Photo: Matt Ashby
POINTS to PONDER
Your Investment is Elevating Our Chamber – and Our Community
On behalf of the board and staff of the Lander Chamber, allow me to express our deep gratitude to you, our members, for your commitment to our mission. Your investment has allowed us to significantly expand our programming and deepen our engagement with business owners and the broader community. Your contributions have helped us take tangible steps forward, including:
Quarterly Networking Luncheon – In addition to our ‘Legislative Session Preview’ and ‘Community Awards’ luncheons, we’re adding two more lunches per year, giving members more regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share ideas
Monthly Policy Roundtable – These new meetings bring business owners together to stay informed on local policy developments, express concerns, and take an active role in shaping the future of our community
Monthly ‘Lunch & Learn’ – We’ve brought back these midday gettogethers to provide business education, professional development, networking, and an opportunity to showcase member expertise
Weekly ‘Coffee with the Chamber’ – These casual morning meet-ups are fostering deeper relationships, providing new avenues for support, and strengthening the sense of unity among our local business leaders ‘Fremont County Restaurant Week’ – Launched in January 2024, this new campaign highlights the county’s dining establishments at a time when the economic impact is most needed and appreciated
The ‘Fremont Biz’ Podcast Sponsored by Fremont Toyota – Launched in 2021, our podcast partnership with County 10 promotes our members to a statewide audience and in June garnered its third statewide and second 1st Place award for best small market podcast in Wyoming
Evalon Payment Processing Affinity Program – Last month we introduced this new partnership to provide our members with Evalon’s preferred pricing, saving them 20% or more on payment processing
These initiatives are just the beginning and they’re made possible because of your support Investors like you aren’t just members; you’re the backbone of our efforts and the catalysts for growth in Fremont County’s business culture Your vision and commitment allow us to serve better, reach farther, and do more for the entire community
Thank you again for your investment, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to building a stronger Lander and Fremont County. We’re proud to partner with you and we look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman
Tom Davis
Fremont Therapy Group
Vice Chairman
Ryan Preston
Hampton Inn & Suites
Riverton
Treasurer
Jennifer Hamilton SageWest Healthcare
Past Chairman
Chris VonHoltum Central Bank & Trust
DIRECTORS
Brian Rohrbacher Grand Altitude Federal Credit Union
Joseph Susanka Wyoming Catholic College
Tiffany Hartpence Home Source Realty, Inc.
Helen Wilson Wind River Visitors Council
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
CEO
Owen Sweeney
Associate Director
Carol King
Program & Event Coord.
Owen Sweeney CEO
Lander Chamber of Commerce
Meghan Manning
Member Relations Coord.
Grace Jubber
Graphic Design & Social Media
Caeli Sweeney
POLICY PERSPECTIVE
Wyoming’s Biggest Roadblock
There’s a persistent challenge that has been holding our state back: excessive permitting and overzealous regulations. While the state has made strides in regulatory reform, Wyoming still faces significant barriers that are slowing down development across several sectors, from energy to housing.
For years, Wyoming businesses have struggled with navigating a regulatory system that, while wellintentioned, often proves to be cumbersome and slow. In theory, regulations are meant to ensure that developments are safe, environmentally sound, and beneficial to the community. In practice, however, the state’s regulatory framework has become a massive bottleneck, particularly when it comes to housing, infrastructure, and new energy projects.
For developers and businesses looking to break ground, the permitting process can be a long and drawn-out affair. What could take a matter of months in other states can stretch into years in Wyoming, discouraging investment and leaving important projects stalled at the starting line
The housing sector is the most glaring example of this regulatory drag The U S Chamber recently provided a study pointing out that regulations surrounding land use, zoning, and permitting are
contributing directly to the housing shortage that is impacting communities across Wyoming. Developers face bureaucratic delays at nearly every stage, from obtaining permits to complying with local building codes. These delays not only make construction more expensive but also limit the availability of affordable housing in a state where demand is outpacing supply.
The Need for Deeper Reform
Despite recent attempts at reform, Wyoming’s regulatory system remains one of the most challenging in the country While lawmakers have taken steps to streamline certain aspects of permitting, these reforms have yet to create a significant enough impact to overcome the core challenges Key sectors still face long waits and unpredictable timelines
Wyoming’s small population and vast geography make it an ideal place for large-scale developments whether that’s new energy projects, housing developments, or infrastructure improvements but the regulatory burden makes it harder to capitalize on these opportunities. If Wyoming wants to remain competitive in an ever-changing national economy, the state needs to seriously reassess its permitting processes to foster growth.
