April 2009  May 2009   June 2009  July 2009  August 2009  September 2009  October 2009  November 2009
 

Red Carpet Service Award        

Red Carpet Award Winner for October is Craig Wolffing, High Plains Physical Therapy for his outstanding customer service.

Craig was nominated anonymously.  Craig is always aware of his patients, and is willing to go the extra mile for them.  He is willing to come early or stay late or work through lunch to accommodate their schedule.  Craig receives a Red Carpet Pin, $25.00 Gift Certificate as well as other advertising.  He will be entered in the Red Carpet Person of the Year award contest to be presented in 2010.

If you know someone out there that has rolled out the red carpet for you, give them some well deserved recognition and nominate them for next month’s award!  Nomination cards can be found at the Chamber office and also at most of the businesses.

If you were the nomination person of a Red Carpet winner please stop by the office we have a gift for you too.  We appreciate you taking the time and effort to make sure someone’s efforts are noticed.

Mayor Hank Castillon with Ernie Over, Wyoming Inc., at October's Lunch and Learn.  Ernie spoke
about the Transbasin Diversion proposal.

Lunch & Learn – Networking and more!!!

Marketing tips just in time for the holidays— Mark Atkinson with the Small Business Development Center in Rock Springs will be updating you with several great Marketing and Promotional ideas. November’s Luncheon will be held at JLT Steakhouse now open Thursday and Friday for lunch, 12 pm – 5 pm and Monday through Saturday for dinner 5 – 9 pm .

Not only will you get some great ideas for your business but bring your business card to put in for free advertising. This month you could also win a coupon for free materials donated by the Bob Burke, from The UPS store. Winner at the October Lunch were Jackie Jensen, High Plains Physical Therapy, Reader Board; Carole Shafer , WWCC, Newsletter Profile; Bob Burke, UPS Store, Radio; Janell Winkel, WWCC, Radio; 50/50 Raffle winner was Bob Saunders, Wells Fargo.

The Lunch & Learn Networking program is held the third Wednesday of every month at noon at rotating Chamber member restaurants so mark your calendars ahead and watch for location and guest speaker.

A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of Hell.

                                        George Bernard Shaw

Chamber Board of Directors
and Staff

¨         Bob Saunders, Past-President  Wells Fargo   307-352-5538

¨         Michael Nelson, President    High Plains Physical Therapy  307-875-1847 

¨         Cindy Brandjord, Vice President  School District #2  307-872-3290 

¨         Bonnie Bigolin, 1st Vice-President   Print Link Ad-Specialties 307-875-6128 

¨         Robert Berg, Secretary  Artic Circle  307-875-4582 

¨         Jeff Nieters, Treasurer  City of Green River  307-872-6122 

¨         Kathy Gilbert  Green River Star  307-875-3103 

¨         Joanna Nara-Kloepper   BLM  307-352-0321 

¨         Brian Mortimer  Solvay  307-872-6508 

¨         Jeff Wilson    Desert View Eye Care Center  307-875-3399 

¨         Marie Colestock  Green River Realty  307-875-5522 

¨         Terri Cook  307-875300  

• Janet Hartford, Executive Director

• Wendy Kraft, Office Specialist

• Kay Hernandez, Office Assistant

Renewals  

1 Year

Treasures
Jerri McKenzie
823 Uinta Dr.
Green River, WY  82935
treasures@sweetwaterhsa.com

Rocky Moutain Home Care
Paulette Graham, RN
535 Uinta Dr.
Green River ,WY  82935
307-875-7976
307-875-8990fx
Paulette.graham@rmcare.com

University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service Swt. Cnty.
Kimberly Chapman
2500 College Dr. A-700
Rock Springs, WY  82901
307-352-6775  872-6310
307-352-6779fx
council1doak@wwcc.wy.edu
kichapman@uintacounty.com

Sweetwater County Recreation Board
Gayle Abney
731 C. St. #110
Rock Springs, WY  82901
307-352-6623
307-352-6865

Villa Mortgage Solano Agency, Inc
Vic Solano
140 Uinta Dr.
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-5272
307-875-5279fx
vsolano@qwestoffice.net
villamortgageco.com

