The Wyoming Brewers Festival has begun.

Featured all weekend are a variety of breweries, bringing their “A-game.” Businesses like the Library Sports Grille and Brewery, Roadhouse Brewing Co., Snack River Brewing and many others have setup camp ready to serve.

The event will be Friday, June 15th and Saturday, June 16th in the Cheyenne Depot Plaza from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website for $35 or at the door for $45. There is also a two day pass option. Proceeds raised by the Wyoming Brewers Festival goes towards the restored Cheyenne Depot Museum, the Southern focal point of downtown.

“In 1993, Union Pacific donated the historic depot building to the City of Cheyenne and Laramie County. The stabilization of the building started a year later.” According to the Wyoming Brewers Festival website.

Now the building houses the Cheyenne Depot Museum, the Accomplice Beer Company and was revitalized by economic development entities to assure revitalization. These entities include the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Visit Cheyenne and Cheyenne LEADS.

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In order to run a business, there are countless complex regulations that must be followed.

This is a huge burden on small businesses – both with time spent and financial costs. Unlike larger companies, small businesses often do not have the resources to hire a team of lawyers or experts to help guide them.

Congress is working to reduce those excessive and unnecessary regulations, and we have made progress. In the meantime, small businesses can take advantage of free support to help navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Assistance programs offered by various agencies helps to lessen the burden.

“The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, of which I am a member, has outlined some key opportunities for small businesses who need assistance with regulatory, tax and other concerns. These include compliance and small business assistance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and support from the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses can better understand the laws and rules that are relevant to their business by utilizing the free guides, tools and materials from these agencies.” Shared Senator Mike Enzi.

For small businesses that are looking for advice on safety and occupational health regulations, OSHA’s no-cost consultation program delivers visits to work-sites across the country. In Wyoming, the Department of Workforce Services performs this service. There are many benefits to this program. It is completely confidential and free, and the agency will not issue citations or penalties for problems that are uncovered. To request this voluntary assistance and find out more about how this program can help your small business, you can visit the Workforce Services website.

Small businesses that are burdened from regulations can also voice their concerns to the SBA. The Office of Advocacy at the SBA hosts roundtable discussions to hear firsthand from small businesses to identify key areas for regulatory reform. This information is then used to inform and educate the small business public and identify recommendations for government changes. Small businesses that are unable to attend the roundtable can still voice concerns by filling out a form on the SBA’s regulatory reform page.

“These assistance programs can help alleviate the troubles that small businesses face every day. These are only a handful of the resources available to help lessen the load of complying with burdensome regulations. As a senior member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I will continue to promote programs that help small businesses.” Further expressed Senator Enzi.

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The Cheyenne Civic Concert Band will present, “Summer Sounds,” on Thursday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m. at the Brimmer Amphitheater in Lions Park.

This easy listening  concert will feature “Stormy Weather,” “Variations on Scarborough Fair” and several marches. The concerts are free and last about an hour.  Bring the family and chairs and enjoy this outdoor concert presented by a group of talented Cheyenne musicians.

Questions:  call Mary at 634-7187 or Sean at 630-7129.

Follow the Cheyenne Civic Concert Band on Facebook.

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Cheyenne is a great Capitol City with many community amenities.

Whether it is more on the historic side, artsy scene or the sports end of the spectrum, there is never a dull moment in Cheyenne. There are eight community parks, 16 neighborhood parks, 2 linear parks including Dry Creek Parkway between College and Highway 30. Dry Creek Parkway has different amenities including; disc golf and picnic areas. Baseball and softball fields pepper the town and allow the community to either go watch local games or go toss around the ball with friends and family.

Skate Parks & Downtown:

The skate park is always a fun place to be, where residents can be the one on the skateboard or the one observing the skaters. It is a dynamic community with offerings for everyone. Downtown Cheyenne is where residents and visitors can visit the different murals on the buildings, take a trolley and carriage rides to the various historic sites, visit the old Governor’s Mansion, the State museum and have photo-ops with all the big boots around downtown.

Depot Plaza:

The Depot Plaza is the place where people spend their  lunch hour or Friday night listening to music while enjoying the fresh air. During the month of June, you can witness the Cheyenne Gunslingers reenact the old west shootouts on 15^th Street also, which is down the road from the Depot Plaza. Between the Civic Center, the Atlas Theater and the Cheyenne Little Theater, anyone who enjoys artistic culture in their life is always able to find some of it at our theaters and Civic Center.

