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Donations needed for the MEDC Housing Fund
MEDC continues to work to expand McCook housing. Many times when people move to McCook the advice is, “Find a place to live and then in the next 5-10 years you can find the home you want.” Some people are willing to accept this, but others do not.
Housing is hurting our opportunity to recruit people to McCook. Currently, there are 35 homes for sale on Realtor.com for McCook. A healthy housing climate would have over 100 homes listed.
The State of Nebraska approved a $10,000,000 Rural Workforce Housing Grant Fund this year. This is an opportunity where local communities can create a revolving fund to provide low interest financing to encourage new housing construction and substantial residential rehab.
MEDC is putting together a local $750,000 grant request. This will entail a $250,000 request from the state, $250,000 grant request from Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA), and requires $250,000 to be raised locally.
MEDC has already received a $75,000 matching pledge from McCook Community Development Company (MNB Bank, Pinnacle Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank) and a $25,000 pledge from McCook Community Builders (Community Hospital, First Central Bank, MNB Bank, Pinnacle Bank, and Bison Dental). MEDC will also be contributing to the fund, but can’t cover the rest of the gap.
This is an opportunity to help move our community forward. For McCook and southwest Nebraska we need to invest in ourselves. The grant application with the state requires a strong public, private partnership. If you are able to contribute, please complete the form below.
Why Donate?
- If the grants are awarded, we’ll immediately get a 200% return on donation for the housing fund.
- More workforce housing can increase the number of people that live and do business in McCook.
- The creation of the revolving housing fund will help improve our situation for decades to come.
Pledge Details
- Pledges need to be made by December 31, 2020.
- Donation is only accepted if the state grants are awarded to MEDC.
- MEDC will be informed of the grant award at the end of April, pledges will then need to be collected by June 30, 2021.
- MEDC is a 501(c)4 and contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses, if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business (consult your accountant for more information).
Pledge Form
Questions
Contact Andy Long at 308-345-1200 or andy@mccookne.org
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Community Survey Due January 1
MEDC continues to work to expand McCook housing. MEDC is currently conducting a community housing survey to apply for a grant to improve housing options in the community. There are a few other questions to help provide feedback for the community. If you live or work in McCook, please take some time to give us feedback: https://unk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Qp56HgF5wb2Vff
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McCook Cowork Space Open House – Sept. 23 – 3:30-7:00 p.m.
McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will host tours of the McCook Cowork Space on September 23rd from 3:30-7:00 p.m. This will be held in conjunction with the McCook Chamber Heritage Days Mixer at the Keystone Business Center, 402 Norris Ave. If you want a tour, show up in the lobby during these times and MEDC Director Andy Long will be available to show you the space and answer questions.
The McCook Cowork Center will provide a professional space in the Keystone Business Center to enhance entrepreneurs, remote work employees, people with a side hustle, and employees of organizations that need additional tools to support the work they do. It will also be a location for tech students in high school and college to create, learn, and train others on how to use technology to improve business. It will create connections and partnerships in how people do work.
MEDC Executive Director Andy Long talked about the importance of the space and said, “Overnight, millions of people in this country learned to work from home. People are productive and happy when they remote work, but remote workers also want a professional location to work from and we strived to produce this.”
Some of the features of the cowork spaces includes 1 Gig internet, 2-iMac computers, 1 Dell Optiplex computer, access to Adobe Creative Suite, 3 private offices with enhanced video conference capabilities, a Dymo Mailing Solution, access to a Sharp MX-3140 color copier/scanner, and multiple work stations with dual monitors. In the future the space will also add an audio/video recording room to allow individuals to create high quality material with tools an individual may not have access.
“We hope to develop creative people with the software and tools to create audio and video,” said Long. “With the growth of podcasts, YouTube, and other digital mediums we want to make sure people in southwest Nebraska can compete and promote what they do worldwide. To be successful we know we need to recruit remote workers and grow our own local businesses.”
Evening and weekend memberships begin at $40/month and full members pay $65/month. You can find out more by calling MEDC at 308-345-1200 or e-mailing Andy Long at andy@mccookne.org.
If you want to see the space and this time doesn’t work for you, e-mail Andy at andy@mccookne.org or call 308-345-1200. More information on the McCook Cowork Space can be found at: https://mccookne.org/keystone-business-center/mccook-cowork-space/
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GROW Nebraska receives USDA grant to provide digital marketing coaching to McCook Area Businesses
Today, Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO and Founder of GROW Nebraska, presented to a group of McCook area businesses on a USDA grant they received to help McCook area businesses develop a digital marketing plan.
GROW Nebraska’s USDA grant allows them to work with McCook, Sidney, and Alliance businesses for no charge to provide training, coaching, technical assistance, and free Google AdWords advertising.
“During the recent pandemic shutdown, businesses working with us and selling on-line saw an increase in sales. 83% of orders GROW Nebraska sees on-line come from out of state,” said Janell Anderson Ehrke. The training, coaching, and services GROW Nebraska provides has helped businesses adapt to the changing retail environment.
McCook Chamber of Commerce and McCook Economic Development Corporation are partnering with GROW Nebraska to make this program available to area businesses. McCook Chamber President/CEO Dawson Brunswick said, “We are happy to provide opportunities to our members to grow their business. We’re excited this opportunity will help our local businesses sell to the world.”