How Wyoming Can Overcome These Challenges
Addressing Wyoming’s permitting and regulatory struggles requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond simply cutting red tape, including:
Statewide Zoning Reforms: The state’s zoning laws need to be updated to reflect the modern needs of its communities, especially when it comes to housing. Simplifying zoning processes for
residential development could allow the state to build the homes needed to address our housing shortage.
Faster and More Predictable Permitting Processes:
Wyoming should prioritize creating a faster, more predictable permitting timeline. This would not only help developers plan more effectively but also attract investments in critical sectors
Stakeholder Collaboration: There needs to be greater collaboration between state and local governments, business leaders, and environmental groups to identify mutually beneficial reforms that streamline processes while still ensuring that Wyoming’s natural beauty and resources are protected
Targeted Incentives for Development: Offering targeted incentives for businesses that commit to overcoming regulatory barriers could spur the development of key sectors. These incentives could take the form of tax breaks, expedited permitting, or subsidies for projects that meet specific community or environmental goals.
The Road Ahead: A Balancing Act
The Wyoming Chamber is actively backing efforts to push for comprehensive regulatory and permitting reform in Wyoming. With a focus on removing barriers to economic growth and providing businesses with the tools they need to succeed, the Wyoming Chamber is advocating for changes that will allow Wyoming to thrive without being stifled.
The challenge lies in finding a balance between maintaining essential protections and allowing the state to move forward, quickly and effectively, into the future.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Your Business Isn’t Too Small to Build a Brand
Branding isn’t about size. It’s about c consistency, and purpose
Small businesses with strong brands grow and retain more loyal customers
A brand is the promise you keep, not just th you use
Start with your story and values, then build and verbal consistency
Every customer interaction should reinforce makes you different
When most people think “brand,” they picture b names like Nike, Apple, or Starbucks. But in ome of the strongest brands belong to businesses. Like the neighborhood bakery with a line out the door every Saturday. Or the local contractor everyone recommends without hesitation. What sets
them apart isn’t budget: it’s branding done right.
Branding isn’t just for big companies. It’s how any business, of any size, communicates who they are and why they matter. For small businesses, branding isn’t a luxury: it’s your edge. It helps you cut through noise, attract better-fit customers, and grow with confidence. Yet too often, small business owners treat branding as something they’ll invest in later; that’s a missed opportunity
So where should a small business start? Not with a costly rebrand or an elaborate style guide Begin with your story Why did you start this business? What do you believe in? What do you do better than anyone else? Those answers are the foundation of your brand identity
Next, translate that identity into a voice and look that feel authentic to you Choose a tone that fits your values. Whether that’s professional, casual, inspiring, or direct. Then use it across every customer touchpoint. One local accounting firm embraced a tone of friendly expertise in everything from its emails to signage and saw referrals rise 30 percent in a year.
Your visuals matter too. You don’t need a world-class designer. Start with a few key colors, a clean font, and a logo that aligns with your message. What matters more than polish is consistency. Make sure your website, signage, social media, and printed materials all feel like they’re coming from the same voice and visual identity.
And most importantly, bring your brand to life in how you deliver your service. Your customer experience should reflect your values in action. If your brand is about reliability, you need fast response times and follow-through If it’s about community, you should be engaging locally and making people feel seen
Small businesses that get branding right build something bigger than marketing: they build reputation
The Bottom Line
A strong brand isn’t about fancy design or a clever tagline. It’s about clarity and consistency. It’s the promise you make and keep every time a customer interacts with your business. When done well, branding builds trust, emotional connection, and long-term loyalty That’s true whether you’re running a restaurant, a retail shop, or a B2B service company. CoffeeChamber WITH
The Wind River Development Fund (WRDF) in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, promotes economic growth and community development on the Wind River Indian Reservation. It empowers residents through financial assistance, business resources, and educational programs to enhance self-sufficiency. By supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship, WRDF revitalizes the local economy and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure the community's needs and voices are prioritized in development initiatives. (307)
Mima
’ BsTexasStyle risketTacos
Howdy y'all! With over 20 years of delicious brisket, Mima's Texas Style Brisket Tacos is excited to join the Lander Chamber of Commerce! Mima's is where Texas roots and family flavor meet Wyoming. Every dish served reflects the love, traditions, and values we live by-- family, community, and authenticity. From our family recipes to our joyous service, we're proud to share a taste of our family traditions with every bite. Come to our window hungry and leave with a full tummy and a happy heart!
