Business strategies session set

"With our ideas and effort, we have the power to pump new jobs and money into the McCook area economy," said Shaner, who serves as business coach for the McCook Economic Development Corp.

The matter is of such urgent importance that Shaner has invited Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman to meet with citizens of the area to discuss business strategies.

"I am focused on the economic vitality of our state," said Gov. Heineman. "I look forward to speaking with citizens of the McCook area on this issue and hearing their thoughts as we continue to move forward."

The start-up session will be Friday, Jan. 30 at the McCook Christian Church, 507 West B Street.

The session, which will start at noon Friday, is open to people in the area who are committed to business growth and development. That includes former business owners, current business owners, bankers, investors, and people with ideas for a new business, product or service.

"We're going to share ideas and explore possibilities," Shaner said. "We're going to learn from one another and, hopefully, start a movement that will uplift this area with renewed business vitality."

To encourage attendance, the officers and board of First Central Bank are providing a free lunch for the first 50 people who sign up. To make reservations for a Mexican food lunch served by El Puerto, you may either call Shaner at 340-2698 or send an e-mail to sue@mccookne.org.

"Business development and encouragement are the reasons I was hired as the business coach for the McCook Economic Development Corp.," Shaner said. "The movement needs to spread throughout the area, not only in McCook and Red Willow County, but also in Indianola, Culbertson, Cambridge, Curtis and all the other towns around."

The focus needs to be on entrepreneurship. Shaner explains: "Entrepreneur is a term you don't hear a lot, but it's a term we need to embrace. Entrepreneurs are American heroes. They are the people, who throughout our nation's history, have organized and operated businesses, and, most important, taken the risk for business ventures. When we look at the future of this region, it will be entrepreneurs who determine our economic fate."

More plans for home-grown business development are in the works, including using one floor of the Keystone Hotel as an incubator -- or start-up place -- for new businesses.

"We need your help to start and grow businesses," Shaner said. "Join Gov. Heineman and business-minded people Friday, Jan. 30, for the Entrepreneur Network meeting at McCook Christian Church. By working together, we have the potential to start a new surge of business growth in this area."

-- Gene O. Morris is the retired publisher of the McCook Daily Gazette. He now serves as a free lance writer. He may be reached by phone at 308-340-5972 or by e-mail at geneomorris@yahoo.com.