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Submitted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Wyoming employers understand that their people are their greatest asset. Whether you’re operating a small business, managing a growing team, or leading a large organization, the health of your workforce can influence everything from productivity and engagement to recruitment and retention. That’s why preventive care matters. An annual wellness exam is one of the simplest steps employees can take to better understand their health and address potential concerns before they become more serious. While many individuals think of a doctor’s appointment as something to schedule when they’re sick, preventive care shifts the focus to staying healthy and identifying issues early. For employers, encouraging preventive care can be an important part of supporting employee well-being. A Small Investment of Time Can Make a Big Difference Annual wellness exams give employees an opportunity to: Discuss health concerns with their provider Review medications and health history Stay current on recommended screenings and vaccinations Identify potential health issues early Develop a plan to support their long-term health goals These conversations can help employees make informed decisions about their health before problems become more difficult to manage. Building a Culture of Health Creating a healthier workplace doesn’t always require large wellness initiatives. Sometimes it starts with simple reminders and encouragement. Employers can support preventive care by: Promoting annual wellness exams during benefit communications Reminding employees about preventive care benefits available through their health plan Sharing wellness resources throughout the year Encouraging employees to establish a relationship with a primary care provider When employees prioritize their health, businesses benefit from a healthier, more engaged workforce. Making the Most of Health Plan Benefits Many employees may not realize that preventive care services are often included as part of their health plan benefits when covered preventive care requirements are met. For eligible Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming members, annual wellness exams are covered at no cost when preventive care requirements are met. Taking advantage of these benefits can help employees stay on top of their health while maximizing the value of their coverage. Supporting Healthier Businesses and Communities At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, we believe healthy communities start with healthy people and healthy workplaces. As a proud Chamber member and Wyoming’s only Wyoming-based health insurer, we’re committed to helping employers build stronger businesses through comprehensive health coverage, wellness resources, and local support.

The Meridian Trust North Star Foundation invites the community to take part in its annual Flags for Heroes fundraiser. This inspiring display celebrates the people who make a difference in our lives—military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, pastors, mentors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, friends, family members, and countless others who deserve recognition. For just $20, you can honor a hero by sponsoring a flag in their name. Each sponsored flag includes a personalized keepsake tag sharing your hero’s name and story. This year’s tag was designed by Colorado artist Kendra Hart. Flags will be displayed at Meridian Trust branches from September 2nd through September 12th, creating a powerful tribute to the heroes who strengthen our communities every day. Tags are available for purchase on the North Star Foundation’s website, www.northstarfoundation.com. This year’s event kicks off with a community celebration hosted in partnership with the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 3, at 4:00 p.m. at Meridian Trust’s East Branch in Cheyenne on East Lincolnway. Community members, sponsors, and supporters are invited to attend as we officially honor the heroes represented throughout the display. By honoring a hero, you’ll also be helping neighbors in need. Proceeds from Flags for Heroes support the North Star Foundation’s community assistance programs, including the HEAT (Heat Energy Assistance Trust) program, which helps local families with heating expenses, as well as youth initiatives including the annual college scholarship program. Businesses can also show their support through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship levels start as low as $250, offering recognition opportunities and hero tags to honor individuals who have made a difference. Sponsorships help expand the impact of the fundraiser while demonstrating a commitment to the communities we serve. After the display concludes, keepsake tags will be mailed to donors or made available for pickup at their selected branch location. To honor a hero, become a business sponsor, or learn more about the event, visit www.northstarfoundation.com. Contributions may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.

