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Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Business Workshops in Thermopolis
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With the great success of our workshops this past November we are pleased to announce we have set up two workshops for this year already. The first will be held on February 15th from 1pm to 5pm this will be Start Right: Build Your Own Business. It will guide you step by step through the process of turning your idea into a successful business. In the end, you will have a business plan ready to help you get your business started. Following this workshop will be Using Facebook for Business workshop held from 6pm until 8pm. In this workshop we will explore how to create a page, communicate and connect with your audience, advertise to your audience, and sell to your audience. The next workshop is scheduled for March 7th. This day we will be doing another Start Right Business workshop from 1pm until 5pm. However following this workshop we will have a Copyrights/Trademarks Workshop from 6pm until 8pm. The Copyrights/Trademarks workshop will focus on some of the legal issues artists and crafters face, with an emphasis on intellectual property issues. The workshop will cover the basics of trademark and patent law, but will mostly be focused on copyrights and how they relate to pictoral, graphic, creative and artistic works. All workshops will be held in the upstairs conference room at the Common Grounds Building. There will be ads in the paper prior to the workshops but if you want to get signed up call me today and get on the list. We must have at least 5 participants for each workshop so please sign up early. You may contact me at 864-2348.
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Posted By
Kendi Heinze
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Wyoming Ranks Fourth in Pollina`s Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business Report
Wyoming has once again been recognized as one of the best places in the United States to do business with a fourth-place ranking in Pollina’s Corporate Real Estate’s Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2011.
The prestigious annual study of job retention and creation measures a state’s economic development prowess. It is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and unbiased of its type for evaluating and ranking states based on 32 factors controlled by state government, including taxes, human resources, education, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. Two new factors – state budget deficit and state property tax index – along with a comprehensive State Report Card were added to this year’s study.
Bob Jensen, Wyoming Business Council CEO, said Wyoming’s ranking is a testament to its pro-business commitment.
"This most recent Pollina ranking continues to showcase Wyoming as a premiere place for business expansion and relocation," said Jensen. "Wyoming has had numerous economic development successes recently that underscore the positive business environment here. We`re pleased to be recognized by Pollina once again and will continue to work hard to provide a high quality, low cost environment for businesses to grow."Brent Pollina, vice president of Pollina Corporate Real Estate and author of the study, says the results add credibility to Wyoming’s claim as an extremely attractive place to do business.
“Wyoming is a solid Pollina Top 10 Pro-Business state placing No. 4 for 2011. It has been a consistent pro-business winner in economic development, ranking among the Pollina Top 10 Pro-Business states since the study was started in 2004,” Pollina said.
Wyoming prides itself on being a right-to-work state with no individual income taxes, no inventory tax, and generally low operating costs for business. With no individual income taxes and a third-place ranking for business income taxes, the state has an overall attractive tax position. Wyoming has the second lowest cost of electricity in the country and an excellent high-school completion rate as well as high teacher compensation. Wyoming also recently claimed the ranking of Best Performing State Economy (The Atlantic, 2010), and the Best Run State in America (24/7 Wall St., 2010).
To see the Top 10 list visit: http://www.pollina.com/top10probusiness.html
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Posted By
Kendi Heinze
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Business Workshops in Thermopolis
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On November 8th and 9th the Thermopolis-Hot Springs County Economic Development Company (EDC) in conjunction with the Wind River Development Fund is putting on two workshops open to the public. The first is Start Right Business which will walk you through the key aspects of starting your own business and get you to the right professionals. On completion of this course you will have a finished business plan ready to be submitted to potential lenders. Follow-up assistance will be available to who ever needs it. This workshop will start at 1pm on November 8th at the Common Grounds Building, 124 North 5th St Thermopolis, and end at 5pm. There is a $5 fee.
