Sidney officials proud of state's high marks in recent polls

Nebraska ranks in the country's top five states in two polls for quality of life and business-friendliness.

Nebraska was named second most business friendly state by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc., a national leader in corporate site selection. The state was also named number four for quality of life by CNBC because of its low crime, clean air and stress free lifestyle.

"I think we're one of the leading business-friendly communities in a leading state," said City Manager Gary Person.

Sidney and the state of Nebraska work in conjunction to remain business friendly because when everyone cooperates, it benefits everyone, Person said.

"I think we earn that reputation," he continued.

Sidney and the state have been working for a while to become so welcoming to businesses.

"We've put a lot of effort into recruitment and retention," said Megan McGown, Sidney's Community Development Director.

Many investors and businesses looking to bring their corporations to the Midwest or the Rocky Mountain area choose this community over other locations. Bell Pole and Lumber is just one example of a business that decided Sidney was the right place to expand.

"That doesn't happen by accident," Person said.

Other corporations see that a multi-million dollar company like Cabela's is headquartered in Sidney and realize this community must be a positive environment for business.

Sidney's elected leaders continue to envision new possibilities and keep preparing for the future while they continue to address age old problems, Person said. Of course agriculture is an important part of Cheyenne County's economy, but Sidney has diversified to make its economy stronger.

"With less than one percent of its labor force employed in agriculture, Nebraska is clearly focused on building job opportunities for all of its citizens," said Brent Pollina, Vice President of Pollina Real Estate, in a press statement.

There is a strong partnership between the state and city which helps to grow the economy.

"Nebraska continues to move up in rankings,” Governor Dave Heineman informed statewide media. "We still have work to do, but I am pleased with our progress."

Nebraska started changing its economic policies in the late 1980s and went through a long process to get where the state is today.

"It's a very desirable location and place to be for the future," Person said.

Although Cabela's is synonymous with Sidney, it isn't the city's only employer.

"We have great employers that take care of their people," Person said.

Also attributing to Sidney's quality of life are big city attractions within a two hour drive, Person said. Nearby camping and fishing and scenic areas like Lake McConaughy and the Rocky Mountains make Sidney an interesting place to live, Person continued.

"It's family friendly, safe and we have a healthy and active community," McGown said.

As for quality of life, McGown is confident that this city is the tops.

"Sidney's got it in the bag," she said.

Sidney is always implementing upgrades to make it a more desirable place to live such as the new high school, the new wastewater system, the possibility of a new grade school and many new roads projects. Most residents feel its a safe place to raise their children, Person said.

"It comes down to family values," he added.

Local government is always working to improve the area in various ways. Recently Sidney has been working to revitalize downtown, to bring in new jobs and new investments. New building and infrastructure are only going to amp up from here, Person said.

"The next two years are gonna flat knock people's socks off," he claimed.

The city is planning for new buildings and roads and a mysterious announcement to come this fall.

The community must realize that though agriculture is important, a small town that wants to grow and be successful can't be totally dependant on it. Sidney has diversified its economy, and is coming out on top as a result of that, Person said.

"It's where you wanna be," he claimed.