Tiger Transfer/Upton Logistics Center News

Kasaundra Bishop: Fueling Upton's Development and Community Spirit

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Upton, a small and tight-knit community in northeastern Wyoming, has always had a special place in the heart of Kasaundra Bishop. A recent addition to the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) team, Kasaundra brings a wealth of enthusiasm and fresh ideas to her role as an Administrative Coordinator. Her deep connection to the community and her educational background in business administration and human resources positions her as a catalyst for positive change in Upton's growth and development.The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services has awarded the Upton Economic Development Board a grant through their Workforce Development Training Fund. The Department of...

Golf for the People, By the People

Wednesday, August 09, 2023

Amidst the vast expanses and endless rolling hills of Wyoming’s Black Hills, the town of Upton is a haven for year-round outdoor recreation. When the snow melts and the land greens, local folks turn to that outdoor pursuit so often associated with Wyoming…golf! That’s right; golf enthusiasts favor Upton for its Cedar Pines Country Club. The volunteer-run golf course fits with the community’s can-do attitude, where volunteers improve, maintain and manage virtually all aspects of community development, like the city park, city pool and the Upton Municipal Airport. “Back when we started the golf course, we put buckets...

Economic Development in Upton Profits All

Friday, July 28, 2023

Sustainable and consistent economic growth is vital to a community’s well-being. Nonprofit organizations are an often-overlooked asset and driver of business support critical to that growth. Many nonprofit development organizations promote economic development by bridging the gap between a community’s public and private sectors. The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) is a 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation managed by a volunteer board of directors. The UEDB mission describes their desired impact well - “We serve as stewards that promote, develop, and support a strong greater Upton community.” Nonprofit Significance Nonprofit economic development organizations catalyze growth and new opportunities in...

Draft Wyoming Digital Access Plan Available Online for Review and Comment

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Cheyenne, Wyo – Last fall, Wyoming was awarded $530,006 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program by the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA). Within one year of the date on which a state is awarded these funds, that state must develop a State Digital Access/Equity Plan, solicit and respond to public comments on the draft plan, and finalize that draft plan. Click here to view the full article.

“Wyoming’s Future of Learning” Collaborative Launches RIDE Pilots with Nine Local Districts

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

“Wyoming’s Future of Learning”, a collaboration between Governor Mark Gordon, Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, the Wyoming Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the University of Wyoming College of Education, is pleased to announce that nine school districts that have been accepted into the RIDE Pilot supporting Student-Centered Learning. Seventeen school districts across the state responded to the call for applications, reflecting strong interest in the pilot program. The Collaborative reviewed and voted unanimously to include nine districts in the first year of the pilot. These districts – (Albany 1, Converse 1, Laramie 1, Lincoln 1, Park...

Economic Development Strategies for Attracting Businesses to Rural Areas

Monday, July 17, 2023

Rural areas offer unique opportunities for businesses to thrive, with lower operating costs, access to natural resources, and a strong sense of community. However, attracting businesses to rural areas can be a challenge for many economic developers. Here are some strategies to get you started. Identifying and Targeting Businesses One of the first steps in attracting businesses to a rural area is identifying the types of businesses that would thrive in the region. Economic developers can start by researching the local economy, including the already present industries and the resources available in the area. This information can help...

Why Young Workers Should Resist the Lure of Job-Hopping

Monday, July 17, 2023

As the business world continues to move on from Covid-19, a range of trends and assumptions widespread during the height of the pandemic are being reassessed. Among them is the notion that "job-hopping" by younger workers is natural or even laudable. Of course, job-hopping, especially by younger workers, isn't new. Gallup called millennials the "job-hopping generation" back in 2016, and data suggest that job-hopping overall has been in decline since 2001. But the ultra-tight labor market of the past few years and other factors have put the phenomenon in the headlines again, especially with quiet quitting and demands from...

The Impact of Social Media on Marketing & SEO Strategies for Economic Development Organizations

Monday, July 10, 2023

Social media has revolutionized how businesses market themselves, and economic development organizations are no exception. In today’s digital age, economic developers must leverage social media platforms to reach a wider audience and promote their region’s economic growth. The Impact of Social Media on Marketing & SEO Strategies Social media has become vital for marketing and SEO strategies for economic development organizations. Social media platforms, like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok (which we recommend using), allow economic developers to reach a broader audience, connect with potential investors, and build relationships with community stakeholders. Click here to view...

Durable Skills Are Today’s Human Resources Currency

Saturday, July 01, 2023

Not all high school graduates continue their education at a two- or four-year college or university. Many choose to enter the job market or enlist in a military branch. Whichever path they choose, North Carolina intends for them to be not just successful, but in demand by employers or supervisors. In October 2022, the state’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) introduced the Portrait of a Graduate, a visioning process for ensuring that students graduate high school equipped with soft skills that increasingly are required by employers. Battelle for Kids, a national nonprofit that works with educators and communities to improve...

