Wyoming Economic Development Association Announces New Board Members and Officers for 2008/2009
Added November 6th, 2008
Contact: Paula McCormick, 307-332-5546
Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA)
Lander, Wyo. – The Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) board elections were held during the association’s Fall Conference in Laramie, Wyoming. Linda Harris, of Northeast Wyoming Economic Development Coalition, was elected as a new board member to serve on the WEDA Board of Directors. Linda Harris was elected by the WEDA general membership to serve a three-year term effective immediately, along with re-elected board members Craig Nelson, Rocky Mountain Power, and Lorraine Quarberg, Thermopolis-Hot Springs Economic Development Company.
Phil Christopherson of Riverton’s IDEA, Inc. and Manufacturing-Works was elected President, Robert Barnes of Casper Area Economic Development Alliance was elected Vice-President, and Leah Bruscino, WY Business Council North West Regional Director, was re-elected for a second term as Secretary-Treasurer. All will serve as part of the 13-member Board of Directors for the Wyoming Economic Development Association.
The following WEDA board members make up the remaining roster: Past-President Brad Sutherland - Green River Futures, Ruth Benson - Campbell County, and Philippe Chino - Forward Sheridan. Ex-officio members include Bob Jensen and Ben Avery, Wyoming Business Council; Jackie Bredthaur, President - Wyoming Chamber of Commerce Executives; and Paula McCormick, WEDA Coordinator.
“WEDA has a very important mission to assist local Economic Development organizations to diversify and broaden the state’s economy. This Board of Directors is very well aware of their responsibilities and we are looking forward to building on our past successes,” said new WEDA President Phil Christopherson.
Established in 1985, WEDA is a non-profit professional association representing nearly 200 economic development members and organizations, in addition to thousands of Wyoming businesses who support economic development through their local economic development groups. WEDA’s mission is to “Provide leadership and support to foster economic development in Wyoming.” WEDA supports its members with the necessary tools used to create, retain and expand jobs, and attract businesses, and develop a skilled workforce. As membership benefits, it offers professional development scholarships, training conferences, newsletters and publications, a reference library, list serves, networking opportunities, a website, and lobbying efforts. More information can be found online at www.wyomingeda.org.