The second workshop will be Credit When Credit Is Due. This workshop will go over the basics of credit, the options you have and how to keep yourself out of trouble. On completion of this workshop you will take a test and your results will be submitted to all three of the reporting credit agencies. This workshop will start at 8:30 AM on November 9th at the Common Grounds building and end at 3:30 PM. Lunch will be provided and there is a $5 fee for this workshop as well. Please come join us. You must pre-register for the workshop so call 864-2348.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
AG Photo Contest Underway
CASPER – The Wyoming Business Council’s Agribusiness Division is now accepting photos for its 4th Annual Ag Photo Contest.
Amateurs, professionals, youth and adults may submit photos to the Agribusiness Division until Sept. 1, 2011. While there are no subject categories, all submissions must be agriculture related and taken in Wyoming. Photos could include crops; livestock and farm animals; ag recreation and activities; or scenic agriculture. Photos may be in color or black and white. Contestants may submit multiple photos to the contest.
All contestants are eligible for the Grand Prize of $300. Adult contestants may win $150 and $75 for 1st and 2nd places respectively. Youth contestants may win $50 and $25 for 1st and 2nd places respectively. Winning photos will also be used in the 2012 AgriCulture Calendar issued in fall 2011.
“The response we get to this contest grows every year and we couldn’t be more pleased,” said Cindy Garretson-Weibel, Agribusiness Division director. “We really enjoy seeing submissions from around the state and are so impressed by the photos we receive from the many talented individuals.”
Each submitted photograph should be accompanied by a completed and signed application form. The photos must be at least 300 dpi in jpeg or tiff format. Each submitted photo should include the location of the picture, the contestant’s name and a title (optional) on the back of the photograph. Digital photos may be submitted on CD or via email.
All photos become property of the Agribusiness Division and may be used in marketing materials, publications and the AgriCulture Calendar.
For a free copy of the 2011 AgriCulture calendar featuring last year’s winning photos and submissions, contact Barr.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Monday, January 24, 2011
Appliance Rebate Program Closed
CASPER – The Wyoming Appliance Rebate Program has allocated all rebate funding and is no longer accepting rebate applications.
As of Jan. 5, the program paid rebates to over 4,000 Wyoming residents, contributing to annual energy savings of about 60,000 therms and 300,000 kWh each year. Energy savings statistics are based on a U.S. Department of Energy/ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) reporting spreadsheet tool.
The Wyoming Appliance Rebate program launched April 15, 2010 with $511,000 to help Wyoming residents replace older appliances with newer, energy efficient technology. The Wyoming Appliance Rebate Program was managed by the State Energy Office and funded by the federal 2009 ARRA.
The program is still processing final applications. All rebate applications are processed in order based on the postmark date. Wyoming residents who are waiting for a response from the program will either receive a rebate check or a letter notifying them of program funding status.
“We really appreciate all the residents who participated in the program by investing in energy efficiency, and all the retailers, contractors, and utilities that helped to support the program by supplying products and educating customers,” said Heather Tupper, Wyoming State Energy Office grants and contracts specialist.
Purchases submitted to the program for rebates included more than 2,400 washers, 1,300 dishwashers, 400 furnaces, and 100 water heaters.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Thursday, January 20, 2011
Two Wyoming Communities Rank in top 10
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CHEYENNE – Wyoming Main Street communities, Dubois, Wyo., and Buffalo, Wyo., were named 2011 Top True Western Towns in the January-February 2011 issue of True West magazine.
The honors are given to towns that have made an important contribution to preserving their pasts, according to True West’s editors.
Wyoming’s Main Street program is part of the National Main Street program that strives to make a difference in the lives of Wyoming residents by providing communities the opportunity to revitalize their commercial business districts through economic development and historic preservation.
“Having two Wyoming Main Street communities in the top-10 is truly an honor,” said Mary Randolph, Wyoming Main Street director. “It shows that the work done by local residents in Dubois and Buffalo to preserve their communities is being recognized on a national level.”
Dubois, Wyo., which ranked 2nd in the sixth annual list, was noted for its preservation work and local heritage celebrations. The article stated, “It’s obvious that the locals put a lot of sweat equity into preserving their town.”
