News & Events

Did you know that the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) awards grants and scholarships every year?Maybe you’re looking for a boost to help your amazing organization run at a next-level standard of operations. Or, you might have a project in mind that will bring joy to our community and improve the quality of life for residents. You may qualify for a UEDB Grant.Perhaps you’re a student seeking financial aid for college or vocational training. Or a professional seeking certification. You may qualify for a UEDB Scholarship.And if you think grants and scholarships are impossible to get or that the process...

When the bells rang to signal the start of the 2025 school year, Upton High School students could walk out of their classrooms and into a 24x48 greenhouse next door. Preparing, planting, growing, harvesting. The hands-on learning will embody an ongoing collaboration between Agricultural Sciences and General Science classes. It also represents Weston County School District #7’s (WSCD) commitment to embrace a personalized learning model to reimagine what a traditional classroom education looks like. “The greenhouse is just a little bit of what we do in terms of innovation. We allow students a lot of voice and choice in their learning,” said WCSD...

Trying to manage a work-life balance isn’t exactly easy these days. From long commutes to a frantic go-go-go! pace, it’s easy to understand why stress in the workplace has become a hot topic.Upton, Wyoming, offers a different way of life; one where wide-open spaces, safe, tight-knit communities, and a lower cost of living can pave the way for less stress and more enjoyment in life.And there’s no better time than during September’s Workforce Development Month to tell you more about what our amazing rural community has to offer!A Growing ConcernWhen it comes to stress in the workplace, even the Occupational...

We have so many strong women who contribute an immeasurable amount to Upton. From business owners to community movers and shakers, they are all inspiring the next generation of female leaders!There’s no better time to tip our hats to their community contributions than with a huge shout-out following National Family Owned & Operated Business Day, which took place in June.Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) is proud to support our amazing network of female leaders, whose hard work makes life a little sweeter for all of us. Whether it’s connecting them with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center for funding opportunities or...

Sun’s out. Windows open. With summer in full swing, you know that means: It’s time for a road trip!We’ve mapped out some of our favorite “gotta see it” destinations, all within a short drive of Upton. See one, or see them all. No matter which route you take, it’s a great way to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.The Black HillsYour day-trip begins by hopping onto Highway 16E for a scenic drive into South Dakota.First up? The jaw-dropping splendor of Jewel Cave National Monument. Take your pick of four, Ranger-guided tours that run the gamut from an easy...

Upton High School serves the small community of Upton, WY, tucked in the northeast corner of Wyoming through a robust platform of activities designed to give students invaluable leadership opportunities. The region’s youth develop essential skills and prepare for their future in programs like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and more, each offering tremendous knowledge to complement traditional classroom coursework.The school's dedication to fostering leadership is evident in its students' achievements, which underscore the impact of personalized attention from sponsors and instructors in a smaller setting, allowing students...

Built by returning World War II veterans in the early 1940s, the Upton Arena has long been a staple in Weston County, WY, agricultural and recreational life. Through the years, it became a hub for many exciting events, including the annual Upton Ag Day, kids' rodeos and ranch rodeos. Today, despite being the yearly host of Upton’s Fun Days and the Ranch Rodeo Finals, the usage of the arena lessened to the point the community questioned its need. But, three local leaders have formed the Upton Arena Board to breathe new life into the beloved facility. “We want to preserve this space...

Discovering Opportunity, Affordability, and Community SpiritUpton, Wyoming, often dubbed the "Best Town on Earth," is proving that this label is more than just a charming slogan. Many, including a recent returnee, find the town offers a compelling blend of economic opportunity, financial stability, and an unmatched sense of community.Economic Opportunities: A Town Poised for GrowthWhen asked why she returned to Upton in 2023, Kasaundra Bishop, the Economic Development Coordinator for Upton EDC, shared, “I saw so much potential for growth and a strong sense of community here. The town's support for small businesses and its investment in local events, like...

September is a time to celebrate Workforce Development Month, a dedicated period to honor the initiatives that fuel workforce expansion and economic advancement nationwide. The inauguration of Iron Creek Inn in Upton has substantially fortified the local job market by crafting diverse employment opportunities. Shelley Sutherland, the hotel's General Manager, underscores the significance of this expansion.Nurturing Employment Growth and Talent Retention"The establishment of Iron Creek Inn has truly revolutionized Upton's local workforce by generating an extensive spectrum of job openings, particularly in hospitality, housekeeping, and management," Sutherland enthusiastically conveyed.In a town where cultivating the workforce takes precedence, the Inn has...

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...

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...

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...

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...

History is often thought of by many as a dry, boring subject. But for communities across the country, their history is more about lively stories and visual reminders of what it was like to live in a time so much different than today. Such is the case in Upton, WY, where several unique settings reflect the small town’s history. “Upton is a small town community, where people pull together to support each other,” said Cindy Dysart, Upton’s Red Onion Museum director. “That is reflected in our local history, which showcases how people were resourceful back then, just as they...

