News

First Person: Effects of the Global Pandemic on Company Supply Chains

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

AD: Will more companies be re-shoring or near-shoring as a result of the global pandemic? Jensen: For certain, most companies are closely examining the options available to them to avoid future supply chain interruptions. Part of the challenge of making a decision on a future sourcing direction is that this story isn’t over. As the pandemic progresses, every week, sometimes every day, brings new information to light regarding risks associated with both the supply available for companies to transact business, as well as the fluctuations in the demand associated with their specific product offerings. It is very safe to say that at present...

UW’s Construction Management Program Receives Grant for Residential Construction Program Development

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The Construction Management Program at the University of Wyoming has received a four-year, $80,000 grant to develop and implement residential construction training. The UW College of Engineering and Applied Science program received a Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) grant from the National Housing Endowment, the philanthropic arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This is the first award of this type for the UW Construction Management Program. For more than a decade, the HELP initiative has awarded grants to leading colleges and universities to help them create, expand or enhance residential construction management programs. The initiative’s primary goals are t...

Wyoming’s Pipeline Corridor Initiative Moves Ahead to Support Carbon Capture and Utilization

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Wyoming’s Pipeline Corridor Initiative Moves Ahead to Support Carbon Capture and Utilization CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The State of Wyoming has worked for almost a decade on a plan to dedicate a carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline corridor system serving most of Wyoming. Today the Bureau of Land Management announced that it has published the Wyoming Pipeline Corridor Initiative (WPCI) Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This marks the final planning stages for the federally managed portions of Wyoming’s proposal to designate approximately 1,150 miles of Wyoming BLM-managed lands for a dedicated pipeline corridor system. Designated corridors under th...

Arch speeding up work to get rid of Wyoming coal mines

Monday, October 26, 2020

GILLETTE — Arch Resources is accelerating its efforts to divest itself of its Powder River Basin coal mines as it expects to produce about 27% less coal this year than in 2019 and plans to wind down its Wyoming operations by an additional 50% over the next two to three years. The company lost more than $191 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared to being in the black about $106 million in the same quarter last year, Arch reported Thursday morning. Arch also took a write-down of its legacy thermal coal operations of about $163 million in the quarter...

Governor Gordon Directs CARES Act Funds to Assist Wyomingites Seeking Health Insurance

Friday, October 23, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Governor Gordon Directs CARES Act Funds to Assist Wyomingites Seeking Health Insurance CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has directed federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to assist Wyoming residents in signing up for health insurance. The Governor has allocated $600,000 for the effort, which will be directed to the Enroll Wyoming Program. The funds will be used to hire trained enrollment counselors to provide outreach, education and assistance, and to ensure Wyomingites are made aware of the upcoming Open Enrollment period (November 1- December 15). “Wyoming is facing increased numbers of uninsure...

The State Business Tax Climate Index Is Your Guide to Economic “Wins Above Replacement”

Friday, October 23, 2020

Earlier this week we published our annual State Business Tax Climate Index, which measures tax structure. It’s an extremely valuable diagnostic tool, enabling readers to compare states’ tax structures across more than 120 variables. Unlike most studies of state taxes, it is focused on the how more than the how much, in recognition of the fact that there are better and worse ways to raise revenue. Inevitably, though, the publication of the Index raises some questions, like: if Wyoming and South Dakota lead in the rankings, why aren’t more companies heading for the Black Hills? Tax competition is a little like WAR—not conflict, but Wins Above Replacement. The term comes from baseball...

Governor Clarifies Limited Role of National Guard for Contact Tracing

Monday, October 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Governor Clarifies Limited Role of National Guard for Contact Tracing CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon clarified that the role of the Wyoming National Guard in assisting with contact tracing is very limited. Due to the record number of new positive cases of COVID-19 the Department of Health and counties needed urgent assistance, but the Guard members’ role is limited to contacting individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 based on their contact with someone who has tested positive (contact tracing). The Governor emphasized that the agreement between the Wyoming National Guard and th...

Governor Utilizes CARES Funds to Provide Free COVID-19 Testing for Wyoming Residents

Thursday, October 15, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Governor Utilizes CARES Funds to Provide Free COVID-19 Testing for Wyoming Residents CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has made free, at-home COVID-19 testing available to the state’s residents. The saliva test is administered by Vault Health and allows residents to get results at home without needing to visit a healthcare provider. Wyoming has purchased 75,000 tests and could obtain additional tests if needed. The program will supplement currently available testing options that include private healthcare providers, hospitals and some pharmacies. The Governor is utilizing Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for the testing program. Th...

