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Howdy, Partners!
Welcome to the first edition of the Council Connection, the Wyoming Business Council's monthly email newsletter. Each issue will keep you up to date on the Business Council's latest endeavors and upcoming events, and include interesting profiles of Wyoming First members and Resource Network partners, as well as news about Main Street/Rural Development, grant programs, marketing opportunities and more.
So take a few moments to read this newsletter and provide us with your feedback and suggestions on what you would like to receive from the Business Council each month.
Until next time,
Your friends at the Wyoming Business Council
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. " -- Abraham Lincoln
Contact us at
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What's New?
Business Council Launches New Website
The Business Council completed the redesign and launch of its newly improved website this month. The new site is more powerful, easier to use and includes a host of new functions and features.
Tools include powerful search capabilities, project and director listings that are linked to Google Maps, enhanced video content, social media integration and an intuitive interface that makes finding information about Business Council programs easier than ever.
"We are extremely excited about our new website and think it will serve our diverse clientele very well for years to come," said CEO Bob Jensen. "Whether you're starting a business or want to move it to Wyoming, are searching for community grant information or looking for ways to become more energy efficient, our new website has a wealth of content."
Please visit the new website at www.wyomingbusiness.org and let us know what you think! |
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Upcoming Events
Business & Industry June 9-10: Governor's 2011 Summit of Workforce Solutions in Riverton
June 9-12: Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) in Cheyenne at LCCC
June 15-16: Energy Exposition in Gillette
Main Street/Rural Development
June 13-14: Green River annual review
June 15-16: Bear River follow-up assessment
Energy June 15: 2009 IECC Residential & Commercial Provisions for Builders Seminar in Cheyenne at LCCC
June 16: 2009 IECC Residential & Commercial Provisions for Designers Seminar in Cheyenne at LCCC
Agribusiness
June 9: Pinedale Farmers Market
June 14: Wyoming Fresh Market in Cheyenne
June 16: Marbleton Farmers Market
June 17: 9th Annual Diversified Ag Tour
June 22: Jackson Hole People's Market
June 29: Green River Farmers Market
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Wyoming First Program
The Wyoming First Program assists Wyoming companies with the identification and promotion of their Wyoming-Made products and services. To learn more about his program or to become a member, visit Wyoming First.
PROFILE OF THE MONTH:
Sandy K. Designs
 | | Sterling and Turquoise Drop Necklace |
Located in Cheyenne, Sandy K. Designs is owned by metalsmith Sandy Bordson, who specializes in custom-designed, hand-crafted jewelry. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation. She has worked with wire and beading since the early 1970s and has studied under internationally renowned artist and metalsmith, Julie Jerman-Melka. Sandy's designs are inspired by her passion for dance and capture the fun and uniqueness of graceful movement.
Sandy aspires to use her business to encourage other women entrepreneurs. She is also a proud sponsor of Grace For 2 Brothers, a non-profit foundation outreach center for suicide prevention and survivors of suicide. To see more designs from her beautiful collection visit Sandy K. Designs. |
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BCResource Network
The Wyoming Business Council's Resource Network partners provide assistance for Wyoming businesses. For more information visit the WBC's Resource Partner page.
PARTNER OF THE MONTH:
Wyoming Technology Business Center
The WTBC provides high growth technology startup companies the opportunity to receive incubation services within the 30,000 sq. ft. facility located at the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie. Business incubators have been proven to help small businesses succeed in the crucial first stages. Expert guidance, combined with shared resources, helps facilitate an ideal setting.
The WTBC also offers Wyoming companies:
Access to University infrastructure resources such as a state-of-the-art data center, sophisticated equipment and laboratories, information technology services and libraries.
Outreach services through the Economic Development Administration, University Center Program include:
Advising services
Executive coaching
Educational programs and networking
Entrepreneurial events
More information.
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Main Street/Rural Development News
 | Main Street pre-trip group at National Conference in
Iowa Fall, Iowa. |
The Main Street Program provides Wyoming communities with opportunities to revitalize hsitoric downtown districts.
