Number 4 l April , 2015 l Page 1
Industrial Complex Fact or Fiction ?
Is the vision of a mega
Industrial Complex a reality for
Southwestern Wyoming? Many
believe it is possible while
others have concerns about the
potential for such a project in
the vast open spaces of Western
Wyoming. Today information is
being gathered to evaluate the
potential and partnerships
exist to move forward with this
very ambitious concept.
The idea was first
brought to light last year by the
Governor’s office and State
Legislature. Whom had
recently visited Alberta’s
Industrial Heartland Complex
in Alberta, Canada and were
impressed with the value added
products many of the
companies were producing from
waste stream by products.
Governor Mead then started
important discussions with
private business partners and
how they viewed a project of
this magnitude. The state of
Wyoming is in a unique
position because of the
abundance of naturally
occurring mineral deposits
found in large portions of the
Rock Springs Chamber
state. The State could
also assist in streamline
permitting, industrial citing,
pipeline and transmission line
corridors along with monitoring
health and safety issues for
workers.
Fast forward to today and
you will find a variety of
activities in several Wyoming
communities vying to be
considered for an Industrial
Complex if and when it were to
become a reality. Sweetwater
County along with Southwestern Wyoming have been
mentioned on many occasions as
a logical fit for the Industrial
Complex. With its diverse mix
of minerals and large scale plant
operations already developed it
does seem plausible that an
Industrial Complex could be
located somewhere in Southwestern Wyoming.
There are many factors
that will go into the final
decision as to where a potential
site or sites for value added
products development will be
located. Sweetwater County has
many of the assets that will be
needed if the Industrial
Complex concept moves forward.
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
First, we are blessed
with an abundance of Coal,
Trona, Natural Gas, Oil,
Uranium, just to name a few.
Second, we have a
major transportation corridor
that includes U.P. Mainline
rails and I-80.
Third, a large workforce
already trained in the mining
sector.
Fourth, WWCC has an
extensive training program in
the specific field that will be
needed to staff a complex of
this nature.
Fifth, there is available
water and land to accommodate future growth. The State
of Colorado has an eye on the
Green River and its water;
what better way to utilize
this resource then by creating
Wyoming jobs instead of having it transferred to the Front
Range.
Sixth, Sweetwater
County has a young population with large enrollments in
our school districts. Literally,
our children are our future potential workforce.
Continued on page 2
[email protected]
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 2
Industrial Complex Fact or Fiction? cont.
With projections to have 10,000 students enrolled by 2017 between School Districts #1 and #2 we need
to have quality well-paying jobs to retain the students that graduate.
In order to make a case for Southwestern Wyoming the Rock Springs Chamber has partnered
with the City of Rock Springs, the City of Green River and the Sweetwater County Commissioners to
develop a Regional Profile and Industrial Complex Sell Sheet. In order to accomplish this goal Ady
Advantage has been hired to develop an approach to positioning and marketing our area as the prime
location for an Industrial Complex in Wyoming. The completed collateral will include a four page
Regional Profile, two page Industrial Park Sell sheet and a four page “Why Wyoming?” data sheet. It
will be branded as a Sweetwater County Product.
The Rock Springs Chamber is working to gather all the requested data from workforce, housing,
utilities, demographics, education, mapping, and much more. This has become a true collaboration and
partnership with both cities and county playing a leading role in moving our first phase forward. At the
ounty level the Commission has been very successful in engaging three of the surrounding counties to
support a regional proposal not just Sweetwater County. This has many advantages and makes sense
because of labor markets and low population of Wyoming. It also makes sense because it is very likely
that the Industrial Complex project will not be one large megaplex, but rather a cluster of
developments. As of now we are waiting to receive a profile request from Governor Mead’s office. Once
that happens, the process will begin and we will need to be proactive in determining our future.
As with any new undertaking there are many more question than answers. Where will it be
located? How much will it cost? How long will it take to build? How do we protect our quality of life and
the environment? What private industrial partners are willing to invest? How many jobs will we
create? How do we manage air quality? The list is very long indeed however, if Wyoming ever wants to
change the pattern of boom and bust new ideas must be explored. This is a long term project and will
take many years to develop. We are taking the first steps to provide our businesses and communities
with proactive options for the future.
-Article by Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce
Visit the Chamber, everyone else is!
This year the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce set a new record with a
total of 26,476 visitors in 2014! This is a 6% increase from 2013. While traffic was at
its peak during the summer months, our median was 1,817 visitors per month
throughout the year.
