December 2025 Newsletter
Good morning,
As we look toward a new year, I want to start with something we don’t talk about often enough: Wyoming is changing, and so is the world around us. Over 60% of people born in our state will leave before they reach their 30s, and most won’t return. At the same time, our population grew just 0.4% last year, while the 65+ population grew 3.2%. We’re aging faster than we’re growing. Those numbers matter. This conversation is not to provoke fear or frustration, but to underscore why it’s so important that we start conversations now about what kind of future we want to build in Natrona County.
The encouraging news is that Wyomingites want to talk about it. In a recent statewide survey, 79% of voters said they want their local community to take strong action to grow the economy and job market. And when you ask people what that should look like, the priorities are clear: attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and investing in infrastructure. In other words - people aren’t asking for miracles; they’re asking for meaningful, thoughtful progress.
Thoughtful growth is the key phrase. Growth can’t just be about building more for the sake of building. It has to protect what makes this place special while preparing us for what’s ahead. Supporting business growth means investing not only in schools, neighborhoods, and jobs, but also in a future for generations to come. When we do that work intentionally, prosperity is sustainable.
Here’s what gives me hope: innovation already thrives here. Not because we’re chasing trends or trying to imitate someone else, but because our community is grounded in fairness, hard work, and the belief that if you build something good, people should have the chance to succeed. Growth is made possible by communication that is open, honest, respectful, and factual. That’s what we’re trying to model with the Natrona County Means Business campaign - not a slogan, but a mindset.
And if there’s one message I want to send clearly, it’s this: businesses don’t have to do this work alone.
Advance Casper exists to help companies start, grow, relocate, or reimagine what’s possible right here in Natrona County. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with an idea, a business owner ready to expand, or a company considering Casper for the first time - we want to meet you, learn from you, and grow with you.
Because the future of Natrona County shouldn’t be something that happens to us. It should be something we build, together.
So if you’re ready to be part of that future - become a supporting business.
Finally, come on down to our Holiday Open House tonight at the Advance Casper and Visit Casper offices from 4:30pm - 6:30pm where we will be celebrating all the wins, progress and connections of 2025 before we step into another year of opportunity.
See you there,
Justin
Justin Farley
CEO | President
justin@advancecasper.com
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NEW & NOTEWORTHY IN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Natrona County Means Business
We’re redefining what it means to do business in Natrona County, building connections, fostering collaboration, and turning ideas into action. Through open dialogue with community members and businesses, we identify opportunities that reflect local values and support long-term stability. By pairing our grit with forward-thinking innovation, we’re laying the groundwork for steady, lasting growth, proving that Natrona County Means Business.
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Livability Casper 2026: Unlock a Brighter Future & Showcase Your Brand
Casper thrives when businesses, families and professionals choose to invest in our community, and we are committed to sharing our unique attractions and enviable quality of life with those searching for them. That’s why Advance Casper and the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce have once again partnered with Livability Media to create a powerful marketing campaign that positions our community as a premier destination to live, work, visit and do business.
Livability Media specializes in connecting people with communities. Their curated digital and print campaigns capture the heart and soul of vibrant communities like ours, reaching the very people our community aims to attract. Through engaging stories and stunning visuals, their team of content creators showcases the exceptional lifestyle, amenities and economic advantages our community offers.
Through a multiyear print and digital program:
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Casper will be featured prominently on Livability.com, a national website attracting millions of visitors annually.
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Key audiences will receive a high-quality print publication and access to the interactive digital magazine, Livability Casper, Wyoming.
- Targeted social media campaigns will generate interest in Casper’s incredible amenities, career opportunities and business climate.
Our Livability Media representative, Jonathan Platt, will be in touch to discuss how Livability can help your business thrive in Casper. Please feel free to contact him at jplatt@livemedia.com or at 615-771-5592 to schedule an in-person or Zoom meeting.
Help us introduce and reinforce your brand to local business owners, community members, newcomers and visitors in Casper!
