http://laramiewy.org Laramie Economic Development Corporation : LEDC News http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/11/17/newsletter-november-2009/ LEDC Debuts New Website LEDC is proud to announce its new website. Although some content still needs to be added, the new site offers better information in a more intuitive layout. It also looks a lot nicer too! Please check it out and feel free to give us your feedback...stay tuned for additional features.   Partner Recognition Trihydro Corporation, an engineering, environmental, and information technology firm based in Laramie, focuses on instilling a safety-conscious culture that spans from its Wyoming-based headquarters to offices across the country. According to the Wyoming Business Report, Trihydro Corporation, with over 270 employees working nationwide, is the state's largest engineering firm. "Watching out for each other and employing safe work practices on our tasks helps employees go home healthy each night and reinforces our safety culture ...which is, and will continue to be, a key part of Trihydro's success," states Jack Bedessem, Trihydro Corporation President and CEO. America's Safest Companies, founded in 2002, is a corporate award honoring the safest companies in the United States. Since 2002, a total of 108 companies have demonstrated their commitment to employee safety and health, environmental management, and risk control and have been honored as America's Safest. To be considered one of America's Safest Companies, organizations must demonstrate management support and employee involvement; innovative solutions to safety challenges; injury and illness rates lower than industry averages; comprehensive training programs; evidence that prevention of incidents is the cornerstone of the safety process; positive communication about the value of safety; and a way to substantiate the benefits of the safety process. For more information on Trihydro Corporation, please click here.   Attention All Business Owners Become More Profitable! The LEDC has been working with the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Program to present EUREKA!'s Profit 101 Training for local businesses. This training, delivered by Manufacturing Works, has received excellent reviews around the country and we believe it will be valuable to Laramie's businesses. EUREKA!'s Profit 101 Training will help you grow more profitable customers, products, and services. Where: Hilton Garden Inn 2229 Grand Ave. Laramie, WyomingWhen: November 19th 7:45 AM - 12:00 PMCost: $25 for the company's first person $10 for each additional It's not too late - Reserve your spot today! Contact the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce at:(307) 745-7339chamberofcommerce@laramie.org   LEDC Hires New Vice President LEDC welcomes John Dick as the organizations new Vice President. John is a recent graduate of University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business where he obtained a Master of Business Administration. Prior to joining LEDC, John interned with LG Chem in Beijing, China, where he completed market research and developed sustainable business strategies for the petrochemical industry. John has experience working in the real estate sector and assisting businesses through their development process. He also attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he studied Art History. Gaye Stockman, CEO of LEDC, commented, "We were fortunate to have found John in Pinedale, WY through the WEDA (Wyoming Economic Development Association) network. John's energy and knowledge will really bring our economic development efforts together. He has blended right in and we are happy to welcome him to the team.".... Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/11/18/attention-all-business-owners/ Attention All Business Owners Become More Profitable! The LEDC has been working with the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Program to present EUREKA!'s Profit 101 Training for local businesses. This training, delivered by Manufacturing Works, has received excellent reviews around the country and we believe it will be valuable to Laramie's businesses. EUREKA!'s Profit 101 Training will help you grow more profitable customers, products, and services. Where: Hilton Garden Inn 2229 Grand Ave. Laramie, WyomingWhen: November 19th 7:45 AM - 12:00 PMCost: $25 for the company's first person $10 for each additional It's not too late - Reserve your spot today! Contact the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce at:(307) 745-7339chamberofcommerce@laramie.org  .... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:40:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/11/20/open-house-and-1st-annual-informational-meeting/ .... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:24:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/11/24/reminder-se-wyoming-economic-forecast-luncheon/ Registration Deadline December 3rd The Wyoming Business Report has assembled a panel of experts to take a unique look at the Southeastern Wyoming economy for 2010. Guest emcee Dr. Brent Hathaway from the University of Wyoming will be hosting the event. Where: Holiday Inn, 204 West Fox Farm Road, Cheyenne WYWhen: Tuesday, December 8th 11:30 am to 1:30 pmCost: $29/single seat or $225/corporate table (6 people) Reserve Your Spot Today! Contact Belinda Nelson at:bnelson@wyoming.com307-638-3200.... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/12/15/newsletter-december-2009/ Volume 1 Issue 2                                                                                                                          December 2009 The holidays are an important time to reflect on the past year and give thanks for our family and our friends. LEDC has been proud to work with the people of Albany County during the past 25 years to make our community a stronger and better place. The staff at LEDC would like to wish you a safe and wonderful Holiday Season.   The Economic Impact of Laramie Regional Airport In August of this year, a report entitled "Wyoming Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study" was completed by Wilber Smith Associates for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division. The report examines 35 airports in Wyoming and highlights the direct influence this industry has on statewide economic growth. The following figures represent the economic impacts for Laramie Regional Airport (LAR):Direct Annual Output: $9.5 millionIndirect Annual Output: $2.3 millionInduced Annual Output: $6.9 millionTotal Employment: 142 jobsTotal Annual Payroll: $5.1 millionTotal Annual Economic Output: $18.6 million These figures clearly show how vital LAR is to our local economy and what an important asset it is to the continued development of Laramie and Albany County. Sitting on about 1,600 acres of land just west of the downtown, LAR not only provides transportation options for Laramie residents, it also benefits tourism, emergency medical services, the military, public safety, recreation, and overall quality of life. LAR was built in 1934 and was originally named Brees Field after General Herbert Jay Brees of the US Army. In 1944, the runways were paved to allow hundreds of B-24 bombers to land at Laramie so the crews could have some rest and recuperation at the UW recreation camp in the Snowy Range. Today, LAR serves an average of 40 based aircraft, including private and corporate planes. Additionally, LAR houses the University of Wyoming's Department of Atmospheric Research aircraft, used to conduct state of the art research. Laramie Regional Airport is operated and financed by the City of Laramie and Albany County, and is governed by a joint powers board appointed by the city and county. The recipient of 3 Wyoming Business Council Grants, LAR is continually looking to improve and add value to its facility. Currently, a 100 acre business park is being developed under an Airport Enterprise Zone. The Professional Airpark and Research Center (PARC) already has several lots with road and infrastructure installed, making them completely "shovel-ready". DeltaNu, a local high-tech manufacturer of Raman spectrometers, is the first tenant of the PARC. Occupying a new 12,000 square foot facility designed specifically for its operations, DeltaNu has been able to centralize its manufacturing, product development, application labs, and administration in one location. The remainder of the PARC's infrastructure east of General Brees Road should be completed by this summer. This will create several additional sites for businesses wishing to take advantage of Wyoming's strong business climate and Laramie's ideal location at the northern end of the Front Range Urban Corridor. If you are interested in the PARC's "shovel ready" sites, want more information on the Laramie Regional Airport, or would like to get a copy of the executive summary of the report, contact Jack Skinner at skinner@laramieairport.com.For more information on how LAR's economic impacts were calculated and to view the entire Department of Transportation report, please click here:   LEDC December Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. A review of a couple of "Hot" clients we've been working with this December 1109WEDA2 - A manufacturer of steel storage structures that could bring 50 - 100 jobs to Laramie.1009IDAY - Internet based language school considering Laramie for expansion. Click here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 12/15/09 In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents.  Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential unless they specify otherwise.   Partner Recognition Even through these tough economic times, our hometown newspaper, the Laramie Boomerang, continues to be a successful and active member of the community. Not only has it maintained constant levels of circulation, it has not had to implement any staff reductions or layoffs. Part of this success can be attributed to the organization's ability to develop additional revenue streams. The Boomerang recently took on a contract to deliver papers for the Denver Post, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, USA Today, and Baron's Financial Daily. This provides increased revenue for The Boomerang as well as additional income for the local independent contractors who deliver the papers. Another project that is currently being developed is the reworking of The Boomerang's website. The new and improved website will debut in late January and will include more pages, interactive features, videos, increased ad space, and a reorganized sports and tourism page. One of the strengths of The Boomerang is its ability to not only report the news in our city, but be an active member of our community. This takes many forms at The Boomerang - from supporting community organizations and promoting area businesses to encouraging employees to become volunteers. For the high school football championships held in Laramie last month, The Boomerang partnered with the Albany County Tourism Board to create a wrapper for the paper that promoted local restaurants, shopping locations, and the community as a whole. These were provided to each of the hotels to help visitors enjoy their time in Laramie,  easily find local shops and restaurants, and encourage them to return. The Boomerang is a partner with many organizations in Laramie.  Laramie Economic Development Corporation , Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce, Albany County Tourism Board, Laramie Beautification Committee, Laramie Main Street Program, Downtown Laramie Business Association, Rotary, Kiwanis, United Way, and the Cowboy Joe Club are all supported by The Boomerang. Staff members are also encouraged to take part in community functions and volunteerism around Laramie. Several employees are heavily involved with Jubilee Days and staff often assist local organizations with developing marketing materials. This summer, staff volunteered to help organize the Chili Cook-off at the Jubilee Days Parade. All proceeds from the cook-off and the sales of beverages were donated to Ivinson Memorial Hospital. The Boomerang is looking forward to holding this event again next summer and helping it become a tradition each year after the Parade. We are fortunate to have such a strong organization and community supporter in The Laramie Boomerang and LEDC is very pleased to have The Boomerang as one of its Partners in Progress. Each month LEDC wants to recognize one of our partners for success they have had in business or support they provide in the community. Please email jdick@laramiewy.org if you know of a business or individual that should be recognized.     Medicine Bow Fuel & Gas Project Medicine Bow Fuel and Power, LLC (MBFP) has been issued a Federal loan guarantee to support construction and start-up of its coal-to-liquids facility, a coal mine, and associated coal handling facilities in Carbon County. The MBFP project has a total price tag of $2.7 billion and construction should begin in 2010 and last about four years. Although this facility will be constructed in Carbon County, Albany County and the City of Laramie will receive many of the benefits. During the four year construction phase about 2,400 jobs will be created. Following completion of the facility, there will be over 400 long-term positions for executives, engineers, technical staff, and miners. The completed facility will use an advanced industrial gasification and liquefaction process to convert coal into approximately 21,000 barrels per day of low-sulfur, low-benzene regular gasoline. The facility would capture at least 50 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from the process. The captured CO2 would be compressed and sold for use in enhanced oil recovery. In addition to the gasoline and CO2, MBFP has found buyers for the sulfur and slag outputs that will be produced during the operations phase. The MBFP project offers many advantages for Wyoming and for Albany County. It will result in a greater return for Wyoming as a whole by adding significant value to its coal resources. During both the construction and operating periods of the project, it will provide good job opportunities for our citizens and our recent college graduates. It will also bring additional investment into our community to support the requirements of the project and its workers. There will be a public meeting held in the Town of Medicine Bow tomorrow (December 16, 2009) as the first step in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by the U.S. Department of Energy. DATE:  Wednesday, December 16, 2009 TIME:  INFORMAL QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION: 6:00 p.m.            PRESENTATION OF ORAL COMMENTS: 7:00 p.m. PLACE:  Medicine Bow Community Hall               319 Pine Street               Medicine Bow, WY Individuals wishing to present oral comments may either register in advance by notifying DOE via phone or e-mail as indicated below or register at the meeting. Comments presented at the meeting or received at DOE by December 27, 2009, will be considered in preparing the EIS. Registration for Oral Comments at the Public Meeting:Phone: Ms. Lynn Alexander Office: 202-287-5656Toll-free: 800-832-0885 ext. 75656Electronic Mail: MBFP-EIS@hq.doe.gov Public Comments on the Scope of the EIS:U.S. Mail: Ms. Lynn AlexanderLoan Guarantee Program Office (CF-1.3)U.S. Department of Energy1000 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20585Electronic Mail: MBFP-EIS@hq.doe.gov     Small Business Energy Audit Program For all small business owners who would like to save money on energy expenses! This matching grant provides 75% of up to $4,000 for a Level 2 Energy Audit. It is open to all who meet the SBA definition for small business. Topics include building shell, lighting, HVAC and process energy. Manufacturers may use the audit to qualify for sales tax abatement on energy used in the manufacturing process. Description of a Level 2 Energy Audit:A standard energy audit will include quantification of energy uses and losses through a detailed review and analysis of equipment, systems, and operational characteristics. Standard energy engineering calculations will be used to determine efficiencies and calculate energy and costs savings based on the costs of any suggested improvements. The audit will include an economic analysis of the recommended conservation measures (Handbook of Energy Audits, 6th ed., Thumann, Younger). For more information please contact:Shannon Stanfill, ManagerState Energy Office 307.777.2841.... Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/12/23/wyoming-ranks-in-top-5-for-most-entrepreneur-friendly/ CHEYENNE -- Wyoming scores high as an entrepreneur-friendly state in the 14th annual "Small Business Survival Index 2009." The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council evaluated states for individual and corporate tax policies as well as crime rates and health-care regulations. The rankings provide an insight into the public policy challenges that could stifle fresh business growth. But the report also indicates which states are poised to support the latest start-up companies. Business-friendly policies will become more important as laid-off individuals decide to strike out on their own. More than 70 percent of the Fortune 500 Companies formed during a downturn, said Diane Wolverton, director the Wyoming Entrepreneur network and the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wyoming. Some economic slump start-ups include Revlon Cosmetics, General Electric and Microsoft. "This entrepreneurship spirit says, 'I don't have a job, so I need to make a job,'" she added. "We've definitely seen an increase (at the Small Business Development Center)." Wolverton said Wyoming's small business owners benefit from a unified system that provides resources with limited competition. These entrepreneurs can find grants to bring their products to trade shows or get additional training. They also can access market research, social networking and e-commerce assistance to develop their business through services like the Small Business Development Center. She said the Internet means Wyoming's small population is no longer a barrier to business owners as they connect with others throughout the nation. Public policies also can encourage economic development with incentives geared toward start-up businesses, said Bob Jensen, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. He added that reports like the "Small Business Survival Index 2009" are aimed at policymakers as well as entrepreneurs. The information helps lawmakers understand the role they play to create a business-friendly environment while it aids entrepreneurs in pinpointing locations where they can start a company. "Any time a state gets into the top five, it gets attention," Jensen said. He added that Wyoming benefits from a favorable tax structure as well as investments in education and business infrastructure. And the states that rank near the top experienced the most growth between 2000 and 2008, according to the index. Jensen said the money Wyoming officials re-invested back into the state will pay dividends over the coming decades. By Michelle DynesWyoming Tribune Eaglemdynes@wyomingnews.com.... Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:41:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2009/12/23/wbcs-2010-wyoming-business-images-released/ The 2010 edition of the Wyoming Business Council's Wyoming Business Images has been released.  Wyoming Business Images takes an informed look at residential and business life in Wyoming.  Call LEDC today to get your own copy or view the online version here.  .... Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:51:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/1/5/wind-energy-development-in-southeast-wyoming/ The Renewable Energy Alliance of Landowners and the High Plains Economic Development District are hosting an informational session on the wind energy in this region of Wyoming. We will look at benefits and issues regarding wind energy, and discuss how this affects property rights, the county and state tax base, potential job creation and the overall impact in the region. If you have any questions, please call Anja Bendel with the High Plains Economic Development District at (307) 331-0012. When: Thursday, January 7, 2010  7:00 pmWhere: Albany County Courthouse Commissioner's Chambers525 Grand Ave. Laramie, WY 82070      .... Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:11:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/1/5/2009-weda-success-stories-available-now/ Please click here to see all of the WEDA Success Stories for Albany County and the State of Wyoming..... Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:56:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/1/7/laramie-community-assessment-available-now/ The Community Assessment Resource Team Report undertaken by the Wyoming Rural Development Council is now available.  Over a three-day period from November 3-5, 2009 the Resource Team toured Laramie and spoke with over 170 people across 14 different listening sessions: agriculture, real estate, religious groups, health care, industries/utilities, economic development-retail and business, city/county government, social services and non-profits, school administration, educators, banking and financial, law enforcement and emergency medical services, youth and seniors.  In addition, the group received several written responses. Each participant was asked to respond to three questions designed to begin communication and discussion, and to serve as a basis for developing the action plan. The three questions were: What do you think are the major problems and challenges in Laramie?What do you think are the major strengths and assets in Laramie?What projects would you like to see implemented in 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in Laramie? Upon completion of the interviews, the team met to compare notes and share comments following two days of intense study. The team then agreed that each team member would carefully analyze the things said, synthesize what they heard with their knowledge of programs and resources, prepare their notes and suggestions, and then forward these items to be combined into WRDC's final report to the City of Laramie. The oral report was presented to the city officials of Laramie on November 5, 2009, and many citizens who participated were in attendance. Following the oral report, this formal written report is presented to the City of Laramie. Click here to download a copy of the Laramie Community Assessment..... Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:46:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/1/20/newsletter-january-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 3                                                                                                                                                January 2010   Save The Date! February, 18th 2009 LEDC will be hosting its Partners in Progress kick-off event from 5:30 to 7:30at the Laramie Technology Building.Call us to register and for more details     LEDC Revolving Loan Fund LEDC is seeking applications from local businesses who would like to take advantage of our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This is an excellent opportunity to secure very reasonable financing for expansion, relocation, and new projects. The LEDC RLF program controls approximately $90,000 and we currently have about $67,000 available for new loans. To date, we have had 16 local businesses take advantage of our RLF with 3 organizations still utilizing the program. In cooperation with local financial institutions, all loans are evaluated on the basis of business credit and real estate finance principles including collateral and the firmness of the project. In addition to the credit analysis, the LEDC Financial Tools Committee will evaluate the applications on job creation, expansion of the economic base, and potential increase of tax revenues. Interest rates are equivalent to the current rates associated with Wyoming Business Council loans. All applications must be submitted through a financial institution. Contact LEDC today at 742-2212 for more information about the RLF. The Laramie Economic Development Corporation Revolving Loan Fund was created to help stimulate economic growth in the community. LEDC secured funding and assistance from the federal government, the State of Wyoming, Pacific Power & Light and US West to establish the existing LEDC Revolving Loan Fund Program.   LEDC January Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. A review of a couple of clients we've been working with this January: 0209BOIS - Originally reported in the November 2009 Newsletter. This client specifically required dedicated rail, which is a real concern for Laramie. With the uncertain future of the rail spurs pending the location of the Clark Street/Harney Street viaduct, Laramie cannot guarantee the dedicated usage of those spurs. Therefore, this client has decided to relocate its facility in Cheyenne, creating approximately 50 new jobs for that community. 0506DKRW - A coal gasification and liquefaction facility that is pending the outcome of an Environmental Impact Statement. This $2.7 billion facility would be built in Carbon County and create about 2400 jobs during the construction phase and 450 long-term jobs for the life of the plant. 0110WEDA - A call center that provides information to the public regarding health and human services, disasters, and volunteerism opportunities. We submitted a proposal and if successful, this organization should create about 5 full-time jobs. DeltaNu - Located in Laramie, WY, DeltaNu is the pioneer and global leader in small footprint and Raman spectrometers. This growing company is looking for mechanical, EE, and software engineers to join their team. For more information on DeltaNu see www.deltanu.com and for details about employment opportunities call 1-866-301-6328.   Partner Recognition "At Snowy Range Graphics we invest all of our artistic abilities in every project," according to Michael Vann Gray, owner of Snowy Range Graphics, when asked about his business. "Every company has a unique aspect, which we build on to help them find the right image. A company logo, brochure, newsletter or website should not only help reflect the company's image but also make it stronger." Snowy Range Graphics LLC, a Laramie, Wyoming based web and graphic design firm, focuses on custom website solutions and corporate branding design. The company works with many talented people from the local community, like website developer Samuel Trautman and graphic designer Badi Mibiuba. Snowy Range Graphics also has database specialists, text writers, and photographers that are brought on for larger or more specialized projects. Snowy Range Graphics has been working on many projects within Laramie and the surrounding communities, including extensive work with LEDC to design property maps and promotional ads. This past November, Mike worked with Bryce Tugwell of Fusestudios Media Consulting to launch LEDC's new website. In addition to developing many of LEDC's new marketing materials, Snowy Range Graphics has been working on the new Albany County Tourism Visitor Guide that will be printed next month and has developed the following websites: -Greenriver Main Street website - click herewww.greenrivermainstreet.org -Converse County Tourism Board website - click here www.conversecountytourism.com -Cathedral Home for Children website - click here www.cathedralhome.org -James Rietsma Construction website - click here www.reitsmaconstruction.com Snowy Range Graphics is also a good corporate citizen and contributes a lot to the Laramie community. The organization has donated its time over the past year to help several worthy causes improve their marketing efforts. It designed the poster and signs for Always A Cowboy, the quarterly newsletter for Laramie Hospice, the poster for Downtown Laramie Business Association's Beer-fest, the post cards for the State High School United Way Blood Drive, and the poster for Centennial Library. For more information about Snowy Range Graphics please call Mike at 307.760.5865 or visit their website at www.snowyrangegraphics.com   Laramie Community Assessment Available Now The Community Assessment Resource Team Report, undertaken by the Wyoming Rural Development Council, is now available. Over a three-day period from November 3-5, 2009 the Resource Team toured Laramie and spoke with over 170 people across 14 different listening sessions: agriculture, real estate, religious groups, health care, industries/utilities, economic development-retail and business, city/county government, social services and non-profits, school administration, educators, banking and financial, law enforcement and emergency medical services, youth and seniors. In addition, the group received several written responses. Each participant was asked to respond to three questions designed to begin communication and discussion, and to serve as a basis for developing the action plan. The three questions were: -What do you think are the major problems and challenges in Laramie?-What do you think are the major strengths and assets in Laramie?-What projects would you like to see implemented in 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in Laramie? Upon completion of the interviews, the team met to compare notes and share comments. Each team member would then carefully analyze the information that was gathered, synthesize what they heard with their knowledge of programs and resources, prepare their notes and suggestions, and then forward these items to be combined into WRDC's final report. The oral report was presented to Laramie on November 5, 2009, and many citizens who participated were in attendance. Click here to download a copy of the Laramie Community Assessment.   Save the Snowy Range Ski Area! The Snowy Range Ski Area, which has operated just outside of Laramie for over 50 years, is in need of a buyer. Snowy Range is currently owned by First National Bank, however, The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that regulates all national banks, would like First National to sell this asset. First National Bank is looking for an interested party willing to continue the strong tradition at Snowy Range. This is the nearest ski area to Cheyenne, Ft. Collins, and western Nebraska and it had an estimated 27,200 visitors during the 2008-2009 season. Not only has it operated for over 50 years, it has an experienced management team already in place with over 20 years experience and about 100 full and part-time employees. The ski area consists of about 250 acres of skiing terrain, of which about 94.5 acres is developed into 27 named ski trails. The 748-foot vertical drop is serviced by 4 fixed-grip aerial lifts and 1 serve lift. Snow making operations cover about 22 acres. The airless snow making system withdraws water directly from Nash Fork Creek and pumps it to equipment via underground piping. There are a total of 7 airless guns and Snowy Range is permitted to take 600 gallons/minute from the creek. The grooming fleet is comprised of 3 resort-owned Kassbohrer tractors with a full complement of implements. Assuming an average of 25 acres/tractor, the fleet can groom the entire 94.5 acres in less than 8 hours without interfering with the skiing public. There are four buildings on the property - a 32,000 sqft. day lodge with a 2,660 sqft. deck, the 7,168 sqft. ski school, the 6,916 ski patrol building, and a 10,000 sqft. maintenance center. The sale price for the Snowy Range Ski Area is $2,500,000. First National Bank maintains that it will finance up to $1,500,000 with $1,000,000 down. Interested parties should contact Tyson Cartwright with First National Bank at tcartwright@fnbwyo.com or (307) 721-1114. For photos and more information visit www.snowyrangeski.com.... Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:22:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/1/28/2010-gro-biz-conference-in-laramie/ U. S. Senator Mike Enzi and the Wyoming PTAC conference committee invite small businesses in Wyoming and nearby states to this annual event. Learn how to sell your products and services in a multi-billion dollar market! Where: Hilton Garden Inn - Laramie, WYWhen: February 17 & 18, 2010Pre-conference workshops February 16   THE GRO-BIZ CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO: Market your products and services to Federal and State government procurement representatives and prime contractors Increase your knowledge about the government contracting process Network with other vendors and small businesses from around the region Learn about cutting edge marketing strategies Understand the bidding and estimating process Gain knowledge about the process to do business with the National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration, BLM, Veterans' Administration, WYDOT, and many more Learn about the process to do business with the various State of Wyoming departments Attend several procurement workshops presented by experts in government contracting Click here to register and for more details about this opportunity.... Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:53:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/2/4/come-celebrate-with-us/ As we kick-off our 2010 Partners in Progress Campaign See how Economic Development has changed the face of Laramie over the past 25 years Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served February 18, 20105:30 - 7:30 PMThe Laramie Technology Building Drawing!Giving away 2 tickets to the MWCbasketball championship in Las Vegas Click Here to RSVP  .... Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:04:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/2/16/newsletter-february-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 4                                                                                                                                   February 2010   2010 Partners in Progress Kick-Off For 25 years LEDC has worked to bring leadership, opportunity, and resources to the business community with the express purpose of keeping Laramie and Albany County economically vibrant.  Over the years we have had remarkable successes: Over $16 million has been procured from grants LEDC helped write and pursue. $262,000 has been loaned to 16 local businesses from LEDC's revolving loan fund, with a 0% default rate. LEDC's efforts have supported both the creation and retention of jobs. LEDC has helped beautify the community by forming the Laramie Beautification Committee.  This community-wide coalition has brought resources together from both the public and private sectors to help plant trees and shrubs along entryways and improve public spaces.   Moving into the future, we continue to provide the leadership necessary to rally resources and create a better community.  Our goal for the next five years is to support primary job creation through recruitment, business mentoring, and education. This work depends on the support of investors from the community.  The work that we do has always been underwritten by well-informed business people and elected officials who share the organization's vision.  Now, more than ever before, we are reaching out to more people in the community.  By enlisting the support of every member of the community, we believe the organization can accomplish great things.  This work won't be done this year or next, it is instead through a sustained effort that Laramie will see success in creating the community it envisions.  LEDC understands the world is changing and in order to continue to improve the local economy we will need to stay abreast of changes and take advantage of new opportunities.  An investment helps us recruit new companies, support the expansion of existing businesses, and work with community organizations to realize these successes.  Join LEDC in making an investment in the community for the future of its residents.  Just like it did 25 years ago, Laramie and Albany County depends on the actions of citizens who are committed to success. We officially kick-off our 2010 Partners in Progress Campaign on February 18th from 5:30 until 7:30 at the Laramie Technology Building.  Accomplishments during LEDC's first 25 years and what the organization is working on for the future will be on display.  If you haven't already done so, please RSVP at www.laramiewy.org/events. For more information please call us at (307)742-2212.     LEDC February Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities.  Please visit the link to see the clients we have been working with this February.     Partner Recognition Western Research Institute, Growing in Laramie!Western Research Institute (WRI), located in Laramie, Wyoming, is a multi-million dollar, not-for-profit, research organization renowned for work in advanced energy systems, environmental technologies and highway materials research.  Its corporate headquarters is located on the University of Wyoming campus and its 22-acre Advanced Technology Center (ATC), situated north of town, provides additional laboratories, plus pilot facilities and room for new development.WRI is a research institute with broad perspectives and know-how in science, technology and real-world, on-the-ground conditions.  WRI's highly experienced team offer expertise from fields such as chemical, petroleum and environmental engineering, organic, physical, analytical and inorganic chemistry, geology, soil science, business administration and economics.Since 1924 WRI's focus and contributions to Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain region, and the United States have evolved as the issues and priorities of the times have changed.  According to Don Collins, WRI's Chief Executive Officer and LEDC Board Member,  "WRI's core mission is to further the educational, research, developmental and public service objectives of the University of Wyoming, and carry out scientific research to aid Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain Region and the U.S. by attracting new industry as well as encouraging development and retention of existing industries.  Everyone at WRI is dedicated to making a positive meaningful difference to our community, state, country and planet." Local Economic ImpactThe Wyoming Business Council recently completed an economic and revenue study that found WRI is responsible for the following economic impacts within our community. Employment - WRI directly and indirectly supports 182 jobs in the local economy. The Institute's staff of 76 includes scientists, engineers, UW student interns, and administrative professionals. Personal Income - WRI, a $13.5 million corporation, directly and indirectly supports a payroll of $8,942,000 in the local economy. This figure represents total sales or Gross Local Product (similar to Gross National Product).   Output - WRI's impact on the local economy is $21,602,228 in terms of total output. Households - supports 141 households in the local community. Enrollment - supports student enrollment of 43 children in Albany County School District 1. Local Tax Revenues - supports $313,057 in property and sales taxes each year. State Tax Revenues - supports $194,781 in sales and severance taxes. State and National Research WRI's energy technology research efforts are targeted to achieve the vision of economically and environmentally sustainable processes that move Wyoming up the "value chain" of energy.   A critical example is WRI's pioneering technologies for "clean and green coal."    One innovative WRI technology enhances conventional pulverized coal power plant efficiency by 3-5% while also reducing regional water consumption by 50-60% and capturing mercury, arsenic and selenium.  In addition, increased coal plant efficiency results in an annual reduction of 60 to 100 million tons of CO2 emissions per power plant.A second technology is Powder River Basin (PRB) Coal Upgrading, which increases PRB coal's energy value from about 8,000 Btu/lb to 11,500 Btu/lb, while removing approximately 75% of the mercury and substantial amounts of arsenic and selenium prior to use at the power plant.  The water from the process is clean enough to meet Wyoming irrigation, livestock and mine operation needs.  This technology will raise the value of PRB coal in a way that will also increase severance revenue to the state of Wyoming. A Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Energy is at the core of WRI's energy and environmental research.  Commercial contracts and cooperative efforts with industry and other government entities have been largely responsible for the 55% increase in revenue WRI has enjoyed over the last five years.WRI is also recognized for its expertise in extending the life cycle of public roads both in the U.S. and internationally. Under contracts with the Federal Highway Administration and Department of Transportation, innovations are literally "hitting the road," yielding substantial savings and return on the nation's investment. The Petersen Asphalt Research Conference has convened nearly 100 participants in Laramie each summer for more than 45 years. The conference began with WRI's earliest incarnation as the U.S. Bureau of Mines.  State Policy ImpactGovernor Freudenthal invited Don Collins to serve on the steering committee for the Energy Industry Skilled Trades Workforce Initiative, organized to address a critical shortfall in worker training for high-paying energy jobs.   WRI has teamed with the governor's office to develop a policy to reduce the environmental footprint of proposed high voltage transmission corridors carrying electricity out of Wyoming.  WRI contributed to the development of Wyoming's strategy for applying federal stimulus funds under the State Energy Program and Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program. "Participating on state teams and at events, such as the Green Harvest Festival in Wheatland and the Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Summit, enables WRI to fulfill its charter to support Wyoming industries and economic activities", Mr. Collins said.  Such participation also provides insights into the issues and changes important to Wyoming to better guide WRI's R&D pursuits.WRI at Work in the Laramie CommunityThough WRI's participation in the Laramie community is quiet and sometimes easy to overlook, it is sustained year in and year out.  WRI's 70+ employees have earned the Gold Award from United Way of Albany County for 9 years (before that, they were Silver).  The American Cancer Society Relay for Life has been a signature event on the WRI community calendar for over a decade.  WRI employees have contributed to the Albany County Department of Family Services Community Holidays Program and were a top team for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake for over 20 years.Other entities WRI supports include the State Science Fair, the UW Science Posse, the Art Museum Festival of Trees, the Always a Cowboy 8K, the Laramie Greenbelt, the Laramie Soup Kitchen and Lincoln Community Center.   WRI works to support causes that extend out of Albany County as well.  No one could have planned for the devastation in Haiti.  WRI employees, however, quickly put together a $1,700 gift to aid relief efforts.  In fact, "corporate citizenship" is a WRI value that's included in the Institute's strategic planning.For more information on WRI and its programs, please visit www.westernresearch.org     Existing Business Support Did you know that small businesses can receive free consulting and access to market research through Wyoming Entrepreneur?   LEDC understands the importance of retaining and expanding existing businesses as well encouraging the entrepreneurial environment.  We offer customized assistance in order to retain and encourage expansion of local businesses: LEDC's Revolving Loan Fund Program for financing at optimum terms Assistance preparing applications for Workforce Training and Trade Show Grants Networking opportunities with local businesses Inclusion in LEDC special events and dinners Relevant market research Site or building expansion assistance Our success in helping local businesses and improving the economy in Laramie and Albany County is also dependent on the many partnerships we maintain.  Wyoming is fortunate to have one of the most  business friendly climates in the United States.  However, another asset for Wyoming business owners is the strength of the many programs offered by state agencies and private organizations.  Whether you are an entrepreneur that is just getting started or a successful business owner that wants to reach the next level, take some time to check out our "business resources" page by clicking here. Please contact us if you would like to discuss any of these resources further.     Request For LEDC Board Nominations The LEDC Nominating Committee is requesting nominations from our Partners in Progress for open seats on the LEDC Board of Directors.  In accordance with the LEDC Bylaws, all members of Partners in Progress in good standing are eligible for a position on the Board of Directors.  Please submit your nominations no later than noon (MST) on Friday, February 26, 2010 to Gaye Stockman. E-mail submittals and self-nominations are acceptable. From the received PIP nominations, the LEDC Nominating Committee will develop a slate of candidates in March to be voted on by the Partners in Progress in April. The newly elected members of the Board of Directors will be introduced at LEDC's Annual Dinner on May 13th. The LEDC Board is instrumental in setting the priorities for the organization and can take credit for having the vision to move Laramie into a strong competitive position to recruit and retain primary jobs. Please Note: The LEDC Bylaws also allow for "buy-on" positions for a seat on the LEDC Board of Directors. The cost of a "buy-on" seat is $10,000 annually. Buy-on positions have full voting rights as long as they are in good standing but cannot hold an Officer position. Directors that wish to hold Officer positions must be selected from the Partners in Progress and elected by the LEDC Board.  