As the visitor center we also distribute over 200,000 brochures each year at
the Chamber and other businesses throughout the community. One of these
brochures being Images, Sweetwater County. This is one of our most popular
brochures and provides great information and beautiful photography of our community. On behalf of the
Chamber we would like to thank those who participated with Images this year, your help is what makes
Images coming to our area possible.
It is also almost time for brochure deliveries, so if you would like to distribute brochures at your
business, or need a refill please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce at 362-3771.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 3
The Trash is Back!
The Trash Queen is ready to take back our
City from the trash that has collected over the
last year, but she needs your help!
Each May the City of Rock Springs and
the Chamber co-sponsor the annual City-Wide
Cleanup. This event allows residents to get out
and prove how much they love our community,
by doing their part and cleaning it up.
The event will be held on Saturday, May
16th, with lunch being served at 1 p.m. at Young
at Heart Senior Citizen Center.
Each year the volunteers pick up
several tons of trash throughout the community,
and it really does make a difference! Not only
does it make the community look better for the
citizens of Rock Springs, it also helps prepare our
town for the thousands of guests that will come
to our town for the National High School Rodeo
and other summer events.
It’s almost time to start signing up, so
get your team of family, friends, or co-workers
together for the 16th Annual City Wide Clean Up!
Call the Chamber at 362-3771 or stop by 1897
Dewar Drive to get your team signed up!
A Sea of Orange (Above) Volunteers enjoy a
complimentary lunch after spending the morning
cleaning up trash. Young at Heart Senior Center
graciously hosted this lunch and will be doing so
again on May 16th, 2015.
Every business leader knows that teamwork is
not just nice – it’s necessary. “A house divided against
itself will not stand,” and a business where people are
at each others throats will not last. The number one
reason employees are fired is because they can't get
along with someone else in the company! One of the
top reasons employees leave companies is because
they can’t work with their boss or co-worker. This
workshop is an action-packed 1/2 day program with
proven strategies and techniques to help everyone in
the company build teamwork and reduce employee
turnover.
Please contact Kayla McDonald at 307-3623771 to register your team today! Looking for
funding? Contact Wyoming Workforce Services about
a Training Grant!
307-382-9680
2441 Foothill Blvd.
IS NOW
307-382-9680
Rock Springs, WY
2441 Foothill Blvd.
OPEN
Rock Springs, WY
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 4
The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank our members for their continued support of
the Rock Springs Chamber’s goals. The Rock Springs Chamber is guided by our 5 core values: Promote the
Community, Stimulate the Local Economy, Provide Networking Opportunities, Represent Business To Government, Take Political Action. Thank you for your support. Renewing members through March 17, 2015.
1st United Methodist Church
AAA Insurance
Aaron Foot Clinic
About Time Travel, Inc.
Ammo Shack II
Badger Daylighting Corp
Black Butte Coal Company
Blue Line Rental
Boschetto's European Market
BP America
Century 21 Rocky Mountain
Chevron USA
Chopstix Asian Bistro
CleanHarbors Environmental Services
Communication Technologies Inc.
Coyote Creek Steakhouse and Saloon
Daniel's Jewelry
David Okano, DDS, MS
Dennys
DXP Enterprises
Electrical Connections, Inc.
EPC Energy Services
Evergreen Electric
Flaming Gorge Days, Inc
Freeman's Fossils
Grub's Drive-in
Hampton Inn and Suites - Pinedale
Platt Electric Supply Inc.
Prevention Mngt. Organization
R & M Welding
Rock Springs KOA
Samuel Engineering, Inc.
Siam King
Solvay Chemicals Inc.
Southwest Wyoming BMX
Sweetwater 1Foundation
Sweetwater Snowpokes
Twisted Coffee
High Desert Art Galleries
Hoerbiger Service, Inc.
Honnen Equipment
Uinta Engineering and Surveying
Hunter Family Medical
Union Wireless
JC Jacobs Carpet One
US Forest Service
Le Bus
Waddell & Reed
MESSCO
Wendy's
Moneyhun Field Services
Wyoming Trucks and Cars
Mountain West Storage
Pioneer Printing
Plains Tires
Interested in market Research?
Join us at the April small business roundtable
The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Small
Business Development Center and Commerce Bank of Wyoming, will be hosting
the April Small Business Roundtable on April 1st, 2015. The Small Business
Roundtables are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Topics and
presentations vary, and a complimentary lunch is always provided.