Laramie County Library Systems:

Cheyenne is very proud of its award winning library. If someone is looking for a specific book or just want to try something new, go to the library and the staff there can point them in the right directions. With meeting rooms and different sections for different reading levels, there is something for everyone who ventures into the bright, spacious library.

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Americans find small businesses vital to day-to-day life and the economy and also prefer small business owners as elected officials over major CEOs, according to a survey released today by NFIB.

The research, commissioned by NFIB and conducted by Morning Consult, also showed that while Americans value the importance of small business, many recognize a variety of barriers to starting one.

“When Americans go to work or buy services, food, and household goods, they are often entering a small business. This survey quantifies how deeply ingrained this sector is across the country,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “Small business owners know the community, and the community knows them. Americans clearly want elected officials to listen to and learn from small businesses for the betterment of the community.”

Small businesses are part of the fabric of Americans’ lives, with one in four (24 percent) working at one and nearly half (49 percent) having a family member or friend employed by a small business. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed purchase goods and services from small businesses often. On an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, Republicans (92 percent) and Democrats (90 percent) hold a positive view of small businesses. Overall, 89 percent report a positive view compared with 44 percent who share the same view of large corporations.

Although Americans had near-universal praise for small businesses, recognition of the risks and challenges associated with starting one is significant. Seventy-eight percent of Americans believe it would be difficult for someone like them to start a successful small business, citing economic uncertainty (41 percent) and lack of willingness to take a risk (25 percent) as primary reasons.

When it comes to understanding local needs, 82 percent say small business owners have a strong understanding of the local community. Regarding preference in leadership, Americans trust small business owners as elected officials (59 percent) and prefer them by a wide margin over a CEO of a large corporation (four percent) or a union representative (nine percent).

With more than nine in ten stating that small businesses are important for the local community, it comes as no surprise that 83 percent of Americans believe small business concerns should be a priority for lawmakers.

Morning Consult conducted a national survey of 2,200 adults from April 30th through May 2nd, 2018. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of ±2%. To review more from the survey, please follow this link.

In light of these survey results locally the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce has worked hard to identify Pro-Business Candidates through reverse endorsements and has created a One Hour to Exercise Your Voting Power campaign. Both are to help business professionals become more knowledgeable of candidates and encourage strong leaders who believe in a business friendly environment to run for office.

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City of Cheyenne Planning and Development Director, Robert Briggs AICP, has accepted the position of Planning Director with the Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD).

He begins his new position in mid-July, returning to Sheridan.

“I have enjoyed working with everyone here. It’s a fantastic team.” Briggs stated. “I think Mayor Orr has a vision and a direction she would like to take the city. We’re seeing some projects that have languished break loose and start to move forward. We’re also seeing collaboration happening at the Department Director level for the benefit of the community as well as employees. A lot of things you’d want to see happening, are. It was not without a measure of sadness, and not without feeling torn, that I made this decision.”

At NWCCD, Briggs will focus on economic development projects and campus planning.

“It is a chance to go into higher education, an opportunity that I had been seeking out years ago.” Briggs added.

“He changed the culture for the positive and set the bar very high.” Mayor Marian Orr said of Briggs. “What he brought to the position is experience I will look for again – which is knowing how to work with our building community, the Wyoming Business Council, LEADS, and our Chamber to put deals together. That’s critical. It takes that Wyoming know-how. We’ll be casting a wide net.”

“It’s been terrific working with Robert. He’s a smart, sharp guy with a great attitude. He did a phenomenal job and will be missed. Right after he arrived in Cheyenne he made it clear that his department would have a solution-oriented mindset. I expect us to hold onto that concept and carry it forward.” Orr added.

A national search will commence immediately for his replacement.

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Rocky Mountain Bridal Magazine has a few contest finalists featuring Wyoming Weddings.

The Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is collecting votes for the best Wyoming wedding photo. One of the feature photos was taken by and features Cheyenne natives. This photo was captured by local wedding photographer Liz Osban and featured is Mr. Blake & Mrs. Kaci Hauptman. The bride, Kaci, is a past Miss Frontier of Cheyenne Frontier Days and a well-known Cheyenne native.  From the photo it is visible that their western love runs deep.

Liz Osban, the photographer, is a Cheyenne resident and a local entrepreneur with her photography. She is a Cheyenne East High School graduate and has created an extraordinary photography business with her creative skill set.

Please, take a moment to vote for their photo.

VOTE NOW

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A coalition of community organizations and businesses is working to ensure low-income students start the school year prepared and ready to learn.

