"We're strong, we're resilient, and we have a lot of positives."
That was part of the message Sidney Mayor Joe Arterburn presented to a crowd of 120 Wednesday at the State of Sidney, presented by the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City of Sidney.
Arterburn's message focused on the need for the positive in interactions with each other and with out of town visitors alike, as "you never know how that word will affect their impression."
While Sidney was hard hit with the changes at Cabela's, Arterburn said Sidney didn't have the nickname "Toughest Town on the Tracks" for nothing. He said Sidney is battling back, fighting to develop new business.
And when the naysayers get to going, Arterburn's message is clear.
"Get out of our way," he said. "We busy building Sidney back up."
When it comes to big news about new businesses or a magic bullet solution, anyone hoping for such an announcement walked away from the meeting disappointed. But the meeting did provide a lot of information on the processes of drawing businesses to Sidney, as well as the city administration's approach to becoming more efficient.
Sidney City Manager Ed Sadler reviewed moves by the council and administration that are intended to make city operations work better and at the same time be more efficient financially.
In the past year, Sadler said the city has changed its approach when it comes to finances, changing from a debt management system to one of managing its cash flow better. He said recently adopted five-year budgets - for operating, equipment and capital expenses, puts the city in a stronger position by having budgeted funds for the bulk of items, "to make sure we can afford what we need when we need it," rather than trying to figure out how to fund needs when they arise.
When the city does need to borrow money, it is in better shape now, after seeking a bond rating this past year. Sadler explained that with the bond rating, an "A," the city pays a lower interest rate.
Sadler said the city is currently working to make all departments more self-sufficient when possible. He said in some cases, one department makes money, while others depend on the general fund.
In closing, Melissa Norgard, the city's economic development director, reviewed the processes for drawing new businesses. She said that unfortunately, the process is often drawn out. She used Lukjan Metal Products as an example, telling of the process it took to get the deal with Lukjan set up. Norgard said from the time Lukjan contacted the city to opening, it took 10 months, "and everything went together perfectly." She said that didn't count the months of work by the company prior to reaching out to Sidney.
Norgard said the city continues to work the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, which has helped greatly with Sidney's efforts.
She asked those affected by layoffs and changes to be patient. She said she knows it's hard, but said there are a number of things on the horizon that she can't divulge at this point.
A progress report handed out at the meeting is available electronically by contacting Norgard or the Chamber of Commerce.
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