Sunrise City Association to Hold Open Meeting on March 31

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The Sunrise City Association, a new downtown business group in Sidney, Montana, will hold its next open public meeting on March 31. The association was formed after a January meeting that brought together the local chamber of commerce, economic development organization, city officials, business owners, and residents to discuss ways to revitalize the downtown area. Since then, the association has finalized its mission and vision statements and is now recruiting additional committee members to join the group.

Why it matters

The formation of the Sunrise City Association represents an effort by local stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives to support Sidney's downtown businesses and improve the overall vibrancy of the city's commercial district. As many small towns struggle with economic challenges, this type of community-driven approach can help drive positive change.

The details

The Sunrise City Association was initially proposed by Kelcey Hart, who owns the Rouge Day Spa in downtown Sidney. The group has decided that rather than being housed under the local chamber of commerce, it will operate as an independent, business-led organization, with representatives from the chamber, the Richland Economic Development Corp., and the City of Sidney serving in an advisory capacity. The association has established a mission to 'build a stronger, more inviting Sidney through partnership, pride and community action,' and a vision to create 'a thriving Sidney where businesses flourish, feel connected, and visitors are inspired to return.' The group is now recruiting six additional committee members to join Hart, and there are no membership dues at this time. All business owners and community members are invited to attend the March 31 open meeting to learn more and share their ideas.

• The Sunrise City Association was formed after a January 27 meeting of downtown stakeholders.
• The group originally planned to hold a public meeting on February 24, but decided to hold internal meetings first to finalize the association's structure and priorities.
• The next open public meeting of the Sunrise City Association will be held on March 31 at 6 p.m. at Sidney City Hall.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Sunrise City Association is currently recruiting six additional committee members to join Kelcey Hart. The next open public meeting will be held on March 31 at 6 p.m. at Sidney City Hall.