Volunteers are seeking school supply donations for the 28th annual Operation Back to School (OBTS) supply drive for students throughout Laramie County. Those interested in giving supplies may drop them off at donation bins located at the City of Cheyenne, Needs Inc., Laramie County Community College, Laramie County Library and F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

Monetary donations are also accepted. Please make checks payable to: Needs Inc., Attn: OBTS.

Donated supplies for K–12 and college students will be distributed from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 16, Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18 at Needs Inc., 900 Central Ave. Those in need of supplies should stop by Needs Inc. before Aug. 16 to pre-qualify. Income and residency guidelines apply.

If unable to attend distribution, qualified families are invited to visit Needs, Inc., 900 Central Ave., to pick up what they need. The program runs throughout the year so students are able to replenish their supplies at any time.

OBTS committee chair Cindy Keen Reynders said: “Education for Laramie County students is a priority and the committee is proud to help students in need so they have access to proper learning tools. Because of the generous Cheyenne businesses and organizations that donate to this program, we are able to make this happen.”

Members of this year’s volunteer network include F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Laramie County Community College, Laramie County School District 1 Community Relations Department and Needs Inc. Last year, OBTS helped hundreds of income-qualified students and numerous households. Organizers hope to increase the program’s reach so more students, kindergarten through college, will be served.

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Holliday Park holds many activities for all ages.

Holiday Park may be smaller than Lions, however it still boosts several activities. It has two basketball courts that have lighting, so the dedicated players can be out late in the coolness of the evening. Horseshoe pits bring forth friendly competition. Two sand filled volleyball courts can be used for practice or just good ol’ fashioned fun. The park has tennis courts good for all ages, for the avid player or people just wanting to have a relaxing game of tennis with their friends.

Amenities:

Four covered picnic shelters make the perfect gathering spot for family or a company get together and they can be reserved for parties through the City of Cheyenne. With plenty of grassy space to run, all ages will be comfortable in the spacious areas. Two playgrounds allow for kids to enjoy the fresh air as well. There is a tree shaded walkway around a small lake for walking, running or bicycling around.

Situated by one of the entrances to the park is the Cheyenne Artist Guild that does allow for people to come in and view the featured works of art and they can always inquire about joining the guild if you are an artist; either paint, sculpture or photography.

Icon:

One of 25 largest steam engine built by the Union Pacific Railroad, Big Boy, is a local historic celebrity in the park. Currently covered for restorations, visitors are still able to visit and read the history of Big Boy any time of the day.

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Clean up your yard and garage while benefiting historic preservation in Cheyenne!

The Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board is conducting a scrap metal drive to benefit the repair and restoration of the historic Airport Fountain. Call CHPB member Gary Sims at 307-851-1911 to schedule pick up of your donation of scrap metal, including but not limited to: cars and parts, bikes, metal furniture, electrical wire, fans, gutters, appliances (with the exception of refrigerators), and aluminum siding.

All proceeds from donations to the scrap metal drive will benefit the Airport Fountain project. The fountain, located in the median of 8^th Ave at Warren, was built in 1934 as a memorial to early aviation history in Cheyenne and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

LEARN MORE

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The Wyoming Business Council during their last meeting approved funding for the Cheyenne and Laramie County proposed project referred to as the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL).

The funding is provided through the Business Ready Community (BRC) Grant. Business Council staff review each application, conduct site visits, or conference calls in the case of planning grants, and make presentations to a board subcommittee before making final recommendations to the full board.  These steps were taken and today the process was led to positive results of funding the development. Currently the project location is where the Cheyenne Frontier Days over-flow parking resides near Happy Jack Road.

“We are very excited to see another step being made to get a solution for housing for FE Warren and the community. We have a strong business partner who as a true vision for this project for Cheyenne and we look forward to the next step in success.” Shared President/CEO of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Dale Steenbergen.

Reviewed by the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) today, Thursday, June 21st was the project:

• Cheyenne requests a $3 million grant and $1,337,455 loan for the extension of 12,000 linear-feet of water main, 11,400 linear-feet of sewer main and minor road improvements to assist the development of a mixed-use residential and commercial site. Total estimated private investment for the first two phases of the project is $95.6 million. The project is expected to help capture additional dollars from outside the community, support the growth and stability of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, address housing issues faced by service members on base and diversify commercial activity thanks to the development’s proximity to Interstate 25. (The Business Council board recommends full funding as requested contingent upon completion of the annexation, an environmental review and an executed lease between F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Balfour Beatty.)

Photo By: #IDLERPHOTO

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Ribbon Cutting For Big Boy Steam Engine To Take Place July 9.

After six months of construction for restoration, the Big Boy No. 4004 steam engine will be reintroduced during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Holliday Park on Monday, July 9 at 12pm.

