2012 ANNUAL DINNER - THANK YOU

A Time for Celebration, Recognition and Transition

LEDC extends a heartfelt thank you to all who attended its 2012 Annual Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, May 24th!

This annual event is dedicated to celebrating LEDC's achievements, honoring LEDC's Partners in Progress; introducing new Officers and Board members; and recognizing the Laramie and Albany County business community.

Joseph E. Sharkey, Vice President and Principal of TMNG Global and a Telecommunications and Data Center Industry Consulting Expert, was the evening's guest speaker. His presentation, titled "Fiber Primer: So Much, But So Little Access" identified 9 East/West and 1 Regional long haul fiber optics routes running through the Laramie area. He noted that typically these long haul routes were built with the idea that Wyoming was a "pass through" state. Local carriers were expected to "tie in" to these routes at their own expense. In illustrating why greater fiber access is not presently available, Mr. Sharkey demonstrated the substantial cost and other operational considerations associated with local carrier tie in options.

During the evening's agenda Gaye Stockman, President and CEO, provided an overview of LEDC's 2012 activities and accomplishments and showcased the South Laramie Trans-Load Rail Spur scheduled to become operational this Fall.

Each year, the Laramie area business community nominates and votes for businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. Based on this voting, the LEDC award winner for the following three categories were:

2012 Business Person of the Year: Megan Goetz

Selection Criteria – for more than 5 years demonstrating a high level of community involvement through participation in civic, community, and LEDC oriented projects and activities; significantly contributing to the economic health of our community through investment, benevolent support, and participation in economic development programs; demonstrating strong managerial skills in dealing with changing economic conditions; and maintaining an active role for employees, peers, and citizens of Laramie.

2012 Business of the Year: The Mortgage Source, Inc.

Selection Criteria – For at least 2 years contributing time and resources to our community; experiencing favorable business health in terms of number of employees, increased sales, and general financial condition; and demonstrating entrepreneurial skills through innovation.

2012 Survival of the Fittest: Turtle Rock Café

Selection Criteria – Special category recognizing a developing or existing business that has managed to maintain excellence in service and market position even through times of adversity.

Retiring LEDC Chair, Gary Crum, recognized Dan Furphy for being named Director Emeritus, an honor bestowed upon directors who have distinguished themselves through unique leadership and contributions to economic development. Past inductees into this esteemed group include Paul Greaser, Jim Cavalli, Dr. David Walrath, Dick Van Pelt, Mark Marquardt, Lou Schilt, John Shuster and Mark Mader.

Gary Crum also announced that Bill Hiser, Brown & Hiser, LLC; Kelso Kelly, First National Bank of Wyoming; Fred Ockers, Albany County Tourism Board; and Rolf Peterson, Mader, Tschacer, Perterson & Co., LLC were newly elected to the LEDC Board of Directors. Directors renewing their terms were Bob Davis, Real Estate Broker; Butch Keadle, Insurance Unlimited, Ray McElwee, Groathouse Construction, Inc. Mike Peck, First Interstate Bank; and Roger Strube, DOWL HKM.

Don Collins, Western Research Institute; Dan Furphy, First National Bank of Wyoming; Karen Saunders, The Mortgage Source, Inc. and Calvin Young, Young Appraisals were recognized as outgoing Directors.

The new LEDC Executive Board Officers for 2012-2013 were introduced and recognized for being charged with the responsibility of providing the leadership and support needed to continue LEDC's role as the City of Laramie's and Albany County's go-to resource and advocate for economic development. Terms for these new Executive Board Officers begin July 1, 2012. The new Executive Board consists of:

Chair – Megan Goetz
Vice Chair – Dave Coffey
Secretary – Roy Schmett
Treasurer – Ray McElwee
Immediate Past Chair – Gary Crum