MEDC touts 'best of' list

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

McCOOK, Neb.-- Soon after McCook's birth as a railroad town in 1882, Nebraska's major newspapers nicknamed McCook "The Magical City of the West."

More than a century and a quarter later, the title still seems appropriate, with this now modern "Magic City" on the edge of the American West garnering more than 24 "Best Of" honors in the past two years.

"I'm absolutely amazed," said Kirk Dixon, the executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp. "Since arriving in McCook in April, I have scoured the Internet and have found more than two dozen Top Ten "Bests" for McCook in state and national rankings.

Dixon -- who unveiled the "Best Of" selections at Monday's MEDC meeting, said he is in awe of the people of the McCook area for all they have accomplished.

"You folks have embarked upon an "era of excellence" that is the envy, not only of many in our state, but also a great number of people in small towns and cities nationwide," he said.

So, curious citizens want to know, what kind of "Bests" are you referring to, Mr. Dixon?"

"Let me count the ways," he responds.

"To start," Dixon announced, "McCook is ranked as the Number One 'Best City for Commuters' in Nebraska.'" That top ranking is based on an exclusive analysis by Obiela, an insurance rating group.

In its analysis, Obiela declared, "Nebraska is one of the least expensive places to live, the third best of any state in the nation, and the fourth best state for commuters." Impressively, in a ranking of the 15 best commuter cities in Nebraska, McCook is at the top, ranked "Number One Best City for Commuters" in the entire state.

Not only that, Obiella declares, McCook is also a great place to launch or grow a business.

"The city's Keystone Business Center hosts a Certified Business Incubator to help entrepreneurs start their ventures," the insurance analyst declares.

"Plus," Obiela adds, "the McCook Economic Development Corp. offers further incentives to attract and retain businesses." Obiela points out, "Initiatives like these increase McCook's job opportunities, which means residents don't have to travel for employment. That could be why 85 percent of locals get to work in 15 minutes or less."

What better proof could there be for the "It's About Time!" slogan which originated in Councilman Gene Weedin's 'Marketing Hometown America' study group?," Dixon asked.

In rapid fire order, Dixon clicked off a bunch of the 'Top Ten' and excellence rankings that McCook has garnered in the past two years.

The outstanding community accolades include:

* Most charming small town;

* Regional health care excellence;

* Best place to retire;

* Best city for the arts;

* Most beautiful town;

* Excellence in education;

* Best places to live;

* Safest city;

* Top disc golf course site;

* Best place for turkey hunting;

* Best place for deer hunting;

* Top whitetail deer hunting spot;

* Amazing spot to go fishing;

* Best place to nurture business.

And. over and above all this, there's McCook's spreading reputation for quality dining, with Fuller's Family Restaurant rated as the "Best Diner in Nebraska," and Mac's Drive-In rated among Nebraska's best burger places; Sehnert's Bakery picked as a top donut maker; and The Coppermill and Loop's Brewing Company garnering excellent reviews for outstanding menu items.

Topping off McCook's era of excellence, Red Willow County is listed among the Top Twenty counties in Nebraska for having a reasonable Cost of Living.

If your organization would like to hear the "Best Of" story first hand, you're invited to get in touch with the McCook Economic Development Corp. The person to call is Angela, Allen, the MEDC administrative assistant. You can reach her by calling the MEDC office at 308-345-1200.

Or, if you prefer to communicate by email, you may email: angela@mccookne.org.

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  • Sometimes we can not see the forest for the trees. That might be the case for us in McCook. We are quick to be critical of the city but fail to see what others see....that McCook is blessed to be on the "best of.." lists of those not living here. Share the good news.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Aug 24, 2016, at 8:11 PM
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