Recovering Carbon County

Carbon County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) Director Yvonne Johnson won't deny that 2020 has been challenging.

Not only because she was newly hired as the year went into its third month, but because the United States was facing an uncertain time as a new virus started to challenge the way of life for many Americans. She was hired in February but, due to the COVID-19 virus, she found herself not able to start the job until the end of May.

Johnson grew up in Carbon County and had jobs, mostly in Saratoga, that gave her a background to be CCEDC director. At the time of her hiring, she was living in Orlando. She said at least two flights were canceled as she tried to head West. Once she did get back, the country was in a serious lockdown mode.

"I had to acclimate to not only a new job, but for all practical purposes, a Carbon County that was reeling from all the shutdowns," Johnson said. "I was blessed that Stacy (Crimmins) had been helping during transition and I had someone who gave me valuable insight because she had watched so much of it unfold."

When Johnson arrived, a lot of municipalities were losing faith that the CCEDC was worth contributing any funds or effort. Some communities complained the past director had not attended any town council in her tenure. 

Johnson knew she had to hit the floor running and that is exactly what she has been doing.

"Since I started, I have traveled over 4,700 Carbon County miles," Johnson said. "That is not including going to meetings in other counties. Those miles are me going to the towns and meeting the mayors, councils, businesses and residents."

Johnson has been to every municipality.

"Ironically the only town council I have not been able to attend is Saratoga," Johnson said. "I have met with businesses and residents but, due to other town council meetings the same day, it hasn't happened yet. It will though. I realized that I can't attend every town council in Rawlins at the cost of not going to Saratoga, so now I will be alternating."

Johnson said her reasoning for attending town councils is so she can be there to answer questions even though most municipalities have representatives that attend the CCEDC meetings.

"We have some really good things happening in Carbon County and I want to make sure that the towns and their officials know it," Johnson said. "Business development is not an overnight happening. It takes time, planning, attending meetings and listening. That is exactly what I have been doing and I am starting to see fruits of my efforts and I want the towns to know so that they can contribute their thoughts and advice."

Johnson said she has tapped into experienced professionals who have been doing her job.

"I have shadowed Lisa Miller, the CEO of Goshen Development  Economic Board," Johnson said. "They are really doing some good things and turning around their community. Lisa is responsible for their chamber and tourism with a staff of five. It is all under one umbrella and there are five municipalities. Talking to her gives me different perspectives and that stimulates my thinking."

Johnson has been focused on moving forward despite the challenges of what COVID-19 did to the economy.

"The pandemic has changed a lot of dynamics with economic development in Wyoming, including Carbon County," Johnson said. "We are taking care of businesses that are currently here and helping them stay afloat. We are supporting them and I am glad to say, so far I have not come across a business that is in dire need, which is a good sign."

She said this has translated into her having meetings with representatives from companies looking to relocate. 

"I can't disclose my talks of who exactly but, just last week, I had a meeting with a company from Denver that is really interested in coming to Carbon County," Johnson said. "I think there is a dynamic about Carbon County that outside businesses are recognizing. It is all over, not just Rawlins or the Valley. The north and Little Snake River Valley have their attributes that certain companies are interested in. It just takes time and patience to match it all up. Recently there has been an east coast businessman that is looking to locate in Medicine Bow. It is a town that is a good match for him."

Johnson said the CCEDC can do great things through collaboration of the towns and organizations that spur on economic development throughout Wyoming and the region.

"I really believe we are going to move mountains," Johnson said. "I have only been here eight months but I have seen so much interest and change of attitude about Carbon County in that time. It is all so positive."

Johnson said it is essential she continue to go to the towns and listen to their needs and questions.

"It is what I did when I first started the job and I have to continue doing that," Johnson said. "I want the positivity that I see happening to be infectious. I think the Platte Valley Expo coming up May 6-7 is an excellent event for that to happen."

Johnson said the pandemic did damage to businesses in Carbon County, especially ones that were service and tourist related. She believes there is opportunity as companies look to getting away from the congestion of the east and west coasts.

"Carbon County has lot to offer being off the I-80 corridor and its quality of life," Johnson said. "It is up to the CCEDC to make sure that companies and businesses see this and that is what I am doing. I love my job and this county and I believe great things are going to happen. The pandemic might have slowed us down the past few months, but I really believe more businesses and companies are going to discover the value of locating here and it is my pleasure to help them do it."