March 2017 Newsletter

WAMConnection

Come Experience Gilletteat WAM ConventionMay 31-June 2, 2017

Pictured is Sandy Friedman’s “I’m Dreaming with My Brain Awake” sculpture that is part of Gillette’s Avenues of Art collection.

CONTENTS

11WAM

Convention Details

5Kaysen’s Korner

14Wyoming

Community Spirit

4 WAM Sponsors

5 Kaysen’s Korner

8 Simple Steps to avoid a Hack

11 WAM Convention Details

16 Governor Mead Signs ENDOW Legislation

17 WY Main Street Workshop

18 WY Community Spirit

January 2017

2017 WAM ConventionCome

Experience Gillette

May 31- June 2, 2017

REGISTER ONLINE

WYOMUNI.ORGRegister by May 17 for the reduced rate!

WAMConnectionPublished by the Wyoming Association of Municipalities

MARCHMarch 3Last Day of Session

March 8 & 9Region 1 Meeting & Training(Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

March 12-16National League of Cities, Washington D.C.

March 15-16Region 3 Meeting & Training(Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

March 25Region 2 (NEWY) Meeting

APRILMay 3-4Region VI Meeting & Training (Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

May 10-11Region II Training(Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

May 29Memorial Day (WAM Office Closed)

May 31 - June 2WAM Convention, Gillette

April 5-6Region IV Meeting & Training (Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

April 12-13Region V Meeting & Training(Government Operations & Supervisor Training)

April 16Easter Sunday

April 27-28WAM Board Meeting, Jackson

MAYUPCOMING EVENTS

Campbell County Rec Center, Gillette

President:Paul Brooks, Mayor, Sundance

Vice President: Scott Dellinger, Mayor, Mountain View

Region One Directors:Kelly Krakow, Mayor, AlbinAndi Summerville, Mayor, Laramie

George Siglin, Mayor, Lingle

Region Two Directors:Chris Schock, Mayor, Clearmont

Bruce Jones, Mayor, Douglas Roger Miller, Mayor, Sheridan

Region Three Directors:Tim Patrick, Mayor, MandersonLandon Greer, Council Member, CodyJohn Wetzel, Council Member, Powell

Region Four Directors:Buck King, Mayor, EdgertonLee Martinez, Council Member, RivertonCharlie Powell, Council Member, Casper

Region Five Directors:Scott Dellinger, Mayor, Mountain ViewHaily MortonLevinson, Council Member,

JacksonJohn Lynch, Council Member, Star Valley

Ranch

Region Six Directors:Tracy Fowler, Council Member, HannaPete Rust, Mayor, Green RiverGary Waldner, Council Member,

Wamsutter

WAMCAT Representative:Carol Intlekofer, City Clerk, Cheyenne

GOSCMA Representative:Carter Napier, City Administrator, Gillette

LTS Representative:Randy Adams, Council Member,

Torrington

Past Presidents:Jim Wells, Council Member, RawlinsSusan Juskcha, Mayor, Glendo

Board of Directors

WAM SponsorsGold Dome Sponsor City Phone One Call of Wyoming Cheyenne (307) 778-5210

Cowboy Sponsor City Phone Local Government Liability Pool (LGLP) Cheyenne (307) 638-1911Rocky Mountain Power Rock Springs (307) 352-5202WAM-JPIC Cheyenne (307) 632-0398

First Class City Sponsor City Phone Black Mountain Software Polson, MT (800) 353-8829Burbach Aquatics, Inc. Platteville, WI (608) 348-3262HUB International Mountain States Limited Sheridan (307) 672-5833Union Pacific Railroad Denver, CO (303) 405-5010

Home Town Sponsor City Phone Ameri-Tech Equipment Company Lander (307) 332-4000Black Hills Energy Cheyenne (888) 890-5554Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Cheyenne (307) 442-2376ICMA-RC Denver,CO (303) 861-7487Kaiser Wealth Management Cheyenne (307) 634-1547LONG Building Technologies Casper (307) 265-5997McGee Hearne & Paiz Cheyenne (307) 634-2151Motorola Solutions Inc. Westminster,CO (303) 877-3128Nelson Engineering Jackson (307) 733-2087Radisson Hotel Cheyenne Cheyenne (307) 638-4466Union Wireless Mountain View (307) 782-6131Wyoming Machinery Company Casper (307) 472-1000

