UPDATE FROM OUR CEO

August 2025 Newsletter


Good morning Casper,


Thank you to everyone who came out for the Advance Casper Golf Tournament last month. Your presence and partnership means a great deal to our team, and events like this always remind us just how strong our community really is.


Now, let’s talk about where we’re headed.


Listen, for decades, Wyoming has worked hard to position itself as a place that’s open for business. We’ve invested in workforce development, expanded infrastructure, and made the case - time and time again - that our state, our city, is ready to grow, diversify, and compete on the world stage.


But here’s the truth: when opportunity knocks, we have to answer collectively. Too often, when a project gets close to the finish line like Radiant, a small but loud group of opposition can shift the entire trajectory of a deal. And in doing so, we risk sending the wrong message... not just to one company, but to all future prospects watching.


That's the thing. Wyoming isn’t just resource-rich; we’re resourceful. We’ve been working hard to diversify both inside and outside of the energy sector, from strengthening our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to attracting more value-added processing and refinement capabilities - especially in sectors like uranium, where we already have a strong foothold.


Right now, we’re looking at a rare moment of alignment. We have the raw material being mined and a potential end user on the horizon. These two bookends open the door for Wyoming to possess the entire supply chain in nuclear - an opportunity that does not come around often, if ever. This will be a catalyst for manufacturing, research, workforce development, innovation, and more.


Casper, and Wyoming as a whole, is uniquely positioned to step into that opportunity. To actualize economic growth that would lift the tide for everyone, keep future generations right here, and put Casper on the map. But it’s going to take alignment, bold leadership, and a shared vision of progress.


Support Radiant. Use your voice. Let’s keep moving forward - together. Casper won't grow itself.


Sincerely,


Justin


Justin Farley

CEO | President

justin@advancecasper.com

 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY IN

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Applications Open for the 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge


Start-Up season is back! Which means applications are officially open for the 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge, an opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to turn local ideas into local impact. This annual competition offers up to $50,000 in seed funding, hands-on mentorship, and the resources to help your start-up become a success story right here in Wyoming.


Whether you're developing an industry-evolving product, launching a service, or solving a problem that requires innovative thinking, this is your chance to build something that matters.


Learn more about the Rules & Regulations and apply before September 15th. We can't wait to see what you're building, Casper!

 

Backwards x University of Wyoming Collaborate on Whiskey


Last week it was announced that our very own Backwards Distilling Company was selected to be the creators of a whiskey collaboration with the University of Wyoming. We couldn't be more proud of our member's accomplishment, and can't wait to sip on Pretty Good Horse Bourbon while cheering on the Cowboys this fall. Keep an eye on shelves, Casper!

 

Citiwerks Cafe & Coworking Space Opens in Downtown Casper


Looking for a new space to meet, work, or just indulge in a really great cup of coffee? CitiWerks has officially opened its doors in the beautifully restored 1896 Odd Fellows Hall on the corner of 2nd & Wolcott in downtown Casper! This solar-powered space blends modern coworking amenities with a thoughtfully curated café experience - serving specialty pour-over coffee sourced from small farms around the world. Whether you’re dropping in for a meeting, tackling a remote workday, or simply connecting with friends, CitiWerks is where community meets collaboration.

 

Local News Has Returned to Print Thanks to the Oil City Weekly


Oil City News is back in print and offline by design! You can now grab a fresh copy of the Oil City Weekly every Thursday at newsstands around town. Packed with local stories, arts and culture features, event listings, and community highlights; this free print edition brings Casper’s heartbeat to your hands each week.

 

ADVANCE CASPER EVENTS

Advance Casper Quarterly Breakfast | October 2nd @ 7am


Join us for the next Advance Casper Quarterly Breakfast on Thursday, October 2nd at 7:00 AM at the Casper Country Club. This is your chance to connect with local leaders and gain fresh insight into what’s ahead for Casper’s business landscape.


We’re excited to welcome two guest speakers who are helping shape the future of our community:


From tourism takeaways to downtown revitalization, they'll be sharing updates, priorities, and opportunities that matter to Casper's future. Come early, invite a plus one, and RSVP to let us know you'll be in on the conversation to grow Casper this fall.

 

COMMUNITY & MEMBER EVENTS

Casper Art Walk | August 7th @ 5:30pm - 8pm


Experience art, music, food, and community in downtown Casper at the Casper Art Walk, hosted the first Thursday of each month – running June through September.


Kick off your night at ART 321 with live music, free refreshments, and featured exhibits. Then stroll through: sweeping murals, local galleries, shops, pop-up art installations, and street-side performances all throughout downtown. Each month brings new creative surprises designed to be accessible, vibrant, and fun for all ages.


Whether you're discovering a new favorite artist, grabbing a bite from a food truck, or just enjoying a summer evening with neighbors - Casper Art Walk is where creativity and community meet.

 

Wyoming Fringe Festival | August 8th - 10th


Bold creative expression and boundary-pushing performance art awaits at the 2nd Annual Wyoming Fringe Festival, happening August 8th - 10th at The Lyric in downtown Casper!


From live theater and indie films to music, art, and experimental works - this festival celebrates the voices and visions that define the creative West. Expect unexpected moments, original talent, and a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience in the heart of Wyoming.


Learn more, explore the schedule, and buy tickets online. See you this weekend!

 

Riverfest | August 9th @ 1pm - 6pm


Celebrate summer’s big finale at Riverfest, Casper’s largest community brewfest and family-friendly outdoor party - now in its 33rd year! This free event blends live music, food trucks, vendor booths, lawn games, and the always-entertaining Rotary Club Great Duck Derby down the North Platte River.


  • Free admission to all activities
  • Unlimited craft beer tasting available with ticket: $30 presale / $35 at the door
  • Live local and regional music
  • Food trucks, kids activities, and lawn games
  • Great prizes & community fun at the Duck Derby


Riverfest raises funds for local trails through the Platte River Trails Foundation - so every ticket helps support our community's outdoor infrastructure.


Whether you’re a seasoned duck racer, supporting your favorite brewpub, or grabbing the whole family for a day out; Riverfest has something for everyone.

 

5150' Festival | August 16th @ 2pm - 10pm


Join us for 5150’ Festival at David Street Station August 16th from 2pm - 10pm for a celebration of all things Casper! Expect local flavor from top-notch food trucks, live music performances running all afternoon and into the evening, and engaging family fun activities like the iconic splash pad and mechanical bull rides.


From indie-pop tunes to soulful reggae, this year’s lineup includes:

  • 2:00 - 3:00 PM – Kit The Band
  • 3:30 - 5:00 PM – Float Like a Buffalo
  • 5:30 - 7:00 PM – Rizz and the Believerz
  • 7:30 - 9:00 PM – DENM


Grab a cold Wyoming craft brew, shop local makers, and soak in the local love - all in the heart of the city. The event is free and open to all ages!

 
 

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM

Goose

Equity Analyst

Goose@advancecasper.com

Chanel

Operations Manager

Chanel@advancecasper.comom

Justin

President/CEO

Justin@advancecasper.com

Eric

Business Development Advisor

Eric@advancecasper.com

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