Wyoming Workforce Development Council

Craftsmanship in action right here in Wyoming! As part of last week’s Next Gen Sector Partnership Academy, the Wyoming Workforce Development Council had the opportunity to tour a luxury leather handbag manufacturing facility in Cheyenne.

Designer Alexis Garrett, owner of Alexis Drake, provided a firsthand look inside her workshop, where high-quality leather goods are thoughtfully designed and manufactured.

Attendees also heard her inspiring origin story and gained valuable insights from more than a decade of experience as a business owner and manufacturer.

Opportunities like this highlight the innovation, skill, and entrepreneurship driving Wyoming’s economy.

Progress in motion for Wyoming’s workforce!

On April 16, leaders from across the state came together for the Next Generation Sector Partnership Academy: Progress In Motion, hosted by the Wyoming Workforce Development Council and partners.

Business leaders, educators, and state partners connected to celebrate regional successes and build strategies for the future of Wyoming’s workforce.

A special moment included Jerry Henderson, Policy Analyst for Governor Mark Gordon, accepting an award on behalf of the Governor in recognition of his support for Next Generation Sector Partnerships across Wyoming.

Event highlights included:
✔ Regional Success Stories: Attendees heard from national and local experts, including Dr. Joe Seabrooks (Dallas College), who shared insights on launching nine sector partnerships in one year. Yvonne Myers (Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce) and Melissa Atkinson (Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership) offered perspectives on sustaining long-term, formalized regional partnerships.
✔ Collaborative Action Planning: Regional teams worked directly with Next Gen coaches to assess their current progress and identify next steps to strengthen their partnerships.
✔ Peer-to-Peer Breakout Sessions: Leaders from business, education, workforce, and economic development engaged in focused discussions on the “what, why, and how” of sector partnerships.
✔ Strategic Action Plans: Teams wrapped up the Academy by developing “Progress Action Plans,” outlining clear priorities, timelines, and accountability measures to maintain momentum.

Together, we’re strengthening partnerships and building a skilled workforce for Wyoming’s future.

Please join us in welcoming our newest Wyoming Workforce Development Council member, Thom Kinney!

Thom brings a strong, people-centered perspective to the Council, with a focus on building effective workforce systems, developing leaders, and supporting thriving workplace cultures across Wyoming. His experience and passion for community, education, and organizational growth will help strengthen efforts to support both employers and job seekers across the state.

We’re excited to have Thom’s insight and leadership on the Council. Welcome, Thom!

We’re excited to announce new leadership for the Wyoming Workforce Development Council!

Governor Mark Gordon has appointed Tony Cross as Chair of the WWDC. With extensive experience in human resources and organizational leadership, Tony brings a strong commitment to supporting workforce development and building positive workplace cultures.

Danny Burau has been appointed as Vice Chair. With a diverse background in business, branding, and entrepreneurship, Danny offers a unique perspective on innovation, growth, and connecting industry needs with workforce solutions.

Please join us in congratulating Tony and Danny as they step into these roles and continue advancing Wyoming’s workforce.

📢 Public Comment Opportunity

The Wyoming Workforce Development Council is seeking public comment on the draft of Wyoming’s Modified Unified State Plan 2026–2027 under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

This plan helps guide workforce programs across Wyoming, including:
✔ Employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth
✔ Wagner-Peyser employment services
✔ Adult education and literacy programs
✔ Vocational Rehabilitation programs that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment

💬 Public comment period: March 11 – April 10

Chief elected officials, businesses, labor organizations, institutions of higher education, primary stakeholders, and the general public are encouraged to provide comments.

🖥 Virtual Public Comment Sessions (Zoom):
• March 16 at 4 p.m. – https://zoom.us/j/97208793714 Meeting ID: 972 0879 3714
• March 19 at 9 a.m. – https://zoom.us/j/92868864649- Meeting ID: 928 6886 4649

📄 The draft plan is available online: bit.ly/4lu2uFo. Hard copies can also be reviewed at any of the 18 Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Workforce Centers across the state.

✉️ Submit written comments by April 10 at 5 p.m.
Email: [email protected]

Your input helps shape Wyoming’s workforce programs and future opportunities for workers and employers.

📢 Meeting Notice

The Executive Committee of the Wyoming Workforce Development Council will meet virtually on Monday, Feb. 23, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. The agenda includes updates to WIOA state plan goals, an AI Taskforce update, and funding requests. The meeting is open to the public.

Learn more and view the full agenda at wyowdc.wyo.gov

Wyoming employers, we want to hear from you!

Your feedback helps shape workforce center services, training programs, and hiring support across the state.

Take our short Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Year 2025 survey to share what’s working and where we can do better. It takes less than 10 minutes, is confidential, and helps create employer-driven solutions that support hiring, retention, and business growth.

Share your feedback here:
https://niu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6naoDoWtLXyziFU

Save the Date!

The Wyoming Workforce Development Council is hosting Next Generation Sector Partnerships 101, a virtual introduction to Next Generation Sector Partnerships.

Event dates and times:
✅ February 24, noon–1 p.m.
✅ March 19, noon–1 p.m.

Next Generation Sector Partnerships are part of a national network of over 100 industry partnerships across 25 states, including Wyoming.

This session is ideal if you are new to a NextGen team, need a refresher, are interested in starting a new NextGen Partnership in your region, or simply want to learn more about what they are.

Learn more and register: wyowdc.wyo.gov

Join us for the Wyoming Workforce Development Council’s virtual quarterly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The meeting will cover workforce trends, economic growth in Wyoming, program updates, and more. The meeting is open to the public.

👉 View the full agenda and participation details at wyowdc.wyo.gov.

Happy New Year from the Wyoming Workforce Development Council! 🎉

As we welcome 2026, we look forward to continuing our work to support and grow Wyoming’s workforce. Wishing you a year filled with success, opportunity, and prosperity!

Happy Holidays from the Wyoming Workforce Development Council!

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and well-deserved moments of rest. We are grateful for our amazing state and the ongoing growth of Wyoming’s workforce. Here’s to a bright, successful, and prosperous New Year!

Chairman Trowbridge is pleased to announce the 2026 WWDC Quarterly Meeting dates and locations:

📅 Q1 – January 15: Virtual (Zoom)
📅 Q2 – May 13–14: Gillette
📅 Q3 – September 2–3: Saratoga
📅 Q4 – November 4–5: Cheyenne (DWS Office)

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to each meeting!