Housing, air service among critical needs for business

Housing and air service are critical to businesses in Sheridan County.

That’s according to Dixie Johnson, CEO of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, in response to a question from Senator Bo Biteman regarding barriers to businesses here during the recent legislative forum.

Johnson said a significant number of people are moving into the community – which is great, but also creating problems in terms of housing inventory and affordable housing.

She said at the same time housing prices are going up, the housing inventory in the community has gone down.

She said at a Chamber luncheon a couple of months ago, Tom Belus with ERA Carroll Reality said prices have jumped 15 percent, but Sheridan doesn’t have a housing inventory. Houses can’t be built fast enough, she said.

Johnson said that’s a big challenge, because if we don’t have housing, we can’t attract or retain workers.

Johnson said air service is critical not only in attracting businesses and employees to the community but in retaining many of the existing businesses.

She said going forward, the Chamber’s focus is going to be on business retention and expansion.