Decade of preparation: Community’s business readiness years in the making

SHERIDAN — While Weatherby, Inc.’s president, the Wyoming governor and other local leaders all cited last year’s SHOT Show as a turning point in getting the firearms manufacturer to move to Sheridan, the process to land the deal began more than a decade ago.

Community leaders formed economic development groups like the Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority, installed infrastructure for the Sheridan High-Tech Business Park and emphasized technical training at the college, all with the hope of someday bringing companies like Vacutech and Weatherby to the community.

SEEDA

The Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority formed in 2007 as a joint powers board consisting of representatives from the city of Sheridan, Northern Wyoming Community College District and Sheridan County School District 2, though SCSD2 dropped out in 2013. The purpose, according to the group’s bylaws, is to “foster collaboration in construction and operation of facilities and programs furthering educational and economic development of Sheridan County.” 

SEEDA got off to a rough start with the failed Hand-In-Hand Early Childhood Education Center operated by the Sheridan Quality Child Care Initiative.

Construction of the Hand-in-Hand Center was partially funded by a Business Ready Community Grant from the Wyoming Business Council on land gifted to SEEDA.

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