JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce recently relaunched, bringing together more local chambers and associations than ever before, “with the goal of influencing policy at both state and federal levels,” according to a press release. 

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce President Rick Howe explained to Buckrail that the Jackson Hole Chamber has been a member of the statewide organization for over two decades and the rebrand aims to bring stronger advocacy for the business sector during the upcoming Legislative Session. He said the revised organization came about from monthly meetings discussing legislation and other communities sharing their desire to participate. 

“We’ve always operated under the premise that none of us are as good as all of us,” Howe said. “Now we have the ability to speak from the same voice.” 

Under the statewide chamber, the board will make collective decisions about what policy to support, vet messaging and act as the overall voice for local chambers at the state level. 

Howe said that through the statewide chamber, local chambers will be able to unify their call to action messages to their members, especially when it comes to bills that need business or residential support or feedback, like the Kelly Parcel survey the Jackson Hole Chamber sent to its members. 

Through that feedback, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce was able to present to the State Lands Investment Board (SLIB) survey data which showed that 96% of Chamber members wanted the parcel to be sold to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). While the Chamber wasn’t the only influential voice in that discussion, the board ultimately voted 3-2 on Nov. 7 to sell the land to GTNP for no more than $100 million. 

In a prepared statement, Rick Lee, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and 2024 Wyoming Chamber of Commerce President, shared his vision for the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce.

“Our objective is to strengthen the position of Wyoming in the competitive business environment,” Lee said. “Combining the resources that each Chamber of Commerce has across the state will make us stronger individually and collectively. Wyoming will be better positioned for success as we work with elected officials and businesses as partners to advance our economic development.” 

The 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session convenes at noon on Jan. 14. 

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.