There is no cost to local businesses to participate in the program. The only requirement of participating is the business is a current McCook Chamber of Commerce member. To participate in the program a business goes to grownebraska.org/join. A business can choose Basic or Bundle package, choose invoice me, and don’t pay as the grant will cover the cost. GROW Nebraska will contact you for a 30-minute consultation to start the process. Funding through the grant will provide 12 months of assistance.
If a local business has more questions, you can contact Anderson Ehrke at 308.962.6767 or janell@grownebraska.org.
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MEDC Offers Destination Business Training this fall
Destination Creation is an eight week course taught via Zoom to help local, independent businesses turn themselves into a destination business. Each course is two hours in length and includes recorded video instruction from Jon Schallert and facilitation from McCook Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Andy Long.
Jon Schallert is the only professional speaker teaching businesses and communities how to turn themselves into Consumer Destinations. Jon developed his proprietary 14-step “Destination Business” process after interviewing over 10,000 independent business owners in nearly 600 cities, towns, and downtowns. During this Covid-19 crisis, Jon is focusing on helping business owners, communities, and associations with critical business information.
The Destination Creation Course is an 8-chapter class, with a new section on business tactics during the Covid-19 crisis.
New Chapter: Covid-19 Business Survival Tips
Chapter 1: Becoming a Destination Business
Chapter 2: Your Unique Positioning
Chapter 3: Your Leadership Responsibility
Chapter 4: Targeting Your Most Profitable Customers
Chapter 5: Capturing Consumer and Media Attention
Chapter 6: Creating a Customer-Focused Company
Chapter 7: Marketing Your Destination Business
Chapter 8: Collective MarketingAll of the content for the class is recorded in our Destination University online library. Content is accessed through the Destination University portal, and webinars can be viewed on your computer, mobile device, or phone. Some of the content will be viewed during the class, and participants can also view all of the content from home.
At the end of each chapter are individual questions that tie the material back to each individual owner’s business. This allows for owners to finish a chapter and immediately put into practice in their businesses the concepts discussed in the class.
More information about Schallert and the course can be found here: https://www.successfulindependentbusiness.com/
Fall Class Opportunities
Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. CT starting September 16 through November 4. Register here: https://bit.ly/2OGo76C– class attendance wasn’t high enough. There will just be on option for the class on Monday evenings.Mondays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT starting September 21 through November 16 (no class November 2). Register here: https://bit.ly/3k0XkjQ
Cost
Cost of the program is $399. McCook area businesses who complete the class will receive a $100 refund from McCook Economic Development at the end of the program.
Questions
Contact Andy Long at andy@mccookne.org or call 308-345-1200
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Brainchildren: McCook Communities for Kids’ Meeting-of-the-Minds Increases Childcare and Community
“What are the greatest strengths of your community?”
This was one of the questions that McCook’s Communities for Kids team asked in a survey sent to their families.
When Andy Long and the McCook Communities for Kids team put together this questionnaire, they were looking for answers, but not just any answers.
The team sought to create incentivizing opportunities for early care providers to open centers in their area. So, when the core team created and sent out the questionnaire, they were looking for clues to build on their community’s pre-existing strengths.
“What are the greatest strengths of your community?”
When McCook’s C4K put together this questionnaire, they were looking for clues to build on their community’s preexisting strengths.One of these strengths include a community with robust early childhood education and care. Andy Long, Executive Director at McCook Economic Development Corporation and early childhood advocate, was struck by a seminar he attended which featured the concept of brain-friendly communities.
“A brain-friendly community is one where the kids have enough; the [childcare] centers have everything they need,” said Andy.
A brain-friendly community is one where the kids have enough; the [childcare] centers have everything they need,” said Andy Long, Executive Director at McCook Economic Development Corporation and early childhood advocate. This vision ties particularly well into Nebraska Children’s vision. As an organization that strives for every child to thrive and reach his or her full potential, Andy’s words resonate with our own.
Whereas we have recently undergone some undeniably difficult times, a brain-friendly community puts aside its differences to have a meeting-of-the-minds. McCook Communities for Kids is no exception.
Communities for Kids (C4K) is one of our Early Childhood initiatives. The program further amplifies the concept of communities creating positive change. This initiative’s goal is to ensure that connections are made to create quality early childhood programs and supported caregivers.
McCook providers brainstorm what quality childcare means at the C4K kick-off meeting. When the C4K team received the survey responses, they made decisions based on their community’s strengths and opportunities. The goal was to create a series of incentives that would benefit and increase the quality and presence of early childhood professionals in their area.
Good Things Come in 3s: McCook Launches their Plan to Incentivize Childcare Professionals
The brainchildren of this survey were then born. Based on the responses, McCook’s C4K created three early childhood initiatives:
Infant Incentive – Providers receive an extra $250 per baby to increase infant care
Jump Start – $3,000 of start-up funds were awarded to three providers who completed an eight-week online class online classes and planned to open a new childcare center
Full-Ride Scholarships – Awarded to participants enrolled in McCook Community College’s Early Childhood Education program. The scholarship includes 15 credit hours, tuition, and some fees for those who upon degree completion plan to stay in the areaMoney Talks…and So Do Providers: Program Participants Describe Their Experience
Denise Kalinski, the director of an in-home childcare center, is among those recipients of the Infant Incentive. Denise exhibits a true passion for caring for children from the cradle into childhood. She also said she appreciated the extra income.
Denise said that she enjoys establishing bonds with children early on in their lives.
“I’d rather raise [children],” said Denise when asked what aspects drew her to the program. “They’ll get used to you,” she said. “They ARE your kids! My favorite is when their dad comes to pick them up, and they cry! I say, ‘I LOVE it!’ [The babies] see me a lot. I’m open for ten hours a day.”
