SIDNEY – Sidney, Nebraska Mayor Roger Gallaway is voicing his frustration with Bass Pro Shops after the hunting fishing and camping retailer announced Wednesday they will be relocating 118 positions from Sidney to its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri in 2020.
“This is extremely sickening,” Gallaway said. “These are people that currently live in Sidney, and have been a part of the community for a long time. Just like many of the others before them that lost their jobs. We’re very disappointed to see this happen.”
Company spokesman Jack Wlezien says the relocation is “consistent with the company’s long-term commitment to efficiently provide the highest level of service.”
In a press release, Bass Pro Shops said they “fully appreciate the importance of the fine people of Cabela’s to the town of Sidney and the surrounding area.” However, since Bass Pro purchased Cabela’s for $4 billion in 2017, only around 200 jobs remain in Sidney – down from more than 2,000 prior to the acquisition.
It’s not clear how many jobs will remain in Sidney.
“We still have great facilities, great infrastructure and great people,” Gallaway said. “We’ll make a great home for somebody.”
It was announced two weeks ago one of the largest news operations in Nebraska is investing in the southern Nebraska panhandle town. Flood Communications, owner of News Channel Nebraska, acquired KSID Radio and plans to establish a western Nebraska News Bureau in Sidney.
“The town has grit, resilience and tenacity,” Flood Communications owner and founder, Mike Flood said. “Sidney is focused on a new future with new opportunities.”
Employees at Cabela’s/Bass Pro who do not relocate to Springfield will be offered severance and outplacement support.