Starting October 1, every business and resident connected to Cheyenne's water system will see higher utility costs. The Cheyenne City Council approved the adjustments on June 8, and with fall approaching, now is the time to understand what's changing and what it means for your bottom line. What's Changing Your water and sewer bill has two components: a monthly service fee based on your meter size, and a volumetric charge based on how much water you actually use. Both are going up — but not the same way for everyone. The monthly service fee increases 3% for all customers, residential and commercial alike. That's the flat charge every customer pays regardless of usage. The volumetric rate — the per-1,000-gallon charge — is increasing for residential customers only this cycle. Standard residential tiers go up 5%, and higher usage tiers increase 9%. Commercial and industrial volumetric rates are not changing this round. For the average residential customer using around 3,000 gallons per month, the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities estimates the combined impact at about $2.55 more per month. That figure comes directly from BOPU and reflects the service fee increase only — residential customers with higher water usage will see more. For businesses, your increase depends entirely on your meter size. The larger the meter, the higher the service fee — and that fee is going up 3% across all ten meter sizes, from the standard 5/8-inch used by most small businesses up to the 12-inch meters serving heavy industrial operations. This Is Part of a Longer Pattern If this feels familiar, it should. Cheyenne has seen water and sewer rate increases every year for at least the past five years. In 2024, BOPU raised water rates 8% and sewer rates 10%. In 2025, the increases shifted to service fees only — $3 per month for water and $2 per month for sewer — with no volumetric increase that year. This year brings a 3% service fee increase for all customers, which is the most modest fee adjustment in the recent cycle. However, the return of volumetric rate increases for residential customers means some households will feel more of an impact than they did last year. It's also worth noting that BOPU shifted from January 1 to October 1 effective dates starting last year — so if your budgeting has historically accounted for January increases, adjust your planning accordingly. So why does this keep happening? The BOPU is responsible for roughly 730 miles of water mains, 327 miles of sanitary sewer lines, a water treatment plant, two water reclamation facilities, and 40 groundwater wells. That system doesn't maintain itself. Construction costs, chemical prices, and evolving regulatory requirements have all climbed steadily — and Cheyenne's growth has meant ongoing investment in new infrastructure on top of routine maintenance. Recent projects have included a new water storage tank in northeast Cheyenne, pipeline replacements, sewer rehabilitation across multiple areas of the city, and a new hydroelectric generator at the Sherard Water Treatment Plant to reduce long-term energy costs. None of it is funded by taxes. The BOPU operates entirely on rates and fees — every dollar that goes into maintaining or expanding the system comes directly from customer bills. What About Data Centers? It's a question coming up in community conversations right now, so it's worth addressing directly. Data centers are commercial customers. They pay water and sewer bills and will see the same 3% service fee increase as every other customer. They are not exempt. City officials have stated publicly that large industrial users, including data centers, are required to pay for the infrastructure costs associated with serving their operations — those costs do not get passed to other ratepayers. Data centers currently account for a small percentage of Cheyenne's overall municipal water consumption according to figures cited by city officials during recent public meetings. What is driving the rate increases hitting businesses and residents this fall is the same thing that has driven increases for the past several years: the ongoing cost of maintaining and expanding a water and sewer system that serves a growing city. One Thing Worth Understanding About Commercial Rates Residential customers pay a tiered volumetric rate — the more water used, the higher the per-gallon cost. It's designed to encourage conservation. Commercial and industrial customers pay a single flat rate per 1,000 gallons regardless of volume. That means there's no escalating penalty for higher usage, but also no built-in rate incentive to reduce consumption. If water is a meaningful operating cost for your business, efficiency improvements are worth evaluating on their own merits — not because the rate structure will punish you for using more, but because the base cost is now higher than it was. What to Do Before October 1 Pull your most recent BOPU utility bill. Your meter size is listed there — knowing it tells you exactly which service fee applies to your account. If you're not sure how to read your bill, BOPU's customer service line is 307-637-6460. From there, look at your average monthly water consumption. Businesses where water is a significant operating cost — restaurants, laundromats, car washes, manufacturers, landscaping operations — should factor the October increase into budget planning now rather than absorbing it as a surprise. One more thing worth doing before fall: check for leaks. Any undetected leak in your facility means you're paying the new higher rate on wasted water starting October 1. BOPU has leak detection resources available at cheyennebopu.org. Current rate information for businesses is available at cheyennebopu.org/Business/Billing-Rates/Water-Sewer-Rates. Sources: Cheyenne City Council — June 8, 2026 Agenda Item 12, Water and Sewer Rate Ordinance (Supporting Document PDF): cheyenne.