The COVID Black Swan & Infrastructure Investment in 2021

Thursday, September 24, 2020

The Covid-19 Black Swan has completely disrupted the U.S. and global infrastructure market, magnifying the cracks in the global infrastructure investment model. The magnitude of the problem is significant, but so is the opportunity. The International Finance Corporation sees emerging market domestic private investment declining by $700 billion this year over last, and foreign direct investment declining by $250 billion. A return to pre-crisis levels of investment will only occur in 2023. Using another metric, infrastructure project finance is down 75% when compared with 2019. Now for the opportunity: We believe that, both globally and in the U.S., this is ...

Upton: Child Care Needs Survey

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Sandy Hart has purchased a building with plans of opening a daycare center. The project is currently in the planning phase. In order to plan the best possible care for Upton's children she needs your input. From Sandy: The need for childcare in Upton has been an ongoing battle for some time. I am working on a solution but in order to find the best solution to the problem I need to hear from those of you in need of childcare services for whatever reason. I have visited with the Upton Chamber of Commerce, Upton Economic Development Board, Weston County Children's Cente...

Economic impact of a new hotel development in your community

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Throughout the last 4 months or so, we (Core Distinction Group) have had many calls and emails from community leaders, hotel owners, hotel investors, bankers, developers, brands and so on to ask us what our thoughts are on the current state of the hotel industry and hotel development. Although those conversations are in depth, my conclusions, when it comes to new hotel development are always the same. When speaking to community leaders and hotel developers looking at beginning the process of conducting a Comprehensive Hotel Market Feasibility Study, START NOW! I may be bias but, I believe my reasoning and opinion ha...

Coal Tech Company Nearing Commercialization Signs MOU With Neighbor

Monday, September 21, 2020

Clean Coal Technologies, Inc. (CCTI) signed an agreement with a neighboring organization in Gillette, confirming the groups will cooperate down the line. The memorandum of understanding with Energy Capital Economic Development comes as CCTI leaders say the company is nearing commercialization. CCTI is a technology company that looks to improve the quality of coal by reducing its emissions as it's burned or in transit. The company has been in operation for about 10 years and ran a test plant in Oklahoma before moving to Wyoming. It's now working on its second generation plant in the Equality State. Continue reading here.

Wyoming's first cryptocurrency bank approved by state board

Monday, September 21, 2020

CHEYENNE – In a crucial step in the state’s efforts to become the national leader in blockchain technology, a cryptocurrency company had its bank charter approved Wednesday by the Wyoming Banking Board. Through the board’s vote, Kraken Financial became the first company in Wyoming or elsewhere to receive a charter to operate a special purpose depository institution, which aims to provide a more structured regulatory environment for cryptocurrency activity. Continue reading here.

Richard "Dick" A. Claycomb Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Mr. Claycomb has been endorsed by Marquis Who's Who as a leader in the field of education UPTON, WY, July 30, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Richard "Dick" A. Claycomb with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Claycomb celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factor...

Enduro Race Brings Big Attention to Small Town

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

For 25 years, professional motorcycle riders have come to Wyoming’s Black Hills just outside Upton to test their off-road abilities on the tree-lined tracks coursing over the native rocky terrain. On September 20, Upton will host the 26th annual Inyan Kara Enduro Race, an off-road, long-distance cross-country competition part of the Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit. “This race has helped put Upton on the map,” said Debbie Douglas, who helped run the race with her husband Paul and others for over 20 years. “Everyone wants to be a part and to see folks get star-struck with the professional riders in town i...

Sisters Continue Upton Family Grocery Tradition

Monday, September 14, 2020

This is the third article in a feature on the Women Business Leaders of Upton Sisters Buffy Helwig and Jaki Gustaf knew that running the family grocery would be hard work and dedication. But in January, when they bought Joe’s Food Center in Upton from their mother, little did they know what the next few months had in store for them. “We were raised understanding that women know how to work hard,” said Helwig. “But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had that comfort to fall back on that ‘girl power’ we had seen from our mother and other women in Upton.” Th...

Upton Makes Onshoring Possible Now

Thursday, September 10, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a crisis for businesses across the country. Of the U.S. manufacturing companies recently surveyed by Thomas, 60% reported COVID-19 business disruptions to their supply chains and product deliveries. Onshoring is one solution to reducing the risk of future disruptions and delays. Though companies may not be looking to move their entire operations back to the United States, opening U.S. manufacturing facilities as part of their global operations certainly is. In that scenario, Upton offers many onshoring advantages, such as an ideal location on a major transportation route from Canada to Mexico, a rail-served business park, ...

Purchasers of 5M acres in southern Wyoming see potential for expanded renewable energy development

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

The new owners of 5 million combined acres of land and mineral rights in southern Wyoming say they plan to pursue opportunities to expand renewable energy development in addition to existing drilling and mining activity — a potential new source of revenue for the state as a third-party investment company takes over land long held by oil companies Anadarko and Occidental Petroleum. In a Friday interview with the Star-Tribune, Jon Lamb, the CEO of the purchasing firm Orion Resource Partners, and Johnny DeCooman, the new CEO of Sweetwater, the company taking over management of those lands, said they would be lookin...