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WAM Partner City Phone ACEC of Wyoming Laramie (307) 745-8100AMBI Mail & Marketing Casper (307) 266-2223Align Cheyenne (307) 772-9001Anton Collins Mitchell, LLP Laramie (307) 755-1040Caselle, Inc. Provo, UT (800) 228-9851Community Builders Inc. Douglas (307) 359-3311Concrete Stabilization Technologies, Inc. Wheatland (307) 322-3990Desert Mountain Corporation Riverton (307) 856-9730Dana Kepner Company of Wyoming, Inc. Casper (307) 235-1300DOWL Sheridan (307) 672-9006ECS Engineers Sheridan (307) 675-1919Engineering Associates Cody (307) 587-4911First Interstate Bank Cheyenne (307) 633-8400Fremont Motor Company Lander (307) 332-8340George K. Baum & Compnay Wyoming Government Investment Fund Cheyenne (307) 778-8438Hathaway & Kunz, P.C. Cheyenne (307) 634-7723HDR Engineering Gillette (307) 682-8936HR Consulting Services Cheyenne (307) 421-6189Inberg-Miller Engineers Riverton (307) 856-8136Jorgensen Associates, P.C. Jackson (307) 733-5150Kemmerer-Diamondville Joint Powers Board Kemmerer (307) 877-2233Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Gillette (307) 685-3780

City Phone Porter Muirhead, Cornia & Howard Casper (307) 265-4311RBC Wealth Management Cheyenne (307) 634-7781Russell Industries, Inc. Casper (307) 265-9566SENIORx Patient Advocates Casper (307) 472-1770SpringHill Suites by Marriot Cheyenne (307) 635-0006Sunrise Engineering, Inc. Cheyenne (307) 775-9500Waterworks Industries, A Ferguson Enterprise Casper (307) 265-9566WLC Engineering, Survey & Planning Casper (307) 266-2524Wyoming Association of Risk Management (WARM) Cheyenne (307) 433-9400Wyoming Community Gas Topeka, KS (888) 527-0003Wyoming Conference of Building Officials Gillette (307) 682-1970WWC Engineering Laramie (307) 742-0031Wyoming Community Development Authority Cheyenne (307) 265-0603Wyoming Economic Development Association Cheyenne (307) 772-9100

OUR SPONSORSARE SIMPLY THE BEST!Their support helps us provide

valuable experiences, at affordable costs to our members. These companies, associations, and

organizations are willing to support Wyoming’s municipalities’ needs.

WE CAN’T THANK THEM ENOUGH!

Kaysen’s KornerBY R I C K K AYS E N

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The 2017 64th Legislative Session is now part of Wyoming History. The Session convened on January 10th, and adjourned March 3rd (11PM). Many have tried to characterize this General Session, and that effort will continue as it was one with many possible descriptions. Legislators had numerous and varied challenges, made difficult decisions (some popular and some not so with the Wyoming citizenry), dedicated uncountable hours in representing Wyoming, debated, agreed and disagreed, showed their passion for our Great State, reached consensus on many bills, and walked away from their normal lives and families for eight demanding weeks. Legislators responsibilities are many and are similar to municipal elected officials….including taking a most important Oath of Office, abide by the State and Federal Constitutions, abide by existing statutes and law, listen to hundreds of constituents, and do what is in the best interest of Wyoming. WAM is thankful to all Legislators for their service and commitments to Wyoming.

Prior to the Session convening , Governor Mead prepared and presented his 2017-2018 Supplemental Budget to the Legislature. The Governor outlined his supplemental budget, stressed the significance of declining state revenues, introduced the importance of economic development diversity, recommended $5 million for emergency grant funding to be used if necessary to assist local governments, and shared that Wyoming is in a good place as the State has been prudent in its consertive approach as well as building its reserves. WAM is also very thankful to Governor Mead as he remains a strong proponent for local government.

My report to you consists of three main sections. First, a review of WAM’s Legislative Agenda including the Municipal Finance Report Recommendations (presented in October 2016), 2016 Annual Convention Resolutions, WAM Member requests, and significant bills monitored by WAM’s legislative team. Secondly, WAM’s proposed interim topics and other interim topics of interest for 2017 that will help set the stage for the 2018 Budget Session (yes, that Session begins in a mere 340 days). Third, what’s next for WAM.

WAM’s proactive approach to the 64th Wyoming Legislative Session began with the WAM Board and the Legislative Leadership Committee (LLC) approving the legislative agenda. Throughout the session, the LLC met at least weekly with the WAM Staff to provide a ‘one-voice’ approach toward legislation specific to your municipalities. This 64th Legislative Session Summary Report highlights lobbied legislative outcomes related to this agenda or other bills that impacted municipal government. Bills that WAM supported = (S); opposed = (O); and monitored = (M). Additional information can be found on the Advocacy Page of WAM’s Website at www.wyomuni.org.

1The Legislative Service Office (LSO) reported a record 699 bill requests from the 2016 interim and the 64th Session. The above bill data reflects bills that were moved forward through the Session’s legislative process (http://legisweb.state.wy.us.)2 Signed by both House and Senate at time of report

Session Statistics

Kaysen’s Korner Cont inued. . .