Small businesses are the driving force behind well-paying jobs, dynamic business growth and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) recognizes this importance and seeks to facilitate the necessary assistance the owners, leaders and entrepreneurs of these entities face. Additionally, several state and national organizations focus on small business assistance in the Upton area.  #SBDC Day Wednesday, March 15, is #SBDC Day, a national proclamation by America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) regarding their impact on the success of America’s small businesses. More than 1,000 SBDCs nationwide comprise a comprehensive small business...

Economic development often works best by understanding local strengths and focusing on an integrated approach centered on a community’s goals. As the new Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator with the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB), Kade McMillan is an expert on the local angle, with a mindset to build that future direction. “Growing up in Upton, I’ve been able to witness the community rally around individuals and businesses to show support and compassion to improve life for all,” he said. “It is essential to listen to the people who have been part of the community to fully understand what...

Over the past couple of years, communities across the nation have experienced significant small business growth and entrepreneurship. Upton’s entrepreneurs play a vital role in meeting the community’s needs, resulting in job creation, economic sustainability and growth. What is an entrepreneur? A person with an exciting idea who seeks to turn it into a profitable business is an entrepreneur. Dedication and hard-working with the energy needed to design, launch and operate a new business are character traits they typically possess in abundance. Thousands of individuals put their entrepreneurial ideas to the test by starting their own businesses due...

Inflation has become the front and center topic of discussion across the country. The cost of everything from groceries and gasoline to real estate and utilities is on the rise. As businesses see the cost of goods soaring and consumers pay more at the checkout stand and in their monthly bills, they question how to save money. Upton may be the answer.  National reports indicate current inflation rates have exceeded 8% - higher than at any time since the 1980s. As of July 2022, real average hourly earnings for U.S. employees increased by 0.5%, resulting in a 1% increase...

Each Tuesday throughout the summer season, local vendors gather at the Upton Farmers Market to sell a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade canned items, jams, jellies, freeze-dried foods, handmade crafts, salsa, wax melts and more. But farmers markets are so much more than niche operations for discerning customers. Farmers markets boost the local economy, build a sense of community pride and promote a healthy respect for a sustainable local environment.  Farmers markets are critical contributors to local job creation and the cultivation of strong, vibrant communities. Growers selling at local outlets create thirteen full-time farm operator jobs...

Visitors head to northeast Wyoming for popular tourist attractions like Devils Tower National Monument, the Vore Buffalo Jump and the Black Hills National Forest. Amidst these natural features is Upton - a small town with ample recreation opportunities! There are many unique activities and historical sights in Upton and the surrounding area that are worth exploring as well! Recreation in Upton There are year-round recreation opportunities for Upton residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors with families, friends and others. Upton City Park is one of Upton’s best recreation spots in the community. It features a nine-acre...

The Upton area is growing and so are workforce needs often found in such communities. Workforce advancement resources are now available to Upton employers and job seekers, including funding for internships, apprenticeships, career training and professional development. Job seekers have more opportunities to advance their careers, while employers have access to tools to develop a skilled workforce. “We want people to understand funding is available to help their businesses, and now is the time to access it,” said Shaye Moon, Business Training and Support Program Manager with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS). This past February, the...

This May is an excellent time to recognize and focus on northeastern Wyoming’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Upton Economic Development Board exists to serve as stewards promoting, developing, and supporting a robust Greater Upton community. This month includes two recognition weeks for just that purpose - National Small Business Week (NSBW) from May 2-6 and 2022 National Economic Development Week from May 9 - 13. Small Business Week The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) holds NSBW in the first week of May each year. The small businesses started by entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of many communities, as...

As March approaches, weather patterns will determine construction activity on the new Cobblestone Inn and Suites in Upton. Construction crews are currently setting the engineering foundation for the building now. Around 120 piers have been set into the bedrock and filled with concrete. “Our timing to move onto the framing and going vertical is really up to Mother Nature,” said Tim J. Shefchik, vice-president of BriMark Builders, the construction company for the project. “Once we can get boots on the ground for those activities, we can more accurately forecast a completion schedule.” A typical timeline without major delays...

Nearly every business sector has been affected by workforce shortages during the pandemic, but none perhaps as much as the supply chain. Shipping delays have become a common occurrence nationwide due to there simply not being enough people to move freight. Even before the pandemic, the trucking industry had already been facing the challenges of high turnover rates, an aging workforce and long hours away from home. Businesses in the communities of northeastern Wyoming are not alone in the impacts of shipping uncertainties. To improve workforce needs in the supply chain industry, the Trucking Action Plan was launched by...