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&event_id=1419&meta_id=148375 Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities — Business Billing & Rates: cheyennebopu.org/Business/Billing-Rates/Water-Sewer-Rates Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities — Board Projects: cheyennebopu.org/About-Us/Board-Projects Wyoming News Now — Cheyenne water and sewer rates increase this October: wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/cheyenne-water-and-sewer-rates-increase-this-october/article_249b295c-8107-48bb-94b9-90762b8d767e.html Wyoming Tribune Eagle — BOPU: Water and sewer rates to increase effective Oct. 1: wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/bopu-water-and-sewer-rates-to-increase-effective-oct-1/article_7c793992-5212-432f-a622-8d534df75f6a.html

All the Disquietude about Data Centers! If you ever wondered why there are so many data centers in the world and you just looked up the meaning of disquietude on your phone……. well, that’s the reason. Okay, I admit that is way too simplified, as AI data centers (hyperscale) facilities have come on board, it changed the game. AI has been a change for the entire planet, from military platforms like pilotless airplanes (drones) to accounting and healthcare, to personal household management, all have been impacted by artificial intelligence. Certainly, there is a natural proclivity to give a side eye to rapid or extreme change, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. After 40 years of “Terminator” and its follow-on franchise films, how can any human not be a little skeptical of what these behemoth data facilities might bring to our community. The local response has been a bit more visceral; concerns about power bills, water availability, safety of our kids, and losing the wild Wyoming we all love are all concerns. Amid all of this, we have had government agencies around the country do less than a stellar job of informing the public of what’s happening to them. The once mundane event of locating a new company in town has become a point of tragedy, dishonesty, and even emotional upset and distrust. Where do we go from here? I always find it best to return to foundational principles when there are questions of economic efficiency and government. Regardless of political bloviation or outrageous claims of progress or disaster, your chamber is committed to building a better future for all our people. With the aforementioned in mind, let’s look at the principles that should guide American business in this conversation. Free enterprise and capitalism should be our north star. If we want to have a great future, neither data centers nor any business is the answer, but together, they are the ultimate answer. Business is itself a worthwhile pursuit, and we should work to create an environment that celebrates the pursuit of business, both large and small, and makes it as easy as possible to build those firms. Data Centers or any type of company is neither our savior nor our devil. Companies play by the rules that our community, our nation, and our state put in the rule book. So many times, certainly in this case, the public has become irritable about the rules or lack thereof perpetuated by the regulating governmental body. If we don’t like the way things are developing, we should aim our efforts at the governing authority, not the business that is playing by the rules we set up. Once the regulated environment meets the needs of the community, state, or nation, the business can decide if they want to take on the risk promulgated within that jurisdiction. Transparency from government in times of change is paramount, and as a business organization, we should demand it. Regardless of the change, a new missile system, a data center build, or a drought that requires water conservation, a republic demands accountability. I understand this isn’t easy in today’s dynamic climate, but we should demand clarity and honesty from the “ruling class” regardless of it being easy or comfortable to accomplish the goal. We should fight for business but maintain ethical humanity while we do so. Chambers should fight for business, but not at the cost of the community. Business and Community are symbiotic. One cannot thrive without the other. When we sacrifice, the other is sure to pay a deep price. We are in this together; let’s not pretend that the benefit to one is somehow paramount. Maintain our principles, maintain our principles, maintain our principles. Let me say it one more time, maintain our principles. Regardless of who or what is involved, we should work to uphold our principles and carry them out with honor. Enough Said!! Here is the deal, folks: Data Centers are a part of our future! The horse is already out of the barn and running down the road on this one. The question is what will our future look like with them as our neighbors. We have choices. If we need to modify a few regulations to guide data centers to be better neighbors and corporate citizens, then let’s do that. Future generations are depending on us, so let’s get to work.