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Municipal Finance Report Recommendations• Support securing the remaining FY17/18 direct

distribution payments ($52.5M)• The Aug ‘17 and Jan ‘18 payments were secured since no

new legislation was proposed. • Monitor and provide input for modifications of the

direct distribution formula • No bills were proposed regarding the distribution

formula.• Support funding for state grant and loan programs

• The Joint Appropriations Committee did not approve the Governor’s proposed $5M for the Mineral Royalty Grant account. Additionally, following two WAM amendment attempts, $6M was deducted from the Water Development Commission Fund 1 to support the State Engineers Office.

• Support bills that increase local revenue generating authority• HB0082 (S) allows incremental tax limits through

separate propositions of the local optional sales and use taxes; passed.

• SF0043 (S), SF0014 (S), SF0155 (S) are three of ten bills related to alcohol taxation or liquor law revisions that could impact municipal license or operations; passed.

• Support increasing state sales and use tax by 1% and/or adjust the split to local government• No bill supporting increased sales and use tax passed;

however, the Joint Revenue Committee plans to holistically study the state’s tax structure during the interim.

• Support amending the property tax limit to add flexibility to local government • No bill for local government flexibility, but HB0162

and HJ0007 were failed bills that offered property tax revisions.

• Support sales tax exemptions that promote economic development• SF0070 (S) extended the sunset on tax exemptions for

major manufacturing; passed.• Support efforts to increase operating efficiencies

• SF0156 (S) creates a committee from the legislature and private sector to evaluate state government efficiencies; passed. WAM expects potential lessons learned could be passed to local government.

WAM Annual Convention Resolutions• Monitor and advocate for bills that improve intra-

state public transportation• HB0052 (S) provides immunity for intra-state

transportation services; passed.

• Support statewide repeal of food sales tax • No bills were proposed.

• Support clarification and ease of process for nuisance and dangerous abandoned buildings• Although no bills were filed this session, WAM proposed

as an interim topic. • Monitor lodging tax changes to align with the lodging

and restaurant association• Three bills were proposed, but all failed, to utilize or

increase the current lodging tax. This was approved as an interim topic.

• Support preserving current wind tax, but oppose increasing the tax to enhance economic development • HB0127 (O) proposed a $4 per megawatt hour additional

wind tax; failed.

WAM Member Requests as of December 21, 2016• Support bills that allow natural gas pipeline to provide

services in NE Wyoming • SF0079 (S) would have allowed local governments/JPB’s

participation; failed. • Support to maintain municipal extraterritorial

jurisdiction• SF0017 (O) removed the extraterritorial municipal

boundary; failed. WAM and WCCA agreed to work in the interim to bring joint legislation.

• Monitor a transportation bill that will offer UBER-like services• HB0080 (S) allows transportation network companies

(UBER, LYFT, etc.) to operate statewide, imposes a state sales tax passed along per ride; passed.

• Support bills to revise employment laws related to seasonal or temporary employees• SF101 (S) did not make it out of committee but it was

approved as an interim topic. • Support bills in line with the Wyoming Association of

Sheriffs and Chief of Police as relates to use of body worn cameras and drones • SF0032 (S) exempted audio/video from a body camera

to be released to the public without a court’s decision; passed.

• Support skier liability codes for communities with ski areas• SF0032 (S) reduces the liability to the ski area operators;

passed. • Monitor vertical local assessment district bills to

encourage infill development improving blighted areas • Although no bills were filed this session, WAM proposed

as an interim topic. • Support sales tax on online/internet purchases

• HB0019 (S) requires the collection of applicable internet sales and use tax; passed.

Additional Bills Monitored Related to Municipal Government• HB0137 (O) repeals the gun free zone for government

meetings, including city council and commissioner meetings; passed. WAM’s position is to allow local control that is currently in existing statutes.

• HB0266 (M) requires the Dept. of Audit to conduct a study and make recommendations on the fiscal review practices of towns less than 4000 people; passed.

• SF0015 (M) and SF0016 (M) increases fiscal transparency and revises election and term practices for special districts and joint powers boards; passed.

• HB0065 (S) altered the make-up of the Public Safety Commission to include members from WAM and WCCA; passed.

• HB0131 (S) removes the sunset and the cap for local government lottery distribution. Also, the distribution was changed to the point of sale; passed.

• HB001 (S) the supplemental budget bill added to the 2016 budget bill a net reduction of ~$280M from General Fund, cutting state departments, colleges, and K-12 education. Wyoming Game and Fish and Wyoming Dept. of Transportation were cut from the General Fund with intent fees would support these agencies. These cuts could trickle down to your community’s citizen services; passed.

• HB0058 funds from the LSRA select school facilities construction projects; passed. HB0236 is the omnibus school finance bill that modifies the current education funding formula and requires $34.5M reduction in education without significant revenue options. Obviously, this could impact you as quality school systems are integral to successful communities.