Nominations can only be submitted by our Partners in Progress investors.Click here for a list of all members of the Partners in Progress in good standing for your review and nomination..... Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:34:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/2/thanks-for-a-great-event/ It was great to have so many of you join us for our Partners in Progress Kick-Off event. We enjoyed visiting with you and sharing our excitement about the next 25 years of Creating a Better Community! We are proud to have the support of these early investors. Please join us in thanking them for their vision and support.   Leadership Investors - Commitments of $10,000 or More** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentCity of Laramie **First Interstate Bank - Gary NegichFirst National Bank - Dan FurphyFusestudios Media Consulting, LLC - Bryce Tugwell **Ivinson Memorial Hospital - Carol Dozier **Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance - Roy SchmettUniversity of Wyoming & The University of Wyoming Technology Business Center - Jon Benson ** Advocate Level Investors - Commitments of $2,500-$10,000** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentAmerican National Bank - Nancy StutzmanCoffey Engineering & Surveying, LLC - Dave CoffeyDunnuck and Associates, CPA's, PC - Pam DunnuckEdwards Development Co. - William EdwardsGroathouse Construction - Raymond R. McElweeHandel Information Technologies - Even BrandeHappy Jack Software, Inc. - Mona GamboaInterTech E & E (dba, CBM Associates) - Rob GarlandLaramie Boomerang - Don BlackMader, Tschacher, Peterson & Co. LLC - Mark Mader **The Mortgage Source - Karen SaundersNicholas & Tangeman, LLC - Phil NicholasPence & MacMillan, LLC - Megan GoetzRocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) - Harold BabbittTrihydro Corporation - Jack Bedessem **Western Research Institute - Don CollinsWyoming State Bank - Gary E. CrumWyoTech - Guy Warpness Associate Level Investors - Commitments Up To $2,500** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentAce Hardware - Joel SchneiderAcre Company - Paul GreaserAdvanced Clean Coal Technology - Dr. E.G. MeyerAlbany Insurance Agency - Todd PearsonAlpine Appraisal - Matt GoetzAltitude Chophouse & Brewery - Karen Robillard & Greg SmithAspen Banner Engineering - Jim I. CavalliBasic Beginnings - Kerry GreaserBrown & Gold, Inc. - Casey CampbellCoal Creek Coffee Company - John GuerinDodd's Shoe Company, Inc. - Jeff DoddDooley Oil Company, Inc. - John DooleyGem City Consulting - Jodi GuerinMegan Overmann Goetz, P.C.Insurance Unlimited - Butch & Danette KeadleLCCC - Albany County Campus - Lynn StalnakerLincoln Printing Plus - Mary BowerLovejoy's Bar and Grill - Karen Robillard & Greg SmithModern Printing - Rob and Jay BressMountain Valley Properties - Heidi SchutterlePatel Enterprises Inc. - Ken PatelPaul Baker Construction - Paul BakerPowell Enterprises - John PowellPrehoda Leonard and Janack, LLC - Donald P. Prehoda Jr.Realty Executives - Ann VicchySEH - George WaltonSource Gas - Norm Long **Source Office Products - Shane CoxThe Curiosity Shoppe - Sandra L. NovickVerde, LLC - Dan TweetonWyoming Community Development Group - Charlie CuypersYoung Appraisals - Calvin Young Community Supporters** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentDona CoffeyGeorge and Linda Gault **Ken Griffin **Mark MarquardtGary & Kim NegichFred & Debi OckersMike & Becky PeckJerry & Jeanetta SchmidtDick & Diane VanPeltDavid & Christel Walrath.... Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/12/wyoming-rural-development-councils-priority-setting-meeting/ On Wednesday, March 31, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Laramie Recreation Center, the Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) will return to Laramie for the Priority Setting Meeting of the Community Assessment. In early November, 2009 the WRDC resource team toured Laramie and spoke with over 170 people across 14 different listening sessions. Each listening session participant was asked to respond to three questions: What do you think are the major problems and challenges in Laramie? What do you think are the major strengths and assets in Laramie? What projects would you like to see implemented in 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in Laramie? Upon completion of the listening sessions, each team member carefully analyzed the main discussion topics, synthesized what was heard with their knowledge of programs and resources, and then combined these into WRDC's final report. Please click here to see a complete copy of this report. The Community Priority Setting will include a summary of the final report and provide a chance for all attendees to fill out top individual priorities and then work in small round tables to identify group priorities. Once the group priorities have been presented there will be opportunities to discuss the next steps and get volunteers to work on priority issues and projects. All citizens of Laramie and Albany County are invited to help determine the main priorities and set the future direction for the community. Please call LEDC at 307.742.2212 for further information or questions. We hope to see you on the 31st from 5:00 to 7:30 at the Laramie Recreation Center!.... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:03:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/16/newsletter-march-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 5                                                                                                                              February 2010   Over $20M Invested In Laramie and Albany County Since the inception of the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program (BRC) and the Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program (CFP), Albany County has seen $21,332,280 awarded to 12 projects in order to advance economic development in our community. LEDC has played an active role in facilitating and assisting many of these projects. The true value of this money will continue to be realized for many years because the return on investment remains in Albany County. The return is placed in designated economic development funds to be rolled into future projects that support economic development activities. Earlier this decade, the Wyoming Business Council determined that even with Wyoming's business-friendly climate, the lack of shovel-ready sites across the state where businesses could get up and running within a few short months was inhibiting economic development. Governor Freudenthal agreed with this assessment and pushed for the creation of the BRC, which the Wyoming Legislature authorized and funded in 2003. Two years later, Governor Freudenthal supported funding options where the state helped renovate existing buildings into community centers. The Legislature responded by creating the CFP in 2005. BRC provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming. Municipalities, counties, and joint powers boards are eligible to apply for funding. BRC offers three types of funding: Business Committed Projects - Funding for businesses committed to locate or expand in the community. All projects are judged on job creation criteria. Maximum award is $3 million. Community Readiness Projects - Funding for communities that want to build facilities to ready itself for new business development under a specific strategy or plan of action. Although no specific company is required to locate or expand in the community, a demonstration that appropriate planning has been conducted and capacity exists to accommodate new business development. Maximum award is $1.5 million. Community Enhancement Projects - Funding for communities that want to improve aesthetic character or quality of life through such activities as landscaping, recreational or convention facilities in order to make itself more attractive for business development under a specific strategy or plan of action. Maximum award is $500,000. Match RequirementsBRC Business Committed and Community Readiness Grants require a 5 - 10% match based on the total grant request. For projects costing $250,000 or less, a minimum 5% match of project costs is required. For projects over $250,000 and up to $3,000,000, a minimum 10% match of project costs is required. BRC Community Enhancement Grants require a 50% match of total project cost and the maximum award is $500,000. CFP projects up to $250,000 require a minimum match of 10% of eligible project activity costs and projects over $250,000 require a minimum match of 15%. Process and Local ValueThe grants are made to local government entities and joint powers boards and are used to assist with infrastructure development and/or development of a business committed facility. The businesses then receive the funds in the form of a loan, with the term and rate based on the number of jobs created. As the municipality or joint powers board receives the loan payments, the collected money is recaptured, deposited into a specific fund, and then reused again within the community for future infrastructure development and/or business development. The true value of this program is that the funds stay within the community to be utilized perpetually overtime. The following chart shows all of the projects that have been funded in Albany County since the inception of the BRC and CFP programs:     Please note that the details of these programs are subject to change. For the most updated information about the Wyoming Business Council's BRC and CFP or the other valuable programs offered, please visit the community assistance link at www.wyomingbusiness.org     Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. Click Here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 3/16/10 In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents.Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential unless they specify otherwise.   Partner Recognition For over 40 years Dooley Oil Company has been a strong member of Laramie's business community. Started as a petroleum products wholesaler, this 100% local family-owned business has found success in a difficult industry through dedicated customer service, a diversified business plan, and comprehensive knowledge of their products and the systems their products power and support. Through on-the-ground interaction and building great trust with customers, the company has grown to support about 75 full-time jobs, 30 of which are based here in Laramie, and a fleet of 18 tractor trailers. Dooley Oil Company, a full-line Shell distributor, operates facilities in Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, and Fort Collins and services customers from Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Montana. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their Colorado location and it continues to be a success. In fact, Dooley Oil Company holds permit #1 in Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Double trailer (a 28-foot trailer attached to a 48-foot trailer, with a total length of about 100 feet.) The Laramie facility is the main company location and every product is routed through this branch in 6000 gallon loads. After delivery, the products are repackaged and sent to the three other locations. Each of the facilities has a full line of products available, including bulk oil and cardlock fueling. Dooley's cardlock fuel system allows users access anytime day or night and accurately records each fill-up in order to provide customers with an in-depth profile of fuel usage. Fuels available with the cardlock system include diesel, off-road diesel, bio-diesel, and unleaded. Dooley's fuel site saves businesses valuable time and money by eliminating risks and expenses associated with spillage, theft, maintenance, additional liability insurance. Although the foundation of the business is built upon wholesale oil and fuel products, Dooley Oil Company has successfully diversified its business to secure other revenue streams. It owns several convenience stores in Casper and Laramie, car washes, and a transportation company. This diversification has helped Dooley Oil Company thrive in an ever-changing industry where consolidation is commonplace. According to John Dooley, President of Dooley Oil Company and LEDC Board Member, "this industry has seen more change in the past five years than in the previous 35. I used to have about 14 competitors in Colorado, now I only have three." In addition to wholesale, it has also been successfully involved with the retail side of the fuel and oil business. Dooley Oil Company can provide any petroleum product that you need in any size from a quart up to 10,000 gallons. The employees pride themselves on not just familiarizing themselves with the products available and distribution, but with truly understanding how to best maintain and service the equipment that utilizes their products. Over the past 40 years the organization has developed vast knowledge on heavy-duty equipment and diesel engines and is able to add tremendous value to their customers. Dooley Oil Company is also committed to being a good corporate citizen to Laramie and the other communities it has operations. In addition to supporting LEDC, the company also contributes to the United Way and the University of Wyoming. Dooley Oil Company is also active in supporting youth programs in Laramie. For more information on Dooley Oil Company and its many products and services, please visitwww.dooleyoil.com     Gro-Biz Conference and Digital Blues This past February at the Hilton Garden Inn in Laramie, Wyoming Entrepreneur Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and Senator Enzi hosted the 2010 GRO-Biz Conference. As one the sponsors of the conference, LEDC was able to provide free registration to Digital Blues, a large format print shop that has been doing business in Laramie....etc.. This conference provided a terrific opportunity for small businesses from Wyoming and surrounding states to come together, meet with federal and state procurement representatives, attend workshops, and learn more about government contracting. Over 200 people attended the conference, including more than 50 representatives from federal and state agencies, over 85 different small businesses, and 10 small business vendors. Senator Enzi gave an engaging opening keynote address, and then took time to visit with many of the small businesses in attendance. Senator Enzi's support of this annual conference has been unwavering since the first GRO-Biz conference was held in 2002, and it is his ongoing commitment to Wyoming small businesses that makes this opportunity possible each year. Other conference highlights included keynote presentations by Dan Hannaher, SBA Region VIII Administrator; Beth Torres, Outreach Program Manager with the Center for Veterans Enterprise, and Even Brande, President and CEO of the Laramie-based firm Handel Information Technologies, Inc. Beth Torres highlighted the new Federal Contractor Certification training program in her presentation, which is now available to Wyoming small businesses through the Wyoming Entrepreneur PTAC. Brett Bott, owner of Digital Blues, was very impressed with the entire GRO-Biz Conference. "Absolutely," replied Brett when asked if the information could help grow his business, "from what I learned at the conference, I could potentially add an additional full-time employee". The Wyoming Entrepreneur PTAC provides free and confidential training and counseling to Wyoming firms that are interested in government contracting. Its funding partners include the Wyoming Business Council, University of Wyoming, and Defense Logistics Agency. For more information about the PTAC, or to request assistance, visit the PTAC online at: www.ptac.wyomingentrepreneur.biz   LEDC LEAD$ Reward Program You could receive up to $10,000 in a cash reward for an information tip leading to the location of a quality business to the City of Laramie and/or Albany County. LEDC will pay $100 for each new job that the company projects it will create during the first 12 months of operation. The reward will be paid at the time of the official location announcement. Maximum amount available per LEAD is $10,000. What is a LEAD? A LEAD can be a friend, someone seated next to you on a plane, a relative, someone you meet on vacation, or a business associate that might be considering expanding into a new market. Just the name and contact information of any of those people is a LEAD to us. Hometown leads are our BEST contact for quality businesses that might be ready to make a move. All we need is the name and contact information, and the LEDC staff and Board will do the rest. Next time you have a possible LEAD, reward yourself, and contact us for the rest! Residents who live and work here are our best referral system.Click here to fill out a LEAD Reward Card  .... Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:27:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/23/global-competition-for-energy-symposium/ On Thursday, April 15, at 4:00 PM, the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, International Studies Department, and History Department are sponsoring a symposium:  Global Competition for Energy: Wyoming and the World The focus of this symposium will be on the geopolitics of energy, with a specific focus on the central role that the U.S. and Asia play in the global energy equation. Come join Mark Northam, Jean Garrison, Marianne Kamp, and Rob Hurless as they discuss challenges to U.S. national security, the role of Asia in global energy markets, and the broader global energy business environment. Thursday, April 15, 2010, 4:00 PMUniversity of Wyoming, Geology 216 Reception to Follow.... Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/24/2010-laramie-community-cleanup-day/ .... Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:52:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/29/2010-census-laramie-counts/ .... Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:16:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/3/31/wrdc-priority-setting-tonight/ This is a reminder that the Priority Setting Meeting of the Community Assessment will be held TONIGHT from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Laramie Recreation Center. In early November, 2009 the Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) resource team toured Laramie and spoke with over 170 people across 14 different listening sessions. Each listening session participant was asked to respond to three questions: What do you think are the major problems and challenges in Laramie? What do you think are the major strengths and assets in Laramie? What projects would you like to see implemented in 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in Laramie? Upon completion of the listening sessions, each team member carefully analyzed the main discussion topics, synthesized what was heard with their knowledge of programs and resources, and then combined these into WRDC's final report. Please click here to see a complete copy of this report. The Community Priority Setting will include a summary of the final report and provide a chance for all attendees to fill out top individual priorities and then work in small round tables to identify group priorities. Once the group priorities have been presented there will be opportunities to discuss the next steps and get volunteers to work on priority issues and projects. All citizens of Laramie and Albany County are invited to help determine the main priorities and set the future direction for the community. Please call LEDC at 307.742.2212 for further information or questions. We hope to see you tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Laramie Recreation Center!  .... Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:36:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/1/now-accepting-2010-business-award-nominations/ LEDC Now Accepting Nominations for its 2010 Business Awards Each year, LEDC honors businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. These awards exemplify extraordinary business performance, community involvement, and a strong commitment to bettering the overall economic well-being of the community. Nominations are now being accepted for 2010 Small Business of the Year, 2010 Business Person of the Year, and 2010 Survival of the Fittest. Every business or individual in the City of Laramie and Albany County is eligible to be nominated for these awards. We encourage everyone to think about the businesses they come into contact with everyday and help us recognize those who make a difference to you or to our community. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 16th, 2010. Selection Process After the nomination period has closed, all nominees will be verified and reviewed by LEDC staff to meet the nomination category qualifications. A slate of qualified candidates for each category will be developed and submitted via ballot to LEDC's Partners in Progress for selection of the winners. The winners will be announced at the LEDC Annual Membership Dinner, May 13, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn. To submit your nominations, please click here..... Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:09:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/1/save-the-date-2010-annual-dinner/ Save the Date! LEDC will be holding its Annual Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, May 13th at 5:30..... Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:12:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/2/its-not-too-late-to-mail-back-2010-census-forms/ Nation's Participation Rate on Census Day is 54 Percent As elected officials and community leaders across the nation take part in "Census Day" activities to increase local participation in the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau today announced that 54 percent of the nation's estimated 134 million households have mailed back their census forms. While April 1 is officially designated as Census Day, the Census Bureau will continue to accept 2010 Census questionnaires by mail through mid-April. Beginning May 1, census workers will begin going door to door to households that failed to mail back their forms -- a massive operation that costs taxpayers an average of $57 per household versus the 42 cents it takes to get a response back by mail. "The Census Bureau and I would like to thank everyone who has already taken 10 minutes to fill out and mail back the 2010 Census," Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. "For those who have not yet had a chance to send it back, I'd like to reiterate that it's not too late to participate and doing so will save a lot of taxpayer money." Census Day serves as the point-in-time benchmark for the nation's population count for the next 10 years. April 1 has been designated by law as Census Day since 1930. Before that, the decennial population count's reference date fell on different days, such as Aug. 7 in 1820, June 1 in 1880, and April 15 in 1910. Severe weather conditions during the 1920 Census, which had a Census Day of Jan. 2, led to the April 1 date when weather would be temperate enough to allow census takers to travel within their assignment areas. The Census Bureau is urging communities nationwide to take charge of their 2010 Census mail participation rates. Anyone can visit the 2010 Census Web site to see how well their state, county or neighborhood is participating in the census. From the same interactive rate map, anyone can also embed a Participation Rate Tracker "widget" on their Web site that will display an area's latest participation rates. ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide..... Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:34:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/9/wyoming-sustainability-summit-2010/ When:  April 12 - 13 Where:  Hilton Garden Inn, UW Conference Center  Laramie, Wyoming Time:  Starts at 8:30a.m in the Grand Ballroom Lobby This statewide conference is intended to provide a forum for local leaders and interested citizens to learn about environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The Wyoming Sustainability Summit will provide a venue for sharing information about challenges and successes with sustainability initiatives and how to successfully address these issues in residences, businesses, and communities. We hope this summit will stimulate conversation within and between Wyoming communities. The Summit will include panel discussions, keynote presentations, and round table discussions between community leaders and citizens. Click here for more information and to download a complete agenda.... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:42:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/14/you-are-invited-ledc-2010-annual-dinner/ We are celebrating 25 years of ensuring the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. We are excited about this anniversary and would like to invite you to our Annual Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, May 13th at 5:30 to share in the celebration of the past 25 years. Guests will take part in our annual business meeting, and have a chance to honor the Annual Business Award winners. We are honored to have Dr. William Gern, University of Wyoming's Vice President of Research and Economic Development, as this year's keynote speaker. Dr. Gern will be giving a presentation entitled "Economic Development: The Real Value & The Future of Laramie's Technology Sector". Following Dr. Gern's presentation, we will be honoring the 2010 Annual Business Award Winners. If you know of a deserving business or business person, it is not too late! Nominations are still being accepted for the awards, which includes Small Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, and Survival of the Fittest. Every business or individual in the City of Laramie and Albany County is eligible to be nominated for these awards. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 19th. To submit a nomination, please click here. The public is welcome and reservations can be made by calling 307.742.2212 or by clicking the link below. Cost of the event is $50.00 per person, which includes a prime rib dinner. Click Here to Register for LEDC's 2010 Annual Dinner!.... Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:38:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/19/newsletter-april-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 6                                                                                                                                      April 2010 2010 Annual Dinner - 25 Years of Success! We are celebrating 25 years of ensuring the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. We are excited about this anniversary and would like to invite you to our Annual Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, May 13th at 5:30 to share in the celebration of the past 25 years. Guests will take part in our annual business meeting and have a chance to honor the Annual Business Award winners. We are honored to have Dr. William Gern, University of Wyoming's Vice President of Research and Economic Development, as this year's keynote speaker. Dr. Gern will be giving a presentation entitled "Economic Development: The Real Value & the Future of Laramie's Technology Sector". Following Dr. Gern's presentation, we will be honoring the 2010 Annual Business Award Winners. If you know of a deserving business or business person, it is not too late! Nominations are still being accepted for the awards, which includes Small Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, and Survival of the Fittest. Every business or individual in the City of Laramie and Albany County is eligible to be nominated for these awards. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 19th. To submit a nomination, please click here. How To Reserve A Seat The public is welcome and reservations can be made by calling 307.742.2212 or by clicking here and filling out the form. Cost of the event is $50.00 per person, which includes a prime rib dinner. Reservations will not be accepted after May 6th.     LEDC April Client Report Please click the link to see the clients we have been working with this April.     Partner Recognition Since its founding in Laramie in 1954, Groathouse Construction has steadily grown to become one of the leaders in construction management in Wyoming. During the last ten years, Groathouse has been focused on growing the company. Two new offices have been opened in Casper and Cody to provide Groathouse a better state-wide presence and easier access to clients. A company that traditionally completed about one or two projects a year, Groathouse is currently working on 12 different projects across the entire state. Groathouse Construction not only provides traditional low-bid project delivery, it also offers Design-Build and Construction Management at Risk (CMAR). Using Design-Build, all of the development, design, and construction is handled by Groathouse. The client is responsible for providing the scope and all of the requirements of the project. Design-Build creates the possibility of having overlapping design and construction phases, which provides the shortest possible time frame for completion of the project. CMAR is a delivery method that lets Groathouse work closely with the owner and the architect on the design process. During the design phase, costs are examined and estimates are provided at several milestones. Once a final design has been decided upon, Groathouse offers a Guaranteed Maximum Price for completion of the project. CMAR is a an effective project delivery method because it allows the owner, architect, and Groathouse to develop strong working relationships. In addition, CMAR ensures each party is aware of everyone else's requirements to complete the project in the most efficient manner. As Wyoming's first construction firm with a Certified CM, Groathouse Construction has the knowledge and experience to protect the interests of its clients throughout the CMAR process. All 12 of Groathouse Construction's current projects are utilizing CMAR. The increased growth of the company has also brought an increased number of jobs. Groathouse Construction now supports about 45 full-time employees and the Laramie branch operates as the company's business office. Even with the growth experienced at Groathouse, the management team is still committed to providing an excellent work-life balance for their employees. On May 28th, 2009, Groathouse was recognized for the exceptional care of its employees at the third Governor's Summit on Workforce Solutions. The organization won the 2009 Innovation in the Workplace Award, which recognizes an employer that is committed to investing in the development and well-being of its employees. Some of the recent projects that Groathouse Construction has worked on include the Health Science Building and Geology Building at UW, the Central Wyoming Hospice, C Y Junior High School in Casper, and the 96,000 square-foot Gillette College Technical Education Center. The largest project completed by Groathouse to-date is the 177,000 square-foot, $35 million Wyoming Center at CAM-PLEX. Groathouse Construction is also focused on supporting the areas where they do business. The company is actively involved with LEDC, youth athletics, 4H, United Way, Red Cross, Inter-Faith, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and Cowboy Joe. Groathouse likes to be involved with its communities and considers participation in organizations and activities an important aspect of the business. For more information about Groathouse Construction, please visit www.groathouse.com     Laramie Area Annual Trends Now Available For almost 10 years LEDC has commissioned the Wyoming Center for Business and Economic Analysis to provide a set of Annual Trends on the major economic indicators of this region. The goal of the Annual Trends is to provide users with an analysis of the long-term performance of both the Albany County economy and the City of Laramie's economic system. The report presents the latest available, federal, state and local agency statistics dealing with economic and demographic growth patterns. Business and government planning requires a realistic assessment of past trends of the existing economy and realistic assumptions about the future. The indicators and statistics contained in this report can be used as a relative measure of future economic activity for both entities. Click Here to view the latest edition of the Annual Trends     Census 2010 - It's Not Too Late! Did you know that the State of Wyoming estimates Wyoming municipalities could lose an estimated $823 per person per year for each person not counted in the 2010 Census? Approximately 8600 Laramie Residents did not complete the Census form in 2000. If that same number do not complete the form this year that would be about $7 million lost each year for 10 years! In addition, counties could lose $100 - $500 in federal grant money each year for every person not counted. Beginning May 1, census workers will start going door to door to households that failed to mail back their forms - a massive operation that costs taxpayers an average of $57 per household versus the 42 cents it takes to get a response back by mail. If you have not filled out a census form, you can still visit either of Laramie's Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC). The QAC's have census forms available to be filled out and are staffed by individuals who can assist those unable to read or understand the form. Laramie's QAC's will be available until April 30th, so stop by today! Laramie's Questionnaire Assistance Centers: Laramie Recreation CenterMonday, Wednesday, Friday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PMSaturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM University of Wyoming - Knight Hall, Room 118Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PMTuesday, Thursday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM .... Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:59:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/4/26/may-4th-special-election-specific-purpose-tax/ .... Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:11:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/4/specific-purpose-tax-vote-today/ Albany County residents have the opportunity today to renew the one-cent sales tax for specific projects in Laramie, Rock River, and Albany County. How will this one-cent help? Replacement of failing water lines Sanitary sewer upgrades Reconstruction of streets, curb/gutter, and sidewalks Provide a new landfill cell Protect wellheads for city water wells above Casper Aquifer And more! Note: Polling places have been consolidated for this special election and may differ from your normal polling place. Polling places are open today from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Residents can register to vote at their correct polling place. Click here to visit the County website to find your correct polling place..... Tue, 04 May 2010 11:39:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/7/albany-county-15th-least-economically-stressed-in-the-nation/ 20 most stressed, least stressed counties Here are the 20 most economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores, according to The Associated Press Economic Stress Index: 1. Imperial County, Calif., 31.27 2. Merced County, Calif., 28.29 3. Lyon County, Nev., 27.96 4. San Benito County, Calif., 27.26 5. Sutter County, Calif., 26.41 6. Yuba County, Calif., 25.8 7. Stanislaus County, Calif., 25.46 8. Iosco County, Mich., 24.89 9. San Joaquin County, Calif., 24.78 10. Nye County, Nevada., 24.19 11. Lapeer County, Mich., 24.03 12. Cheboygan County, Mich., 23.89 13. Luna County, N.M., 23.82 14. Lake County, Calif., 23.78 15. Kern County, Calif., 23.62 16. Tulare County, Calif., 23.17 17. Madera County, Calif., 23.04 18. Fresno County, Calif., 22.72 19. Clark County, Nevada, 22.65 20. Boone County, Ill., 22.59 A list of the 20 least economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores, according to The Associated Press Economic Stress Index: 1. Ford County, Kan., 4.07 2. Ellis County, Kan., 4.17 3. Brown County, S.D., 4.6 4. Brookings County, S.D., 4.66 5. Finney County, Kan., 4.89 6. Riley County, Kan., 5.08 7. Buffalo County, Neb., 5.19 8. Ward County, N.D., 5.22 9. Grand Forks County, N.D., 5.30 10. Lafourche Parish, La., 5.31 11. Burleigh County, N.D., 5.36 12. Platte County, Neb., 5.49 13. Johnson County, Iowa, 5.5 14. Arlington County, Va., 5.54 15. Albany County, Wyo., 5.59 16. Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, 5.67 17. Custer County, Okla., 5.7 18. Lincoln County, S.D., 5.72 19. Madison County, Neb., 5.74 20. Bryan County, Okla., 5.75Click Here to view AP's Interactive Stress Index By The Associated PressSource: AP Economic Stress Index.... Fri, 07 May 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/12/wtbc-e2e-event-tonight/ Please join the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) in welcoming home Reggie Slater; Wyoming's all-time leading men's basketball rebounder. Reggie now owns a number of oil and lube franchises along with Slater Sports Zone in Houston, Texas. He will be presenting what he's learned, from basketball to business, at the upcoming e2e event on May 12th, 5:30pm, at the Laramie Hilton Garden Inn. The WTBC started e2e as an educational networking program to improve the climate for the start-up and growth of entrepreneurial companies. Five meetings per year are held where entrepreneurs meet with other entrepreneurs and business service providers. Ideas are shared, plans are formulated, and many partnerships are formed. Click Here to RSVP.... Wed, 12 May 2010 18:28:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/18/thank-you-for-celebrating-with-us/ Thank you to everyone who attended our 25th Anniversary Dinner last Thursday. We enjoyed visiting with so many of you, talking about what we have accomplished over the last 25 years, and looking at the future of the City of Laramie and Albany County. All of the work LEDC does is dependent on investors from our community. We would like to recognize the businesses and individuals who have committed to Creating A Better Community. Leadership InvestorsCommitments of $10,000 or More** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentCity of Laramie**First Interstate BankFirst National Bank of WyomingFusestudios Media Consulting, LLC**Ivinson Memorial Hospital**McCarty Honda-Nissan MotorsMountain West Farm Bureau InsurancePence & MacMillan, LLC**Raving Real Estate / 9-H Ranch Advocate InvestorsCommitments of $2,500-$10,000** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentAmerican National BankBank of the WestBasic Beginnings, Inc.Coffey Engineering & Surveying, LLCDunnuck and Associates, CPA's, PCGap/West BroadcastingGrandview Heights SubdivisionGroathouse ConstructionHandel Information Technologies, Inc.Happy Jack Software, LLCInterTech Environmental and EngineeringIntevac Photonics DeltaNu, LLCLaramie BoomerangLaramie GM Auto CenterLaramie Regional Airport BoardMader, Tschacher, Peterson and Company, LLC**The Mortgage SourceMountain Cement CompanyNicholas & Tangeman, LLCQwest CommunicationsTrihydro Corporation**UniWyo Federal Credit UnionUniversity of Wyoming**Western Research InstituteWyoming State BankWyoming Technology Business Center**WyoTech Associate InvestorsCommitments Up To $2,500** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentAce Hardware**The ACRE CompanyAdvanced Clean Coal TechnologyAlbany Insurance Agency**Alpine Appraisal, LLCAltitude Chophouse & BreweryAnderson ConstructionAron & Hennig, LLPAspen-Banner EngineeringThe Brick Bed & BreakfastBrown & Gold, Inc.CB Properties, LLCCentury 21 Associated BrokersCoal Creek Coffee CompanyThe Curiosity ShoppeDelta Construction, Inc.Dodd's Shoe CompanyDooley Oil CompanyDowl HKMDowney & AssociatesEike Real EstateFairfield Inn and SuitesGem City Bone & Joint, P.C.Gem City Consulting Services, P.C.Heather Plumbing & HeatingHilton Garden Inn & UW Conference CenterHoneywagon Sanitation PumpingInsurance UnlimitedJonatkim EnterprisesJS Building Company, LLC.**Laramie Ford Lincoln MercuryLincoln Printing PlusLovejoy's Bar & GrillMedicine Bow TechnologiesModern PrintingMountain Valley PropertiesMullen's Heating and Sheet MetalThe Music BoxNorth Ridge Discount Liquors**Patel EnterprisesPaul Baker Construction & Remodeling, LLCPowell Enterprises, LLCPrehoda Leonard and Janack, LLC**Raving Real EstateRealty Executives of LaramieRe/Max Quality Real EstateRocky Mountain PowerSEHSnowy Range GraphicsSource Gas**Source Office Products**True Value of LaramieUS BankVerde, LLCWestfield Business ParkWyoming Community Development GroupYoung Appraisals Community Supporters** Denotes a Multi-Year CommitmentKermit & Margaret BrownDona Coffey TrustBob DavisThom & Sally EdgarGeorge & Linda Gault**Megan GoetzKen Griffin**Mark MarquardtKarl McCrakenGary & Kim NegichFred & Debi OckersMike & Becky PeckOwen Phillips**Jerry & Jeanetta SchmidtDick & Diane Van PeltDavid Walrath.... Tue, 18 May 2010 16:57:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/18/volunteer-at-the-special-olympics/ The Special Olympics Wyoming is hosting their Summer Games in Laramie this year from May 20 - 22. In order to make this event a success they need about 300 volunteers in a variety of functions - registration, meal service, award preparation/presentation, competition result runners, timers and recorders, basketball officials, track and field helpers, and many more. If you are interested, please contact Amber Arditi with Serve Wyoming at Amber@servewyoming.org or 307-721-8300.... Tue, 18 May 2010 19:14:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/19/get-the-grant-you-need-to-start-or-grow-your-business/ .... Wed, 19 May 2010 12:28:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/21/wyoming-arts-council-town-meeting-in-laramie/ The Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) is holding a series of town meetings to gather input for their next long-range plan. Laramie will host a town meeting next Monday. It is open to the public and anyone interested in the arts is encouraged to attend. WAC Board and staff will be present and your input will directly affect WAC's planning and goals for the next 5 years. Laramie Town MeetingMonday, May 24, 20107:00 - 9:00 p.m.Works of Wyoming, Civic Center, 710 East Garfield, Suite 271 For more information, please visit http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/.... Fri, 21 May 2010 11:22:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/5/28/newsletter-may-2010/   Volume 1 Issue 7                                                                                                                                                     May  2010 Laramie's Growing Technology Sector Laramie has a vibrant and growing technology sector which is quickly becoming a valued economic force in the community.  Over the last 15 years, the technology sector in Laramie has experienced strong growth. Dr. William Gern, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at the  University of Wyoming, revealed that before 1994 the technology sector in Laramie was only composed of 9 companies.  Currently, there are 50+ technology businesses operating in Laramie, representing all stages of business development. Having the University of Wyoming (UW) located in Laramie provides strong support for technology-based businesses. UW has set a new record for external funding every year for the past 25 years.  For the 2008-2009 fiscal year UW booked $82 million in external awards.  That works out to over $1.5 million per week!  This year UW has already passed the $90 million mark. UW currently has dozens of patented technologies available for licensing. The institution has a generous licensing policy in order to encourage the commercialization of its patents and the development of technology businesses.  This past year UW developed 37 patent disclosures on $66 million in federal funding.  With its generous policies and commitment to Laramie's technology sector development, it's no surprise that about 85% of the technology businesses have some connection to UW.One of the key developments within this sector is the opening of the University's Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC).  This 30,000 square foot facility, which opened its doors in 2006, is focused on the development of early stage technology-based businesses.  The WTBC has already had two companies graduate from its business incubator and relocate in downtown Laramie.Falcon Technologies is the first company and it produces specialty computers for day traders.  This organization has had a five year growth rate of over 400% and was named to Inc. Magazine's 2009 Inc. 5000 list as the 686th fastest growing company in America.  Click here for more informationThe second company to graduate from the WTBC is Firehole Technologies.  Firehole is producing software used by composite material manufacturers to conduct fault analysis and improve the design of products. The company has shown strong grow and recently acquired CompositePro from Peak Composites, Inc. and has been awarded a contract with Lockheed-Martin as it develops the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  Click here for more informationThe continued advancement of the technology sector is important for Laramie's economy and the future of our community.  