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How is the wyoming business council assisting community development
The Wyoming Business Council was founded in 1998 by the State of Wyoming tasked with focusing on building a strong job creation base in Wyoming. The Business Council functions as the economic development agency of the State of Wyoming.
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Wyoming business council focuses on manufacturing growth
Mission Statement
The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the growth of Wyoming's economy. It focuses on building and strengthening the existing business and industry groups under energy, agriculture, travel and tourism.
To accomplish its goals the Wyoming Business Council helps retain and expand existing Wyoming businesses and industries; recruits targeted businesses to the state; and works with communities to develop infrastructure to become business-ready. The Business Council supports building partnerships with other statewide entities, such as the University of Wyoming. It also operates the state's energy office.
Structure
The Wyoming Business Council is part of the Wyoming state government, but its structure resembles a corporation with a CEO and board of directors.
Wyoming Business Council Staff
The Business Council consists of:
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of:
The Business Council has six distinct divisions including Agribusiness, Business and Industry, Investment Ready Communities, the State Energy Office, Wyoming Main Street and Rural Development and Support Services.
Offerings & Services
The Business Council offers services in community assistance; it is specifically responsible for administering The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with annual state grant allocation ranging from $2.2 million to a high of $3.75 million. It also offers communities strategic planning and assessment, site evaluation and certification as well as online reporting services.
The Business Council also offers assistance to farmers and agribusinesses with its operations, strategic planning and marketing activities. Additionally, it offers assistance to businesses which seek to relocate by promoting the various opportunities that exist within Wyoming across many business sectors and industries. The Wyoming Business Council also offers assistance to help businesses become more energy efficient.
Regional Offices
The Business Council has regional offices in Casper, Riverton, Powell, Cheyenne, Sheridan and Rock Springs. The Regional Offices are the first points of contact for individuals, businesses and communities seeking Wyoming Business Council services. In addition to its divisions, the Business Council provides services to Wyoming citizens in partnership with the University of Wyoming.
Partnerships
In November 2014, it was reported that The Business Council along with JR Simplot Co, are examining the possibility of re-opening the Fremont County iron mine. The mine was shuttered in 1983 and was one of the highest employers in the area. The study will examine the cost of reviving the mine along with the benefits of an estimated 150 million to 200 million tons of iron remaining in the old mine.
On October 20, 2014, the Wyoming Business Council and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council agreed to a memorandum of understanding. The memorandum will allow the agencies to freely exchange trade, market and promotional opportunities and filter through businesses in both Taiwan and Wyoming.
Contests
The Agribusinesses division of the Wyoming Business Council holds annual photograph contests to showcase Wyoming’s landscape through the lenses of talented local citizens.