WAM’s Proposed Interim Topic StatusLLC approved the following interim topics for submittal to the appropriate joint interim committee. Topics with an (*) were approved by the Legislative Management Council to be added to the 2017 interim committee’s agenda.1. *Evaluate Local Government Revenue Options –

Revenue 2. Vertical Local Assessment Districts – Minerals,

Business, and Economic Development3. Nuisance and Abandoned Building Abatement

Recovery – Judiciary4. *Unemployment Compensation Exemption (Seasonal

Employees) – Labor, Health and Social Services5. *Extraterritorial Jurisdiction – Corporations, Elections

& Political Subdivision6. Evaluation of Liquor License Statutes - Corporations,

Elections & Political Subdivision7. Local Government Public Notice Print Requirements -

Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivision

What’s Next for WAMFollowing this very intense legislative session that cut spending without tax or revenue increases, the interim discussions should prove to be budget-centric. WAM and the LLC will closely monitor and contribute to topics related to local government revenue, notably the uncertain local government’s direct distribution. WAM will fund a 3rd party study to evaluate national municipal funding models to provide reasonable local revenue growth recommendations to the legislators. WAM members and staff will also meet with stakeholders to evaluate revenue generating opportunities. For example, and as noted in the October 2016 Municipal Finance Report, WAM will continue discussions with the Wyoming Liquor Division, Wyoming Liquor Association, and other stakeholders to evaluate the current liquor laws and their impact on local economic development. WAM and the Wyoming Press Association will also meet during the interim to evaluate existing public notice print requirements. If you have questions regarding the recent or interim legislative session, please contact the WAM Staff (rkaysen@wyomuni.org or lheath@wyomuni.org) or your LLC representatives.

WAM has its challenges for 2017 in preparation for the 2018 Budget Session, and that begins with attention to and participation in the above referenced interim topics, as well as, 12 interim topics that may effect municipal government as approved by the Legislative Management Council, listening to member needs, and maintain our advocacy for municipalities.

Earlier in my report, I noted that we are thankful to Wyoming Legislators and Governor Mead. I would be most remiss if I do not recognize and thank members of the Legislative Leadership Committee, Shelley Simonton, Laurie Heath, Scott Badley, and Katie Waldner. These dedicated individuals served as your legislative team, and I believe they served and represented you very well.

WAM Staff is committed to serve all municipalities, to be responsive, to be a resource members can rely on.

We are fortunate to live in Wyoming, a State of uniqueness and character, a State with resilience and resolve, a State where people make the difference, a State we call home, and a State where WAM MUNICIPALITIES will help lead.

Simple Steps to avoid a Hack

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It seemed like just another ordinary day for a small online retailer in the Midwest. Little did they know that the simple click of an e-mail link was about to threaten the entire business. One of the company’s employees received an e-mail with a link to a seemingly benign catalog. One click and the company’s system was infected with Crytowall malware that affected accounting software, customer account files, including credit card numbers, social security numbers, customer names and addresses among other information.

The accounting software and customer files did not live on the employee’s computer; it lived on the company’s network drive, so the malware was able to encrypt 15,000 accounting and customer files. A ransom demand soon followed, demanding $50,000 in exchange for a decryption key. The company’s backup systems had not been working for months, and with the virus proving impossible to remove without the loss of crucial company data, the company had no choice but to pay up.

But the decryption key didn’t work. Business came to a standstill. The owner could not afford to pay to rebuild the network systems. Six months later the company closed its doors, strangled by lack of sales and cash flows.

The U.S’ National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60 percent of small companies are unable to sustain their businesses over six months after a cyber-attack. According to the Ponemon Institute, the average price for small businesses to clean up after their businesses have been hacked stands at $690,000; and, for middle market companies, it’s over $1 million.

Recent events have proven that nobody is safe from the threat of cybercrime – not large corporations, small businesses, startups, government agencies or even presidential candidates.

Small and mid-sized businesses are hit by 62 percent of all cyber-attacks, about 4,000 per day, according to IBM. Cybercriminals target small businesses because they are an easy, soft target to penetrate. They steal information to rob bank accounts via wire transfers; steal customers’ personal identity information; file for fraudulent tax refunds; and, commit health insurance or Medicare fraud.

So what can you do besides pray and hope you’re not next?

Remember, most cyber breaches happen because an employee does something that they aren’t supposed to do. Basic training can stop a majority of low-level threats. But, coaching your employees on data protection is not enough. Business owners must establish data security protocols, policies, practices and procedure that every employee takes seriously.

Create a business continuity and incident response plan. This will be put into effect immediately once you know your systems have been compromised.

Keep security software current. Having the latest security software, web browser and operating systems are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.

When in doubt, delete it. Links in e-mails, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to steal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it.

Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. Along with computers, smartphones, tablets, and other web-enabled devices need to be protected from viruses and malware.

Plug and scan. USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.

Consider cyber insurance. While premiums continue to rise, the cost of the insurance will look small in comparison to the cost of experts and consultants to restore your systems — or the cost going out of business.

