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SIDNEY / Cheyenne County OUTLOOK 2010 Updated by Gary Person (February, 2010) Sidney, NE City Manager
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The City of Sidney, Cheyenne County and the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce have provided a consolidated economic development partnership from 1991-2010 that has resulted in solid growth and momentum heading into the future. Despite the economic challenges on a regional and national basis this past fiscal year, Sidney continues to have one of the stronger economies in Nebraska. Some encouraging signs are coming from private sector employers, who have begun filling vacant positions, while some companies are still struggling. Sidney enjoyed an all-time record $39 million in building permits achieved in 2008, but in 2009 it dropped to its lowest level of $8.5 million since 1996. |
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Sidney was named one of the TOP 100 Rural Communities in America for communities under 50,000 population by national economist and author Jack Schultz, who featured Sidney in his book “Boom Town USA”. This was based on a community and economic development analysis. Sidney is officially recognized as one of only 20 communities in Nebraska with a Certified Economic Development Community status by the Nebraska Diplomats and Department of Economic Development, giving it preferred status for grant funding and projects. The 18 year span from (1991-2009) saw approximately $300 million in new community and economic development projects completed in the Sidney area creating a pro-business atmosphere where the economic indicators blossomed to record levels. Cheyenne County ranks in the top 10 counties for per capita wages in Nebraska. Many successful companies dot the Sidney landscape, with Cabela’s (World’s Foremost Outfitter) continued commitment to growth and success serving as the catalyst. Sidney leads all western Nebraska communities in population growth since 1990 and the smaller agriculture based communities in Cheyenne County are also seeing positive gains in population unlike most of their rural neighbors. The Sidney area economic development efforts have contributed significantly to the economic engine that is driving the well-being of the region. Building permits have averaged $14 million a year over the past 12 years, which compares to a $3 million average annually the previous decade. For 14 consecutive years the local economy hit or exceeded the $10 million permit economic barometer prior to 2009. Sidney has always enjoyed location advantages sitting on the east-west Interstate-80 (San Francisco to New York), north-south U.S. 385 (Canada to Mexico), east-west U.S. 30 and Highway 19 from the Colorado front rage; along with the two major railroads - Burlington-Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific, which cross paths at Sidney and are connected by Sidney and Lowe Railroad giving some of our industries the ability to have dual rail access. Approximately 40 percent of the work force for Sidney’s 5,500 jobs commutes here from neighboring communities in a 60 mile radius. Much effort has went into this as 20 new housing subdivision developments moved forward in recent years. The Washington Post in 2005 pointed out that Sidney had more jobs per capita than almost any community in America. Sidney’s booming economy was also featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2002 and by national economist Jack Schultz in 2008, ranking Sidney in his Top 6 for jobs per capita. The past 18 years brought diversification to the area economy with manufacturing and trade growth and interstate commerce development that helped offset the ups and downs of the agriculture sector. While the growth of the mid 1940's and 1950's were significant in the Sidney area due to the construction and operation of the Sioux Army Depot; the discovery of oil and gas; a strong farm economy and the eventual implementation of the Minuteman Missile system in the 1960's, those economic boosts eventually dwindled or suffered downturns. These were factors influenced by outside sources - the federal government and mother nature. The private sector (home grown entrepreneurs and recruited industries) economic base that was established in the 1990's and continued to expand in the current decade has proved to bring more balance and stability to economic progress for many years to come. Since the formation of the City of Sidney / Cheyenne County Economic Development partnership in 1991 the Sidney area economy has seen: * Retail sales tripled. Taxable sales increased each year from $46 million in 1990 to $140 million in recent years.. Sidney led all major Nebraska communities in retail growth during this time. With the local option sales tax, SIDNEY collects approximately $2.1 million annually now goes towards property tax relief, community development organizations and projects and economic development job creation incentive programs. * Lodging revenues rose dramatically from $1.1 million annually in 1991 to $6.6 million in 2009. Motel rooms increased from 220 to 550 during the two decades and a Holiday Inn conference center was built and helped land approximately 600 regional and statewide conferences in the past 12 years here. A local lodging tax is overseen by the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee, for tourism promotions. A new Visitors Center on the I-80 corridor opened in 2008. A Hampton Inn will begin construction in 2010. * Building permits have totaled $10 million, $10 million, $16 million, $12 million, $20 million, $14 million, $11 million, $13 million, $10 million, $11 million, $16 million, $39 million and $8 million respectively the past 13 years. There has been over $165 million issued in building