The Wildlife Restoration Foundation brings healthy wildlife back to America’s land and seascapes. The work we do as a nongovernmental organization is rooted by partnerships and is growing fast. We empower partners to intervene with innovative and very direct conservation measures on the ground and in the water. Our mission is to directly and measurably increase park wildlife population viability, health, and security through partnerships.
wildlifeandparks.org
RENEWING MEMBERS
Adobe PO Box 33190, Raleigh, NC
Burns Insurance
440 Lincoln St., Lander
Chase Real Estate Management
535 E. Main St., Lander
Gambles
420 Main St., Lander
Huff Sanitation
540 Wind River Ave., Lander
Lander Rotary Club PO Box 502, Lander
McDonald’s
235 McFarlane Dr., Lander
Valley Automotive 7854 Hwy 789, Lander
Wyoming Gold Realty, LLC
471 S. Federal Blvd., Riverton
WELCOME, NEW MEMBER!
Hem Healer, LLC
183 Main St., #C, Lander
Lander Brewfest Golf Tournament Winners!
Each Brewfest Saturday morning, we co-host with our Lander Young Professionals the Lander Brewfest Golf with the Brewers Tournament.
A hearty congratulations to 2025 winning team representing Artery Construction! Many thanks to our friends at Cobalt Golf for providing tournament prizes and also to Golf Pro Scott Peters and the City of Lander Golf Course staff for a great event
Put 2,000+ Eyeballs on Your Business!
Every week, the Lander Chamber sends an e-Blast to more than 1,000 recipients. If you’re a member at or above the Cultivator Level, your membership includes a yearly ad in this e-publication Email the Chamber at caeli@landerchamber.org with your business’s ad (680x200 pixels). Need help with your ad? We’ll design one for you!
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR LANDER CHAMBER MEMBERS!
The Lander Chamber of Commerce has entered into an affinity partnership with international payment processor Elavon to provide Lander Chamber members with Elavon’s preferred partner pricing.
PROJECT INFORMATION OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 3-6 PM
LANDER COMMUNITY AND CONVENTION CENTER
Discover what's in the works and meet with local departments and groups!
HDR - TAP Project for Sidewalk Improvements near Gannett Peak Elementary
WHS - Lincoln Street, Baldwin Creek Road
Strike Consulting - Flood Protection and River Restoration Downstream of Main Street Bridge, Bishop Randall
Building Department - Contractor Licenses and Building Permits
Popo Agie Conservation District - Low Flow & Storage Study
71 Construction - Paving Projects in Lander
Lander Police Department
WRTA - SafeRides and Transportation
Project Independence
Fremont County Association of Governments
Guns, Boots & Brands Fund Raiser
“Your Support is Our Success”
OCTOBER 24, 2025 • DOORS OPEN 5:00 PM Lander Community Center - Western Attire Suggested
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
$1200 or
Examples of Tiers:
Gold = 2 Tables
Silver = 1 Table Plus Donations equal to $200 Bronze = 1 Table Plus Donations equal to $600
Donations are: Table Purchase, Art or Gun Sponsor, Donate Items for the Silent Auction or Cash
You receive all this with your VIP Table Purchase
ONE $50 General Admission Ticket
• Sit Down Dinner • Doors open at 5:00
$100 Sponsor
You receive all this with your purchase hip
• 8 VIP Event Tickets on October 24, 2025
• Doors Open at 5:00 - Cocktail Hour
Your Sponsorship Name will be displayed on the small sponsor place cards on all tables & the power point presentation.
• Live Auction ART VOTING Gala October 17, 6:00 pm, Lander Art Center, 258 Main Street, Come Vote for Guns, Boots & Brands Live Auction Art
• Your choice of wine, from the wine list, provided by Mr. D’s
• VIP Tables are served first at the Sit Down Prime Rib Dinner
• Your Sponsorship Name will be displayed on the Large Table Sponsor Place Card, on the Small Sponsor Place Cards, and the Power Point Presentation.
For more information or to become a sponsor contact: Jake Huhnke - 307-349-9605, Justis Jacobs - 307-349-2786, Gabe Harris – 307-438-0777 or Gabriel.Harris@LPNT.net
AUGUST PROMOTIONS
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SUNDAY FUNDAY
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Earn 200, 400, and 600 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “Sunday Funday” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $150 Free Slot Play per promotional week. Limit of three redemptions per day/per patron.