60% of Smal l Companies that Suf fer a Cyber Attack are Out of Bus iness with in S ix MonthsBy Gar y Mi l ler, CEO GEM Strategy Management

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Expand beyond IT. Don’t delegate cyber-crime prevention solely to your IT department and tell them “get on with it.” Embed these practices across all areas of your business.

Encrypt your most sensitive files. Encrypting data is a process of converting data into a form, where it becomes unintelligible to any person without access to a key/password to decrypt the data. Encryption may be hardware or software based. Hardware encryption and decryption processes are executed by a dedicated processor on the hardware encrypted device. In software encryption, the resources of the device on which the software is installed are used to encrypt and decrypt the data.

Robert Fleming, founder and president of Blacksquare Technologies, a Denver manufacturer of the Enigma hardware encryption device, said hardware encryption is faster. “The cryptographic key is stored in a separate, inaccessible portion of memory storage or stored off site, thus making it more secure than software encryption. Even if a company is hacked, and the bad guys capture your files, they cannot open any files that are encrypted”.

Websites hacked. Corporate data leaked. Identities stolen. The threats are real and growing. Small business owners have to assume they will be victims of cybercriminals since 75 percent of all organizations have experienced a data/cyber security breach in the past 12 months and 82 percent of all Social Security numbers have been hacked more than once. Cybercrime is now the world’s largest business running in the trillions of dollars. So far the “bad guys” are winning.

So business owners need to do more than hope and pray that their businesses won’t be next.

This article is reprinted from The Denver Post published in October 2016. Gary Miller is founder and CEO, GEM Strategy Management, Inc. an M&A management consulting firm specializing in middle market privately-held companies. Gary’s team provides advisor services on M&A planning, exit planning, business transfers, preparing companies to raise capital, or owners to sell their companies, due diligence, valuations, and merger integrations. You can reach Gary at 970.390.4441 orgmiller@gemstrategymanagement.com

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Service matters.To us, being part of the community means giving advice on saving energy and money. It also means supporting local jobs and nonprofit organizations in Wyoming.

Find convenient services and energy solutions at rockymountainpower.net.

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Training &Certification

OpportunitiesThrough our partnerships with the Leadership Training Services and WAMCAT, we are proud to bring training opportunities to our members that are both helpful and relevant to elected officials and municipal staff.The workshops that are available at WAM events are designed around the Local Government Leadership Program that requires participants to attend the program’s eight fundamental courses and eight elective courses over a two-year period to receive certification. WAMCAT members can also receive credits through IIMC. To learn more contact Katie at the WAM office at Katie@wyomuni.org or at 307-632-0398.

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Tuesday, May 30th6:00 PMWAM Board of Directors Dinner Meeting

Wednesday, May 31st8:30 AM - 1:00 PM“Down with the Donkey” WAM Golf TournamentGolfers wanted for an 18-Hole Reverse Shotgun tournament. All golfers must pre-register at www.wyomuni.org. Tournament check-in will begin at 7:30 AM at the Bell Nob Golf Course with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. Tournament format will be 4-person scramble. Entry fee is $53, which includes lunch, green fees, cart and a fantastic assortment of prizes. The field is limited to the first 48 players.

Noon - 5:00 PMWAM Registration at the Pronghorn CenterWhen you arrive in Gillette, pick up your convention packet at the Pronghorn Center, located at 3807 College Drive.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PMGillette Madison Pipeline Project Partnership CelebrationCome celebrate a project that will improve the region’s reliable, long-term water supply needs, including water wells, treatment, transmission, distribution and storage. Transportation to the celebration site will be available at City Hall. Buses will depart at 3:00 PM, please be sure to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.

5:00 PM - 6:30 PMWelcome Reception Aboard the BNSF Executive Business Train CarsThe Burlington Northern and Sante Fe (BNSF) Railway has graciously offered to host WAM Members on their business car fleet. Members will have the chance to ride the rails in luxurious business cars and take in the gorgeous northeast Wyoming countryside from the comfort of the lounge car, coach car or one of the spectacular dome cars that give you a 360-degree view.

7:00 PMRazor City Restaurant Romp DinnerExperience Gillette’s delicious and diverse restaurant offerings. During WAM Registration at the Pronghorn Center, you will receive a dinner voucher redeemable at one of the participating restaurants. Enjoy your evening out on the town!

Why “Down with the Donkey?”Believe it or not, the donkey had involvement in the history of the Wyoming State Flag and the City of Gillette.When the state flag bill was introduced much humorous wrangling took place over whether the bison should be changed to a donkey, an elephant or a moose. In the end, the bison remained and the flag was adopted on January 13, 1917.Further, Gillette, was founded in 1891 with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The railroad was originally going to follow Donkey Creek with the station to be at Donkey Town. The Railroad’s engineer, Edward Gillette (1854-1936) located a shorter route, eliminating a number of bridges that would have been required had the Donkey Creek route been used. The shorter route saved the railroad considerable money. Mr. Gillette had hoped that the savings might be translated into a pay raise. Soon, sure enough, a message came from the Company headquarters, the company did, indeed, appreciate the savings. They named the town for him and thus Gillette was established.

