News

History is often thought of by many as a dry, boring subject. But for communities across the country, their history is more about lively stories and visual reminders of what it was like to live in a time so much different than today. Such is the case in Upton, WY,...Continue Reading

In today’s ever-changing market, economic development is crucial for regions to grow and thrive. Economic development is promoting a region's economic well-being by creating jobs, generating revenue, and fostering a positive business environment. However, economic development success often depends on an organization’s ability to create and execute an effective strategic...Continue Reading

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking additional steps as part of its commitment to strengthen the market for domestically grown organic goods, and to support producers seeking organic certification. These funding opportunities are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)...Continue Reading

With the freedom to gather and a job market that needs workers, career fairs are back in the workforce development toolkit. But are they worth it? With a bevy of job-posting platforms allowing businesses to submit openings in minutes and job seekers to filter opportunities with the click of a...Continue Reading

From fourth quarter 2021 to fourth quarter 2022, Wyoming added 5,292 jobs (2.0%) and total payroll rose by $58.8 million (1.5%). Despite the recent job growth, employment has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. Total employment in fourth quarter 2022 was down approximately 3,600 jobs from fourth quarter 2019...Continue Reading

The EV revolution appeared to have a full head of steam this time last year. This year blockbuster electric vehicle and battery manufacturing deals are rolling out as fast as a Tesla from a dead stop.  Since January 2021 EV sales in the U.S. have tripled (over 800,000 sold...Continue Reading

Redesigned Websites Provide User-Friendly Experience to Showcase Upton’s Unique Qualities and Opportunities for Growth UPTON, WY -- The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) and Upton Chamber of Commerce have proudly announced the launch of their newly redesigned websites, www.uedb.org and www.uptonwy.com. The organizations worked closely with Golden Shovel Agency...Continue Reading

For the first time in a decade, schools across Wyoming will see a fully sustained external cost adjustment to meet increased operational costs, as recommended by the state’s labor market economist. “This is one of the areas that it is exciting to really report,” Jed Cicarelli, chief financial officer...Continue Reading

When Ikea Canada introduced its new Design Studios in Ontario and Quebec, it did so with the intention of creating an entirely new shopping experience. These small concept stores located in urban centers offer personalized design services and one-to-one planning—a far cry from the traditional Ikea shopping trip that centers...Continue Reading

Today's digital world has opened up many opportunities for small businesses to leverage data and maximize their marketing ROI. First-party data allows businesses to develop customer insights, optimize campaigns, track performance metrics and create targeted strategies. With first-party data in hand, small business owners have access to valuable consumer...Continue Reading

Every generation worries about the changing expectations of "kids these days." But the pandemic changed the labor market, and this new generation of young people entered with an advantage — more power and new demands. Now, leaders are concerned with how hard it is to get people back into...Continue Reading

Governor Mark Gordon’s Health Task Force has done great work to make recommendations on strengthening Wyoming’s healthcare workforce and examining ways to improve access for the state’s residents. The Governor is now focused on implementing some of those recommendations and addressing the state’s mental health crisis, while continuing to collaborate...Continue Reading

Economic developers focused on quality of life improvements are finding it easier to attract workers to their community. As flexible work arrangements become more common, people are searching for prioritizing communities they will enjoy living in when conducting a job search. There are grants that can help to fund these...Continue Reading

As we weigh yet another strong jobs report against persistent inflation and the looming threat of a recession, we have to acknowledge that the workforce has transformed and now plays by a different set of rules and is motivated by a different set of factors. Leaders take note.  The...Continue Reading

As an economic developer, you understand that economic recessions can wreak havoc on local businesses and communities. These times of economic uncertainty cause businesses to shut down, people to lose jobs, and local economies to crumble. However, with the right strategies, you can recession-proof your economic development efforts and ensure...Continue Reading

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. USDA also...Continue Reading

Small businesses are the driving force behind well-paying jobs, dynamic business growth and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) recognizes this importance and seeks to facilitate the necessary assistance the owners, leaders and entrepreneurs of these entities face. Additionally, several state and national...Continue Reading

Economic development often works best by understanding local strengths and focusing on an integrated approach centered on a community’s goals. As the new Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator with the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB), Kade McMillan is an expert on the local angle, with a mindset to build that...Continue Reading

As the debate over gun control in the U.S. continues, the University of Wyoming (UW) has launched a new center dedicated to all aspects of firearms research. The new Firearms Research Center (FRC) seeks to bring together voices concerned with all aspects of firearms for in-depth research, collaboration, and...Continue Reading

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has received funding that will create a dedicated triage space for their emergency department as well as providing resources for those with behavioral health needs locally. The funds are being provided by the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB). “The State Loan and Investment Board...Continue Reading

If you need funds for your enterprise, it can be very tempting to go for the first business loan on offer. However, there are a number of things you should look for before you sign on the dotted line. Click here to view the full article.Continue Reading

The business world is incredibly competitive — which is undoubtedly why roughly 45% of businesses fail within five years of opening. While there are many reasons why a business could fail, one of the biggest roadblocks to success is not having a well-defined unique value proposition (UVP). If you...Continue Reading

For many entrepreneurs, breakthrough innovations seem to appear out of the ether, mysterious in origin and almost magical in their power. They understand that new ideas are crucial to organizations’ success but are not sure how to generate and foster them. Breakthrough innovation was the focus of a recent...Continue Reading

Does business really have to be all . . . business? Being a leader isn’t just about profit and loss statements; it’s also about being human. Effective leaders know that their listening skills and ability to empathize with staff and customers can be just as essential as sharp instincts about...Continue Reading