UPDATE FROM OUR CEO

September 2024 Newsletter


Happy September,


It's hard to believe that another summer has come and gone in Casper. Labor Day weekend is behind us, kids are back to school, and the summer heat is finally giving us a break. Although I am refusing to believe that the end of golf season is on the horizon, I have always enjoyed what autumn brings for business in our community. There is a hunger and energy that seems to circulate Casper this time of year. & with so much growth and connection ahead - I'm excited to see what comes to life as we close out the year.


Moving forward, tonight is the Casper Start-Up Challenge Pitch Night at Frontier Brewing at 5:30pm! It has been such an honor housing this local competition under Advance Casper, and to witness so many entrepreneurs go all in on their start-up concepts. Truly a reminder of the talent, creativity, and grit that stirs here amongst our very own.


We would love to have you join us tonight as the event is free to the public. Brews, hot dogs, & pitches from our five brilliant finalists? How else can I talk you into coming down!


Hope to see you there and at all of our Advance Casper events on the calendar.


Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything.


Best,


Justin


Justin Farley

CEO | President

justin@advancecasper.com

Casper Start-Up Business Challenge

Start-Up Challenge Pitch Night | September 5th @ 5:30pm


Tonight is the night we've been anticipating all year long! The 2024 Casper Start-Up Challenge, is hosting a Pitch Night at 5:30pm at Frontier Brewing, and we can't wait to watch our five finalists present their concepts and compete for seed money to actualize their business dreams.


Not only is the event free to attend and open to the community, but The Hangry Dog Food Truck will be parked out front serving Pitch Night fare! Come on down, pour one up, and join us in cheering on and celebrating our local entrepreneurs!


Our five finalists include:


Jimmy's Small Batch Salsa | Jimmy & Lauren Childs


"Jimmy's Small Batch Salsa is a family-owned business deeply rooted in love and community. For over three decades, Jim has been the only one making his craft salsa at our family restaurant, La Cocina - A Mexican Concept. Celebrated for it's bold, garlicky flavor and fresh, vibrant ingredients, our salsa is both daringly original and authentically traditional.


Now we're thrilled to bring this small batch salsa to grocery store shelves, offering consumers everywhere the chance to savor some of the most vibrant, delicious salsa around. While also making it our social responsibility to create conversation about addiction and inspire healing as it is deeply woven into our narrative. That's why for each unit sold, a portion of the sale will go to support rehab centers and missions."


Bullfrog Recruiting Solutions | Heidi Foy


"A platform built around building relationships between student athletes and college rodeo coaches. A tool to help parents, student athletes, and coaches navigate the recruiting journey. This dynamic platform is designed to foster connections, share insights, and open doors to endless possibilities."


Ice Spa's LLC - Chilly Dip | Josh Kalinowski & John Heisey


"More than a cold tub. The Chilly Dip Ice Spa is the ultimate cold plunge companion. Our Ice Spa is precisely designed to address these pain points offering superior insulation, ergonomic positioning for all body shapes and sizes, and a streamlined user-friendly experience. Say goodbye to the hassle and discomfort of traditional ice baths, because we're here to make chillin out a breeze."


SLP.tools | Auston Larson


"Our innovative tools are designed to create personalized therapy materials in minutes. From interactive social stories to tailored articulation exercises, our suite of tools ensure every client's needs and interests are at the forefront of their therapy."


ReviablEnergy | Jake Milne


"ReviablEnergy processes, recycles, and repurposes wind turbine blades to reduce costs, industry and landfill waste, and Co2 emissions. ReviablEnergy services original equipment manufacturers, farm operators, general contractors, and partner recyclers within the growing industry. We have processed over 900 tons of decommissioned blades in the U.S., and are one of few pioneers in the industry addressing this problem."


An endless thank you to this years sponsors First State Bank , Jonah Bank, Hilltop Bank, Wyoming Capital Access, the TW Foundation, and the EDJPB. None of this would have been possible without your support and commitment.

