Chasing Greatness with Bryan Clay

The keynote speaker, Bryan Clay—2008 Olympic gold medalist and “World’s Greatest Athlete”—delivered an inspiring address titled Chasing Greatness. He shared five principles that fueled his success:

1. Clarity: Define your long-term vision and revisit it often.
2. Simplicity: Eliminate distractions and focus on what matters.
3. Passion Over Perfection: Strive for growth rather than unattainable perfection.
4. Alignment: Surround yourself with supportive people.
5. Movement: Take the first step with a detailed plan.

Clay’s insights resonated with Wyoming’s entrepreneurial and community leaders, offering tools to drive both personal and professional success.

Stories of Resilience: The Gentry Brothers

Leadership Wyoming hosted a moving breakfast session featuring Tanner and Gunner Gentry, former University of Wyoming football players. Tanner, who played professionally with Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills, praised his brother Gunner’s resilience after overcoming three knee injuries. Gunner’s perseverance culminated in a triumphant touchdown against CSU in 2023, a moment that deeply moved the audience. His story exemplified the grit and determination at the heart of Wyoming’s people.

Wyoming’s Economic Outlook

Dr. Anne Alexander’s economic outlook painted a complex picture of Wyoming’s evolving workforce and industries:

• Leisure and hospitality have overtaken natural resources and mining as the largest employers.
• Challenges include a childcare shortage, housing issues, and a declining high school enrollment rate.
• Wyoming’s unemployment rate remains low at 3.1%, and household income is strong compared to other mountain states.

Economic leaders expressed frustration with infrastructure limitations, workforce shortages, and price volatility but emphasized the state’s opportunities for growth.

Tackling the Housing Crisis

Wyoming faces significant hurdles in addressing its housing shortage. Developers cited issues like inconsistent local regulations, high costs from project delays, and resistance to affordable housing projects. The panel discussion revealed that:

• Delays from local regulations add over $10,000 per month to project costs.
• Antiquated and inconsistent building codes, seemingly random permitting processes, and NIMBYism create barriers to progress.
• Collaboration and standardization could reduce costs and streamline construction efforts.

Wyoming’s Media Landscape and AI

Another thought-provoking session explored the state’s media landscape. With local newspapers struggling to cover stories due to resource constraints, panelists proposed training young “documenters” to gather meeting notes for news organizations. On a related note, CyberWyoming advocates for transparency in journalism, suggesting AI-assisted articles include a byline acknowledging AI contributions.

Legislative Panel

The legislative panel featured a diverse lineup of perspectives, including experienced statesman Ogden Driskill, Freedom Caucus member John Bear, and Democrat Trey Sherwood. Bear raised the topic of cutting income taxes, which left some in the audience puzzled, as Wyoming does not have an income tax.

Bear also expressed concerns about Wyoming’s government efficiency, citing the state’s high number of public employees per capita. Note that this statistic should be used to measure economies of scale rather than efficiency, so if government efficiency is an issue a new indicator should be quoted.

Driskill rounded out the discussion with a forward-looking sentiment, stating, “We need to make sure we do policy that supports all of Wyoming’s future generations.” His comment resonated as a shared hope among attendees.

Fun Facts and Future Developments

The Forum also touched on exciting developments:

• Wyoming’s broadband expansion will connect 46,000 locations over six years.
• ExxonMobil is building a helium plant with carbon capture in LaBarge.
• The state’s general fund benefits from high interest income, bolstered by robust savings.

Governor Mark Gordon discussed his supplemental budget and highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility.

Wyoming on the Move

The Governor’s Business Forum 2024 featured diverse panelists, varied topics, and emphasized Wyoming’s resilience and adaptability, offering innovative discussions for challenges in housing, media, and economic development. With a mix of humor, inspiration, and practical insights, the Forum reaffirmed that Wyoming is indeed on the move.

Great Job Wyoming Business Alliance for another wonderful conference, keeping the pulse of Wyoming beating!