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CLASSIC MONDAYS
8:00 am - 11:59 pm
By earning same-day points guests 55 and older can receive up to $55 Free Slot Play, a free meal voucher, and a free entry into our $100 Free Slot Play drawings! Swipe your Rewards Card every 555 points to activate additional Free Slot Play!
SUN’S OUT, FUN’S OUT TUESDAYS
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Earn 150, 150, and 150 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $60 Free Slot Play per promotional week. Limit of three redemptions per day/per patron.
WINDFALL GRAB MINI MONEY MACHINE
WEDNESDAYS
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Actively play slots using their Rewards Card and earn 50 sameday points to become eligible to be drawn for a Hot Seat, and a share of $4,050 in Combined Free Slot Play! Nine (9) Total Winners every Wednesday. Mini Money Machine rules apply. Limit two Hot Seats per patron, per day.
WE LOVE OUR LOCALS THURSDAYS
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Earn 200 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “We Love Our Locals” promotion button to receive 3X Points, $15 in Free Slot Play, and $10 Food Offer. Your Free Slot Play will be automatically added to your Rewards Card and the food voucher will be printed from the kiosk. Local Zip Codes Eligible: 82510, 82501, 82520, 82649, 82513-82516, 82523-─82524
AUGUST CASH BLAST HOT SEATS FRIDAYS
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Actively play slots using your Rewards Card and earn 50 sameday points to become eligible to be drawn for a Hot Seat! Win up to $150 Free Slot Play or $125 Cash!
Limit of one redemption per day/per patron. One winner every hour.
END OF SUMMER FREE PLAY FRENZY SATURDAYS
10:00 am - 11:59 pm
Earn 200, 300, and 400 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “End of Summer Free Play Frenzy” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $60 Free Slot Play per promotional week.
Limit of three redemptions per day/per patron.
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SUMMER’S END STASH & GRAB SATURDAYS
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Aug. 2 & 16 only)
Redeem only 2,000 points to get any 1 (one) gift of the Summer’s End Stash & Grab. Limited quantities, get yours before supplies run out! All gifts will be items from the over stock from Continuity and Earn to Get for 2024 & 2025. No Rainchecks, first come, first served.
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ONE-TIME PROMOTIONS
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ONE-TIME $5 FREE SLOT PLAY
8:00 am - 8:59 pm
Any day in August receive a one-time $5 Free Slot Play for Wind River Casino or Little Wind Casino. Just earn 150 points by playing slot machines using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk and choose the “One Time $5 Free Slot Play” promotion button.One prize per patron.
SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY
EARN & GET GIFT OF THE WEEK
AUGUST 3-26 • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Earn 2,500 total same-day points to get the gift of the week! Limited quantities. Earn & Get dates
Week 1 • August 3, 4, 5 | Week 2 • August 10, 11, 12 Week 3 • August 17, 18, 19 | Week 4 • August 24, 25, 26 See Promotions Desk for full details. While supplies last. Exclusions apply. Patron not eligible if receives Continuity offer. One (1) gift per week/per patron.
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DOUBLE
THE GOOD, DOUBLE
THE FUN (BACK TO SCHOOL DONATION DRIVE)
AUGUST 4-7, 11-14
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Any patron with a Rewards Card who donates new clothing or school supplies for kids grades Kindergarten through 12th grade will get their amount spent doubled back in Free Slot Play! Patrons must have a receipt for proof of purchase. Purchases must be new and purchased within the time frame of promotion. Maximum donation value up to $50, max Free Slot Play up to $100. Onedonationperdayperpatron.Alldonationsmustbenewinnew condition with tags, or items will not be accepted
UNLEASH THE CHIEFTAIN INDIAN® MOTORCYCLE GIVEAWAY
AUGUST 30
DRAWING AT 8:30 PM
Feel the thunder! One supremely grand prize lucky winner will conquer the asphalt aboard a brand-new 2024 Indian® Motorcycle Chieftain Dark Horse! Plus, four consolation winners will score fantastic Free Slot Play -
$1,500 • $1,000 • $800 • $500 Earn enties now.
Check in times 4:00 pm - 8:15 pm on drawing day.
TABLE GAMES MATCH-PLAY (MON.-THUR.)
AUGUST 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28
10:00 am - 11:59 pm
Match-Play values are based on tier. Print out your ticket at the Promotions Kiosk and present the ticket to a dealer at Table Games.
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BIRTHDAY PROMOTION
AUGUST 1-30
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
If your birthday month is August, earn 400 same-day points within the month of May and qualify to receive $20 Free Slot Play, and $10 off at any of our restaurants! Visit a kiosk and choose the Birthday promotion button.
