Main Street program generates enthusiasm

Want to have some fun, and -- even more important -- get the down-deep feeling of satisfaction that comes from making a difference ? Then, get on board. You're invited to join a multi-talented hometown team in the promotion and development of downtown McCook. "We have taken the first step in making 'On the Bricks' in McCook a regional destination for shopping, dining and special events," said Becky Kilpatrick.

Becky was one of 29 local residents who took part in the Main Street training sessions Wednesday and Thursday at the fairgrounds Community Building.

"We received tools and expertise that could really help the McCook area," said Rex Nelson, the executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp. "By creating the atmosphere and improving the image of McCook, we can make our community much more attractive to our guests."

All others I called Friday morning had similar reactions. Judge Cloyd Clark, a prime mover for the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, said the previous Main Street effort (in the late 1990s) did great things for McCook, including encouraging the development of the storytelling celebration. "We need to go forward with the Main Street effort this time, too. The secret is developing a cadre of volunteers," the judge said.

Pam Harsh, executive director of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, was also impressed. "It was a good day and a half. There was an all-around show of support, and I see the momentum carrying the effort forward."

Mike Ford of Knowlen & Yates had this to say: "The future is in our hands. We need to embrace it and go foward." Mike's business neighbor from across the Norris bricks, Bill Longnecker of Longnecker Jewelry, agreed about the potential of the Main Street program. He extended special thanks to Tor Olson of Olson's Photography for inspiring the return of the Main Street program to McCook. "We all owe Tor a great debt of gratitude," Bill said.

Getting involved in the Main Street program is easy. All you have to do is show up at the Bieroc Cafe at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22. That session, called by Tor, is to decide where we go from here. The team will be deciding who's going to be working on what, and who is going to coordinate Main Street activities with the city, the chamber and the economic development board.

If you would like to know more, you can check with any of the people from McCook who signed up and attended the Main Street sessions.

The group includes a strong corps of retailers, including Matt Sehnert, Mike Ford, Tor Olson, Gary Wiemers, Max Abercrombie, Betty Kenner, Bill Longnecker, Brad Hershberger, Floyd Hershberger, Bob Elder and Sherry and Vanessa Lytle.

There are also a number of people involved who are not retailers, including Cloyd Clark, judge of the 11th Judicial District; Ivan Schmid, who directed the previous Main Street effort; Connie Harvey, a business development specialist; John and Eileen Hubert, the people who look after the Fox Theater; Duane Tappe, site supervisor of the Norris Home; Becky Kilpatrick, who calls herself a professional volunteer; Clarice Kenney and Nancy Wilhelm, retired retailers; Kurt Fritsch, city manager; Paul Hoyt and Pam Hanson, bankers; Pam Harsh, Chamber executive; Rex Nelson, economic development director; David Wilson, architect; Doug Joyce and Janet Weber, college instructors; and Penny Johnson, Karry Coburn and Gene O. Morris, newspaper representatives.

The Main Street program in Nebraska, supported by the Lied Foundation, is an exciting process, focused on the four pillars of organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring.

I can't wait to see if the enthusiasm continues. If it does, wonderful things will be happening "On the Bricks" in downtown McCook.