2 Years

Flaming Gorge Motel
Umesh Patel
316 E. Flaming Gorge Way
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-4190

Hampton Inn & Suites
Tim Cogdill
1055 Wild Horse Canyon Rd.
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-5300
307-875-6800fx
tim.cogdill2@hilton.com

4 Years

Terracon
Buzz Shafer, John Graves
1509 Elk St.
Rock Springs, WY  82901
307-362-1450  307-362-1657
www.terracon.com
btshafer@terracon.com

EnCana Oil & Gas Inc.
John Schmidt
Operations Field Leader
2908 Foothill Blvd.
Rock Springs, WY  82901
307-352-6407
307-352-6415fx
John.schmidt@encana.com
www.encana.com

Business Leadership Network
Beth Whitman, Director
P.O. Box 1243
708 B Street
Rock Springs, WY  82901
307-362-3339 ph/fx
RS-BLN@VCN.com
www.yourbln.com

5 Years

Rolling Green Country Club
Regina Clark
PO Box 38
West of Green River Exit 85, I-80
Green River, WY 82935
307-875-6200  307-875-4934

Sweetwater Trophies
Mike Frink
79 W. Flaming Gorge Way
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-3969
307-875-3921fx

8 Years

DJ’s Glass
Dave  Shillcox
3700 HWY 374
Green River  WY  82935
307-875-9132
307-875-9135fx
dave.shillcox@djsglass.com
www.djsglass.com

10 Years

L K Drilling and Boring
Bill Brady/Steve Brady
4311 Rio Verde
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-5482  Fx307-875-3111
driller@sweetwaterhsa.com

Palisades Management Corp
Mark Hoffmann, PE
1902 Drees
Grand Forks, ND  58201
701-722-1337

Sweetwater Democratic Party
Joyce Corcoran
1160 Blair #4
Rock Springs, WY  82902
307-362-5301

11 Years

Green River Co-op Preschool
Debbie Varley
840 Hitching Post
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-9410

12 Years

Red Feather Inc. Sportsbar & Packaged Liquors
Thomas Nomis
211 E. Flaming Gorge Way
PO Box 40
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-6625
307-875-4747fx
motsimon@wyoming.com

UPS Store, The
Bob Burke
1993 Dewar Dr. #1
Rock Springs, WY 82901
307-382-8228, 307-382-8244 fx
store3042@theupsstore.com
www.upsstorelocal.com/3042

Byrd's Car Wash
Ron  Byrd
P.O. Box 642
Green River  WY  82935
307-871-5074c  307-875-6671

13 Years

Inberg-Miller Engineers
Glen M. Bobnick
193 W. Flaming Gorge Way
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-4394   fax307-875-4395

21 Years

Arctic Circle
Robert  Berg
445 E Flaming Gorge Way
Green River  WY  82935
307-875-4582

Coachman Inn
Umesh Patel
470 E. Flaming Gorge Way
Green River, WY  82935
307-875-3681

Bike Park – Getting Media Attention

Progressing but not there yet!

Volunteers have done a lot of work on the Green River Bike Park …but it still isn’t ready to be open to the public. It boils down to “risk-management” and signs advising “ride at your own risk” have not be placed yet. We appreciate your help with staying out of the Park until those issues are taken care of.

On a positive note the Bike Park is getting media attention, travel writer, and former resident, Mike Wolcott was in the area in October taking photos and gathering information about the Park. Watch for updates as to when the articles will be coming out.  

Check out the design and progress of the Park at www.greenriverbikepark.com.  

Thanks to all the great volunteers: Brent Skorcz , Tom McIntosh, Jim Dunks , Wade Liedtke , Andy Mitchell, Mike Romango, students at Expedition Academy and many more that I don’t have names of.  Also big thanks to the Green River Parks & Recreation Department, Director Walt Bratton and Allan Wilson , Parks and Recreations Supervisor.       

Customer Service—Still Key in Doing Business!

