by investors, both individuals and businesses, who make financial contributions to ensure development operations and programs continue to be led at the local level, ensuring that money collected from a special sales tax for development projects is reinvested in the community and our businesses.

Diana Watson, Regional Director and International Studies Coordinator at Central Community College of Holdrege (CCC), is an individual investor. She chooses to give personally to see economic development in her community.

“I believe in supporting and strengthening our communities,” says Watson. “Economic development at the local/county level is critical for encouraging new start-ups, supporting existing businesses, but also for recruiting businesses here, along with more residents for the workforce. That, in turn, adds to our tax base, amenities, and services, which make Phelps County a nice, livable place.”

Watson has tracked the impact of PCDC in her day-to-day life and in her work at CCC. See economic development through her eyes and why she chooses to invest in it. 

Holdrege Offers a Vibrant Downtown to Residents and Visitors

PCDC’s work can be seen throughout downtown Holdrege and other communities in Phelps County. The various GO! Programs by PCDC make it easier for downtown businesses to invest in their properties through improvements and repairs. The organization has supported new downtown murals and lighting improvements to attract visitors in the evenings. PCDC encourages downtown revitalization and provides technical and networking support with citizen leaders and non-profit groups working toward a common purpose of uplifting the downtown environment.  This collaboration to innovate this area, in turn, brings free public art to the community, a larger number of visitors stopping in our downtown, which stimulates growth in the downtown businesses and energizes more activity for the newly founded Iron Horse Creative Arts District.

“We have visionary leadership that makes Phelps County vibrant,” says Watson. “There are opportunities for arts lovers and athletes alike. Downtown Holdrege, in particular, is a great place to visit.”

These investments contribute to tourism spending and the Phelps County hospitality industry. Several professional development seminars and conferences are hosted by CCC and other partner organizations every year. These events attract people from across Nebraska and even out of state, with many attendees staying overnight. Making Phelps County a destination means more people are filling hotel rooms, dining in restaurants, visiting local shops, and staying longer rather than just passing through.

The efforts to make downtown more attractive must be working, Watson adds, because she keeps seeing new faces as more young families move here from Nebraska and out-of-state locations. This was recently covered in the Phelps Families series with the McNierneys in Bertrand and the Feusners in Holdrege. 

PCDC Works Closely With Central Community College

CCC is a valuable workforce development partner for the entire region. It serves a six-county area and offers Adult Education (ESL/GED) coursework, classes for both professional and personal development, distance-learning academic courses, hands-on Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide, and EMT classes, on-site testing services for students taking upper-level coursework through other colleges and universities, and a robust Early College program for high school students taking college courses. The Holdrege Center serves as an invaluable resource for rural Nebraskans who can’t travel long distances to attend classes.

PCDC and CCC work together to create opportunities for residents, support local businesses, and develop a strong workforce pipeline for high school students through a career fair, the early morning high school nursing assistant (NA) program, and an automotive technology certificate program. PCDC supports the CCC-Holdrege early morning NA program through its support of the apprenticeship program for high school students.

Janssen Auto Group and PCDC have also collaborated with CCC to offer an automotive technology certificate program in Holdrege. Additionally, PCDC works with the Phelps County Community Foundation to provide scholarships to both high school and higher education students through the High Demand Jobs Scholarship program for individuals who wish to return to Phelps County after completing higher education in multiple fields.  

Directly, PCDC helped CCC move to a new location in downtown Holdrege in December 2025. Its presence has boosted visibility amongst residents and increased awareness of the programs the school offers.

“PCDC is at the heart of it all, along with the Chamber,” says Watson. “They are deeply involved with businesses, industries, and non-profit groups across the county and in regional collaborations to strengthen connections across the state to better market Phelps County.” 

Watson is Actively Involved in PCDC

PCDC has a three-person staff, a 12-member board of directors, and various committees.  Watson has been part of economic development in Phelps County for many years by simply paying attention to PCDC's social media posts and newsletters. She has also been on committees to promote transparency in its programs, gain insight into project activities, and offer proactive ideas for future growth in Phelps County. For example, she serves on the Citizen Advisory Committee's ‘Watchdog’ committee for the LB840 funds, which are received from a half-percent sales tax collected by the City of Holdrege for economic development project and program support and used on PCDC’s GO! Programs.  

“A lot of people aren’t super familiar with economic development,” says Watson. “But I encourage anyone who wants to learn a snapshot of the basics and current programs/projects to contact PCDC. Jeff, Sally, and Stacy are so approachable, as are the PCDC board members. Talk to them. Learn more about their work in the community.”

Anyone can get involved in economic development in Phelps County and share opinions on how its communities should grow. Your voice could bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the region’s future, shaping it for the better. 

Become an Investor in PCDC

There are several investment tiers for businesses and individuals who want to support PCDC. Explore investment options and benefits to become an investor today. Your investment can grow Phelps County, helping businesses and creating new opportunities for your friends and neighbors.

Reach out today with any questions about economic development, local companies, or entrepreneur resources. PCDC is here to help you.

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.

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