SWEETWATER COUNTY– Amid the transition of the Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition’s transition from the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce to the County, Kayla McDonald, former Business Development Manager at the Chamber, issued the following statement:

“Dear Chamber Members, Staff, and the Board of Directors of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce. It has been a privilege to work with you all over the last six and half years while in the Business Development Manager position.

The relationships and partnerships that I have had the opportunity to develop with you all have been the best part about my time with the Chamber. I have been very fortunate to be able to be a part of so many great programs, events and initiatives during the time SEDC was part of the Chamber of Commerce.  I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and working a long side you all for the betterment of Rock Springs and Sweetwater County.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to start working in my new position at the County as the Economic Development Specialist. The move to the County has been very exciting and very busy. The staff here have been great to work with, and they have really rallied together to help make this transition seamless and effective, especially in the current situation we are all facing.  

With SEDC now as a part of the County Land Use Department under the direction of Eric Bingham, SEDC Land Use Director, it will have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to utilize for its continued success. The organization has been working diligently to create and implement an Economic Recovery Team for Sweetwater County.

As you, all are aware; it is a very critical time here in Sweetwater County to work towards a post-disaster recovery plan.  Our organization with the help of many great partners, will lead the efforts to help our Sweetwater County Businesses in this current state of uncertainty.  We have identified 10 key partners to help create this team to assist in the post COVID-19 pandemic recovery process.

The Economic Recovery team will be working on identifying the following responsibilities: 

• Identifying Types of Grants and Loan Funding Available
• Identifying Immediate and Long-term Recovery Resources and Strategies
• Work Closely with Business Leaders and Elected Officials to Help Recover our Communities Post Disaster
• Work Closely with Education and Workforce Development Stakeholders to Identify Future Training Opportunities Post Disaster
• Develop a Business Recovery Center and Disaster Preparedness Plan

The Middle Baxter Project is still in the research phase and we should be receiving preliminary findings in the coming weeks from the consulting firm. We are still working on the diversity of Sweetwater County during this time. Our organization is looking forward to receiving the finished product so that we will be able to begin the process of moving forward in developing, attracting and recruiting business to the Middle Baxter area for future business growth in Sweetwater County.

In the coming months, the SEDC staff and Advisory Board will also be working on developing a Strategic Plan for the organizations future. In the meantime, we are readily available and willing to continue to assist wherever needed during this unfortunate time in our Country and County.

In closing, I would like to thank each of you for your support of SEDC and I look forward to working with you all in this new role. Stay strong Sweetwater County! To reach the Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition by email at mcdonaldk@sweet.wy.us or by phone (307)-872-3925 or (307)-871-8899.”