Denise has been the proud caregiver to over 100 babies. She doesn’t intend to stop any time soon.
Denise, an in-home provider and C4K Infant Incentive participant, poses with baby Rory! “My kids are having kids,” she said. In addition to caring for generations of children, Denise said she believes that this relationship is ideal for the children as well.
“It’s a better upbringing,” Denise said regarding infant-provider care. “When they’re an infant, you need to watch them. When you watch the baby, you develop a knowledge, like a mom. You’ll begin to say, ‘That’s the hungry cry.’ Parents will text me to ask how the baby is doing. Trust is there,” she said.
Amanda, one of the Jump Start participants, relayed her positive experience, too. The eight-week program comprises a $3,000 award to early care providers who plan to open a nearby center. In exchange, the attendees will take courses which emphasize budgeting, marketing, and handbook policies.
Jump Start Orientation: McCook Community College faculty member Tyler Esch talks about the Jump Start program to individuals interested in starting a childcare business. Amanda, who has a nursing background, said she felt some anxiety when she first contemplated opening a childcare center.”
“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “Unless you’re doing the job, you don’t understand how much work you’re putting in, and I’ve never been the director of a center.”
Amanda said that since taking the online courses, she possesses a renewed sense of confidence. “Now, I feel as if I am the right person,” she said. “Before, I had doubts; now I don’t.”
The creation of handbooks course component that Amanda found particularly helpful. Amanda said that, thanks to the policy-driven portion of the class, she is now prepared to deal with many hypothetical but likely situations.
“If a parent pays late or if their check bounces, I know what to do,” said Amanda. “The policies [portion of the course] were by far the most helpful.”
Amanda said she learned a lot from the class’s marketing component as well. “The most helpful part was working on budgeting and thinking of marketing as a vehicle,” said Amanda. “Things started to click; [the course] put us in contact with local people who wanted to help.”
Between the support of the course, her bank, and her community, Amanda said she now feels confident and prepared to open her center.
Finally, we spoke with Kylea Stritt, one of the scholarship recipients currently enrolled in McCook Community College’s Early Childhood Education program. Kylea expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, as she would now graduate debt-free and with a sense of professional clarity.
Kylea said, “This scholarship guaranteed that I won’t have to worry about college debt if I meet all of its guidelines.”
She said another invaluable takeaway is that she was able to thoroughly explore and decide to pursue a career in Early Childhood.
Kylea Stritt is the recipient of C4K’s scholarship incentive. Kylea said, “The scholarship assured me that the career path I chose is the right choice for me!” “The scholarship assured me that the career path I chose is the right choice for me!” said Kylea. Kylea displayed a similar enthusiasm when she shared her experiences working hands-on with children.
Kylea Stritt is the recipient of C4K’s scholarship incentive. Kylea said, “The scholarship assured me that the career path I chose is the right choice for me!”
“I love seeing their personalities come out the more we get comfortable around each other, and watching the excitement on the kids’ face[s] when they show their parents all of the new things that they learned,” she said. -
McCook Makes Top 10 List of Most Affordable Places To Live In Nebraska
A new study from SmartAsset ranked the most affordable places to live in Nebraska. To determine the most affordable places in each state, the study analyzes local property tax data, homeowners’ insurance and home costs relative to income. McCook was ranked as the 10th most affordable place to live in Nebraska. To learn more click: http://smartasset.com/mortgage/how-much-house-can-i-afford#Nebraska
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$12,000 grants available from State of Nebraska for livestock producers and small businesses.
The state of Nebraska is using portions of its CARES act funding to provide grants of around $12,000 to small businesses and livestock producers. Read below for more information:
Livestock Producers Stabilization Grant:
Who is eligible:
- Livestock producers with 1 to 10 employees that have closed or sustained a loss of revenue or employment since march 13, 2020 are eligible to apply.
- Producers must have at least 20 animal units
- 2/3 of gross income must come from farming or ranching.
Deadlines:
- Opening Date: June 15
- Submission deadline: June 26 at 5:00 p.m. CT
First step is to submit eligibility certification:
- Businesses must submit: business name, email, state ID
- Sole proprietorship must submit: Name, email, social security #, driver’s license #, date issued for driver’s license, adjusted gross income for most recent tax return.
- Applicants must also submit Schedule F or first page of 2019 tax return.
To get started and for more information go to the state’s website here: https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/ag-grants/
Small Business Stabilization Grant
Who is eligible:
- Nebraska owned businesses with 5-49 employees as of March 13, 2020
- Businesses must have been closed or sustained a loss of revenue since March 13, 2020
Deadlines:
- Submission opening date: June 15
- Submission deadline: June 26 at 5:00 p.m.
To apply businesses must submit business name, email, state ID, withholding FEIN, and state of Nebraska business tax information from last quarter or last year depending on how you file.
To apply and get more information go here: https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/nebraska-small-business-stabilization-grant/
Learn More at: http://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/ or call 1-855-264-6858
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Digital Facade Improvement Program launched
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance for local businesses to have a strong on-line presence. A strong on-line presence along with an on-line market can allow local businesses to sell to people from home in the area and outside the area. For many small business owners, this is not an area of strength. This program from McCook Economic Development Corporation will provide up to a $3,500 match to help businesses upgrade their digital presence. The program is meant to be a partnership to provide guidance and financial assistance to help businesses increase their in-store revenue and potentially on-line revenue to create employment. Applicants will be reviewed by a committee before being approved and all expenses will be reimbursed with proof of purchase.