Not only do these companies typically pay higher wages and provide better benefits, they produce products that are sold outside of the area, which introduces new dollars to the community and supports local service providers and retail locations.  Please contact LEDC at 307-742-2212 for more information..... Fri, 28 May 2010 10:40:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/9/pronghorn-technologies-receives-300k-for-total-residual-oxidant-/ Pronghorn Technologies, LLC has received $300,000 in Phase II Enhancement funding for further development of its total residual oxidant (TRO) sensor. The funds include $150,000 each from the U.S. Department of Defense and NAVSEA. The work will be performed by Pronghorn at its location in the Wyoming Technology Business Center in Laramie, Wyoming. In development since 2005, the TRO sensor is designed for use with advanced shipboard desalination systems. The compact in-stream sensor is capable of continuously detecting and reporting residual oxidant levels in hypochlorite-enhanced seawater streams used to kill marine organisms. "The 12-month Phase II Enhancement program provides the necessary funding to complete development of the TRO sensor for shipboard validations by the US Navy," said Weston Welch, Pronghorn Technologies COO/CFO. "Our sensor will automate water disinfection systems which will eliminate time-consuming maintenance and prolong the life of expensive equipment while simultaneously protecting marine ecosystems from excessive chlorine discharge." Problems with current state-of-the-art sensors include an inability to provide real-time measurements, fragile construction, labor-intensive maintenance, and inaccuracy due to calibration issues. Pronghorn Technologies, LLC and ADA Technologies, Inc. have received nearly $1.5 million in grant monies for the total residual oxidant sensor R&D since 2005. Pronghorn Technologies, LLCPronghorn Technologies, LLC is a manufacturing and distribution company located in the Wyoming Technology Business Center in Laramie, Wyoming. The company was created as a spin-off of ADA Technologies in 2008 to commercialize the oxidant sensor technology for use by industrial and consumer markets. For more information, please visit www.prongtech.com or call 307-766-9511. ADA Technologies, Inc.ADA Technologies, Inc. is a research, development, and commercialization company that specializes in creating and converting innovative technologies to commercial successes. The firm is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, with offices on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Blacksburg, VA. ADA has received numerous honors, including: 2006 Tibbetts Award, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Colorado Technology Fast 50, 2006 & 2007 Best Companies to Work For in Colorado and Colorado's Top Technology Company 2005. For more information, please visit www.adatech.com or call 303-792-5615. Contact:Weston Welch, MBA, COO/CFOPronghorn TechnologiesPhone: 307-766-9511.... Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:37:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/14/engineering-position-available-in-laramie/ DeltaNu, a pioneer and global leader in small footprint and Raman spectrometers, currently has an opening for a Senior Staff Engineer. Job DescriptionStaff EE will support activities for current projects working with other staff EE, ME and Optical engineers. This position requires both hardware and firmware skills. Ability to conceptualize, design, create schematics, provide PCB layouts, and program simple to complex embedded microprocessor products in a quick turn disciplined development environment. RequirementsBSEE or MSEE, Min 5 yrs experience preferred. Excellent laboratory, debug and soldering skills a plus. About DeltaNuWith its experience at manufacturing modular systems, DeltaNu has developed a powerful series of Raman microscopes and the first small footprint dispersive 1064 nm Raman systems. In the spring of 2007 DeltaNu joined Intevac to become the world's leader in high sensitivity UV, Visible, and NIR Raman spectroscopy. DeltaNu and Intevac's Imaging department have now combined to become Intevac Photonics. Through Intevac's powerful series of cameras DeltaNu can offer a Raman solution for any application. Our customers come from all over the world to purchase our systems for chemical research, material science, forensics, pharmaceutical, geology, and other applications requiring superior performance. For more information, please contact:Tom HembreeEngineering ManagerDeltaNu - Laramiethembree@intevac.comPhone: (307) 745-9148 Ext. 7127Cell: (602) 570-9781 .... Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/14/laramie-business-opportunity/ .... Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:26:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/21/laramies-taste-of-the-town/ .... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:27:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/22/sustainable-business-practices-webinar/ On Thursday, July 1 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center is sponsoring a FREE webinar about how your business can contribute to the sustainability movement. Concern over our treatment of the environment has moved from the periphery to mainstream consciousness, with many consumers and corporate customers now requesting products that support health and environment. Since consumer demand drives commerce, businesses of every size and in every industry are implementing green business practices. Susan Jerke, Wyoming Entrepreneur Regional Director, specializes in helping small businesses adopt sustainable business practices. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of her expertise. Join Susan Jerke to learn how to "climb the ladder of sustainability". Participants will gain an understanding of the sustainability movement and its impact on business, learn about a modified business plan approach to starting and growing a sustainable business, and receive a list of useful resources on sustainability. TO REGISTER - copy and paste this URL into your browser:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/402355697.... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/23/newsletter-june-2010/   Volume 1 Issue 8                                                                                                                                                     June 2010   LEDC Awarded Industry Partnership Grant Last week at the Workforce Development Council's 2010 Workforce Summit, LEDC was awarded a $30,000 Stage 1 Industry Partnership Solutions Grant. The Department of Workforce Services' Industry Partnership Solutions (IPS) seeks to develop regionally-based, targeted industry approaches to building and sustaining economic competitiveness. The goal of this initiative is an employer-driven partnership that includes training providers, community organizations and other key stakeholders that convene around a specific industry. These partnerships work closely together to identify the workforce needs and solutions of that industry, allowing all stakeholders to streamline their efforts and resources. Industry Partnership Solutions advance through two stages:1. Development of the partnership and initial activities - studies, surveys, evaluations, etc.2. Implementation activities - training initiatives, curriculum development, recruitment, etc. Technology SectorLEDC will use the IPS grant to develop the Laramie Technology Workforce Project (LTWP). The main purpose of the LTWP is the sustainable development of Southeast Wyoming's technology sector workforce. Over the last 15 years, the technology sector in Laramie has experienced strong growth. At LEDC's annual dinner, Dr. William Gern with the University of Wyoming revealed that before 1994 the technology sector in Laramie was only composed of nine companies. Currently, there are 50+ technology businesses operating in Laramie, with additional businesses based in Cheyenne. The continued advancement of the technology sector is not only important for Laramie's economy, but vital to the future of our entire state. Technology based companies typically pay high wages and provide strong benefits. They also develop products and services that are sold outside of the area, which introduces new dollars to the region to support local service providers and retail locations. Partnership StrengthThe partnership that was established for the LTWP is one of the major strengths of the project. Nine private sector employers are involved that represent all stages of business development. In addition, local educational institutions, economic development organizations, and the Department of Workforce Services are included. This diverse group of organizations will allow the partnership to take a comprehensive look at the region. EmployersPronghorn TechnologiesHappy Jack SoftwareMedicine Bow TechnologiesFalcon TechnologiesFirehole TechnologiesIntevac Photonics DeltaNu, LLCHandel Information TechnologiesCoffey Engineering & SurveyingTrihydro Corporation Educational InstitutionsUniversity of Wyoming - Center for Advising and Career ServicesWyoming Technology Business CenterLaramie County Community College - Albany County Campus Economic Development OrganizationsLaramie Economic Development CorporationCheyenne LEADS Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Laramie Office Project ScopeOver the next 18 months the LTWP will meet with each of the identified technology-based businesses in Laramie as well as companies based in Cheyenne in order to develop sector-wide trends from primary data. Each company will be interviewed to elicit information on current and future workforce needs, past and present strategies for finding qualified workers, and details about those strategies. Detailed information about the types of jobs needed, numbers of openings, particular skill sets, cost of searches, length of searches, advertising, outcomes, and other circumstances will all be important in developing sector-wide trends. OutcomesThe LTWP partnership will produce two reports. The first will clearly present primary data about current workforce needs, projected workforce needs, past search strategies, and current search strategies within Laramie's technology sector. The second report will highlight LTWP's analysis of the data. It will illustrate the major workforce issues and industry trends decided by the partnership and the appropriate solutions for these issues. This report will be the starting point for the second stage of the Industry Partnership Grant and be used to develop the work plan. For more information please contact LEDC at 742-2212     LEDC June Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. Click Here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 6/21/10. In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents. Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential unless they specify otherwise.     Partner Recognition Intevac Photonics DeltaNu (DeltaNu)Based in Laramie, Wyoming, DeltaNu is a leader and recognized innovator of materials identification and verification products.  The company manufactures complete and ready-to-use, low-cost, high-performance Raman spectrometers for defense, education, research and industry.  The product line includes Raman microscopes, bench-top Raman spectrometers and handheld Raman spectrometers for field use. Raman spectrometers are used to quickly identify materials by illuminating the material to be identified with a small laser and measuring the characteristic bands of light emitted from the material. In addition to the Raman instruments, DeltaNu also provides a range of accessories and low light sensitive cameras.DeltaNu was co-founded in 1997 by Dr. Keith Carron, a professor of chemistry at the University of Wyoming, together with another chemistry professor, Robert Corcoran and seasoned entrepreneur Gene Watson, a founder of successful high technology companies.  The company won more than 20 grants between 1997 and 2007.  These were mainly gained from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.  Dr. Carron received the 2007 Bravo Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by the Wyoming Business Report, the Wyoming Business Council, the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Wyoming Business Alliance, the Heritage Foundation and the Wyoming Economic Development Association.  In 2007, the company was purchased by Intevac (NASDAQ:IVAC), a leading Silicon Valley-based semiconductor equipment and photonics company. The significance of the acquisition is that DeltaNu employees were able to keep 100% of the equity within the company by using SBIR funds to perform R&D and help commercialize products.  In addition, DeltaNu is able to leverage the advanced photonics technology developed by Intevac.DeltaNu is now part of Intevac Photonics, a business unit of Intevac, Inc. and Michael Kayat, a seasoned high technology executive brought in by Intevac, is the Vice President and General Manager.  Dr. Kayat is responsible for growing the company through direct sales, global distribution channels, strategic manufacturing partnerships, contract R&D projects and government programs together with managing engineering, R&D, product development, marketing, operations, finance and administration.DeltaNu is located in a new 12,000 square foot facility located at the Laramie Regional Airport Business Park. This facility, which was designed specifically for DeltaNu, has centralized all manufacturing, product development, application labs, and administration.  The facility is fully ISO9000 compliant and can be scaled up to higher manufacturing volumes.DeltaNu is expanding and hiring electrical, electronics, mechanical and software engineers.  As product volumes increase, the company will hire additional assembly and test technicians.  The company is positioned to be a leading employer in Wyoming’s growing technology sector.  For more information, please visit www.deltanu.com     Innovation Engineering Seminar "Former Procter & Gamble marketing whiz Doug Hall goes to any length to encourage a fresh perspective...clients say it works."-Wall Street Journal"Eureka! Ranch's unconventional approach has won raves from some of the biggest corporations in the country."-CNN "America's #1 New Product Idea Man"-Inc. Magazine "America's #1 Idea Guru"-A&E Top 10Doug Hall, founder of Eureka! Ranch, will be presenting a 3-day Innovation Engineering seminar in Casper on August 25, 26 & 27.  Innovation Engineering gives business, government and not-for-profit leaders the tools and confidence to lead the Creation, Communication & Commercialization of meaningfully unique ideas. The cost of the seminar is listed at $1,995, but through a special partnership with Manufacturing Works, the cost for the Casper event will only cost $495. It includes all course materials, plus breakfast and lunch for each day of the conference. To access this price, please enter mwinnovation in the "promo code" line of the registration.  For more information about Doug Hall and Eureka! Ranch, the complete Innovation Engineering Seminar agenda, and details on how to register for this great event, please click here.Also, be sure to utilize the Workforce Services' Business Training Grant, which will cover 60% of program and transportation costs!  Click here for more information as there are some requirements and limitations.  Feel free to contact LEDC for assistance.     Wyoming First Program The Wyoming First Program is designed to assist Wyoming companies with the identification and promotion of their Wyoming Made products or substantially enhanced products and services.  It is a way to identify and showcase great products made in Wyoming. Wyoming First is a program of the Wyoming Business Council. The opportunities for Wyoming First members include: the ability to use the Wyoming Bucking Horse and Rider stickers and tags, notification of marketing opportunities, listing on the program's web site, eligibility for Trade Show Incentive Grants, Wyoming First posters, and more! Over 250 businesses around Wyoming participate is the Wyoming First Program. For more information about those businesses or how to become a Wyoming First Member, visit www.wyomingfirst.org.... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:14:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/6/30/laramie-jubilee-days-schedule/ .... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:45:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/1/july-e2e-event-how-to-prospect-and-sell-using-technology/ The Wyoming Technology Business Center's e2e program is a networking and educational group that matches entrepreneurs and people interested in start-ups,in order to promote entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial climate and produce more high growth start-up companies. Over 80 people attend each of the bi-monthly events held right here in Laramie. e2e will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on July 21st, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Hot hors d'ouevres and a hosted bar will be provided. Josh Dorrell leads the sales team at IDES – The Plastics Web. For the past 10 years, he's worked with Fortune 500 companies to organize and display their technical information online. Most recently he's been helping these companies utilize internet-based advertising techniques, including webinars and videos, to generate sales leads. Based in Laramie, and selling to companies all over the world, Josh has learned a lot about how to prospect and sell using technology rather than relying solely on traditional, face-to-face sales techniques. Josh is a graduate of the University of Wyoming's College of Engineering (BSME '98). In addition to his work at IDES he is an Assistant Lecturer at UW's College of Business teaching the Professional Sales and Sales Management course. July's e2e event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on July 21st, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Hot hors d'ouevres and a hosted bar will be provided. During this event you will have the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and business providers in Laramie and learn from an experienced sales professional about sales and marketing in remote locations. To join e2e please visit www.uwyo.edu/wtbc/join.html Individual Memberships are $50 per year with five free guest passes (a $200 value).  Corporate Memberships are $200 per year for up to five employees and twenty-five free guest passes (a $750 value).  Ask about sponsoring e2e to get your business recognized! For more information please contact Greg Jordan at (307) 766-2099 or gregj@uwyo.edu.... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:28:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/1/wyoming-among-nations-leaders-in-growing-jobs/ U.S. Chamber Study Finds the Equality State Ranks Among Nation's Most Enterprise-Friendly States WASHINGTON, D.C.—Wyoming's commitment to dominant energy and minerals sectors has it ranked among the top states in the country when it comes to growing jobs, according to a new study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation. The Enterprising States study highlights how state and local policies—including those in Wyoming—play a vital role in spurring job creation and economic development. "By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system—competitive tax rates, open trade, and commonsense regulation—states are helping to jumpstart our economic recovery and create more jobs," wrote Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, in a letter to Governor Dave Freudenthal. "Many of the new ideas, new companies, and new jobs will come from local initiatives that allow the free market to do what it does best." The Enterprising States study was released as part of a U.S. Chamber event where a group of bipartisan governors from around the country discussed the role of the free enterprise system in job creation. Through this study, the Chamber is highlighting bipartisan state and local policies—including those in Wyoming—that have proven to help create jobs and that will be key to our economic recovery. The study is part of the U.S. Chamber's American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign, a comprehensive nationwide effort to create 20 million jobs in the next 10 years. Specifically, the study highlights how Wyoming is playing a pivotal role in fostering the conditions for job growth through a rapidly expanding energy cluster, investment in "intellectual infrastructure," and its Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program. "This study provides an in-depth look at the vast and complex network of economies we call the 50 states and territories," said Margaret Spellings, executive vice president of NCF and former secretary of the Department of Education. "By highlighting lessons learned we hope to create a roadmap to economic resilience and an ongoing dialogue that makes every state's jobs picture stronger." The Enterprising States study highlights six factors that drive job creation: Innovation, productivity through investments in workforce development and training, science and technology, infrastructure, exporting, and competitive tax rates. The study found that states are much more active than the federal government on the job creation and economic development front. For example, the study found that high tax rates do not lead to either healthy economies or budgets. Similarly, the study looks at how states have implemented initiatives for streamlining red tape to help businesses sort through the many layers of government regulation and have incentivized private-sector investors primarily with tax credits. It also highlights that targeted investments in infrastructure projects at the state-level can create growth‐friendly environments in communities. Science- and technology-based economic development and clean tech initiatives are proliferating amongst virtually all of the states. There is widespread support for doubling exports and there are also states that have made significant headway using strategies for foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, cultivating people through workforce development will drive economic growth at the state-level, the study shows. The Enterprising States study is available at: http://ncf.uschamber.com/enterprising-states American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's comprehensive, multiyear campaign to support free enterprise through national advertising; grassroots advocacy; citizen, community, and youth engagement; and research and ideas leadership. The National Chamber Foundation (NCF), a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to identifying and fostering public debate on emerging critical issues. We provide business and government leaders with insight and resources to address tomorrow's challenges. Release Date: May 24, 2010Source: U.S. Chamber of Commercehttp://library.uschamber.com/press/releases/2010/may/wyoming-among-nations-leaders-growing-jobs.... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:07:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/7/the-future-of-uranium-production-in-wyoming/ .... Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:46:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/8/join-the-laramie-beautification-efforts/ 2010 Laramie Beautification Achievment Awards. The Laramie Beautification Committee is currently accepting nominations for the 2010 Laramie Beautification Achievment Awards.  The objective of the awards is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Laramie by encouraging improvements and constructive contributions to the community's aesthetic and physical environment. Entrants must be either businesses, citizens, public or private organizations in the Laramie area Beautification Awards Classes Residential Commercial Beautification Awards Categories New Construction Renovation Contribution Landscaping NOTE: All projects must have been completed during the last 12 months.An outstanding achievement award will be presented to recognize the highest level of beautification excellence across all categories or impact through improvement.ENTRIES: Entry Forms can be Downloaded Here and are also available at the following local organizations: Laramie Economic Development Corporation, Laramie Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank, Laramie Recreation Center, and the Laramie Rivers Conservation District.  Entries may be accompanied by photographs - before and after views, if possible. Judging will occur the first week of September.  Judging will be based on the attractiveness of the building's façade, suitability to site, plantings, signage, cleanliness and maintenance, as well as use of lighting and other elements. Awards will be presented on Community Service Day in September 2010.  Winners will receive cash awards and recognition. INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the entry form and mail it with photos to: Community Beautification Award, Laramie Beautification Committee, P.O. Box 1250, Laramie WY 82073-1250. For further information please call LEDC at (307) 742-2212.DEADLINE: Nominations must be received by LEDC on or before Monday, August 30,2010..... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:24:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/20/lccc-workforce-and-professional-development-opportunity/ Bridges Out of Poverty Out of Poverty represents a powerful tool for change. Based in part on Dr. Ruby Payne's myth-shattering A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Bridges reaches out to the millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty. Bridges training contains case studies, detailed analysis, helpful charts and exercises, and specific solutions you and your organization can implement right now to build skill sets for management to help guide employees. Your instructor for this class is Bridges certified instructor, Stephanie Pyle (lunch included.) Date: 08/17/10Time: 9:00 – 5:00 pmLocation: LCCC - Albany County Campus Room 115Cost: $29 To register or for further information, participants may call LCCC at 307.778.4381. Participants should register at least seven days in advance. The college reserves the right to cancel any class without sufficient enrollment..... Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:55:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/20/computer-technology-classes-at-lccc/ .... Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:08:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/23/call-to-action/ -- Call To Action -- Over the past several months, LEDC has been researching opportunities for adding business rail access in Laramie. Businesses are increasingly looking to rail as an effective way to reduce the costs of shipping goods and materials. Not only have some existing businesses in our community expressed interest in rail, it will be a great asset for recruiting new businesses to Albany County. Over the last two years, 18 prospective companies that require rail access have investigated Laramie as a future place to do business. LEDC has identified an unused rail spur south of Laramie. Following the completion of two feasibility studies, LEDC determined a basic trans-modal site would be most advantageous and best fit immediate needs. This site will be designed for the on- and off-loading of freight between rail cars and trucks. In order to best develop this project, we have formed a strong partnership with WYDOT and Union Pacific Rail Road and are currently working with Albany County, Wyoming Business Council, and the City of Laramie. This is a great opportunity to add a valuable asset that will enhance this region's infrastructure, allow for diversification of the economy, and create jobs. On Tuesday, July 27th at 6:00 there is a Joint County Commissioners and City Council Work Session at the City Council chambers. We hope you will take the time to attend, learn more information, and show support for this valuable project. Please call LEDC at 307-742-2212 with any questions and be sure to stay tuned as further updates will follow..... Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:24:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/26/oasis-putt-putt-tournament/ On Wednesday, July 28 at 7:00 PM Oasis Miniature Golf will be hosting a putt putt tournament.  For a $7 entry fee all participants will get a FREE burger and soda and a chance to win $70+ in cash and prizes.  Practice and sign-up starts at 6:30. Where: Oasis Miniature Golf -1404 Skyline Rd. in LaramieWhen: Wednesday July 28 at 7:00 PM.... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:22:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/27/ledc-in-the-news/ LEDC Announces Rail Transit By AARON LeCLAIR / lbedit7@laramieboomerang.comCopyright © 2010 - LaramieBoomerang.com - Laramie, Wyoming Published:Jul 27,2010   The Laramie Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) plans to create a transit site with rail access for local businesses south of the city. LEDC Chief Executive Officer Gaye Stockman and LEDC Vice-President John Dick have announced the beginning of the first phase of the South Laramie Rail Spur Project, which will be developed at an unused Union Pacific rail spur south of Laramie off Tie Plant Road. The project will consist of a 5.65-acre trans-modal site off rail spur 107, where a business could pick up freight after it has been delivered by train. "Basically, it's taking it off the rail and putting it on another form of transportation, which is semi truck," Stockman said. LEDC will not own the site, but it will form a new corporation called LEDC LLC, and they will hire a third-party transit company to manage the site. The project's first phase is to determine the demand for rail access in Laramie. So far, the LEDC has received interest from Allsop Inc. "They've been asking me for two years to identify an opportunity for them to bring their rail cars here," Stockman said. "Right now, they have everything shipped to Denver, they put it on truck and they haul it up here." LEDC has also met with Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply Distribution Center about the value of rail access, she said. The first phase does not include the erection of any buildings and will only create enough space for up to 10 rail cars, Stockman said. "We're going to put road base out there and extend the rail," she said. "People can come in and on- and off-load their stuff." The project has been in development since January, and is a potential solution to the problem of companies bypassing Laramie because it doesn't have rail access, Stockman said. "LEDC has received 18 different leads from companies saying they would seriously consider looking at Laramie, but they need rail access," she said. "Of those, 11 have died" because the companies would not have access to rail delivery, Stockman said. LEDC produced a spreadsheet showing the businesses that withdrew interest in Laramie would have created up to 1,235 jobs. Stockman said the project has the potential to attract businesses to Laramie, while at the same time create opportunities for existing companies. "We see huge benefits to the community to diversify our industry base," she said. Rail also is cleaner and cheaper than trucking, Stockman said. LEDC chose the abandoned rail spur south of Laramie because an active spur in town will not be available once the Harney Street Viaduct is built. "All three of (the viaduct alternatives) remove that active spur," she said. A major challenge in developing the rail site is funding. LEDC has estimated it will cost $1.3 million to develop the site, with an unknown amount for maintenance of Blackfoot, Fort Saunders and Tie Plant roads. "We want to make sure that we meet our obligations on impacts," Stockman said. LEDC also is looking into what it will cost to install fire protection in the area, Stockman said. LEDC will seek a $1 million Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Business Ready Community Grant through the city council and a $400,000 Industrial Roads Program Grant through the Albany County Commissioners. Part of the $400,000 Industrial Roads Program Grant could be used as part of the match needed to acquire the WBC grant, Stockman said. The deadline for the WBC grant application is Sept. 1. "There's just a lot of balls in the air," Dick said. "There's multiple funding sources." The grants will be used to lay the road base and purchase and the build the rail, but they cannot be used to buy the land, since it is a government land grant, Stockman said. Once the grant money is obtained, it would take about 30-60 days to develop the site, which means it could be open next spring at the earliest, Stockman said. LEDC will meet with the Albany County Commissioners and Laramie City Council at 6 p.m. tonight with a joint work session in city council chambers. A public hearing on the Industrial Roads Program Grant will take place during the Aug. 3 commissioners' meeting, followed by an Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on rezoning on Aug. 11, a rezoning request-for-approval in the commissioners meeting on Aug. 17 and a public hearing on the WBC grant in the city council meeting on Aug. 18. If the first phase of the project generates enough demand from local businesses, Stockman said a second phase consisting of the development of a rail industrial park could follow. "That's about another $600,000," she said. For more information, contact LEDC at 742-2212.   Original Article Published Here: http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2010/07/27/news/doc4c4e6cce40eb2697914655.txt Copyright © 2010 - LaramieBoomerang.com - Laramie,Wyoming.... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:27:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/27/newsletter-july-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 9                                                                                                                                           July  2010   South Laramie Trans-Modal Project               Over the past several months, LEDC has been researching opportunities for adding business rail access in Laramie. Businesses are increasingly looking to rail as an effective way to reduce the costs of shipping goods and materials. Not only have some existing businesses in our community expressed interest in rail, it will be a great asset for recruiting new businesses to Albany County. Over the last two years, 18 prospective companies that require rail access have investigated Laramie as a future place to do business. LEDC has identified an unused rail spur south of Laramie. Following the completion of two feasibility studies, LEDC determined a basic trans-modal site would be most advantageous and best fit immediate needs. This site will be designed for the on- and off-loading of freight between rail cars and trucks. In order to best develop this project, we have formed a strong partnership with WYDOT and Union Pacific Rail Road (UPRR) and are currently working with Albany County, Wyoming Business Council, and the City of Laramie. Phase I of this project will begin with LEDC leasing 5.65 acres of UPRR land adjacent to spur #107, which runs parallel to UPRR's mainline (#303) and Mountain Cement's industrial spur (#103). LEDC will work with Albany County to utilize WYDOT's Industrial Roads Grant program for $400,000 in order to upgrade access roads and install a road grade crossing on Tie Plant Road. A Business Ready Community Grant from the Wyoming Business Council for $1,000,000 will be used to build the rail ballast and install new rail. Phase I will create enough space for up to10 rail cars to access the trans-modal site. In addition to the 18 companies that investigated Laramie, there are several local businesses that have expressed interest in utilizing rail. Allsop Inc. and others each see the value in being able to ship freight from right here in Laramie. "Due to the uniqueness of this project in Wyoming, it is difficult to determine how many existing businesses in Albany County will want to utilize this trans-modal site," said Gaye Stockman, CEO of LEDC. "This is one of the main reasons we are initially starting with a 5 acre site, but if demand grows, we can expand accordingly." Depending on future demand for rail access and the level of recapture funds, Phase II of the project will seek to install additional rail that could lead to the development of a complete rail park. UPRR currently has 350 acres of land south of Laramie that could be leased by LEDC or other businesses. LEDC will form a separate limited liability company to oversee the project and will hire a third party company to manage the trans-modal site. This LLC will not be a non-profit and therefore will pay all taxes to the county and state. This is a great opportunity to add a valuable asset that will enhance this region's infrastructure, allow for diversification of the economy, and create jobs. The trans-modal site alone will create 2-3 jobs. Tonight, Tuesday, July 27th at 6:00 PM there is a joint County Commissioners and City Council Work Session at the City Council chambers. We hope you will take the time to attend, learn more information, and show support for this valuable project. Other public dates for the project: Tuesday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM: Albany County Commissioners Meeting in County Court House, Room 105: Public Hearing for the Application and Request Resolution for WYDOT Industrial Roads Program Grant Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 PM: Albany County Planning Commission Meeting in County Court House, Room 105: Request Approval of Rezoning Application Tuesday, August 17th at 9:30 AM: Albany County Commissioners Meeting in County Court House, Room 105: Request Approval of Rezoning Application Wednesday, August 18th at 6:30 PM: Laramie City Council Meeting in City Council Chambers: Public Hearing and Request for Resolution in support of the Wyoming Business Council Business Ready Community Grant Application. Please call LEDC at 307-742-2212 with any questions     LEDC July Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. Click Here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 7/27/10. In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents. Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential unless they specify otherwise.     Partner Recognition     Board Updates On July 13, LEDC held its first Board of Directors meeting for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. In order to improve communication with our investors, we opened this Board Meeting to all of our Partners in Progress in good standing. The meeting was held at the beautiful Westfield Business Park on Centennial Drive in West Laramie. Not counting our current Board of Directors, we had 12 Partners in Progress present who took part in the meeting. Paul Baker, a member since 2008 who sat on the Industrial Properties and Leadership Committees, has stepped down from his position on the Board due to his recent move out of state. We will miss Paul and the dedication and knowledge he brought to the organization. We also welcomed some new additions to the Board. Todd Pearson with Albany Insurance Agency, Carol Dozier with Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and Brendan Murphy with Raving Real Estate all joined our Board this year and we look forward to working with each of them in the future. Our Executive Board also experienced some transition as Butch Keadle stepped into the role as Chairman of the Board and Dave Coffey joined as Treasurer. Butch and Dave both bring knowledge of economic development as well as strong business ownership experience to the table and it should be a productive year for LEDC. Mike Peck will become the Past Chair and guide our Leadership Committee over the next year. LEDC was very fortunate to have Mike's strong leadership over the past year and we look forward to his future success on the Leadership Committee.     Wyoming Business Council 2010 Program The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has released its 2010 Program Guide. The WBC supports the development and expansion of Wyoming's economy. Through its programs, services and part­nerships, it helps existing businesses and start-ups grow and communities build places where people want to live, work and play. Check out the 2010 Program Guide today to find great programs on business assistance, community assistance, travel & tourism, and more! 2010 WBC Program Guide.... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:11:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/28/free-training-to-expand-your-business/ You are invited to join Wyoming Entrepreneur in Laramie to learn how becoming a HUBZone certified business can help you expand! The HUBZone program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing federal contracting preferences to small businesses. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. Albany County is a designated HUBZone. Come and find out how to apply for HUBZone certification and get some tips on how your business can do a better job marketing to federal agencies. Additionally, information will be provided on how to effectively partner when bidding on government contracts. You will also learn about the free assistance that is available from the Wyoming Entrepreneur Procurement Technical Assistance Center to help you obtain government contracts, and about the U.S. Small Business Administration's contracting and business development programs, and how they might be able to benefit your business. One-on-one assistance will be available upon request the next morning from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for those attending the workshop. WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.mWHERE: Albany County Library, 310 South 8th Street, Laramie.FEE: Free! Speakers: Amy Lea, PTAC Program Manager; Natasha Stahla, Procurement Specialist; Deb Farris, SBA Business Development Specialist To reserve your space call Natasha Stahla 866-253-3300 or email nstahla1@uwyo.edu.... Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:22:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/7/29/governing-bodies-discuss-rail-spur/ Governing bodies discuss rail spur By CARRIE HADERLIE / lbedit11@laramieboomerang.com Copyright © 2010 - LaramieBoomerang.com - Laramie, Wyoming Published:July 28, 2010 The Albany County Board of Commissioners joined the Laramie City Council at a work session Tuesday to discuss the potential for a rail spur south of city limits.Gaye Stockman, president and CEO of the Laramie Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), presented LEDC’s South Laramie Rail Spur project to the governing bodies, and explained that several businesses have expressed interest in Laramie, but many desire active railroad access, which is not currently available in Laramie.“We are looking at leasing a little bit more than five acres from Union Pacific property” at the unused Union Pacific Corp. rail spur 107 south of Laramie off Tie Plant Road, Stockman said.“What we want to do on this spur that we are talking about is nothing more than putting in the rail, (and) solid road base so that companies can drive up to the rail, on- and off-load their product onto the rail directly. We are not going to store any product, and we are not going to have any buildings on site,” Stockman said.Phase one of the project, which would include the above described development, would cost around $1.3 million. LEDC plans to apply for a $1 million Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Business Ready Community Grant through the city council and a $400,000 Industrial Roads Program Grant through the Albany County Commissioners.Laramie Mayor Jodi Guerin said she supports the project.“If we can put this together, it occurred to me the other day that the amount of increased tax generation that we’ll see based on this … may be just enough to lift our local economy pretty significantly, at least for this interim time period before the national economy starts to pick up,” Guerin said.Councilor Erik Molvar asked if one of the companies interested, generically listed by LEDC for privacy purposes as a manufacturer of fuel pellets, would use wood to produce those pellets. Stockman said it would.“I would just caution that right now in the Medicine Bow National Forest, there is a ton of standing dead, so it looks like a great time to start a wood pellet thing. But in five or six years, all those trees will be down, and that resource will be completely gone,” Molvar said.“Whatever comes in to take advantage of that resource will also leave. Betting on the wood products industry right now, especially with all the beetle kill … I would be very concerned about that.”Albany County Commissioner Tim Sullivan asked if a number of fire hydrants still left in the area from previous use are viable today. Stockman explained that it is not likely that they are still viable.“Those hydrants were built for the old tie plant in the 1920s,” Stockman said. “They also used sand-cast piping to put that out there. When they did the remediation for the site, they capped it. … It is all buried now.”Councilors Joe Vitale, Klaus Hanson, Joe Shumway, Bryan Shuster and Karl McCraken and County Commissioner Pat Gabriel were also present.Councilors Scott Mullner and Dee Mickelson and County Commissioner Tim Chesnut were absent Tuesday.A public hearing on the Industrial Roads Program Grant will take place during the Aug. 3 commissioners’ meeting, followed by an Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on rezoning on Aug. 11, a rezoning request-for-approval in the commissioners meeting on Aug. 17 and a public hearing on the WBC grant in the city council meeting on Aug. 18.   