Power-Intensive Site Selection

Saturday, July 01, 2023

An ongoing industrial revolution fueled by digitalization, decarbonization, and electrification has changed the conversation on energy and prompted a race to the grid in many parts of the country. Fast-tracked industrial projects are now the norm as project teams navigate increased construction costs, inflationary financing, supply chain challenges, and increased competition. Speed is currency. Yet, hastily engineered timelines and ravenous electricity specifications can come at a cost, including the elimination of good sites and project delays. “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.” — Wyatt Earp When siting a new manufacturing facility, best-guessing load requirements can often lead...

When Being Small Is a Big Advantage

Saturday, July 01, 2023

If you want to gain a competitive edge in the race to hire talent, you may want to consider doing what many American workers have already done: Move out of the big city. What many thought was just a blip during the COVID-19 pandemic — people fleeing big cities for the open space of suburbs, exurbs and rural small towns — has turned into a long-term trend. Recent data from the federal government back this up. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, the overall rate of non-metro-area population growth during 2020-2021...

Highway funding helps grow Wyoming economy

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Late spring and summer is when the orange cones start appearing on Wyoming highways and byways, bringing notice of slowdowns and detours that can frustrate drivers seeking uninterrupted travels. Those orange cones also symbolize millions of dollars in state and federal funding that is being spent in Wyoming, creating jobs and delivering economic benefits to communities and industries throughout the state. According to research results recently published in the “NBER Macroeconomics Annual” by San Francisco Fed Economists Sylvain Leduc and Daniel Wilson, federal highway grants given to states boost economic activity in both the short and medium term...

Wyoming Unemployment Falls to 3.3% in May 2023

Monday, June 19, 2023

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.5% in April to 3.3% in May. Wyoming’s unemployment rate has decreased in each of the past four months and is slightly lower than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 3.7%. Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents increased by 1,351 individuals (0.5%) from April to May. Read the complete article here.

5 Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Build Credibility and Online Connections

Saturday, June 17, 2023

In the constantly buzzing world of social media and online platforms, trust and credibility are the glue that holds successful personal and professional relationships together.It's become a lot easier to build trust with an audience in today's world, but these bonds don't happen by accident. You need to be actively involved and genuinely interested in connecting with your customers.Read the complete article from Entrepreneur here.

Upton, WY, Critical to Rare Earth Element Sourcing

Friday, June 16, 2023

The small town of Upton, WY, has found itself amid an international race to secure a supply of raw materials to match the ever-increasing dependence on high-tech products, national security systems and alternative energy production. The Colorado-based company, Rare Element Resources, has recently received U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approval to take the next step in its Bear Lodge Project, an initiative to develop Rare Earth Elements (REE) necessary for an ever-increasing number of uses. The next step is building a demonstration-scale plant in Upton to prove the commercial feasibility of the technology to separate and recover REE from...

Using logistics to build inclusive, resilient communities

Friday, June 16, 2023

As we continue to navigate the challenges of global crises, it’s safe to say the logistics industry has been put to the test. Optimizing supply chains across industries has become more crucial than ever. The need for prompt delivery of supplies and the ability to switch delivery locations at a moment’s notice has been vital, particularly in recent humanitarian contexts like Turkey and Syria. Read the complete article from Fast Company here.

Creating Compelling Content to Attract & Engage Investors, Businesses, and Workforce

Monday, June 12, 2023

As an economic developer, your primary goal is to attract businesses, investors, and workforce to your community. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating engaging content showcasing your community's unique value proposition. However, creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience is not always easy. Read the complete article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

Diving Deeper: Developing a Keyword Strategy & Building Backlinks to Support SEO Efforts

Monday, June 12, 2023

With so much online competition, economic development organizations need a strong SEO presence to stand out and attract the right audience. Two critical aspects of successful SEO efforts include developing a keyword strategy and building high-quality backlinks. Read the complete article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

Front Line: Water Supply Increasingly Affecting Location Decisions

Saturday, April 01, 2023

Abundant access to water, for manufacturing and other purposes, has long ranked near the top of companies’ site selection criteria — especially in drought-prone regions. Recent weather and climate trends have made it even more of a vital concern. Industries that withdraw large volumes of groundwater include manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, energy generation, engineering, and construction. Those withdrawals sometimes deplete local, public water supplies. Read the complete article from Area Development here.

The Rise of Mid-Size U.S. Cities: The Industrial Development Boom

Wednesday, November 08, 2023

Amidst a time of transformation characterized by changing preferences and economic shifts, numerous major urban centers have witnessed a downturn in economic activity in recent years. During this same time period, many of their mid-size counterparts have flourished. While the rise of these mid-size cities has been under way for some time, the unprecedented changes brought about by the pandemic accelerated their growth trajectory — with notable migration of both companies and new residents.Defined by a regional Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population spanning from 500,000 to 1,000,000 residents, there are 59 mid-size cities across the United States. About half of...

Wyoming's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Plan, Vol. 2 Now Available for Public Comment

Wednesday, November 08, 2023

The Wyoming Broadband Office, part of the Wyoming Business Council (WBC), has been allocated $348 million in federal funding through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. After releasing its Initial Proposal Volume I for public comment in August and September, the WBC is pleased to release the next and final portion of its Initial Proposal, Initial Proposal Volume II, for public comment through Nov. 17, 2023.Initial Proposal Volume II (IPV2) specifies how Wyoming will use its BEAD allocation to achieve state and federal goals around broadband deployment, including launching a deployment subgrantee selection process in 2024. IPV2 also...