Rendering courtesy of Meta Data Centers. Meta's planned data center campus in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne has become one of the more active data center markets in the country, drawing major technology companies with its cool climate, available land, and favorable tax environment. That growth has brought jobs and investment — and increasingly, it has raised questions from the community about what it all means long term. Those questions came to a head on the night of May 26. The Cheyenne City Council rejected a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center development, voting 8-1. The meeting ran past midnight after nearly four hours of public comment — one of the longest city council meetings in recent memory, with a packed chamber and strong turnout on both sides. What People Said The crowd was roughly split. About half supported the pause. About half opposed it. Those in favor cited concerns about water supply, noise, agricultural land being converted for industrial use, and the pace of change. A recurring theme was the sense that major decisions were moving faster than the community could keep up with — and without enough public input along the way. Those who opposed the moratorium pointed to jobs, economic opportunity, and the signal a pause would send to companies already building here. Union construction workers currently employed on data center projects were well represented among the speakers. Council members said they understood the community's concerns but did not believe a moratorium was the right approach. The vote was 8-1 against. Clearing Up the Numbers Two sets of numbers have generated confusion throughout this debate. On the vote: multiple figures circulated after the meeting. The confirmed count, verified against the official city council meeting record, is 8-1. On data centers: figures ranging from a handful to as many as 70 have been cited publicly, depending on who is speaking and what they are counting. Operational facilities, projects under construction, projects in permitting, and early-stage discussions are four very different things — and they have not always been clearly distinguished. We are not going to repeat a number we cannot verify. What is confirmed through public records and official company announcements: Meta is currently building an $800 million, 715,000 square foot campus on 960 acres in Cheyenne. Construction began in early 2024 and the facility is scheduled to open in 2027. [SOURCE: baxtel.com/data-center/meta-cheyenne] Related Digital broke ground October 7, 2025 on a $1.2 billion, 115-acre campus at Campstool Business Park with a total planned capacity of 302 megawatts. [SOURCE: related.com/press-releases/2025-10-07/related-digital-breaks-ground-302-mw-data-center-campus-cheyenne-wyoming] Microsoft has multiple facilities in the Cheyenne area and is currently building a new campus on HR Ranch Road east of the city. City permit records confirm active engineering plan reviews filed under Microsoft's name at multiple Cheyenne locations. [SOURCE: datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-breaks-ground-on-data-center-campus-in-cheyenne-wyoming and cheyennewy.portal.opengov.com — search the Records tab] Crusoe received county approval for a 1.8 gigawatt AI data center campus approximately 8 miles south of Cheyenne, with first buildings targeted for 2027. [SOURCE: insideclimatenews.org/news/14012026/wyoming-county-approves-ai-data-center] City permit records for Cheyenne are publicly accessible at cheyennewy.portal.opengov.com. To search, click the search icon in the top right corner and select the Records tab. What Comes Next The moratorium vote closes one chapter but does not end the conversation. Community concerns about water, noise, and long-term land use remain. Council members acknowledged those concerns even as they voted no. How Cheyenne manages continued growth — and how it keeps residents informed — will continue to shape local policy. Where the Chamber Stands Our members include businesses that depend on Cheyenne's economic growth and community members who have a stake in how that growth happens. We believe both things can be true at once. We are committed to sharing verified, primary-source information on data center development in the Cheyenne area as it becomes available. If you have information or primary sources that would help clarify the public record, we want to hear from you.

Every month, the state quietly publishes a report that tells you exactly how Cheyenne's local economy is performing. Most business owners never see it. That's why we're breaking it down for you. The Wyoming Economic Analysis Division just released its May 2026 Cheyenne Economic Indicators report — a data-driven snapshot of where Laramie County's economy actually stands right now. If you're making decisions about hiring, pricing, expansion, or investment, this is the kind of context that should be informing those decisions. The Headline Number The Cheyenne Economic Health Index came in at 108.8 for March 2026, up from 108.5 in March 2025. That marks the sixth consecutive month the index has risen year-over-year. The index tracks four components of the local economy — employment rate, total jobs, sales tax collections, and average home values — and combines them into a single number. It was set to 100 in January 2011, so a reading of 108.8 means Cheyenne's economy is running meaningfully above that baseline and has been trending upward for half a year straight. For a business owner, that kind of sustained momentum matters. It means the customers walking through your door are operating in a generally healthy local economy — not a contracting one. What People Are Actually Spending The strongest signal in the March report came from sales and use tax collections. Laramie County collected $13.2 million — up $1 million, or 8.4%, compared to the same month last year. That figure actually reflects April spending activity due to a standard one-month lag in how collections are reported. Translation: people in Laramie County are spending more. If your business depends on local consumer activity, that is directly relevant to your bottom line. The Housing Market Laramie County's average home value reached $391,150 in March, up 3.5% from a year ago. Rising home values matter to businesses for a few reasons — they reflect continued demand for living here, they signal that residents feel financially stable enough to invest in property, and they tend to correlate with broader consumer confidence. If you're in real estate, construction, home services, or any business that benefits from an active housing market, this number is your friend. Jobs and Unemployment Laramie County's unemployment rate sat at 3.7% in March — essentially full employment and nearly identical to the 3.6% recorded a year ago. Total nonfarm payroll jobs came in at 49,100, down 700 positions or 1.4% year-over-year. This is the third consecutive year-over-year decline in employment and it is worth watching. If you are hiring, a tightening job count can mean a more competitive labor market even at low unemployment — fewer people actively switching jobs, and more competition for the ones who are. Put It to Work Numbers like these are tools. If business has felt slower than expected lately, context like this helps you figure out whether it is a you problem or a market problem. If spending is up 8.4% countywide but your revenue is flat, that is useful information. If you have been hesitating on a hiring decision or a capital investment, six straight months of index growth is relevant context. The Chamber publishes this kind of reporting so our members have the same information that shapes investment decisions and economic development strategy — not just the headlines, but the actual data behind them. The full report is published monthly by the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division and is available at ai.wyo.gov/divisions/economic-analysis. Wyoming Economic Analysis Division — Cheyenne MSA Economic Indicators, May 2026: https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/economic-analysis/publications/economic-indicators

CASA of Laramie County is recruiting board members with professional backgrounds in law, finance, and fundraising. CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — trains and supports volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in the court system. Board members help guide the organization's mission and bring professional expertise that directly supports that work. If you are interested in learning more or would like to get involved, contact Sarah Urbanek at (307) 459-8331 or surbanek@casalc.org. You can also visit casalc.org for more information.

