Governor Applauds ENDOW Executive Council for Shaping Vision to Drive Economic Diversification

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2019

CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director

307.777.7437 | michael.pearlman@wyo.gov

 

Governor Gordon applauds ENDOW Executive Council

for Shaping Vision to Drive Economic Diversification

 

Focus will now shift to implementation & empowering WY citizens

and decision-makers with key data to inform next steps

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon lauded the vision and leadership of former Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) Executive Council today, announcing that ENDOW’s vision will continue driving state economic diversification efforts as his focus shifts to the next phase, one that includes targeted implementation plans and a transparent analysis of state revenues. 

“Three years ago, Governor Mead tasked a talented group of private and public sector leaders with thinking boldly and outside-the-box to evaluate the barriers we face to economic diversification, as well as the untapped opportunities,” Governor Gordon said. “Thanks to their tremendous efforts and time commitment, ENDOW has helped stretch our imagination and shown us what could be possible for the Wyoming economy of today and tomorrow.”

“ENDOW’s vision has directly shaped the Wyoming Business Council’s refreshed strategy, with initiatives and programs specifically targeted to support the energy, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and creative and professional sectors,” Governor Gordon continued. “Now is the time to pivot from ENDOW’s high-level strategy to focused and targeted plans addressing the barriers, enablers and economic engines specifically identified by ENDOW. I look forward to continuing to work in tandem with all state agencies, legislators and the private sector to move these efforts forward.”

ENDOW was announced in November 2016 by Governor Mead with the goal of providing a comprehensive approach to diversifying Wyoming’s economy for the long-term. Since its launch, ENDOW has helped advance workforce training and higher-education opportunities, improve broadband and commercial air service, expand international trade activities and agriculture marketing, and delivered a 20-year vision for economic diversification.With the 20-year strategy and action plans submitted, Governor Gordon will no longer convene the Executive Council to focus time and resources on developing targeted implementation plans and a detailed analysis of the impact diversification will have on state revenues. ENDOW-initiated programs and committees, including the Educational Attainment Council, Rural Council, ENGAGE, Broadband Advisory Council, Wyoming Works, and the Commercial Air Service Improvement Council, will continue. 

“ENDOW has given Wyoming a critical framework in which to consider economic diversification moving forward,” said ENDOW Chairman Greg Hill. “I’m grateful to Governor Mead for his leadership and am tremendously proud of the work of the Executive Council. Governor Gordon is committed to making informed and thoughtful decisions going forward, and I am eager to support him in this process."  

Governor Gordon noted the importance of understanding how economic diversification will impact Wyoming’s revenue. In the coming weeks, he will announce plans to empower Wyoming's people and decision-makers with the best possible information on the state's revenue picture to help inform next steps on economic development. This effort includes improving transparency and encouraging public engagement in the state budgeting process through a new online platform, and continuing to work with legislators to develop a detailed modeling structure than can illustrate Wyoming revenue scenarios based on a multitude of economic factors. 

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About ENDOW

The ENDOW Executive Council submitted its first report to Gov. Matt Mead and the Wyoming Legislature on Aug. 30, 2017. The Wyoming Socioeconomic Assessment established a baseline for the Preliminary Recommendations submitted on Dec. 29, 2017. The final Economic Diversification Strategy was submitted on August 22, 2018. The ENDOW Executive Council included Chairman Greg Hill and current and past members Rosie Berger, Mark Christensen, Ray Fleming Dineen, Ike Eastman, Barbara Hoeft, Karen Hostetler, Matt Kaufman, Steven Moldt, Bret Pizzato, Steve Russell, Jerad Stack, John Temte, Bob Viola, Wally Wolski, Amber Pollock, Mary Ellbogen Garland, Bill Schilling, Cy Lee, Jesus Rios, Barbara Sessions and Cindy DeLancey.