permits the past decade compared to $75 million in the 1990's and $27 million in the 1980's. * Employment growth in the private sector climbed significantly from 1980-2008, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The Department of Labor said the Sidney area has between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs and less than 3 percent unemployment. A Target Industry Study conducted in 2003 by the nationally known research firm of Deloitte-Touche-Fantas for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development ranked Cheyenne County #1 among the state=s 93 counties and Sidney #1 among the state=s 531 communities for “most jobs per capita". * Valuation of expanding commercial and residential properties in the City of Sidney nearly tripled from 1987 to 2009 spreading the tax base over a larger area. Total valuation in 1987 was $119 million. That figure rose to $372 million in 2010. Valuation in Cheyenne County rose to an all-time record level of $900 million in 2009 compared to $350 million in 1987. * The 2008 overall tax rate is now $2.32 with the addition of a $18 million school bond issue to build a new high school in Sidney, which opened in August, 2009. While it bumped the overall tax rate (school, county, city, natural resources district, wncc, esu, etc.) it is still less than a decade ago when it was $2.60 cents per $100 of value in 1996. * Housing starts jumped significantly in the past decade. In 1989 there was only 1 housing permit issued in all of Cheyenne County, followed by 2 permits in 1990. The subsequent years, housing units built in Sidney included 1991 (8), 1992 (14), 1993 (24), 1994 (22), 1995 (15), 1996 (37), 1997 (60), 1998 (67), 1999 (40), 2000 (18) 2001 (51) 2002 (17), 2003 (38), 2004 (22), 2005 (29), 2006 (55), 2007 (41), 2008 (11) mentioned earlier 20 new housing subdivisions were created in the past 15 years. 2009 definitely was affected by the drop off in the economy with only two new housing starts. Additional housing development is still the key to future growth to keep up with job creation. Sidney was one of three Nebraska communities selected in 2007 for a $1 million New Neighborhoods Initiative grant to help build more affordable work force housing. That program will continue over the next few years as the city will move into Phase 2. * Traffic patterns on the three major arteries leading into Sidney - Interstate-80, U.S. 385 and Highway 19 off the front range of Colorado - increased by 154 percent since 1988. Total vehicles on those three main arteries totaled 6,680 per day in 1988. By 2004, the latest year that traffic statistics are available, that total escalated to over 17,000 per day. If each vehicle represents 2.5 people, approximately 15.5 million people annually travel to Sidney on those highways each year. All of these statistics are strong indicators of economic strength of the Sidney area. Agriculture has also had major production price gains the past couple of years. The community’s emphasis to diversify by adding emphasis on the industrial sector and interstate development over the past 20 years has helped strengthen riding the highs and lows of other sectors of the economy. The 1997 citizens’ 92 percent "yes" vote to establish a Sidney Economic Development Plan and allocate $2.5 million in development incentives for future expansions in the community, continues to pay dividends to the area. This was the highest favorable vote on an economic development plan in the history of the state of Nebraska for any community. This plan was renewed by Sidney voters in 2007 for another 10 years, allocating $3 million. Nebraska adopted a new economic development incentive plan in 2005 known as the Nebraska Advantage Act and the combination between the state / local incentive package along with Sidney=s experience with Redevelopment Project and Tax Increment Financing makes our community very competitive with other expanding industry markets. Eight times in the past 18 years, Sidney was named the “Nebraska Community of the Year” by various statewide organizations, including the Nebraska Diplomats, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, Nebraska Community Improvement Program and Nebraska Department of Aeronautics. As the atmosphere was created to enhance business and industry developments, area industries found the local economy conducive for growth and expansion, new investment and job creation. Industry expansions occurred several times at Cabela’s World Headquarters, ADC Telecommunications-Prestolite Wire, Memorial Health Center, Egging Company, Progress Rail, Pennington Seed, Nienhueser Construction and Excavation, Adams & Son Trucking, Glover Industries, Adams Industries, Master Trading / Convert-a-Ball, Crossroads Cooperative, Scoular Grain, U.S.Aprons, Anderson Forest Products, Sidney Warehousing & Industrial Sites, Sioux Meadows Industrial Park, Con-serv Flag, Commercial Resins, Innovative Masonry Products, and 21st Century Equipment. A new payroll is being announced in early 2010. A majority of the companies saw a reduction in the work force in 2009 due to economic conditions. Three industrial park areas have now been established. Sidney recently purchased a 90 acre tract on the east edge of the community for future development. Utilities were extended in 2008. New ownerships in the past decade and additional emphasis in development has taken place at the Sioux Meadows I-80 Industrial Park and Sidney Warehousing and Industrial Sites northwest of Sidney. Sioux Meadows and SWIS both continue to work with many new active prospects with the availability of commercial and industrial floor space. Both parks are served by a short line railroad that ties directly to the Union Pacific and Burlington-Northern Santa Fe main line railroads. Numerous trucking companies also serve this area. Over 