"As a business owner, I always hear about customer service, I think my employees provide that but how do I really know? 
What can I do to improve the elusive ‘customer service?'" Ann, 

Torrington





It is a fact of doing business. To stay competitive, you must constantly monitor the quality of the customer service you 
offer. If the first experience is poor, you may never have a chance to change that expectation and the customer may find 
another supplier.  Yet, customer service is a buzzword that like many others has lost its significance. It is time to revisit
this valuable asset. Every single contact that a business owner has with customers -- internal and external -- either 
enhances or corrodes that relationship. This includes letters sent, advertisements run and phone calls made or answered. 
This includes employee contact and vendor contact. A business is only as good as its worst employee.  Try to see the 
business through customers' eyes. Create systems that will encourage a positive customer service experience. 
Let customers feel valued and appreciated. Customers may range in age from 12 to more than 80. They come from 
varied ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds and are diverse in their tastes. They also are more educated, 
technologically savvy and wealthier than any previous group of consumers. Recognize that they are less tolerant of 
mistakes and are demanding higher levels of service.  Try also to see the business through employees' eyes. One of the 
goals of customer service training is to instill in employees that it is their business too. Customer service must be
 viewed as company etiquette and if employees are not treated well, it will be tough for them to treat others properly.
Often the difference between a good company and a poorly run business is not always demonstrated when things run 
smoothly; the difference is how they handle situations when there is a mistake. Create a feedback loop for customers 
and employees.Ten Commandments of Customer Service, as shared by Inc. Magazine (2002), that hold true today:
 -- Care about your employees and treat them well. Employee relations mirror your customer relations.

-- Praise and recognize your employees often. The more the better and don't just leave it to employee of the month 
programs.

-- Know and listen to your customers. If you don't really know your customers, how can you value them?

-- Believe that customer service drives profit. Your bottom line can be positively impacted if your service is good enough.

-- Train and empower your people. How can you expect employees to handle difficult customers if you have never 
taught them how to do it?

-- Clarify your service strategy. Are you going to be a Ritz Carlton or a McDonald's as far as service goes? How far 
are you willing to go to achieve the level of service you desire?

-- Weed out policies and procedures that are customer unfriendly. For example, is your return policy easy to understand
 and implement?

-- The company culture must be fanatical about customer service. Does you business have one?

-- Continually improve your service levels. Everyone in your business needs to continually look for ways to improve 
service. Develop systems to capture everyone's ideas and implement the best of them.

-- Remember that everyone has customers. Internal customer service is just as important as external customer service.

               By Anya Petersen-Frey, WyomingEntrepreneur.biz regional director The WSBDC is a partnership of the 
U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the 

University
 of 
Wyoming

. 
To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, e-mail wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 

1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922
, 

Laramie
, 
WY
 
82071-3922

.

SHOP GREEN RIVER TOP TEN LIST—Working for your Economy!  

          Business owners now is your chance to let the shoppers know about your great 
gift items….at no charge!! The Chamber in an effort to increase your bottom line and “Stimulate” 
our own economy will release its Shop Green River Top Ten in the December Newsletter. We are
 seeking ideas for this year’s Top Ten List. This list will feature ten gift items that are unique to 
Green River or to the surrounding community.  Send your suggestions for the list and include as 
much information as you can; item, price, where it can be found, what makes it unique.

          Ideas may be sent to Chamber at 1155 West Flaming Gorge Way or Faxed to 875-8993, 
you may also e-mail your ideas to grchamber@sweetwaterhsa.com.  The Membership Committee  
will choose the Top Ten based on price range, variety, and uniqueness to the Green River area.

          Please list the businesses name and the gift item. For instance your list could have. 1. XYZ 
Business has handmade gifts by local artists. 

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________

7. _____________________________________________

8. _____________________________________________

9. _____________________________________________

10. _____________________________________________

Our New City Maps are here…  

But we’re more concerned with the direction your business is going…  

• Creating a strong local economy

• Promoting the Community

• Providing networking opportunities

• Representing Business to Government

• Political Action

  
Bike Park


Bike Park


Bike Park

Chamber Business Profile--supporting local business!

