As you make your way through downtown Ord, you’ll notice a lot of new activity at the corner of 16th and K Street. That’s because a new business is not only up and running, it’s thriving. Vehicles fill the parking lot, customers pop in and out of the office, and a new business owner casts a friendly wave to those stopping or driving by as he transitions vehicles with license plates from local and surrounding counties in and out of his new shop.
With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Scott Philbrick added “business owner” to the many hats he wears in the community when he opened Scott’s Auto in October 2021 in the formerly vacant commercial building in Ord that some may recall as the old Phillips 66 Station. Scott not only offers automotive work to repair and maintain your vehicles, but he also offers exceptional customer service because he genuinely cares about his customers and their safety when they’re on the road.
When presented with the opportunities of taking a job in Broken Bow or starting his own business, he began exploring what it would look like to become a business owner in Valley County by seeking information and resources from the Valley County Economic Development (VCED) and Ord Area Chamber of Commerce office.
While working with his team of professional advisors – his banker, attorney, and accountant – to build the foundation of his business and secure financing, Scott also chose to pursue a sales tax loan to help finance his new business. This revolving loan program, administered by VCED, was created as part of the voter-approved Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB840) and offers gap financing for business start-up, expansion and transition projects. While the 1% sales tax is collected on taxable goods and services within Ord, businesses throughout Valley County can utilize the program.
Scott chose to do business in Ord and Valley County because of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists in our area – the financial resources, professional advisors, technical support and even the encouraging words from friends and community members. The ecosystem that exists here is not only powerful for start-ups but for businesses as they continue to grow and expand. When residents choose to shop local, they contribute to the success and growth of our community. When an aspiring business owner walks into a bank to ask about financing, new opportunities unfold. When a local business owner offers a friendly wave to a neighbor when he’s opening his shop in the morning, that instills a sense of pride and connection with the place where one lives and works. It all contributes to the vitality and progressive nature of our county-wide community.
To schedule an appointment for your vehicle repairs and maintenance, contact Scott’s Auto at (308) 750-3847. Learn more about the sales tax loan program by contacting the Valley County Economic Development office at (308) 728-7875.