Application and program guidelines can be downloaded here:
Questions can be directed to Andy Long at andy@mccookne.org or 308-345-1200
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Department of Labor
COVID-19 Resources and Information – This page has information on filing for unemployment insurance benefits and the short term compensation program. The Governor has issued an executive order to ease unemployment insurance eligibility requirements.
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
DED COVID-19 Information – DED contains a variety of information on difference resources available to businesses. You can contact our DED Field Staff member Ashley Rice-Gerlach at 308-655-0919 or ashley.gerlach@nebraska.gov.
Small Business Administration
COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources – SBA offers a variety of programs including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program that can offer assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Nebraska Business Development Center
NBDC Business Resiliency Resources – NBDC offers information on different programs to assist small businesses working through a disaster. You can contact our local NBDC Center Director Charlie McPherson at 308-340-0422 or cmcpherson@unomaha.edu.
Questions
Contact our office at 308-345-1200 or e-mail andy@mccookne.org.
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MEDC Launches Early Childhood Education Access Initiatives
Responding to the lack of access of early childhood education openings, McCook Economic Development Corporation has launched three initiatives to improve access in the McCook area. The first initiative, New Childcare Provider Smart Start, provides a full tuition, books, and fees scholarship and $3,000 in startup cash to individuals looking to become a childcare provider or start a new early childhood education center. The second initiative, Early Childhood Education Scholarship, provides two, full tuition and fees scholarship to students looking to study early childhood education at McCook Community College and stay in the area and work in early childhood education. The third initiative, McCook Infant Incentives, provides a financial incentive for childcare providers to have more open infant spots available. More information on all three initiatives can be found here.
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McCook ranked #27 best small town in the country
Apartment Therapy ranked small towns throughout the country and ranked McCook the #1 small town in Nebraska and the #27 small town in the country. This goes along with the Readers Digest ranking earlier this year as McCook being the nicest place in Nebraska. Read more from Apartment Therapy here: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-small-towns-to-live-in-36677870.
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MEDC Advocates for Expansion of Skilled Trades Education
MEDC Director Andy Long addresses the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors in support of expanding skilled trades programs in McCook. McCOOK, Neb. — The head of the McCook Economic Development Corp. pledged support and suggested uses for McCook Community College’s new “East Campus,” the former Elks Club.
Read more at the McCook Gazette here: https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2643797.html
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1st Floor Retail/Commercial Kitchen Space for Rent.
First floor retail space with direct access to Norris
Avenue in the front and the future Norris Alley to the
north.- 1st Floor Retail Space/Commercial Kitchen Suite 102 & 105
- 1,735 square feet total
- Retail/Prep Space/Commercial Kitchen
- Norris Street direct access
- Rent – $1,080/month
- Average Utilities – $660/month
- Reduced rent for startup businesses
Click here for more information: 1st floor retail commercial space
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MEDC Partnership leads to Down Payment Assistance Program
MEDC has partnered with Southwest Nebraska Community Development Corporation (SWNCDC) to apply for a state down payment assistance program. Last week, the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that SWNCDC received a $295,000 grant to provide at least 10 homeowners down payment assistance. It will take a while to work out the details with DED, but if you are interested contact Andy at 308-345-1200 or andy@mccookne.org. To read more about organizations awarded the grant click here for the DED press release.
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July 2019 Director Update
Earlier this week, we hosted University of Nebraska-Omaha/University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold. Dr. Gold has had an accomplished career, first in pediatric heart surgery, now in higher education administration. His leadership has pushed UNMC forward nationally and earned him the chancellor position at UNO. This is rare in higher education for two institutions to have one chancellor. His leadership has stood out and made him the obvious choice for both institutions.
I’m sure he has a busy schedule, but he made the trip to McCook along with a team of seven of his colleagues to explore future partnerships with the McCook community. It is important for us to cultivate these partnerships and we have worked at the MEDC to develop local, regional, and state partnerships.
Regionally, we have developed partnerships to improve our housing stock. Last week, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced the Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation (SWNCBC) was one of about a dozen organizations to receive housing trust fund dollars. Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation covers the counties of Perkins, Chase, Dundy, Hayes, and Hitchcock and has one of the top state housing grant writers and administrators in Amy Thelander.
For their grant this year, MEDC partnered with them. Through this partnership, they were awarded $295,000 for down payment assistance for purchasing a home. McCook residents will be able to participate in this down payment assistance program that can provide up to $20,000. It takes a while to iron out the details, but if you would be interested in learning more, please contact me.
This was our second regional housing win this year. Earlier, we received a $405,000 grant as an innovative housing proposal with Benkelman and Cambridge. Under the guidance of Benkelman CRA Coordinator Megan Spargo, the three communities were able to come together. It takes a while to get the details in place, but this will result in new housing.
Another partnership helping meet local workforce needs is our early childhood education partnership with Nebraska Children through the Community 4 Kids initiative. After conducting our community survey with over 200 responses, we have identified increasing access to infant care, increasing the number of students in early childhood education, and helping new childcare providers get started as our top initiatives. Our core team continues to meet to work out the details on these projects. Through this project, we’ve worked closely with Tasha Wulf, University of Nebraska Extension Educator, and may have the opportunity to partner more with research being done at the university.