Tentative Agenda

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Thursday, June 1st 6:00 AM - 7:30 AMStay Strong Shelley 5k Poker Run/WalkStay Strong Shelley is a fundraiser for Melanoma Awareness. All proceeds will benefit the Cancer Patient Support Fund to promote melanoma awareness, fund early detection screening, and financially support Wyoming melanoma survivors. The enjoyable run or walk will weave through the scenic course of Gillette’s Avenues of Art. This is a non-timed 5k fun poker run/walk. Separate registration is required. Visit www.wyomuni.org for more details.

7:00 AM - 5:00 PMWAM Registration at the Pronghorn Center

9:00 AM - 5:30 PMExhibit ShowA wonderful opportunity to spend time with our municipal service providers! Check out the excellent services that are available to Wyoming’s communities. Ask how to enter to win a travel voucher worth $1,200 and two smart boards worth over $1,000 for your community at the WAM Registration Desk.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AMWAM Opening SessionU.S. Congressman Mike Enzi and U.S. Congresswoman Liz Cheney will be joining us to share updates on what efforts are being made in D.C. to insure the energy market gets back on track in Wyoming.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AMMorning Refreshments with Exhibitors

9:45 AM - 11:45 AMDry Fork Power Station and Integrated Testing Center (ITC) TourLocated seven miles north of Gillette, the Dry Fork Station is a new coal-based electric generation power plant owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative and the Wyoming Municipal Power Agency. Construction on the Dry Fork Station began in 2007; and in 2014, with the support of Governor Mead, the Wyoming State Legislature allocated $15 million in funding for the design, construction and operation of an Integrated Test Center to study the capture, sequestration and management of carbon emissions. Seating is limited to 30 WAM Attendees, be sure to pre-register for this free tour on WAM’s Website.

10:00 AM - 11:45 AMDurham Ranch Guest TourEnjoy a late morning trip out to the Durham Ranch and adventure through time as you experience one of the world’s largest and oldest working buffalo ranches. With over 3,000 bison currently on 55,000 acres, the Durham Ranch has been actively engaged in the raising of bison since the mid 1960’s. Seating is limited to 30 WAM Guests, be sure to pre-register for this tour on WAM’s Website.

10:00 AM - NoonConcurrent Workshops

Strategic Planning Learn how to be more deliberate about your community’s future by developing a mission and vision that is right for your residents. When you return home you will be able to conduct a SWOT analysis, identify options, implement an action plan and evaluate your results with your council and staff.

Cyber Security for Municipalities: Planning Prevention and RemediationLearn how your community may be at risk to cyber attacks or breaches. Discover ways you can protect your organization and how to prepare for a cyber attack or breach.

Noon - 1:00 PMLunch with Exhibitors

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Thursday, June 1st Continued1:00 PM - 3:30 PMCordero Rojo Mine TourThe Cordero Rojo Mine, operated by Cloud Peak Energy, is located approximately 25 miles south of Gillette. The mine extracts thermal coal from the Wyodak seam, which ranges from approximately 55 to 70 feet in thickness. The coal mined is primarily shipped to electric utilities in the west, midwest and southeast United States. Cordero Rojo Mine recently won the 2015 State of Wyoming Reclamation Award, from the Land Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Quality, for the successful restoration of the Belle Fourche River. Seating is limited to 60 WAM Attendees, be sure to pre-register for this tour WAM’s Website.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PMPlanetarium Guest TourThe Campbell County School District Planetarium has been operational since 1981 and features the first Goto Chronos II installed in the United States. Come enjoy the star projector that can accurately show over 8000 stars and learn all about the solar eclipse events happening in August.

1:00 PM Concurrent Workshops

Human Resource ManagementLearn how to manage human resource issues that include employee selection processes, staff orientation and training, employee motivation and evaluation. When you return home you will find ways to retain and maintain a high-performance workforce while avoiding legal liability in all things related to employment law.

Regional Marketing: Building Stronger Communities and Strengthening Economic DevelopmentThe NEW Growth Alliance was created to better market the NE Wyoming region on a national scale. Come learn from this panel of leaders on how they overcame the struggles of economic development by working together.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PMAfternoon Refreshments with Exhibitors

3:30 PMConcurrent Workshops

Community Planning & Economic DevelopmentHaving plans and goals for your community but not knowing how to address them can be frustrating. Learn the legal basis for land use planning and zoning, plus get an overview of economic development best practices. When you return home you can have educated conversations about zoning, contract management and developing a community marketing plan with your council and staff.

