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.

Charging Up the Electric Vehicle and Battery Sector

Thursday, June 01, 2023

The automotive industry is on the cusp of its most massive transition in generations, as gasoline-powered vehicles make way for electric vehicles, or EVs. By the middle of the next decade, many if not most new cars produced will be electric, and that means a huge shift in the manufacturing base and supply chain. No surprise, then, that more than half a dozen of this year’s Project of the Year awards are related to EVs or the batteries that will power them. The projects can be found all over the country, from Kansas to the Carolinas, bearing only a...

History Comes Alive in Upton

Thursday, June 01, 2023

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...

What is Strategic Marketing & How Does It Fit Into Economic Development?

Monday, May 15, 2023

In today’s ever-changing market, economic development is crucial for regions to grow and thrive. Economic development is promoting a region's economic well-being by creating jobs, generating revenue, and fostering a positive business environment. However, economic development success often depends on an organization’s ability to create and execute an effective strategic marketing plan. Read the complete article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

Following the Research: Benefits of Job Fairs for Workforce Development

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

With the freedom to gather and a job market that needs workers, career fairs are back in the workforce development toolkit. But are they worth it? With a bevy of job-posting platforms allowing businesses to submit openings in minutes and job seekers to filter opportunities with the click of a mouse, why bother putting together a booth or stepping outside your house? Online job postings bring a substantial volume of responses. For employers, the “hooray" for 200-plus responses quickly devolves into the reality that staff must evaluate them all, and many applicants won’t be a good match. From a...

USDA Announces New Steps to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking additional steps as part of its commitment to strengthen the market for domestically grown organic goods, and to support producers seeking organic certification. These funding opportunities are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic Transition Initiative, launched in fall 2022, which is a suite of offerings to help existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing. “As USDA works to help make our nation’s food system more resilient and create more options for producers and consumers, we recognize the...

Wyoming Employment and Payroll: Strong Job Growth in the Mining Sector in Fourth Quarter 2022

Friday, May 05, 2023

From fourth quarter 2021 to fourth quarter 2022, Wyoming added 5,292 jobs (2.0%) and total payroll rose by $58.8 million (1.5%). Despite the recent job growth, employment has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. Total employment in fourth quarter 2022 was down approximately 3,600 jobs from fourth quarter 2019. In fourth quarter 2022, the largest job gains occurred in mining (including oil & gas; 1,454 jobs, or 9.4%). Substantial growth was also seen in leisure & hospitality (798 jobs, or 2.3%), local government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; 733 jobs, or 1.6%), professional & business services (728 jobs,...

Fast & Furious, EV Edition

Monday, May 01, 2023

The EV revolution appeared to have a full head of steam this time last year. This year blockbuster electric vehicle and battery manufacturing deals are rolling out as fast as a Tesla from a dead stop. Since January 2021 EV sales in the U.S. have tripled (over 800,000 sold in 2022) while the number of available models has doubled, according to the U.S. EPA. There are over 130,000 public chargers across the country — a 40% increase over 2020. And the private sector has committed to more than $120 billion in domestic EV and battery investments since the Inflation...

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.

Wyoming schools get good news about funding

Monday, March 27, 2023

For the first time in a decade, schools across Wyoming will see a fully sustained external cost adjustment to meet increased operational costs, as recommended by the state’s labor market economist. “This is one of the areas that it is exciting to really report,” Jed Cicarelli, chief financial officer for Laramie County School District 1, told trustees during a legislative update to the board on Monday. Read the complete article from Wyoming Business Report here.

Now is not the time to cut corners on customer experience

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

When Ikea Canada introduced its new Design Studios in Ontario and Quebec, it did so with the intention of creating an entirely new shopping experience. These small concept stores located in urban centers offer personalized design services and one-to-one planning—a far cry from the traditional Ikea shopping trip that centers around navigating a giant, suburban store that feels like a viking fortress filled with homewares with names like Fördelaktig the Brute, Upplövv the Fierce, and Råskog the Bloody. That new customer experience (CX) was a raging success, according to Forrester Research, pushing sales and customer satisfaction up. In fact,...

Governor Gordon Outlines Strategy for Healthcare Improvement; Will Focus on Strengthening Workforce, Improving Access

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Governor Mark Gordon’s Health Task Force has done great work to make recommendations on strengthening Wyoming’s healthcare workforce and examining ways to improve access for the state’s residents. The Governor is now focused on implementing some of those recommendations and addressing the state’s mental health crisis, while continuing to collaborate with private sector partners. “We have made progress and taken some positive steps towards addressing some of Wyoming’s healthcare challenges over the past year, but it is clear that there is more work to be done,” Governor Gordon said. “My administration will continue to focus on developing Wyoming-led solutions...

