Wyoming Business Council

Wyoming Business Council
Name	Wyoming Business Council
Formed	1998
Jurisdiction	State of Wyoming
Headquarters	Cheyenne, Wyoming
Chief1 name	Josh Dorrell
Chief1 position	Chief Executive Officer
Parent agency	Government of Wyoming
Website	https://wyomingbusiness.org/

Wyoming Business Council. The Wyoming Business Council is the primary economic development agency for the State of Wyoming, established to diversify and strengthen the state's economy beyond its traditional reliance on mining and energy sectors. Operating under the Government of Wyoming, it provides a suite of services including business recruitment, expansion support, and community development grants. The council works to enhance Wyoming's competitive position by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment across its diverse regions.

History

The agency was created in 1998 by the Wyoming Legislature and then-Governor Jim Geringer, consolidating several predecessor entities into a single public-private partnership. This legislative action, notably the Economic Development Act of 1998, was a direct response to economic volatility in the energy industry and aimed to provide a more coordinated state strategy. Early initiatives focused on leveraging assets from the University of Wyoming and improving infrastructure to attract new enterprises. Over time, its mandate expanded to include significant support for tourism, value-added agriculture, and technology startups, reflecting the evolving economic priorities of successive administrations including those of Governors Dave Freudenthal, Matt Mead, and Mark Gordon.

Organization and governance

The council is governed by a 15-member board of directors appointed by the Governor of Wyoming and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate. This board includes representatives from each of the state's judicial districts as well as members with expertise in specific sectors like manufacturing and finance. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer, with divisions dedicated to business development, community development, and international trade. The agency maintains regional offices and works closely with local economic development organizations such as Forward Cody and the Cheyenne LEADS to implement programs statewide.

Programs and initiatives

Key programs administered include the Business Ready Community grant and loan program, which funds public infrastructure for economic development projects. The Wyoming Innovation Partnership collaborates with the University of Wyoming and community colleges to align workforce training with industry needs. Other significant initiatives are the Manufacturing Works program for small manufacturers, the Tourism lodging tax grant program managed in partnership with Wyoming Office of Tourism, and the Angel Investor tax credit designed to stimulate venture capital investment. The council also manages the Global Business Development program to assist Wyoming companies with exporting and international market entry.

Economic impact

The council's activities have contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including the expansion of the Microsoft data center in Cheyenne and support for carbon capture research initiatives like the Integrated Test Center in Gillette. Its grant programs have been instrumental in developing business parks, airport facilities, and broadband infrastructure across rural counties. Reports to the Wyoming Legislature often highlight metrics such as private capital investment leveraged, jobs created, and the diversification of the state's gross domestic product away from cyclical mineral extraction industries.

Leadership and key personnel

The council's first chief executive officer was Tucker Fagan. Subsequent leaders have included Bob Jensen and Shawn Reese. The current Chief Executive Officer is Josh Dorrell, who was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon. The board of directors has been chaired by notable figures such as David Pope and Mike Wandler. Key personnel often have backgrounds in banking, real estate development, and public administration, and they work in concert with the Wyoming Governor's Office and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services to execute economic development strategy.

Partnerships and collaborations

The council maintains extensive partnerships with federal agencies like the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Northern Border Regional Commission. It works closely with the Wyoming Office of Tourism, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and the Wyoming Energy Authority on cross-cutting initiatives. Collaborations with private entities include the Wyoming Business Alliance and various chambers of commerce. The agency also partners with tribal nations, including the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe, on economic development projects within the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Category:State agencies of Wyoming Category:Economic development in the United States