The Wyoming Rural Development Council assists rural communities in Wyoming on such issues as land use, community development and leadership development.
More information.
LinkWYOMING
LinkWYOMING is a statewide program administered by the Office of the Chief Information Office and the Wyoming Business Council. The project serves as a catalyst for increased access to and use of broadband to better serve our citizens. The Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) has partnered with community colleges throughout the state to take on the Regional Planning portion of the project.
Wyoming's seven regional planning teams are creating regional broadband investment plans to further broadband development. Meetings are held in each regional in May and July 2011 to address one key priority each region developed. To be part of LinkWYOMING contact Mary Randolph. More information about LinkWyoming.
National Main Streets Conference & Wyoming Pre-trip
Every year the National Trust for Historic Preservation hosts a national conference for individuals and communities already involved in or interested in becoming part of the Main Street program. As a pre-cursor to the National Main Streets Conference, Wyoming hosts a "pre-trip." The Friday and Saturday before the conference starts, Wyoming takes a bus (or two this year) to establish Main Street communities near where that year's conference is being held.
This year, the National Conference was held in Des Moines, Iowa, May 22-25 and the pre-trip was May 19-21. If you are interested in attending in the future, contact Britta Fuller.
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Investment Ready Communities
The WBC helps communities build infrastructure needed for economic development and provides community development resources so Wyoming towns, cities and counties may become "business ready." More information.
IRC Tip of the Month:
The grant deadlines of September 1 and December 1 are quickly approaching. Begin structuring your BRC, CFP, and CDBG project requests this summer. A well-planned project with good budget information, a solid business plan, and community support makes the application process run more smoothly.
Take time to fully engage the community for their input on your project. Work closely with your Business Council Regional Director to makes ure that you have all the right components. They can help you brainstorm ideas as well as identify opportunities and solutions. As always, we look forward to working with you on your community projects. |
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Energy
The WBC administers the State Energy Office funded through the U.S. Department of Energy. The office works to expand opportunities for alternative or renewable energy use in Wyoming. More information.
Energy Tip of the Month:
Outdoor Lighting
Summer in Wyoming is just around the corner and now would be a good time to upgrade or install energy-saving outdoor lighting for your home.
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are the most energy-efficient choice. These bulbs can be used in enclosed fixtures for protection from weather and are also available as flood lights. Another option for outdoor lighting are Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) which are durable and perform well in cold weather.
Whichever bulbs you choose, look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use.
Source: www.energysavers.gov |
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Agribusiness News
The Agribusiness Division assists farmers, ranchers and agribusiness to develop and expand domestic and international markets for agriculture products; add value to assist livestock and crop products and provides agribusiness development assistance and leadership development opportunities. More information.
Ag Photo Contest
The WBC is still accepting photos for its 4th Annual Ag Photo Contest. Amateurs, professional, youth and adults may submit photos until September 1, 2011. There are no subject categories but photos must be agriculture related and taken in Wyoming.
All contestants are elibible for the Grand Prize of $300. Prizes will also be awarded for 1st and 2nd places for adults and youth. Winning photos will be featured in the 2012 AgriCulture Calendar issued in the fall.
For more information contact Terri Barr or go to the Agribusiness page to download application and contest rules.
9th Annual Diversified Ag Tour
The 9th Annual Diversified Ag Tour will be held June 17. This year we will be touring agribusiness in the Buffalo area, visiting TA Guest Ranch, IX Ranch and Mountain Meadow Wool and having presentations from Prairie House Pottery, Lost Loop Art and Wahoo Toppings. This event is sponsored by the WBC and Wyoming Women in Ag and is a great way for participants to learn about diversified ag operations and how Wyoming farmers and ranchers create sustainability for their operations.
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Regional Directors
We operate seven regional offices throughout the state in order to serve you better. Your local regional director is usually your best source of information on our programs and services. They all have a wealth of experience and the local knowledge needed to assist you. Contact them today! More information.
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Thank you for reading this first-ever edition of the Council Connection. You'll be able to enjoy future editions on a monthly basis. Please send us your feedback on the content you would like to see. You can contact us at info@wyomingbusiness.org
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