Director sees economic development as area-wide opportunity for growth

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County commissioners told the director of the McCook Economic Development Corp. they’re glad he’s looking beyond the city limits of McCook.

MEDC director Andy Long told commissioners at their meeting Monday morning, “A strong Southwest Nebraska and a strong Red Willow County make a strong McCook.”

Long is into his third month as the new MEDC director, and he updated commissioners on MEDC activities and asked for their input, suggestions and questions.

Long said the MEDC is in the business of business recruitment and advancement, and its mission is to create, maintain and grow jobs. He’s pleased that the city’s business park on Ravenswood Road (east of Valmont Industries) is once again gaining tenants, with the probability of a new diesel mechanic shop locating there. The park has 11 lots and three other businesses: Silverstone Inc., the tire supplier for Valmont; and, new within the past two years, Next Generation, which provides ag chemical handling and distribution; and Booe Salvage, a scrap metal recycling business.

Long said the “sweet spot” for new businesses in McCook is a 5-15 person workforce.

Also what McCook needs, he said, is workforce housing, clothing retailers, high-quality infant daycare and a truck stop.

Commission chairman Earl McNutt said it’s good to see the business park growing, and asked whether the MEDC can capitalize on the county’s new “Livestock Friendly” designation to enhance existing ag businesses or recruit new ag businesses.

Fellow commissioner Steve Downer said there is now a block of Southwest Nebraska counties identified as “Livestock Friendly.”

Long said the MEDC is looking into opportunities such as dairy processors. Commissioner Jacque Riener said that a dairy near Bird City, Kan., de-waters its milk for yogurt production, thereby reducing trucking costs.

She also said there are opportunities within the hog industry because the county has the feed available and the row crops that can utilize hog farm waste for fertilizer.

Long told Riener that he hasn’t seen that the county’s zoning regulations are restricting or discouraging business opportunities. Riener said she wants county services to help promote, not create restrictions to development.