The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Regardless the size of community, the question Chambers and economic development promoters face is how to keep people shopping in the local stores.

There are people who plan day trips around a certain store, sometimes to learn later there was a better price at home. One of the most challenging struggles of communities is maintaining a healthy economy. The struggle is in knowing what people are seeking and how best to provide it.

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging Cheyenne County residents to take part in a short survey that is designed to help businesses and consumers.

The survey can be found at http://bit.ly/cheycoconsumer.

“It is namely for us to determine what people need,” Chamber Director Hope Feeney said. “We want to get as many people who live in Cheyenne County as possible.”

The survey asks questions such as what determines if you buy locally, regionally or online, what method of purchasing do you prefer, what kind of products and services would you like to see in Cheyenne County. Responses range from availability to level of customer service.

The survey is intended so that the results can help businesses serve the community, and help the Chamber in recruiting new businesses that will fit the needs of the county. Feeney said the survey can be used to show businesses what they can do differently, service or product availability. The survey would also show what is hindering development in the Cheyenne County economy.

“What are the gaps? What demand is needed that hasn't been filled?” Feeney said.

The survey will be available through the month of January.

Feeney admitted it is a challenge to understand what people need.

“Are the ideas we've had similar to what people have?” she asked.

Keeping pace with directives and restrictions in response to COVID-19 has added to the necessity for the survey. Plans and events that are historic in nature have been in question most of the year. Limited crowd attendance has restricted events to the point some have been cancelled or postponed. Likewise, Feeney said the Chamber has had numerous inquiries from people seeking to relocate to Cheyenne County.

The survey is part of the City of Sidney's contract with the Chamber.