Specifically, the Dubois Main Street program was honored for collecting $37,000 for two projects last year including developing design standards for private owners of historic buildings and the hiring of a consulting firm to nominate three or four downtown buildings to the National Historic Register.
“I feel this is an unprecedented opportunity for our town," said June Bonasera, director of Dubois Main Street program. "Dubois has been honored for two years in a row for our efforts to preserve the town`s Western culture. It’s recognition, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity not only to attract visitors, but to attract new businesses. It’s a valuable recruitment tool all the way around. This award puts Dubois on the map. It is something the community can build on and continue the momentum of interest that it creates. Let’s make the most of it.”
Buffalo, Wyo., was ranked 7th and was noted for its American Indian and ranching history as well as local archaeological efforts.
Pendleton, Ore., was rated the top True West town in this year’s rankings.
True West magazine, which has been published since 1953, works to relate history back to present day by showing its readers the important role heritage plays in keeping the spirit of the West alive during everyday travels and adventures out West.
About Wyoming Main Street
Wyoming Main Street is dedicated to providing Wyoming communities with the opportunities to strengthen local pride and revitalize historic downtown districts by utilizing the Main Street Four-Point Approach™.
Wyoming Main Street is a program of the Wyoming Rural Development Council and a division of the Wyoming Business Council.
Wyoming Main Street currently coordinates the local Main Street programs in 14 Certified Wyoming Main Street Communities: Buffalo, Douglas, Dubois, Evanston, Glenrock, Green River, Kemmerer, Laramie, Pinedale, Platte County, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Torrington. www.wyomingmainstreet.org/
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Thursday, January 06, 2011
Renewable Energy Forum
If your program is targeting the renewable energy sector we invite you to register for the 2nd Renewable Energy Forum , April 13-15, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This special Forum organized by The Consultants Forum and Area Development brings together a distinguished group of site consultants and other thought leaders who are advising today’s latest renewable energy related projects and who will provide valuable insights to where emerging technologies will invest.
With a new Congress and many new state legislatures shaping energy policies in 2011 different issues, challenges and opportunities will face economic developers. The Forum has been designed to help economic developers frame their marketing strategies and find the right course for their prospect development programs.
Speakers are invited for their outstanding expertise and experience in addressing today’s renewable energy investment issues and challenges.
The intense two day program of sessions, panels and round table discussions are designed to focus on all renewable energy sectors and the latest emerging technologies. Plus networking receptions and meals offer the opportunity to meet, sit and talk with speakers and colleagues in a relaxed setting.
The 2009 Renewable Energy Forum in Dallas attracted ED professionals from across the US, Canada and foreign investment offices. The 2011 program will provide both returning and new delegates a valuable insider’s look at today’s renewable energy landscape.
Seating is limited to 100 delegates on a first come basis to preserve the Forum’s unique boutique qualities and the attendee to speaker ratio. Hotel reservations at the outstanding art deco Mayo Hotel are available upon receipt of your registration.
The Forum expects to be sold out quickly so please reserve your place early
For registration, sponsorship or multi delegate discount information please contact Annie Gregson, Program Director, at 212-579-4469.
Also please view our latest video.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Upton Regional Industrial Park Demonstrates Economic Development Success
Upton Regional Industrial Park demonstrates economic development success
CHEYENNE – When the American Colloid Plant ceased its operations in 2003, the town of Upton, Wyo., could have easily joined the ranks of many small towns across America that slowly fade away when the primary employer shuts down.
But local officials were unwilling to admit defeat and over the past six years have seen a dramatic economic recovery due to the Upton Regional Industrial Park. The project began in June 2004 when the town of Upton and Weston County, working with Wyoming Business Council Regional Director Dave Spencer, received $1.5 million in Business Ready Community Grant funding from the Wyoming Business Council to purchase the 555-acre site, build a new rail spur and install the first phase of sewer service in the park.
