About PCED
Legacy of Phillips County
The History of Phillips County Economic Development makes our committee what it is today. An Economic Development group was originally formed in 1971, under the name of Phillipsburg Area Industries, Inc. This volunteer board was organized for the purpose of development projects and encouraging growth in Phillipsburg. At that time many challenges faced Phillips County such as outward migration of youth, declining population, and need for infrastructure improvement. Fortunately, many individuals over the 35 years served in volunteer leadership capacities to assist with the improvements in Phillips County. We thank them for their time and dedication in making Phillips County what it is today.
Phillipsburg has a legacy of successful small-town businesses. A lot of these businesses are into the second or third generation of families. Examples of this are seen up and down Phillipsburg’s Main Street, with businesses like Witmer Drug, Scott-McCoppin Book Store, Ace Hardware, Olliff-Boeve Funeral Home, and Miles Furniture. Within the last 10—25 years, Phillipsburg gained companies which contributed to the employment base for many of our citizens. Quite a few of these companies have increased and are still an accomplished business today. Several of these businesses are the successful projects and past accomplishments of the PAII organization. These accomplishments include assisting with the development of companies such as Tamko Industries, Mineral Right, Inc., Alco, Subway, Orschelns, Heartland Marketing, and a full Industrial Park.
During the early 90’s, PAII, became two separate entities. The PAII, became 1) Phillips County Economic Development and 2) Phillips County Development and Community Foundation. Both of these boards continue to function as volunteer boards, for the betterment of our county.
In November 2002, the first full time paid director was hired for Phillips County Economic Development, to coordinate and directly participate in economic development projects and activities on a day to day basis. The board members continued to volunteer a large portion of their time for board meetings and assisting with the special projects. One project that has come to completion is the Prairie Horizon Ethanol Plant. It began operating August 8, 2006.
The current Phillips County Economic Development Committee was formed by the Phillips County Commissioners with the passage of Resolution 458 on October 17, 2005 in Phillips County, Kansas. This committee, made up of five (5) appointed committee members through Phillips County, is intended to encourage new businesses to be developed or to locate in Phillips County and to encourage existing businesses to expand, all of which will result in an increased tax base and increased employment.