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Advance Casper Board Opportunities Opening Up in 2026
We’re excited to share that six board positions will be opening in 2026, creating an opportunity for community and business leaders to help shape the future of economic development in Natrona County. Our board plays a key role in guiding strategy, supporting local business growth, and fostering a thriving, diversified economy in Casper.
If you’re passionate about community impact, economic leadership, and advancing opportunities for our region, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more or express interest, please reach out to Justin or Chanel for details on upcoming openings and the selection process.
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Where Are They Now? Success Stories From Casper Start-Up Challenge Alumni
We caught up with our 2025 winners and past finalists to see where they started, what the Challenge meant to them, and how it’s shaped where they are today. Their stories are proof that with the right mix of hard work, heart, and support; you really can turn your start-up into a success story.
Read the Blog
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Local Casper Businesses That Deserve a Spot Under Your Tree This Season
There are so many ways to support the local business economy, but our favorite is shopping local. To inspire your elfing adventures and stocking stuffing, we wanted to curate a collection of our favorite, locally-rooted brands and businesses.
Read the Blog
| | | | | Holiday Open House | December 4th @ 4:30-6:30PM
Advance Casper and Visit Casper are teaming up to host our annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 4th from 4:30-6:30 PM at the Advance Casper office downtown at 139 W 2nd St., Suite 1D. Come mingle with fellow members, community partners, and friends as we indulge in holiday nosh and celebrate all the progress we’ve made together this year. Let’s raise a glass to Casper’s continued growth, collaboration, and the exciting year ahead!
| Quarterly Breakfast | Wednesday, January 21st @ 7am
Join us for our first Quarterly Breakfast of 2026 on Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 AM at the Casper Country Club. This gathering is a great opportunity to come together, connect with fellow business and community leaders, and have an open conversation about growing Casper in 2026.
We’re excited to welcome The Wyoming Reserve as our guest speaker to kick things off. They’ll be sharing perspectives on statewide economic opportunity and how local efforts here in Natrona County can play a pivotal role in shaping what comes next.
All members are invited to join - and we encourage you to bring someone who is just as invested in economic development as we are. To RSVP, please email chanel@advancecasper.com.
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Downtown Casper Christmas Parade | December 6th @ 6pm - 9pm
Celebrate the holidays in Casper at the Downtown Christmas Parade! Stretching from the Old Yellowstone District and on through 2nd Street, the parade features a variety of floats shining with Christmas lights and holiday cheer. Grab a hot cocoa from one of our local coffee shops downtown, find a cozy spot along the parade route, and experience the Hallmark vibes of a small town Christmas celebration.
This year's theme, "Unmask the Magic of Christmas" celebrates heroes in all forms, from comic book favorites, to first responders, frontline workers, and everyday heroes in our lives. Grab your capes, rally your elves and join us to unmask the magic of Christmas together!
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Skate With Santa @ David Street | Dec 6, 13, & 20th 1pm - 3pm
The ice rink is officially open at David Street Station, and we’re kicking off the holiday season with a Casper favorite - Skate with Santa! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of skating, music, and festive fun as Santa takes to the ice.
Join us on Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 1:00–3:00 PM for a magical winter experience in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re perfecting your spins or holding onto the rail, it’s the perfect way to make memories, snap photos, and celebrate the season.
Grab your skates, bundle up, and come enjoy the holiday spirit at David Street Station!
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12 Days of Christmas Cocktails | Dec 12th - 23rd
Get into the holiday spirit with Backwards Distilling’s 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails. Each day, the talented crew at Backwards will be shaking, stirring, and serving up a new festive creation inspired by the flavors of the season. Every cocktail is a limited-time, holiday-themed original (with a circus twist) you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, planning a cozy date night, or just need a seasonal pick-me-up, this is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and support a beloved local business. Stop in, sip something merry, and experience the magic that only Backwards can mix up.
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