Study shows optimistic future for carbon capture, but doubts over viability linger

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

Along-awaited study released Thursday by the United States Department of Energy argues that retrofitting four of Wyoming’s PacifiCorp-owned coal-fired power plants with carbon capture technology could extend the useful lives of several of those plants, generating new jobs and millions of dollars for Wyoming’s economy over the next three decades while reducing CO2 emissions at significantly lowered costs to ratepayers. However, the study — which quickly drew criticism from PacifiCorp as well as others — also calls for “some sort of additional funding” to make the projects financially viable; a gamble at a time where Wyoming’s revenue picture has grown increasingl...

UW’s Krutka Speaks at Senate Committee Field Hearing

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

The executive director of the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) laid out UW’s efforts to drive innovation and deployment of climate-focused technologies during a U.S. Senate committee field hearing today (Wednesday) in Gillette. Speaking to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Holly Krutka said development of technologies such as carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) is a priority for Wyoming and its university. Read the complete article here.

Wyoming Community College Systems Rank First In Nation, NWCCD Tops List

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

When it comes to states with the best community colleges, Wyoming ranks at the top of the list, according to a national Wallethub survey, with fifth-place Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) and ninth-place Casper College earning two top 10 slots out of more than 650 community colleges across the nation. Read the complete article here.

Health Orders Extended, Outdoor Gathering Limits Eased

Monday, August 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Health Orders Extended, Outdoor Gathering Limits Eased CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has announced that updated public health orders will ease restrictions on the size of permitted outdoor gatherings beginning August 16. Public Health Order No. 2 has been updated to allow outdoor gatherings of no more than 50% of venue capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people as long as social distancing and increased sanitization measures are in place. Indoor gatherings in a confined space remain limited to 50 persons without restrictions and 250 persons if social distancing and sanitization measures are incorporated. “W...

Youth Hunter Education is a Priority in Upton

Friday, August 07, 2020

What: 13th Annual Wyoming State Youth Hunter Education Challenge When: August 22 (Check-In at 7:00am & events begin at 7:30am) Where: Upton Gun Club Who: Youth age 18 and under Registration: There is a $10 entry fee and all participants must bring a copy of their Hunter Education Class card. Register online, download the registration form or contact Rick Rothleutner, YHEC Director at rrrothleutner@yahoo.com or 307- 281-9980 or Katie Simpson, Hunter Education Coordinator at katie.simpson@wyo.gov or 307-777-4542. Hunting in Wyoming is well-known as a large draw for recreational enthusiasts, many of whom begin hunting as a youth. Learning to hunt safely is important to continuin...

School to Implement Smart Start Reopening Plan

Thursday, August 06, 2020

By Gazette Assistant Publisher/Editor Nicholas Trandahl “Your action tonight means we’re open for business,” Superintendent Clark Coberly told the members of the School Board during a special meeting of the Weston County School District No. 7 Board of Trustees on Wednesday, July 29th. The action the Superintendent referred to was the passage of the 2020-2021 Smart Start Plan. Following prior meetings by a District Smart Start Plan Committee, discussions with District staff and faculty, two community meetings, and direction from the Wyoming Department of Health, District No. 7 has formulated a reopening plan to best serve the needs of Upto...

Wyoming Teams Up With MIT to Explore Energy and Climate Solutions

Thursday, August 06, 2020

Representatives from the Wyoming Governor’s Office, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, and Wyoming Energy Authority are exploring future avenues for collaboration with faculty and researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to strengthen Wyoming’s energy economy while lowering CO2 emissions “This moment in time presents us with an opportunity to seize: creating a strong economic future for the people of Wyoming while protecting something we all care about—the climate,” said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. “Wyoming has tremendous natural resources that create thousands of high-paying jobs. This conversation with MIT allows us to consider how we use our strength...

Budget Cuts Approved by Governor Gordon total more than $250 Million

Monday, July 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov Budget Cuts Approved by Governor Gordon total more than $250 Million Governor signs Executive Order to consolidate Human Resources Personnel for additional savings CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has announced deep budget cuts for the current two-year budget cycle totaling more than $250 million, or nearly 10% of the state’s general fund budget. This comes after revenue projections showed an almost $1 billion shortfall for the general fund and another $500 million for school funding. The budget reductions will include state employees losing their jobs, as well as mandatory furloughs, a reduction in majo...

Governor and Top Elected Officials Unanimously Support Bid to Invest in Wyoming Land

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon and the members of the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) have unanimously supported the submission of a bid to purchase Wyoming land with a goal of returning additional revenue to the state. The non-binding bid is only another step towards the purchase, and is not final. The bid will now be submitted to Occidental Petroleum for the purchase of land and minerals, and may include the entirety of the land offered or a portion. The Board’s vote requires additional public meetings prior to final approval of an...