The roundtable will run from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be held in the
Commerce Bank of Wyoming conference room. The April Small Business
Roundtable will feature The Small Business
Development Center/Market Research Center- Nick
Giraldo, an Information Specialist discussing the Market Research Center
and the programs they offer.
The Small Business Roundtable is open to any Sweetwater County
Business. You do not have to be a "Small Business" any business, any size is
welcome. After each presentation, time will be allotted for comments and
questions. This is a great way to network with other businesses and gain information from the experts. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce at 362-3771
[email protected] . Please RSVP by no later than noon on March
31st.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 5
My Hearing Center
2620 Commercial Way
Rock Springs, WY
307-223-0048
My Hearing Centers is changing hearing health care in the United States. As the largest independent hearing
care provider in the west, we offer cutting edge technology and service for those struggling with a hearing impairment. We are conveniently located inside the offices of medical practitioners and stand alone locations
Rock Springs Soccer Assn.
PO Box 1231
Rock Springs, WY 82902
www.rsssasoccer.org
The Rock Springs Soccer Association promotes and provides educational, recreational
and competitive soccer for all youth; regardless of race, creed, religion, national origin, gender or physical
ability. We are dedicated to the growth and development of soccer consistent with the policies and procedures
Aaron’s Semi Repair
426 US Highway 191
Rock Springs, Wy
307-362-3148
Our mechanics are certified and completely equipped to handle your truck repair, truck service or
trailer repair needs. You should have full confidence in your repairs and service.
Have you heard the news?
A recent study from SmartAsset a ranked the most affordable places to live in Wyoming and
the results ranked Rock Springs #1 due to relatively low property taxes, homeowner's insurance
fees, and mortgage payments when measured against the local median income. Currently, the
median income for Rock Springs is $71,289.
The most current report from the February Wyoming Labor Force Trends Report, reports that
Sweetwater County currently is at a 4.6% unemployment rate with a labor force of 22,791. Reports
also show that a total of 117 new businesses were started in Sweetwater County in 2012 creating
approximately 278 new jobs. In 2013, Sweetwater County had 109 new businesses that created 500
new jobs for Sweetwater County. The southwest region came in second to the Southeast region with
495 businesses created regionally. Studies with proven results continue to highlight the growth and
economic stability that Sweetwater County is known for.
Last year, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce signed 65 new member-businesses. The
Rock Springs Business & Economic Development Alliance also met with 62 new businesses,
developers or existing businesses to discuss topics such as expansion, workforce, and new business
creation for Sweetwater County. This is a great example of the entrepreneurial and progressive
attitude that continues to drive Sweetwater County for continued success.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 6
Sweetwater Technology Services,
is now located at 2241 Foothill Blvd.
Suite 601.
Jill and her team are experts in
web-development and all things
related to technology and now have a
retail store as well!
Give them a call at 362-7879
Ross,
located at the White Mountain
Mall-2441 Foothill Blvd., is your
dress for less super store! Stop in
and visit the team or give them a
call at (307) 382-9680.
(right)
Western Engineers and Geologists,
1329 Ninth Street, is general Civil
Engineering and Geology firm that
provides professional services for
various types of engineering projects.
Call them at 362-5180.
(above)
Maya Medi-Spa ,
1101 Gateway Blvd, is now open and
ready to serve your needs!
“We believe that everyone deserves a
little bit of pampering in their lives.”
State Farm-Cody Pierpoint,
Elwood Staffing
located at1977 Dewar Dr, Ste C,
wants to meet your home, auto, and
life insurance needs! Cody and his
team can be reached at 382-8313.
is now located at 1750 Sunset Dr.,
Suite Z . Call Jennifer and her
team at 362-6397 for your
workforce needs.
Like a good neighbor, State-Farm is there!
The better people, people.
(above)
Governor Mead visited Sweetwater County to open the Bunning Transfer Building, 603 South Main Street, Black
Butte High School, on the backside of WWCC, and the Health and Human Services Building, 333 Broadway.
In addition to our exceptional care in Obstetrics and Gynecology
we now offer Family Medicine.
Same day appointments available. Accepting new patients.
Se habla espanol!
Serving you in two
convenient locations!
Schedule your appointment today, and let us take care of
3000 College Dr. and
your family's medical needs.
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 7
The Rock Springs Chamber + YOU = A WINNING Combination!
Often times the Chamber is asked, “What do you do? What can you do for my business? Or Why
should I be apart of the Chamber?” While the answers vary depending on who you ask, my favorite answer is, “What can’t the Chamber do for you?”. The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce focuses on
Bringing Business and Communities Together, therefore, our goal is to serve the community and to get
the community involved. As such, we focus our efforts on partnerships, member services, and providing
excellent customer service to our members, residents, and visitors alike.
