CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Business Council’s new Wyoming Main Street program manager brings extensive public-private sector experience to her role of assisting the state’s communities with downtown revitalization efforts.

Linda Klinck has served on all sides of the economic development spectrum. She owned and operated her own candy-making business for 16 years, served as an elected official for seven years, led a nonprofit for eight years, worked for the Indiana Department of Commerce for three years and was appointed deputy mayor of Logansport, Indiana, for seven years.

“I feel like it’s easier for me to look at things from the other person’s perspective, having that diverse background,” Klinck said. “I want to empower individuals and organizations to make their communities a better place to live, work, and play.”

Klinck has been actively involved in community development for the past 20 years. She most recently was the director of development and communications for Peak Community Services in Logansport, which works with businesses to develop and maintain competitive jobs for men and women with disabilities, among other services.

Prior to joining Peak Community Services, she was a program manager with the Indiana Association of Community and Economic Development in Indianapolis. Klinck provided technical assistance for capacity building to three Indiana communities as part of a USDA grant.

Klinck also served as associate director of the Indiana Main Street program and was Logansport’s first Main Street program director.

As Logansport’s deputy mayor from January 2004 to August 2011, Klinck provided leadership and oversaw the annual planning processes and services for such Logansport community organizations as the Visitors Bureau, Main Street, the Historic Preservation Foundation and the Arts Alliance. She also supervised the city building commissioner, code enforcement officer, zoning administrator and office support staff.

“We are excited to have Linda join the Business Council team,” Business Council Chief Executive Officer Shawn Reese said. “She brings a diverse background to the Wyoming Main Street program, and she knows where the resources are. She has a proven history of successfully bringing coalitions together and bringing projects to fruition.”

Klinck earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a Certified National Main Street Manager and has earned several certificates in economic and community development.

Klinck officially started with the Business Council on March 18, 2015. Contact her at 307-777-2934 or linda.klinck@wyo.gov.

For more information about the Wyoming Main Street program, go to wyomingbusiness.org/gateway/main-st-/1245.