For now, the Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition will remain at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, however a board to oversee the operations may still be formed.
During a recent Sweetwater County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Randy Wendling said the SEDC coalition, which consists of a representative from the city of Rock Springs, a representative from the city of Green River and himself, met with the SEDC to discuss the possibility of moving out of the chamber and the formation of a board to oversee the SEDC.
“We were a little bit surprised that announcement was made,” Rock Springs Chamber Director Rick Lee said. “It kind of sounded like the chamber was kicking it out.”
Lee said that’s not the case at all.
He said when the SEDC was formed and placed into the chamber, it was with the understanding that eventually it would move out into its own space.
However, Lee said the chamber will always support and be involved with economic development.
Kayla McDonald, SEDC business development manager, said even though this was the intention when the SEDC was formed, it won’t happen at this time. She said at least two other Wyoming chambers of commerce share offices with local economic development organizations.
“They are starting to blend,” McDonald said.
She said a conversation took place on where the SEDC should be housed in the future. Should it remain with the Rock Springs Chamber, have a spot at the Green River Chamber of Commerce or locate somewhere in the county? This was the discussion a conversation focused around. She said this discussion took place between the Rock Springs, Green River and county liaisons. Those liaisons are Green River City Administrator Reed Clevenger, Rock Springs Councilwoman Jeannie Demas and Wendling.
“We’re trying to accommodate everyone’s needs,” Lee said.
The goal is to make sure the coalition is working cohesively, which is why they are in no hurry to move the SEDC out of the chamber, Lee said.
“We want to make sure the timing is right,” Lee said.
As for the formation of a board, McDonald said she and Lee were told by the funding agencies, which are Rock Springs, Green River and Sweetwater County that they would like to form a board to oversee the SEDC. This board would include two representatives from Green River, two from Rock Springs and three from Sweetwater County. These names were supposed to be given to the SEDC by April 5, however, the SEDC hasn’t received any names yet, McDonald said.
The intention was to have the names by that date, so when the SEDC and it’s liaisons meet on May 1 they can review them and have appointments made by May 7.
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