The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce wants to see a successful community, we work with the
City of Rock Springs, Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism, the City of Green River,
Sweetwater County, the Events Complex, and even the Green River Chamber to create a cooperative
Sweetwater County. We feel that strong partnerships are the way to foster a successful future for Southwest Wyoming. Through these partnerships Southwest Wyoming is able to host events, bolster a strong
economy, provide a great place for residents to live, and a true taste of Wyoming for those that visit.
Through our print publications, The Business Outlook, Sweetwater County Magazine, and the
Springhill Press City Map, the Chamber offers member-businesses a unique opportunity to promote their
business. These print publications are distributed to more than 700 locations through-out the year and
even travel to foreign destinations.
But, print publications are not the only way to promote your business, with 3 websites
administered by the Chamber, we are here to help you get on the web. The Chamber offers profiles to all
members that act as websites if you don’t have one and as a directional page if you do.
However, we are not only interested in promoting your business, we also want to help your business succeed, therefore helping our county succeed. The Chamber offers numerous training
programs throughout the year, networking events, and assistance through our partnerships with the
Small Business Development Center and the Wyoming Business Council. It is our hope that our
members are able to thrive, not just survive.
Each December the Chamber fosters the Holiday Lighted Parade and helps facilitate the City
Wide Clean-up. We like to think we light up and clean our community! For the last 3 years, we have also
hosted the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, which gives us a chance to THANK YOU for your
commitment to our city! The Rock Springs Chamber also hosts several committees that discuss everything from water issues to retail and how to best educate our members.
The Chamber also works on businesses behalf when communicating with elected officials at the
local, state, and even federal level. The Chamber hosts legislative receptions that are open to the
public, meets with the mayor and city council, and interacts with representatives of federal law
makers on a regular basis. We have also assisted in hosting the governor and other elected state
officials countless times.
So, to answer the question, “What can the Chamber do for you?” We want to do as much as possible to create a successful Sweetwater County, not just today but into the future. And we want you to be
apart of the process. Our doors are open Monday-Friday, from 8am until 5pm and we are
always accepting visitors. If you are interested in finding out more about the Chamber, joining a
committee, or anything else, stop by and visit us at 1897 Dewar Drive or give us a call at 307-362-3771.
Are you interested in being involved in your community? Interested in furthering yourself
professionally? If you answered yes to any of these questions and are between the ages of 21 and
39 you should join Young and Professional (YAP). We don’t care what your profession is or if you
even have one! YAP will have their next meet-up April 9th at Coyote Creek at 6:00pm. Come
learn about YAP, pick-up a schedule for the year and see if we are the right fit for you!
Questions? Call Johno Green at the Rock Springs Chamber at 362-3771!
Rock Springs Chamber
1897 Dewar Drive
307-362-3771
[email protected]
www.rockspringschamber.com or www.rockspringsed.com www.rockspringswyoming.net or www.rockspringsbd.com
Business Outlook
Number 4 l April, 2015 l Page 8
April Connection Luncheon
Mayor Carl DeMshar’s state of the City aDDress
Join the Rock Springs Chamber at our
Monthly Membership
Connection Luncheon at the
ROCK SPRINGS HOLIDAY INN
“Rock Springs' characteristics
and its quality of life are
phenomenal but what truly
defines our city is its people.
Ultimately, it is people who make a community,
and we celebrate the immigrants from all over
the globe, who have blended to make wonderful
neighborhoods in this great small city. Please
come for a visit. You might just stay for a
lifetime.” -Mayor Demshar
As the City of Rock Springs heads into a
new fiscal year, join the Chamber to learn
about what the year has in store. Mayor
Demshar is excited to share his knowledge with
all of you!
(1675 Sunset Drive)
On Monday, April 13, at 12pm
Please RSVP to the Chamber by email or phone
362-3771 no later than
4:00pm on Friday, April 10th, 2015.
The Rock Springs Chamber REQUIRES an RSVP on or
before Friday, April 10th at 4pm, the cost for luncheon will be
$13. When RSVPing please remember, you will be charged
whether you are able to make it or not, as we are charged for
for the number of RSVP’s not the number of attendees.
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Salad,
Mixed Vegetables, Spinach Dip, Fruit, and
Lemon Bars will be served.
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
ROCK SPRINGS, WY
PERMIT NO. 16
P.O. Box 398
Rock Springs, WY 82902
Return Service Requested