Main Street program revived

LINCOLN -- By unanimous vote, McCook has been selected for renewed participation in the Nebraska Lied Main Street Program. Action was taken Wednesday by Lied Main Street directors in Lincoln.

"This is exciting news," said Pam Harsh, executive director of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. "Main Street offers many programs to help the business district."

Rex Nelson, executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., also applauded McCook's selection. "The Lied Main Street organization provides valuable assistance for retail marketing and store front improvement."

McCook formerly participated in the Lied Main Street program, but withdrew from the organization in 2003 due to the lack of financial support. This time around, membership was pursued through a cooperative effort of the McCook Chamber of Commerce, the McCook Economic Development Corp. and promoters of the Lied Main Street concept.

A nine-member committee is now developing a plan for McCook's participation. Committee members are Jim Ulrich, Terri Shipshock and Kristin Stagemeyer from the Chamber; Don Moore, Aaron Kircher and Mark Graff from the EDC; and Bill Longnecker, Betty Kenner and Steve Leopold representing the Main Street supporters.

To help launch McCook's participation, a Main Street Training Institute will be conducted in McCook in early 2007. This is basic training to learn the four-point approach to downtown revitalization, said J.L. Schmidt, the state director of the Lied Main Street Program.

Harsh and Nelson praised Tor Olson for his efforts in reviving the Main Street effort in McCook. "He's not a downtown merchant, but he saw the benefit of the Main Street program and pushed for its revival," Nelson said.

McCook was one of three Nebraska communities approved to join the Main Street program.

The others approved Wednesday were Grand Island and Elkhorn.