The following year, Weston County and the Weston County Development Board (WCDB) received an additional $473,600 in Community Readiness funds from the Business Council for a second phase of construction and site development, including a new access road. The town of Upton recently received a third BRC grant for approximately $2.5 million to complete water and sewer service in the park and install a 300,000 gallon water tank to provide fire protection.
Since its creation, several new businesses have moved to the Park, including KL Energy Corp., Utran Inc., Orica, Mustang Tire, Am-west Petroleum, Red Giant Oil, Amerigas, Four B Land Co., BTI, Viking LDE, and Holsim Cement, and created 40 new employment opportunities. In addition, the $4.5 million government investment has leveraged over $15 million in private funds, contributing significantly to its success.
“This is an excellent example of local community leadership getting economic development right,” said Bob Jensen, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. “The town of Upton and Weston County have taken their asset base, invested in it and created an environment where businesses can thrive. They are really a model for communities across the state.”
And jobs are not the only thing being generated. According to the Wyoming Department of Revenue, the town of Upton received $210,768 from the state of Wyoming for sales and use tax in October, due to a TransCanada Pipeline project that used the site to trans-load and store pipe materials. The normal amount of revenue received by the town in a month is approximately $30,000. In addition, the city of Newcastle, Wyo., received $785,304 from the activity, which is eight times its normal monthly amount. Weston County also received $621,554.
Weston County Development Board President, Tom Barritt said “By rolling up our sleeves and working together on this project, the community and surrounding area are realizing more jobs than were lost, a more diverse economy, an enhanced tax base, and the need for infrastructure enhancement that this small community has not seen for years.”
According to Barritt, projected future activity at the site includes more rail construction, more customers, customer services, and projects such as used motor oil recycling, processed steel and tire recycling along with transloading projects of pipe, coal mine equipment, and diesel fuel.
“This is a great project and there will be more benefits from it in the future. The Wyoming Business Council was pleased to play a supporting role in the efforts of Upton to grow their local economy,” said Jensen.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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2010 Census Wyoming Population Count
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WYOMING’S POPULATION EXPERIENCES ITS FASTEST GROWTH SINCE 1980
CHEYENNE– Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2010 Census state population counts. This is the first set of population data released from the 2010 Census, which was conducted during the spring and summer months. Wyoming’s total resident population reached 563,626 on April 1, 2010. Wyoming gained 69,844 persons over the decade, or a 14.1% increase since 2000. This is the strongest growth Wyoming has seen since 1980. From 1970 to 1980, Wyoming’s population grew by 41.3%. Wyoming experienced an energy boom during the 1970s and early 1980s. When the last recession hit Wyoming, in the mid-1980s, the State endured heavy out-migration and the population declined 3.4% from 1980 to 1990. In 2010, the U.S. population reached 308.7 million, an increase of 9.7% from 2000. The U.S. Census Bureau measures the resident population living in housing units, group quarters (military barracks, prisons, dormitories, nursing homes), and persons experiencing homelessness. There are three components that determine population change, the number of births and deaths, and migration (people moving in and out of an area). After accounting for the number of births and deaths, over half of Wyoming’s population growth during the decade was due to net in-migration (more people moving into the State than leaving), which mostly occurred in the last half of the decade. “Starting in 2004, Wyoming’s population growth really started to excel. This growth was attributed to the economic activity in the mining sector,” stated Amy Bittner, an economist with the Economic Analysis Division. Job opportunities offering high paying wages in the State’s energy sector drove many people to relocate to Wyoming. Wyoming saw workers move in from other states such as Michigan, California, and Nevada. From 2000 to 2009, the number of jobs in Wyoming increased 20.0%. Wyoming ranked at the top in the nation in terms of annual job growth in 2006-2008. “Not only did workers move to the State, but some relocated with their families or started families while in Wyoming, which is evidenced by the increase in the number of births during the decade,” Bittner commented. Wyoming’s neighboring states also experienced strong growth throughout the decade including Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. “Although Wyoming’s growth rate was smaller than some of its neighbors, the State experienced the fastest annual population growth in the U.S. between 2008 and 2009. Even during the recession more people moved into Wyoming than out of the State. The economic conditions in other areas of the U.S. may have spurred people to relocate to Wyoming, and it also prevented Wyomingites from moving elsewhere” according to Bittner. Wyoming’s growth over the decade ranked the 12th fastest in the nation. Even though Wyoming experienced tremendous growth since 2000, it is still the least populated state in the U.S. The 2010 Census population counts for counties and municipalities will be released in February or March 2011.