Original Article Published Here: http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2010/07/28/news/doc4c4fc0ffa9fab473717584.txt Copyright © 2010 - LaramieBoomerang.com - Laramie,Wyoming.... Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:17:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/2/south-laramie-rail-spur-project-public-hearing/ This is a reminder that the first Public Hearing for the South Laramie Rail Spur Project with the Albany County Commissioners will be tomorrow morning. This Public Hearing will address the application and request resolution of the WYDOT Industrial Roads Program Grant, a key source of funding for this project. Public Hearing: Tuesday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM in the Albany County Court House, Room 105. Click Here for more information  .... Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:53:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/4/grand-opening-of-laramies-first-street-plaza/ .... Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:41:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/5/wyoming-a-top-10-pro-business-state/ Top 10 Pro-Business States By Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc.   America must be an integral part of global business if it is to remain a superpower, but "thus far we have done a terrible job of integrating ourselves in the 21st century marketplace," says geoeconomist and corporate relocation expert Dr. Ronald R. Pollina in the just-released Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2010: The Great American Job Purge. In the annual study of job retention and creation by the 50 states and the federal government, Dr. Pollina emphasizes "the effort to make America more business-friendly must come from all levels of government. Many states are doing such a poor job of creating a pro-business environment that they can't even come close to competing with each other, much less compete globally." There are, however, states that serve as a model for the rest of the country. Brent Pollina, Vice President of Park Ridge, Illinois-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate and author of this year's study, names Virginia as "America's most pro-business state" followed closely by Utah, Wyoming, South Carolina, and North Carolina,. For the seventh consecutive year, California ranked dead last. "In recent years, we have lost millions of the nation's manufacturing, technology and high-wage service jobs, and this trend is escalating." says Brent Pollina. "The federal budget deficit, trade deficits, low interest rates, family debt and inadequate educational systems are and will continue to have a negative impact on the U.S. economic, political and military strength in the 21st Century. "We are deluding ourselves if we believe that we have not been impacted already, both socially and economically, and that our government, along with American ingenuity and tenacity, will correct for any losses. This report details how many state governments have the resources, but not the will, to keep Americans employed in high paying 21st century jobs." The study evaluates and ranks states based on 31 factors including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. 2010 Top 10 Pro Business Rankings 1. Virginia 2. Utah 3. Wyoming 4. South Carolina 5. North Carolina 6. Nebraska7. Kansas8. South Dakota9. Alabama10. Missouri Original published here:  http://www.pollina.com/publications/probiz~1.htm   Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. is a full service brokerage and consulting firm, representing corporations in real estate matters on a national and international basis. Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. has advised Fortune 500 clients and start-up ventures alike in commercial real estate matters since 1981.Please visit Pollina Corporate Real Estate's website for more information.      .... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:49:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/10/trans-modal-update-and-planning-and-zoning-commission-meeting-re/ LEDC has continued its work on the development of the South Laramie Trans-Modal Rail Project. We want to keep you informed with how the project has developed over the past couple of weeks. July 27th - Received bids for Survey/Engineering & Soil Borings proposals and awarded project to DOWL HKM, a local business. August 2nd - Received notice that the new LLC was approved by Wyoming Secretary of State. August 2nd - Received notice that UPRR approved the 10% Access Plan for the trans-modal site. August 3rd - Received support from Albany County Commissioners and approval of Resolution in support of WYDOT Industrial Roads Program Grant for $400,000. August 3rd - Received Letter of Support from Cheyenne LEADS. August 4th - Met with prospect to discuss intended use and access of rail site for potential Laramie business. August 4th - Submitted UPRR Lease Application - Lease start date February 2011. August 6th - Met with adjacent land owners to discuss project. Last week, LEDC received support from the Albany County Commissioners and approval of a Resolution in support of the WYDOT Industrial Roads Program Grant. We are again asking for your support by attending a public hearing tomorrow evening. On Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 PM  there is an Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in room 105 in the County Courthouse. LEDC is first on the agenda and we hope you will take the time to attend and show support for this valuable project. Click Here to download the full meeting agenda.   Please call LEDC at 307-742-2212 with any questions and be sure to stay tuned as further updates will follow..... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/12/laramies-taste-of-the-town-at-mizu-sushi/ .... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/8/12/americas-1-new-product-idea-man-coming-to-casper/ "Former Procter & Gamble marketing whiz Doug Hall goes to any length to encourage a fresh perspective...clients say it works."-Wall Street Journal"Eureka! Ranch's unconventional approach has won raves from some of the biggest corporations in the country."-CNN "America's #1 New Product Idea Man"-Inc. Magazine "America's #1 Idea Guru"-A&E Top 10Doug Hall, founder of Eureka! Ranch, will be presenting a 3-day Innovation Engineering seminar in Casper on August 25, 26 & 27.  Innovation Engineering gives business, government and not-for-profit leaders the tools and confidence to lead the Creation, Communication & Commercialization of meaningfully unique ideas. The cost of the seminar is listed at $1,995, but through a special partnership with Manufacturing Works, the cost for the Casper event is only $495. It includes all course materials, plus breakfast and lunch for each day of the conference. To access this price, please enter mwinnovation in the "promo code" line of the registration.  For more information about Doug Hall and Eureka! Ranch, the complete Innovation Engineering Seminar agenda, and details on how to register for this great event, please click here.Also, be sure to utilize the Workforce Services' Business Training Grant, which will cover 60% of program and transportation costs for existing positions and 100% of program and transportation costs for newly created positions!  Click here for more information as there are some requirements and limitations.  Feel free to contact LEDC for assistance..... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/10/11/wyoming-best-ran-state-in-the-u-s/ The Best and Worst Run States In America: A Survey of All Fifty How well run are America's fifty states? 24/7 Wall St. has taken several months to consider that question. Our writers looked at hundreds of data sets ranging from debt rating agency reports to violent crime rates, unemployment trends and median income. Of those, we chose what we considered to be the 10 most important ranking of financial and overall government management. The best run state is Wyoming. The Worst is Kentucky. The standing of each is supported by their ranking in the data sets we considered, as are the rankings of all fifty states.    .... Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:18:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/10/29/ledc-newsletter-october-2010/ Volume 1 Issue 10                                                                                                        October 2010 LEDC Achievements How LEDC Measures Success The LARAMIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION measures success through achievement…. Achievement that fosters balanced growth and enhances the economic wellbeing of residents in the City of Laramie and Albany County. These achievements typically involve: Promoting, developing and advancing the economic welfare of our citizens, Encouraging and assisting with the location and development of new and existing business and industry in our city and our county, Advocating initiatives that enable industry to thrive and prosper by identifying and removing barriers to growth, Cultivating the creation and retention of jobs that provide competitive wages, while producing goods and services that exceed demand in our local markets.  Here is a Sampling of LEDC 2009-2010 Achievements LEDC Prospects Established and retained on-going relationships with 24 “active” prospects/clients who have expressed interest in the City of Laramie or Albany County.    LEDC Land Subdivided, improved and/or prepared several properties for sale. Championed the allocation of land for the creation of a South Laramie Trans-Modal Rail Spur to accommodate transit needs of current and prospective clients. Business Retention & Expansion Proposed and was awarded a $30k Industry Partnership Solutions Grant to assist Tech Sector employers in identifying and solving common “skilled workforce” issues.  Identified more than 50 technology-based businesses in Albany County for workforce needs assessment. Investor Relations Established fee-based service agreements with the City of Laramie, the University of Wyoming and Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Provided for expanded recognition and organizational awareness through such events as, LEDC’s Open House, a Partners-in Progress Kick-off Event, a Commercial Brokers Party and our Annual Membership Meeting. LEDC E-Newsletters & News Releases Updated our newsletter format, featured investor recognition and increased distribution by 80%. Expanded News Release distribution to include LEDC Board, PIP Investors, media, the Wyoming Economic Development network, and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. New  LEDC Website Completely renovated and updated the LEDC website. Integrated ZoomProspector into our website. ZoomProspector is a property and business intelligence database tool that Site Selectors use to target potential commercial property within the City of Laramie and Albany County. Public Relations & Service Organization Presentations Spot TV ads on UW Football Coach’s Show, plus ongoing Top of Mind Awareness ads in the Boomerang. Administrative and promotional support to the Laramie Beautification Committee. Public incentive programs, such as “Leads Rewards Program,” intended to induce client referrals.  Active support for High Plains Economic Development District initiatives. Economic development presentations to the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Laramie Women’s Club, Centennial Business Leaders, Society of American Military Engineers, Laramie Physicians, Laramie Young Professionals and the High Plains Economic Development District. Trans-Modal Site Created the organizational vehicle needed to develop and maintain a trans-modal site. Requested and was awarded a $400k Industrial Roads Program Grant from WYDOT and Albany County. Submitted a Wyoming Business Council Business Ready Community Grant Application in the approximate amount of $955k. Created supportive partnerships with WYDOT, Albany County, City of Laramie, Union Pacific Railroad, Railroad Specialties and the Wyoming Business Council, for a successful implementation. For more information contact LEDC at (307) 742-2212 The 5th Cent Our city and county, its residents and visitors benefit every day from our general purpose tax – also known as the 5th cent. This revenue is used to fund police and fire services, parks, recreation, street reconstruction, gravel street dust control, sanding and snow removal, capital construction and community agencies, county road maintenance and services. The tax has improved life in our community. Citizens of Albany County have supported this funding since 1986. Visitors to our community pay this tax too! Please continue this valuable and effective way to support our community. VOTE NOV. 2nd A Penny Spent…….is a Quality Community Earned. Click Here to Learn More about the 5th Cent Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. Click Here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 10/29/10. In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents. Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential unless they specify otherwise.    Partner Recognition Happy Jack Software After successfully creating and selling companies in Austin, Texas, Mona Gamboa and her family relocated to Laramie so her husband could begin teaching computer science at the University of Wyoming (UW).  It didn't take this serial entrepreneur long to get back to the business of starting and growing companies.  Following the completion of her Master of Science in e.Business at the University of Wyoming, Mona launched Happy Jack Software in 2004 to further develop Kalendi™, a web-based calendar platform. By 2006, Happy Jack relocated its operations to the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC), the University’s technical business incubator. The company soon started to experience strong growth.  Mona was approached by a pharmaceutical company to partner in the development and sales of an Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) for long-term care facilities.  Happy Jack responded by creating MedRight™and CareRight™ for pharmacies, long-term care, assisted living and home health care providers. CareRight™ provides the best possible documentation and observation system for long-term care facilities by increasing accuracy, encouraging compliance, reducing risk and saving money. MedRight™ ensures patient safety and reduces medication errors. It differentiates itself from other eMAR systems with its easy to use functionality and its transparent state-of-the-art technology.  These two products are currently being used by Laramie Care Center and seven other long-term facilities across Wyoming. With a renewed focus on sales and developing partnerships, Happy Jack is gearing up for a national release of its medical product suite. Mona suggested, "We are on the bleeding edge of online technologies and we believe next year is going to be a big, big year for Happy Jack." Part of Happy Jack's success is due to the high quality of its employees.  Mona has grown Happy Jack from two employees in 2004 to 22 employees in 2010, without ever having to layoff anyone. "Coming from Austin, Texas, (a technology Mecca),” Mona stated, “I worked with some of the best tech people in the country. The kids here who graduate from UW have just as much talent, are just as good, and are much more well-rounded.  They are the best I've worked with."  Of the 22 employees at Happy Jack, ten come from UW's Computer Science Department, two from Mechanical Engineering, and four have a PhD. Over the past 6 years, Mona has seen some very positive changes within Laramie's entrepreneurial community.  "There has been a big change since Jon Benson and the WTBC really got started," explained Mona.  "The WTBC has been very helpful. The level of networking has increased and there seems to be a much stronger focus on high-technology and entrepreneurs in the community." In addition to its medical product suite, Happy Jack performs custom web design, graphic design, programming and custom coding.  To find out more about Happy Jack and its products or to get assistance with any of your online technologies needs, visit www.happyjacksoftware.com.    Open House and 2nd Annual Informational Meeting  You are cordially invited to LEDC’s Open House and 2nd Annual Informational Meeting.  Monday, November 22, 2010 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM LEDC 313 South 2nd St., Suite B Laramie, WY 82070 Come join us for traditional holiday goodies and spirits.   Take the opportunity to discuss LEDC’s projects and focus. Visit with Board members and meet our staff members. Please join us as we kick-off the 2010 Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing you.  Please RSVP by Friday, November 19th at 5:00 PM via email at ledc@laramiewy.org .... Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:18:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/10/29/news-release/ NEWS RELEASE Laramie, WY                                                                                                                               October 29, 2010 Announcing Firehole Composites To Our Valued Partners, Over the next several weeks you will notice exciting changes occurring at our company. Foremost, we have changed the name of our company to Firehole Composites. Although changing just one word, the result is a bold statement of our focused dedication to excellence in advancing the field of composite engineering. For over a decade, Firehole has delivered advanced composite analysis services and engineering software solutions. In that time, we have grown from a small start-up to a company with an international presence and a client list including leading edge engineering organizations such as Red Bull Racing, Boeing, Farr Yacht Design and NASA. This new name better represents Firehole's commitment to the engineers and designers of the composites industry. What has not changed is our unwavering dedication to our customers and partners. Every employee at Firehole Composites is 100% dedicated to the success of our customers and partners, to understanding the challenges of the industry and to delivering superior tools, research advancements, training and other services enabling organizations to get the most out of advanced materials. Alongside you, our partners, we are excited to deliver technologies that will enable wide-spread application of composite materials leading to lighter, stronger, safer and more fuel efficient structures. In conjunction with the name change, you will notice new branding as well as a streamlined web presence. All of this is furthering our vision of becoming the go-to solution for composites engineering. As always, I welcome conversations with members of the composites community, so feel free to contact me if you would like to talk about the future of composites engineering. I can assure you that Firehole Composites will be big part of that future. Regards, Jerad Stack Chief Executive Officer stackj@firehole.com.... Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:35:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/1/java-programmer-position-available-in-laramie/ Happy Jack Software, a cutting edge software corporation that has significant potential to capture a major portion of their market, currently has an opening for a Java Programmer. Java Programmer Job Description Happy Jack Software, Inc. in Laramie, Wyoming is seeking an experienced Java programmer with 3-5 years of experience. The qualified candidate will be an integral part of the programming and development team and will have a firm grasp on the principles of computer science. The qualified candidate will be able to work in a very dynamic environment developing new applications and modifications to existing applications to support a variety of new business initiatives. The qualified candidate must be willing to learn and grow as technological changes affect the environment.​ The incumbent of this position is expected to perform other related duties as assigned. What skills are needed: Java (JSP) Javascript,CSS, HTML AjaxLinux SQL BSCS or Related Experience with client side web applications Desired skills: Hibernate J2EE MySQL 4.X, Apache Web Server 2.X, Tomcat 5.X Eclipse Cloud computing experience Data warehousing experience (with NoSQL) Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Under supervision perform various Java software development tasks throughout the development lifecycle including: requirements gathering, data analysis, software design, database design, software development, unit testing, QA testing, deployment, and documentation. Specifically: Develop or modify applications to solve complex system problemsDirect all phases of development projects including definition, analysis and design Formulate and define application scope & objectives​ Provide recommendations and problem resolutionsBe an integral part of the design, implementation, and maintenance of the development teamParticipate in technical discussions and/or presentationsWrite documentation of new or modified product features This full time position is located in Laramie, Wyoming and the hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please submit resume via e-mail to jennifer@happyjacksoftware.com No phone calls This position will be open until filled..... Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:41:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/1/wyoming-ranks-3rd-in-2011-business-tax-friendly-climate-index/ NEWS RELEASE Wyo ranks third in business tax friendly climate By Business Report staff November 1, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Tax Foundation has released the newest edition of the "State Business Tax Climate Index," which ranks from 1 (best) to 50 (worst) the tax systems of the 50 states.Wyoming is third this year, falling from second in 2009. The state is ranked first overall in both the corporate tax and individual income tax index rankings. For property tax, Wyoming was 46th, the Tax Foundation data show.The 10 states that had the best tax climates on the first day of the 2011 fiscal year (July 1, 2010) were South Dakota, Alaska, Wyoming, Nevada, Florida, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Utah and Indiana."The top eight tax systems all raise sufficient revenue without imposing one or two of the three major state taxes-sales taxes, personal income taxes and corporate income taxes," said Scott Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation.The 10 states with the least hospitable business tax climates are, from 50th to 41st best: New York, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Rhode Island and North Carolina.The worst state tax codes tend to have: complex, multi-rate corporate and individual income taxes with above-average tax rates; above-average sales tax rates that don't exempt business-to-business purchases; complex, high-rate unemployment tax systems; and high property tax collections as a percentage of personal income."States do not enact tax changes in a vacuum," Hodge said. "Every tax change will affect a state's competitive position relative to its neighbors."The goal of the index is to focus lawmakers' attention on the importance of good tax fundamentals: enacting low tax rates and granting as few deductions, exemptions and credits as possible.This "broad base, low rate" approach is the antithesis of most efforts by state economic development departments that specialize in designing "packages" of short-term tax abatements, exemptions, and other giveaways for prospective employers who have announced that they would consider relocating.Those packages routinely include such large state and local exemptions that resident businesses must pay higher taxes to make up for the lost revenue."The temptation is for state lawmakers to lure high-profile companies with packages of tax bonuses," said Kail Padgitt, Ph.D., the author of the 2011 edition of the index, "but that strategy often backfires if the company does not prosper."The methodology of the State Business Tax Climate Index is centered on the idea of economic neutrality. If a state's tax system maintains a "level playing field" for businesses, the index considers it neutral and ranks it highly. However, each state's final score depends on a comparison with the other 49 states.The overall index is composed of five indexes of a state's tax system: the state's major business tax, whether a corporate income tax or a gross receipts tax; the individual income tax; the general and selective sales taxes; the unemployment insurance tax; and asset-based taxes including property taxes.The Tax Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937.The index is available online at http://www.taxfoundation.org..... Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:06:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/3/unlocking-social-security-workshop/ USbancorp.pdf.... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:44:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/9/growth-drives-happy-jack-software-move/ NEWS RELEASE: November 10, 2010 Growth Drives Happy Jack Software Move As a result of its growth opportunities and track record, Happy Jack Software is relocating its operations to the Laramie Technology Building, 1525 Industry Drive, Laramie, WY. Happy Jack is leasing 3,650 sq feet of space in this new location within the Laramie River Business Park I. Jeff Van Baalen, Co-Founder of Happy Jack, remarked, "This is an exciting experience for all of us. We're extremely pleased with the diligent support demonstrated by LEDC and the City in helping us make this move a reality." Happy Jack Software is the first long-term tenant to locate into the Laramie Technology Building. Gaye Stockman, LEDC CEO, stated, "Having a readily available space to accommodate their quickly expanding organization was key to their growth in Laramie. This is a win-win for both Happy Jack Software and the City of Laramie." The Laramie Technology Building was built utilizing a Wyoming Business Council Business Committed Grant and due to the initial business' failure, has never been occupied long term. After successfully creating and selling companies in Austin, Texas, Happy Jack's President & Co-Founder, Mona Gamboa, and her family relocated to Laramie, so her husband could begin teaching computer science at the University of Wyoming (UW). It didn't take this serial entrepreneur long to get back to the business of starting and growing companies. Following the completion of her Master of Science in e.Business at the University of Wyoming, Mona launched Happy Jack Software in 2004 to further develop Kalendi™, a web-based calendar platform. By 2006, Happy Jack relocated its operations to the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC), the University's technical business incubator. The Company soon started to experience strong growth. Mona was approached by a pharmaceutical company to partner in the development and sales of an Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) for long-term care facilities. Happy Jack responded by creating MedRight™ and CareRight™ for pharmacies, long-term care facilities, assisted living and home health care providers. CareRight™ provides the best possible documentation and observation system for long-term care facilities by increasing accuracy, encouraging compliance, reducing risk and saving money. MedRight™ ensures patient safety and reduces medication administration errors. It differentiates itself from other eMAR systems with its easy to use functionality and its transparent state-of-the-art technology. These two products are currently being used by Laramie Care Center and seven other long-term care facilities across Wyoming. With a renewed focus on sales and developing partnerships, Happy Jack is gearing up for a national release of its medical product suite. Mona suggested, "We are on the bleeding edge of online technologies and we believe next year is going to be a big, big year for Happy Jack." Part of Happy Jack's success is due to the high quality of its employees. Mona has grown Happy Jack from two employees in 2004 to 22 employees in 2010, without ever having to layoff anyone. "Coming from Austin, Texas (a technology Mecca)", Mona stated, "I worked with some of the best tech people in the country. The kids here who graduate from UW have just as much talent, are just as good, and are much more well-rounded. They are the best I've worked with." Of the 22 employees at Happy Jack, ten come from UW's Computer Science Department, two from Mechanical Engineering, and four have a PhD. Over the past six years, Mona has seen some very positive changes within Laramie's entrepreneurial community. "There has been a big change since Jon Benson and the WTBC really got started," explained Mona. "The WTBC has been very helpful. The level of networking has increased and there seems to be a much stronger focus on high-technology and entrepreneurs in the community." Jon Benson, CEO of WTBC, replied by saying, "Mona and Jeff have done a great job in building Happy Jack Software into a high growth technology company with a very promising future. I know that they and their employees are very excited about moving into the Laramie Technology Building that was made possible through the efforts of the City of Laramie, the Laramie Economic Development Corporation and the Wyoming Business Council." Happy Jack Software specializes in web-based software and rich internet applications, providing premiere mission-critical, enterprise solutions and consulting for a wide range of organizations. Its team of software architects and network engineers possess experience ranging from the healthcare to financial services industries, qualifying them to carry hands-on expertise into any business challenge. In addition to mastery of software development, the Happy Jack team is highly proficient in custom web design, graphic design, programming and custom coding..... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:12:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/10/november-e2e-networking-event-john-perkins/ The Wyoming Technology Business Center Presents: John Perkins with First Wyoming Capital Corporation "Starting and Capitalizing a New Business" November 17th- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie Click to RSVP ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5:30 - 6:15 e2e Networking: Our program begins with forty-five minutes of networking combined with mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres created by Hilton's award winning chef. Many of Laramie's entrepreneurs, small business owners, business service providers and people who support small business in Wyoming will be there.  We are expecting a great turnout. Don't forget to RSVP! 6:20 - 7:00 Featured Speaker:  We're proud to welcome John Perkins, Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of First Wyoming Capital Corporation, the first Wyoming based life insurance company established in the last fifty years. Headquartered in Cheyenne, this company will provide financial and employment opportunities to people all across the state of Wyoming. The company has already raised nearly one million dollars and intends to raise an additional seven and a half million over the next couple years.   Click to RSVP  November 17th- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie.... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/10/november-e2e-networking-event-john-perkins1/ The Wyoming Technology Business Center Presents: John Perkins with First Wyoming Capital Corporation "Starting and Capitalizing a New Business" November 17th- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie Click to RSVP ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5:30 - 6:15 e2e Networking: Our program begins with forty-five minutes of networking combined with mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres created by Hilton's award winning chef. Many of Laramie's entrepreneurs, small business owners, business service providers and people who support small business in Wyoming will be there.  We are expecting a great turnout. Don't forget to RSVP! 6:20 - 7:00 Featured Speaker:  We're proud to welcome John Perkins, Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of First Wyoming Capital Corporation, the first Wyoming based life insurance company established in the last fifty years. Headquartered in Cheyenne, this company will provide financial and employment opportunities to people all across the state of Wyoming. The company has already raised nearly one million dollars and intends to raise an additional seven and a half million over the next couple years.   Click to RSVP  November 17th- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie.... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/15/ledc-annual-open-house/ LEDC's Open House and 2nd Annual Informational Meeting Monday, November 22, 2010 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM LEDC 313 South 2nd St., Suite B Laramie, WY 82070 Come join us for traditional holiday goodies and spirits. Take the opportunity to discuss LEDC's projects and focus. Visit with Board members and meet our staff members. Please join us as we kick-off the 2010 Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing you. Please RSVP by Friday, November 19th at 5:00 PM via email at ledc@laramiewy.org.... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:33:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/11/17/november-2010-newsletter/   Volume 1  Issue 11                                                                                                                     November 2010 New Real Estate Commission Policy Authorized On November 9, 2010, the Laramie Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors approved the implementation of a new Real Estate Commission Policy. The Policy will guide future transactions regarding the sale of LEDC's commercial properties and LEDC's relations with licensed Wyoming real estate brokers. During his policy overview comments to the Board, Paul Greaser, member of LEDC's Industrial Properties Committee stated, "This Real Estate Commission Policy was created in the spirit of promoting equitable and consistent decisions, while also enhancing the relationship existing between the real estate community and LEDC. The Policy encourages broker access to commercial properties LEDC is interested in selling. In addition, it can generate opportunities for LEDC to assist brokers in the marketing of their listings and therefore support sales to their customers and clients." Gaye Stockman, President & CEO for LEDC, acknowledged, "As we look back over past years, there has not always been uniformity in the way LEDC and real estate brokers dealt with each other. The lesson learned is that successful implementation of this new Policy will very much depend on LEDC, brokers and their prospective buyers understanding options that are available to each of them." Gaye added that LEDC is interested in fostering discussion which leads to that level of understanding. She also noted that tours of LEDC's commercial properties can be accommodated at the broker's convenience. All commercial property brokers are encouraged to review this new Policy. Click here to access the full text of the Real Estate Commission Policy. Call LEDC at 742-2212 if you have questions. LEDC November Client Report As always, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our activities. Click here for all of the "Hot" clients as of 11/17/10. In the meantime, please remember the best leads for Laramie come from existing businesses and residents. Please note: all of LEDC's clients are kept confidential, unless they specify otherwise. Handel-ing Employee Wellness Handel Information Technology, Inc. (Handel) specializes in creating the best possible software solutions for human services agencies. The company enjoys a reputation for being highly-motivated and passionate about its ability to solve software needs for agencies in more than 30 states, ranging from small non-profits to major state programs. Handel's innovative software, RiteTrack™ is known for its versatile functionality in such areas as managing clients, cases, human resources, finance and documents, to name just a few examples. The company's President & CEO is Even Brande, an entrepreneur who, like his company, readily demonstrates a high degree of energy and motivation while also pursuing a wide range of interests. Some of his interests include running, hiking, cross country skiing, as well as mending fences and logging on his ranch. Even is also passionate about more leisurely interests such as fly fishing, playing guitar in his band and spending good, wholesome time with his family. By melding this company and its leader together, you obtain the perfect atmosphere needed for developing and supporting successful employee wellness program initiatives. And that's exactly what exists at Handel today. When starting a wellness program in most workplaces, the first step usually involves garnering support from the company's CEO and leadership. At Handel, that was a given. In fact, as a result of wellness literature and various conferences attended over the past few years, Even had become sold on both the economic and human relations benefits associated with employee wellness. Studies demonstrate that having a wellness program in place can help lower absences due to illness, reduce turnover, reduce health care costs, increase productivity and employee loyalty, as well as contribute to higher levels of morale. In the early phases of program planning, Even enlisted the help of Casey Bader, Handel's Vice President of Sales. Casey is an avid runner, who has experience in organizing teams for such events as the 170 mile Colorado Relay and the 200 mile Wild West Relay from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With Casey's involvement, Handel began promoting wellness; somewhat informally at first. Employees were solicited for running events. Free fruits and juices appeared in the kitchen area. Employees were offered these more nutritious snacks as alternatives to donuts and pastry during periodic employee celebrations. An onsite fitness room was constructed in the lower level of the office building, complete with treadmill, bow-flex, flat-screen tv and shower facility. Handel employees can schedule exercise time during the day, as well as after normal business hours. Casey Bader visits Handel's On-Site Fitness Room Even's philosophy is, "Work time is not a 9:00AM to 5:00PM thing at Handel. A lot of time is spent outside of normal business hours at work and conducting business. It's a give and take thing. People need time to invigorate themselves and exercise can keep you fresh and alert. It just makes sense to take time off during the day, when you need it and when it can re-energize you." This spring, Even and Casey looked outside of the company for additional expertise and guidance. Casey explained, "We wanted our wellness efforts to consist of both education and initiative." As a result, Alice Burron (aburron@wyoming.com), a wellness consultant whose background includes being Wellness Coordinator for the 1800 employee Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, was brought in to assist with Handel's wellness planning. Alice met with Handel employees and surveyed their interests. She talked about the benefits of forming plans for accomplishing health and wellness goals. With Alice's guidance, Handel engaged services of the Wyoming Health Fair (WHF) to provide employees with free blood screening. These health fair screening results provide employees with pertinent, confidential health information about themselves at the beginning of their individual wellness pursuits. WHF offers support services that help people understand their screening results and determine what they can do to improve or maintain their health. As part of Handel's wellness program, which has been named "Handel Your Health," the company implemented a program to help employees achieve individual wellness goals. For the period starting November 1 through December 31, 2010, employees have been given a Wellness Challenge. The challenge consists of committing to some or all of the following individual goals: Cut your soda intake by a factor of 2, so that you drink no more than ½ your baseline intake. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week. No fast food for at least 2 weeks out of the month. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Casey explained, "If you can do any of these things for 20 or 30 days, the behavior tends to become a habit, and that has a positive effect on your lifestyle." Even added, "Achieving any of these challenges should offer employees considerable self-satisfaction and benefit." He also contemplates some form of company recognition or celebration for all those who participate in the Wellness Challenge. Presently, approximately 70% of Handel's staff is involved in company wellness initiatives. But there's more to accomplish. And being the entrepreneur Even Brande is, you can also bet there's thought being given to how RiteTrack™ can be applied to managing, monitoring and reporting on employee wellness program initiatives across the nation.   IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!(Setting SMART Goals to Get Results) Many professional job coaches use the SMART acronym to explain good goal setting requirements. SMART refers to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Framed. Specific: Often goals are too vague. Goals that are specific clearly tell you exactly what you are going to accomplish. Specific goals leave little doubt about whether you hit them or not. Measurable: Dr. W. Edwards Deming, renowned for his concepts in Total Quality Management said, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." You are the person who ultimately must manage progress toward the results you desire. Developing preferably quantitative or observable, objective measurement criteria will help focus your progress on reaching the end result. Achievable: You must make a rational assessment of what you want to accomplish in the light of opportunities and constraints you face and based on resources available to you. There should always be a reasonable probability of hitting your target. Realistic: It's important to honestly evaluate your own commitment and capabilities. If you have a personal development goal, for example, do you have the requisite skills and dedication to reach your target? Achievement normally takes time, talent and commitment. Time Framed: Setting time frames for completion gives your goals structure and a proper sense of urgency. When your goals are interrelated with those of others, time often becomes a critical factor. Time is a measurement criteria that can give you impetus to get started, monitor your progress and even decide whether your goal was achieved. Putting It All Together The best performance goals are those that not only clearly define what you are going to do, but also describe results that should be expected. Expected results can often be described by completing the sentence, "This goal will be considered achieved when......" To illustrate, let's say Chris, a Customer Service Rep's goal is to "improve my product knowledge and my understanding of the plant's manufacturing processes." This may be a commendable goal and worthwhile effort, but as stated, it is vague and subjective. For background purposes, we know that a CSR's product and plant process knowledge correlates highly with the ability to accurately configure an order. Accurate order configuration reduces the number of modifications that Plant Supervision or Management needs to make to bills of materials (BOM). Greater knowledge means orders can be configured more quickly and accurately, because of less reliance on the technical knowledge of others. Using SMART goal setting, we can help Chris set a clear, measurable and relevant goal, such as: "Develop my product and plant process knowledge so as to improve the accuracy of orders I configure. This goal will be considered achieved when: With advice and counsel from the Plant Manager, I develop and implement a plan to improve relevant product and process knowledge. A written outline of this plan will be submitted to my supervisor by December 31, 2010, and By September 30, 2011, reduce by ½ the percentage of orders I currently configure that subsequently require modification by Plant Management during the bill of materials (BOM) audit process. (This desired result presumes a measurement system for recording required modifications to BOMs is currently in place or can be readily implemented.) Fertile Ground for Performance Goals Often employees struggle when looking for performance-related areas in which to set goals. Here are some suggestions for sources of ideas: What experience or exposure would help you strengthen or expand your knowledge, skills or abilities or improve your performance? (Past performance reviews may provide some direction.) Does your immediate manager have goals (or has the Company communicated goals) for which you may be able to provide assistance? Are there departmental work processes or responsibilities that require attention or could be improved upon? Are there operating problems or issues that negatively affect your performance or work routine? Are there opportunities to better perform departmental functions or responsibilities, even if there is no apparent or critical need?  