Governor Gordon Proclaims Economic Development Week in Wyoming

Wyoming recognizes the positive work economic developers and community and business leaders do to enhance local economic impact. 

Cheyenne, Wyo (May 10, 2021) - Governor Mark Gordon proclaimed May 9 to 15, 2021 as Economic Development Week in Wyoming to celebrate economic development’s positive contributions and explain the importance of the profession in our communities, which includes: 

• Policies and efforts governments and local economic developers undertake to retain and grow jobs as well as public and private investment within a community. This includes facilitating people, information, opportunities and even removing roadblocks to allow this to happen. 
• Local and state efforts directed at improving the business climate through specific efforts in business finance, marketing, business retention and expansion, technology transfer, community planning, vibrant main streets, real estate development, entrepreneurship, placemaking, and others.  
• Policies and programs to provide quality of life services and standards (such as police, fire department, plowing, senior services, parks/recreation, library services, etc.) to ensure we have communities where people want to live, work and play. 

“Economic development is the core of well-being and quality of life for Wyoming businesses and communities,” Governor Gordon said. “Wyoming is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and an adventurous lifestyle. Economic development helps add value to Wyoming’s potential through business recruitment and existing business expansion, entrepreneurial development and collaboration between business and industry, community organizations,government entities and stakeholders.”

This year in Wyoming, communities and economic development organizations are celebrating Economic Development Week in a variety of ways. Goshen County Economic Development has been proactive in promoting the celebration each year, and this week they will host coffee and donuts in each municipality, a photo contest, and virtual tours of their economic development offices. Other activities around the state include local media spotlights, sharing the economic impacts of local employers and industries, and testimonials and social media posts highlighting economic development efforts. 

Meanwhile, in Wyoming’s southwest region, “We are partnering with Western Wyoming Community College and Sweetwater Travel and Tourism to produce a video highlighting economic development/quality of life projects, tourism and education,” shared Kayla McDonald, Economic Development Specialist with Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition. “National Community College Month is this month and National Travel and Tourism Week is the week before National Economic Development Week, so we are merging our efforts together.” 

The Governor signed the Economic Development Week Proclamation virtually on Wednesday, May 5. The proclamation states, among other things, that “economic development is critical to the productivity and sustainability of the State of Wyoming and its people; and that Wyoming values the work and partnerships necessary to make our communities more attractive and vibrant places to live.” 

“Economic development impacts are felt when you walk down your Main Street and see people shopping and dining local, admire the clean streets and sense of place, and know your community has the services you and your family need to be safe, healthy, and prosperous,” said Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell. “Those impacts are made possible by a thriving business community with economic stability and security, even in the face of challenges.” 

Dorrell continued: “Economic developers and community leaders work hand-in-hand every day to help their towns and cities thrive and be more resilient. To realize these benefits takes time, commitment, facilitation, and buy-in. Economic Development Week is the perfect opportunity to say "Thank You!" and showcase these valuable partnerships and day-to-day efforts.” 

About National Economic Development Week: Now in its fifth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. Over the span of four years, more than 450 campaigns have been created throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events and other activities. Cities, counties and states recognized the week in past years through official proclamations, local community events, and informational campaigns online and through social media. The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) also has issued a statement commemorating Economic Development Week in past years.  

About the Wyoming Business Council (WBC): The Wyoming Business Council is the State of Wyoming’s Economic Development Agency. Since its establishment in 1998, WBC has been entrusted with helping to overcome Wyoming's most persistent and difficult challenge: developing a diverse economy.  

About the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA): Established in 1985, WEDA is a non-profit 501 (c) 6 professional association representing nearly 200 economic development members and organizations who support economic development through their local economic development groups.