September 27, 2026
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Certification Recognizes Phelps County Employers Who Support Working Families
Family-Friendly Workplace-37 invites local businesses to apply for recognition
HOLDREGE, Neb. (9/27/26) — Phelps County employers now have a new way to show their employees, and the people they hope to hire, that they value family. Family-Friendly Workplace-37 (FFW-37), a certification program built for rural and small-town businesses, is now accepting applications.
FFW-37 recognizes local employers who invest in workplace practices that help employees balance work, family, and community life. The certification looks at areas such as flexible scheduling, paid leave, community engagement support, career development opportunities, and support for childcare needs. Certified businesses receive a certification decal, a digital badge, a marketing toolkit, and public recognition through partner channels.
"When a local business makes it a little easier for parents to show up for their kids, the whole community feels it. Families stay, workers stay, and our towns get stronger. That's what this certification is here to celebrate." said McKenna Fahrenbruch, Executive Director of the Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership.
The program was built with communities like ours in mind. Rather than borrowing a model made for large corporations or city workplaces, FFW-37 treats family-friendly policies as what they truly are in a small town: a practical tool for attracting and keeping good workers.
Workforce is one of the biggest challenges facing rural Nebraska employers, and family needs like childcare often decide whether someone can take a job, keep it, or move to the area at all. FFW-37 gives businesses a way to be recognized for the support they already offer and a reason to consider what more they might do.
"Businesses that support families are building the workforce of tomorrow. We're proud to help recognize the employers who are already leading the way." said Tiffany Bolz Lincoln Federal Savings Bank member FDIC.
FFW-37 is a collaboration between the Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership, the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, the Phelps County Development Corporation, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank member FDIC (a financial sponsor), and the Phelps County Community Foundation, which serves as fiscal sponsor.
How to apply
Any Phelps County employer may apply. The application fee is $50 for large businesses (15 full time employees or more) and $25 for small businesses (15 full time employees or less). Applications are currently open and can be submitted at https://forms.gle/n5Tk9UW8qzkqKd7v8.
Questions can be directed to McKenna Fahrenbruch at holdregeareaecp@gmail.com or Tiffany Bolz at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank member FDIC at tbolz@lincolnfed.com.
About Family-Friendly Workplace-37
Family-Friendly Workplace-37 is a Phelps County, Nebraska certification program that supports and celebrates businesses that help employees balance work, family, and community. The program's vision is a region where every family can thrive because local employers support workforce well-being. When businesses support families, everyone benefits. Learn more about us at: ffw37.com
Family-Friendly Workplace-37: Where Families and Businesses Thrive.
Contact: McKenna Fahrenbruch, Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership (Holdregeareaecp@gmail.com)
Tiffany Bolz, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank member FDIC (tbolz@lincolnfed.com)