The Green River Center of Western Wyoming Community College would like to thank everyone who came 
to the 50^th Celebration at the Center last month! The celebration was the perfect time for the Community to 
see the new landscaping that was installed this summer and to unveil the new Green River Art’s Council statue 
that has been placed at the Green River Center. The landscaping is a “zero-scape” design that will assist the 
center in conserving resources.

As we begin the next 50 years, we are excited to announce some changes to the WWCC Green River Center! 
The Center will undergo a staffing restructure beginning November 18^th, 2009. The two current Director 
positions are being eliminated and the position of Director of Workforce and Community Development is being
 created. Carole Shafer, current director of Professional, Technical and Community Education, will move into
 this new role and Elaine Tutterrow, Interim Director of Instruction at the Green River Center will retire. 
WWCC will still offer all of the wonderful credit, training, ABE/GED, and community education courses as 
it always has, just with a new and more comprehensive direction. The Green River Center is also expanding 
their meeting and conference options to include an updated space. We look forward to serving you at our 
Center for your next class, training, or meeting! For more information, please visit us at #1 College Way, 
Green River, on the web at wwcc.wy.edu/grc, or call 307.872.1301.

Information Distributed by Chamber  

Information Distributed by Chamber of Commerce

October 2009           Year to Date

Relocation Packets                            5                      32
Vacation Packets                               2                      174
School Kids info                                0                      19
Convention Packets                            0                     918
Wyoming Pins                                    0                     160
City of Green River Pins                    0                     143
High Desert Country Pins                   0                      220
Gift Certificates                                  522                  3755
Dollar Amount                                    $23,907.00      $166,041.00
Brochure Racks                                   2982                16850
Bulk Brochures                                    235                  6765
Chamber Kiosk                                    220                  3173
Walk ins                                               264                  5876
Web Site Hits                                       1862               20588
E-Mails                                                 279                15059  

Sales Tax Disbursements–September*

Sweetwater County
               County                  1,928,472
               Green River            961,852
               Rock Springs         1,571,541  

Lodging Tax Sweetwater County
               County                    3,963
               Green River             6,957
               Rock Springs          58,653

Labor Force**

SW Co.  Employed             Sept. 2008                           23,469
                                           Aug. 2009                            21,774
                                           Sept. 2009                           21,694 

               Unemployed        Sept. 2008                           515
                                           Aug. 2009                           1,587                                                                                               Sept. 2009                           1,735  

State       Employed             Sept. 2008                           286,065
                                            Aug. 2009                           277,130
                                            Sept. 2009                           274,312

               Unemployed        Sept. 2008                           7,597
                                           Aug. 2009                           17,533
                                           Sept. 2009                           18,235   

Housing as of  August
               Homes sold         

                              Green River          8
                              Rock Springs        20

               Residential Listings

                              Green River          107
                              Rock Springs       216

               Average Costs      $200,000  

*Wyoming Department of Revenue
* Wyoming Labor Force Trends

Lighted Kiddie Parade  

Date: December 7th  

Where:Downtown Green River

            Begin near Clock Tower east down Flaming Gorge Way—right at White
            Mountain Lumber — right at Railroad Avenue—right at Center Street ending
            back by the Clock Tower.

What: Best Dressed Stuffed Animal

            Best Decorated Non-Motorized Bike, Trike or Wagon
            Best Lighted Float

When: Line up begins at 5:45—parade will start after the Mayor’s Tree Lighting 6:00.   

More: Everyone gets a ribbon

            Trophies and prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
           CASH PRIZE for the Best Lighted Float.
           Bring a canned good item or new toy for the needy  

Those children that are in the Parade will be in a special line to see Santa!

Parade winners will be announced and trophies presented at Santa’s Arrival in the Pavilion that night. 
Registration for lighted floats is $5.00

No Charge for Kid’s entries--all entries must register at the Green River 
Chamber Office, 1155 W. Flaming Gorge Way.    

