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

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech giants anymore , it’s becoming a vital tool for small businesses everywhere. The U.S. Chamber and Google have partnered to launch a Small Business b(AI)sics program , a nationwide initiative aimed at providing small business owners with hands-on training, online courses, and access to real-world AI tools that save time, increase efficiency, and open doors to growth. What the program offers: In-person local training through a network

After months of debate,  Radiant Nuclear has officially abandoned its plans to build a nuclear micro-reactor facility near Bar Nunn, opting for Oak Ridge, Tennessee instead. In a public letter, Radiant’s leadership praised Tennessee’s “business-friendly environment”  and “nuclear IQ.” Their   combination of support, regulatory alignment, and readiness allowed the company to move forward quickly, and out of Wyoming. WY It Matters:  Radiant’s withdrawal is more than a lost proj

Housing has always been central to the American dream , but today, it’s also one of the biggest barriers to economic growth. Across the country, supply isn’t keeping up with demand, which is driving up prices, straining affordability, and limiting the mobility of workers and families. This imbalance has cost states billions in lost economic output, income, and jobs. To meet this challenge, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AEI Housing Center have created Strong Foundations

The Department of the Interior   announced  it will open over 13 million acres of federal land for new coal leases, while the Department of Energy is committing $625 million to modernize coal plants and strengthen the U.S. mining sector. Together, these efforts extend the life of coal-fired power, open doors for export growth, and keep energy reliable and affordable for communities and businesses nationwide. Thanks to the Powder River Basin’s low-sulfur, cost-effective coal,

After more than a century without local access to hospital care,  Sublette County has officially opened  its first hospital, a milestone that will transform healthcare, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic growth across the region. The $74 million Sublette County Hospital complex includes a 10-bed hospital, a 40-bed long-term care facility, and a memory care unit. Beyond life-saving services like mammograms, cardiology care, and blood transfusions, the facility will g

The Wyoming Chamber is exploring new ways  to better connect students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed, and we want...

In Wyoming, and across the nation , we’re bracing for a so-called “perfect storm” of workforce challenges. A nationwide population...

I’m sure you’ve all seen the numerous articles and information  spread about the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act  (OBBA), but...

Tariffs on imported goods have surged , creating challenges for American businesses and consumers alike. Small businesses are feeling the...