The locomotive has been restored to resemble how it looked when it was delivered to the Union Pacific in August of 1941. Cosmetic repairs feature a new boiler jacket, cab repairs, and a new coat of jet black industrial paint. The old asbestos jacket, as well as the original equipment parts that maintained oil and fuel for the vehicle, were removed to address future safety concerns.

On November 27, 2017, the Cheyenne City Council approved full funding for the restoration of Big Boy No. 4004. The contractor selected to perform the restoration was Wasatch Railroad Contractors, a locally owned and locally based railroad restoration company. The restoration project began in December 2017.

About Big Boy No. 4004

Big Boy No. 4004 is one of Cheyenne’s most famous landmarks. With an estimated visitor count of 25,000 a year directly coming from the Cheyenne Depot Museum alone. The Big Boy in Holliday Park is a prime destination for many tourists and railroad enthusiasts from all around the world. With only eight remaining Big Boys in existence, people travel from all over the world to visit all eight with Cheyenne being the home to two of them. With restoration of No. 4014 also taking place at the Union Pacific Cheyenne Steam Shop, Cheyenne will continue to be a mecca for steam engine enthusiasts for years to come.

Photo Credit: Visit Cheyenne

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As the heart of the City of Cheyenne, Crow Creek was the reason Cheyenne and Laramie County were born over 150 years ago. Economic development and growth occurred because water was available for the railroads, irrigation use, fire suppressions, drinking and waste diversion. In fact, Crow Creek was the sole source of drinking water until the 1930’s. As the Cheyenne community has grown, the creek has been impacted. 

The City of Cheyenne and the Board of Public Utilities (Board) are on a team of community members called the Crow Creek Revival (CCR) working to revitalize Crow Creek and has been helping to raise funds for an engineering design to turn Crow Creek into a naturally functioning creek and once again make it the heart of Cheyenne. Yesterday CCR, through the Laramie County Conservation District (LCCD), was awarded $8,000 through the national Laura Jane Musser Fund for the engineering design on a portion of Crow Creek. The CCR has also secured $44,818 for the engineering design through a federal Clean Water Act grant administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Receiving the Laura Jane Musser grant provides a large portion of private matching funds needed for the federal funding match requirements. The CCR committee is truly thankful for being awarded this grant that furthers our design dollars but also confirms that our vision for Crow Creek matches other entities vision for open spaces,” said Jeff Geyer LCCD Water Specialist.

Come and learn more about CCR, the Board’s 75^th anniversary and the City by joining us this Saturday, June 23, 2018 at HollyFrontier Superday from 10 am – 4 pm at Lions Park, Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Look for the LCCD’s stream trailer and the Board’s display or for more information visit  http://www.cheyennechamber.org/crow-creek or visit us on Facebook @CrowCreekRevival.

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The McDonald’s on Dell Range is now open for business with a fresh new look.

The local McDonald’s around Cheyenne have been getting renovated and the Dell Range joined them with a recent modern design. Many locations around the community have been receiving these kinds of updates from IHOP (IHOB) to Qdoba, along with various Taco Johns locations.

Check out the new digs when you are stopping by and don’t just peruse the drive-thru. With these updates McDonald’s has hopes to achieve an improved dining experience and a new level of atmosphere while enjoying a Big Mac.

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The 36th Annual HollyFrontier Superday continues to be a success.

Today, June 23, 2018 was the 36th Annual event. A day filled with fun, food, games, and events. Here are a few photos to mark the event.

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The cover of Rocky Mountain Bridal Wyoming will be the photo captured by Cheyenne Photographer, Liz Osban.

Liz Osban is a Cheyenne local who captured the wedding of Kaci and Blake Hauptman. She has a creative flair with her photos which creates movement and emotion. Her style of photography has made her business well-known and in high demand. Osban is a young entrepreneur, in her twenties, and this is only the beginning.

Kaci, who is the featured bride, is a Cheyenne native and a former Cheyenne Frontier Days Miss Frontier. Her western style was captured in the photo and represents Wyoming well.

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What You Don’t Know: A Conversation with Young Professionals

If you were to ask experienced economic developers about the start of their careers, many would respond with, “If only I had known…” This YP-focused webinar will feature three young professionals who have reached executive positions at their respective organizations. Find out what they’ve learned along the way that they wish they knew when they started their career. Register and learn more here.

Moderator:

Kevin Kramer, CEcD
Economic Development Director
Village of Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates, IL

Speaker:

Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP
Economic Development Director
City of Scottsdale
Scottsdale, AZ

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