Development Continues in Sidney Community

The coronavirus hasn't completely stopped interest in the Sidney Community.

In the May 26 meeting of the Sidney City Council, Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard updated the city council on economic development in the area.

She said UST Global has 113 people on staff with projections of adding as many as 100 new positions in the near future. Most of the staff are currently working from home, she said, a result of the coronavirus social distancing directives.

While Sidney and Cheyenne County has struggled through the economic changes, then the Directed Health Measures, businesses looking to expand or move have been touring the community. NelNet entered Sidney a few months ago, hiring staff that now number 14, and the company is needing two more developers. Norgard said the positions are high-paying positions. Additionally, NelNet is in negotiations for a physical location.

Cory Keen, IT Director for NelNet, spoke during the Zoom city council meeting May 26. Keen said all 14 of the employees are currently working from home. He added the company is committed to the Sidney community and is seeking opportunities for its related companies.

Norgard said the City and the Elks Lodge is collecting paperwork to submit to Panhandle Area Development District (PADD). PADD is the administrator for the CDBG grant awarded for renovation of the Elks Lodge building.

“We will be signing a memorandum of understanding between the council and the Elks Lodge,” she said.

She told the council plans for a Master Plan update are moving ahead. The City is contracting with RDG Development plans to visit the community to host “listening sessions, hopefully in July or August, Norgard said.

She also said the city drew the attention of several companies looking to move or expand.

“I think a lot of good things are happening,” she said.

She said prior to the COVID-19, she was in “very good talks” with several companies.

“This could actually play to out really well for us,” she said.

Council asked about D.L. Huyett, a company that came to Sidney about a year ago. Norgard said the fastner company outgrew its original office in Sidney.