GORDON, Neb. — In small towns, even one new business can make a noticeable difference. In Gordon, eight of them have opened on Main Street in the past year — a change city leaders say is helping breathe new life into the community.
“There are some buildings I had given up on, and all of a sudden there are questions and inquiries,” said Gordon Community Development Corporation President Valerie Beel.
The new additions range from a custom clothing designer to a bakery and a home décor shop. A couple of longtime businesses have also changed hands, leading to upgraded storefronts and expanded services.
"I think we're unique because we're small enough that we can really join together as a strong community, but we're also large enough that we can do extraordinary things. Our packing plant sells meat to IKEA. How incredible is that," said Beel.
At Rowdy’s Gas and Grub — a new gas station that opened after the previous one shut down — co-owner Brianna Moon said the goal is to make the space inviting.
“We’ve done some updating, adding tin on cabinets to get a western feel,” Moon said.
The new owners plan to add more products, gaming, additional pumps, and eventually a kitchen.
“We’re going to do burgers, fries, and fried items,” Moon said. “Hopefully we’ll have some daily specials and good food in here.”
Beel credits the Community Development Block Grant with helping both new and existing businesses make improvements — upgrades that she believes benefit the entire town.
“Our downtown matters, and how our downtown looks and having open businesses make a huge difference for the psyche of the whole community,” Beel said.