SIDNEY — “It has been a challenging year for downtown communities across the country. Downtown Sidney saw its fair share of challenges,” said Sidney Alive Executive Director Amy Breinich. “We kicked the year off with a beautiful Bicentennial Ball, signaling end of the Shelby County celebration and the start of the Sidney celebrations.
“Just a month later, we were in a shutdown. Canceled events were the biggest impact on our organization. Many of the community events Sidney Alive hold also have a fundraising factor that help us ‘keep the lights on’ for the organization. Fortunately, Sidney Alive was able to make the appropriate changes to limit the financial impact the pandemic had on the organization. Corporate sponsors and private donors continued with their very generous contributions to the revitalization of Downtown Sidney. For that, we are so grateful,” she said.
Her report continues:
The most heartwarming part of 2020 was the support of our local businesses. While many had to shut down per mandates earlier in the year, they have survived. That is not to say that it has not been a difficult year for downtown businesses. The ever-changing State mandates presented its own challenges to keep the doors open. Property and business owners became creative with ways to still serve their community and outlast the unknown circumstances they were faced with each week/month. We are incredibly proud of the leaders who have chosen Downtown Sidney as their business home. Locally owned businesses are what keeps our local economy thriving as well as continuing to grow and improve our community. We hope that shopping, dining, and using local services continue indefinitely. We are truly at our best when we support one another.
Our downtown has also seen some really great things in 2020. Downtown Sidney was featured twice in the Dayton Business Journal, highlighting our businesses and efforts. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) opened in October. We were still able to operate the Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, hold a socially distant Chocolate Walk, and a handful of virtual events. WHIO featured Downtown Sidney in their 7 Sees Your Town segment. The Sidney Visitors Bureau and their branding committee created a new community brand that we can all be proud of. Timing was perfect and we were able to use the new logo on the DORA materials.
Tavolo Modern Italian, Spot On Nutrition, The Hive Executive Center, Bad Attitude Off Road, and Simply Cozy Co. opened during the pandemic. Murphy’s Craft Bar + Kitchen and The Royal Parlour celebrated their first anniversary. Our longer-standing businesses saw great support from their customers. More buildings have been acquired by local investors and others are ready to be renovated for use by local entrepreneurs! Upper living spaces are in the planning stages and our Downtown and Riverfront Development Strategy in is the final phase. Public-Private partnerships are key to a lot of the progress this year and there are so many initiatives coming up that we are excited to champion and be a part of.
What we have learned in 2020 is that the Sidney & Shelby County community is determined, supportive, and will rise to any challenge. We do not know what this year holds for Downtown Sidney, but we do know that we will continue to grow, adapt, and overcome in 2021 thanks to our citizens, businesses, investors, sponsors, donors, and volunteers! The new Sidney community brand says it best… Sidney is a spirit you can’t find anywhere else!
For more information on Sidney Alive and downtown opportunities, please visit SidneyAlive.org. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
From all of us in Downtown Sidney, thank you for your continued support!