Are there assignments or projects that can realistically help your professional or career development at the Company? When developing goals, it's helpful to focus attention on results that will affect: Quality Considerations – such as improvement in error reduction, waste, processes, presentation or delivery of work. Internal/External Customer Service – such as improvement in understanding customer needs, helping solve customer problems and minimizing complaints. Financial Considerations – such as eliminating/reducing cost, meeting budgets, improving return on resources employed. Volume/Quantity Considerations – such as improving efficiency or productivity, sales volume, product development initiatives. Supervisory Skills – such as communications, training, staffing, scheduling, recognition, performance management. .... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:52:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/12/6/ledc-opens-office-manager-position/   LEDC OPENS OFFICE MANAGER POSITION       Melissa Greer, LEDC's Office Manager, recently announced that she will be getting married and moving to Idaho at the end of the year.  We hope everyone will join us in thanking her for her dedicated service to the LEDC and send her the best wishes for the future. In anticipation of the vacant position, LEDC has opened the Office Manager position and is seeking our next team member. Please review the job description below and share it with those who you think would be a good fit at the LEDC.   Laramie Economic Development Corporation OFFICE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION NATURE OF WORK: Full-time, salaried position Salary: $25,000 - $30,000 (Based on experience) Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick leave, etc. This is an entry level position in the field of community economic development. Employee will provide technical assistant to local development efforts. The employee will perform a wide range of activities and must be able to prioritize diverse duties and work with many projects simultaneously. The employee holding this position reports to the CEO. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This person should be a vibrant, self-starter with strong communication skills to fill the position of Office Manager. This person performs administrative duties including telephone reception, record keeping, database management, preparation of agenda and minutes, coordinate office supplies and equipment maintenance, and provide excellent customer service. Responsibilities include, but at not limited to, preparing reports and financial data, and maintaining all accounting for non-profit organizations. Also calls for flexibility, excellent interpersonal skills, project coordination experience, and the ability to work well with all levels of outside clients and vendors. Must be able to prioritize diverse duties and work with many projects simultaneously. The duties and responsibilities of this position are divided into five major of categories: Financial preparations and reportingDatabase maintenanceCommunications, including website maintenanceOrganizational supportAnd duties as assigned under the guidance of the CEO KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL: The employee must have strong analytical skills, ability to resolve problems from a practical standpoint, excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills. Employee must be able to organize, develop, analyze, and otherwise reduce large amounts of data, concepts, and ideas into clear, concise reports, plans or documents. Employee must be able to work with little supervision and with many interruptions. Also, this position requires education and experience with communication techniques. The employee in this position must have good organization and time management skills. This position also requires the ability to work with, coordinate, and track volunteers. No experience is required but employee must have demonstrated and be interested in developing skills necessary to effectively perform the varied duties and assignments related to the position. Employee must have a valid driver's license. The position requires experience with Microsoft Office (with emphasis on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), ACT! 9.0. Applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted in electronic format (Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat). Applications, questions, and inquiries should be directed to Gaye Stockman at gstockman@laramiewy.org or (307) 742-2212. For information about the Laramie Economic Development Corporation visit our website at www.laramiewy.org..... Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:34:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2010/12/17/newsletter-december-2010/ Volume 1  Issue 12                                                                                                                    December 2010 2010 Annual Beautification Awards The Laramie Beautification Committee's annual Beautification Awards were presented to recipients during LEDC Holiday Open House on Monday, November 22, 2010. To be eligible for an achievement award participants have to be a business, citizen, public or private organization that had completed the beautification project within the past year. Either residential or commercial projects are eligible for participation, provided they improve the visual environment and enhance Laramie's quality of life. This year, achievement awards were given to recipients in each of the following four categories: Renovation, Landscaping, New Construction and Innovation. Award winners are:         2010 Renovation Award            Dave Coffey     Recipient: Coffey Engineering & Surveying for the renovation of its office building at 902 S. 3rd Street. Dave Coffey, President, accepted the award.                                                       2010 Landscaping Award                      Trey Sherwood and Jerry Schmidt Recipient: Laramie Main Street for the First Street Plaza, a wonderful new downtown gathering place for all. Trey Sherwood, Main Street Executive Director, and Jerry Schmidt, former Main Street Board Chairman, accepted the award.              2010 New Construction Award     Ron Van Voast and Susan Bulgrin   Recipient: Security First Bank for its newly constructed Branch building at 608 Grand Avenue. Ron Van Voast, President, and Susan Bulgrin, Vice President and Laramie Branch Manager, accepted the award.       2010 Innovation Award                          Trish Penney and Sonya Moore   Recipient: La Bonte Outdoor Learning Center and Community Gardens, a great place for children to pursue outdoor projects. Trish Penney, Education Coordinator for Laramie Rivers Conservation District, and Sonya Moore, Volunteer Project Coordinator, accepted the award.       Each of the four winning entrants received a plaque and a $250 cash award for their projects. LEDC December Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us if you have potential client leads or  for  more information  regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Partner Recognition The Man Behind Fusestudios Media Consulting "No two ways about it," Bryce Tugwell, President of Fusestudios Media Consulting, Inc. said in a most emphatic way, "I want this business to be known for its superior technical expertise and great customer service." Fusestudios Media, specializes in website development, graphic design and internet marketing consulting. The business has grown substantially since its inception in June of 2006; essentially through word of mouth referrals. What's the basis for those referrals? Bryce's technical savvy, creative skills and strong customer service orientation. Bryce's design skills were honed through his Masters studies in Design from Penn State in Happy Valley. He subsequently joined Pipeline Interactive, a major web marketing firm in Lebanon, PA. There, he further developed both his graphic design and web development competencies by working on accounts for Tyco, Casio, Johnson & Johnson and Hershey Chocolate. Bryce said, "That experience provided considerable insight into managing both design and development functions in order to create effective marketing tools. Bryce remarked, "We worked on branding issues, on-line corporate identity, logos, website creation and even marketing brochures to project uniform messaging." For several years prior to his family's relocation to Laramie, Bryce worked as Creative Director and Director of IT for the Jane Goodall Institute in Arlington, VA. There he regularly dealt with issues ranging from server maintenance to projects involving high impact marketing strategies. "This is where I gained an appreciation for non-profit organizations," commented Bryce. "I also enjoyed working with media like National Geographic Explorer and Discovery. But my wife is a Molecular Biologist, and we were drawn to Laramie in 2006, when she secured employment with the University of Wyoming. " Although Bryce is currently the only full-time employee at Fusestudios Media, he considers himself an "army of one." He sees two major differences between Fusestudios Media and most of its competition. First, is his breadth of experience. Bryce is known for his firm grasp on the internet marketing side of website development, as well as for graphic design. The second competitive difference is what Bryce refers to as Mesh Architecture. "Although my business has one principal employee, I can tap into an extensive network of talented people when projects come along requiring specialized technical insight or ability. Some parts of my network extend globally. Other parts can be found here in our own back yard." Bryce indicated that there have been occasions when he has partnered with Mike Vann Gray, of Laramie's Snowy Range Graphics on a few larger projects. For example, both companies worked extensively together in 2009 to launch LEDC's new website and in developing a variety of LEDC's marketing material. "When I came to Laramie," explained Bryce, "I thought it would be a good idea to show Mike what I could do, particularly with web development and also see what he could do with graphic design. As a result of those encounters, we were convinced we work well together, and became very good friends." Bryce is anxious to bring something to Wyoming business that many may feel they must go elsewhere to get. That "something" entails a vast knowledge of IT technology, marketing ingenuity and astute internet strategy development. When asked where he sees leading edge technology in his field heading, Bryce responded, "Well, more recently I've been consulting with companies about moving to the cloud. This means moving from a server-based office architecture to one where files are stored on-line. There can be a tremendous cost savings for companies, especially non-profits. Going 'to the cloud' can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining IT equipment. It also eliminates services and software maintenance fees."            Bryce Tugwell and student David Bryce believes that when technology is applied  properly, it empowers people and stimulates imagination. He applies this thinking to his personal pastime as well as client projects. For example, Bryce is a major supporter of an organization called the Maker Community, a growing group of imaginative and resourceful people who undertake an amazing array of technical projects in their backyards, basements and garages. During a weekend last September, Bryce and his brother-in-law participated in a "World Maker Faire," where they taught kids how to build programmable name badges that scroll personal messages. The project materials and Bryce's time were provided "pro bono." Bryce said, "It was just a lot of fun for the kids, even a few adults, and for us too. The project went through all the steps, from building the actual circuit boards from scratch, to uploading software to the name badge to make it run. It's awesome to see the empowering confidence that gives kids." Apparently, Bryce has invested much of his professional as well as personal time and talent into achieving his goal of having a reputation for technical expertise. But what about his customer service goal? How does Bryce achieve great customer service? With a glint in his eye, Bryce responded, "It's essential that you know what your customer really wants. I always give customers 3 options: Fast, Cheap and Good. Then, I tell them they get to choose 2." For more information, please call Bryce at 307-314-9694 or visit Fusestudios Media's website. Selective Tips For Preparing Performance Reviews Most managers agree it's important to review employee performance. Besides their inherent value, performance reviews are used to support a wide range of personnel actions from decisions affecting compensation to employee development and succession planning. In addition, performance reviews are commonly considered the employer's sanctioned, historical record of employee progress. Despite the varied purposes that performance reviews serve, there are typically only two central objectives associated with conducting performance reviews: 1. To chronicle how the employee is doing in comparison with job requirements and your expectations as manager, and 2. To support (normally through goal setting) the employee's commitment to improve performance and/or further develop relevant skills and abilities. These two objectives most definitely serve your interests as the employee's manager. They are also consistent with outcomes your employees want to obtain from performance reviews. Most employees want your honest assessment regarding their performance. Employees want your insight and suggestions regarding how they can improve. They want to know how you measure good performance. Many want to know whether you feel they have a chance to grow both professionally and career-wise. The Role of Performance Feedback Performance review meetings should rarely produce surprises for the employee. Surprises tend to derail the review from its intended course. Review meetings are not a time to suddenly reveal an employee's poor decision, performance deficiency or misconduct that should have been addressed in a timelier manner. Particularly when unfavorable surprises occur, employees not only become defensive and fail to listen, but they also become cynical regarding your motives. Obviously, this can undermine your credibility. The important issues you want to cover during performance review meetings will likely have been discussed or touched upon in your normal day-to-day coaching conversations with employees. (It is a good idea to keep a personal file in which you place dated notes regarding both positive and constructive feedback you discuss with each employee. These notes can be quite helpful when preparing written performance reviews.) Whenever feedback is given, it should always focus on the person's actual performance, behavior or results. Here are some additional tips for providing performance feedback: Be specific about what the employee did or didn't do. (Give examples to support your conclusions.) Praise or coach as soon as feasible after the incident. Ask the employee for suggestions to improve the performance issue; then offer alternatives when feasible. Explain why the employee's performance was effective, or why a suggested alternative may be more effective. Express confidence in the person's ability to improve performance. Crafting the Written Review Before writing a performance review or entering a performance review interview, it's helpful to know the employee's impressions regarding personal performance and development. One way to obtain this information is to ask your employees to provide a brief self-assessment regarding accomplishments and shortcomings realized during the performance period. This is also a good opportunity to solicit your employees' thoughts on performance and developmental goals. Input received from your employees may or may not correspond with your own assessments. Regardless, you now have some good information from which to address identified similarities or differences of opinion. You also gain insight into what your employees consider important in their jobs or careers. When writing a performance review for each employee, decide on the core messages you want to send. Then, support your core messages with illustrations involving past feedback and with examples of accomplishments, shortcomings and developmental initiatives needed for improvement that you feel apply. There are also legal considerations to remember as you prepare your performance reviews. For example, accurate and properly documented performance reviews can be strong evidence in defending wrongful discharge claims or charges of discrimination. On the other hand, being less than forthright with employees, or taking a casual or cavalier approach to the review process can be extremely damaging. Imagine the trouble defending a termination due to poor performance after the plaintiff's attorney subpoenas the past 8 years of glowing performance reviews. When drafting your comments, avoid statements that: Contradict the "employment at will" policy or relationship of your employer, such as, "You'll always have a career with us." Indicate a promise or recommendation of advancement or promotion, particularly when tied to time frames, such as, "I see you being promoted to Sr. Engineer by year end." Refer to the employee's (including family) health or misfortunes, such as, "Despite your leave of absence when your son had his accident, you were able to complete most of your major assignments." A good rule of thumb is to keep written and verbal comments that relate to employee performance both objective and directly job-related. Career Development Discussions regarding an employee's professional or career development often create apprehension for managers. This is primarily due to the fact that it is not always easy to reconcile differences between an employee's interests and his or her abilities and potential. When discussing career development or advancement opportunities with employees, it is prudent to keep discussions within the realm of realistic possibilities that could become available to employees within your organization or industry. Make sure the employee understands any growth opportunities that may be realized as the result of attaining improved knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the position he or she currently holds. You can help employees make a realistic assessment of their potential by discussing your understanding of requirements needed to attain other opportunities in which employees are interested. Give your honest assessment of the employee's strengths and current development needs in relation to his or her career interests. If you are not certain of the requirements needed to secure the position that the employee is interested in pursuing, refer the employee to someone else who possesses that knowledge. When Perceptions Become Reality Occasionally, an employee may receive a different performance review or rating than he or she thought was appropriate, even when the review is consistent with past coaching. In a similar vein, some managers struggle with the possibility that someone else's perception (the previous manager's or even the employee's) may be better than their own. Good or bad – right or wrong, as the reviewing manager, your perception is completely valid, as long as your evaluation is free from unlawful bias. This means that your assessment is not based on considerations involving race, gender, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any other legally protected characteristic. To help ensure that employee performance reviews are free from unlawful bias or error, many organizations require that signatures from two levels of management (and HR, if applicable) be secured on performance reviews, prior to conducting the actual employee performance interview. So, what happens if the employee's perception still differs from yours? Most certainly, your employee has freedom to disagree. The employee should be given the opportunity to record his or her perceptions on the evaluation form or supplemental sheet of paper. The employee may also be given some latitude to convince you that your perception is incorrect. Likewise, you have a right to change your assessment of the employee's performance, if the employee can convince you that your perception isn't quite correct. Honesty and good faith intent must be supporting elements in every performance review. Once those supports are in place, if the employee wants to receive a different review or performance rating, it should be necessary for that employee to perform or behave differently. That's what ultimately changes perceptions. That's what impacts productivity, motivation and an employer's ability to support sound personnel decisions. Wyoming No. 2 Best Retirement State According to Kiplinger OnLine, Wyoming is among the very best retirement states from a tax standpoint. Here's the basis for Wyoming's ranking: State Income Tax: NoneState Sales Tax: 4% (localities can tack on an extra 1%)Inheritance Tax: No Retirees don't pony up much in taxes in the Cowboy State. Thanks to the abundant revenues that Wyoming collects from oil and mineral companies, residents shoulder the lowest tax burden of any state except Alaska, according to the Tax Foundation. Prescription drugs and groceries are exempt from state sales taxes. For most property, only 9.5% of market value is subject to tax, so a home worth $100,000 is taxed on $9,500 of assessed value. Click Here for the Kiplinger OnLine article. e2e Panel Discussion Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 - 5:30 PM - 7 PM Using the Internet to Market and Sell your Products and Services A Panel Discussion featuring: Nathan Potter, Matt Winninger, Mike Gray and Bryce Tugwell Our panelists will share their knowledge about marketing and selling using the internet. Nathan Potter is the Marketing Manager for IDES, an information management company. He has been a featured speaker on B2B Internet Marketing and specializes in optimizing websites for search engines and visitors. Matt Winninger is the website strategist for the University of Wyoming and is responsible for developing and executing its exciting new marketing strategy. Mike Gray has more than twenty five years of graphic design experience with Snowy Range Graphics in Laramie and the surrounding areas. Together with Bryce Tugwell of Fuse Studios Media they recently founded Mountain Vista Group where they are "working together to market Wyoming." Join us at e2e as we explore internet marketing and sales from these different perspectives. e2e will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on January 19th, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Hot hors d'ouevres and a hosted bar will be provided. To learn more and to let us know if you can attend: Please Click to RSVP Please be sure to check your information and click "Yes, I will attend" at the bottom of the registration page. During this event you will have the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and business providers in Laramie and learn from these experienced panelists..... Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:10:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/1/25/378/ NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011 Volume2  Issue 1                                                                                                                               January 2011   Trans-Modal Site Attains Full Funding On January 20th, THE LEDC, LLC received the State Lands and Investment Board's unanimous approval for an $805,050 Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Business Readiness Community Grant. This grant represents partial funding for creation of a South Laramie Trans-Modal site. THE LEDC, LLC will use the WBC grant for new rail spur infrastructure, which includes ties, road base, as well as design and construction costs. The next day, January 21st, WYDOT (Wyoming Department of Transportation) approved a WYDOT and Albany County Industrial Road Program Grant in the amount of $500,000 for use in conjunction with the South Laramie Trans-Modal project. This Grant will provide upgrades to existing infrastructure, such as required improvements to Tie Plant Road, upgrades to existing rail 107, and the construction of a road-grade rail crossing. Further, pending finalization of THE LEDC, LLC's lease agreement with Union Pacific, the City of Laramie and Albany County each stand ready to loan THE LEDC, LLC $100,000 from their respective economic development recapture funds. The City's loan is intended to cover lease-related expenses, and the County's loan will be utilized to complete the construction of the rail spur. Together, the WBC and WYDOT grants and the City and County loans enable THE LEDC, LLC to fully fund the South Laramie Trans-Modal site project. Gaye Stockman, Operations Manager for THE LEDC, LLC, stated that construction RFP's (Requests for Proposals) should be issued by the beginning of February. The trans-modal site could be fully constructed and operating within 60-90 days from contractor selection. Stockman added, "The Trans-Modal site opens new, efficient rail shipping and receiving options for our local Laramie area businesses. Rail freight access is a key consideration for many businesses interested in relocating or expanding their operations into the Laramie area. LEDC has received approximately 20 inquiries from companies interested in relocating, but  required  rail transport availability in recent years. So, our new trans-modal site should give Laramie another competitive advantage when recruiting new businesses, as well." Janine Jordan, Laramie City Manager, remarked "The South Laramie Trans-Modal project is another great example of what we can do, when organizations like LEDC work with the City, County, and State, in a coordinated manner, to benefit our community." Tim Sullivan, Albany County Commissioner, stated, "This is a certainly a forward-looking endeavor that supports the economic health of the entire County. The trans-modal project leverages our resources in a way that can only strengthen our business-friendly climate." LEDC - WRI Open House    You are cordially invited to an Open House, co-sponsored by the Laramie Economic Development Corporation and Western Research Institute. WHEN: Friday, February 18, 2011  --  5:15 PM to 7:15 PM WHERE: Western Research Institute - Advance Technical Center (ATC) 3474 North 3rd Street * Laramie, WY 82070 PARKING:  Available at the WRI - ATC complex or at the nearby WyoTech lot with                                    Shuttle Service to the ATC complex. PROGRAM SCHEDULE: 5:15 - 545 PM  Social Time (Appetizers & Refreshments) 5:45 - 6:05 PM  Keynote Speaker:  Rob Hurless, Former Energy Policy Advisor for Wyoming                                   Fossil Fuels in the Age of Renewables 6:05 - 6:45 PM  Program Discussion Topics ***  Hear the latest informtion about Verizon, and more *** 6:45 - 7:15 PM  Tour WRI - ATC Visit with LEDC Board Members and WRI Leadership & Staff  Room is limited, so please RSVP by 5:00 PM on  Tuesday, February 15th via email at:  ledc@laramiewy.org or call 307-742-2212   Dodds' Vision Through Four Generations It had to take a substantial tolerance for risk, as well as unyielding determination, to start a business venture in 1934, right in the middle of the Great Depression. However, that's the year when D.L. Dodds opened Dodds Dry Goods and Ready to Wear store. It's when Dodds finally realized the vision he steadfastly embraced for several years. Dodds' vision entailed creating a retail center offering name-brand products at less than department store prices with first-rate customer service. That vision helped inspire four generations of retailers. Over the years, the Dodds' vision has evolved in terms of merchandising and market focus, in keeping with changing business opportunities, as well as customer wants and needs. Dodds' vision became exactly what Dodds Shoe Co. is today – the largest footwear center in the Rocky Mountains, offering the best and most popular styles in name-brand footwear and apparel at a great price.      Jeff Dodds, Fourth Generation Retailer Dodds Shoe Co. is very much a family enterprise. Jeff Dodds, President, manages the day-to-day operations of both the downtown location at 401 South 2nd Street and the Sports Locker at 770 North 3rd Street. His wife, Jill, lends a helping hand. In addition, Jeff and Jill have two pre-teen daughters, Ashley and Allison. When asked whether they represent the fifth generation of retailers, Jeff replied, "That's going to be entirely up to them." According to Jeff, his father and mother, Gary and Paula Dodds are still very integral members of the business. Both parents taught Jeff the importance of community involvement. The Dodds have been long time advocates and contributors to the Laramie Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Laramie Business Association, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, the University of Wyoming and the United Way. Jeff attributes his work ethic and industry knowledge to the mentoring of his father. Under Gary Dodds' guidance, the business experienced four physical expansions since locating in Laramie in 1964. One of the first expansions involved creating the Sports Locker store, which specializes in athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. According to Jeff, "We've remained true to the underlying values that have helped us grow our business and expand our reputation in the industry. High on that list of values  are furnishing our customers with first-class value and providing great customer service. You don't see many shoe stores handle 5000 different styles of shoes, boots, apparel, & accessory items. We carry only quality, brand-name merchandise and we typically have one of the best, if not the best price on the internet. We're proud of the merchandise we sell and stand behind it. With regard to customer service, Jeff indicates, "When you come into our store or when you call in an order or use the internet, you can be assured you're dealing with people who know our merchandise. On the average, 95% of our items are shipped on the same day. An internet order is typically picked, processed and shipped in 15 minutes." E-business has played a significant role in the operations of Dodds Shoe Co. since 2003. The whole notion of applying e-business to company operations took form during a meeting between Jeff, his father Gary, and Tim Stamp, then Director of LEDC. Jeff admitted that he personally always had a penchant toward working with computers, but the realization of "what could be" took hold among the three men in that meeting. Jeff indicated that Tim helped them research what other companies were doing and what resources were needed to get their e-business up and running. He said, "The rest is history." Jeff was amazed that their very first e-business order came from a gentleman in New York City. In a subsequent phone conversation, the gentleman told Jeff it was easier and less expensive to have the shoes he selected come directly to him, as opposed to traveling around the city to purchase them. "We've also learned," Jeff commented, "that doing business on the internet can help draw customers into Laramie. We get a lot of folks who live in Fort Collins and Denver and shop on the web. Then, they come to Laramie to try on our merchandise." When asked what Jeff sees as advantages of locating a business in Laramie, he said, "Laramie is a great place to do business. We have a stable economy and a great workforce. The community has been very supportive. It helped us grow. We want them to benefit by receiving the same kind of footwear, service and merchandise that is typically available only in much larger cities." LEDC January Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential client leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Tax Talk Webinar Series February 3rd, 10th and 24th Presented by Wyoming Entrepreneur Join us online for this series of "Tax Talk" webinars. Keith Hall, CPA of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), will present three, free, 45 –minute webinars beginning February 3. Each online session will start at 2:00 pm. Keith is a nationally recognized speaker and truly understands the problems faced by small businesses. On February 3rd, the topic will be "Top 5 Tax Questions for the Self-Employed." In this session, Keith will cover entity formation, registrations and recordkeeping, and paying estimated taxes. He will also discuss popular deductions, such as automobiles, meals and travel. To register for this session, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/454703073. The February 10th webinar is titled "Preparing an Audit-proof Tax Return." In case you are audited by the IRS, you need to understand how to best safeguard your business for survival. Key Topics to be discussed include getting organized , searching for deductions, and building your paper fort. To register for this session, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/790421080. You will get "Tips for Saving on Your Taxes" on February 24th. Learn how to maximize deductions with possibilities such as hiring your child, utilizing a home office, retirement contributions, and more. To register for this session, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/713500168. Keith Hall helps self-employed and micro-business owners through the NASE's Tax Talk service, offering personalized tax advice on everything from incorporation and automobile expenses to home office deductions and travel expenses. Please note: You'll need to register for each session separately. Upon registration a confirmation email will be sent with information on how to join the webinar at the scheduled time. Our monthly webinars are typically offered the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 pm, promising to provide attendees with at least 3 actionable ideas. Presentations are one hour long and are extended free of charge in a convenient online format. * * * * * Wyoming Entrepreneur is a business consulting group consisting of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center, the Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Wyoming Market Research Center. Our mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research services are free of charge to Wyoming residents. The Wyoming Entrepreneur partnership program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. For more information, visit our website, http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.biz. Trade Bullying A trademark "bully" may be described as a trademark owner that uses its trademark rights to harass and intimidate another business beyond what the law might be reasonably interpreted to allow. The Department of Commerce is requesting feedback from U.S. trademark owners, practitioners, and others regarding their experiences with such litigation tactics. In particular, the Department of Commerce is interested in remarks about attempts to enforce trademark rights beyond a reasonable interpretation of the scope of rights granted to the trademark owner. The deadline for remarks is February 7th. Please visit http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/notices/.jsp for more information..... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:03:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/2/2/train-locomotive-moves-to-railroad-heritage-park/ An Historic Move! Railroad Heritage Park Train Relocation Project In a joint project between the City of Laramie and the Laramie Railroad Depot Association, Wasatch Railroad Contractors of Cheyenne, five train pieces will be relocated from Laramie locations, and assemble them into a "snow train" in Railroad Heritage Park - in Depot Park - adjacent to 2nd Street and Sheridan Street Streets affected (no parking and traffic delays) during the move will include: Monday, February 7th: 5th Street and Canby Street to 7th Street and Canby Street, north an south side Canby Street 6th Street from Canby Street to Harney Street, east and west side of the street 3rd Street, west side of intersection of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street at lease 200 years south of west side of 3rd Street Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, February 7th - 8th - 9th: Park Avenue between 3rd Street and the railroad tracks, both sides of Park Avenue from 3rd Street to the railroad tracks 1st Street, both sides of 1st Street from Garfield Street to Park Avenue For more information about the move, please contact Mike Zook, Parks Manager (307) 721-5264 "It's a huge project, and really a GREAT photo-op and possibility for a feature." Click her for more information about the Railroad Heritage Park: http://www.laramiedepot.org/About/RailroadHeritagePark/tabid/72/Default.aspx For additional information about Railroad Heritage Park and/or interview opportunities, please contact Parks and Recreation Director Paul Harrison at the City of Laramie (307) 721-5269. Contact at the Laramie Depot is Larry Ostrich at (307) 742-7603. www.CityofLaramie.org =================== MORE INFORMATION Barring a white-out blizzard, on February 7, 8, and 9, 2011, four pieces of railroad equipment will be moved from various places around Laramie, WY, to Railroad Heritage Park located just south of the historic Laramie Railroad Depot. Wasatch Railroad Contractors, the firm that the City hired for this project, subcontracted with Black Hills Trucking, from Casper, WY, to handle the moves.  Black Hills Trucking will leave Casper at 5 AM on Monday, February 7th, with three trucks and two cranes, arriving at the engine between 9 AM and 10 AM.  The engine and tender are currently located at 6th Street and Canby Street in LaBonte Park in Laramie.   Between 11 AM and noon, the cranes will move into position, one on each side of the engine, and lift it.  Then a trailer will be backed under the engine and the engine will be lowered.  The truck, trailer, and engine will move forward onto 6th Street and Park Avenue while the tender is placed on a second trailer. Between 1 PM and 2 PM the two trucks will head south on 6th Street for Railroad Heritage Park, escorted by the Laramie Police Department.  The move is estimated to take approximately 45 minutes. About 3 PM the engine and tender will arrive at the Laramie Depot and unloading will begin a process that will take one or two hours.  The trucks, trailers and cranes will then head for the snow plow and bunk car, currently located in Laramie’s West Side, just west of Cedar Street between University Avenue and Fremont Street. Tuesday morning, February 8th, the snow plow and bunk car will be loaded onto trailers and moved to Railroad Heritage Park.  They will proceed north on Cedar Street, east across the Curtis Street viaduct, and then south on 3rd Street to the park.  If all goes well the caboose will be moved that afternoon.  Otherwise, the caboose will be moved on Wednesday, February 9th. Once assembled, the equipment will re-create a 1950's era snow train used to keep the rail lines open in the fierce Wyoming winters. It will be a tribute to the hard working men and women of Laramie and the West who braved the elements to keep the passenger and freight trains running. The train will not only serve an historical function, but it will also be "coherent", meaning that it could have existed in the real world, operating in exactly this assemblage. This is rare for static displays. It is seldom that one sees any piece of railroad equipment riding on a truck through city streets. This is an opportunity to see an entire train move, albeit spread over several days. The train consists of the following equipment: Wedge Snow Plow – Union Pacific snow plow 900015, now located in Laramie's West Side. It was built in the Union Pacific's Pocatello shops in 1953 and was converted from a steam engine tender. The original number was 015.  It was featured on the cover of The Streamliner, Vol. 6, No. 3, in action blasting through a snow drift near Strasburg, CO in 1982. Steam Engine – Union Pacific 535, now located in LaBonte Park in Laramie. It was built by Baldwin in 1903. It is a 2-8-0 Consolidation and was originally part of the Oregon Short Line. It worked the Laramie yards and the Union Pacific Coalmont branch in the 1950's. Bunk car – Built by Ralston Steel Car Company for the Union Pacific in 1929. It began life as an A-50-12 automobile car, part of series 152001-152500, was converted to a box car in 1940, and then into a six-man bunk car in the late 1940's. An article about the Union Pacific's bunk cars, which includes a photo of a car similar to ours, appeared in The Streamliner, Vol. 16, No. 3. Caboose – Union Pacific 25232, built in 1951 with original number 3932. It is a class CA-5 caboose, one of a set of 100 such cars built by the Union Pacific in its Omaha shops. This was the first class of steel cabooses built in the Union Pacific shops. In the 1970's the caboose was upgraded with trucks that gave it a smoother ride. It served on the Maryville, KS branch until it was retired. The bunk car actually led to the creation of Railroad Heritage Park. Two years ago the car was scheduled to succumb to a salvage company's cutting torch. The effort to save it let to a whirlwind of activity which culminated in the park. Railroad Heritage Park is a joint project between the Laramie Railroad Depot Association and the City of Laramie. For more details on this park and the equipment to be moved, click here "About – Railroad Heritage Park": http://www.laramiedepot.org/About/RailroadHeritagePark/tabid/72/Default.aspx Hope you can be there to watch this once in a lifetime event! Ms. Paula J. Wilson-Caziér, MA/CRYT Executive Assistant to the City of Laramie Manager Post Office Box C, Laramie, Wyoming 82073 307-721-5226 * pcazier@cityoflaramie.org www.cityoflaramie.org.... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:11:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/2/3/ledc-wri-open-house/                     OPEN HOUSE                                                                                       Partners in Progress                                                     Invite you ...........   Appetizers The Cav..........Sushi Boat..........Altitude Chophouse   Short & Sweet  (Food for thought) Keynote Speaker:  Rob Hurless, Former Energy Policy Advisor for Wyoming                                         "Fossil Fuels in the Age of Renewables" ..........Plus Other Words on Related Topics   Sponsored by                 Laramie Economic Development Corporation                                            and                          Western Research Institute          WHEN:        Friday, February 18, 2011                             5:15 PM to 7:15 PM   WHERE:           .... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:37:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/2/23/newsletter-february-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 2                                                                                                    February 2011 Governor Mead Signs HB117 On February 18, 2011 Governor Matt Mead signed HB 117, which provides certain sales tax exemptions for Data Processing Centers. This new law expands the exemption passed in 2009 legislation to include pre-written and other computer software. It also exempts HVAC and emergency back-up equipment. An amendment was passed to the legislation, which adds a periodic reporting requirement that tracks jobs, taxes and the amount of taxes exempted. Click Here to view an image that commemorates Governor Mead's signing  this legislation. Local dignitaries, who are standing around Governor Mead, include the following: From Left to Right 1st Person – Matt Greene, State Representative, Albany County 2nd Person – Glenn Moniz, State Representative, Albany County 4th Person – Gaye Stockman, LEDC President & CEO 8th Person – Phil Nicholas, State Senator, Albany County 9th Person – Tim Sullivan, Albany County Commissioner From Right to Left 1st Person – Butch Keadle, LEDC Chair 2nd Person – Dave Coffey, LEDC Treasurer 8th Person – Kermit Brown, State Representative, Albany County 9th Person – Gary Crum, LEDC Vice Chair 11th Person -- Mike Peck, LEDC Past Chair LEDC-WRI Open House On Friday, February 18th, Laramie Economic Development Corporation and Western Research Institute combined forces to sponsor an Open House at WRI's Advanced Technology Center located on the north side of Laramie. Approximately 100 people attended this event where LEDC announced its 2010-2011 Partnership In Progress Investment Campaign Kickoff, and WRI showcased its energy-related technology initiatives.                                                             