The complete population figures are available online at http://eadiv.state.wy.us/ or U.S. Census Bureau’s website at http://www.census.gov/
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Monday, December 06, 2010
Gro-Biz Conference & Idea Expo
February 22-24, 2011
Evanston, Wyoming - Roundhouse
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi and the 2011 Gro-Biz Conference and Idea Expo Planning Committee invite small businesses in Wyoming and nearby states to this annual event.
Not your ordinary business conference! Innovative workshops to strengthen and grow your business as well as opportunities to meet more than 50 federal government procurement representatives and service providers to help you start selling your products in a multi-billion dollar market.
Register Today:
www.regonline.com/grobizidea or 800.348.5194 or 866.253.3300
Early Bird (by Jan. 31) $165 per registrant
Two or more registrants from same company get a 15 percent discount on total registration
Late Registration $185
Vendor Tables $100 with paid registration
Limited number of tables available
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wyo. Businesses Offered Booth Space at SHOT Show
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CASPER – The Wyoming Business Council is offering Wyoming outdoor companies the opportunity to secure booth space at the world’s largest shooting and hunting trade show.
Wyoming outdoor trades companies interested in attending the 2012 SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trades) with the Business Council must return an application and a $200 non-refundable deposit to the Business Council by Jan. 5, 2011.
The Business Council must have an anticipated number of interested Wyoming companies secured early in the coming year in order to obtain the necessary amount of booth space for the 2012 show. An increased attendance at the show has made securing booth space early a necessity.
Applications are available through Annie Wood, marketing and attraction specialist at the Business Council, by calling 307.777.2844 or by emailingannie.wood@wybusiness.org.
SHOT Show is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports and hunting industries. It is the world`s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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Wyoming Adds 3,000 Jobs in October 2010
The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Employment reported today that total nonfarm employment in the state increased by 3,000 jobs (1.1%) from October 2009 to October 2010. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased very slightly from 6.8% in September to 6.7% in October and was lower than its October 2009 level of 7.4%. Wyoming’s unemployment rate has remained between 6.7% and 6.8% in each of the past five months.
Over the year, Wyoming gained 3,000 nonfarm jobs (1.1%). Natural resources & mining (including oil & gas) posted the largest job gains (3,100 jobs, or 12.8%) followed by government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; 1,400 jobs, or 1.9%), educational & health services (900 jobs, or 3.5%), wholesale trade (600 jobs, or 7.1%), and transportation & utilities (600 jobs, or 4.4%). Job losses continued in leisure & hospitality (-1,700 jobs, or -5.3%), retail trade (-1,100 jobs, or -3.6%), and professional & business services (-300 jobs, or -1.7%).
From September to October, Wyoming nonfarm employment fell by 3,700 jobs (-1.3%). This level of decrease is consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Seasonal job losses in leisure & hospitality (-4,800, or -13.6%) and retail trade (-700 jobs, or -2.3%) more than offset seasonal gains in government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; 1,000 jobs, or 1.4%), natural resources & mining (including oil & gas;
600 jobs, or 2.2%), and educational & health services (400 jobs, or 1.5%).
Unemployment rates fell from October 2009 to October 2010 in all but one county (Teton County’s unemployment rate rose from 8.1% to 9.0%). From September to October, most county unemployment rates decreased slightly. The largest decreases occurred in Washakie County (down from 5.6% to 5.0%) and Weston and Goshen counties (both down from 5.8% to 5.3%).
The Wyoming employment news release with November data is scheduled to be issued on December 21, 2010.
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Posted By
Kendi Graves
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