In 2010 the Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas ( MINK) Corridor was created.  Last week a MINK meeting was conducted at the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Holt County, Missouri.  A number of organizations such as USDA Rural Development, Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administrations shared information on the resources they have available to offer in the continued recovery of the 2011 flood of the Missouri River.
    Following the meeting a news conference was hosted by MINK.  More than 60 people attended the meeting and news conference.
    Twila Larson with MINK opened the news conference explaining the MINK Corridor Project.  ( play audio  :45 seconds )
    During the news conference a number of representatives from area businesses and communities spoke.  Bill Hutting, owner of Sportsman’s Lodge at Bigelow, Missouri says the positive attitude of area residents have helped keep him in business despite suffering major floods his first two years in business.  ( play audio  :39 seconds )
    Gary Satter, Executive Director of Glacial Hills RC&D in Northeast Kansas says the flood actually has served to help business in his area.  ( play audio  :42 seconds )
    Perhaps the most impressive presentation of the day came from Bob Chitwood, a member of the Merchants Association of Brownville and the Brownville Historical Society. He started explaining the hardships caused by the 2011 flood.  ( play audio :43 seconds )
    Chitwood also noted the Brownville is coming back strong.  ( play audio  :13 seconds )
    Chitwood closed with a strong message of hope for the future.  ( play audio  1:02 )
    It was nearly a year ago the Missouri River flooded, reaching record levels, causing bridge closings, interrupting highway traffic and affecting the livelihoods of farmers and small town business.
    The MINK Corridor organization is encouraging everyone in this time of high gasoline prices to take advantage of all there is to see and do right in our own backyards.