500,000 square feet of warehouse / commercial space exists for prospective clients with adjacent acreages. The Interstate-80 development opened in 1988. Now 30 businesses doing $250 million in annual retail sales with $100 million of new investment with 2,500 jobs are located in this area. The Sidney / Cheyenne County Economic Development Partnership is working on additional projects at the I-80 Exit 59. Wal-Mart Super Center opened in January, 2004 and its been home to Nebraska=s number one tourist attraction in 2007 with Cabela’s retail store. Downtown improvement also is seeing significant changes. Following the agriculture crisis of the 1980's there were several vacant buildings downtown as retailers closed their doors due to the sagging economy. The 1990's again saw a resurgence of this area and $4 million in additional public improvements were invested. A Sidney Main Street program directed at revitalizing Sidney’s historic corridor was adopted in 2003. An incentive program provided by the City of Sidney=s economic development fund for historic restoration in the downtown area was adopted in 2005 and is administered by the newly formed Downtown Historic Preservation Board. Cabela’s also matched the incentives for a time and showed their commitment with a downtown corporate headquarters development in the former Alco building. rental assistance program has also been established for new businesses locating in the downtown area. The City partnered on a major downtown infrastructure revitalization grant with the State of Nebraska, which will be constructed in 2009 and 2010 with $550,000 of additional improvements. It will include a downtown gathering place, new streets, historic lighting and crosswalks. A major downtown drainage project was undertaken and funded by the City in 2006. A downtown street scape program has been completed. The Heritage Nebraska Main Street program has been adopted along with a Certified Local Government program to enhance development and preserve the community’s rich history. The Main Street is also administered by the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce with four active committees on Economic Vitality, Promotions, Design and Organization. The Keep Sidney Beautiful Program is also administered by the Chamber and is making a significant impact on the community. A community wide assessment project was completed documenting each residential and business property in Sidney for the City’s emergency and public service entities and also to target rehabilitating certain properties. Approximately $10 million in state and federal grants were secured by community leaders to enhance the development that took place in the community over the past 19 years. The financial community also strengthened its presence in the community, including First National Bank, American National Bank, Security First Bank, Sidney Federal Savings & Loan and First Tier Bank. Three new banking facilities were recently constructed and another historically renovated. Numerous major infrastructure projects have been undertaken in preparation for the 21st Century. A $14 million new water well field and distribution system was implemented in 2005 for Sidney, which also tied in the industrial park area northwest of the community that resolved long standing quality and quantity challenges for generations to come. A new regional Subtitle D landfill was constructed in 1996. The City continues to upgrade its electrical distribution system and generating power plant and has secured a 30 year long term contract for energy supply in 2008. The City constructed a flood plain control ditch that provided safety and eliminated much of a flood plain that previously restricted building projects. A $5.5 million wastewater upgrade is under way and will be completed by early 2010 meeting all new EPA guideline standards. Mitigation Planning is also underway regarding drainage issues throughout Sidney and southern Panhandle. A four mile walking, hiking and biking trail was built, expanded in 2001 and is scheduled to expand again in late 2010 with an $850,000 project connecting to the I-80 business corridor. A new $3 million indoor community center was built in 1991, and expanded in 2008. Several new ballfields and soccer fields have been redesigned and built. County fairgrounds building improvements were added, Legion Park and Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp improvements were made, a Kiwanis Park was established on Sidney’s north side with new youth recreation amenities and the Community Building in Legion Park remodeled. A new skate park and tennis courts opened in 2002. A new Sidney Shooting Park featuring skeet and trap shooting and other types of shooting competitions and archery opened in 2006 and a facility will be constructed in 2010. A volunteer driven $400,000 popular new fishing pond was completed in 2007and an ice skating rink was added in 2008. A disc golf course and a sheltered horseshoe pitching arena opened in 2007. Numerous airport improvements have been implemented in recent years as traffic continues to grow. Approximately $2 million in additional airport improvements are planned for the future. Fire Department equipment upgrades have been made throughout the county with an all volunteer force. A new $1 million fire truck capable of greater fire fighting abilities was purchased in 2008. A County / City 24-7-365 911 Emergency Communications Center was established in the 1990's. Sidney continues to build upon its reputation in attracting tourists. Highway traffic leading into the community has doubled as the community boasted the No. 1 tourist attraction in Nebraska in 2007 with the Cabela’s retail store. The downtown historic designation tied together much of the history that draws visitors such as the Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home. Memorial Gardens has continued to add improvements including a gazebo and a War Memorial honoring local veterans with the State’s tallest flag pole in tact. U.S. 385 received a scenic by-ways designation. Efforts are now under way to re-establish Sidney’s famed historic Boot Hill and Camp Lookout that traces its history back to 1867. In 2008 it was announced the National Pony Express Association plans to build its national monument in Sidney opening in 2010. Sidney creates more lodging revenue than any other western Nebraska community, even more than Scottsbluff County, which has four times the population base. A community web site was also created at www.sidney-nebraska.com that allows for all websites in the community to be accessed. The City of Sidney website www.cityofsidney.org and the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce is www.sidneychamber.com. A regional interactive employee recruitment website hosted by Sidney was introduced in 2009 and can be accessed at www.highplainscompass.com promoting the Tri-State area of western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado and eastern Wyoming with community information sharing for attracting employees, businesses and tourists. Increased local shopping awareness can be found at www.shopsidney.com. The new residents bureau now has a staff person associated with the Chamber of Commerce. Sidney’s scenic 18-hole Hillside public golf course wraps around a picturesque canyon and is considered one of the top public golf courses in Nebraska. A new club house in a public / private venture partnership opened in the fall of 2005 and offers all of the amenities with a pro shop, restaurant and lounge. A record amount of play was established in 2008, exceeding 18,000 rounds, but green fees are still only $25 for 18 rounds. On the education front, Western Nebraska Community College built a new downtown Center in a cooperative development effort with the City in 1995 with expansion plans ahead. It continues to strengthen its business relationship with area industries and has established relationship with Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska regarding four year degrees. WNCC and the community partnered together to build the new WNCC Aviation Maintenance School at the Sidney Municipal Airport. A community child care development center opened in 2002 on campus and a nearby housing complex serves for housing for the college students was secured in 2006. WNCC has gained national recognition and exposure with the formation of Cabela University for training, serving as the flagship for the college’s business and industry training. Sidney Public Schools recently adopted a $17.3 million bond issue to build a new high school in 2008. Ground breaking took place on May 13, 2008 and the school opened in August 2009 as Sidney now adorns Nebraska’s newest high school. Sidney also expanded and restructured is elementary school system. West Elementary built a new gymnasium. An industry technology program was established in the school system. The city and school district worked together to build a fiber option interconnection between schools. Sidney Public Schools ACT scores rank above the state and national averages in the latest testing. Consolidation of the rural schools have been very successful at Dalton-Gurley (Leyton), Potter-Dix and Lodgepole-Chappell (Creek Valley), enhancing rural educational opportunities for area students. On the natural resources front, a groundwater quality management area was established, an Integrated Management Plan to further protect water resources in the area was implemented in 2008 along with previously adopted groundwater guardian program and an Environmental Trust wildlife refuge area developed. Another unique aspect of Sidney is the entire electric grid of the United States is tied together at Sidney with the Western Area Power Administration electrical grid tie station, known as the Virginia Smith Converter Station connecting energy from the east and west coast. The availability of wind channels ranks the area very attractive to wind energy development and several hundred wind generators are located just south and south west of Sidney with many additional plans unfolding for new development opportunities for wind energy in the future. Adams Industries is also being recognized as a logistics hub for the combination of rail, trucking and warehousing by both Burlington-Northern Sante Fe and Union Pacific Railroads, which bodes well for future industrial growth in the Sidney area. The successes from 1991-2009 was a result of a very strong public - private partnership between the City of Sidney, Cheyenne County, the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce and a strong base of private sector employers. This effort has made Sidney a shining example of a rural community that diversified and has gained state and national acclaim for its efforts. We are proud of all of these outstanding accomplishments and we feel confident in saying Sidney will continue to grow and prosper through our hard work and partnership efforts. Our community motto sums it up best . . . . Sidney, Nebraska . . .. Small Town Values . . . Big Time Opportunities Sidney, Nebraska Economic Statistics 1990-2009 Retail Sales 1991 $ 46 million 2008 $140 million (latest figures available) Lodging Receipts 1991 $ 1.1 million 2008 $ 6.6 million (latest figures available) Building Permits 1990 $ 1.5 million 2008 $ 39.1 million 2009 $ 8.5 million City Valuation 1990 $129 million 2009 $372 million County Valuation 1990 $350 million 2009 $921 million Housing Units Constructed Since 1991 - 579 new housing units Approximate Jobs based in Sidney area 1987 4,000 jobs approximate 2008 5,000 to 5,500 jobs approximate |
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