How Do I Know I'm Getting the Most Out of My Business? The Answer Is Obvious — Yet Overlooked.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Today's digital world has opened up many opportunities for small businesses to leverage data and maximize their marketing ROI. First-party data allows businesses to develop customer insights, optimize campaigns, track performance metrics and create targeted strategies. With first-party data in hand, small business owners have access to valuable consumer preferences, which they can utilize when planning engagement activities or launching new products/services. Additionally, using this form of data helps build a clear view of customers' journeys while creating personalized experiences at every touchpoint along the way — without spending huge amounts of money on expensive market research tools...

How to Manage the New Expectations of the Younger Workforce

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Every generation worries about the changing expectations of "kids these days." But the pandemic changed the labor market, and this new generation of young people entered with an advantage — more power and new demands. Now, leaders are concerned with how hard it is to get people back into the office. When employees return, they're quiet quitting or giving the bare minimum. Leaders worry that people will need retraining to regain pre-pandemic productivity. Additionally, new hires and potential new hires are exhibiting unpredictable behavior or ghosting far into the interview process. Leaders feel the only way to recruit and...

Enhance Your Community’s Quality Of Life to Attract More Workers & Support Current Residents

Monday, March 20, 2023

Economic developers focused on quality of life improvements are finding it easier to attract workers to their community. As flexible work arrangements become more common, people are searching for prioritizing communities they will enjoy living in when conducting a job search. There are grants that can help to fund these projects. In addition, regardless of a community’s size, there is always the possibility that some of its members can slip through the cracks where they are unable to receive basic assistance. Utilizing grants that focus on enhancing the quality of life for everyone ensures that no individual, young or...

From the Great Resignation to the Great Refusal—here’s what the 5 ‘Great Rs’ mean for the future of work

Thursday, March 16, 2023

As we weigh yet another strong jobs report against persistent inflation and the looming threat of a recession, we have to acknowledge that the workforce has transformed and now plays by a different set of rules and is motivated by a different set of factors. Leaders take note. The Great Reset is a convergence of trends some decades in the making that culminate in a changed relationship between individuals and organizations. Let’s break down the five “Great Rs” that collectively give us the empowered workforce. Read the complete article from Fast Company here.

How To Recession-Proof your Economic Development

Monday, March 13, 2023

As an economic developer, you understand that economic recessions can wreak havoc on local businesses and communities. These times of economic uncertainty cause businesses to shut down, people to lose jobs, and local economies to crumble. However, with the right strategies, you can recession-proof your economic development efforts and ensure that your community remains resilient and prosperous even during tough times. Uncertainty is scary and challenging. Hearing stories of the struggles people face during difficult times darkens the soul. But economic developers are the leaders for communities, and economic development leadership strengthens communities. You have the ability to promote...

USDA Announces $29 Million to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production

Friday, March 10, 2023

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. USDA also announced the first $29 million in grant offers under the first round that focused on projects that can come online in the near term. The grants will help independent businesses increase production of American-made fertilizer, which will spur competition, give U.S. farmers more choices and fairer prices and reduce dependence...

First Person: Labor Crunch in the Construction Industry

Thursday, December 01, 2022

The construction industry continues to face a skilled labor shortage, with worker scarcity worsening since the beginning of the pandemic. With this in mind, Area Development’s staff editor Lisa Bastian asked Joseph Natarelli, Marcum’s National Construction Leader, to share his perspective on this issue. Read the complete article from Area Development here.

Front Line: Water Supply Increasingly Affecting Location Decisions

Thursday, December 01, 2022

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.

Is a Flurry of Fads Shaping Economic Development Policy?

Thursday, December 01, 2022

“Would you be willing to try this new diet with me?” The question came from my wife one early spring day in March a couple of years ago. “It’s a thing that keeps popping up on my social media and it is supposed to help you get healthy in two weeks!” I asked her what sort of “diet” we were talking about and she showed me the vegetable soup diet. I later learned that this diet surfaces every 9–12 months on social media and becomes popular for a few months before fading away again. The diet consists of a...

Nearshoring — North America’s Next Factory

Thursday, December 01, 2022

The 2020 crisis, compared to the 2008 crisis, had a different impact on the world’s economy and greatly disturbed global supply chains by affecting the three major factory regions: China, Europe, and North America. The crisis initially hit the factories in China, where the COVID-19 pandemic started, then spread to Europe and eventually to North America. The pandemic intensified the ongoing obstruction in global supply chains by making evident their fragility due to their very extensive geographical scope and the difficulties in managing the problem, leading to the relocation of investments in different parts of the world. Read the...

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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