Southwest Nebraska has a lot to offer

There's an old joke about a place being "a great place to be from," but an effort to persuade Nebraskans to return to the good life they left behind seems to be gaining momentum.

An Associated Press story today outlines some of those efforts, and reminds us of the opportunities right here in the Cornhusker State.

"When you get older, you realize there's more to life than palm trees and mountains," said Columbus native Dan Davidchik, who recently moved back to his hometown from Denver after attending college at Iowa State and serving in the military.

Former McCook Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Don Mihovk, vice president for communications for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted the "brain drain" and need to counteract it.

"We educate and provide a great education for our citizens, but sometimes they look beyond the state," he said. "We just want to let them know that they can come back."

Some of the methods include the private Web site, MoveBackToNebraska.com, started by an expatriate who came back, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's effort to increase the state's population. The site includes a database of about 100 former Nebraskans who are seeking employment here, who can be matched with employers.

Most Nebraska communities have some sort of recruiting effort under way, with varying success depending on the job opportunities available.

Southwest Nebraska is no exception. The South Platte United Chambers of Commerce is involved with the Business Beyond the Farm recruiting effort, and the McCook Economic Development Corp. and McCook Area Chamber of Commerce are doing all they can to make the transition "back home" as easy and inviting as possible.

New jobs are the key to attracting young families, but Southwest Nebraska has had success as a retirement location as well. And, while affordable housing is available, the local effort to increase and improve local housing is an in important ongoing project.

We are in a good position, midway between Lincoln and Denver, to compete not only with other states, but with the rest of the Nebraska itself.

With a new elementary school, attractive golf courses, new retirement facilities, fully-accredited hospital and nursing home, thriving industries, and some of the best weather in Nebraska, McCook and Southwest Nebraska have a lot to offer.