Along with our state and regional partnerships, our local partnerships are important. One local partner we work with is the McCook Chamber of Commerce. It has taken me a while to understand the differences between the chamber and MEDC. Our mission is to facilitate the formation, retention, attraction, and expansion of businesses in McCook and the surrounding area. This includes recruitment and assistance with the formation of new businesses. This is aimed at improving the entire community. The chamber offers training, education, networking, marketing, advocacy, and promotion designed to benefit members of the chamber. They would not be involved in recruiting new businesses and that allows more focus on helping members of the chamber succeed.
Recently, Jamie Mockry resigned as Chamber Director. Under his leadership, chamber events have moved to a higher level. With his absence, it gives the board a chance to look at what direction to go with the next director. The chamber board is inviting input from chamber members and I encourage you to attend one of the focus groups next week at the following times:
- Monday, August 5 at 4:00 p.m. at the MCC Student Union
- Tuesday, August 6 at 8:00 a.m. at Sehnert’s
- Wednesday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Keystone 3rd Floor Training Room
- Thursday, August 8 at 12:00 noon at Citta’ Deli
Rural Nebraska is changing. We need to work to control our destiny locally. We can’t wait for someone from the outside to come in and save us. With this being the case, it is important for us to continue to look to regional, state, and national partnerships where we can work with other organizations and institutions to keep moving McCook forward.
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McCook, Benkelman, and Cambridge chosen for Innovative Housing Program
Unique, exciting and replicable: three adjectives that aptly describe the projects that have been awarded funding under the DED-administered Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) Innovative Housing Demonstration Program.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the NAHTF program annually to support communities in their efforts to develop quality, affordable homes. This, in turn, promotes economic growth by empowering communities to attract and retain working residents.
On one hand, it was business as usual in 2018 as DED announced the award of 28 NAHTF applications for the annual program cycle — though “business as usual” hardly applies to a program that has helped to develop thousands of housing units across Nebraska since its inception in 1996. On the other, this year saw DED administer approximately $1.35 million from the NAHTF in an entirely new way.
Under the Innovative Housing Demonstrative Program, DED challenged community stakeholders to find creative and effective ways to address their local housing needs.
“With NAHTF funding still available, we were able to do something out of the ordinary and issue a request for proposals,” said DED Director Dave Rippe. “What we were searching for were innovative, ‘outside-the-box’ methods for addressing community housing issues; projects that would not only accomplish local objectives, but that would do so in a way that has perhaps not been done before in Nebraska, and that could potentially serve as a model for other communities.”
As anticipated, the economic development community delivered in spades.
“We received 33 proposals under the new program, and the quality of proposals made selecting a short list of finalists a difficult task,” Rippe said. “We are consistently impressed by the work of our peers in the housing and economic development communities. They provide outstanding service to our state, and are a driving force behind Nebraska’s growth.”
Ultimately, DED selected two economic development organizations and a local municipality to receive funding under the Innovative Housing Demonstration program. All projects will benefit persons who are at or below 120% of their area median income, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) will receive $450,000 to support a project that involves transforming unused, dilapidated buildings on the now-vacant Dana College campus into a variety of affordable housing options. The initial award will support the renovation of a former dormitory into a dozen apartments.
“This project is a tremendous and creative example of adaptive reuse,” Rippe said. “It, like the remaining two projects, will also harness revolving loan funds. This means the impact of our initial investments will create a ripple effect to support new investments and projects.”
In southwest Nebraska, McCook Economic Development Corporation was awarded $405,600, which it will use to finance a unique revolving loan fund created in partnership between the communities of McCook, Benkelman and Cambridge. While DED’s initial investment will fund the construction of two single-family units, the partnership framework creates a scenario where each community pitches in and everyone benefits.
“This is a project where three independent communities have come to the table with a shared vision and formed a strong, concerted plan of action,” Rippe said. “It’s a terrific example of what can be accomplished through the power of partnerships.”
Last but not least, the City of Superior will receive $500,000 to support its BOOM (“Building Owner Occupied Momentum”) initiative. This will see the City experiment with a variety of traditional and non-traditional housing options — including prefabricated container homes and cottages — to attract and accommodate families and young professionals. The initial award will support the construction of six new infill units. As homes are sold, proceeds will be used as revolving loans for additional housing activities.
“Sometimes non-traditional progress calls for non-traditional approaches,” Rippe said. “In Superior, housing leaders are finding ways to extract the biggest bang out of every investment in the community housing stock. As with each of the Innovative Housing Demonstration projects, we’re excited to see this come to fruition.”
More information related to the Innovative Housing Demonstration program is slated for release as projects are completed. In the meantime, keep following DED for the latest news and information on the NAHTF and other economic development programs.
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Sporting Goods Store is Aiming High and On Target
Written by the Nebraska Business Development Center.
Planning for and opening a first business brings many challenges, and Matt and Larry Eden of McCook found an advocate and guide in the Nebraska Business Development Center.
Matt was a heavy equipment salesman and Larry, his father, was semi-retired from farming and transportation when they decided to act upon a thought they’d been kicking around for more than two years. “The idea of a sporting goods store appealed to us because we have been hunting and fishing our entire lives,” says Larry. “In McCook, we had no other option than Walmart.”
The Edens say they felt they could offer a level of personalized customer service that isn’t found in a large chain store. Additionally, Walmart self-prohibits sales of firearms to anyone under 21 years of age. However, Nebraska law allows for sales of rifles and long guns to anyone 18 and older to be used in hunting and sporting events.
When the Edens took the concept for their new business, Armadillo Arms & Sporting Goods LLC, to their banker to discuss a loan, they were directed to Charlie McPherson, director of the McCook NBDC office.
