Finance

Why Wyoming is Working

While the nation was facing tough economic times, Cheyenne LEADS was a driving force behind the relatively stable economy in Wyoming. CEO Randy Bruns told The Suit about the economic benefits many businesses have realized by relocating to Wyoming, and he’s proud to be a part of his state’s success. "In many cases, we can be a part of the equation in helping a business lower its costs or improve its productivity."

Cheyenne LEADS is a private, nonprofit organization that focuses on the delivery of jobs and investments within the community. "We believe the best decisions are made with the best information," Bruns said. "Businesses need good, unbiased information to make decisions. In many ways, we are facilitators—the connectors of dots."

Bruns recalls anticipating a slowdown as the national economy began to turn. "Surprisingly, that didn't really happen," he said. The local economy softened but didn't have the drastic dip that was seen across the country. "We've got lower unemployment than the rest of the country, and we're seeing some modest but real economic growth."

When Cheyenne LEADS was founded 25 years ago, Wyoming was in the middle of its own economic downturn. Community leaders recognized that the problem couldn't be solved through government assistance alone; it needed private industry.

"They developed a private model—not directly connected to the city, the county or any governmental entity—that could focus on putting in place the resources necessary for the Cheyenne area to compete for jobs and employment to help get us out of the boom-bust cycle," Bruns said. "We've been careful to not be too parochial but to keep our sights high and our vision wide, which has contributed to our success."

Bruns is motivated by a real passion for helping others. One day not long ago, while talking with an employee of a company in trouble, he suggested getting more skills training before the inevitable happened. Months later, that person came back for a visit. As Bruns braced himself for news of a layoff, the man told him that thanks to the efforts of Cheyenne LEADS, he had a job already lined up to begin the Monday after he was to be laid off. "To me,” said Bruns, “that's why we do what we do."

In a recent presentation to a regional Economic Status Forum, Bruns ticked off details about 13 major construction projects in the Cheyenne area that were recently completed or in the works—most of which had some level of involvement from Cheyenne LEADS.  He noted the positive impacts: new jobs, an increased tax base and a significant influx of capital investment.  But, he told The Suit, he is most proud of the fact that each project represents an opportunity for real people to work, to thrive, and to provide for their families and community.

For more information, please visit: www.cheyenneleads.org

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