MEDC sees quality people, bright future for McCook

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kirk Dixon met with an impressive number of area residents over the last few weeks, and he's enjoying every minute of it.

"We have such quality people here in southwest Nebraska. I get more excited with each meeting I attend and with each resident I visit with. It's impressive how committed and excellent our people are," said Dixon earlier this week.

As of Monday, he has coordinated just shy of 100 personal interviews and met with more than 60 others via community and luncheon groups since accepting the position in late April, just to name a few. He also received input from more than 80 McCook Senior and Junior High School students via focus groups and solicited others for input online.

He set a simple goal for himself, aside from learning the story behind those he meets with one-on-one, he wanted to know what other people thought was great about McCook and what was missing.

Dixon discovered people love McCook and living in Southwest Nebraska for a wide range of reasons. The presence of an award winning hospital with healthcare professionals committed to regional service, excellent educational and library facilities, neighbors willing to help out when needed and a proud sports tradition stemming from an engaged youth, were among several recurring themes.

Dixon said many residents prefer the accessibility that comes with living in a small community, especially relating to the ease in forming relationships with other residents while still having the option to remain anonymous.

"We have quality people here," said Dixon, touting a mix of farmers, ranchers, railroaders, former and active military, with local and national business. Many of which he said are parents and grandparents working hard to do the very best they can so their kids can be raised right.

Many of the people Dixon spoke to are proud of McCook's historical heritage and notable political leaders at the state and national level. "Many firsts can be named among McCook history, including one of the first small town YWCAs in America. The only Frank Lloyd Wright home in the state and today you can see a variety of home architecture styles showcased throughout our community," he said.

Dixon is a bit of a history buff and is quick to credit former, as well as current, community leaders for their accomplishments.

"We have a living history among us, individuals who by the sweat of their brow and an earnest commitment to making a positive difference for their family and neighbors have led, built, influenced and invested in programs and businesses to make our lives better. There are simply too many to mention, but names like Graff, Graves, Harpst, Jones, Klein, Korell, Morris, Tappe and Sehnert have come up in numerous conversations, among others over the past three weeks. I consider these leaders not necessarily by their position but by the results of their actions, 'true trailblazers' still active and working here among us," said Dixon.

Dixon said the conversations indicated McCook is an incredibly well run town with a sound city infrastructure, a city proud of its rich and storied history. McCook is an important retail hub for rural residents and surrounding communities, with quality education, healthcare and low crime, he added.

"All of these efforts provide a life quality quotient which can be admired across the state and the U.S. for a community our size. We offer countless opportunities for individuals to get involved in the community to make a positive difference in other's lives - and they do," said Dixon.

Dixon also asked residents what types of projects they wanted to see more of to keep McCook competitive throughout the region. He subsequently settled on four main areas to address going forward; existing businesses, new businesses, housing and long range planning.

"Today we have new challenges as we manage population demographic changes, new generational interests and new economic trends. These problems are opportunities we must confront now to move forward, get better and preserve our values and quality of life," said Dixon.

Among Dixon's lengthy list of improvement strategies is a coordinated planning process to create a 10-plus year vision for McCook.

"It will continue to take hard work, more than words I know, and a lot of teamwork. I am confident that working together with the city, our chamber, the MEDC board, the Community Foundation, Hospital Foundation, college, our schools and various community leaders and volunteers we can and will get to our collective vision to 'Grow McCook,'" said Dixon.

For 7th graders it may be a whole lot simpler. The most popular response from 7th graders tasked with listing "What's Great in McCook" was Mac's Drive-In by a wide margin, according to Dixon's focus group results. Park activities/parades, Loop's Brewing Co. pizza and Sehnert's Bakery all made a strong case for second place.

Similarly, a wide variety of national restaurant chains dominated the 7th grader's list of responses addressing; "What's Missing?"