Congratulations to everyone involved with 21st Century success

We knew things would be different in the 21st century, but it's amazing for those of us who lived most of our lives last century how quickly the changes have happened.

No, we're not living a Jetsons-like existence -- most of us commute to work with 19th century technology and household robots are the domain of a few techno-geeks who will pay hundreds of dollars for an automated vacuum cleaner of dubious utility.

But, say, 20 years ago, who would believe that one of the fastest-growing high-tech companies would find a home right here in Southwest Nebraska? Or that people in charge of a tank battallion in Iraq or far-flung power plants or automated factories around the world would depend on someone living and employed in McCook for instant answers to vital questions?

That's the situation that is developing with 21st Century Systems Inc., which celebrated its 10th year in operation with an open house at its offices in Brady Hall at McCook Community College.

Founded by a former University of Nebraska professor to develop decision-making software, the company has expanded from its initial U.S. military customers into a market for safeguard software for private industry such as power plants and companies with extensive technological investments.

McCook plays an important role in this expansion, serving as a backup nerve center in case of a disaster in Omaha.

It is also a help center as well as its original role as a software development site.

Named as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in 2004, the company has grown to 150 employees this week in McCook and nine other American cities, with 20 new contracts under development.

The company has outgrown its Brady Hall environs, and although it hopes to occupy space in a new Keystone Hotel development, may move into other temporary quarters first, as it expands beyond the current 10 workstations.

Residents are familiar with the serendipity nature of 21st Century's location in McCook -- a chance airline encounter between company president Jeffrey Hicks and Sen. Ben Nelson, but the community was ready to act.

Then-mayor Jerda Garey was able to put Hicks in touch with the college and McCook Economic Development Corp., which were able to offer 21st Century the space and infrastructure -- broadband Internet -- needed to make it happen.

Congratulations to the company, college and development interests who made it all possible.

There is no reason 21CSI should be the last high-tech company to take advantage of all that our area has to offer. We're confident that we'll be ready when the next opportunity comes along.