News

Williston economic organization honors Sidney

Sidney was in the spotlight during the seventh annual Williston Area Economic Development in Williston Thursday.

By Bill Vander Weele
Sidney Herald

(Many thanks to Gloria O’Rourke – MEDA – Montana Economic Developers Association for passing this along- Russ)

The economic development organization awarded Sidney and Richland Economic Development the regional achievement award.
Williston Mayor E. Ward Koeser said the award honors communities that go the extra mile.

"Sidney is definitely in that category," Koeser said. "I think Williston along with the region are better off because of what they’re accomplishing."

The plaque reads, "For your foresight, vision, determination, drive and enthusiasm of the Mon-Dak Agriculture Frontier through value-added ag initiatives."

*************

Receiving the award from Williston Mayor E. Ward Koeser are, from left, Richland Economic Development assistant Marcy Hamburg, Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser, economic development board member Pam Burman, economic development Executive Director Leslie Messer, economic development board member Craig Herbert, Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Executive Director Sharon Rau and economic development board member Gary Schoepp.

Please see the article for the picture.
http://sidneyherald.com/display/inn_news/news04.txt

*************

Leslie Messer, executive director for Richland Economic Development, told the audience in the Williston State College new gymnasium, "There are no state lines." She said when the Mon-Dak area works together, they receive success.

Messer said bringing Busch-Ag receiving facility to Sidney was "a collaborative effort of many, many Mon-Dak businesses."

She also noted how well the Williston and Sidney agriculture research stations work together. "New scientists are working on both sides," Messer said.

Messer concluded, "We look forward to continuing our efforts in the Mon-Dak region."

Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser described Sidney and Williston as sister cities.

"What is good for Williston is good for Sidney. What is good for Sidney is good for the entire Mon-Dak area," Smelser said.
Smelser talked about Sidney’s volunteerism and that residents don’t say the word no.

"It’s just a pleasure to serve them," Smelser said.
Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sharon Rau said how the city of Sidney, Richland Economic Development and the chamber work together.

"Because we all work together so well, we can make the goals that we set," Rau said.

Rau mentioned new events the chamber promotes included the beef show and an air show.

"When our entire region works together, we accomplish great things," Rau said.

Other highlights during the program were short speeches by Dr. Jerry Bergman, director of the Williston ag station and MSU-Eastern Plains Agricultural Research Center, regarding the progress of the Mon-Dak Irrigation Research and Development Project.

Fairview Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ray Trumpower discussed improvements being made or which have been made to the Fairview Bridge.
[email protected]

Copyright 2003 Sidney Herald Leader.

http://sidneyherald.com/display/inn_news/news04.txt

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.