“They already had purchased the land, and put a down payment on a building, but needed additional funding for the remainder of construction along with inventory, equipment and supplies,” McPherson says. “A lender referred them to me to assist with the development of a business plan and financial projections for the loan.”
Matt Eden says they had the framework of a five-year business plan. “We got with Charlie about three months before the building was done and he helped us refine our plan,” he says. McPherson conducted research into the sporting goods industry to compare projected revenue, profit and sales margins against figures the Edens had compiled. “We were about spot on,” Larry says. “It was encouraging to know that we were on the right track.”
Armed with McPherson’s figures and advice, the Edens were able to obtain the necessary funding. They opened Armadillo Arms in June 2017 once they had their live bait operation in place, adding inventory over the next few months. They held the grand opening of their just under 5,000-sq-foot sales building at 210 Airport Road in October.
They draw customers from a roughly 200-mile radius, Matt says. “We’ve had people come from all the way down into Kansas,” he says.
Featured products include a large selection of firearms and archery supplies, with Armadillo Arms serving as dealer for Glock handguns, as well as Xpedition Archery and Mudhole Custom Fishing Rods. The store also houses a 20-yard shooting range for bows, crossbows and BB guns. Other services include custom rod building and bait sales.
“We try to treat everybody like we would want them to treat us,” Larry Eden says.
That is the kind of care they found with the NBDC and McPherson, he says. -
May 2019 Director’s Update
Every year the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce travels the state talking about their priorities for the state legislature. Every year that I’ve attended, the message has been the same on the need to lower our state taxes. When they came to McCook last fall, I was ready to hear the same message. I was surprised. New State Chamber president Bryan Sloan said the lack of a qualified workforce is now the most pressing economic issue in the state.
Last month, the State Labor Department said there were more than 36,000 open jobs in Nebraska, across nearly all fields. Currently, the unemployment rate is at 2.8 percent and Red Willow County’s unemployment rate is 2.6%. Most people who can keep a job are working. The challenge will only become larger as the number of working-age Nebraskans actually peaked in 2018 and is set to decline for the next decade.
As I meet with employers in the area, I hear the same thing. If you go to Parker’s web page you see the following job openings in McCook: Product Engineer, Material Manager, Value Stream Manager, Production Openings, Electronic Maintenance.
At Community Hospital’s website, they currently have seven open job postings. If you are an auto or diesel technician, almost any business who employees technicians is hiring. In certain subject areas, it is difficult for our local schools to generate any type of applicant pool.
As we look at our area’s workforce demand, we are working at being proactive to meet our current and future demand. At our last MEDC board meeting, we invited Superintendent Grant Norgaard, Board President Tom Bredvick, and Kelly Rippen, McCook Community Vice President to talk about local workforce needs and what partnership MEDC can provide with education and business to meet the need.
The school district already has a great partnership with Community Hospital on exploring health careers. If you visited with our graduating seniors, you probably noticed a lot of them are going into health careers. Part of that is the careers program these two organizations have developed. As we talked, Superintendent Norgaard said he welcomes businesses to contact the school and see how they can work together to help students be exposed to the opportunities available locally. This past year, the school district held its first set of Bison Days where students got the chance to explore hobbies and local career opportunities.
The college is working on developing a program to help train more local electronic maintenance technicians. The program should be able to use the resources available at the North Platte campus to offer a hybrid education to provide technical training to people living locally in McCook. The college has also hired a new area Career Connection Coach that should assist in helping connect employers with students. MEDC is currently working with the college to develop an internship program that will help line students up with local businesses and provide the resources local employers need to have a successful internship.
This is a good start, but we need to do more. Hopefully, our health career pathways program at the high school level can be extended to the skilled trades and manufacturing sectors locally. The college has a great opportunity with the old Elks building and with area high school partnerships to offer career and technical education locally.
We will move forward at the MEDC to meet local workforce needs, but I could use your help. If you are an employer and have a local job opening, I want to know. Let me know the following:
- Job Title
- Amount of Education Required
- Pay level of the position
Many times the information used to help make decisions come from a regional or state level. We need more data on the specific positions available and education needed to help connect our local educational institutions and students to the opportunities available here. Contact me at 308-345-1200 or andy@mccookne.org if you want to visit more about your local workforce needs.
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‘Pure Shrimp’ wins Hormel Business Plan competition
(Brent Cobb – MCC News Information) Tyler McCarty’s idea to bring a shrimp farm to the area – “Pure Shrimp” was named winner of the 2019 Ben Hormel Business Plan Competition and $18,000 through McCook Community College’s Business and Community Education.
“Pure Shrimp” was selected from among seven finalists who presented business plans Friday at MCC. McCarty is working with an advisory firm in Indiana who help establish shrimp farms. This one would be located south of McCook near “M” Hill, and some of the work has already been completed in anticipation of the first batch of shrimp.
The other six finalists will all receive $2,000 to help infuse area business startups and expansion in the area. Those six businesses include: McCook Mechanical Services, LLC; Smart Hopperz, Inc.; Woody’s Small Engine; Anderson Sales; Republican Valley Trucking (Harris Trucking); and 308 Coffee Roasters
There were 21 applications in this year’s competition with 14 semi-finalists awarded scholarships to pay for tuition and fees (about $321 worth) to enroll in the mandatory eight-week on-line Entrepreneurship Business Plan writing course offered through Mid-Plains Community College.
