The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce applauds  Congress for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA FY26 ); critical, bipartisan legislation that strengthens national security, supports our allies, and empowers businesses of all sizes contributing to the future of American defense. This legislation includes bold acquisition reforms designed to ensure service members have the capabilities needed to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow. The

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce applauds  the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act ( H.R. 4776 ); a meaningful step toward strengthening America’s ability to build, invest, and compete. Permitting reform is critical to advancing infrastructure, energy development, and economic growth, particularly in energy-producing states like Wyoming. By streamlining and standardizing the permitting process,

Small business confidence ticked down  slightly nationwide in the fourth quarter, according to the latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index.  The Q4 2025 Index score landed at 68.4, down from last quarter’s 72.0. The dip reflects small declines in cash flow comfort and expectations around revenue and investment as inflation continues to be the nation’s top challenge. Even so, there’s good news: today’s confidence still sits several points higher than e

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce  is proud to announce this year’s Forty Under 40 honorees, an exceptional group of rising professionals who are accelerating innovation, strengthening local economies, and shaping the future of Wyoming’s business landscape.  The Forty Under 40 recognition celebrates emerging leaders whose talent, vision, and dedication stand out across the state. These individuals demonstrate outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce  applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly announced proposal  on Waters of the United States (WOTUS), which closely aligns with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and brings long-awaited clarity to landowners, businesses, and industries across our state. The EPA’s updated approach offers a more predictable framework, helping infrastructure projects move forward, supporting economic development, and ensuring that responsible stewar

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce  applauds the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) newly proposed revisions  to the Section 1071 small business lending data collection rule. These changes, praised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reflect a meaningful step toward reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and expanding access to capital for the entrepreneurs who power our state’s economy. By narrowing the scope of coverage to match statutory intent and simplifying report

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce  applauds the administration’s decision to lift tariffs on key agricultural products that are not produced domestically, including coffee, bananas, beef, and other essential imports. Removing these tariffs will help ease cost pressures on American families and employers at a time when every dollar matters. The Chamber is also urging  the administration to expand tariff relief to additional products not readily available from U.S. sources and to

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce  has launched a bold new initiative  aimed at tackling one of the most persistent barriers to economic growth across the nation, and here at home: the lack of affordable, attainable housing. The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand behind this effort and will continue lending our voice to advocate for real solutions that strengthen Wyoming’s workforce, communities, and economy. At the inaugural Building for Growth: Housing Solutions for a

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Senator Cynthia Lummis following her announcement that she will retire from the United States Senate at the conclusion of her term. Senator Lummis has devoted many years to public service on behalf of Wyoming, including four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and her service in the U.S. Senate. Throughout her tenure, she has been a steadfast advocate for Wyoming values, fi

The Rural Health Transformation Program  (RHTP) created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) is investing $50 billion nationwide to stabilize and strengthen rural hospitals and healthcare providers. This initiative is especially important for states like Wyoming, where access to quality healthcare is vital to keeping our rural communities strong and sustainable. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published details in September outlining how states could

Last week , the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce joined a national coalition  of chambers and business organizations from across the country in urging Congress to come together and reopen the federal government. That call has been answered, and the government is finally back to work. With the conclusion of the longest shutdown in our nation’s history, federal agencies are resuming operations, national parks are reopening, and the country is beginning to get back on track. It will

Governor Gordon and the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) announced  the approval of three major projects funded through the Energy Matching Funds (EMF) program, demonstrating Wyoming’s unwavering commitment to energy innovation, economic strength, and responsible resource development. The projects include: $4 million grant to Basin Electric Power Cooperative for a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study to evaluate a potential second unit at the Dry Fork Station in Gillette,

For more than 80 years,  the U.S. government has made it a priority to ensure that small businesses receive a fair share of federal contracts. These contracts often serve as a reliable source of income for small business owners—until a government shutdown halts payments and operations. When the government shuts down, that steady flow of opportunity stops cold. Payments freeze, projects stall, and small business owners, the very entrepreneurs who keep America running, are left

Proposed Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Facility Would Enhance and Expand Wyoming’s Energy Dominance – Public Comment Period Open Now  The current administration is pushing an energy dominance strategy led by coal, oil, gas, and nuclear. Wyoming is already a leader in the first three legs of this strategy and is poised to become a leader in all four. The state is currently second in Uranium production in the U.S. and will likely take the top position as dormant mining operations re

The Wyoming Chamber   stands in support  of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s legal challenge  against the administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. This unprecedented fee threatens to make it nearly impossible for Wyoming employers, especially small and midsize businesses, to access the global talent they need to grow and innovate. The U.S. Chamber’s lawsuit argues that the fee violates the Immigration and Nationality Act , which requires visa fees to

Big congratulations to JH Pierce Wealth Management, P.C.  of Gillette, Wyoming, for being recognized on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 CO—100 list , honoring the top 100 small businesses in America! This national recognition celebrates businesses that exemplify innovation, community impact, and leadership, and JH Pierce Wealth Management does just that. Their commitment to excellence and service not only strengthens their community but also shines a spotlight on the stre

Alright Wyoming, the air is starting to chill, pumpkin spice is taking over, and Halloween is right around the corner. According to the National Retail Federation , Americans are expected to spend $13.1 billion on Halloween in 2025, up from $11.6 billion last year. Nearly three-quarters of Americans plan to celebrate, driving sales across retail, manufacturing, and logistics. Where the money goes: 78% will buy decorations 66% will hand out candy 51% will dress up Most will sh

Wyoming small businesses,  from tourism operators to manufacturers and ag producers, are not immune to the effects of a government shutdown. Delays in permits, federal loans, approvals, or contracts can stall operations, limit growth, and disrupt supply chains across the state. When government functions pause, so does progress. Whether it’s a family-owned construction company waiting on a federal contract or a small producer depending on USDA certification, these disruptions

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce applauds  the bipartisan reintroduction of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act , led by Representative Smucker and a bipartisan group of cosponsors. This legislation, praised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, marks a significant step toward addressing the nation’s ongoing labor shortage by creating a new H-2C visa category  for essential, nonagricultural sectors. The bill ensures opportunities for qualified U.S. workers remain pro

A Casper-based startup, MNVR (pronounced “maneuver”), is tackling one of Wyoming’s biggest workforce challenges: the rapid retirement of experienced oil and gas workers. They’re aiming to do so with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. MNVR, which officially launched  on October 1, aims to capture decades of hands-on knowledge from veteran operators and translate it into AI-driven “digital twins” that can detect issues, prevent costly downtime, and help new workers perform l