MMP Enterprises Awarded LB840 Funds

The Sidney City Council recently approved funding to assist MMP Enterprises in opening a new location in Sidney.

MMP Enterprises USA, with its parent office based in Toronto Canada, is a fulfillment and distribution company expanding operations to Sidney, according to a memo from Sidney Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard. The memo says MMP Enterprises is in the process of purchasing the former Cabela's Distribution Center northwest of Sidney.

The agreement is for $500,000 over five years in $100,000 annual increments. The funds will be reimbursed to the City by the Nebraska Community Foundation. The City recently announced an anonymous donor committing up to $1.5 million to the City for economic development. The funds would be reimbursed to the city through the Nebraska Community Foundation. As part of the agreement, MMP Enterprises USA is required to add 300 new jobs and $20 million in payroll.

MMP Enterprises held a job fair at Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus earlier this year with more than 100 workers meeting with MMP representatives. The skills sought by MMP are similar to jobs at the Distribution Center, Norgard said in last week's city council meeting. She said the company is seeking a human resources director, and when that position is filled more hiring will likely take place.

In January, MMP President Mark Priemer spoke to the city council on his plans to open a location in Sidney. He announced that MMP is "in the dietary supplement business." At the time, Priemer said MMP would be hiring 100 to 150 new employees after purchasing the two-story former Cabela's corporate building. Since then, the company changed its focus to the former Distribution Center.

Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Hope Feeney gave her quarterly report to the council last week as well. She said the Chamber has added an option for promoting available properties in the county. Feeney announced that the Chamber has added another asset for businesses considering a move to Sidney. A listing of available properties can be seen at properties.cheyennecountychamber.com. The page includes a picture of available property, address, asking price or if it is for sale or lease, and a tab for more information.

Feeney also talked about Greg Huck working with the staff and process improvement and organization as well as strategic planning. The Chamber is building an "Operations Manual" and a blueprint process for each event and project. The goal is to maintain focus and consistency in the projects.

Feeney also said the Chamber is involved in promotion of Historic Preservation Board assistance.

She said a simple user's manual is being written for users of the "Shop Where I Live" program. She said the program has not had the enthusiasm expected. The hope is with a simplified manual local businesses can promote their services through the program. Shop Where I Live is an online service that promotes businesses and their services.

The Chamber is also in the process of updating its website. The Chamber is working with Mark Gahl of Laughing Lamb Fibers. The goal is for the new site to be more mobile accessible.

Sidney Mayor Roger Galloway asked about the Hickory Street Square project. He reminded those in attendance that the project is not tax-funded or a city project. Feeney said Chamber staff are busy seeking and applying for grants to fund the proposed square. Galloway and City Manager Ed Sadler suggested the council and Chamber meet in a work session for an update on the project.

In other business, the council approved Jim Price as the newest member of the Airport Authority Board.