Wyoming officials discuss ways to improve economic development

RIVERTON, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Central Wyoming College hosted state officials for a presentation about the state’s economic development and how it can improve.

Governor Mark Gordon talked about the Wyoming Innovation Network. This is a program is an effort between the University of Wyoming and the community colleges.

Gordon said everyone needs to work together to keep the economy going. “It’s not [about] how much power we have. It’s about learning how to drive. Wyoming’s got to learn how to drive to get the economic development happening,” Gordon said.

Brad Tyndall, Ph.D., CWC President, said one of Wyoming’s problems is that farmers and ranchers are aging out of the industry. CWC has an agriculture program that’s teaching them agriculture and entrepreneurship skills. “Part of the curriculum is [asking them] how is it going to work,” Tyndall said.

Gordon said the community colleges are here for the college kids and for people who want a new career. Keeping educated people here is crucial. “We want to keep families here it’s incredibly important for the economy,’ Gordon said.

Tourism is an area that needs improvement. Tyndall added that towns need to think like regions.