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Nearly $50 Million to Strengthen Forest Products Economy, Forest Sector Jobs as part of Investing in America Agenda

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is making nearly $50 million in grant funding available for proposals that support crucial links between resilient, healthy forests, strong rural economies and jobs in the forestry sector. Made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, this funding will spark innovation, create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, expand processing capacity, and help tackle the climate crisis.“A strong forest products economy contributes to healthier forests, vibrant communities and jobs in rural areas,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Thanks to...

USDA Announces $27.6 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers through the 2501 Program

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $27.6 million in grants to provide training, outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters to help them own and operate successful farms, ranches, and forest lands. Funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program. The 2501 program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).“The 2501 Program demonstrates USDA’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the country’s underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers and foresters by ensuring that they have access to and are equipped with the resources, knowledge and tools to be successful,” said...

Boosting Semiconductor Manufacturing in America

Saturday, September 09, 2023

It was the perfect storm for the semiconductor industry. The COVID-19 pandemic stirred up major trouble in supply chains in early 2020, including disruptions in chip manufacturing in such places as South Korea and Taiwan. Meanwhile, demand for semiconductors increased, in part because the pandemic had so many people working from home and needing new computers. The result: serious shortages of chips, some of which persist to this day.Read the complete article here.

Front Line: Water Supply Increasingly Affecting Location Decisions

Saturday, September 09, 2023

Abundant access to water, for manufacturing and other purposes, has long ranked near the top of companies’ site selection criteria — especially in drought-prone regions. Recent weather and climate trends have made it even more of a vital concern. Industries that withdraw large volumes of groundwater include manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, energy generation, engineering, and construction. Those withdrawals sometimes deplete local, public water supplies.Read the complete article here.

U.S. Attracting FDI From European Manufacturers

Saturday, September 09, 2023

Due to record-high energy prices and economic instability in Europe, many European manufacturers are looking to the U.S. market for relief and are considering shifting production to the states. To seize this opportunity and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for U.S. sites, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this trend and the challenges European companies face when relocating.Read the complete article here.

WBC Releases Breaking Through Episode 2: Plenty

Saturday, September 09, 2023

As we announced last month, to celebrate the Wyoming Business Council’s 25th anniversary, we are highlighting a variety of innovative and groundbreaking businesses and individuals across the state in a new video series titled Breaking Through: Stories from Wyoming Pioneers. We are excited to share these engaging stories of business trailblazers that bridge Wyoming’s rich heritage with its bright future.Our latest episode is available now, spotlighting Laramie, Wyoming-based Plenty, a pioneer in the controlled agriculture environment (CEA) industry. The video covers innovations born at the University of Wyoming that come to life on the high plains. Learn about the opportunity...

Wyoming Business Council Launches Platform to Promote Locally Sourced Food & Beverages

Saturday, September 09, 2023

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is proud to announce the launch of Wyoming Table – a new online directory connecting in-state ranchers, farmers, distillers, brewers, and other producers with interested buyers so they can purchase high-quality, locally-made food and beverages. In conjunction with the Wyoming State Fair, the WBC is launching the first phase of the directory on August 15, 2023. From beer to beef, corn to spirits, and honey to eggs, Wyoming producers are encouraged to list their products in the directory in preparation for the second phase when the WBC will heavily market the directory to local, regional, national,...

UW, Wyoming SBDC Network to host international trade event in Cheyenne

Friday, August 18, 2023

Small-business owners in Wyoming will have an opportunity to learn more about international trade opportunities next Wednesday, Aug. 23.Kenny Overby and Suzette Nickle will discuss international trade opportunities during a joint Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network and U.S. Commercial Service Denver workshop titled “International Trade Round Table Discussion” from 10-11:30 a.m. at Laramie County Community College, 1400 E. College Drive in Cheyenne. The roundtable will take place in Room 409 of the Pathfinder Building.Read the complete article here.

The Wyoming SBDC Network Is Hiring an Associate State Director

Wednesday, August 09, 2023

The SBDC’s mission is to help Wyoming businesses succeed by offering technical assistance, advising, training, and education to Wyoming’s entrepreneurs. The SBDC serves small businesses across all market segments and in any stage of the business life cycle. Services are available to established entrepreneurs interested in improving or expanding their businesses and to aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting a business. One-on-one services are confidential and offered at no-cost, although low-cost training options are also offered. SBDCs make outreach efforts to underserved markets including but not limited to socially and economically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women, minorities, and people with disabilities.Read the...

Wyoming Employment and Payroll: Broad-Based Growth in First Quarter 2023

Thursday, August 03, 2023

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that from first quarter 2022 to first quarter 2023, total employment in the state rose by 6,337 jobs (2.4%) and total payroll increased by $386.8 million (10.7%).Growth in jobs and payroll was broad-based both geographically and across different industries. Total payroll grew in 21 of the state’s 23 counties and employment grew in 19 counties.Read the complete article here.

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