WBC: Team Wyoming Huddle Pushes Statewide Economic Conversation Past 1,000 Participants

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has reported more than 1,000 Wyoming residents have participated in a statewide discussion about Wyoming’s economic future.

According to the WBC, this milestone was reached Thursday as more than 500 people participated in the council’s Team Wyoming Huddle, the largest session so far in a listening tour that began in June.

Participants from across the Cowboy State included business owners, private-sector employees, government and nonprofit employees, educators and retirees. The WBC reports those in attendance brought diverse opinions on Wyoming’s economy, but largely agreed on one thing: Wyoming has room to grow, and work to do.

“It’s hard to ignore 1,000 people,” WBC CEO Josh Dorrell said. “People from every corner of Wyoming are showing up because they care about what happens next. They see the challenges. They see the opportunity. And they’re telling us they’re ready to do something about both.”

During the virtual meeting, participants shared their thoughts through a webinar chat and live survey. The WBC reports that among the most commonly identified challenges by participants were rising costs, a lack of job and career opportunities and limited access to essential needs such as health care and housing.

Survey results also showed concerns about the potential consequences if those challenges are not addressed. Thirty percent of respondents said they would strongly consider leaving the Cowboy State, while 19% said they would not be able to see a bright future for their children in the state.

“That’s a big deal,” WBC Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Fitz-Gerald said. “These are challenges that directly impact Wyoming residents every day. If we don’t do something about them, we’re in trouble.”

According to the council, the listening sessions have also highlighted a connection between a healthy economy and quality of life. Thirty percent of participants said making Wyoming a competitive place to work and live should be the state’s top priority.

Other priorities included building infrastructure to support future growth, helping communities guide their own growth and developing new industries.

“More than 1,000 people have raised their hands and said, ‘I care about what happens to Wyoming, and I want to be part of it,’” Dorrell said. “That gives me a lot of hope. We don’t need everyone to agree on every answer. We need enough of us to decide that the future of this state is worth showing up for. And Wyoming is showing up.”

Those who wish to hear a recording of the statewide discussion can click here. View live poll results by clicking here. 

Additional listening sessions are scheduled across Wyoming. The WBC is inviting every Wyoming resident to join, click here.

WBC CEO Josh Dorrell will join Floyd Whiting on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31 to talk about the Team Wyoming Huddles and results of the live survey.