Keynote speaker, Rob Hurless, who was Wyoming's former Energy Policy Advisor, readily demonstrated extensive insight regarding energy usage, flow and security in his presentation titled "Fossil Fuels in the Age of Renewables." He surmised that while there may be preferences for certain forms of energy resources at any point in time, world consumption will require we rely on all forms of energy going forward. Following Mr. Hurless' remarks, Gaye Stockman, LEDC President & CEO, highlighted several projects that have occupied center stage in Laramie's economic development over the past year. Two particularly complex, but exceedingly valuable undertakings have included the South Laramie Trans-Modal project scheduled to become operational this year; and LEDC's due diligence activities related to a Mega Data Center client. LEDC's Past Chair, Mike Peck remarked that while the country's current economy remains somewhat fragile, Laramie faces some unique opportunities requiring on-going developmental effort from LEDC. He thanked the community for the support and assistance it has provided in the past, but also stressed LEDC's need for continuing financial support – "an investment in our future." Don Collins, Western Research Institute CEO provided the audience with a brief but intriguing overview of WRI's history and energy research initiatives being conducted in the Advanced Technology Center. In addition to stimulating conversations, Open House attendees were treated to a variety of appetizing delights provided through the generosity of some of Laramie's notable restaurants. Both LEDC and WRI extend their sincere thanks to The Cavalryman Supper Club, the Sushi Boat, and the Altitude Chophouse for their excellent hor d'oeuvres and service. We also thank WyoTech for providing shuttle service; parking and facility accommodations that helped make this event so successful.   Partner Recognition                   Mountain Cement Company                                                                                 Mountain Cement Company's plant, originally constructed by Monolith Portland Cement Company, has been part of Laramie's landscape since 1927. That's longer than most of us can remember. For point of reference, Calvin Coolidge was president in 1927. It was also the year Ford Motor Company discontinued producing the Model T and began producing the Model A car. Since 1927, the Company, which is located 2 miles south of Laramie, has adapted to many changes...changes in ownership, in regional markets, in environmental imperatives and also in the community it supports. One constant throughout the years has been Mountain Cement's ability to produce quality Portland cement to serve construction requirements for roadways, bridges, energy industries and residential contractors in our western region. Since 2001, Mountain Cement Company has been owned by the Dallas holding company Eagle Materials. It is one of five American operations that form Eagle Materials' family of cement companies. The cement manufacturing industry, like most heavy manufacturing industries, has its share of challenges, as well as opportunities. Dave Challacomb, President of Mountain Cement Company, indicated "Because we essentially manufacture dust, our relationship with the environment is not only a principle operating consideration, but is also subject to considerable scrutiny, both internally and externally. We are committed to a clean environment and to operating under strict guidelines set by both the State of Wyoming and the Federal EPA. We strive to be a good neighbor, one the Laramie community can be proud of. For example, during recent years we installed new bag houses to moderate airborne dust. We have applied dust inhibitors and have cleaned local roads. Last April, we voluntarily helped grade roads southeast of the fairgrounds as a community support project." Dave Challacomb suggests that while the cement industry may not project the same lure and appeal as some high-tech industries, it still provides many good opportunities for ambitious, hard-working people who want to learn and succeed. He remarked, "I believe most Mountain Cement employees would consider employment stability and the opportunity for advancement as definite Company strengths. We like to promote from within and consider merit and ability, whenever feasible. We have implemented apprenticeship programs for Electrical and Maintenance occupations, as well as other training programs for our employees." Mountain Cement Company's total payroll exceeds $9 million, which includes compensation for approximately 135 employees working directly in Laramie. That makes Mountain Cement Company one of Laramie's largest private sector employers. Paul Anderson, Executive Vice President for Mountain Cement, provided additional insight into Mountain Cement's financial impact on our community. He stated, "The Company directly purchases about $18 million from Wyoming businesses and through the use of local contractor services. Our property tax payment to Albany County exceeds $500,000 per year. " In response to questions regarding his vision for Mountain Cement, Dave Challacomb remarked, "We plan to be here in Laramie for a long time. A good portion of our business is related to the oil and natural gas industries, and we actively support a growing number of wind energy projects in this area. I expect that will continue. We also realize the importance of positively contributing to the community in which we live and in which our people work. Community support is an integral part of our history and our vision." And so it is. The following is a partial listing of community organizations, events and charities to which Mountain Cement Company has directly contributed and supported over the years. Albany County DARE Albany 4H/FFA, Jr. Livestock Sale American Red Cross Big Brothers / Big Sisters Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts Chamber of Commerce Events Downtown Clinic Ducks Unlimited "Fire in the Sky" 4th of July Celebration Freedom Has a Birthday Habitat for Humanity Hospice of Laramie Ivinson Hospital Foundation Annual Gala Jr. Miss Laramie Economic Development Corporation Laramie Jubilee Days Laramie Main Street – 1st Street Plaza Project Graduation – Laramie High School Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Safe Project The Eppson CenterUniversity of Wyoming – Cowboy Joe Coaches Club Wyoming Technical Institute Scholarship On behalf of all recipients of these and other endeavors supported by Mountain Cement Company, as well as other Laramie-based organizations that support our community, LEDC extends its sincere gratitude. Welcome Callie Jo Slattery It is our privilege to introduce the newest member of LEDC's staff, Callie Jo Slattery, our Office Manager. Callie replaces Melissa Greer who recently married and relocated to Idaho. Callie acknowledges having an avid interest in math since age 4, and reveals that her uncle's accounting career always fascinated her. She obtained an Associate degree in both Applied Science/Economics and in Business Administration from Casper College. At the present time, Callie is pursuing her BBA with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Wyoming. Her ultimate goal is to become a Forensics Accountant with certification as a fraud examiner. Callie is a native of Wyoming, having been raised along with her two older sisters and brother on her family's ranch near Rozet. There, she gained an early appreciation for less sedate interests normally associated with academics. Both as a spectator and active participant, Callie honed her skills in basketball, track, cross-country and volleyball. In her spare time, Callie is a sky-diving enthusiast. We'd say Callie has the perfect balance of skills, talent and interests needed to keep pace with her exhilarating responsibilities at LEDC. LEDC February Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute Wealth is not just about $.......... It's about Creating a workplace where Innovative Ideas can flourish and grow. Manufacturing-Works is co-sponsoring an intensive management program that will change the way you lead your business. April 11-13 Cheyenne, WY The Plains Hotel Find out more by contacting your local MW Field Engineer or Matt Melinkovich at mmelink1@uwyo.edu or call 307-567-8171. Click Here to read what participants say about Innovations Engineering Leadership Institute..... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:28:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/3/23/newsletter-march-2011/   Volume 2 Issue 3                                                                                                    March 2011 Essential Air Service Subsidy - Will It Continue? The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was implemented in response to the Airline Deregulation Act, passed in 1978. It has been consistently extended at periodic intervals ever since. Presently, the US Congress is once again considering extending the EAS under the FAA Reauthorization Act. The purpose of the EAS is to ensure that small rural communities maintain a minimum level of scheduled commercial aviation service, when such service would not otherwise be profitable.  In Wyoming, there are two airports eligible for assistance under the EAS. Great Lakes Airlines receives an annual subsidy of $1,181,572 for Laramie Regional Airport service, and receives $1,770,336 for Worland Municipal Airport. These rates are set to expire September 30, 2012. The Laramie Regional Airport averages 23.8 passengers per day and is located 145 miles from the nearest large hub (Denver International Airport).                                                            The US Senate passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill (S.223) on February 17th, which provides $200M per year for the EAS program, while dropping communities that average 10 or less passengers per day, and communities that are within 100 miles from a large or medium hub.  The US House version (HR 658) could be acted upon as early as the week of March 28th. Discussion in the House includes reducing funding for the EAS program over the next 3 years and then eliminating it after 2013, except for communities in Alaska and Hawaii. Advocates for continuing the EAS program indicate that it has become a vital link in connecting Americans living in rural communities with the rest of the world. Eliminating the EAS in its entirety would have a devastating impact on the economies of rural communities.    Jack Skinner, Airport Manager for Laramie Regional Airport, has notified both Wyoming US Senators Enzi and Barasso of his support for continuing EAS on a national basis. Skinner suggested he also supports improving upon the program’s cost effectiveness by scaling back eligibility based on the community’s reasonable driving distance to a major hub airport. Regarding Wyoming’s EAS subsidized airports, Skinner declared, “Laramie and Worland, along with other Wyoming airports, would be in jeopardy of losing their commercial air service without the EAS subsidy program. This would be a devastating blow to these communities in terms of their efforts to keep and attract job-making businesses. In Laramie, the effect would be particularly harmful in that the University of Wyoming, which now has national and international connections, would be isolated.” Gaye Stockman, President & CEO for LEDC, acknowledged the positive impact sustained commercial aviation service has on economic development in Laramie. She said, “Companies looking for relocation opportunities place high importance on the near proximity of a local airport with commercial service schedules. That’s one of the first questions prospective clients ask. Losing that service would place Laramie at a major competitive disadvantage from an economic development standpoint.” Opponents of the taxpayer-subsidized EAS say that the program has been permitted to grow unchecked.  Funding for the EAS program has increased over the past 10 years from $50M in 2001 to $200M in 2010. Before September 11, 2001, there were 106 communities requiring EAS subsidy. As of March 1, 2011 there are 154 communities requiring EAS subsidy.  Critics also point out that some subsidized airports are less than an hour drive from an unsubsidized airport and, therefore, question the economic efficiency of the program. Further, they note that in fiscal year 2010, 34 EAS communities averaged fewer than 10 passengers per day and 22 EAS communities had so few passengers using the service that, on average, there were more pilots on-board the flights than passengers.  As budget controversies continue to mount in Congress, the Essential Air Service program will most likely be further scrutinized. Whatever outcomes prevail, positive or negative, the impact is sure to be felt close to home. Contact information for Wyoming’s US Legislators: The Honorable Michael B. Enzi                                The Honorable John Barrasso United States Senate                                                 United States Senate 379A Russell Senate Office Building                         307 Dirkson Senate Office Building Washington, DC  20510                                             Washington, DC  20510 Main:         202-224-3424                                          Main:        202-224-6441 FAX:          202-228-0359                                          FAX:          202-224-1724 Toll Free:  888-250-1879                                          Toll Free:  866-235-0553   The Honorable Cynthia Lummis United States House of Representatives 113 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC  20515 Phone:      202-225-2311 FAX:          202-225-3057 Toll Free:  888-879-3599   Partner In Progress - Ivinson Memorial Hospital “I came upon a doctor who appeared in quite poor health. I said, ‘There’s nothing that I can do for you that you can’t do for yourself.’ He said, ‘Oh yes you can. Just hold my hand. I think that that would help.’ So, I sat with him a while then I asked him how he felt. He said, ‘I think I’m cured.’” Conor Oberst, American Singer and Song Writer The next time you pass Laramie’s Ivinson Memorial Hospital (IMH) on 30th Street, remember the word “Compassion.”  Compassion is a guiding imperative in the patient-centered philosophy that IMH staff members advocate and embrace. Carol Dozier, President/CEO for Ivinson Memorial Hospital, explains, “Our dedication to patient-centered care is based on a philosophy originally espoused by Planetree, which is a nonprofit organization of healthcare facilities founded in 1978 and headquartered in Derby, Connecticut. The philosophy promotes organizational culture change and delivering healthcare that puts the patient first, while respecting personal, cultural and religious differences. It also focuses on supporting the professional and personal aspirations of staff members. Staff can more effectively care for patients when their own needs are met, as well.” As a holistic approach to healthcare, Dozier revealed that patient-centered care promotes mental, emotional, spiritual and physical healing. It empowers patients and families through the exchange of information and encourages partnerships with caregivers. Patients have the opportunity to make personal choices related to their care. Positive healthcare outcomes are maximized by integrating optimal medical therapies and incorporating art and nature into the healing environment. Emphasis is placed on kindness and compassion. Families, friends and loved ones are vital to the healing process.  IMH’s staff concentrates on making the patient hospital experience as satisfying as possible. Most of the ideas intended to accomplish this come directly from staff through brainstorming sessions. Some examples include: Pet therapy – human interaction with pets can be quite therapeutic. Housekeeping – a warm wash cloth every morning is a refreshing way to start the day. Dietary – since many family members stay in the patient’s room most of the time, baskets of snacks are provided to ensure they eat something. Cancer Center – celebration on the patient’s final day of therapy. Occasionally, bread and cookies are baked at the hospital to let the pleasant aroma emanate through the building. Prayer cards are made available to patients to serve spiritual needs. Baskets of apples and water are strategically placed throughout the hospital for patients, visitors and staff. IMH gives out approximately 1,200 apples per month. Carol Dozier acknowledged, “In many respects, IMH is much like any other rural community hospital in the country…or any other economic entity for that matter. Our biggest challenges normally entail balancing the needs of our patients with needs for financial performance. Patient-centered healthcare can actually contribute to the financial side of the hospital. Aside from greater patient satisfaction and the quality of services, patient-centered hospitals tend to demonstrate enhanced staff recruitment, increased staff retention, decreased length of stay, decreased emergency room return visits, fewer medication errors and improved liability claims experience. So, how does IMH measure the effectiveness of patient-centered care and treatment practices? According to Dozier, “Success is reflected in industry scores for quality medical care and patient satisfaction.” To illustrate, according to the HCAHPS Survey, conducted by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Patient Satisfaction, in the past 12 months, IMH exceeds both state and national averages in 9 out of 10 categories, including: Willingness to Recommend the Hospital Communication with Nurses Communication about Medications Responsiveness of Hospital Staff Discharge Information Explanation Pain Management Cleanliness of the Hospital Environment Quietness of the Hospital Environment Overall Satisfaction Rating In addition, with regard to quality medical treatment for Heart Failure, for 7 consecutive quarters IMH is grouped with the top 10% of hospitals that scored 100% on 10 quality care criteria. Also, with regard to Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), IMH scored 100% on 10 quality care criteria since the first Quarter of 2008. IMH’s total mortality rate during that period was 6.2%. The national mortality rate for AMI during that same period was 16.2%. On your way back home, after passing Ivinson Memorial Hospital on 30th Street, remember the word “Fortunate.” LEDC "ALERT" -- Nominations for 2011 Business Awards Each year, LEDC honors businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. These awards exemplify extraordinary business performance, community involvement, and strong commitment to bettering the overall economic well-being of the region. STAY TUNED! Beginning April 1, 2011, LEDC will be accepting your nominations for: 2011 Small Business of the Year, 2011 Small Business Person of the Year, and 2011 Survival of the Fittest Award. Start thinking about City of Laramie and Albany County buisnesses and individuals you come into contact with everyday. Help us recognize those who make a difference to you and our community. WATCH FOR NOMINATING DETAILS ON APRIL 1ST   LEDC March Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties.   Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute Wealth is not just about $.......... It’s about Creating a workplace where Innovative Ideas can flourish and grow. Manufacturing-Works is co-sponsoring an intensive management program that will change the way you lead your business.  Don't Miss This One! April 11-13 Cheyenne, WY The Plains Hotel Find out more by contacting your local MW Field Engineer or Matt Melinkovich at mmelink1@uwyo.edu  or call 307-567-8171. Click Here to read what participants say about Innovations Engineering Leadership Institute.   E2E Meeting "P.R. Strategies that Work for Your Business" Wednesday March 23, 2011 Welcome Kael Robinson, President and Founder of Live Worldly, LLC. Live Worldly is an international jewelry and apparel wholesale company that Kael started with just $40.00. Kael is a graduate of the University of Denver and has worked for Vera Wang, Sara Campbell of Talbots and Saks Fifth Avenue after leaving a career in public relations. Kael's knowledge of the value of good public relations led her to employ a P.R. firm, resulting in articles about her and her products in magazines such as Women's Health, CosmoGirl, and People Magazine, as well as popular websites like Wall Street Journal.com, Inc.com and Entrepreneur. This is your opportunity to hear how Kael generated considerable media coverage with only minimal investment. You'll also learn how your business might benefit from a P.R. firm. E2E will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, UW Convention center on March 23rd, from 5:30 to 7:00PM. Hot hors d'oeuvres and hosted bar will be provided. Please Click to RSVP. Be sure to check your information and click "Yes, I will attend" at the bottom of the registration page. During this event you will have the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and business providers in Laramie and learn from experienced professionals about building business in Wyoming..... Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:26:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/3/29/now-accepting-2011-business-award-nominations/ Nominations Deadline - Monday April 18th Each year, LEDC honors businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. These awards exemplify extraordinary business performance, community involvement, and a strong commitment to improving the overall economic well-being of the community. Nominations are now being accepted for 2011 Small Business of the Year, 2011 Business Person of the Year, and 2011 Survival of the Fittest. Every business or individual in the City of Laramie and Albany County is eligible to be nominated for these awards. We encourage everyone to think about the businesses they come into contact with everyday and help us recognize those who make a difference to you or to our community. You have until Monday, April 18, 2011 to get your nominations filed with LEDC.   To submit your nominations, please Click Here.... Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:47:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/4/21/newsletter-april-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 4                                                                                                                                      April 2011 New Directors and Officers Approved by LEDC Board Six new candidates were nominated for three year terms on the LEDC Board of Directors as of July 1, 2011. During its April 12th meeting, the Board approved the nomination slate, then referred it to Partners in Progress members for final authorization. The slate of Director candidates follows: David Challacomb – Mountain Cement CompanyShane Cox – Source Office ProductsJeff Dodds – Dodds Shoe CompanyMona Gamboa – Happy Jack SoftwareRaj Pate – Comfort InnRoy Schmett – Mountain West Farm Bureau LEDC congratulates each of these individuals and sincerely appreciates their willingness to help guide the affairs of the organization. As Directors, they will be expected to attend monthly Board meetings and to vote knowingly on matters affecting LEDC and our community. Directors are also expected to serve on at least one LEDC committee; contribute to the committee's respective programs and initiatives; and to fully participate in raising funds for LEDC. On April 12, the LEDC Board also approved a 2011-2012 Slate of Officers as of July 1, 2011, which follows: Chair, Gary Crum, Wyoming State BankVice Chair, Megan Goetz, Pence and MacMillan, LLCTreasurer, Dave Coffey, Coffey Engineering & SurveyingSecretary, Roy Schmett, Mountain West Farm BureauImmediate Past Chair, Butch Keadle, Insurance Unlimited Typically, the Executive Board is structured through an ascending progression of chairs, or offices. For example, Butch Keadel, current 2010-2011 Chair, will replace Mike Peck, First Interstate Bank, as Immediate Past Chair on July 1, the beginning of the new 2011-2012 term. Gary Crum, current 2010-2011 Vice Chair, will in turn replace Butch Keadel as Chair on July 1. Over the years, the Executive Board has contributed greatly to leadership and support needed to sustain LEDC as it strives for balanced growth and economic well-being in the City of Laramie and Albany County. Our current Executive Board has diligently continued this tradition. We look forward to our new fiscal year with optimism and confidence. Paul Greaser Honored as Director Emeritus From time to time, the LEDC Executive Board recognizes, with Director Emeritus status, the exemplary service of Directors who have distinguished themselves through unique leadership and contributions. During its April Board Meeting, Paul Greaser was conferred this honor.                   Paul Greaser Upon bestowing the honor, LEDC Chair Butch Keadle said, "Paul Greaser is the consummate advocate for the Laramie Business Community. Paul's expertise in real estate values and development costs has enabled LEDC to prepare timely and accurate proposals to business. He is truly one of our strongest supporters for economic development." Paul was elected to the LEDC Board on two occasions; once in 1992-1998, and again in 2005-2011. He was Board Chair during 1996-1997. Paul has been a key member of the Industrial Properties Committee and continues to be a valuable "go to" member for both LEDC's Board and Staff. Commenting on Paul's achievement, Mike Peck, LEDC's Past Chair stated, "Paul is certainly deserving of the title Director Emeritus. I have worked with Paul over the last fifteen years and have always appreciated his forward thinking and positive approach to economic development. He is certainly a leader on the LEDC Board, and I look forward to his continued participation and encouragement, as LEDC takes advantage of the opportunities that are sure to develop over the coming years." Paul is the second Director that the 2010-2011 Executive Board has honored with Director Emeritus status. Jim Cavalli, Aspen-Banner Engineering, was honored with the esteemed distinction posthumously in December 2010. Laramie Economic Indicators - Annual Trends The Economic Indicators for the Laramie Area - Annual Trends (March 2011) has arrived! This analysis is published by the Wyoming Center for Business & Economic  Analysis, Inc.  The full report can be referenced by clicking on Economic Trends under the Site Selector tab of this website. LEDC April Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" Client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential client leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. A "Big Thank You" to All Those Who Helped        Checking In - An Early Morning Start The Laramie Beautification Committee, the City of Laramie and LEDC provided the planning and supplies. The residents of Laramie provided the ambitious voluntary effort. Together, all made Laramie's 2011 Spring Community Clean-up Day a sterling success. Brian Forster, Laramie's City Code Enforcement Officer, and Clean-up Day Operations Coordinator for the past 5 years said, "I was really impressed with the significant increase in participation this year. Everyone was anxious to pitch-in. There was just a lot of community spirit out there." Forster indicated that initial estimates suggested the clean-up would bring out 300 volunteers, similar to last year's participation. Instead, on April 16th there were 484 people who showed up for duty. Many came from church groups, private and civic groups, students, and other community service organizations. In addition, there were many Laramie families and neighbors who wanted to lend a hand. And there were volunteer services provided by local businesses, as well. For example, Mountain Cement volunteered a truck to help haul refuse. The Doo House volunteered to clean-up pet waste in Optimist Park. Heber Richardson's Honeywagon business donated portable sanitation facilities for the day's events. At mid-day, the Laramie City Fire Department sponsored a free lunch for all volunteers at Washington     City Council Member Joe Vitale grills lunch Park. And what was the outcome?....An estimated 1,300+ bags of refuse materials and debris were filled and removed from Laramie streets, parks and high-visibility areas throughout the city. Laramie's landfill reported traffic volume totaling 530 vehicles on April 16th, more than 4 times the normal Saturday volume. "These results clearly reflect the pride that Laramie residents have for their community," said Dan Furphy. Co-Chair of the Laramie Beautification Committee. "All those who volunteered for this very worthy community event deserve a big thank you for a job well done." Let this Year's Competition Begin! The Laramie Beautification Committee's (LBC) goal is to encourage businesses, citizens, public and private organizations to improve and constructively contribute to our community's aesthetic and physical environment. To this end, LBC has established an annual Beautification Achievement Awards Competition. Entrants can win cash awards and recognition for projects that improve the visual environment and enhance Laramie's quality of life. Margaret Brown, Beautification Awards Chair, stressed that all beautification project entries are welcome. She said, "In past years, we received entries ranging from small, elegant floral yard plantings to large, stylish commercial buildings with corresponding landscapes. We want to promote all the actions Laramie residents and their neighbors are taking to beautify their surroundings." Beautification Achievement Awards are assessed under two classes; Residential or Commercial projects. Further, projects may be categorized under New Construction, Renovation or Landscaping. All projects must have been completed within the last year. Click Here for a Beautification Achievement Awards Competition entry form. Entry forms are also available at the following local organizations: Laramie Economic Development Corporation Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce First National Bank Laramie Recreation Center Laramie Rivers Conservation District Judging will take place during the first week of September 2011. Criteria include considerations such as the attractiveness of the building's façade, suitability to the site, plantings, signage, cleanliness and maintenance, as well as lighting and other elements. Since appearance, particularly for landscaping projects, is likely to change prior to early September, entries must be accompanied by photographs to assist with judging. Before and after photos are encouraged. Awards will be presented on Community Service Day in September. Mail completed entry forms to Community Beautification Awards, Laramie Beautification Committee, P.O. Box 1250, Laramie, WY 82073. For further information call LEDC at 307-742-2212. SAVE THE DATE LEDC will be holding its Annual Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, May 12th at 5:30 PM. This year's theme is "From the Ground Up" - from Railroads to Cloud Computing. Be sure to mark your calendar?.... Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:07:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/4/27/laramie-money-magazine-accolade/ Laramie – Another "Best in West" for Retirees The May 2011 issue of Money magazine has recognized Laramie, Wyoming as one of the "Best Places to Retire If You Fear Higher Taxes." This reference was cited as number 57 of 100 Best Money Moves featured in the issue. Click Here to view the article's commendation..... Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/4/28/special-olympics-wyoming-volunteers-needed/ Your Help Is Needed! Become a Summer Games Special Olympics Volunteer The University of Wyoming and Laramie High School's Deti Stadium will be hosting the SPECIAL OLYMPICS WYOMING 2011 SUMMER GAMES on May 19th through 21st. Nearly 1,200 athletes, coaches, family members and spectators will be traveling to Laramie for three exciting days of intense competition and good cheer. Regardless of your experience, volunteers are needed to assist with a number of events and activities, including the following: Basketball                                   Power LiftingTrack & Field                              Data EntrySwimming                                   Health Care ServicesGymnastics                                Event Set-up/Take-down The Daily Schedule for Events is as follows:Thursday, May 19th11:00AM to 4:30PM @ UWYO Field House5:00PM to 6:30PM @ Laramie High School7:00PM Opening Ceremonies @ Laramie High SchoolFriday, May 20th8:00AM to Noon @ UWYO Corbett Building & Field House1:00PM to 4:30PM @ Laramie Rec Center and Laramie High School Deti StadiumSaturday, May 21st9:00AM to 1:00PM @ Laramie Rec Center and Laramie High School Deti Stadium Click Here for a SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEER INTEREST SURVEY and a VOLUNTEER INFORMATION and REGISTRATION FORM. When completing the interest survey, please include specifics, such as whether you would like to help with Officiating, Score Keeping, Timing, etc. Also, be sure to identify dates and times you are available. Anyone with questions about volunteering, please contact Emily Gran, Volunteer Coordinator, at sowyvolunteers@gmail.com or call 605-641-7249..... Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:24:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/4/28/wyoming-business-alliance/ OUTLOOK 2011   “Wyoming Economic Indicators” A Wyoming Business Alliance Event Hilton Garden Inn w Laramie Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 Registration Open............................................................................................................................... 6:30 a.m.  Breakfast Buffet  Welcome and Opening Janine Jordan, Laramie City Manager ................................................7:15 a.m.  Wyoming’s Main Frame Bill Schilling, President, Wyoming Business Alliance/ Wyoming Heritage Foundation, Casper, Wyoming.......................................................................................................... 7:20 a.m.  KEYNOTE SPEAKER National Economy Ken Goldstein, The Conference Board, New York, NY................................7:30 a.m. Wyoming Economy Buck McVeigh, Director, Wyoming Division of Economic Analysis, Cheyenne, Wyoming …………………………………………………………………………................................  8:00 a.m.   Laramie Business Perspectives....................................................................................................... 8:20 a.m. Moderator: Gary Negich, First Interstate Bank PANELISTS Jack Bedessen, President, Trihydro Corporation Carol Dozier, CEO, Ivinson Memorial Hospital Butch Keadle, Owner, Insurance Unlimited   ADJOURN................................................................................................................................................. 9:00 a.m. SPONSORS: PLATINUM, First Interstate Bank, Wyoming Business Council GOLD, University of Wyoming College of Business, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Laramie Boomerang SUPPORTERS:  Laramie Chamber of Commerce, Laramie Economic Development Corporation  ============================================================================= REGISTRATION “Wyoming Economic Indicators” Forum Laramie, Wyoming  NAME(S): ___________________________________________________________________ COMPANY: __________________________________________________________________ AMOUNT: ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________     CITY/STATE/ZIP: ______________________________________________________________ E-MAIL:_____________________________________________________________________ PHONE:_____________________________________________________________________ REGISTRATION (Includes Breakfast): Individual $35 Table Sponsor: Table of 6 - $265, Table of 8 - $350 Table Sponsors Have Reserved Tables and Will Be Recognized                                                                   Registration includes Materials Packet and Breakfast Make Checks payable to: Wyoming Business Alliance OR Register and Pay Online by Credit Card at www.wyomingbusinessalliance.com Wyoming Business Alliance 145 S Durbin St, Ste 101 • Casper, WY 82601 Phone: (307) 577-8000 • Fax: (307) 577-8003 • wyba@wyomingbusinessalliance.com   Click here for form:  WYBA_OUTLOOK_2011_Agenda_and_Registration_-_Laramie_4-12-11.pdf .... Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:03:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/4/28/2011-ledc-annual-dinner-may-12th/   Laramie Economic Development Corporation You and a guest are invited to our Annual Dinner Honoring all of our Partners in Progress 2011 Annual Business Awards Introduction of New Officers and Board Keynote Speaker: Richard Walje, President, Rocky Mountain Power  ===== Thursday, May 12th, 2011 at 5:30 pm Hilton Garden Inn 2229 Grand Avenue Laramie, WY  82070  Business Attire Prime Rib Dinner, No Host Bar $50.00 per person *Vegetarian meals are available upon request  RSVP by May 5th, 2011 Call Callie at 307-742-2212 or www.laramiewy.org/Events  .... Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:38:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/2/dinner-for-two/ Congratulations John Arnett!                          John Arnett John Arnett earned dinner for two by being the first to alert our LEDC staff of a newsworthy nation-wide media release concerning our City of Laramie. On April 26th, the release date for Money magazine's May 2011 issue, John called LEDC immediately after perusing his copy. In that publication, John read that Laramie, Wyoming was cited as one of the best places to retire, because of its relatively low taxes. After reading the Money magazine article, John happened to notice LEDC's phone number within a news article in that morning's Boomerang. John said, "I thought I'd give you a call to share some good news about our great city." John and his wife Alice Kay are both retired and long time residents of Laramie. He originally came to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming. After graduation, he worked at the university as a Pharmacist for 36 years prior to retiring. Today, John says his avocations include "fishing and just enjoying life." It appears that Laramie is gaining broader prominence, particularly among business site selectors, due to its geographic, cultural, academic and economic advantages. Consequently, the more that's learned about Laramie, the more positive press we seem to receive. That really says something about our community and its people. We, at Laramie Economic Development Corporation, encourage Laramie residents to give us a call or send us an email when you become aware of any positive national media reference to our fine city. Hey, like John Arnett, it could mean an enjoyable dining experience at Altitudes Chophouse or Lovejoy's for you and your significant other. Contact LEDC by calling 307-742-2212 or email jsomodi@laramiewy.org..... Mon, 02 May 2011 13:44:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/16/ledc-annual-dinner-and-recognition/ Celebration of Business Community and Initiatives Laramie Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) held its Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 12th at the Hilton Garden Inn. This annual event celebrates LEDC's achievements as well as those of the Laramie area business community. It also recognizes new and retiring Officers and Directors of the corporation. Richard Walje, President of Rocky Mountain Power, was the evening's keynote speaker. His presentation, titled "The 'Green Shoots' of Data Centers" provided insight into criteria that data centers, as large consumers of electrical power, use to choose sites for their business. He noted that power reliability and cost are of major importance. For years, electricity prices in Wyoming have been among the lowest in the nation and the world. Each year, the Laramie area business community nominates and then votes for businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic health and vitality of the City of Laramie and Albany County. LEDC presents awards to those who have demonstrated exemplary performance, involvement and commitment to the overall economic well being of the community. The 2011 award winners were announced by LEDC President and CEO, Gaye Stockman. The winner of the 2011 Business Person of the Year was Phil Nicholas, of Nicholas & Tangeman, LLC. As a Laramie businessman and attorney, Nicholas epitomizes all the criteria established for this award. He has readily demonstrated a high level of involvement and commitment to civic and community welfare, has contributed to the economic health of our community through support and participation in economic development programs, and has assumed prominent leadership roles for the benefit of our community. As State Senator, Nicholas was recently instrumental in drafting legislation and garnering congressional support for initiatives that enhance Wyoming's competitive attractiveness for site selection by mega data centers. "We've had a wonderful experience raising our children in this community and enjoying the University of Wyoming," Nicholas said. "And it's a great community. Everything we do is a labor of love." Hilton Garden Inn & University of Wyoming Conference Center was awarded 2011 Business of the Year. To be considered for this award, the organization must have been operating for at least two years; have contributed time and resources to the community; experienced favorable business health in terms of employment, sales and general financial condition, and demonstrated entrepreneurial skills through innovation. In accepting this award, Tom Kiel, General Manager, stated, "This is a great honor. I have a wonderful management team, great employees, and we have just a great partner with the University of Wyoming. We all really appreciate this." Survival of the Fittest is a special category of award that recognizes a developing or existing company that has maintained excellence in service and market acceptance even through adverse operational or economic times. Laramie Plains Civic Center was announced as the winner for 2011. Executive Director for the Center, Alec Shea, expressed gratitude for the award, "For the first time in my life, I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what to say, except thank you to my staff. They have worked very, very hard." Butch Keadle, retiring LEDC Chair, announced that David Challacomb, President of Mountain Cement Company; Mona Gamboa, President of Happy Jack Software; and Raj Patel, COO of Comfort Inn Laramie, were elected to the LEDC Board of Directors. Directors renewing their term were Shane Cox, Owner of Source Office Products; Jeff Dodds, President of Dodds Shoe Company; and Roy Schmett, President of Mountain West Farm Bureau. Casey Campbell, Owner of Brown and Gold; and Paul Greaser, Owner of The ACRE Company, were recognized as outgoing Directors. In addition, Paul Greaser was recognized for the honor of being named Director Emeritus. This status is bestowed upon Directors who have distinguished themselves through unique leadership and contributions to economic development. Similarly, Director Emeritus recognition was posthumously awarded to Jim Cavalli of Aspen-Banner Engineering. Both Greaser and Cavalli join a revered group of Laramie leaders who have been named Director Emeritus in past years, including Dr. David Walrath, Dick Van Pelt, Mark Marquardt, Lou Schilt, John Shuster and Mark Mader. New LEDC Executive Board Officers for 2011/2012 were recognized. These community-minded citizens are charged with responsibility for providing the leadership and support needed to sustain LEDC as a forward-looking advocate of economic development for the City of Laramie and for Albany County. They are:       Chair - Gary Crum, Wyoming State Bank      Vice Chair – Megan Goetz, Pence and MacMillan,LLC      Treasurer – Dave Coffey, Coffey Engineering & Surveying      Secretary – Roy Schmett, Mountain West Farm Bureau      Immediate Past Chair – Butch Keadle, Insurance Unlimited These new Executive Board Officer terms begin July 1, 2011..... Mon, 16 May 2011 16:03:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/20/laramies-gem-city-bone-and-joint/ Gem City Bone & Joint Practice and Flight Department Featured The June 2011 issue of Professional Pilot  magazine will be featuring an article on the Flight Department supporting Gem City Bone & Joint, a major orthopedic medicine practice based in Laramie, WY. Four full-time pilots and their featured aircraft based out of Laramie Regional Airport, enable Gem City's  highly skilled orthopedic medicine practitioners to serve residents of western Nebraska, South Dakota and northern Colorado in addition to Wyoming. Both Aviation and Orthopedic Medicine bring significant economic value to our community. Special thanks to Jack Skinner, Airport Manager - Laramie Regional Airport, for alerting LEDC to this article.  .... Fri, 20 May 2011 17:32:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/26/trihydro-corporation-aquires-aquifer-solutions/ Acquisition Expands Trihydro's Remediation Expertise On May 26, 2011, Trihydro Corporation announced that it has acquired Aquifer Solutions, Inc. an Evergreen, Colorado-based environmental consulting and design-build company that specializes in the assessment and remediation of complex and challenging sites. Aquifer Solutions brings Trihydro a reputation in the industry for being a technology-driven, specialty firm with a history of successfully addressing complicated sites. It has applied right fit current and emerging remediation methedologies to federal, industrial and international projects. For additional information, refer to Trihydro's website at www.trihydro.com     .... Thu, 26 May 2011 15:52:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/27/newsletter-may-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 5                                                                                                                                       May 2011 Butch Keadle – Profile of our LEDC Chair Butch Keadle  2010-2011 LEDC Chair Throughout its 26 year history, LEDC has been fortunate in being able to attract the type of quality Board leadership needed to prudently guide and direct the corporation. John C Maxwell, entrepreneur and author of numerous books on the topic of leadership, once stated, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way." These abilities are indeed reflected in the career and volunteer service experiences of our current 2010-20011 LEDC Chair, Butch Keadle. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Butch went to work for the State of Wyoming. While at the state, he worked for the Governor's Planning Coordinators Office and the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPAD) on several economic development projects. In 1984, he completed the first Economic Development loan through the Federal HUD Community Development Block Program. The loan was for $250,000 to the community of Saratoga for a furniture manufacturer. This was the very first time that the State of Wyoming ventured into lending funds for business development. When Laramie advertised for an executive director for a new economic development program, Butch decided to apply. The job was offered to him in September 1985, and thus the beginning of the Laramie Economic Development Corporation. Butch admits that from the start, he felt connected with the community in his new position. He was greatly impressed by the Board of Directors, and particularly with C L Burton, who Butch considers his mentor. Butch was given considerable latitude in building the ED program from the ground up. He created and implemented the business expansion and business recruitment programs. "The entire Board gave so much of their time and energy to activities outside their careers in order to make Laramie a better place to live and work," notes Keadle. "To a great extent, their passion was a major reason why I wanted to stay in Laramie and raise my family." In 1991, Butch accepted a job offer to go to work for C L Burton as Vice President of Sales for Rocky Mountain Forest Products. "Going to work for Rocky Mountain Forest Products was a great career move," said Keadle. "I had the opportunity to be part of a great team that shared a vision of growing a business -- not only in Laramie, but in California and Texas. Moreover, in a period of five short years, we acquired two other like businesses, grew the workforce from 75 to 350 workers; and increased sales from $12 million to $40 million. These were exciting times to be part of the Rocky Mountain Forest Products team," Keadle recounted. While Butch was pursuing his sales career with Rocky Mountain Forest Products, his wife, Danette, was venturing into insurance. In 1994, the Keadles decided to buy the insurance agency that Danette was managing from Rocky Mountain Federal and renamed it "Insurance Unlimited." Butch affirms, "From the beginning, Danette has been responsible for building the agency's client base and good business reputation in the community." The start of a new decade, 2000, brought new opportunities for the Keadles. A joint decision was made to work together in their insurance business. Thus, a business plan for accelerating growth and expansion of Insurance Unlimited began. Butch handled the life and health sales; and the business management side. Danette concentrated on auto, home, business and bond sales; training; and client services. In addition, Butch was able to get more involved in community activities, something he was not able to do at Rocky Mountain Forest Products. In 2004, Butch was asked to become a member of the Laramie County Community College Foundation Board. In that capacity, he helped secure bonds to finance the building of the Albany County campus. To this date, Butch remains a member of the LCCC Foundation Board and an Advisory Board member to the Albany County Campus of LCCC. In 2006, a new startup company by the name of Medicine Bow Technology (MBT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ivinson Hospital, asked Butch to serve on the MBT Board. For the last four years, Butch has served as either CEO or Chairman of the Board. Today, MBT has grown to 17 employees and is maturing into a successful business. Also in 2006, Butch was elected to the Board of the Laramie Economic Development Corporation. As Butch Keadle's term as LEDC Chair draws to a close, we thank him for his service and leadership. It is obvious that Butch's experiences truly demonstrate that he "knows the way, goes the way, and continues to show the way" for others to emulate. Butch was asked whether there were any lessons he gained through his experience of chairing the LEDC Board this past year. He replied, "Each successive year seems to add to the work that needs to be completed. Each Chair and Executive Committee seems to bring more resources to bear. Take the Rail Spur, for example. As Gaye Stockman will attest, this is an extremely complicated endeavor. Three or four years ago, I don't know if we had all our resources fully in place to get to where we are today. And we're not going to quit. We're going to definitely see this project through to its successful conclusion." On June 30th, Butch will be handing over the reins of Chair leadership to another very capable LEDC Officer, Gary Crum. We are confident in knowing that Gary will continue to stay the course by further advancing Laramie's future in economic development. LEDC May Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Trihydro Receives BBB Torch Award Congratulations to Trihydro Corporation on being selected for the 2011 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Ethics. For more than a decade the Better Business Bureau has honored businesses that exhibit excellence in ethical practices, as well as high standards in relationships with customers, suppliers, and other company stakeholders. These businesses display honesty and integrity in marketing and advertising, and readily demonstrate a willingness to give back to the community.                                 Carrie Rossman, Director of the BBB Foundation, which oversees the awards program said, "The Torch Award for Business Ethics is unique, since it emanates from research work conducted by business students at the University of Wyoming, the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University. Each year, the process begins with publicly solicited nominations of companies in Colorado and Wyoming. In Fall, nominees are selected and the BBB works with university students to interview and research the nominees. Business analyses are then turned over to an independent judging panel, which selects winners." Keith Marcott, Trihydro Sr. Vice President, said, "We're very proud to have been selected for this award. It's confirmation that Trihydro is doing things right. We believe that when you can build an atmosphere of trust and fair treatment, people just naturally enjoy working for you and doing business with you." Plant Trees and Grow an Entrepreneur                                                                      Doug Wookey, environmental entrepreneur and 13 year Laramie resident, has been interested in protecting the environment for most of his adult life. His ambition to help heal the environment began during the early 90's while he worked summers in northern Canada planting trees to replace those devastated by beetle kill and other adversities. Since then, Doug has continued pursuing one of his life's goals - to plant one million trees - an achievement that is well underway. In 2008, Doug began his business called Terra Green Environmental, LLC, which was created out of his compulsion to revitalize nature's woodlands. Doug describes Terra Green's mission as "helping protect the environment and sustain our future." That mission has been integrated into just about every facet of Doug's life, from his occupation as Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator and Wastewater Treatment Operator for the City of Laramie to his pursuit of an Environmental Science Degree from Casper College. Doug says, "Last year, I began thinking about wastewater problems that can occur with septic system leach beds. I was actually looking for a way that wastewater might be cleaned up and used for watering trees and other vegetation. This January, I designed a process that cleans wastewater using an overhauled 100 year old technology. Septic tank leach lines basically dilute wastewater. My Terra Green idea takes the place of leach lines, cleaning the wastewater before reusing it." As a result of Doug Wookey's wastewater cleansing concept, Terra Green recently received a $5,000 Phase 0 Wyoming SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) initiative award in order to begin data collection for proposal submission to the USDA. That effort could result in a Phase 1 SBIR award of considerably higher monetary value. The USDA is interested in ideas that will improve water quality, conservation and efficient utilization. Doug said that he, his wife Tuesday, and their four children are happy to live in Laramie. He is grateful for the assistance his business has received from the Laramie educational and business service community. According to Doug, "If you want to start a new business, this (Laramie) is the place to be, because there are so many excellent resources available to help you. You have the University of Wyoming, the Incubator, LEDC, the Wyoming Business Council and Manufacturing Works, just to name a few. The positive way people are willing to help you is just amazing. Laramie is a great place!".... Fri, 27 May 2011 13:32:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/5/27/request-for-proposals-south-laramie-rail-spur-project/ NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES South Laramie Rail Spur Project Office of City Clerk                 Notice is hereby given that the City of Laramie, Wyoming will receive sealed proposals for professional services for the design and construction of a new rail spur extension of ZTS Track #107 as called for in the request for proposal for professional services including construction manager services, design services, and construction; City of Laramie at the Office of City Clerk, City Hall, 406 Ivinson Street (P.O. Box C), Laramie, Wyoming 82073 until 3:00 P.M. Local Time, on July 7, 2011.                 A complete set of the Specifications may be obtained after the 24th day of May 2011, via the City website http://www.cityoflaramie.com/projects/, which will lead to a Quest CDN website, which the bidder must login and pay a fee of twenty dollars ($20).   Questions can be directed to Gaye Stockman, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, at telephone number 307-742-2212 or Dave Derragon, Assistant City Manager, at telephone number 307-721-5304. The City of Laramie reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.                                                                                          CITY OF LARAMIE, WYOMING                                                                                           By ____________________________________                                                                                                      Janine Jordan, City Manager  (Seal)  Attest:  _________________________________________ Sue Morris-Jones, City Clerk  Publication Dates:            May 24, 2011                                                 May 31, 2011   ================================================================================ ADDENDUM SLRSP CMAR Design Services RFP (Quest Project #1616881) City of Laramie P.O. Box C Laramie, WY 82073 Request for Proposals Construction Manager Services (CMAR) Including Design and Construction Services For SOUTH LARAMIE RAIL SPUR PROJECT Submittal Deadline: Date: July 7, 2011 Time: 3:00 p.m., MST (local time) Place: Office of the City Clerk, City of Laramie 406 Ivinson Avenue Laramie, WY 82070 The mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at the Laramie Recreation Center located at 920 Boulder Drive, Laramie, WY, on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m..... Fri, 27 May 2011 19:49:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/6/22/handel-it-position-available-customer-solution-support-engineer/ Handel is a leading software solution used by child-, youth-, and family social service programs in over 40 states. Our clients are American Indian Tribes, non-profits, cities, counties, and states. They currently have an open position with their organization.  For more information about HANDEL IT and the open position, please click on this link:  http://www.handelit.com/AboutHandel/CareerOpportunities/CustomerSolutionSupportEngineer.aspx Customer Solution Support Engineer Posted 6/22/2011 Job Description As a customer solution support engineer you will be a vital part of our customer solution teams. Working with customers all across the country, from Alaska to Florida, our customer solution teams are responsible for implementing our RiteTrack software solutions and assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving issues related to customers. Our customers (child, family and American Indian social services agencies) use RiteTrack to help provide better services to their clients and to make their employees lives easier. As a Handel customer solution support engineer, you will have an exciting tech career and you will use your skills to help make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of people. In addition, Laramie, Wyoming offers unparalleled quality of life and might be a great place to start the next chapter of your career/life. Required Qualifications Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent problem-solving skills Great aptitude for learning Database design and configuration experience Desired Qualifications College degree Microsoft Visual Studio C# ASP.NET SQL Silverlight Compensation Competitive salary based upon qualifications and experience Performance-based bonuses and stock options Home-computer lease and high-speed Internet subsidies Holiday and vacation pay Health-care plan and SIMPLE IRA  Please send resume to applicants@handelit.com.... Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:03:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/6/24/verizon-data-center-decision/ Verizon and Terremark Set New Direction On Thursday, June 23, 2011, Verizon announced that it will not be building a mega data center in Laramie WY, due to its April 2011 acquisition of Terremark, a global data storage and cloud computing company. Miami-based Terremark operates data centers in North America, Latin America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Verizon spokeswoman, Lynn Staggs said that if and when Verizon decides to look at expanding its data center portfolio, there's no reason why Wyoming wouldn't be considered. She said, "All the positive reqasons we considered Wyoming in the first place - the strong labor pool, the pro-business environment, power issues, etc. are reasons we would consider in future site selections." Staggs added, "I want to emphasize that Verizon has not lost sight of and is very appreciative of all the work Wyoming put forth -- from the city, County and State." Click Here to read LEDC's News Release regarding Verizon's decision..... Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:24:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/7/25/newsletter-july-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 6                                                                                                                                       July 2011 Gary Crum on LEDC's Direction for the New Fiscal Year Gary Crum knows what it takes to lead. Leadership is evidenced throughout Gary's sports and professional career pursuits – from coaching the 1984 Montana State Football Team to a Conference Championship, to his rapid banking industry ascendancy to President & CEO of Wyoming State Bank. Most leaders will attest that the ability to reach your objectives relies heavily on team talent and effort. In this regard, Gary is very optimistic. He emphatically states, "LEDC has a knowledgeable and highly professional staff led by Gaye Stockman, LEDC's President & CEO. In addition, the 2011-2012 Executive Board consists of members with broad-based experience and recognized talent in their careers." In addition to Gary, LEDC's Chair, the Executive Board consist of Vice Chair - Megan Goetz, Pence & MacMillan LLC; Treasurer - Dave Coffey, Coffey Engineering & Surveying, LLC; Secretary – Roy Schmett, Mountain West Farm Bureau; and Past Chair – Butch Keadle, Insurance Unlimited. Fiscal year 2011-2012 is the second time Gary Crum has Chaired direction for LEDC. The first time was fiscal year 1999-2000. As he looks ahead to this upcoming year, Gary notes, "Our past year serves as a great model for us to follow. The Executive Team consistently did its job by bringing many people together in a unified effort. In the case of Verizon, we may all be somewhat disappointed with the outcome, but we need to realize that our community and the state of Wyoming are much better off because of all the work that was accomplished to attract Verizon. We continue to learn valuable lessons that will help us well into the future." Gary remarked, "Successful economic development provides for balanced growth and improved economic wellbeing for our community's citizens. Therefore, we need to support measures that enable existing business to remain healthy and prosperous. We realize that existing business is economic development's foundation of support. But then, we must also focus on recruiting new business that will ultimately pay its own way. Sometimes new business may need incentives at first, but will also eventually need to provide back to the community so everyone benefits." According to Gary, "In the very near future, our Executive Board will be attending a retreat where we'll be discussing how LEDC can best move forward based on our available resources. I personally believe that we should not be an organization that tries to be all things to all people. When that happens, the organization ends up not accomplishing much of anything. Instead, we need to take a hard look at our to-do list and concentrate on the handful of items that provide the greatest value for our effort. Then, we have to attend to making sure we get those items completed." Once again this year, LEDC has the leadership and the team in place. It will soon be refining its strategy and tactics for success in the new fiscal year. With your continued support and engagement, we look forward to winning season! LEDC July Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Welcome Amanda Bohannon, LEDC Office Manager Amanda brings a cheerful abundance of administrative know-how and practical customer-oriented office management experience to LEDC. In addition to previous employment with Laramie All Pet Clinic, she performed sales, customer service, office management and administrative support functions for a variety of municipal and private industry employers within the state. She also possesses a respectful regard for the entrepreneurial spirit, having owned and operated a family backhoe service for three years in Glendo, WY. Amanda was born and raised in Cheyenne, where she gained an appreciation for hard work, reliability, confidence and family values. She attended East High School, and then later supplemented her on-the-job work experience with business courses taken though the University of Phoenix. Her combined interests include relating with Wyoming's outdoors and having fun with her three children, Baily, Taylor, and Cash. Partner Recognition - Rocky Mountain Power Rocky Mountain Power is supporting economic growth in Wyoming by ensuring access to safe, reliable and affordable electric service – which provides a competitive advantage for businesses and assists in attracting new commerce and industry to the state. Electrical system investments are creating the energy infrastructure Wyoming businesses and communities need while providing substantial employment opportunities. Harold Babbitt, Rocky Mountain Power's local customer and community manager, appreciates the partnerships throughout Laramie and Albany County in promoting SMART growth and development. "We want to collaborate with communities and counties as they develop and refine their master plans, throughout the permitting and design processes," said Babbitt. "We try to help ensure that regional and local planning efforts exhibit foresight rather than afterthought when it comes to meeting communities' growing electricity needs." The cost and availability of electric power are key factors businesses must consider when deciding where to start up, relocate or expand their operations. "To help developers and businesses keep costs at a minimum, we encourage them to build near existing electric facilities and substations with excess capacity when possible," said Babbitt. Rocky Mountain Power encourages communities to do up-front engineering studies to shorten the timeframe for bringing new businesses in or helping existing ones expand. Engineering studies include: · Meeting with people from the communities or companies considering development; · Helping identify marketable industrial sites with good power capacity; · Making sure the company has the energy capacity to serve the new development; and · Providing information on what further development would be needed to serve the site (for example, identifying where a new substation could go if it were needed). Rocky Mountain Power's economic development consultants and community managers play a big role in helping communities prepare to serve new and expanding businesses. "To ensure we have the infrastructure needed to deliver power to both existing and future customers, we must be an active partner in local and state economic development and have a good feel for the pulse of the communities we serve," said Babbitt. This year, Rocky Mountain Power worked with economic development groups and local community and civic leaders to encourage Verizon to locate a data center in Laramie. Although that effort did not attain its desired conclusion, Rocky Mountain Power will continue to participate in efforts to attract new businesses and commercial expansion in the Laramie area. "Having a reliable electrical system is essential for the continued economic vitality of the communities in which we operate and for each customer we serve; however, our community involvement and what our customers expect from us goes beyond that," said Joe Schilling, Rocky Mountain Power's distribution manager in Laramie. "They look to us for support in attracting new businesses or to help existing businesses expand." Mickey Beaver, Rocky Mountain Power's economic development manager, notes that the utility has been delivering electricity to customers for nearly 100 years. Beaver said it's his belief that "every kilowatt hour we have ever delivered has helped develop the economy just a little bit more." He added, "We continue to deliver electricity at the lowest reasonable costs to our customers and communities. Even given the significant investment we continue making to support growth, our prices remain a significant attractor to new business and industry, and for existing businesses considering expansion." In addition to providing electric service, Rocky Mountain Power also provides good jobs for many Wyoming residents and is one of the larger taxpayers in the state. Contributions from Rocky Mountain Power or the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation have helped to fund local initiatives by organizations including the Laramie Economic Development Corporation, Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, U.P. Railroad footbridge project, downtown revitalization project, and events such as the Jubilee Days rodeo and more. "Rocky Mountain Power is helping to keep Wyoming a great place to live, work and raise a family," concluded Babbitt. "Our nearly 1,400 employees in Wyoming – including 12 here in Laramie - are dedicated to meeting the everyday needs of the 135,000 customers we serve in the state and building a bright future for generations yet to come.".... Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:38:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/8/25/newsletter-august-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 7                                                                                                                               August 2011 LEDC is on the Move .... Physically and Figuratively Effective September 1st, LEDC's new office location is --                              2523 East Garfield, Suite B,                              Laramie, WY 82073-1250 Other contact information remains the same --                      Mailing Address: PO Box 1250                                Laramie, WY 82073 Office Phone:        307-743-2212FAX:                        307-742-8200Website:                www.LaramieWY.org We're really excited about our brand new, easily accessible, and professional looking surroundings. Be sure to visit us and see our new offices as of September 1, 2011. You're always welcome! Gaye Stockman, President & CEOJoe Somodi, Vice PresidentAmanda Bohannon, Office Manager Sometimes Investing Can Be A Real Picnic                            What a great picnic gathering! Picnickers were treated to savory food (prepared by Altitudes Chophouse) refreshing beverages and engaging conversation. They were captivated by guest speaker Joe Sharkey, TMG Global (Verizon Site Consultant), as he presented an overview of Wyoming's Data Center allure. These attractions were enjoyed by more than 100 LEDC Partners in Progress investors and guests on August 24th at the Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance facilities. LEDC's Board of Directors planned this event for the purpose of recognizing the importance of its investor group, and to reinforce its commitment to open, free-flowing and congenial communications with investors. Mr. Sharkey's presentation conveyed the expectation that data centers represent the next generation of revenues for Wyoming. He highlighted major considerations that site selectors use to comparatively rate competing sites for data centers. He also outlined factors resulting in Laramie's high rating which, in turn, originally attracted Verizon to this area. Wyoming is a smart choice for data centers, because it is a financially sound state, has attractive tax structures and tax incentives, its academic institutions are responsive to data center needs, and Wyoming has training and infrastructure grants for local communities. Wyoming's Governor and legislature are strong advocates of economic growth through data centers and highly effective in initiating changes needed to realize economic development. Laramie has a number of additional advantages, which directly sparked Verizon's interest: 1. Rocky Mountain Power – based on power rates, new WAPA Buss Switch Yard with 3 separate feeds and its quick commitment to provide needed resources, 2. Having a "remote" site, but close to existing city services, 3. LEDC's ability to provide multiple site options, leading to the client's ideal area, 4. LEDC's efforts to coordinate requirements with the landowner, the state, county and city, 5. The City of Laramie's extensive cooperation and initiative, particularly with regard to annexing and extending city services, 6. Albany County's extensive cooperation and initiative, particularly with regard to zoning and permitting, 7. The proximity of long haul Fiber routes to the company, 8. The University of Wyoming resources and Laramie's available workforce. Despite business forces that caused Verizon to roll back its plans to build a Mega Data Center in the West, Joe Sharkey suggested that Laramie continues to be a prime location for data centers. Actions taken to attract Verizon to Laramie are worthy of replication as future opportunities arise.   Overall, the Partners in Progress Picnic afforded attendees with an enjoyable and enlightening evening. We thank the following partners for their special contributions in making this event such a pleasurable experience:   Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance -- for volunteering such excellent facilities, Insurance Unlimited -- for providing the refreshing beverages,American National Bank -- for providing tables and chairs,Laramie Plains Civic Center -- for providing chairs, andHappy Jack Software, Inc. -- for providing labor and transportation for equipment. LEDC's Mission and Top 5 Objectives for 2011-2012 Periodically reviewing our mission....our purpose....the very reason why LEDC exists, is a good way to reinforce our common interests, expectations and those ties that bind. Laramie Economic Development CorporationMission Statement The mission of the Laramie Economic Development Corporation is to establish a comprehensive economic development program for the Laramie area, which will foster balanced growth and enhance the economic welfare of the citizens. This mission is advanced when the corporation: Promotes, stimulates, develops and advances the economic welfare of the City of Laramie and County of Albany and its citizens, Encourages and assists in the location and development of new business and industry in this area and assists existing business and industry, Champions existing business and industry, provides assistance to advance their ability to thrive, identify and remove barriers to their growth, and Creates and retains primary jobs providing competitive wages for the residents of the City of Laramie and Albany County.  In correspondence with this mission, the 2011-2012 Executive Committee recently developed its Top 5 Operating Objectives for LEDC. These objectives constitute this year's primary focus for LEDC and staff: #1 Business Development – Resources will concentrate on attaining a fully-operational trans-load facility in Laramie, and to marketing existing and future commercial property. #2 Revenue Generation – This objective will be accomplished when the Executive Committee deems a successful PIP-II Investment Campaign and LEDC 2012 Annual Dinner have been realized, when currently adopted Fee for Service Agreements have been renewed, and when significant progress has been made in establishing Fee for Service Agreements with other appropriate entities. #3 Support Key Strategic Partners/Opportunities – Specific attention will focus on Western Research Institute (Existing Business), Pete Lien and Sons (New Business), DKRW (New Business), Ivinson Memorial Hospital (Expansion), Qwest Communications/Century Link (Encourage Upgrading Existing Community Infrastructure), however, other opportunities may be added as they arise. #4 Enhance/Advance Relationships – Strengthen and actively support the multitude of current LEDC partnerships that exist with municipal, governmental, academic, business support and community service organizations impacting Laramie's economic development. Take steps necessary to maintain open and effective communications with these partners, and to increase LEDC's visibility, influence, and advocacy on issues and initiatives of common interest and mutual benefit. #5 Optimize Funding/Mitigate Expenses – Continue efforts to prudently explore/implement effective marketing and client outreach initiatives and to satisfactorily complete or resolve commitments and agreements made. Manage and develop staff performance and competencies. Continue to apply due diligence regarding all General and Administrative Overhead Expenses. This guidance and direction is sure to serve LEDC well. LEDC August Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. REMINDER - Albany County Clean-up Day – August 27, 2011 Saturday, August 27th is your chance to dispose of trash, junk, tires, old appliances, batteries and other scrap or refuse you have been wanting to get rid of within the past several months....and you can do so free of charge. It's "open dump day" for residents of Albany County. Click Here for details. Thanks to Albany County, in partnership with Laramie Rivers Conservation District and the City of Laramie, for sponsoring this environmentally worthwhile event. .... Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/8/29/manufacturing-works-training-september-28th-29th/ Tom Reilly's - "Value-Added Selling" September 28th-29th -- Manufacturing-Works brings Tom Reilly and his world class Value-Added Selling program to Casper, Wyoming. This world class philosophy will give you answers to the question of "What are your customers thinking?" Click Here for full details regarding this "must attend" event.    .... Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:02:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/9/6/position-open-for-software-engineer-in-laramie/  HANDEL Information Technologies, Inc. Location: Laramie, WY   Contact Information: Send resume to applicants@handelit.com For more info, call 877 742 5554   Job Overview As a Software Engineer at Handel you will be involved in developing the RiteTrack 5 framework as well as industry solutions built using this framework. We develop on the .NET platform using several technologies including C#, Silverlight, and SQL server. We are looking for an excellent problem solver with strong work ethic and the ability to think outside the box. As a Handel Software Engineer you are part of a small, cohesive, team of developers where each person’s input is heard. As a company of under 30 employees, we offer an unparalleled atmosphere that is results driven and fast-paced, yet laid-back. As a Handel Software Engineer you are not just working on the greatest technology platform in the human services industry, but you are also having a long-term positive impact on the lives of the clients that our customers serve. If you meet the requirements for this job and you want an exciting career working for a fast-growing technology company in a small college town, then this may be the job for you. Requirements Applicants should have Experience with Microsoft .NET (C# preferred) Experience with Microsoft SQL Server Client/server or web services application development, familiarity with Silverlight and web standards including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML College Degree Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary based upon qualifications and experience Performance-based bonuses and stock options Home-computer lease and high-speed Internet subsidies Holiday and vacation pay Health insurance IRA On the premises fitness room Fitness club membership subsidy Wide variety of drinks and fruits available Last Friday of the month Lunch …and much more .... Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:56:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/9/14/data-center-website-introduced/ LEDC Introduces Data Center Website at World Conference Gaye Stockman, President & CEO, announced the introduction of a new website specifically designed for marketing Laramie to data center site selectors. The website, located at ClimateCooled.com, provides facts, figures and other relevant detail used by the experts to analyze and contrast highly rated locations. It can also be accessed through the "Links" tab on this LEDC website. This new marketing tool was initially developed to support LEDCs representation at the Data Center World Conference &EXPO, conducted September 11th through 14th in Orlando, Florida. Stockman stated, "Laramie has a great story to tell regarding its economic and operational advantages for all business ventures, and particularly for data centers. That message is being bolstered through events such as this conference. Well over 600 people have attended this event. Attendees have been made aware of Laramie's superior standing regarding a full range of considerations affecting data center needs. This new, specially created website is very effective in supporting our message.".... Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:27:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/9/30/newsletter-september-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 8                                                                                                                         September 2011 2011 Annual Beautification Awards One of the many worthwhile functions served by the Laramie Beautification Committee (LBC) is to recognize projects that improve the visual environment and enhance Laramie's quality of life. Each year, the LBC invites businesses, citizens and public or private organizations to enter its beautification awards competition. Awards recognize both residential and commercial classes of projects completed during the past year. Typically, three categories of awards are established for each class; New Construction, Renovation, and Landscaping. This year, a Special Community Coalition Recognition award was established to replace the Residential New Construction award. In addition to the recognition award, candidates each receive a $250 cash award for their winning entries. This year, Margaret Brown, Chairperson of the LBC Beautification awards Subcommittee, announced the following 2011 award winners: 2011 Residential Awards Special Community Coalition Recognition AwardRoseMarie Aridas Renovation AwardShane Johnson & Kassie    Landscaping Award          Helen Coates (Pictured with Dan Furphy, Co-Chair LBC)                    2011 Commercial Awards New ConstructionAntelope Meadows Mini Storage Renovation AwardLaramie Plains Federal Credit Union (PicturedTyler Valentine, CEO, LPFCU with Dan Furphy) Landscaping AwardLaramie Plains Museum We congratulate each of the winning candidates and are grateful for the time and effort associated with projects completed by all entrants in this year's competition. LEDC September Client Report Click here for information pertaining to current "Hot Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us if you have potential client leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. SNAPIT Partnership – A Call to Action SNAPIT, which stands for Solutions Networking Applied to People In Technology, is a unique partnership resulting from an Industry Partnership Solutions (IPS) grant awarded by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and Wyoming's Workforce Development Council. SNAPIT's mission focuses on identifying common workforce issues and exploring solutions through collaborative efforts among Laramie area technology-based companies. Several local technology-based businesses have represented the industry component in SNAPIT since the partnership was created in September 2010. These businesses are: Coffey Engineering & Surveying, LLC, Handel Information Technologies, Inc., Intevac Photonics DeltaNu, LLC, Medicine Bow Technologies, Pronghorn Technologies, Inc., and Trihydro Corporation. A growing number of technology companies continue to join the partnership. During the past several months, the following businesses have become partnership participants, with more companies expected join in the weeks ahead: AMEC Earth & Environmental, Analogic Engineering Inc., BC Technologies, LTD, Crystal Solutions,Inc., Digital Blues, Inc., DOWL-HKM Edge Engineering, Inc., Edge Engineering, Inc., Fusestudios Media Consulting, LLC, Green Build Technologies, LLC, Happy Jack Software, Inc., Hayden-Wing Associates, LLC, Hydrologic, LLC, InterTech Environmental & Engineering, Modern Printing, Tiger Tree Land Management, Wester-Wetstein & Associates, WWC Engineering, Z4 Energy Systems. The SNAPIT partnership also includes educational institutions and community support organizations to provide expertise, insight and advice in helping technical sector business deal with the common workforce issues that surface. In particular, these organizations are the Department of Workforce Services, Laramie County Community College, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Technology Business Center. According to Dr. Jon Benson, SNAPIT Board President, "For the past few months the SNAPIT organization has concentrated on expanding its membership and surveying technology businesses regarding their skilled and professional workforce challenges. These challenges tend to focus on recruitment, retention, training and development issues. Our surveys are conducted through LEDC to ensure confidentiality and consistency in approach." The membership outreach and survey data gathering phase of SNAPIT's work plan should be completed within the next few weeks. Upon completion, survey data will be aggregated, compiled and organized into a preliminary report for the SNAPIT Board's review. After that, a review of these initial findings will be conducted with survey participants for their feedback and additional input. Benson indicated, "Once our survey findings are analyzed and refined, and once common workforce problems have been defined, our partnership should be able to begin exploring alternative solutions. Our strategies should address both the short and long-term workforce needs of this region's technical sector." SNAPIT's documentation of study findings, along with recommended alternative solutions to common workforce problems, will essentially satisfy its commitments established under the initial phase of the IPS grant that led to the partnership's creation. The next logical step for SNAPIT would be to further explore and possibly expand upon the recommendations reached through the collaboration of its partnership members. Certainly, these recommendations will also need to be shared, and consensus reached, with other interested or affected parties as a preliminary to any implementation. Without getting ahead of ourselves however, at the present time, regardless of whether you're a larger or smaller employer in the technology sector, it's important that we hear your voice. If you have not yet been contacted by a SNAPIT representative, and you wish to share your opinions and experience concerning workforce issues, contact Joe Somodi at LEDC, 742-2212. We want to hear from you. Made in America In a recent article published in ExecutivePulse, Inc., the International Business Times reported, "about 2.8 million jobs, both in manufacturing and high-tech fields, have been lost as a result of the growing U.S. trade deficit with China, since Beijing's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001." With our nation's unemployment rate seemingly stuck at an exasperating 9.1%, and the economy stalled, if not wobbling on the verge of a double-dip recession, Americans are searching for solutions, and answers. Reactions to our economic malaise have been varied, but one seems to be gaining traction in the hope for providing some relief. We are seeing a renewal of "Buy Local" and "Buy American" campaigns. In the 1960s, nine out of ten products bought in America were produced in the USA. Today, only about 50% of the products we purchase are produced in the States. According to ABC World News, economists have projected that if everyone just spent 1% more on American products – that's 18 cents per day or $64 per year – that would produce 200,000 jobs. Roger Simmermaker, author of the book, "How Americans Can Buy American" suggests that when making purchases we should search out American owned companies, as well as American made products. Doing so, keeps profits and taxes paid in America. "American companies typically pay twice as much in taxes to the U.S. Treasury compared to foreign-owned companies." Simmermaker further states, "According to a National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) survey, you can add an average 22% onto the cost of American products just due to taxes and regulations." Simmermaker also points out that most Americans like to buy American products, but as the NAM survey implies, American products are normally more expensive than their foreign equivalents. He cautions consumers, however, to compare the differences. Many times foreign products are not really cheaper, and in other cases, there are value differences that can come into play. Then, according to ExecutivePulse, Inc., there are those intangible costs that are difficult to calculate, such as: *  When you buy American you support not only American manufacturers, but also American workers, generally safer working conditions and child labor laws. *  Jobs shipped abroad rarely return. When you buy goods made in the USA, you help keep the American economy growing. *  A diminished American ability to manufacture certain products is strategically unsound. When you seek out American-made goods, you foster American independence. *  The huge US trade deficit leads to massive, unsustainable borrowing from other countries. Debt isn't good for you and isn't good for America. *  Factories and money are shifting to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy. When you avoid imported goods in favor of American-produced items, you help ensure that America doesn't find itself reliant on goods from countries impacted by political conflict. *  As America's capacity to manufacture fades, future generations of US citizens will be unable to find relevant jobs. Buying American helps keep your friends and neighbors, and even yourself, earning a living wage. Executive Directors for Economic Development Robust economic health is a highly sought-after goal in most communities, both large and small. It requires good planning, commitment and support on the part of local government leaders, business leaders, citizens and community support organizations. Certainly, economic development is either the direct or indirect outcome of truly effective community oriented programs and initiatives. Communities will differ in the way they coordinate and promote synergy between agencies that contribute to economic development, recognizing that good communications, healthy relationships and collaboration are all essentials for success. In Laramie, we have several major non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations that promote economic development by serving business and industry needs. Among them are: Albany County Tourism Board– Fred Ockers, Executive Director, 745-4195 Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce– Gordon Crow, Executive Director, 745-7339 Laramie Economic Development Corporation– Gaye Stockman, President and CEO, 742-2212 Laramie Main Street– Trey Sherwood, Executive Director, 760-3355 Laramie Plains Civic Center– Alec Shea, Executive Director, 460-2088 While very much aware of their distinctly different missions, and their needs to independently pursue objectives, the leaders of these five organizations also appreciate the benefits of discussing both common and unique issues each faces. Consequently, they decided to meet as a group, at least quarterly, in order to advance inter-organizational communication, cooperation and critical thinking. If you have concerns or suggestions that may be accommodated through the efforts of two or more of these organizations, feel free to contact any of the leaders identified above. Time for Commercial Brokers to Zoom Every several months, it's a good idea to check your listings in ZoomProspector, LEDC's commercial property and demographics website. If a commercial broker's listing is not updated for a six month period, it likely to be automatically dropped from the website. Today would be an excellent time to check your present listings and to add any listings you have recently obtained. If you have questions, feel free to contact us at 742-2212. Southeast Wyoming's 2012 Economic Forecast LEDC is proud to be one of the sponsors of a panel discussion presented by the Wyoming Business Report regarding the 2012 Economic Forecast for Southeast Wyoming. This program is scheduled for November 10, 2011 in Cheyenne, WY. Click here for details. Mark your calendar and register early. Thanks to Our Investors With gratitude to our Investors who renewed their pledges in the month of September 2011: Anderson Construction, Inc. Brown & Gold, Inc. Brown & Hiser, LLC City of Laramie Dodds Shoe Company, Inc. First Interstate Bank Guthrie Family Foundation Handel Information Technologies, Inc. Mullen's Heating Pence and MacMillan, LLC Source Gas The Property Exchange - West WyoTech Trihydro Corporation .... Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:57:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/10/7/economic-indicators-for-the-laramie-area/ City of Laramie and Albany County LEDC maintains an extensive set of Economic Indicators covering the City of Laramie and Albany County. This report is prepared twice each year by the Wyoming Center for Business and Economic Analysis, Inc. In March, an Annual Trends issue is published that includes past year data and analyses. A third quarter update issue is published six months later in late September.  Click here to review the September 2011edition. This edition can also be found in our Website on the Economic Trends page of under the Site Selection tab..... Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:24:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/10/24/medicine-bow-technologies-relocates-to-turner-tract/ Growth Spurs MBT's Relocation Medicine Bow Technologies (MBT) is relocating its operations from the Wyoming Technology Business Center to the magnetic, professional surroundings of Laramie's Turner Tract. Click here for further details..... Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:22:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/10/28/newsletter-october-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 9 October 2011 Medicine Bow Technologies Moves On Spurred by continuing growth, Medicine Bow Technologies (MBT) is relocating its operations to the magnetic, professional surroundings of Laramie's Turner Tract. MBT will relocate to the building at 3821 Beech Street in which InterTech Environmental and Engineering is also located. MBT plans to occupy the first floor of that building as of December 1st of this year. Click here for images of the 3821 Beech Street building in the Turner Tract. "The presence of Medicine Bow Technologies in the Turner Tract certainly contributes to the development's ambience and desirability," said Gaye Stockman, LEDC CEO. "Once again, having commercial space readily available at the very same time a business needs to expand is key to Laramie's economic growth. Both the community and the business benefit tremendously." Medicine Bow Technologies was created in 2006 by Ivinson Memorial Hospital (IMH) to provide technology service solutions to health care providers throughout the Rocky Mountain region. MBT's initial mission was to upgrade the IT infrastructure, Health Information System, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (digital radiology), and associated technologies within IMH. The vision of IMH's management and Board of Trustees was also to create a shared Health Information System for health care providers and health care organizations that could provide significant cost savings. MBT's efforts led to the integration of Allscripts as a major component in its IT service offering. Allscripts is an easy to use electronic medical record and practice management software that is capable of benefiting a full range of medical providers. The current growth in MBT's Allscripts division is linked to the federal stimulus incentives offered to medical providers nationwide to encourage the conversion to paperless, portable electronic health records for patients. Over the years, MBT has extended its presence in marketing IT consulting and implementation services to hospitals and organizations throughout Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Its market for Allscripts software enjoys national scope and appeal.           Luke Schneider, CEO According to Luke Schneider, CEO of MBT, "Our decision to move was prompted purely by the growth we've experienced in recent years. Much of that growth resulted from the addition of Allsripts to our product line, and from using advanced virtualization solutions, such as cloud computing, the virtual desktop, and reliable data backup solutions." Schneider added, "Our customers also like the fact that we take a proactive approach to technical support and service. We handle many of our technical support issues remotely, which saves travel time, but more importantly, minimizes system down-time. Proactive, remote technical support means MBT is able to correct many IT issues before they impact the customer. We consider ourselves part of our customer's management team, essentially monitoring system performance night or day and working both face-to-face and behind the scenes to keep customer systems operating." It was important that MBT find a new location in the Laramie area for its growing staff of 17 professional, technical and administrative employees. "Our employee talent and the culture they've helped to create, is what makes us successful," remarked Schneider. "Everyone is dedicated to seeing this company succeed and grow further. Everyone has their own set of strengths or unique skills. Everyone works at blending those talents together to provide excellent service and solve problems. Believe me, there's no way you want to lose that momentum due to a lack of workspace." Schneider acknowledged excitement in graduating from the UW Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) incubator, where MBT has been headquartered since November 2006. He said, "Medicine Bow Technologies was one of the first technology companies to enter the then newly constructed incubator." WTBC offers high growth technology start-ups with infrastructure and building amenities, advising services, executive coaching and educational programs in addition to University resources and a state-of-the-art data center. Commenting on MBT's achievements and pending relocation Jon Benson, CEO of WTBC, stated, "Luke Schneider and his team have done a great job selling a suite of products that have made them one of the largest EMR vendors in the State of Wyoming and in the region. We wish them continued success in the future." Partner Recognition                                                         First Interstate Bank                                                                               LEDC is fortunate to serve a community in which its Partners-in-Progress investors willingly step forward to help wherever and whenever they are needed. So often, this occurs without being asked. First Interstate Bank is certainly an ideal example of this spirit of Corporate Citizenship. In the spring of 2010, LEDC launched ZoomProspector, a powerful new Site Selection tool in its website, which is based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. ZoomProspector enables Laramie's commercial real estate professionals to list their properties, and thereby gain direct exposure to site selectors and businesses interested in relocating or expanding in Laramie and Albany County. On the other hand, it gives these site selectors and  other organizations immediate access to critical business and demographic information associated with those open commercial properties and our region. Within minutes, site selectors can not only determine what land and buildings are available in the community, but can gather valuable information pertaining to the workforce, markets, consumer spending, geographic advantages and much more. Upon learning about this great new on-line development tool, the bank executives at First Interstate Bank offered to sponsor the implementation of ZoomProspector at LEDC, in addition to their generous Leadership Investor Level contribution. We are pleased to announce that First Interstate Bank has renewed its greatly appreciated sponsorship again for 2011. According to Mike Peck, Vice President of Commercial Lending for First Interstate Bank, "When businesses relocate or expand in Laramie, all of our citizens win. We gain through increased employment opportunities, as well as infrastructure improvements resulting from increased tax revenues. In many cases, new markets and services are also created or attracted. We, at First Interstate Bank, recognized from the beginning that ZoomProspector is the kind of marketing tool that has the capacity and potential to generate considerable value for Laramie. Consequently, we see it as well worth our support." LEDC October Client Report Click here for information pertaining to current "Hot Active" client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us if you have potential client leads or for more information regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Economic Indicators – Laramie Area The Wyoming Center for Business & Economic Analysis, Inc. recently released its third quarter 2011 edition of Economic Indicators for the Laramie Area. A summary of economic trends indicate the following: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2010 Total Population for the City of Laramie was 30,816 and was 36,299 for Albany County. Between 2000 and 2010, Albany County's population increased by 4,285 persons with 84% of that growth (3,612) within the boundaries of the City of Laramie. The local labor market was almost unchanged during the first half of 2011 as compared to 2010. The Albany County labor market averaged 19,297 during the first six months of this year compared to 19,411 during 2010. On a monthly average basis, employment averaged 18,376 over the first six months of 2011, as compared to 18,366 for all of 2010, a fractional gain of 10 jobs. However, the unemployment rate fell to an average of 4.6% during the second quarter of 2011 versus 5.2% during a comparable period in 2010. During the first half of 2011 residential and commercial construction, car sales and credit unions appear to have strengthened, while retail sales, local tax receipts and utilities appear to have weakened from 2010 levels. Help-wanted advertisements, considered a leading indicator in some circles, grew 17.2% during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago. It stood 44.4% ahead of the second quarter 2009; suggesting local employers may be adding jobs in the coming months. Click here to access the full September 2011 Economic Indicators for Laramie Area report. Economic Forecast for Southeast Wyoming On November 10, 2011, the Wyoming Business Report is presenting a panel discussion in Cheyenne, WY on the 2012 Economic Forecast for Southeast Wyoming. LEDC is proud to be one of the sponsors of this event. Panelists include: Former Governor Dave Freudenthal Diane Shober, Wyoming State Office of Travel & Tourism Director Randy Bruns, President, Cheyenne Leads Anne Alexander, Ph.D. – an economist and Director of International Programs at the University of Wyoming Click here for information regarding time, location and seating/table rates. SAVE THIS DATE – Wednesday, November 30, 2011 You are cordially invited to LEDC's 3rd Annual Holiday Open House Time: 4:00 to 7:00PM Place: 2523 East Garfield Street, Suite B             Laramie, WY 82070 Come see our new facilities Enjoy our traditional holiday goodies and spirits Discuss LEDC's projects and focus for the new year with Board members and staff Let us know you'll be there. RSVP by 5:00PM on Friday, November 18th viaE-mail at: abohannon@LaramieWY.org or by calling 307-742-2212 Thanks to Our Investors With gratitude to our investors who renewed their pledges in the month of October 2011: Mader Tschacher, Peterson and Company, LLC Security First Bank .... Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:12:00 EDT http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/11/16/newsletter-november-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 10 November 2011 Laramie’s  MTP&Co.  Awarded  The Certified Public Accounting firm, Mader Tschacher Peterson & Co., LLC, received a Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from the Wyoming Psychological Association during a reception and ceremony on November 2nd.  This award program rewards employers for creating workplaces that foster employee health and well-being, while enhancing organizational performance. Candidates for the award are evaluated on their efforts in five areas: employee involvement; work-life balance; employee growth and development, health and safety, and employee recognition. In explaining the purpose for the award, Gay Deitrich-MacLean, Ph.D. stated that by recognizing companies like Mader Tschacher Peterson for their efforts, we hope others will take notice and implement similar programs in their workplaces.  She added, “In this time of high job stress and increasing demands on employees, these exemplary workplaces have made it a priority to create environments that are sensitive to the health and well-being of their workers.” Mark Mader, Managing Partner of Mader Tschacher Peterson, said, “We try to make the company a place where people like to work, and for us to win, we feel, is a real compliment and a confirmation of some of the things we’ve been doing.”  The Laramie based accounting and consulting firm provides employees with such benefits as flex and comp time, extensive health benefits, and professional development programs. In addition, to avoid stress and stay healthy, employees have an option of spending about 10 hours per week working from home.  The firm also sponsors wellness activities, some of which can provide employees with cash prizes. Regarding these stress relieving initiatives, Mader remarked, “Stress drains employee health and saps productivity, so that anything the company can do to keep its employees happy and healthy benefits everyone.” Since 1999, Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards have been presented to organizations throughout the US and Canada by state and provincial psychological associations with support from the American Psychological Association.  As the Wyoming award winner, in the months ahead Mader Tschacher Peterson and Co., LLC will compete for a national award by the American Psychological Association.  Congratulations go out to Mader Tschacher Peterson and all its employees. For further information about Mader Tschacher Peterson & Co., LLC, click here to visit its website.   Partner Recognition – Coal Creek Coffee Company and Roastery What do you get when you combine commercial talent and culinary skills with a love for vintage craftsmanship and enterprising creativity?  In Laramie, that combination of attributes gets you John and Jodi Guerin, owners of Coal Creek Coffee Company and Roastery. It was 1995 when John and Jodi purchased a traditional American coffeehouse in downtown Laramie that previously only served coffee purchased through conventional vendors. Today, Coal Creek Coffee Co.’s downtown and uptown locations offer custom and specialty coffees imported from Central and South America, Africa and other distant parts of the globe. Supplementing its local retail operations, Coal Creek enjoys a regional wholesale market for the coffees and commercial brewing equipment. In addition, Coal Creek Coffee Co. serves a European-style menu designed around “all hand-made” delicious breads and baked goods, complete with sandwiches featuring imported Italian meats and premium cheeses. The menu also includes slow roasted vegetables, along with homemade soups and innovative entrée salads. The Guerins share an operating philosophy based on the belief that there is no substitute for the natural artistry created in goods touched by the human hand. Further, they believe that history, culture and integrity are essential ingredients to success in business and life.  In expanding upon this philosophy, Jodi explains, “As the US economy matured and became more commercialized, we lost many of our traditional crafts and skills. Through this business, John and I not only strive to revitalize crafts that were developed by making things in house with one’s hands, but also training others in the skills that we’ve learned.” This credo led the Guerins to open their own Roastery in 1998. It is the basis for their home made, delectable baked goods and menu offerings. Coal Creek Coffee Co.’s Elektra espresso machine was completely hand made in Italy, including its fastidious screws and precision components. The very atmosphere in both of Laramie’s Coal Creek coffee shops is influenced by the artisan spirit and an affinity for cultural heritage. For example, local artists made the hand-crafted tables using mosaic tiles and salvaged lumber as building materials. Extensive support for the arts has always played a prominent role in the company’s culture and operations. Coal Creek Coffee Co. has been Laramie’s premier non-bar entertainment venue for local and traveling musical performers for almost two decades. Additionally, the company is always looking for visual artists to display their works on the walls of either Laramie location. With the holiday season just around the corner, Jodi expects Coal Creek’s gift basket business to begin scaling upward. A special inclusion for the gift inventory are hand-crafted wooden crates made by local artisan David Gregory.  These are used in both the gift baskets and Coal Creek’s exclusive Crank Box ™, a traveling coffee brewing kit for the discerning coffee customer.  LEDC proudly recognizes Coal Creek Coffee Company and Roastery and extends our best wishes for its continued success. For more information regarding Coal Creek Coffee Company and Roastery, visit its website by clicking here.     LEDC November Client Report Click here for information pertaining to current “Hot Active” client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC’s commercial properties. e-2-e Meeting Reminder   e2e Laramie, Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Hilton Garden Inn - 2229 Grand Avenue, Laramie Going Global from Wyoming Mike Wandler will describe how his company was able to increase sales twenty fold in twenty years during two Wyoming busts and some of the US's most turbulent economic times. Mike Wandler is President of L&H Industrial, Inc., a leading after-market supplier for the mining industry and a world-class rebuilder of heavy mining equipment.  Wandler began working for his Dad at L&H Industrial in 1982 at the age of 14. He started his role as President in 2000. L&H Industrial is a family business started by Leon Wandler in 1964. He sold the company to the second generation and other shareholders in 1998.  The current shareholders, Jeff and Mike Wandler and Jim Clikeman, are preparing the third generation to take over the company. Together with L&H’s management team, Wandler has helped lead L&H Industrial from a local $4 million/yr business to an $80 million/yr global company with four locations in the US as well as locations in Mexico, Chile, and Australia.  L&H’s customer base are major surface mines around the world that operate the largest rope shovels or draglines. * * * * * e2e will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Wednesday November 16, 2011 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  Hot hors d'oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. To learn more and to let us know if you can attend: Please Click to RSVP LEDC has several free registration tickets available, while the supply lasts. Call Joe Somodi at 307-742-2212. LEDC Holiday Open House   Come Join Us at LEDC’s3rd Annual HolidayOPEN HOUSE &Informational Meeting                           WednesdayNOVEMBER 30, 20114:00PM To 7:00PM 2523 E. Garfield Street, Suite B Enjoy holiday goodies and spiritsSee our NEW OfficesVisit with Board Members & Staff Please RSVP by Friday, November 18th by emailingabohannon@LaramieWY.org or calling 307-742-2212 Technology Summit – Wyoming CenturyLink and Infinera are sponsoring a unique and informative Technology Summit regarding Optical Transport Networks in Wyoming on: November 30, 2011Starting at 9:00 a.m.  University of WyomingCollege of BusinessBusiness School Classroom   8:30 – 9:00 a.m.    – Registration and continental breakfast9:00 – noon           – ProgramNoon                       – LunchNoon – 4:00 p.m.  – Infinera Express Tour                                                Career Fair RSPV to Kristin Lee at Kristin.Lee@CenturyLink.com or 634-9623.   Thanks to Our Investors With gratitude to our investors who renewed their pledges in the month of November 2011: City of Laramie Coffey Engineering & Surveying, LLC Herb Manig Honeywagon Sanitation Pumping Stonehouse, Inc. .... Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:07:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/11/18/hpedd-seeks-new-executive-director/ High Plains Economic Development District seeks Director to serve Albany, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties.  Office location TBD with flexibility to work from any of four counties.  Extensive travel required.  Must work effectively with business leaders, government officials and agencies. Duties include: grant writing and administration; finance/accounting and reporting; website development and maintenance; membership development; preparation of meeting minutes, board meeting arrangements and other correspondence. Salary: $34,000 to 40,000, depending upon qualifications.  For a detailed job description, please visit the HPEDD website at www.highplainsedd.org or click here. Submit cover letter, resume and references to progress@goshenwyo.com by December 9, 2011..... Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2011/12/19/newsletter-december-2011/ Volume 2 Issue 11                                                                                                                December 2011  GREETINGS FROM LEDC               Accept Our Hearty Good Wishes For a Season of Calm and Cheer. May Holiday Joy Reign in Your Heart And Gladden the Coming Year. Special Reminder:  The LEDC Office will be closed for the holidays on Friday, December 23rd, Monday December 26th and Friday, December 30th. Happy Holidays to All! A Heritage of Giving        John A. (Jack) Guthrie, Jr. Through the Guthrie Family Foundation, the late Jack Guthrie’s spirit of compassion and community support helps to sustain many charitable projects and initiatives benefiting the City of Laramie and Albany County. Being a lifelong resident of Laramie, Jack founded the Guthrie Family Foundation in 2001. He and his wife Pat Guthrie generously funded the Foundation for the purpose of gifting qualifying charitable organizations and programs that support this community.      Jack was a World War II naval officer and a graduate of both the University of Wyoming and the Harvard School of Business. While following his family’s profession in the financial industry, Jack became a well-known and well-regarded banker. He was a steadfast advocate for local business development and deeply involved in community improvement projects. Jack Guthrie often reflected on the fact that Laramie and Albany County had been good to him and his family. Today, through the Guthrie Family Foundation, Jack’s wife Pat and son John continue a legacy of giving back to this great community. By doing so, they make it even greater.  In 2011, the Guthrie Family Foundation gave nearly $350,000 to various community projects. Contributions were made to a vast number of organizations. Some examples include the Albany County Library, Cathedral Home, ARK, Interfaith/Good Samaritan, St. Matthews, Downtown Clinic, Laramie Plains Museum and Laramie Beautification Committee. The Laramie Economic Development Corporation was also a beneficiary of the Foundation’s generous support for its efforts to foster balanced growth and enhance economic welfare affecting our community’s citizens. Over the years, through its charitable funding, the Guthrie Family Foundation has helped so many community organizations and programs, which in turn have benefited so many lives in the general Laramie area. We are truly grateful for Jack Guthrie’s foresight in creating the Foundation, and for Pat and John Guthrie’s generosity and good will in providing for our community’s charitable well-being. For more information regarding Guthrie Family Foundation of Laramie, Wyoming visit www.guthrie-family-foundation.org.   LEDC December Client Report Click here for information pertaining to current “Hot-Active” client prospects. Identifying information relating to all LEDC clients is considered confidential, unless LEDC is instructed otherwise by the client. Please keep in mind that our best Laramie leads typically come from existing businesses and residents. Feel free to contact us, if you have potential leads or for more information regarding LEDC’s commercial properties.   Wyoming – Best-Run State Again! For the second year in a row, Wyoming has been distinguished as the Best-Run State in America, according to 24/7 Wall St. This Delaware based financial news and opinion organization reached this finding after reviewing data covering such criteria as financial health, standard of living and government services. Despite the wide range of differences between states, such as population, natural resources, and degree of urbanization, the study concludes that states have a great deal of control over their fate.  A December 1, 2011 article on msnbc.com The Bottom Line, indicates, “Well-run states have a great deal in common with well-run corporations. Books are kept balanced. Investment is prudent. Debt is sustainable. Innovation is prized. Workers are well chosen and well-trained. Executives, including elected and appointed officials, are retained based on merit and not politics.” Wyoming’s rankings for certain quantitative considerations used to identify best- and worst- run states are as follows: State debt per capita:  $2,452 (18th lowest) Residents without health insurance:  14.9% (21st highest) Residents below poverty line:  10.3% (7th lowest) Unemployment:  5.8% (6th lowest) Wyoming received high marks for many categories. For example, “a whopping 92.3% percent of state residents age 25 or older have at least a high school diploma – the highest rate in the country. The state also has the fourth lowest rate of violent crimes.” It was noted that Wyoming has the smallest population of any state in the country. For those wondering, California took the dubious distinction of being the worst-run state in America.   Triple C – The A&E Group Awarded Multi-Year Contract David Potter, President of Triple C – The A&E Group, recently announced the privilege of being awarded of a five-year contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Integrated System Network (VISN) 19. The award is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), with an award amount of $4.5 million per year (max. $22.5 million over the 5-year contract term for each awardee). The total contract value for all awardees under the contract is $100 million. The award constitutes providing professional architectural and engineering services to the VA in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and Utah. This MATOC involves a wide range of multi-disciplined task orders issued for Architectural and Engineering Services at various VA Medical Centers within the VISN 19 Healthcare System. Based in Laramie, Wyoming, Triple C is a CVE Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and a Small Business Administration Certified HUBZone Small Business. According Mr. Potter, “Triple C – The A&E Group is the Prime Consultant providing Program Management, Project Management and civil engineering services working with the 10 Sub-Consultant Teaming Partner firms, based on the varied services required over the contract’s duration.” Congratulations to Triple C – The A&E Group on this achievement.      e-2-e Meeting Reminder e-2-e LaramieWednesday, January 18, 20125:30PM-7:30PMHilton Garden Inn – 2229 Grand Avenue, Laramie “Silicon Valley to Wyoming: A Hi-Tech Entrepreneur’s Journey”Presented by: Gene Watson After receiving his degree in economics and a stint in the U.S. Army as a radar officer during the Korean War, Gene Watson began his career in technology in 1955 with Varian Associates, a pioneering hi-tech company in what is now known as “Silicon Valley”. Subsequently, over the past 45 years, Watson has been a member of the founding group of seven technology-based start-up ventures. With two University of Wyoming faculty members, Gene co-founded DeltaNu, a Laramie-based scientific instrument manufacturer. He currently consults to the University of Wyoming Office of Research & Economic Development, where he directs the Wyoming Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (WSSI). Hot hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. LEDC has several free registration tickets available, while the supply lasts. Call Joe Somodi at 307-742-2212. Please Click to RSVP. GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo – For Your Advance Planning February 22-23, 2012Hilton Garden InnLaramie, Wyoming U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, Governor Matt Mead and the 2012 GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo Planning Committee invite small businesses in Wyoming and nearby states to this annual event. STRENGTHEN AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS Click here for registration details… LEDC is a Friends of Business Sponsor Thanks to Our Investors With gratitude to our investors who renewed their pledges in the month of December 2011: Advanced Clean Coal Technology Anderson Construction, Inc. Bob Davis Dick & Dianne Van Pelt Fortman's Paint & Glass Mark Marquardt Scott McFarland State Farm Agency, Inc. Young Appraisals .... Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:43:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2012/1/17/newsletter-january-2012/ Volume 3  Issue 1                                                                                                                              January 2012 Well Worth Protecting                                                       (Request for Action) Laramie is fortunate it has a readily available natural resource that other cities in Wyoming spend many millions of dollars to acquire. We're referring to pure water; the fresh rainwater and snowmelt that flow east from the Laramie Range toward town through the Casper Aquifer. Because this water courses through a thick layer of highly permeable fractured sandstone, drinking water from the aquifer is so pure that the only pretreatment required is additional traces of chlorine and fluoride. In normal years, the Casper Aquifer provides the City of Laramie with 60% of its drinking water. That percentage can increase up to 100% in years of severe drought. In addition, approximately 500 rural homes in Albany County depend on private wells from the aquifer. Beside drinking water, the Casper Aquifer provides a panoramic view of nature's wide open spaces complete with adventuresome recreational opportunities. Both prospective and existing businesses view this abundant source of pristine water as an attractive resource and a geographic benefit. The Casper Aquifer is truly a magnificent natural resource in Laramie's back yard, but it needs to be preserved and protected. Experts caution that this aquifer is extraordinarily vulnerable to contamination, because it is directly exposed at the surface and is heavily fractured and faulted. Without continuing special care and attention to the development of this land, contaminants could move quickly from the surface to drinking water supply wells. The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee and the Governor's Office are currently discussing a proposal to purchase a large portion of the aquifer recharge area east of Laramie. This proposal is our opportunity to protect and preserve. Although details of the proposal are still under development, the concept is for the state to purchase this land for the specific purpose of aquifer protection, while also preserving this open space for public and recreational access. LEDC considers a contamination-free aquifer a highly valued and significant feature that helps retain and attract community and environmentally-friendly businesses to Laramie. We encourage all concurring citizens of Laramie and Albany County to contact members of the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) and ask them to support the Casper Aquifer land purchase proposal. Gary Crum, LEDC's Board Chair, is specifically asking the Laramie business community to get actively involved in supporting this worthy enterprise. He is asking business representatives to copy LEDC on any written communication directed to the JAC that requests support for the purchase proposal. The following is contact information for Wyoming Senators and Representatives on the 2011-2012 Joint Appropriations Committee: SENATORS                                 REPRESENTATIVES                    REPRESENTATIVES Phil Nicholas, Chairman          Rosie Berger, Chairman             Bryan PedersenLaramie                                       Big Horn                                          CheyenneWork: 307-742-7140                 Home: 307-672-7600                   Cell:307-630-1618           nicholas@wyolegal.com          rberger@wyoming.com               bpedersen@wyoming.com John Hastert                               Amy Edmonds                               William "Jeb" StewardGreen River                                Cheyenne                                        EncampmentHome: 307-871-1001               Cell: 307-214-8126                      Cell: 307-329-6116 jhastert2@wyoming.com        aedmonds@wyoming.com         jebsteward@union-tel.com Curt Meier                                   Ken Esquibel                                  Sue WallisLaGrange                                   Cheyenne                                         RecluseWork: 307-834-2344                Cell: 307-630-6096                        Cell: 307-680-8515 cmeier@wyoming.com           kesquibel@wyoming.com            sue.wallis52@gmail.com R. Ray Peterson                       Steve HarshmanCowley                                       CasperHome: 307-548-6405             Cell: 307-262-8075rpeterson@wyoming.com     sharshman@wyoming.com Michael Von FlaternGilletteCell: 307-680-4744mvonflatern@wyoming.com JAC members can also be contacted using the following mailing address: Wyoming Joint Appropriations CommitteeWyoming Legislature213 State Capitol, Room 204Cheyenne, WY 82002 Help Laramie preserve this amazing natural resource for you, your family and for future generations.   Partner Recognition LCCC – Albany County Campus                During a keynote address he made at last month's Wyoming Association of Community College Trustee Summit, Governor Matt Mead commended the state's community colleges for the important roles they play in fortifying Wyoming's economy, quality of life and ability to react to the needs of business.            We asked Dr. Lynn Stalnaker, Dean of Laramie County Community College's Albany County Campus, for his insight into the ways LCCC fulfills these roles in Laramie. Dr. Stalnaker has accumulated over twenty years of career experience in the field of education.         Dr. Lynn Stalnaker Stalnaker indicated the first thing we should realize is that the Albany County Campus of LCCC serves a large target market of people interested in advancing their education and skill development. He remarked, "After I arrived at LCCC in 2006, it didn't take long to recognize that this facility would soon be maxed out. We currently have approximately 800 full-time students with an additional 200 part-time students. Within the past 5 years, our enrollment has grown 82%. We are very pleased with this growth. Faculty and staff at the Albany County Campus are mission driven focusing on making all our students as successful as possible." What's the cause of this surge in enrollment? Stalnaker explains, "Probably most significant is that over 20% of our enrollment is made up of UW students, who are coming to LCCC to take classes for any number of reasons. In many cases, students will enter the university and decide they would be more successful in their transition from high school to higher education in classrooms with a smaller number of students and more personalized instruction. In other cases, students matriculate from high school, but are not academically prepared to do college work, or students may realize they would like to explore certificate programs. In each of these cases, the Albany County Campus helps them get up to speed. We have been very successful in how we partner with students as shown by the amazing growth of our campus. As a result, however, we need more space for many of our core programs, such as English and Math." In a recent master planning process conducted by LCCC, Stalnaker stated, "Consultants recommended the Albany County Campus should double to triple its current size to effectively respond to student needs for education in our county." With such strong community need for more classes, the Albany County Campus has responded through innovative partnerships and collaborations. LCCC Albany County Campus is currently conducting almost a dozen classes on UW premises. Stalnaker said, "Tom Buchanan (University of Wyoming President) has been a strong partner with LCCC, and we have created a great positive relationship where we mutually focus on how we can work together to best serve students. "We've been able to develop other helpful relationships as well," adds Stalnaker. "For example, LCCC's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is quite popular. As a result, some of our classes are conducted at the Laramie Care Center. We partner with Ivinson Memorial Hospital facilities as well. This is a mutually beneficial partnership that works around student needs for more science courses in chemistry, biology and anatomy." "In addition," Stalnaker notes, "we have a close relationship with WyoTech. LCCC has been offering GED preparation and testing for WyoTech. A typical GED graduating class consists of 35-50 people, and normally a number of those students are referred to LCCC through WyoTech." Dr. Stalnaker's professional interests are rooted in community service. He is a member of Ivinson Hospital Community Relations Board, involved with a variety of special issue committees from the University of Wyoming to the John P. Ellbogen Foundation and a board member on the Laramie Economic Development Corporation. He is also a board Member in the SNAPIT Partnership, a Laramie area organization committed to identifying and solving common technology workforce issues. According to Stalnaker, "Laramie has a constant need for training and retraining. Albany County Campus can help by developing niche technical programs. When businesses locate or expand operations in Albany County, it can create the need for new skills, which our quality instructors can provide. Many times, people seek training to improve their chances for advancement or for other career opportunities. Because LCCC is so student focused, we do a lot of listening and interacting with our students. They're generally not shy about letting us know what kind of courses they would like to see or what changes we need to make." In summary, our conversation with Lynn Stalnaker was quite convincing. LCCC is playing a vigorous role in shaping the economy and quality of life in Laramie. Even though the Albany County Campus facilities appear to be dealing with capacity issues; ingenuity, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate among LCCC's counterparts, have permitted this institution to effectively serve the training and educational needs of our citizens. For more information about LCCC, Albany County Campus, visit lccc.wy.edu/albanycountycampus or call 307.721.5138. LEDC January Client Report Click Here for information pertaining to current "Hot-Active" client prospects. Please keep in mind that LEDC keeps all identifying information relating to its clients as confidential, unless LEDC is specifically instructed otherwise by the client. Our best Laramie leads typically come through references from existing businesses and residents. So, feel free to contact us if you have potential leads. Remember, you could earn up to $10,000 in a cash reward for an information tip that leads to the location of a quality business in the City of Laramie and/or Albany County. Let us know if you would like more information regarding "LEDC's LEADS Reward program or have questions regarding LEDC's commercial properties. Wyoming Tops State Economic Index A December 23, 2011 Wyoming Business Report article, reported that Wyoming, South Dakota and Michigan outperformed the rest of the nation in the third quarter of 2011 according to a Bloomberg measure of economic health. The Bloomberg index uses data on employment, real estate, tax collections and share prices to chart the trajectory of regional economies. Wyoming, the biggest coal producer and home of the third-largest natural gas reserve, was the top performer, lifted by higher home prices, a drop in mortgage delinquencies and a jump in tax collections. e-2-e Meeting Reminder e-2-e LaramieWednesday, January 18, 20125:30PM-7:30PMHilton Garden Inn – 2229 Grand Avenue, Laramie "Silicon Valley to Wyoming: A Hi-Tech Entrepreneur's Journey"Presented by: Gene Watson After receiving his degree in economics and a stint in the U.S. Army as a radar officer during the Korean War, Gene Watson began his career in technology in 1955 with Varian Associates, a pioneering hi-tech company in what is now known as "Silicon Valley". Subsequently, over the past 45 years, Watson has been a member of the founding group of seven technology-based start-up ventures. With two University of Wyoming faculty members, Gene co-founded DeltaNu, a Laramie-based scientific instrument manufacturer. He currently consults to the University of Wyoming Office of Research & Economic Development, where he directs the Wyoming Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (WSSI). Hot hors d'oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. LEDC has several free registration tickets available, while the supply lasts. Call Joe Somodi at 307-742-2212. Please Click to RSVP. GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo – For Your Planning February 22-23, 2012Hilton Garden InnLaramie, Wyoming U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, Governor Matt Meadand the 2012 GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo Planning Committeeinvite small businesses in Wyoming and nearby states to this annual event. STRENGTHEN AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS Click Here for registration details... LEDC is a Friends of Business Sponsor Thanks to Our Investors With gratitude to our investors who renewed their pledges in the month of January 2012: Laramie Regional Airport Mountain Cement Company One West Real Estate Patel Enterprises Inc. Rocky Mountain Reclamation .... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:18:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2012/1/21/trihydro-earns-epas-energy-star/ Superior Energy Performance - 6th Consecutive Year Trihydro Corporation's headquarters building and its West Wing Office each earned the EPA's ENERGY STAR certification for 2011. Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR certification is the most recognized national symbol of excellence in energy efficiency. Click here to read more about this distinguished achievement.  Congratulations Trihydro Corporation!.... Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:22:00 EST http://laramiewy.org/index.php/blog/2012/1/25/forbes-recognizes-laramie/ Fastest-Growing Small Towns Forbes recently released its listing of Fastest-Growing Small Towns in the U.S. in which Laramie, WY came in number 8. Click here to see the Forbes release..... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:25:00 EST