Promoting Local Business

Recovering from changes in the Sidney economy over the last few years requires promotion, teamwork and vision of community growth.

It also includes a downtown business association, according to the updated Master Plan approved in 2020.

The Master Plan includes a section on “Tactical Strategies.”

“A complete downtown plan includes both tactical and development components. Tactical strategies are relatively low-cost actions that promote existing businesses and help attract customers through such means as image development, organization, marketing, events, and other programs. A tactical program for Downtown Sidney will most effectively be implemented through a Business Association that works in partnership with city government and other community organizations. Key recommendations in this section include: create a business association , Establish a maintenance plan, highlight history, and improve wayfinding.”

The Master Plan says “the fundamental mission of a downtown business association is to attract customers, activity, businesses and investment to the district.”

A meeting was held at the Sidney Elks Lodge on Tuesday, Feb. 16 to discuss the possibility of a downtown business association.

The meeting was opened by Sidney Mayor Roger Gallaway.

“It is the intent of the City, I believe, to all work together,” Gallaway said. “When we work together, we're going to have a better chance of success.”

Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard said designing a downtown business association (DBA) will include developing a brand for the DBA, marketing downtown businesses and developing consistent store hours. Norgard stressed the proposal is not to replace the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce. The hope is for an association that can work with the Chamber to promote business.

She said a DBA should be an association of businesses lead by a business owner or manager.

Marva Ellwanger, president of the Historical Preservation Board, also spoke to the crowd. She said she has talked to many of the people in attendance regarding facade grants and signage grants available to businesses within the historical district.

“Our business is to make the downtown look good and inviting,” she said.

Joey Gorman, owner of Dude's Steak House, questioned the program, noting he was denied a grant because they began sanding the sign before the grant was approved. Norgard confirmed that a grant must be approved before work begins.

It was suggested by a business representative that the proposed business association be more inclusive and involve businesses from the Interstate 80 corridor to downtown Sidney.

Sara Nesbitt, representing the Nebraska Business Development Center, also addressed the crowd.

“Grand Island. Ten years ago, it was just just floundering,” she said.

She said business associations are not meant to take away from existing agencies.

Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Hope Feeney stressed the desire to support local business.

“We want to work together,” she said. “We don't know what that looks like. We are here to see where this goes as well.”

She encourages anyone with hard feelings toward the Chamber to talk with her or a member of the Chamber.

Vicky Loghry, formerly of the Denver metro area, referring to a neighborhood that had a DBA through several changes.

“Over the years, there's always been a business association,” she said. “I think a business association could be great. We could control our own future.”

Norgard said a business association would have two choices for funding: design a non-profit, or by membership dues.

Brooke Denovolis, expressed concern that the business association could cause the division it is supposed to correct.

Business owner Casey Cortney said she is excited to see the large group of businesses represented.

“Right now, we need to come together. Let's enhance what we have,” she said.

Norgard was asked to define the downtown business district. It is defined as from 23rd Avenue east to the train bridge, from King Street to Grant Street.

It was decided to hold future meetings to determine if and how to proceed with the business association proposal.

“Hope and I will go back and do some due diligence on our side,” Norgard said.