Roberts Rules of OrderWe all can agree there are good meetings and there are bad meetings. Learn how to conduct a meeting Robert’s way by getting to the point while orderly accomplishing your meeting goals. The workshop will be led by members of the local FFA Chapter.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PMWyoming Women Mayor’s Caucus

6:30 PMWAM Banquet Dinner at the Tech CenterThis evening we will honor WAM members and our communities’ heroes. Don Benton, Senior White House Advisor at the Environmental Protection Agency will also be joining us to provide an update on EPA rule changes.

8:30 PMTech Center TourFollowing dinner, we encourage you to take a guided tour of the Tech Center’s diesel, welding, electronics and machine shops. Then finish the evening off with dessert and fireworks at dark.

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Friday, June 2nd8:00 AM - 1:00 PMExhibit Show

8:30 AM - 10:00 AMWAM Region Meetings

9:00 AM - 4:00 AMWAMCAT Athenian Dialogue

10:00 AM - 10:30 AMMorning Refreshments with Exhibitors

10:30 AM - 12:30 AMConcurrent Workshops

Municipal Budget ProcessLearn techniques on how to interpret budget information, determine service needs and set goals for your community. When you return home, you’ll have a better understanding of the legal requirements of the budgetary process and how to forecast revenues and expenses with greater accuracy.

12:00 PM - 1:30 AMLunch with Exhibitors

1:30 PM - 3:00 PMWAM Membership Business Meeting and Closing SessionU.S. Congressman John Barrasso has been requested to provide closing comment.

3:00 PMGrab a snack for the road!

Hope to see you there!WAM Convention 2017

January 2017 15

With GREAT AppreciationWAM Convention 2017 Sponsors

BNSF RailwayCloud Peak EnergyMorrison-Maierle

Desert Mountain CorporationBurns & McDonnell

WalmartESRI

DOWLBlack Hills Energy

Earth Works SolutionsDRM

S&S BuildersSchutz Foss Architects

AVI SystemsMCM General ContractorsPowder River Energy Corp

WY Association of Risk Management (WARM)Basin Electric

Bennett, Weber & HermstadTyler Technologies

KLJMoreton Asset Management

IT OutletCollins CommunicationsLand Surveying Inc. (LSI)

SignBossRocky Mountain Business Equipment

OneCall of WyomingWAM-JPIC

LGLPRocky Mountain Power

Union PacificBlack Mountain Software

Hub InternationalBurbach Aquatics, Inc.

IMCA-RCNelson Engineering

Blue Cross Blue Shield of WYKaiser Wealth ManagementLong Building Technologies

McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLCMotorola Solutions

Wyoming Machinery CompanyAmeri-Tech Equipment

Blair HotelsRadisson Hotel Cheyenne

Union WirelessACEC of Wyoming

Concrete Stabilization Technologies, Inc.ECS Engineers

HDR EngineeringJorgensen Associates, P.C.

Russell IndustriesWLC Engineering, Surveying & Planning

AMBI Mail & MarketingAnton Collins Mitchell, LLP

Caselle, Inc.Community Builders Inc.

Dana Kepner Company of WYEngineering Associates

First Interstate BankFremont Motor Company

George K. Baum & Company/WGIFHR Consulting Services

Hathaway & KunzInberg-Miller Engineers

Kemmerer-Diamondville JPBPorter, Muirhead, Cornia & Howard

RBC Wealth ManagementSenior X Patient ManagementSpringHill Suites by Marriott

WWC EngineeringWaterworks Industries A Ferguson Enterprise

WY Community Development AuthorityWY Conference of Building Officials

AlignWY Business CouncilWY Community Gas

Charter Communications

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Office of the Governor

Governor Matt Mead signed the ENDOW Initiative bill into law Friday, March 3. In November, Governor Mead announced the ENDOW (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) Initiative, a long-term planning effort for economic diversification. The bill, Senate File 132, establishes an executive council to oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated economic diversification strategy, requires the Governor to designate a coordinator of economic diversification, and creates an economic diversification account.

“The idea to diversify Wyoming’s economy isn’t new and has been discussed for decades,” said Governor Mead. “What sets this initiative apart from those efforts is its approach, first establishing a strategy and second sustaining the effort over time through action and evaluation. With the passage of this bill, we must now execute. I am pleased to have the support of the legislature in seeing the need for this initiative and helping to put the plan into action.”

“For years, people in Wyoming have talked about the importance of diversifying our state’s economy. The time for talk is over,” said Senate President Eli Bebout. “The ENDOW initiative delivers action and a bold, long-term commitment to Wyoming’s future. By strengthening cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government, we can ensure that Wyoming’s legislative efforts work for Wyoming families and young people year round. I am confident that ENDOW will maximize results for Wyoming’s future economic growth and prosperity.”

