News Archive

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is launching a new community conversation series, “Building Wyoming’s Future,” which kicks off this week with a focus on the economic opportunities presented by the state’s growing nuclear industry. The first webinar, titled “Building Wyoming’s Future: Understanding Growth in the Nuclear Industry,” will take place...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) has launched a new grant management system designed to make accessing Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) opportunities easier.The system brings WDTF grants—including Business Training, Internship, Pre-Hire Economic Development, and Apprenticeship Training—into one convenient portal. Businesses can now register once, apply online, and manage...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) released findings from a new statewide poll conducted by third-party research partner, The Tarrance Group, measuring voter attitudes on economic conditions, development priorities, and community growth. The results reveal a strong mandate for proactive, community-led growth and a clear consensus on the urgent need to...Continue Reading

The bad news: a cyber-attack could not only slow down your small business, it could ruin it. Over 90% of small businesses were targeted by cyber criminals in 2024. Some businesses survive, but 60% of small businesses who experienced a cyber-attack closed within six months. The good news: simple preparations...Continue Reading

Cody, Wyoming, located in the northwest part of the state, has experienced consistent growth in recent decades. Its proximity to Yellowstone and nightly rodeos and western re-enactment shootouts give it a strong tourism economy, but the region is known for so much more. Jake Hogan, who stepped into the role...Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and economic development organizations in Wyoming will soon have a dedicated website where they can find resources and potential partners. WyoHub is expected to launch in Fall 2025 and will come with various tools that businesses and municipalities need for growth.“I want to help other companies...Continue Reading

Tourism is Wyoming's second-largest industry, generating $4.9 billion in 2024. Spending from the 8.7 million domestic and international visitors generated $277.2 million in tax revenue and supported 33,850 jobs. This makes tourism the biggest private employment sector in the state.  “Travelers fill our restaurants, stay in our hotels, and visit...Continue Reading

Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), an economic development organization that educates and shares resources with communities, will hold its 2025 conference from June 11 to 13 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This is a great opportunity for members of the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) who hope to bring new businesses...Continue Reading

The Laramie Chamber Business Alliance is the result of a merger between the Chamber of Commerce with the local economic development office. It stands out as a bright spot in Wyoming because of its deliberate efforts to bring new companies to the region.“A lot of EDCs want to accept anything...Continue Reading

The Gillette College Foundation - Office of Economic Transformation is investing in local entrepreneurs and developing a community where business owners can network, discover resources, and actively take steps to turn ideas into realities. Not only are these efforts transforming local towns and cities, but they are putting Wyoming on...Continue Reading

For almost forty years, Cheyenne LEADS, the economic development organization for Cheyenne and Laramie County, has been a leader in Wyoming’s economic development sector. The organization was founded by individuals representing private companies who volunteered their time and pooled their money to create opportunities in the region. LEADS continues to...Continue Reading

Education is one of the key tenets of the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA). The organization strives to provide information and resources to economic development professionals across the Cowboy State. In December 2024, two WEDA team members – Executive Director Brett Kahler and WEDA Support Specialist Zach Valero – attended...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) recently published its annual Statewide Housing Needs Assessment to evaluate the availability, affordability, and diversity of housing in the region. Between 2010 and 2030, the population of Wyoming is expected to grow by 9%, bringing more than 50,000 residents to the state. While the...Continue Reading

TerraPower, in collaboration with GE Hitachi, has started construction on Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Western Wyoming, and development will continue through 2029. If everything stays on schedule, the first nuclear power plant in Wyoming will be operational by 2030.“Wyoming is already known as a major energy producer in...Continue Reading

October is National Manufacturing Month, which highlights manufacturing’s contribution to the American economy. Wyoming’s manufacturing sector is responsible for countless products that support essential industries worldwide. Wyoming manufacturers produce fuel, food, chemicals, and equipment that enter global supply chains. From Red Bull to solar panels, there’s always something being produced...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) has enjoyed the leadership of Brett Kahler since January 2024. As he grows more confident in his role, the WEDA staff and board of directors are excited about his developing vision for the future.  If you haven’t met Kahler yet, learn more about his...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) is excited to celebrate Economic Development Week from May 6th to May 10th. This is a period to celebrate the value economic development brings to local communities in the form of increased employment and improved quality of life.WEDA supports every economic development organization or...Continue Reading

Our team at the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) works throughout the year to provide education, training, and networking opportunities for our members. These conferences and virtual events provide value to all participants, whether you want to learn about specific programs or learn from other economic development professionals.“WEDA supports growth...Continue Reading

The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics reported that agriculture has a $2.526 billion impact on the state in 2021. There are more than 12,200 farms in Wyoming that use a combined 29 million acres to raise livestock and grow crops. Cattle and hay...Continue Reading

Wyoming’s economic developers are supported by the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA). WEDA has more than 200 members across the state. These business owners and community leaders wear many hats as they support their local towns and cities.We Are Here to Support Wyoming Economic DevelopersEconomic development is a thankless task...Continue Reading

Enhance your skills as an economic developer with help from the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA). We offer several opportunities for community leaders to grow their skills. Many of these resources are free and occur throughout the year.WEDA Encourages Members to Take Advantage of Learning OpportunitiesThe education resources available on...Continue Reading

The Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) represents more than 200 organizations and nonprofits across the state. In September, our members attended the Working Together Conference, which helps attendees develop advocacy tools and innovative ideas to help grow Wyoming’s economy.Learn More About the Benefits of Attending Wyoming Economic Development Association EventsThe...Continue Reading

WEDA members see firsthand how important workforce development is. The ability to recruit, retain, and upskill employees can have a significant impact on local businesses and our economy.WEDA Supports Member Investment in Workforce DevelopmentWhen businesses invest in training and development, they can increase their productivity while upskilling the local workforce...Continue Reading