The Hormel Entrepreneurship Competition is a partnership with McCook Community College and Southwest Nebraska area business sponsors, to help local business startups or expansion using business plan writing and a business grant and was open to those in seven Southwest Nebraska counties including Chase, Dundy, Hitchcock, Hayes, Frontier, Red Willow, and Furnas.
Gold sponsors include Community Hospital, McCook Economic Development Corp., McCook Community Foundation, MNB Financial Group and the McCook College Foundation and Mid-Plains Community College. First Central Bank and Pinnacle Bank are bronze sponsors.
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DED Director Rippe visits McCook
Director of Nebraska Department of Economic Development David Rippe told Rotary members and guests that his department is “trying to best align the resources that we have to achieve the highest return on investment possible for the state and tax payers.” Shary Skiles/McCook Gazette
McCOOK, Neb. — Communities that concentrate on quality of life and basics like adequate housing and a trained labor pool are more successful in supporting and attracting businesses, a state official told the McCook Rotary Club on Tuesday.
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New Owners for New Life
Jeri and Dick Collicott of McCook have purchased the “New Life Christian Book Store” in downtown McCook from Lisa Wilcox. The Collicotts have renamed the store “New Life Christian Store and So Much More.” Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette
McCOOK, Neb. — Jeri and Dick Collicott of McCook have purchased Lisa Wilcox’s “New Life Christian Book Store” in downtown McCook, and as of April 1, it became known as “New Life Christian Store and So Much More.”
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New owners of salons ready to carry on a long legacy of style.
Ruth and Gary Lucas, left, have sold Aphrodite Hair Design and Uncle Amos’ Crop Shop to Anna and Tanner Powell. Courtesy photo.
McCOOK, Neb. — It just feels right. There was a lot at stake, not only the future but also a history … a legacy. But it’s been a good decision.
Read the rest of the article at the McCook Gazette: https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2592248.html
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February 2019 MEDC Director Update
Last spring, the college hosted a one day leadership conference with a variety of local speakers. I still think about Clark Bates and Kyle Dellevoet talking about the thoughtful leadership transition at McCook Christian Church. They used the illustration of the 4×100 relay race and successful baton hand offs. For a relay team to be successful, they have to execute clean baton handoffs .It happens with both runners being at full speed when the exchange happens.
This isn’t just a good illustration for leadership transitions, but also local business transitions. Fortunately, I’ve seen this happen multiple times in the last couple months in McCook. McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has approved two Growth Fund loans as gap financing to help in the transition of two businesses. In each case, the owner selling has worked with the new buyers to get them up to speed. It has been a partnership to make this happen as opposed to just a straight transaction.
It is exciting we are able to provide assistance in making these business transitions happen. Through the Growth Fund loan fund, we provide gap financing for business startups, expansions, or transitions. An individual or business needs to work with a traditional lender for the majority of financing, but then MEDC is able to fill the extra gap to allow the transaction to happen. It is more complicated than this, but is a resource to local people who are looking at start-up, expansion, or transition.
Another exciting event last month that showed a transition of small business knowledge was the Hormel Competition Advisory Night. Twelve (12) contestants in the Hormel Competition attended a two hour session where first, they heard from professionals in banking and law. Then, we had half a dozen experienced entrepreneurs meet with the contestants in small groups. This allowed the contestants to talk more about their business idea. They received feedback from someone who has been successful in starting and running a business. The veteran entrepreneurs were able to give advice, caution, and help create partnerships with others in the community. It was exciting to see the knowledge passed from one generation of business owners to the next.
Along with assisting with transitions and entrepreneurship, we are also working to develop components of our strategic plan. Here’s a quick update:
Retail Recruitment – The board heard proposals from two companies that help communities connect with national retailers. The board will consider moving forward with one of these companies at the March meeting. MEDC also is continuing to look at developing programs to help new local retailers get started strong.
Housing – MEDC has worked with the communities of Cambridge, Benkelman, and with Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation to submit two state trust housing program grants to try to earn awards that will provide for new housing construction and additional down payment assistance for first time homebuyers. These regional partnerships make for stronger grant applications and allow us to learn from the expertise of housing experts throughout southwest Nebraska.
Workforce development and recruitment – We have received positive feedback on our McCook promotion video that is available on-line. We encourage everyone to share to get our name out digitally. We continue to meet with the McCook Community 4 Kids team. We have strong daycare providers in McCook already and we’re looking at how we can improve access to early childhood education as it is difficult to find infant care in the community. This has created a challenge for working parents and their employers. There will be a community survey available in the near future and we hope you will take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Keystone – Most of floors 1-4 of the Keystone are full, but we still have two spots available for rent. If you are looking for space, let us know.
As always, if you have thoughts or questions, let me know at 308-345-1200 or andy@mccookne.org.
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SmartAsset ranks McCook as Most Tax Friendly for Retirees in Neb.
In its fifth annual study, SmartAsset analyzed sales, property, income, fuel and Social Security tax data to rank locations on how financially favorable they are for retirees. The study analyzes a retiree with $50,000 in annual income to see how much they will pay in income, property, sales and fuel taxes – click on the link to see the table for the cities that lead Nebraska in retirement tax friendliness.
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Councilman, retired police officer finds new Tex-Mex career
Right, Robin and Jerry Calvin of McCook have purchased the Taco Johns’ Restaurant in McCook from Randy Harper, second from the left, shown here with his right-hand-man, his brother, Dan. Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette
McCOOK, Neb. — McCook City Councilman Jerry Calvin stopped by Taco John’s 21⁄2 years ago, in a hurry to get to a meeting. When Jerry got his order, Taco John owner Randy Harper asked him, in essence, “Do you want a restaurant with that?”
