Looking For The Right Economic Development Fit

Sidney and its community has been dealt a tough card these past months. With Cabela’s changing hands, many people have been left unemployed and the Sidney community searching.

Sidney’s Economic Development Department has not stopped working to strengthen Sidney once again. Melissa Norgard, head of the department, keeps looking for new businesses or corporations to bring to Sidney. Through a target market study in January, the department was able to make even more connections to new companies. Many data, IT, management, and agriculture business are being looked at for potential businesses. There have been many companies that have expressed interest in relocating or establishing satellite locations in Sidney.

The Department in Sidney is working closely with the state Economic Development Department to help bring in new business and Bass Pro has also formed a four-man team to work with the city on transitioning and looking for new companies to bring in. The plan is to diversify Sidney and its economy with multiple business that can offer a wide range of services. This will allow the economy of Sidney to strengthen and if this type of situation were to happen again, it would not be as hard of an impact on the economy.

For many companies looking into expanding in Sidney, the decision is not easy. There are many details that may influence the decision and the decision has many channels to go through. It takes time for companies make a decision like this and even more time for the company to set up operations in town. The community should not give up hope, but remain optimistic. Sandhills Publishing opened a new office in Sidney and Agri-Plastics is planning to be open in March with the plan to employ at least 60 people and possibly more over the next three to five years.

It is not long before more companies come to Sidney. Norgard called Sidney a “strong close-knit community” and believes that it will not be long before a new company comes to town. She mentioned how companies look for close bonded communities and that is exactly what Sidney has to offer. Sidney has gained a large skilled workforce through the years that Cabela’s has operated in Sidney and these skills can be transferred to any jobs or companies that choose to come to Sidney.

The small businesses of Sidney have not been forgotten, either. The Economic Development Department is constantly offering its support. Norgard believes it is necessary not only to focus on bringing in new businesses, but to offer any support they can and to help promote any small businesses through training, social media, and events. Sidney has many great things to offer people or businesses that come to this town. It is not hard to love this town with all the opportunities that it has to offer.