NAPM-Western Wyoming is proud to welcome Donald L. Woods, J.D., C.P.M. to Wyoming . 
He will present a four hour seminar on Friday November 13^th, 2009 at the Hampton Inn in Rock Springs  
from 8am to Noon . Don will be discussing the Uniform Commercial Code. This seminar will provide a 
‘comprehensive understanding of how to take advantage of the laws developed especially for the buyers 
and sellers of goods or commodities.’ Here is a great opportunity to gain 4 continuing education hours for 
only a $10 entrance fee. Seating is limited. Please contact Brian Luth or Tracy Smith at 307-872-2359 or 
307-872-2398 for further information.

2009 - 2^nd Annual Holiday Puzzle Promotion

This year’s holiday puzzle and Christmas ornament was open to local artists to submit their artwork 
for consideration to be placed on the 2009 puzzle and ornament.

Congratulations to Angi Bennett whose art was chosen for the 2009 Holiday Puzzle and Ornament.

The Holiday Puzzle will be 8.5” x 11” and contain 16 puzzles pieces, so participation in the promotion
 is limited to the first 15 Green River Chamber businesses to sign up.

The Holiday Puzzle Promotion has the potential to bring 250 families into your business during the holiday
 season. Each of the 16 participating businesses will receive 250 of just one piece for the puzzle. Shoppers 
will be encouraged to stop at each business to get all 16 of the puzzle pieces, with the last stop at the Chamber 
office. There will be no cost for the shoppers to go to each business and it will be limited to 1 per family. At 
the last stop, at the Green River Chamber, they will complete their puzzle and receive a beautiful porcelain 
2009 Holiday ornament featuring Green River ’s own Angi Bennett’s artwork.

As an added incentive this year, each shopper to complete their puzzle will be entered 
into a drawing to receive a $100.00 Gift Certificate to spend anywhere in Green River .

2009 Holiday Promotion Businesses will receive:

250 of one piece of the puzzle, poster and flyers and your business promoted (over $1000.00 in value) at:

GR Chamber Nov. & Dec. Newsletters
RS Chamber Dec. Newsletter
GR Chamber Reader Board Nov. & Dec.
GR Chamber Web site page
Green River Star
Radio Network
WYO Radio

Posters placed throughout town with participating businesses listed

All this for just $185.00 - Less than $1 per Family

You can increase the effectiveness of this promotion for your specific business by including flyers or coupons to bring your shoppers back again and again. Hand out your flyers or coupons with each puzzle piece. If you need a mailing contact list, perhaps this would be a good time to hold your own prize drawing. Or just use this opportunity to introduce the puzzle shoppers to your new Christmas gift products!

To participate call Green River Chamber 875-5711  

Currently these merchants have signed up

High Plains, PT GR, Book & Bean, White Mountain Lumber, Warehouse 
Home Furnishings, Castle Rock Veterinary Clinic, The Groomers.    

SWEETWATER COUNTY LEADERSHIP  

          The Sweetwater County Leadership classes will begin in January.  This unique 
opportunity gives the participants an inside view of the County.  Six different aspects of the 
community are covered in this hand’s on program.  Beginning with Business and Human Services, 
we take the class to places most citizens are not able to see.  The goal of Sweetwater County 
Leadership is to give a broad overview of the County and encourage participants to, step up and 
take a Leadership role in the community.  That may be a volunteer on a Board or seeking a seat as 
an elected official.

          Each month, for six months, the class spends a day exploring a topic.  The topics are; Business
and Human Services, Health, Industry, Recreation, Government and Education.  The classes have 
evolved over the years and last years participants work on what this year’s class will do.  The 
participants also are asked to identify a need in the community and have a project that addresses 
the need.

          Cost of the class is $400.00 and will also carries Continuing Education College credits.  The 
class may also be necessary to take if you have a desire to take the Leadership Wyoming Class.  
Class size is limited to 15 participants so please call and put your name on the list if you would like to
 be a part if this year’s class. Sweetwater County Leadership is a joint effort between the Green River 
Chamber of Commerce, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce , SWEDA and Western Wyoming
Community College .  Please call for details or more information at 307-875-5711.  

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

            John F. Kennedy (speech prepared for delivery in Dallas the day of his assassination, 
November 22, 1963)

Reasons to Shop Locally!
Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy
When shopping locally, you are simultaneously creating jobs, fund more city services through
 property taxes, invest in neighborhood improvements and promote community development.

Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship fuels America ’s economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key
 means for families to move up the economic ladder while providing you with the products
and services you desire close to home.

Competition
A marketplace of thousands of businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low 
prices over the long term.

Product Diversity
A multitude of businesses, each selecting products based on local customer demand and
interests guarantee a much broader range of product and service choices.

Jobs and Wages
Local businesses create the multitude of jobs that you, your neighbors and friends 
depend on to sustain their quality of life.

Protect Local Character and Prosperity
By choosing to shop locally you help maintain Green River ’s personality and distinctive
flavor.

Reduce Impacts to the Environment
Shopping locally helps to reduce carbon emissions, gasoline costs, etc.

Support Those Who Support Green River
Local businesses are the largest contributors to local non profit organizations, schools, 
hospitals, etc.  Most of the programs and activities we have for our children, seniors, 
disadvantaged etc.  would not be possible without the generous support of time and 
millions of dollars donated each year by local businesses and their employees.

Creative Chamber Wordplay

Christmas is coming
Haven’t got a clue what to give
Aunt
Martha?
Be advised, we’ve got you covered and
Even Aunt Martha would
Really approve!

Giving
Is
Fast and
Trouble-free when you buy

Chamber Gift Certificates because
Every Chamber member
Reaps
The Inherent benefits
From local shopping.
Invest in your
Chamber with certificates for all on your list.
Available in any denomination
They are redeemable at
Every Chamber member who participates.
Shop early, shop often, shop local!!
 

Your Chamber is  

• Creating a Strong Local Economy
• Promoting the Community
• Providing Networking Opportunities
• Representing the Interests of Business to the Government
  

Chamber Gift Certificates-A Great Holiday Idea  

The Chamber of Commerce offers “Chamber Gift Certificates” in any denomination for a small fee of 
50-cents each.  The Gift Certificates are redeemable at any business in Sweetwater County and can be 
used just like cash.  You can even use them to pay your city water bill or buy groceries.  Stop by or call 
ahead of time and we will have them ready for you, 307-875-5711.
        

            


(l-r)Janet Hartford, Green River Community Chest Chair; Maggie Adams, Main Street Manager;
Jennie Melvin, Main Street; Jeff Nieters, Green River Community Chest; Mike Frink, Main Street
Board; Gordon Gunter, GT Machines; Sheridan Norberg, Main street Board; Darren Gregory, 
Main Street Board.

Green River Community Chest – Partnering with Main Street  

Green River Community Chest recently granted $3,000 to Gordon Gunter, GT Machines for his 
façade renovation efforts. Gordon received the Grant as part of a Main Street effort to help downtown
 business revitalize their store fronts. Donations have been made to the Community Chest to help with
 this effort. A requirement of receiving the Grant is that business owners must match the funds with 
their own dollars and work needs to be done on the street-side or visible parts of their buildings. 
Renovations also need to match the vision and theme of Main Street efforts and go through a review 
process.  

Drive by Gordon’s business located at 132 E. Flaming Gorge Way and see the wonderful 
improvements.

Networking at Noon – Chamber Providing Networking Opportunities  

Join us this month for a new spin on the Business After Hours…Networking at Noon gives 
members a chance to network with other members! Wells Fargo will be hosting “Networking 
at Noon ”, November 19^th, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm .  Stop by say hello to the new Manager Chris 
Mahoney, and put your name in for door prizes. Wells Fargo will have refreshments for you too.

 That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a 
calm quite interchange of sentiments.

                                        Samuel Johnson

Business After Hours          

 


Marie Colestock, Green River Realty, hosts Business After Hours, visiting with Danielle Hemmert, 
Vicky Hightower, Mike Searle, Jackie Searle.

Marie Colestock, Green River Realty, Janet Hartford, Green River Chamber of Commerce Director and 
Bob Saunders at Business After Hours.

Mike Searle, Dave Arambell, Tom Vigil, Joe Martinez, Jeff Driggs, Stephen Pyles.