At the US Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 State of American Business Address, Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark stated, “the state of American business must be growth-oriented, market-driven, and future-focused, but above all, fearless.” As America celebrates 250 years of progress this year, we must remember why free enterprise and the confidence to lead remains essential to the long-term economic growth and prosperity of the nation. “Reaching and sustaining 3% growth is the fastest, sure

Middle school students across Wyoming are encouraged  to take part in the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition designed to inspire civic engagement, strengthen civic knowledge, and give young people a platform to share ideas for improving their communities. The 2026 deadline has recently been extended to February 15!! The National Civics Bee® invites students in grades 6–8 to respond to an essay prompt proposing a solution to a real-world community issue, incor

Defunding the Wyoming Business Council. Translation: Wyoming is Closed for Business. The Wyoming Legislature’s effort to defund the Wyoming Business Council is more than a budget decision, it is a threat to Wyoming’s economic future. While the Business Council is not perfect and reforms may be warranted, dismantling the state’s primary economic development organization would be a costly and irreversible mistake. Every state in the nation maintains an economic development agen

The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce calls on all Wyomingites , business leaders, and community members across our state to stand with the University of Wyoming. The legislature’s proposed cuts are not just a reduction in the budget line, they are a threat to the future of our state, our communities, and our children. The University of Wyoming is a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy, generating over $720 million in gross state product and supporting nearly 14,700 jobs. Its groundbre

Wyoming’s energy future just got a powerful boost. A 260-mile transmission expansion spanning five counties and two states is officially complete , marking a major milestone for energy reliability, economic growth, and long-term price stability across the region. The $350 million Ready Wyoming transmission project, completed on December 29, represents the largest electrical infrastructure investment in Black Hills Energy’s history, and a bold vote of confidence in Wyoming. Th

Wyoming’s reputation as an energy leader  may soon expand into the next generation of power production. A newly announced agreement  between TerraPower and Meta to develop up to eight advanced nuclear reactors across the United States has put Cheyenne in position to potentially host a dual-unit Natrium nuclear power plant, according to TerraPower executives. If realized, it would mark another major milestone in Wyoming’s growing role at the intersection of energy, technology,

As 2026 gets underway,  America’s small businesses are entering the year with a familiar mix of resilience and restraint. New data  from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and leading economic partners shows optimism holding steady, even as inflation and workforce challenges continue to weigh on growth decisions. Small businesses remain bullish on revenue and profitability, but many are pressing pause on reinvestment and hiring as costs stay elevated. Larger small businesses are ge

Wyoming is taking a major step forward  in energy innovation and economic development. Governor Mark Gordon announced  that the state will award $100 million in matching funds to BWXT to build a TRISO nuclear fuel fabrication plant in Gillette. This project positions Wyoming to capture more of the domestic nuclear energy value chain and ensures the state remains competitive in a growing national market. WY It Matters Wyoming is already a leader in uranium production, supplyin

Heading into 2026,  Wyoming’s employers and communities are feeling the strain of limited housing availability and rising costs. A tight housing market affects everything from workforce recruitment to economic growth, making affordable, accessible housing a top priority for business and civic leaders alike. To help address these challenges, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has introduced the Strong Foundations playbook,  a data-driven resource that provides actionable, location-s

Wyoming’s businesses and communities depend on timely, predictable infrastructure development. Yet America’s outdated permitting process is slowing critical projects, driving up costs, and creating uncertainty for families and businesses alike. From energy production to roads, broadband, and other essential infrastructure, delays in permitting hinder economic growth and limit access to affordable, reliable services. Current permitting requirements are lengthy, complex, and un

As we enter 2026 , the U.S. economy is poised to start the year on solid footing. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , growth is expected to continue at around 2%, with the potential to reach 3% or more if the right policies are put in place. A growing economy means more opportunities for businesses, higher wages, and stronger communities, all of which are critical for Wyoming’s continued prosperity. Key Takeaways for 2026 Steady Growth Ahead:  The U.S. economy grew ro

Looking to build a career that tackles some of the world’s most complex and meaningful challenges?   Join Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security, and Environmental (NS&E) Engineering Virtual Career Fair and connect with one of the most respected global engineering and construction companies. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 2:00 – 6:00 PM (ET) Virtual Event Since 1898, Bechtel has delivered more than 25,000 landmark projects in 160 countries, helping drive long-term progress and economic growt

Wyoming’s next generation of entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders is gearing up, and they need you! The 2026 Wyoming DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) will take place in Cheyenne on February 2–3, 2026, bringing together some of the state’s most driven high school students to compete in real-world business, marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and management scenarios. In addition, prepared events will be judged in advance between January

The RSM US Middle Market Business Index  (MMBI) rose to 131.5 in Q4 2025  from 123.3 in the prior quarter, reflecting stronger revenues and earnings among U.S. middle market firms. Despite cautious views on the broader economy, businesses report growing optimism fueled by eased regulations, tax relief, retroactive full expensing of capital expenditures, and lower interest rates. Revenue growth: 52% of firms reported increased revenues in Q4, 58% expect growth in the next six

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