SIDNEY, Neb. — Flood Communications – Western Nebraska, the parent company of radio stations 987 The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country, as well as TV station News Channel Nebraska, announced the hiring of Sidney native Avery Lawson as their new account executive.

Lawson, a 2024 graduate of the Panhandle Home School Co-op, participated in the inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at Sidney High School during her senior year. Through this experience, she gained valuable insights into the logistics and marketing strategies essential for entrepreneurship.

"I was able to really get to network with a lot people in the community that wouldn't really be able to without that competition," Lawson said. "Getting to meet a bunch of people that are very big, prominent business owners in the area that I really have a strong relationship and connection with now. I was able to master an 'elevator pitch,' which super important for the position I'm in now."

Lawson described the challenge as a highlight of her senior year, during which she founded Evergreen Design Company, a graphic design business. Within a year, she expanded her company to serve 15 clients.

Station Manager Hunter Arterburn expressed his enthusiasm for Lawson's appointment.

"I wonder if this is how a college coach feels when they get their prized recruit," Arterburn said. "We got our five-star player. Very happy for Avery and her future with Flood Communications. Her passion for branding and marketing local businesses, her joy for life and desire for fun is the energy we feed off. We're excited to welcome her on board."

In her new role with Flood Communications, Lawson will leverage her experience she gained from her schooling, but also from her time at Savor & Grace sandwich and cheese shop in downtown Sidney.

"Jill has a lot of experience with business coaching," Lawson said. "She was really good at getting me prepared for this role. I was the manager at Savor & Grace, so I got really great leadership experience, being around people and building relationships."

Lawson will partner with local businesses in Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and beyond. She aims to assist these businesses in building and marketing their brands through the company's media and advertising services.

Arterburn acknowledged the challenge of recruiting talent from other small businesses.

"You don't like to poach employees from other small businesses, but what a nod to what Jill Sauder has been able to build at Savor & Grace in Hickory Street Square with a remarkably talented staff," Arterburn said. "When people talk about supporting local, the focus – with good reason – is buy local and put heads in beds, but how about the great local talent in each of these businesses? How fortunate are we to have a person like Jill who develops wonderful talent and couldn't be more supportive of her employee's growth and following their passions."

Lawson's first day with the station was Feb. 19. She's the daughter of Scott and Jessica Lawson.