UW adds geospatial programs

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

LARAMIE (WNE) — The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees approved a plan for the university to offer new degree and certificate programs in geospatial information science and technology. These new programs are managed by the Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center. “Geospatial science is a way to ask questions and answer questions that have to do with where things are and how things relate to each other spatially,” said program coordinator Ken Driese. The decision came on June 10 with the goal of meeting changing student demands and workforce needs in the state and region. Read the full article here.

Wyo's wide-open spaces continue to attract investment

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic knows no boundaries, life in Wyoming still looks and feels quite familiar compared to much of the country, where millions have been holed up in high rises. "We never had an explicit name for it like we do now, but most Wyomingites will tell you that social distancing is one thing they have always appreciated about life in Wyoming,” said Wendy Lopez, business recruitment manager for the Wyoming Business Council. “We’ve got plenty of wide-open spaces here.” Spectacular views, boundless recreational opportunities, low population and room to grow have always been important features Lopez highlights when recruiting businesses to the state. And, while COVID-19 has brought about many changes for everyone across the country, it has also brought awareness to just how appealing thos...

Wyoming man develops new stormwater filter system

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

LARAMIE — Four years ago, Brian Deurloo woke up during the early hours of the morning. A vision had come to him, one that involved an innovative solution for dealing with stormwater. In 2016, Deurloo, a lifelong Wyoming resident, decided to start Frog Creek Partners based upon his vision. “The idea came to me at 2:37 in the morning on my daughter’s eighth birthday, I shot up in bed with an idea on a stormwater filter and I went to my garage at three that morning and started building one out of cardboard,” Deurloo said. Read the full article here.

How the Covid-19 Crisis is Affecting the 2020 U.S. Census

Monday, June 15, 2020

The U.S. Census is conducted in the United States every 10 years. The Census aims to count the entire population of the United States. The Census asks American households certain questions such as sex, age, and race of each person in the household. These demographics help determine congressional representation and how much funding each state, county, and community received of the $675 billion per year in federal funding. These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other essential programs. The U.S. Census data is also very helpful for businesses and developers. Businesses can use Census data to decid...

Wyoming Business Relief Program issues first grant payments, application period remains open

Friday, June 12, 2020

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon announced that the first grant payments to Wyoming small business owners who applied for COVID-19 mitigation assistance have been issued. The payments are posted on the WyOpen.gov website created by State Auditor Kristi Racines to provide the public with easy access to state of Wyoming expenditures. “I’m glad to report that the state has begun issuing these payments," Governor Gordon said. "I want to thank both the Wyoming Business Council for their expeditious work in standing up this program, and the Auditor for her support of our desire for transparency.” Eight businesses have received nearly $150,000 in grant payments t...

Airport is Link to Family Heritage and Local Access

Friday, May 22, 2020

This is the second article in a feature on the Women Business Leaders of Upton Growing up in northeastern Wyoming, Lori Olson has fond memories of flying with her father. Trips to visit her older siblings at college or just for general transportation around the area were common. After learning of plans to decommission the Upton Municipal Airport nearly a decade ago, Olson, her brother and a newly formed airport board worked to save the small airstrip, initially as a way to preserve those childhood memories. But she soon learned it was much more than that. “What really started as a rescu...

How One Major Trade Group is Tackling the Worker Shortage Crisis

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Coming off a record-setting run for economic development in Wisconsin, what is former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch planning to do for an encore? Just last week, we learned the answer. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin announced Nov. 12 that Kleefisch would become the organization’s official “Jobs Ambassador,” a role she intends to use to promote careers in the skilled trades. ABC is a national U.S. trade association representing the non-union construction industry. Click here to read full article.

Recognizing Economic Developers in May

Thursday, May 07, 2020

May 4-9 is International Economic Development Week (EDW). It’s an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts in building a vibrant and sustainable community. In Upton, economic vitality starts at Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB). The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created EDW in 2016 to help raise awareness for the profession. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) are often misunderstood because their activities happen behind the scenes, outside of the public eye. EDW is a chance to recognize economic developers, local leaders and organizations that work to recruit investors, develop businesses, create jobs, enhance the tax base an...

Why a U.S. Recession May Be Further Away Than You Think

Thursday, May 07, 2020

With all the media talk over a looming recession, is it time to start worrying about one? The answer is an emphatic “no,” says Dr. Ted C. Jones, chief economist and senior vice president for Stewart Title Guaranty Company in Houston. Citing economic indicators from real estate sectors, American industry and the larger economy, Jones told an audience of 185 people in North Port, Florida, earlier this month that virtually all major signs point to continued expansion of the U.S. economy through at least 2020. Click here to read full article.

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