“The future generations of Wyoming community leaders, business owners and stewards of our land remain at the forefront of all that we have done this legislative session,” said House Speaker Steve Harshman. “ENDOW is a critical component of this work, positioning us to invest in Wyoming’s young people and empowering them to build a career right here at home. Be it through job training, business recruitment or enacting policies that can cultivate new industries and expand others, the legislature is proud to partner with Governor Mead on the ENDOW initiative.”

Governor Mead and Greg Hill, President and Chief Operation Officer of Hess Corporation and a University of Wyoming graduate, will co-chair the ENDOW Initiative.

In compliance with the new law, Governor Mead has appointed Jerimiah Rieman as the coordinator of economic diversification to oversee the ENDOW Initiative. The Governor expects to appoint the executive council in early April.

To find out more information, keep up to date on the program, or to provide your input on ENDOW, visitwww.endowyo.biz.

The Governor’s office developed a survey to ask for input from citizens. The public’s response will inform the ENDOW Initiative moving forward. Through this survey, the Governor is also soliciting nominations of individuals interested in serving in some capacity as the ENDOW Imitative moves forward.

Governor Mead Signs ENDOW Legislation

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Register now for Wyoming Main Street Workshop in AprilRegistration is now open for the annual Wyoming Main Street Best Practices Workshop April 28-29 in Pennsylvania.

The event teaches local leaders strategies and resources for improving their downtowns.

Wyoming pioneered the Best Practices Workshop as a way for downtown proponents to gain hands-on education into how towns across the country have created thriving Main Street business districts. The workshop is held directly before the annual National Main Street Center conference – a gathering of Main Street member agencies across the country.

This year’s workshop will travel to the Pennsylvania towns of Ebensburgh, Bedford, Somerset and Indiana.

Populations in those towns range from 350 to 6,150 people. That means lessons learned in those places will translate well to the Cowboy State’s rural areas.

In the past, the approximately 70 community members from 17 communities who attend each year have come back to Wyoming with tactics for renovating historic buildings, increasing the value of downtown property, drawing new businesses to Main Street, generating enthusiasm for commercial centers and project funding.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend the national conference in Pittsburgh May 1-3 after the workshop tour. About 1,500 people are expected to attend the conference to network and learn from experts.

Wyoming Main Street is a program of the Wyoming Business Council, the state’s economic development agency. The program includes 18 communities across the state. The program provided $370,000 to help towns with downtown planning, signage and beautification, marketing and web design, structural assessments and feasibility studies and more.

Register at wyomingbusiness.org/mainstreet. For more information, call Administrative Assistant Ashley Cannon at 307-777-2845 or email her at Ashley.cannon@wyo.gov.

About the Wyoming Business Council: Our mission is to increase Wyoming’s prosperity. We envision a Wyoming where industries are strong, diverse and expanding. Small business is a big deal. Communities have the highest quality of life. Wyoming is the technology center of the High Plains. Wyoming knows no boundaries. Please go to www.wyomingbusiness.org for more information.

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Wyoming Community SpiritKemmerer Dog RacesRace through the Fossil Capitol of the World

Earlier this year mushers from the Pedigree Stage Stop Race traveled over 300 miles on a course starting in Jackson and finishing in Evanston. For over 20 years this race has been traveling through several Wyoming communities and is the largest of its kind. Kemmerer is the last stop before the finish and always presents a fossil to the winner of this leg. This year Lina Streeper of Fort Nelson, British Columbia was the overall winner and the winner of the Kemmerer leg fossil award.

We enjoy sharing your Wyoming Community Spirit!Send stories and community events to us by April 7th to make the next issue.Successful communities show evidence of community pride which often showplaces of care, attention, history and heritage. Questions & Submissions:

e: WAM@WyoMuni.orgp: 307-632-0398a: 315 West 27th Street

Cheyenne, WY 82001

Jammin at the MuseumIt is your last chance to take in “Jammin’ at the Museum” in Dubois. Starting at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 25 everyone is welcome to come play, sing or just soak in the sounds. For more information contact the Dubois Museum at 455-2284 or email duboismuseum@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Johanna Thompson, Dubois Museum

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The 3rd Annual Sundance Winter Festival

The 3rd Annual Sundance Winter Festival was held last month in Sundance, where 2,000 people converged on the Main Street to watch skiers pulled behind galloping horses, take a ride in the wild horse tube races and swoosh in the downhill barstool race—all while enjoying foodies and drink specials on the street in the middle of the all-day action.This event requires nearly 400 dump truck loads of snow to be hauled back to Main Street to build the 3’ packed snow course. Eighty volunteers participate in a wide variety of roles from skijoring judges and apparel salespersons, to truck drivers and heavy equipment operators.Mark your calendars for next year’s event that will be held February 17, 2018 in beautiful downtown Sundance.

Wyoming Association of Municipalities315 West 27 Street Cheyenne, WY 82001