A road project five years in the making just cleared its final hurdle — and for businesses and residents on Cheyenne's east side, the timing could not be more relevant. The Cheyenne City Council unanimously approved a $3.49 million contract with Reiman Corp. to extend Storey Boulevard east from North College Drive to Whitney Road. The city and Laramie County are splitting the cost, with the county contributing roughly $1.16 million. Funding comes from the optional 1% sales tax. Five Years of Delays, Now Moving This project was originally planned as a detour route to support construction on Dell Range Boulevard and US 30 — but land acquisition issues and a prolonged city-county disagreement over road construction standards pushed it back repeatedly. The city wanted curb, gutter, and retaining walls built to city standards. The county was willing to fund a simpler county-grade road. That gap took years to bridge. With the contract now approved, construction can begin. A specific construction start date has not yet been announced, though the project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026. Watch cheyennecity.org for timeline updates. Part of a Larger Plan The Storey Boulevard extension is one piece of a 5-project infrastructure effort reshaping east Cheyenne through 2027. City engineers have outlined a coordinated network that includes reconstruction of Dell Range Boulevard between Van Buren Avenue and Whitney Road, updates to the US 30 intersections at Whitney Road and Dell Range, and east Dell Range improvements from College Drive to Van Buren. These projects share stormwater infrastructure and utility work, so getting Storey Boulevard moving was the piece that needed to happen first. What Changes When This Road Opens Traffic on this stretch currently runs about 84 vehicles per day. Once the extension opens, projections put that number around 3,500 — with higher volumes expected during the Dell Range reconstruction next summer, when drivers will need alternate routes through the area. If your business is on or near the east side corridor, now is a good time to think through how customers find you and whether your directions account for the changes ahead. Letting regulars know a new route is coming — before construction causes confusion — is a small step that makes a real difference. Growth Is Already Waiting The east side isn't being built just for current demand. Future residential development in the Whitney Ranch area could eventually reimburse portions of the project through cost-sharing agreements as that land comes online. The city is also actively annexing parcels north of Dell Range near this corridor, expanding the city's footprint eastward. Infrastructure investment signals intent. Cheyenne is signaling clearly that the east side is where the city is headed next. Cap City News — Cheyenne City Council Approves $3.49M Storey Boulevard Extension: https://capcity.news/community/city/2026/05/11/cheyenne-city-council-approves-3-49m-storey-boulevard-extension/ Wyoming Tribune Eagle — Council Approves Contract to Complete Storey Boulevard Extension: https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/council-approves-contract-to-complete-storey-boulevard-extension-project-partnership-with-county/article_5998b532-f10b-480e-abc3-c1cda8b19732.html Cap City News — Cheyenne Committee Supports Storey Boulevard Road Extension: https://capcity.news/community/city/2026/05/05/cheyenne-committee-supports-storey-boulevard-road-extension-oversized-vehicle-parking-permit-limit/

Image Courtesy Cheyenne LEADS A lot is happening in Cheyenne right now. New development. New industries. New conversations about growth, infrastructure, and what kind of city this is going to be. It can feel like a lot to keep up with — and in some ways, it is. But the pieces connect. And understanding how they connect matters for every business owner and resident in this community. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is one of those pieces. What Happened In late April, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Trustees signed a development agreement with Cheyenne LEADS, officially committing to move the PRCA headquarters, the Hall of Fame, and the Museum of the American Cowboy from Colorado Springs — their home since 1979 — to Cheyenne. The target completion date is early 2029. This didn't happen overnight. It took months of work by Cheyenne LEADS, state legislators, and city officials to put together a package that made sense. The result: $15 million committed by Cheyenne LEADS and another $15 million approved by the Wyoming Legislature and signed by Governor Gordon. Thirty million dollars in secured public investment before a single shovel hits the ground. What's Actually Being Built The new Hall of Fame and museum will sit on 35 acres in what's being called the Hitching Post District — at the southwest corner of the I-25 and I-80 