State recognition
SBA selects Sidney as Small Business Community of the Year

By Bill Vander Weele
Sidney Herald
Published on Friday, March 20, 2009 4:30 PM MDT

The Small Business Administration has selected Sidney as its organization’s winner of the 2009 Montana Small Business Community of the Year.

Leslie Messer, Richland Economic Development’s executive director, nominated Sidney for the honor.

“RED was pleased to complete the form to nominate Sidney as the Community of the Year based on: the number of new business start-ups for 2008, for the new launching of the Revolving Loan Fund and the fact that our community leverages local and state resources to assist with the development of small business,” Messer said.

Sidney will be recognized, along with other recipients, during an awards ceremony in Missoula June 5.

“By attaining the 2009 Small Business Community of the Year, the city of Sidney will continue to be recognized as a progressive community,” Messer said. “This is so important, especially in the nation’s uncertain economic times. This award proclaims, Sidney is still open for business!”

Wade VanEvery, executive director of the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, notes there have been many ribbon-cutting events and new chamber members in 2008.

“There are a lot of great things happening in the community,” VanEvery said.

The press release from the Montana office of SBA reads, “The city of Sidney and Richland County actively utilize local and state programs for business development in the area, including the Montana Department of Commerce CDBG program, Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Thru Ag program and a revolving loan fund. They have leveraged local investment dollars with these other programs to assist area small businesses with their start-up, expansion and training needs.”

SBA also noted Sidney’s investment into such organizations as Richland Economic Development and the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. The city and county also utilize tax incentives and abatements for small businesses that qualify.

The release states, “Richland Economic Development manages the newly funded Revolving Loan Fund for existing and start-up businesses. The Lucky Buckle, a small clothing and gift shop in Sidney, was the first loan recipient from this fund. Richland Economic Development also routinely collaborates with the Small Business Development Center and SBA staff to offer small business workshops for area businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.”

editor@sidneyherald.com

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