LEARN MORE

NEW & NOTEWORTHY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Mountain West Technologies Installs State-Of-The-Art Wi-Fi System at the Ford Wyoming Center


Congratulations to our member, Mountain West Technologies, on their latest lightning-fast internet system implementation at the Ford Wyoming Center. Casper's premier event center now has the capacity to handle up to 6,000 logins at once! This massive upgrade will not only support staff, vendors, and administration; but provide guests with the elevated experience they deserve. We're looking forward to immersing ourselves in the growth happening up on the hill in the following year, and this advancement is no exception.

LEARN MORE

2. The Rialto Brings Comedy to Downtown Casper


All Casper locals and business owners know the cultural significance of the historic Rialto Theatre that stands proudly on the corner of Wolcott and 2nd St. in downtown Casper. For over a century the landmark has not only been an entertainment hub for the city; but has built a legacy of laughter, art, and connection in the West. However, in the last few years, between sales and concept shifts, the theatre grew quiet. That is until now!


Last year The Rialto Casper was purchased by new ownership with the intent to reopen this summer as an intimate event venue tailored to smaller acts and comedians. Renovations were made, roots were exposed, and The Rialto Casper is now hosting a full event calendar.


Members, if you hadn't had an opportunity to see a show this summer, don't miss The Rialto this fall. From the nostalgic aesthetic and immersive experience to the talented lineup; we know this reimagined space will recapture your heart.

EXPLORE

ON THE BLOG

Fostering Community Wealth: The Economic Impact of WYO Sports Ranch in Casper


The WYO Sports Ranch is more than just a youth sports facility; it’s a catalyst for community wealth and economic expansion. However, if you’re wondering what this larger-than-life addition means for our city and local economy on a grander scale… you’re not alone (& we’re here to put the pieces together!).

READ MORE

ADVANCE CASPER EVENTS

Quarterly Cocktails | September 25th @ 5pm


We couldn't be more excited to clink glasses with Casper's finest at our favorite networking event - Advance Casper's Quarterly Cocktails! For fall's event we will be gathering at The Range at 5150' on Wednesday, September 25th at 5:00pm for cocktails, golf, and charcuterie by Bella Boards.


All members are welcome to bring a plus one who is just as invested in Casper's growth as we are. To save your spot please send Chanel, our Operations Manager, your RSVP through email at chanel@advancecasper.com. See you there!

RSVP

Quarterly Breakfast | October 17th @ 7am


Join us for our fall Quarterly Breakfast at The Lyric on Thursday, October 17th at 7:00am. Not only will we share what's ahead for economic development in Natrona County, but we will be hearing from some of Casper's most inspiring leaders. Our guest speakers will include:



Breakfast will be catered by Eggington's. All members are welcome to bring a plus one who is just as invested in Casper's growth as we are. To save your spot please send Chanel, our Operations Manager, your RSVP through email at chanel@advancecasper.com.

RSVP

COMMUNITY & MEMBER EVENTS

Funky Junk | September 21st @ 10am - 5pm


Funky Junk, Casper's staple local artisan market, is back for fall! Head on down to 6th & Durbin on Saturday, September 21st 10am - 5pm for boutique vendors, live music, food trucks, sips, and all the good vibes!

LEARN MORE

Fall Fest | September 21st 10am - 2pm


A change of season is coming...and that's something to celebrate! Presented by Jason Eiler - Financial Advisor and Platte Valley Bank, come on down to David Street Station for Fall Fest on Saturday, September 21st, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM!


This festival is free to attend, and will include: trackless train rides, horse carriage rides, live music by Chad Lore Music, food trucks, drinks by Backwards Distilling Company, a pumpkin patch, local vendors, games and more. It's the perfect way to kick off autumn & spend a day with your family and friends!

LEARN MORE
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM

Chanel

Operations Manager

Chanel@advancecasper.comom

Justin

President/CEO

Justin@advancecasper.com

Goose

Equity Analyst

Goose@advancecasper.com

LinkedIn Get Connected