Tor Olson, a board member of McCook's Lied Main Street Program from 1997-2002, cuts a slice of cake for McCook businessman Walt Sehnert, who, with other downtown business owners and McCook officials, celebrated McCook's return to the Main Street Program which is designed to help communities revitalize their downtown business districts through economic development and historic preservation. [Click to enlarge]

The Nebraska Lied Main Street Program welcomed McCook back into its folds with a ceremony Tuesday afternoon to unveil the community's four new highway signs.

J.L. Schmidt, director of Nebraska Lied Main Street Program, told the 30-or-so gathered for the ceremony on a corner in downtown McCook, "It's wonderful to welcome McCook back into the Main Street Program."

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy commended McCook for participating again in Lied Main Street, a program designed to help communities revitalize their downtown business districts through economic development and historic preservation.

McCook was an active member of the Lied Main Street Program from 1997 until 2002, and has returned to the program in an effort to re-energize its downtown and capitalize on Main Street's resources and technical support.

Lt. Gov. Sheehy said that downtowns have always played vital roles in the development of communities. Even today, he said, shopping malls are being built to resemble what downtowns once were.

"It's great to look at your main street, and see a significant amount of traffic," Sheehy said over the sound of cars and pickups driving by on the bricks that make up Norris Avenue and East and West D streets. "That is what happens when people work together to improve and revitalize their downtown."

Sheehy said he's excited about the renovation of McCook's historic Keystone Hotel -- which sits prominently on the downtown corner -- into a technology business center. "I look forward to watching that progress," he said, "and the impact of Lied Main Street on downtown McCook."

McCook businessman and Main Street program board member Tor Olson said it was fitting to conduct the Lied Main Street ceremony in front of the Keystone Hotel. "The Keystone has been a cornerstone of the community for many years," he said, "and its best days are yet to be seen with its preservation plans." McCook, too, with its involvement in Lied Main Street, has better days coming, Olson said.

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Rex Nelson, director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., said downtown is symbolic of "all the vitality and energy that was here at one time." He said that involvement in the Lied Main Street Program is symbolic of McCook's efforts to revitalize its downtown and restore its energy.

Pam Harsh, director of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, encouraged those gathered for the ceremony, "Watch how we work together. Watch how we prosper."

Nebraska Lied Main Street Program

The Nebraska Lied Main Street Program is dedicated to providing Nebraska communities with the opportunities to strengthen local pride and revitalize historic downtown districts by utilizing the Main Street Four Point Approach. J.L. Schmidt is Director of the Program.

Main Street merchants, building owners, and local government officials have learned how to promote their downtown business districts, make their buildings look attractive and functional, how to market their wares, how to attract new customers and better serve the ones they have.

Together we have learned that the future of Main Street will likely be determined by the community's ability to find a sustainable economic purpose. Without economic vitality, the Main Street goals of design, organization, and promotion will not be achievable in most communities. Profound changes are occurring within America's retail and service sectors that are directly affecting the historical economic underpinnings of rural downtown.

THE MAIN STREET FOUR POINT APPROACH™

Design

Improving downtown's image by enhancing its physical appearance--not just of buildings but also streetscapes, window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, promotional materials--all elements conveying a visual message about the downtown.

Organization

Building consensus and cooperation between many groups playing roles in downtown. Many individuals and organizations have a stake in the economic vitality of downtown including bankers, property owners, city and county officials, merchants, residents, professionals, civic groups the chamber of commerce, schools, real estate agents, and others.

Promotion

Marketing downtown's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists, and others. Promotions create a positive image of downtown through retail promotions, special events, and on-going programs that build positive perceptions.

Economic Restructuring

Strengthening the existing economic base of downtown while diversifying it. Activities include helping existing businesses to expand, recruiting new businesses, converting unused space into productive property, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown merchants.

THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES

Comprehensive

Downtown revitalization is a complex process and cannot be accomplished through a single project. For successful long-term revitalization, a complex, holistic approach must be used.

Incremental

Small projects and simple activities lead to a more sophisticated understanding of the revitalization process and helps to develop skills that will help solve more complex problems and difficult projects.

Self Initiated Help

Continued long-term success depends on the desire, involvement and commitment of the community to find the solutions that will build downtown into a viable industry in the community.

Public/Private Partnership

Both public and private sectors have a vital interest in downtown. Each sector has a role and must understand the other's strengths and limitations. Working together, the public and private sectors can marshal complementary resources that can maximize the impact of a downtown revitalization strategy.

Asset Enhancement

Business districts must capitalize on the assets that make them unique. Every district has unique qualities, such as the distinctive buildings and human scale that give people a sense of belonging. The individuality of each community forms the foundation for a successful Main Street program.

Quality

Quality must be emphasized in every aspect of the revitalization program, from marketing materials and promotional events, to public improvements and window displays.

Change

To improve current economic conditions, revitalization program leaders must work to change public attitudes about the commercial district. Main Street requires a new look at downtown's use, purpose, and future.

Implementation Oriented

A primary goal for a Main Street program is to create visible change and activity from day-one. Small successful improvements at the beginning of the program can gain public support and foster community pride.