How Do You Like Me Now?

From GCCC President & CEO Dale

A message from one of my favorite Okies!

A great song from one of Oklahoma's favorite sons, Toby Keith, God rest his soul. Listen to this awesome tune by clicking here.

We have an interesting phenomenon happening in America right now related to these lyrics. States and towns all over America are dividing into winners and losers, indignantly shouting, "How do you like me now, now that I'm on my way?"

While some communities and states have rolled back regulations, taxes, and fees and created rock'n business and social environments, others are acting like they're recovering from a hangover and a 3-day drunk. It is important for us to recognize the commonalities of both the winners and the losers as we forge ahead.

First, the winners.

It is clear that states like Texas and Florida, who are by almost anyone's accounts among the winners right now, start with personal income growth. Both states have impressive personal income growth of more than 3.5% in 2025.

Additionally, Florida ranks 3rd for GDP growth and 4th for employment growth while Texas ranks 15th and 6th for these two markers. As you look at EPI rankings — driven by structurally low inflation and unemployment combined with low state deficits and business growth — it quickly becomes apparent what behaviors impact the winners.

Another key factor is domestic migration. We all know intuitively that labor and technology drive an economy forward, so it is no surprise that these states benefit from strong in-migration numbers.

The other area we often speak about is retention of young talent — and you guessed it, both states retain and attract young talent.

When looking at the winners it's really not that complicated of a puzzle. People like to live where they and their families can prosper and afford the cost of living.

How about the losers?

Interestingly, the starkest example is close to home. 25 years ago, the front range of Colorado was the place to be with jobs galore and economic numbers to be reckoned with.

Time has not been kind to our neighbor to the south, and the weight of higher taxes, fees, and regulations has wrecked what was a burgeoning economy.

Don't take my word for it — take a look at a report the Colorado state chamber recently published. You can view that report by clicking here.

The report specifically shows the regulatory burden in Colorado and what it's done to the economy, but it's insightful to other things going on in the state as well.

Why Not WY and Cheyenne?

I have purposefully not included our state or community in these comparisons. Rather than getting a passionate argument going regarding how wonderful or terrible we are, I thought a good cranial stretch — thinking about how we resemble both the winners and the losers — might be helpful.

As a community and a state, let's concentrate on our future. What do we need to do to create a dynamic economy that is affordable, provides good jobs, has outstanding domestic in-migration numbers, and provides opportunity for our young people?

While we may not have all the answers today, your Chamber of Commerce exists to address these very problems — and we commit to you to continue our work to make Cheyenne and Wyoming an even better place to live, work, and do business.