How can the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce come alongside existing businesses to help them grow, thrive and handle the challenges they face? Answering that question is core to the Chamber’s vision and mission, and central to the work of the Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion Committee.

The mission of the committee is “to develop new tools and programs to help area businesses grow and prosper, as well as planning and implementing workforce strategies that will ensure the future employability of our workers and address issues affecting business retention, productivity and economic competitiveness.”

The committee does this through a variety of events designed to educate businesses and connect them with the wider Sheridan County community.

Throughout the month of October, the committee – alongside partner Manufacturing Works – is hosting free public Manufacturing Month tours at 13 different manufacturers throughout Sheridan County.

Since 2017, the Chamber has participated in the annual National Manufacturing Day celebration on the first Friday in October. Known as “MFG Day,” Manufacturing Day is an annual national event designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and to help shape people’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment.

In 2024, the Manufacturing Day celebration was expanded throughout the month of October to provide more opportunities for students and the public to visit the businesses. The goal of the tours is twofold, according to BRE committee staff liaison Kim Jacobson: to help community members better understand the depth and breadth of manufacturing happening in Sheridan County and to connect manufacturers with potential future workforce as local schools tour the facilities.

For a full schedule of tours being held throughout October, visit https://sheridanwyomingchamber.org/manufacturing-day/.

The committee also takes the lead on the annual Ignite Conference, which provides the opportunity for professionals at every level to gain innovative ideas, learn about best practices and acquire vital information to spark their professional development and business growth.

The Ignite Conference allows attendees to choose the seminars that best fit their professional development needs – from marketing and human resources to business growth and customer service. The conference also includes specific classes for executives and for entrepreneurs just starting their businesses.

The next Ignite Conference will be held in May 2027, Jacobson said, with additional information to be released in the coming months.

The committee also regularly hosts Chamber Coffees in the outlying communities in Sheridan County, including Ranchester, Dayton, Big Horn, Clearmont and Story, Jacobson said. The purpose of those meetings is to foster community discussion about how the Chamber can serve these communities and their businesses.

The Business Retention and Expansion committee meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office. In addition to discussing upcoming committee events, committee members also hear from speakers that provide a variety of useful resources for businesses, Jacobson said. Recent discussion topics included internship opportunities, insurance for businesses and scams targeting local businesses.

Get involved today!

The Business Retention and Expansion Committee is currently led by Chair Ty Malone, Vice Chair Ron Lee and Secretary Nadine Gale. They are always looking for new members to become part of the conversation and to help with their events.

The Business Retention and Expansion Committee, like all Chamber committees, is open to all Chamber members and their employees. There are multiple benefits to joining a Chamber committee including:

· Becoming more involved in the community and growing your personal network

· Providing feedback on community issues and programs the Chamber is involved in

· Developing leadership skills

If you are interested in joining a Chamber committee, reach out to the Chamber at (307) 672-2485, and we can help connect you to a committee that best suits your experience and interests.