Editorial

Determined communities find success

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Look around at the growing communities in Nebraska and Kansas. What do they have in common? Why are they expanding, while neighboring towns are struggling to hold their own?

In almost every case, it's because the successful communities have an aggressive economic development program. They are not content to rest on their laurels. They are determined to grow and attract new businesses and jobs.

We bring this up today because McCook is at a crossroads. Through the years, economic development efforts in the community have been funded in large part by private donations and volunteer boards.

Bankers and business leaders have dipped into their pockets to provide funding for the McCook Economic Development Corp., and its predecessor, the McCook Industrial Development Corp.

The leaders' efforts have been exceedingly successful. It was their work that led to the location in McCook of Electric Hose & Rubber Co. (now Parker Hannifin) and Valmont. They also played a key role in the location of the Work Ethic Camp in McCook by ranking first in a statewide prison selection process.

Now, other challenges confront the community. Among them is the Keystone Hotel project, which will include a floor of offices for the expanding 21st Century Systems operation.

But, the challenge is, it costs money to pursue the Keystone project and other growth opportunities when they arise.

To help with the economic development effort, the McCook City Council is being asked to increase the city's appropriation to the McCook Economic Development Corp. from $50,000 to $100,000. The proposal has been put forth by Aaron Kircher, a young, first-term councilman who sees the long-term benefit of growing the community.

It seems like a lot of money. But the additional $50,000 could pay for itself many times over by allowing a vigorous pursuit of economic development opportunities.

We salute Councilman Kircher for his vision and encourage other members of the council to join him in supporting increased funding for economic development.

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