Read the rest of the story at the McCook Gazette: https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2581197.html
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MEDC – MHS partnership develops leaders, explores community.
This fall, McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and McCook High School have partnered for a new leadership program to expose seniors to area opportunities. A group of 15 seniors involved in Interact was chosen to participate in this new program.
The group meets every Wednesday at 2:00. One week the students will learn a leadership lesson and the next week, they will visit a local employer to learn more about career opportunities.
Already this fall, the group has toured Community Hospital, Parker Hannifin, and First Central Bank. In the leadership class, the students have already examined the principals of character, prioritization, and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the program, the message being delivered to this group is there are great opportunities for the students to return to McCook after college. MEDC director Andy Long said, “There are great opportunities available in this area. Growing up in Grant, I didn’t realize all the opportunities available. We want to spend time with the seniors to connect with them and help them explore how they can make their future in McCook.”
Local organizations have seen the benefit of having these students visit their businesses.
“Anytime we can expose students to all careers in health care it is a win for all of us,” said Karen Kliment Thompson, Vice President Ancillary Services at Community Hospital.
Jeff Crick, Human Resources Specialist, said “It’s exciting to see the students enthusiasm to explore new fields. Many high school and college students are unaware of the tremendous opportunities in manufacturing. The senior leadership program allows them to learn about the careers available.”
The students have also seen the value in participating in the program.
Senior Mollie Tate said, “I can see how what I’m learning in the leadership lessons will be beneficial to improve my life and community in the future. It has also been great to see the opportunities available locally.” Ryan Wilson has been impressed by what he’s seen and said, “The hose at Parker-Hannifin was cool!”
If there are questions about the workforce development projects McCook Economic Development Corporation are engaged in, contact MEDC director Andy Long at 308-345-1200 or andy@mccookne.org.
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Business Park Growth Spurs Road Upgrades
Growth of McCook’s business park has triggered a nearby street improvement project, with the majority of costs paid for by the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Read more here: https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2568697.html
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AFAN Awards First Livestock Friendly County Grant to Red Willow County
The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) awarded its first $5,000 Livestock Friendly County Grant November 26 in McCook to Red Willow County, in care of the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
To learn more visit AFAN’s website: https://becomeafan.org/afan-awards-first-livestock-friendly-county-grant-to-red-willow-county/
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Lopez Family Purchases Business Park Lot
Maria and Luis Lopez stand next to the entrance of the McCook Business Park, where they have begun work to open their auto/diesel shop next spring.
This May, McCook Economic Development Corporation welcomed the newest owners to the Industrial Park when Luis and Maria Lopez purchased #1 Industrial Park Drive. The Lopez family has moved to McCook from Denver with their four children, Felipe, 19, Anthony, 16, Maria Giselle, 12, and Isabel, 10. They are planning to have their auto mechanic and diesel shop open in the spring of 2019.
Luis and Maria became familiar with McCook thanks to a good friend, Omar Carbajal. During their visits to McCook, the idea of moving to a smaller community grew for the Lopez’s.
Luis has owned his own repair shop in Denver since 2013. They sold their shop in Denver and have used the proceeds from the sale to move, buy and fix up a home, and now start to build their shop in McCook. They are doing most of the work themselves to get up and running and are excited for the opportunity to become a part of the community.
The Lopez family purchased the fourth business lot sold. Silverstone was the first occupant who came in 2002. Eleven years later, in 2013, Booe Machinery and Salvage became the second owner. Then, last year Next Generation made a major investment into the industrial park to expand their network of liquid storage for the agriculture industry. There are still four lots for sale at the industrial park.
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McCook Employee Recruitment Video Available to Local Organizations
In an effort to assist businesses who recruit workers from outside the area, the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) released a McCook Recruitment Video to improve the on-line presence for prospective employees. The four minute video features area amenities and testimonials of individuals who are proud to live, work, and play in the McCook area.
The idea of the video was initially formed by former Executive Director Andrew Ambriz and Acme Printing and Design owner Jared Muehlenkamp. Lexi Gross, who is studying Media at Fort Hays State University, was hired as a summer intern to capture the material and develop the video.
Andy Long, MEDC Executive Director said, “For the last couple years, I have heard from major employers who said it was difficult to attract qualified candidates to McCook. When all you see is a little dot on a map, it is hard to attract candidates. We can use this video to help us put our best foot forward and highlight the great quality of life found in southwest Nebraska, it helps make the right first impression to people considering employment here. Coordinating this effort seemed like a great way to provide a service to area employers.”
MEDC welcomes businesses and to link or embed the video on their website that can be found here: https://youtu.be/99vv4EdtGt0. If anyone has questions or needs the code to embed the video, they can contact Andy at andy@mccookne.org or 308-345-1200.
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America’s Demographic Future
February 21, 2012 Issue 369 In all of the polarizing debate about immigration in America today, little regard is paid to the huge impact of immigration on business and the economy. This piece by Joel Kotkin published in the AgUrban newsletter illuminates the issue. –Rex (more…)
Welcome to McCook, Nebraska!
McCook, Nebraska is a great place to do business and MEDC is here to make your business experience even better. Whether you want to start a business and need help with a business plan or finding financial assistance, or your existing business is ready to expand or sell, we can provide a wide variety of services to help make your business successful. Scan the resources on our site and give us a call to learn more.