Marketing Hometown America Action Forum invites discussion on county communities

SIDNEY -- After four weeks of discussion groups meeting, the Cheyenne County community was invited to come together and discuss its assets, needs.

The meeting was part of the action forum for Marketing Hometown America. The effort is a collaboration of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, City of Sidney Economic Development and E3 with funding from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and The Good Life is Calling Campaign.

Cheyenne County Chamber Director Joe McCarn opened the meeting.

"Phase 1 is what we're here for tonight, marketing hometown America. Basically, this is listening and work; gathering honest, local insight into what matters most and what needs attention, and what kind of community we want to build. It anchors the campaign in reality, not assumptions," McCarn said.

He said quality of life and business opportunities are assets of Cheyenne County.

"We position Cheyenne County as a place where families can put down roots, where remote workers can thrive, and where entrepreneurs can build without barriers. This isn't passive promotion. It's targeted outreach to people who want exactly what we offer," he said.

Rural Prosperity Extension Educator Jamie Bright reviewed the "community report card surveys." The surveys had 75 responses with 54 percent from Sidney, 20 percent from Potter and 17 percent from Gurley. Topics include feeling of safety, inclusive and welcoming actions, outdoor recreation, health care availability and opportunity to make a living.

McCarn said success of the program is for it to continue after Tuesday's meeting.

"The trick to this whole program is not ending with tonight. We want to continue and take steps, take action after tonight. So that's what tonight is really all about really is figuring out what our next steps are, what action are we going to take. 

Bright said Wednesday she will be setting up action team meetings and begin working on the projects discussed Tuesday.