interchange, south of Little America. Those 35 acres are just one piece of a 415-acre development with 13 lots total. The PRCA is the anchor. The rest is still being shaped — ideas on the table include an indoor equestrian and events arena, a hotel, and a convention center. The goal is a district built around Western heritage that draws visitors year-round, not just during Cheyenne Frontier Days. Think of what Canton, Ohio, is to football fans, or Cooperstown to baseball fans. That's the model. A place people travel to specifically because it's the home of their sport. Why Tourism Numbers Make This Matter In 2025, visitors to Laramie County spent $485 million — supporting more than 3,700 jobs and generating $118 million in local wages. About 1 in every 25 jobs in the county is tied to tourism. For every $100 a visitor spends, roughly $7 goes back into state and local taxes — helping pay for roads, law enforcement, and community services. Tourism doesn't just help hotels and restaurants. It supports the tax base that funds the services everyone relies on. And right now, Cheyenne's tourism economy is heavily weighted toward summer and Frontier Days. A stronger year-round draw changes that equation. Visitors in February. Visitors in October. Visitors who come specifically for the Hall of Fame and stay to experience everything else Cheyenne has to offer. The Business Case Cheyenne LEADS projects the PRCA development will generate $252.6 million in economic benefit to Laramie County over 10 years, along with 368 construction-related jobs and 140 permanent positions once the move is complete. Those construction jobs mean workers staying in hotels, eating at local restaurants, and spending money in Cheyenne businesses well before 2029. The permanent jobs mean new residents and sustained spending in the community long after the doors open. There's a Vote Coming This August, Cheyenne residents will vote on the sixth penny sales tax — a package of infrastructure projects tied to the city's growth. One of those projects is the road infrastructure needed to support the full Hitching Post District development. Not just the PRCA — all 415 acres. The road makes the development possible. The development builds the destination. The destination strengthens the year-round economy. These things are connected. The Bigger Picture Cheyenne is changing. That's uncomfortable for some people, and that's understandable. Change usually is. But it's worth stepping back and asking what this growth is building toward. A stronger tax base means less pressure on residents to cover the cost of services. More year-round visitors means local businesses aren't surviving on a few months of peak season. A more diverse economy means less vulnerability when any one industry has a hard year. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame coming to Cheyenne is a good story. But the better story is what it's part of. Cheyenne LEADS — News Releases: https://cheyenneleads.org/about-us/news-releases/ Cowboy State Daily — Hotels, Convention Center And Indoor Arena Could Follow PRCA To Cheyenne: https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/04/27/hotels-convention-center-and-indoor-arena-could-follow-prca-to-cheyenne/ Wyoming News Now — Cheyenne LEADS Has Eyes Set on Bringing "More" to The Hitching Post Business District: https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/cheyenne-leads-has-eyes-set-on-bringing-more-to-the-hitching-post-business-district/article_f9d57cdb-119d-46a3-ae9f-1b0f54574aaf.html Cap City News — Laramie County Tourist Spending Hits $485M in 2025: https://capcity.news/community/city/2026/05/05/report-laramie-county-tourism-spending-hits-485m-in-2025/ Cap City News — Despite Economic Boost From Tourism, Wyoming Unemployment Rates Up:

The fee is gone. The problem it was meant to solve is not. In March, the Cheyenne City Council voted 7-3 to repeal its stormwater runoff management fee — a dedicated funding structure adopted in December 2024 that never fully went into effect. The repeal was a good faith gesture to state legislators, who asked the city to step back while the Legislature studies the issue during its interim period. That interim process begins May 7. Here's what Cheyenne businesses need to know. Why This Issue Matters Locally Cheyenne's stormwater system includes 135 miles of storm sewer drainage pipes, 25 miles of open channels and creeks, and hundreds of detention ponds. That infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and capital investment — and right now there is no dedicated funding stream to pay for it. This is not a hypothetical risk. The 1985 Cheyenne flood resulted in 12 deaths, 70 injuries, and more than $61 million in damages. Inadequate drainage infrastructure affects property, operations, and the roads customers and employees depend on every day. What the Fee Would Have Cost Businesses The repealed fee was based on hard surface area — 24 cents per 100 square feet of impervious surface. For most residential properties that meant under $10 per month. For larger commercial and industrial properties the numbers were significantly higher. That disparity was a real concern for local businesses, and it was heard. Chamber polling on the broader question showed that businesses generally believe significant revenue increases should go to voters for approval — while also recognizing that a threshold should exist so routine, modest adjustments don't automatically trigger a public vote. What Happens May 7 The Select Water Committee takes up stormwater infrastructure as its top interim priority on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Water Development Office, 6920 Yellowtail Road, Cheyenne. It is item 13 on the agenda. A livestream will be available at wyoleg.gov. What comes out of that process will shape what funding tools Cheyenne has available going forward — whether that's new legislation, a revised fee framework, or another path entirely. Our Members Have a Stake in This Cheyenne businesses were vocal about the fee structure, and that voice mattered. The question now is whether the legislative process delivers a workable solution — one that addresses real infrastructure needs without placing disproportionate costs on the businesses and property owners who make this community run. We will be following the May 7 meeting and keeping members informed as this process develops. Cap City News Wyoming Tribune Eagle Wyoming Legislature — Select Water Committee

Rendering courtesy of the City of Cheyenne Keeping tabs on what's happening at the city level is part of what the Chamber does — so here's what came out of the April 27 council meeting and why it matters for your business. If you own a business in Cheyenne, care about downtown growth, or have watched the West Edge slowly come to life over the past several years — this one is worth paying attention to. The Cheyenne City Council voted 8-2 to commit $5 million toward the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor project. After nearly a decade of planning and stalled negotiations, the project finally has real money behind it. What's Actually Happening The Reed Avenue corridor runs through Cheyenne's West Edge — a stretch of underutilized railroad right of way that the city wants to transform into a connected public space with pedestrian and bicycle access, gathering areas, improved drainage, and room for new business and housing development. The $5 million covers planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction costs. No money moves until the city finalizes a written agreement with BNSF Railway, which owns the right of way. Why It Matters for Your Business The West Edge doesn't just feel like it's growing — the numbers back it up. For every $1 of public investment in the area, $6 in private investment has followed. The corridor has pulled in $17 million in external state and federal funding over four years. That kind of return doesn't happen by accident. It happens because businesses see public commitment and decide the area is worth betting on. This vote is that kind of signal. A more connected, walkable West Edge doesn't just benefit the businesses on that corridor — it strengthens Cheyenne's overall appeal as a place to live, work, and do business. Visit Cheyenne noted in their support of the measure that when you improve access, appearance, and connectivity, you create conditions for more retail, lodging, dining, and housing to follow. The Part Businesses Near the Corridor Need to Know There will be disruption. As part of the BNSF agreement, 4 street crossings will close — 17th Street, 18th Street, 21st Street, and Dillon Avenue. These are BNSF's safety requirements. Other crossings along the corridor will stay open and receive upgrades. Short term, that is a real impact for businesses that depend on those access points. Long term, a revitalized corridor brings foot traffic, new neighbors, and a more connected West Edge — which is good for everyone operating in that area. No construction timeline has been set. That process begins once the BNSF agreement is finalized. If your business sits near the corridor, now is the time to pay attention. The Chamber will keep you updated as the timeline takes shape — and you can monitor the city's project page directly at cheyennecity.org/reed. Where the Chamber Stands The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce supports investment that builds a stronger local economy — and the Reed Avenue corridor has a track record that earns that support. We know that short-term disruption is real for businesses near the corridor, and we will keep members informed as the timeline and design process take shape. Wyoming Tribune Eagle Cap City News City of Cheyenne — Reed Avenue Corridor Project

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.